Chapter 3: No Clue
The Heroic Legend of
Arslan
The Worth of One's Crown
Part Three
No clue
The next morning Arslan awoke to find his balcony doors open. He sat there a moment adjusting his eyes and watching the bright blue sky of autumn. The birds were singing, horses were screeching, princesses were protesting...princesses were protesting?!
He sat up startled and ran to his window. Hoards, well, only half, of the collective group of Princesses were yelling, complaining, and demanding as they streamed from the castle gates out onto the streets of Eccubatana's early morning. The wind was crisp and cool, with a bit of a sting to it which matched the attitude of the stampeding royalty.
Two forms moved on rather quickly, not minding the bitter wind and welcoming it as they admired the changing leaves and didn't speak as they left. Arslan's eyes squinted trying to zoom in on the two calmly leaving his presence.
It was just who he feared.
"Stop! What is the meaning of this!" Arslan ordered out the window, as he saw Narsas trying to control the crowd. He was not heard.. or so he thought.
The king is awake! I'd better get this over with, Narsas thought. He turned, addressing the multitude assembled outside the gates preparing to cross the drawbridge.
"All right! If I've rudely awakened you from your well-needed beauty sleep, it is because that you have not been chosen to stay any longer in the presence of his majesty. Thank you for coming and have a nice day." Narsas instructed the masses as he turned quickly to find one short-tempered redhead in his face.
"Excuse me, Lord Narsas. If I may be so bold…" She lowered her eyes and her voice slowly and menacingly. "With all due respect, when Rezzana and I are through with you you'll need about ten thousand years of beauty sleep just to repair the damage." Kishara smiled as she glanced to her right where Rezzana was admiring her broad sword...drawn from the sheath. Narsas gulped.
"I...uh...was not aware of the fact that...uhh.. That is a lovely sword, Rezzana. Heh."
"King Arslan." Kishara stated with a harsh monotone announcing his unwanted presence.
"What do you think you are doing to my royal guests?" Arslan was out of breath from dressing at hyper speed and then running down three flights of stone stairs and out the front door. Narsas nodded.
"I'm sure you're angry, your highness, but I am sure we could not support all these people for more than a few days." Narsas explained.
"Oh, I understand now. We can't expect you to keep all of us, I mean with that little food surplus and all." Kishara waved her hand in the air sarcastically. Narsas stared her down.
"Why are all these people leaving? I can understand a few, but this is almost all of them."
"You mean you did not orchestrate this little shenanigan?" Kishara questioned.
"Of course not. Why would I ask you to my banquet and then have you leave before it begun?" Arslan explained.
"I promise, King Arslan, it was in your best interest. It is your first time to ever approach womyn in this way and the manner in which you tried to get out of it convinced me to help by managing your visitors."
Arslan blushed a little, and looked more angry. "Clarify that statement, Narsas!"
"We didn't make the cut, your majesty." Rezzana scoffed as she grabbed the list out of Narsas's hands. Narsas was a good person, wise, handsome, polite and never rude or stupidly mean. He was usually never this obnoxious, but he didn't want to see what harm would befall the new country with this relationship.
"What is this? A List of the guests?" Arslan scanned it. Some names had been crossed off. Running his finger down the N' column, he found Nekotan, and... "Erase these lines here, Artist." Arslan demanded, pointing to the names, Queen Kishara and Lady Rezzana'. Narsas nodded. "I don't doubt your wisdom, Narsas." He smiled trying to get Narsas to stop acting like this.
"Yes, highness."
"I mean it. You are a loyal subject and friend. I need you." Arslan put a hand on his shoulder. Narsas smiled. He should know better than think that Arslan would get mad at him, or stay so for long. Narsas walked away from the scene as Arslan made an announcement to the crowd, with Kishara at his side. She looked as though she belonged there, next to him, always.
Just then the king raised his arm to block the sun's rays from a portion of Kishara's face. It was comforting at first, not having to be blinded by the sun. Yet, she felt uneasy. Then, she realized she was standing in his shadow. She reached for Rezzana who was always at her side. They walked back into the castle, and to their room. Arslan looked back at them as he continued.
"So my friends you are all invited to my banquet, tonight, in the biggest ballroom!" The crowed cheered and filed back into the castle. Arslan was oblivious to them as he thought only about how Queen Kishara had left. Was she hurt? Sick? What? He had to go see her.
Inside the castle...
"I don't know what came over me... I just felt drained all of a sudden." Kishara did feel winded. She also knew why. Arslan made her feel like that, in both good ways and bad.
"It's all right. We're nearly there." Rezzana lent a hand helping, almost carrying her friend.
"What's the matter?" Daryun inquired deeply.
"Oh my Queen is sick...of Lord Narsas." Rezzana tried to bite back her sharp tongue, but just couldn't help herself, since she saw only Narsas's bad side.
"I see. I also don't blame you. This marriage thing is almost embarrassing the King and Narsas is treating it like a business deal. It must be the royal bureaucrat in him." Daryun laughed a little as he helped Rezzana and her reigning sovereign.
"I'm all right now." Kishara insisted, seeing Daryun come to help. She stood straight up and shook her head. She felt a little better anyway.
She turned to see the great crowd of people ride back in the gates, as she turned towards the castle's interior rooms. A voice called behind her.
King Arslan was running up to her. His face flooded with worry.
"Are you all right? By the way you left, you looked sick, or upset, or...I'm just glad to see your okay." He sighed.
"I don't feel that well, your majesty." The Queen showed a little too much respect as to put an invisible distance between them. Arslan looked hurt and backed away from her. She looked coldly at him with no expression. "I must be going to take a nap if I am to attend your ball tonight." She left him and began to walk away.
He took two strides to her side and touched her arm. She ripped away and glared at him like a cornered cat. He smiled kindly and she melted inside. He took her arm again.
"At least, Queen Kishara, let me escort you to your rooms." The king was serious and wasn't going to give up on her, so she gave in. They began to walk off when a loud crash was heard on the other side of the room.
a young boys screech could have been heard in the next country. The pair of royalty and the gawking Sergeant at arms and General stopped and turned.
A large group consisting of Narsas and four other people Kishara nor Rezzana recognized. Some guards took their bags to their own rooms and unpacked for them. Narsas threw his hands in the air as he was followed by the group.
"How many times have I told you, Elam, stop quarreling with Alfrido!" Narsas sounded like he was scolding a child. Queen Kishara was quite curious and walked back to see who this was directed at. She tried to pull Arslan with her, but he wouldn't budge.
She whispered. His eyes were wide and his mouth was open. She followed his stare to the last person who entered the castle wall slowly and not caring about much.
Arslan sputtered. The red headed man looked up. He was dressed in minstrels clothes and carried a bow and arrows. Arslan left Kishara's side and ran to the one he called Giv like a little child. He threw his arms around the smiling man. Giv quickly pushed him off.
"King? Well, King Arslan. . . I have been gone too long." Giv laughed.
"Seven years too long my friend! Ah! Pharangese!" Arslan ran to her. She was tall with waist long black hair, and emerald green eyes. They shone too brightly for Kishara's taste. She was obviously a priestess by the look of her uniform. It was a Priestess charged with protecting Arslan...Charged by the Goddess Misra by the look of the metal head piece she wore in her hair. Kishara, Rezzana, and Daryun strolled over.
"Yes, I too have returned my King." She bowed. "Misra has sent me to your side at the sense of a new threat to your life and throne, King Arslan." She finished and Arslan gasped. Thinking back to the incident that Lady Rezzana had cleared up for him two days ago.
"Pharangese, It seems you are the barer of bad luck today, eh." Giv cracked a smiled. Pharangese turned to him.
"And you, Giv, ever the barer of bad taste I see. Did your enlightening' help your style at all?" She chided him. He looked down, very good at hiding the wound that the comment dealt him.
"Still ever quicker with those witty comebacks...I was never a match for you. I see nothing much has changed. "He smiled.
"Stop it! That's my hair... Do you know how long it took me to get it to stay that way?!" Alfrido yelled. She was a medium height with red hair that fell all around her face with no help from the bandana she always wore around it. She looked about twenty and ready to kill the sixteen year old up-start with darker skin and short black hair that had a death grip on her own.
By the looks of it not long! The boy teased. Alfrido's blood pressure rose. Kishara was having a fun time watching Narsas deal with his two younger companions. Enjoying his discomfort.
"Where are you all coming from?" Arslan asked knowing they had all left to go several places. Pharangese went back to her temple. Giv had gone to find himself' on Mt. Demavont, the highest and most magnificent of all the mountains in Pars. Elam had been Narsas' slave during his education, but was now free. Alfrido was an orphan girl whose family clan of bandits was slaughtered by Silvermask a strong man who claimed to be Arslan's cousin and rightful heir to Pars's throne.
She had been free to go always. Narsas had saved her life and had taken her away from the danger and she seemed to appreciate that, a little too much.
Alfrido was a tad obvious when it came to flirting with Narsas. Narsas tried to with hold his speech about duty and age, as best he could, but by this point she had heard it at least three times...in the past week. She had let up a little not caring for being pushed to the side every time. She liked having control in a relationship, and this one was going nowhere.
"I was on my way to see you Arslan, and I ran into Alfrido and Elam. They are free, but they keep running into one another!" Pharangese explained.
"Then we were passing by Mt. Demavont, and saw Giv. We recognized him instantly! Alfrido neared Narsas as she spoke. Elam looked mad and Narsas rolled his eyes. Narsas was so glad when they left, he was glad they did it often!
"Giv was on his way back to your side, King Arslan, and we wanted to see everyone again. It's been too long."
Kishara was now standing next to her friend Rezzana. Rezzana played with her shoulder length black hair, as it flowed over the shoulder plates of her sergeant's uniform. Kishara cleared her throat loudly as the happy group turned and acknowledged, Daryun and the two strange womyn standing with him. Arslan turned back with joy still on his face and a slight blush as he motioned towards Kishara.
"This is Queen Kishara and her Sargent at arms Lady Rezzana from Nekotan. They are staying in our company while a little matter is seen to." Arslan began to blush as Giv stepped forward.
"Yes, them and every other person within a five mile radius. Has our King taken a disliking to taxes and set up an inn instead?" He motioned to all the people heading for the smaller rooms in the west wing. Arslan looked too.
"It was not my doing. Narsas and Daryun are the ones that suggested I become…" He was silenced, and Kishara allowed her self to smirk a little at the King's embarrassment.
"Whatsa matter', your grace?" Alfrido cocked an eyebrow. Rezzana joined Kishara in that smirk. Poor Arslan.
"Nothing we need to discuss today. I assume you will all be coming to the banquet tonight?" Narsas added quickly.
"Of course, we wouldn't miss that for the world, would we, Pharangese?"
"Shut up, Giv." The priestess tossed a glance over her shoulder as Giv shrugged and whispered under his breath.
"I was gone for seven years, it was worth a try." At this Pharangese seemed to smile. Giv just caught a glimpse of it before it faded. He smiled to himself and refrained from comment. He thought, Maybe some things do change. As he walked to her side from where he had been absence for so long. She turned her head and looked at Arslan.
"I promised I'd walk Kishara to her room, before the party." Arslan walked over to Kishara and took her arm and put it in his. She looked up at him. They walked away into the corridor. Rezzana went with them. Keeping at least two feet behind and keeping a broad know-it-all smile from the two rulers.
"I can tell by looking at all these groups of people that Arslan is trying to settle down! Yet, I believe by the looks of that walking away...There's going to be a lot of angry womyn outside this castle after tonight." Elam laughed.
"And what would you know about anything like that, you little twerp!" Alfrido said back. Elam made a face.
"A lot more than you would!"
"Oh really?! "She folded her arms; grinning in his face.
"Yeah, you can't even get a guy to like you. Seven years alone in the world and your back at Lord Narsas' side!" Alfrido's smiled cracked and broke. Her eyes were wide. "You're not beautiful enough for some one to like you! Arslan is sure lucky he's not related to you, or all these womyn wouldn't be here." Elam chided cruelly in a harsh voice. "Lord Narsas can't stand you or your feelings why don't you just leave! He saved your life now save his!" Elam snapped out tired of her fighting.
Alfrido's eyes welled up with tears. Her heart broken, she attempted speech.
"I'm sorry Lord Narsas...I...Won't bother you again!" She ran from the room. Her tears blinding her.
Narsas tried to reach after her...too late.
"Elam, how could you!" Pharangese scolded. Daryun spoke up.
"How could you allow that, Narsas?!" His voice an angry question. Narsas was still looking in the direction where Alfrido had run.
"Elam, I know you are no longer my responsibility, but that...That! was uncalled for!" Narsas' eyes closed, not turning towards Elam.
"I had to do it! She would never leave! She had her own life. She was always making mine hell! I wanted her to stay away from me and you didn't seem to like her either, Lord Narsas."
"Maybe it was because you provoked her. Neither of you have grown up at all! And my memory is not that good, but you are exactly like you were seven years ago." Giv stated in monotone. He also didn't like the way Elam had treated Alfrido, and Pharangese heard that in his voice. She was a bit taken aback by his new found wisdom, and lessened interest in her.
"That's not a problem you need to fix, Elam! Didn't I teach you any respect when you were in my care?" Elam bowed out and ran outside, just a little shocked that he let Alfrido have it all at once.
"What do you suggest we do?" Daryun offered to help.
"'We'? No, my friend, this is my problem, and I need not bother with it now. We all have a party to prepare for." Narsas walked away. The group exchanged glances.
Down a dark hall, Arslan and Kishara stood at the door to her room yet again.
"The party is at eight, please don't forget." Arslan almost begged her. Rezzana sat in the room on her bed, putting a pillow over her mouth to keep from cheering.
Kishara felt her soul float to him like he was holding her without touching her. She loved him with all her heart and soul, and hated him all the same for making her weak. She was the military's daughter. She walked closer to him, following her soul.
"I would never miss dancing with yo.."
"EXCUSE ME!" A tear filled apology ripped between them. Kishara's heart ached with the pained sound of a young girl's crying voice.
Arslan's head whipped around. Alfrido ran off down the corridor.
Rezzana leapt to her feet when she saw the King and Queen run off after the strange noise she had heard. Rezzana followed over taking them at a closed door that had just slammed.
"Was that Alfrido?" Arslan questioned trying to look through the keyhole. Kishara knocked softly.
"Alfrido? Are you in there? What's wrong?" Kishara asked gently. Arslan watched her open the door and then followed her in. Rezzana popped through last making sure the door was closed.
"What...What are you doing? You just got here." Rezzana stated. Alfrido was in a packing frenzy. Tears and clothes were flying every which way.
"Are you going to tell us or not?" Arslan's voice was kind. Alfrido looked up at his majesty. She had never been very close to her sovereign even though she had fought as his side voluntarily after Narsas had saved her. Narsas was her main reason for staying. It had started out as a crush and escalated into a care and love that she had never had before. This feeling had only grown stronger with her absence from his side.
She pulled her dagger and sheath from her her waist to pack it. Yet, she looked at it a bit too long and deeply for anyone's comfort. Kishara sat next to her by the bed and carefully removed the weapon from her grip.
"What happened, Alfrido?" Kishara put a hand on her shoulder and handed the dagger to Rezzana. Arslan watched as Alfrido lost her fragile composure and fell into Kishara's arms. He had never seen her this compassionate before. She was always cold in some ways to him, but now he saw the full extent of her kindness. He wanted to join her and help her , but Rezzana put a hand on his shoulder as he was bending down.
"Maybe you better sit this one out. Girl talk." She said gently. Arslan smiled and nodded. He took one last glance at the Queen of Nekotan and left the room.
"I...I don't know how I could go on anymore. I thought I could live with just being there with him. I was so stupid. I already knew that, but Elam finally made me come to my senses."
"Is that little wretch what made you like this? I don't even know him that well, but it seems Rezzana and I have a talent for getting the worst first impressions of people." Kishara smiled at her friend who sat at the other side of the bed and smiled back.
"We don't give good first impressions either." Alfrido trying to laugh at that, but no avail.
"What exactly did he say to make you hate yourself so much?" Rezzana looked angry.
"He didn't have say much I already knew by the time I was going to try to make my own life that the only thing my life was about was…"
The two chorused.
"Lord Narsas…" The two sat up. "I liked my self before, but then when my clan was under attack I learned not to care about me and just care about the collective unit that we were. I'm the last one, there fore I still care for them or others over myself. I guess you call it weakness... But I never have. My brother was the one who kept my strong. I miss him…"
"I see." Kishara understood. Then she nodded at Rezzana, and Rezzana left the room.
"First, what you need is some self-esteem."
"Some….?" Alfrido looked confused.
"You are beautiful and strong, and that strength is part of what makes you beautiful. I don't care what that creep told you, but all we need to do is make some of those gifts more noticeable. Just to get his attention first, to show him how mature you can be. Then, if that doesn't work or if he's only interested in your physical form...drop him and walk away."
"I don't think that this is...Who are you again?" Alfrido asked innocently.
"A fellow womyn with similar problem." Kishara smiled as Rezzana emerged from the door again. She carried a wooden box decorated with Queenly jewels. Also, she had a long silky one shouldered dress that was black and had one white under skirt as so to make the gown look a certain gray. She dropped all these things on the bed.
"You don't mean...You and... And...I would've never thought of the King like that!" She blushed. Kishara did too.
"I'll admit something if it doesn't go passed this room." Kishara fingered her salamander earrings. "I know every thing about Arslan's family and life. I imagined him as some sort of savior to me from my princess cage, so to speak. I fell in love with him before I knew him, stupid as it sounds…"
"It's not stupid." Alfrido put her hand over Kishara's. Kishara smiled little more happily.
"I followed his life and knew him more than he would ever know me...or so I thought. I don't really need rescuing now, but my heart is and always will be for King Arslan. I respect, admire, and love him, and he will never know." Kishara faded to a downward glance at her hands in her lap.
"Why will he never know? Doesn't he love you?" Alfrido had almost forgotten herself again, in the wake of this greater emotional distress.
"Kishara hates to be weak and caged. I was her father's general's daughter. We played with the military instead of our care takers." Rezzana commented.
"What caretakers?" Kishara contradicted. Rezzana nodded.
"My Queen, and best friend, hates being behind someone and is afraid to be in her husband's shadow. Even though she's in love with Arslan, her wild spirit will not permit her heart happiness. She also doesn't want to lose her control of her own people that she cares about to a man with more power she can't fight."
"How sad." Alfrido commented.
A small sound was heard at the door. The noise was not paid attention to, but maybe that was for the better. Arslan moved his hand from the doorknob slowly. He was shaking. He had had a talk with Daryun who told him what happened. He was coming back in when he heard Kishara's heart felt confession. He leaned against the door, and put a hand over his heart. She knew him, and he knew nothing of her. He finally thought he understood her. Yet, why was he her savior? Why did she need rescuing at all? He walked away from the room quietly like he hadn't been there.
"But enough about me. We came to help you. Here put this on." Kishara handed her the dress.
"It's beautiful!" She exclaimed. Alfrido immediately put on the dress. She whirled around in it as Rezzana set to work on her hair. Her long red hair was straight and perfect when brushed just once. Alfrido just stared at her reflection with the hair style Rezzana had given her. Her hair sat on her head exposing her beautiful white neck. It was held up with a string of pearls.
"Now if Narsas fails to notice you now...he's not a real man!" Rezzana laughed. So did the others.
"He can see now that you have changed, into a beautiful womyn with serious feelings and not a little girl with a crush." Kishara smiled a friendly smile, as she raised her hand to her lips. "And for a final touch..." she blew across her palm toward Alfrido. Alfrido flinched as Kishara's breath formed a ring of fire around her neck. It solidified into a dazzling necklace of fiery pearls that seemed to glow from within and match the ones in her hair.
"Nekotan Magic." She stated. "It's built around the aspect of fire and flame. Sorry if I scared you."
"That's okay." Alfrido said she stood up. "Well, I've never felt or looked better."
"We'll see you there?" Rezzana asked as they left.
"Of course." Alfrido confirmed as she whirled around as the door closed.
That night...
"Oh great King Arslan," one hyper princess spoke annoyingly. "I heard that you, after seeing innocent lives spent because of Religious fana...ana...Fanatisi... fanaticism, yeah, yeah that's it, you were so mad that you had a case of insanity and tried to break your sword...Is that true?"
Arslan shuddered. "Uhh...Yes, I'm afraid to admit, but when Lusitanian troops made mothers and children commit suicide in the name of religion I ...lost it?" Arslan shrugged.
"OH WOW!" The Crowd of royalty let out . Arslan looked over at Daryun, but only got a look of satisfaction. Daryun was still paying him back for the trick he played when the princesses arrived.
"This is the biggest ball room?!" Rezzana said sticking her nose in the air.
"Don't knock it. Arslan was expecting half the world to show up, before he had time to redecorate." Kishara laughed, and Rezzana joined her.
Arslan, miracle of miracles, saw the two womyn enter, through the crowd of styled hair and over done nails. "Queen Kishara…Help!" He spoke over the rabid royalty. They cleared a path for him as he walked over to Kishara. He took her hand and leaned down to her ear.
"Please say you want to dance!"
"As you wish, my liege." She smiled evilly, as he led her out onto the dance floor. Kishara turned to look over her shoulder unbeknownst to Arslan. She paused, looked at the big crowd of Womyn they had left behind, and oh! mere happiness is not a word to describe the amount of pleasure she felt by sticking her tongue out at every single country's representative in the room. They all emitted a low growl. She just grinned as Arslan swept her out and back in to his arm.
Rezzana stood by the door to the ball room on the wall, thoroughly enjoying herself. She looked across the room to see a lone dark figure doing about the same as her. She tried to focus in on the figure's face, but the light was dimmed because of the mood that wanted to be attained. She sighed and decided to forget it.
Narsas sat at a lonely table with one glass in his hand. He had drained it, but one drop still remained. He played with it until a late comer opened the door to let a crisp breeze flow across him. He was cold enough as if was he didn't want the weather interfering. Narsas stood ready to yell at the person who was holding open the door.
"Hey! Hey You! Yeah you! Close that doaahh…", Narsas dropped the glass on to the table, and it promptly hit the floor and smashed. He walked over to the person who couldn't decide which side of the door she wanted to be on, and held out his hand. "Excuse me, princess? Are you lost? Are you here for King Arslan?" Narsas spoke up, to make himself heard over the din of the ball.
The form was a beautiful womyn with bright red hair up in beautiful fiery pearls. Kishara glanced across the room from dancing with Arslan and winked. Alfrido waved a little wave as Narsas took her hand. She flushed red, almost as red as her hair. Narsas was holding her hand. He led her to the table he just vacated.
"Would you honor me in dining with me tonight, my lady?" Narsas kissed her hand gently. Alfrido tried to remain calm under such circumstances, but it was very very hard.
Elam walked into the ball at that moment. He looked up and saw a familiar red head being kissed on the hand by his past master. Elam's face drained of color.
"She must of drugged him, and what's with that get up? What's she wearing?" His voice rising in volume with each statement.
Kishara had her head on Arslan's shoulder. She suddenly saw Elam gawking at the two who had just met. Her eyes went wide and she shot a look over to Rezzana, who was already at the door. She nodded and Rezzana acknowledged. She reached around the open door.
Elam looked ready to explode, Elam was silenced as a tall figure cupped a hand over his mouth and chucked him out the door he had come in and locked it behind. Rezzana had had fun doing that.
Arslan spoke calmly, as they moved together across the floor. She looked up at him with a blank expression. He smiled down at her. She put on a happier face.
"I wanted to tell you that. If you ever decide to marry a king…" Kishara blushed and looked away. He pulled her closer and waited for her to look back at him. "I hope he doesn't cage you…I know I would never want that for you….."
Kishara looked into his sky blue eyes for a long moment. He looked away from her and out a window.
"I just want you to be happy." He said suddenly.
The music slowed and stopped; that dance had finished. She was still looking at Arslan's face, unsure of what to say. It was full of loss and questioning. She reached up and he took her hand, instead of allowing her to touch his face. He led her over to the head table and they sat down.
Kishara gracefully moved the skirt of her shoulderless dress and adjusted the low back. She sat next to Arslan like she had dreamed about. He turned to her. His light blue-white hair falling just so over the side of his head band and pin in his hair.
"Kishara, that's a beautiful crown you're wearing." He complimented her.
"Thank you. It's the crown of Nekotan," she removed it and showed it to him. See there's the country, I know it's not the biggest thing in the world, but there it is, and here's the cat in flame. All Nekotan's symbols in gold!"
"Awe inspiring. Just like you."
"Ah! Arslan!" Kishara blushed and Arslan laughed. "What I really want is one of those helmets you have. I love that helmet on you! I must have one. It makes one look so important, regal, and just really awe-inspiring." She laughed and so did he. Kishara watched him laugh as her eyes trailed back over to Rezzana on the wall.
A dark figure moved across the room toward her. It tapped her shoulder. She looked up.
"Is this a private event or can I intervene?" A deep voice echoed in her ears. She turned her head quickly and saw Daryun standing there in armor like her self.
"Don't own any dresses?" Daryun asked.
"Why want me to borrow one of yours?" Rezzana still had her guard up. Daryun smiled.
"I guess I deserve that for not officially introducing myself sooner." Rezzana looked him over. He held out his hand. "My name is Daryun Vaphrese. I'm Arslan's military general.
"I've heard of you. You are a great warrior, and an even greater friend they say." Rezzana smiled at him and took his hand to shake it. He turned her hand over and kissed it every so lightly.
"You are?" Daryun offered. Rezzana was in shock.
"Rezzana Deren, of Nekotan. I'm Kishara's Sargent at arms." She let out in one breath.
"There now we are no longer strangers." He glanced toward Kishara and Arslan. Kishara was trying to get the distance in between them back, while Arslan was trying to close it. "The royalty are having a bit of trouble it would seem."
"Yes, it does." Rezzana said looking up. She smiled. "Must be…" She looked up again. Daryun had closed the gap of personal space and stood next to her. She blushed and looked over at Kishara who was mouthing the words FATE FATE F-A-T-E FAH-ATE!' She growled, but she knew her friend to well. One good turn deserves another.
Arslan bowed to Kishara and asked her to dance again. She took his hand and rose. Rezzana looked over at Daryun.
"They're dancing again."
"I see." Daryun's voice was deep and Rezzana loved the way it echoed in her ear. WAIT! What was she doing?! She couldn't fall all over a fellow warrior! It would ruin her reputation as fighter, and make her look like a house wife!
"You know, Daryun," She said grinning evilly and pushing the conversation back to a friend type talk. "If your King Arslan pulls something on Kishara...I'll have to kill him...out of loyalty of course." Daryun laughed a little.
"If your Queen Kishara pulls anything wicked on Arslan, well you know." Rezzana nodded.
"Why don't we just kill them both and rule the country ourselves!" She joked. Daryun's face went blank. She saw his expression change. She asked gently.
"I don't make jokes about that. Arslan is my king I would protect him with my last breath."
"Oh...I'm sorry."
"I didn't mean to ruin the mood it's just that…" Daryun looked up at Kishara and Arslan dancing. They were moving together and Kishara had her head on Arslan's shoulder again. Daryun blushed. He had probably ruined the chance of getting to know Rezzana with his love and loyalty toward his King.
Rezzana blushed. Kishara had told her how close Arslan and Daryun were. She shouldn't have tested that so early in the meeting.
"So my lovely lady you haven't said anything all evening. I was wondering if you enjoyed your dinner or not." Narsas tried to get the beautiful princess to talk. Alfrido was being quiet for fear of laughing out right.
"I have to say I'm a bit jealous, Arslan." Kishara lifted her head, and looked into the king's eyes. "You are so wise and so loved. I can only wonder if my people feel that way about me."
"I'm sure everyone loves you, Kishara, You're a great ruler and beautiful and you are very wise. I saw you with Alfrido. You know how to care. I think I understand you more than would like to believe." He finished. Kishara pulled out of his arms. She looked at him strangely. "Kishara, I want to know you better, but you won't tell me something-?"
"You! How dare you think that you know me." She said quietly and deeply. Arslan backed away as if from a wild cat. (go figure*:) "I've told you every thing you're ready for." She snapped.
"Please, I didn't mean it like that. I want to help you, I want to save you, if I can...Kishara, but I don't know how!"
"Why would I need you to save …me.." She put a hand to her mouth. She looked around at the people in the room. The silence was thickening between Daryun and Rezzana, even though it looked like they both wanted to say something. Alfrido and Narsas had no talking as well. Narsas looked at the mystery girl wondering, and Alfrido tried not to blush any more. She looked at Pharangese and Giv, who were actually engaged in a conversation. She looked back at Arslan who was begging her. He knew something she was sure!
He tried to take her back into his arms and she maintained the same distance away from him.
Suddenly the main doors burst open. Everyone gasped as a wounded soldier from the southern border of Pars stumbled in. Arrow protruding through his shoulder. He was pale from loss of blood. He ran to Arslan's feet throwing himself down or falling down the king couldn't decide.
"My king! The border has been attacked! Silvermask…uhh..."
Arslan was shocked. He hadn't heard that name for a long time. Now he was back. What did he want?
Kishara gasped inwardly. How did he find me? She thought.
"He...He sent this...He let me go...to tell you...and killed every...man that stood with me…" He held forth a note. As Arslan bent down to him, to take the note, life left the man. Arslan's face was white with horror. He caught the soldier before he hit the floor. The king stood. Kishara was a stride away from him.
"What does the note say, your Majesty?" Narsas looked up.
"Dear Cousin," Arslan shuddered with fear. Kishara could see it in him. "Bring Queen Kishara, the keys to your kingdom, and your miserable lie, that you call your existence, to my camp, in two days, or I'll will come and take them myself. -Silvermask."
Arslan's hands shook. Daryun and Narsas prepared to walk over to their king. Arslan looked at the letter harder, then at Queen Kishara. Her face was full of terror, a child-like expression of a fear she had long ago forgotten. She stared at the letter in his hands as the room began to talk and whisper amongst themselves. Kishara unable to hold her composure any longer tore from the room as Arslan followed at the same speed...out into the cold night.