Chapter 2

Disclaimer: All Characters belong to Tamora Pierce

Thayet cried silently. She kissed her mother on last time, and stood back, letting the guard set fire to the hay that surrounded Kalasin's body.

As the flames rose, Thayet made a silent promise to her mother; she will escape her father and protect her people. She will be strong. She will survive.

6 years later

A raven haired young woman let lose another arrow, bulls-eyes. A smile crept onto her full, red lips. She was ready; and she knew it. After six years of knife, sword, and arrow fighting she knew it was time to leave. Of course, her father would never permit her to leave, but she wasn't going to ask.

"Thayet!" Another young woman around her age ran toward her. She was short and stocky with tan skin and a stubborn look. "Thayet, your father demands you to come to the throne room." Thayet sighed, "What does he want, Buri?" Buri looked down to hide her anger. "I don't know, but from the looks of it, he wishes you to meet a potential suitor."

Thayet grimaced, it was only a matter of time before the offers would start coming in, she knew that, but, so soon? Word of her amazing beauty must have reached the ears of power hungry warlords. With an hourglass shape and stunning looks, she knew she would be a prize to any man who desired her.

"Come, Buri, let us go to my father."

The hurried through the long, cold corridors and entered the large, decorative room. Both women knelt before the man on the throne, although Buri went lower due to her lower station. Thayet rose gracefully, "Your majesty, have you a request?" The ruthless looking man laughed drunkenly. "Daughter, you have an admirer, seeking your hand in marriage." The jin Wilma pointed toward the right. There stood a husky, big man, smilingly lustfully and gazing at her with naked desire. Thayet shuddered slightly.

"He is the jin Shama, our brothers to the east. You will be married in a fortnight. I have sent the royal dressmaker to your apartments to start on your marriage gown. You are dismissed."

Thayet bowed and walked out quickly as Buri followed close behind. As she was leaving she heard her father's menacing comment, "Look, brother, see how obedient she is, unlike those countries to the north who allow women to be knights and defy custom. She will be a jewel in your harem."

Thayet shook her head. I will be no man's concubine, she thought defiantly. She had heard many tales about Tortall and its famous female knight, Alanna of Trebond and Olua. She heard of how the purple eyed "witch" had deceived everyone and defeated a powerful sorcerer who had committed treason. She had won her shield fairly and was a hero to many girls, including Thayet

"Thayet, what shall we do? We had not planned the escape for another month. Two weeks is not nearly enough time to prepare!" Buri whispered fiercely. Thayet looked down a her life long companion, "We will do it, and in a week and a half. It is customary for the bride-to-be to spend 3 days alone in her rooms praying to the gods for a favorable marriage and many sons. We will leave on that day, which gives us three days to leave here without anyone knowing. Have the word spread so our friends will be ready to accommodate us sooner, dear Buri."

Buri nodded and walked off, muttering to her self about this god's cursed plan. Thayet smiled and hurried off to her room. The dressmaker was already there and was delighted to see the soon-to-be married princess. "Princess, let us get started. The dress is very difficult and ornate, so I must begin as soon as I can."

The woman looked at Thayet and just stared, causing Thayet to frown deeply. "What is it? Do I have a spider in my hair?" The woman looked down ashamedly, "Your majesty, you are like the dawn goddess in all her splendor. Never have I seen a woman so magnificent and kind. I am honored to serve you." Thayet smiled gently and lifted the girl's chin, "I am just a woman, made of flesh and blood like you. Never forget that."

The woman smiled and began measuring Thayet. Too bad, Thayet thought as she gazed at the delicate fabric, I will never be able to wear this dazzling dress.

Stay tuned for chapter 3!!!!!!!!!

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