A/N Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNINGS: OOC, LANGUAGE, SUGGESTIVE LANGUAGE

Chapter 2: Into Slavery

She trembled, her hands shaking visibly in front of her. Her scared silver eyes darted from left to right, unaccustomed to the surroundings. She was within a bedroom that had unsophisticated walls and floors. They were but blocks of rocks that were put together…

'It's not like…'

"It's not home, but you'll get used to it." a male's voice echoed in the room.

She gasped, clutching her tick-layered robe in her hands and turned around to see that it was the red-haired general who spoke.

She wanted to run and to hide. This was the man that she had been given to; this was the man that she belonged to. She was afraid, needless to say. She didn't know what he would do with her.

"I…I…" she stammered.

Heat smirked at the young woman before him. She was petite and small…she was fragile-looking. Her silver eyes were soft and soothing to look at…and at the same time, it unnerved him. Her eyes unnerved him because he saw fear within her orbs…

Long had he relished and indulged in the fear of others before him. He loved it when people were afraid of him…It was because of fear that allowed him to control people. He had power while they had none. He could do whatever it was he wanted with them.

But now…as he regarded her quivering form, her frightened eyes and trembling hands, remorse plagued his heart.

Was this what he wanted for this woman?

It was a fact that he did not know the woman…but he felt something for her. The first moment he laid eyes on her, he knew that he wanted her.

It was coincidental really that she was compatible with him. She was beautiful and she was of noble birth. She wouldn't be his mere concubine. No…he wanted her to be his other half; the female counterpart to balance him.

He wanted her to be his wife; his rightful and only wife.

And now, as she stared and gazed up at him, he felt a lump in his throat. She was scared of him…

It was quite a shock to him as well, but now, this is the first time that he did not welcome the seductive embrace of fear.

No.

Now, he loathed it.

"Don't be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you…" he said slowly, taking a step towards her.

She seemed skeptical of him and took a step backwards…

"No…don't do that…" he soothed her, "I…I won't…do anything to you…"

She blinked, opening her quivering lips to speak, "I…I…I don't want to be…disgraced. Please."

Heat blinked; so, this was what she thought. He allowed himself a small smile to grace his lips. It was a rare one…He hardly smiled. He grinned, laughed, cackled, sneered, scowled and scoffed, but he never smiled.

But now, she drew it out of him.

"I won't…disgrace you…Your Highness." he bowed.

Severina was shocked; then why did he bring her here? Alone in his personal quarters?

Heat seemed to have read her eyes and nodded, "I brought you here not for that purpose. I merely wanted to get to know you and that was all. I swear it by the blood of my mother, I will not harm you or disgrace you."

Her eyes found the floor and she stared at it, "Why…why do you continue to call me…'Your Highness'?"

He smiled again; at least he was getting somewhere.

"Your title still stands Highness. His majesty, King Shailendra may have conquered your country, but he did not strip you of your titles…"

"What…will happen to me…?" she asked timidly, her silver eyes now having the courage to gaze upon his blazing red orbs.

He sighed; how was he going to break this to her?

He forced his face to harden, "You were given to me by His Majesty. You belong to me now Princess Severina."

She gasped.

"Do not fret. I will ensure that your needs are all taken care of. You will still live a comfortable life."

"As a what?" she dared ask. But there was no sarcasm or bitterness in her voice. There was only harmless and innocent curiosity that oozed out of her countenance.

Severina really wanted to know. She had been told of what happened to women like herself…They were often stripped of their titles and then bought or sold to the highest bidder to become their slaves…or concubines.

She was afraid that it would happen to her too…

She was afraid of his answer…

"As my wife." Heat deadpanned.

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Princess Junia Valeria Flavia paced around her chambers impatiently. She scoffed at that. She didn't even like her name.

'No…that is not my name. It is the name of second daughter of the king…for the court.' she thought darkly. Her name was Jenna…and not Junia Valeria…She hated that name.

She and Sera, yes, she called Severina that. It was, after all, her personal name. She and Sera had been separated after their rather odd audience with the king and his strategist and general.

Her silver eyes blazed in anger and insult as she remembered why she was there in the first place. She had been given to King Shailendra's strategist…

'Like some…animal!' she thought, livid.

She didn't even know his name. She scoffed; like she'd want to anyway. But still, the bastard was gracious enough to give her, her own chambers. She could only hope that Sera was in safe hands as well.

She could clearly remember how the general had slapped her…She winced and narrowed her silver eyes again. Like she said, she could only hope that her sister was fine…

She looked at herself in the mirror. She wore a dark blue juni-hito with a gold obi. Her hair was done in a large bun with exaggerated hairline…Her face, like her sisters' was painted white and her lips painted red.

But still, her ensemble wasn't as grandiose as her eldest sister…

She let out a frustrated cry as she slammed her palms on the large vanity table. Her sister…Amadeus…

No…That wasn't her name…

"Argilla…" she said regretfully, "Where are you?"

The bastard of a king said that he knew where she was. Pain and anxiety gripped her heart as she imagined gruesome and lecherous scenes within her heart and mind…

"Oh God…please…" she said, whispering, praying; her eyes closed, her palms clasped together, just in front of her face…

She was startled, however, when the doors to her chambers were pushed open. Her silver eyes widened momentarily before narrowing back down as she regarded the man who just entered.

It was her "master".

She spat mentally.

She crossed her arms, displeased at seeing him.

'I don't care if they throw me in prison for disrespect!' she thought defiantly.

"I trust that this chamber is to your liking?" the green-haired man told her nonchalantly.

Jenna raised a displeased eyebrow at him, "What do you want?"

The man sighed, "I am attempting to have a civil conversation with you, Highness."

She scowled, "Well, I don't think I want to. Your presence unnerves me."

Unfazed and indifferent towards her snide remarks, he spoke, "My name is Gale. I am Arkanadara's strategist." he said calmly.

Jenna scoffed at that; she really didn't want to know his name, but he had already told her anyway. She didn't speak; he may have told her his name, but she on the other hand, had no intention of telling him hers.

Gale seemed to have read her mind; she did not wish to introduce herself. He nodded, "I already know who you are. You are the second daughter of the late king Gaius of Flavius Adeodatus. Your name is Princess Junia Valeria Flavia."

She snorted but said nothing.

The man stepped closer to her and she had the immediate instinct to take a step back…They weren't supposed to be alone together…That would be…uncivilized.

With her crab-styled tall geta, Jenna took a step back.

Gale raised an eyebrow as he looked at her feet.

Jenna snarled, "Where are you looking?!"

Gale blinked, "I was just curious as to the reason why women from your country dress themselves in such a fashion. From my assessment, you can hardly move or bend in your apparel. Your body is constricted from that tight belt around your waist." he said, pointing to her tight and firm golden obi.

She glared at him.

He continued, "You also wear layers upon layers of robes…Doesn't that make you feel too hot? And also, your feet. Those shoes…are made of wood…Don't they feel uncomfortable? Not to mention its ridiculously tall height and exaggerated shape."

He shook his head, "Very impractical. Very illogical. It's a mere frivolity…and trivial."

Jenna wanted to strangle him; she opened her mouth to speak when he spoke first, "And your hair…Doesn't that bother you? You look you have a ball on your head…and that white paint. It makes you look like a corpse."

Silence reigned over them as Gale awaited her reply.

She opened her mouth and slowly spoke, "I do not have to explain myself or my country's traditions to the likes of you." she said calmly, "Your barbaric race obviously cannot comprehend beauty and its diverse forms…You are too primordial."

Gale wanted to laugh. Her face…her fiery eyes…and that sharp tongue. Clearly she was a very intriguing woman…

"We are primordial are we? But it is we that brought your kingdom to its knees…You speak of beauty but what is beauty when you are but a slave to your "primordial" master?" he asked just as calmly, his tone deeply condescending.

Jenna's mind was reeling, "H-how dare you speak to me in such a manner?!"

Gale laughed, "You Highness…you seem to forget that you belong to me. You are mine princess. It is you who does not have the right to speak to me in such a manner."

She lightly ran to him, as careful as she could be in her heavy geta, her hand preparing to strike him when she lost her balance.

Her heart stopped as she prepared her body to receive the cold embrace of the stoned floor. She closed her eyes tightly and waited for the impact…But it never came.

Her hair stood on one end as she felt arms around her body. Her heart thumped wildly as she gazed at Gale, their faces a mere inch apart. She couldn't speak…

He raised a calm eyebrow at her, "As I've said…your apparel is truly a frivolity…"

She trembled in his arms…and he felt it.

"Why are you trembling?"

She narrowed her eyes, momentarily forgetting that she belonged to him, "Let me go…"

"Why?"

"Because…! It's unbecoming of a lady such as myself to…to be…alone with a man!" she half-yelled.

Gale nodded and understood. She was modest…He didn't expect anything less. She was a princess after all…Well-mannered, cultured, educated…

He felt intrigued…Long had he searched for a woman who he could share his insights with…and perhaps, enlighten him to some of her insights as well…

He took a step back and bowed, "I apologize if I offended you Highness. I bid you farewell."

He turned and left when her voice stopped him, "Wait!"

He looked back at her with the same unfeeling emerald eyes, "Yes Highness?"

She bit her lip, "Where…where is Amadeus?"

Gale raised an eyebrow, "The queen?"

"Yes." she said calmly, her face not betraying her emotions…

Ah; but what her face and countenance hid, her eyes openly divulged. There was anxiety and worry within them…

"Your king said that he knew where she was!"

Gale narrowed his eyes at her and she took a step back. Had she said something wrong?

"He's not just 'my king'." he said coldly, "We are all his subjects. So, if you want your head to remain on your shoulders, I suggest that you pay him your respects as expected of you. I will not tolerate your filthy mouth to disgrace the king's name. Do you understand?"

Jenna was shrinking in her clothes; before, she possessed the audacity to rile him…But now…she wasn't so sure. His eyes were angry…She didn't want to admit it, even to herself, but he scared her.

But still, she didn't relent; she did not yield her proud countenance. She merely nodded, looking at him with cold and dead silver pools.

He nodded and turned. He took steps forward and stopped, "Oh. Do not worry about your sister. The king knows where she is."

Jenna clenched her hands into fists, "What is he going to do to her?!" she asked frantically as she saw him beginning to walk once more.

Gale stopped again; he knew what Serph's intentions were for the queen…but he needn't tell her sister that.

"I do not know…but it is probable that he will demand her hand in marriage."

And with that, he left her chambers and had the guards bolt it from the outside. Jenna's face fell. She was caged here…She wasn't going to be leaving any time soon…

"Argilla…Sera…"

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"You…you are…!" she stifled a gasp as she regarded the king's face.

"Yes." he said gently, "It's me."

"You were the one…I…"

"The one you fought." he agreed, "I was quite surprised really, to find you at the battlefield. Surprised but pleased. I wouldn't want my wife to be…a mere brainless tool, now would I?" he grinned, stroking her face.

She glowered at him and turned her face to the side, "I would never marry a foul being such as you."

He chuckled and stood up, putting his mask back in place, "Well, we'll see about that soon enough."

He turned around and started to walk when he suddenly stopped, "Oh and Amadeus, don't be so quick to make decisions, for you may regret them later on. After all, your sisters and your countrymen are all depending on you."

She said nothing and waited for him to leave the cell. And when she couldn't see him anymore, it was then that she let her strong façade crumble, letting her tears cascade down her face.

What has happened?

How could her life have taken such a drastic turn for the worst?

One day, she had a very prosperous country and the next thing she knew, she was imprisoned and was being forced into a marriage with a cold man.

A man that she did not love.

She shut her eyes, hoping that all would just disappear and that she could turn back time. Back when her father was still alive…Those times were the golden age of her life…

'What should I do?'

She frowned. She wouldn't give up so easily. She'd just have to test King Shailendra's bluff, won't she?

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Serph gritted his teeth. It had been two days now and she still resisted him. So far, twenty of her countrymen had been mercilessly beheaded. He didn't care though. He would have her; that was what mattered to him.

Perhaps it was time to visit her again. Today was her third day.

He suddenly stopped. Oh yes. How could he forget? His general, Heat had asked for his blessings for his upcoming marriage with the Princess Severina.

He smirked, shaking his head a bit, "Well, at least he's got everything going for him. I wonder how Gale is faring."

He shrugged his shoulders. What they did with their women were of no interest to him. Besides, they would come to him if there was anything amiss.

Right now, everything in Shailendra's life was glorious. He had only been in power for five years and yet, he had conquered all of the nomadic and loose tribes around his country; unifying them under his rule.

His country was prospering. And soon, he conquered the neighboring countries as well.

He suddenly frowned. That was why it was important for him to have an heir. Should he die, there would be no one to claim the throne. He had no siblings…He saw to that.

He scowled, "It was their own undoing as they all plotted against me."

Yes. That was the way it was in his country. Brothers and sisters plotted against each other in order to take the crown. He had fended them off however and claimed the throne for himself.

And now, as he saw Flavius Adeodatus, he wanted it. He wanted it for himself. He wanted it for his would-be children.

He smiled as he remembered the queen. Yes, she would make the most eligible wife. She alone would bear him children; she and she alone. How glorious it would be when she married him. It would be unifying their countries…Not just by conquest but by blood as well.

It would make it easier for her subjects to accept him as king and wouldn't pose a rebellion. But of course, marrying her would not mean that he wouldn't have any more concubines. No.

There would still be many of them.

He grinned, "No…My whores would still be around but Amadeus would be the only mother of my children."

Yes. That was the catch of being King Shailendra's lovers. They weren't allowed to bear children. And should he suspect them of carrying his child, the woman or women were immediately disposed of.

'I can't risk having impure blood tarnish the royal family.' he thought with disdain. That was why he had physicians attend his women monthly, to make sure that they reach their monthly cycle.

It might be cruel to some, but he didn't care. He couldn't care any less what other people thought. After all, he was the one with the crown and the power. They were all just pathetic maggots to him.

Ridding himself of such thoughts, he thought of the queen.

He smiled, "I believe I'll visit her. She must be lonely in there." he said with feigned concern.

He reached her cell a quarter of an hour later and there, he scrounged his nose in disgust. The cell was dark, gloomy and was plagued with a foul stench; the foul stench of human feces and urine.

He smirked though. If he was bothered, then, she would be as well…tenfold. She was a woman…and odors like this would most definitely send her over the edge.

'And within my bed…' he thought sickeningly.

He found her, still shackled to the wall. Another strong odor met his olfactory nerves; it wasn't just urine or feces, but rotten food as well.

He was right when he decided not to wear his cloak. It would just be dirtied with this filth. He just wore his white cotton shirt with his armor and black pants with calf-high boots. Careful with his imperial garb, he knelt down and inspected the woman shackled to the wall, "Amadeus. Can you hear me?"

She slowly met his eyes. Her pink eyes were not what he expected. He had expected them to be dull and lifeless…He had expected them to be overwhelmed of feelings of hopelessness and despair. But it wasn't so…Her pink eyes still burned with determination…and anger.

He inwardly laughed; that was why he wanted this woman.

"I can hear you just fine Shailendra…" she growled deeply from within her throat.

Something within him felt hurt as he heard her call him by his formal name. He wanted her to share in everything that he had…She would bear him his children, but at same time, he wanted her to be something more than just a mere tool for him.

And now, she hated him with a passion…

'Who wouldn't…?' he thought with a sigh.

But still, he couldn't show her his weakness. No. And so, he put back his façade and took off his mask. He smirked as her eyes widened a bit at seeing his face before returning back to its original expression; angry and disinterested. But still, he had seen it.

He wouldn't be surprised if she found him to be attractive. After all, she may be queen, but she was still a woman.

"I have had twenty of countrymen killed." he said cheerfully. She looked at him disgustedly, "And you're proud of it?"

She shook her head, closing her eyes, "You're nothing but an animal Shailendra…You hide behind the crown to justify your heinous acts…But the truth is, you're just as classless and barbaric as a savage!"

He said nothing and she continued, "You are a savage!" she told him with outmost hatred.

He merely smirked, disregarding her painful but truthful words, "Be that as it may Amadeus, it would not stop me from killing ten more of your citizens today…"

He heard her lightly gasp and he gave her a toothy grin, "That's right. You still have a chance to save them from the damnation that you yourself had put them through…Accept me and they shall be spared; refuse me and well," he smiled, "you already know what will happen hm?"

She felt a lump in her throat, "Oh? And how do I know if you're telling me the truth? Hm?" she challenged haughtily, her eyebrows raised in mockery of his earlier statement.

He stood and chuckled, "I thought so. I knew you would be skeptic." Not saying anything more, he turned, "Guard! Bring them in." he casually commanded.

Amadeus could feel her hair stand on one end; bring? Bring what in? Bring who in?

A guard came to her cell carrying two huge sacks. Amadeus could feel her heart beating erratically as she let her mind play on several sickening thoughts as to what lay within those sacks…

Shailendra saw her fright and he smirked. He nodded to the guard.

The guard then spilled its contents on the filthy floor for Amadeus to see. Amadeus gasped; it was the heads of her countrymen. She let out a shrill cry and she sobbed. It had been true.

Shailendra really did have them killed.

He had been true to his word…

Shailendra grinned evilly, his eyes glinting just as evilly at her. He dismissed the guard and walked over to her again, kicking the occasional severed head that barred his path. He reached her and knelt down, caressing her face gently, "Now…are you going to refuse me still Amadeus? Hm? Would you rather I fill this filthy cell of yours with the heads of your fallen people?"

She looked at him with fury dancing in her pink eyes. She spat at him, tarnishing his handsome face. He smiled and wiped off her saliva from his cheek, "Well Amadeus? Will you be mine?"

She cried again. This was too much…She didn't want to belong to such a man. But what choice did she have? More of her comrades would die…And her sisters…She choked; she didn't even want to think about them…

She was broken from her reverie as he spoke once more, "I have come here to strike an altered version of my offer. Amadeus, since your defeat, your people had been bought and sold as mere cattle. They were not enlisted in my country." She refused to look at him, and so, he touched her chin and turned her head in order for their eyes to meet, "If you marry me, I would give the decree of equal citizenship. I would abolish the slave trading."

She shook within his touch and she gazed deeply in his silver eyes, "If…if I accept, would you keep your word?"

He inwardly grinned; finally…Finally…

"I swear upon it as my honor as king." he told her with the outmost of truth.

She sighed, "What about my sisters…? Are they…alright?"

He was winning…and he was loving it, "They're fine. Be mine and they would continue to be fine. Refuse me…and well, you understand."

She slowly nodded, "I…Alright. I shall marry you…"

He felt his chest become overwhelmed with pleasure as she uttered her words. He knew not why, but, hearing her say that she would become his, made him feel lightheaded. He caressed her face affectionately and whispered, "Thank you My Queen."

Amadeus was confused though. Did he still call her queen? Why? She had thought that she would just be added to the long list of Shailendra's whores. Yes; she knew about those…She also knew how he had those women killed in the event of their divulged pregnancy.

She winced at the thought. So, would she become one of his whores too?

He stood up and it caught her attention.

He smiled at her sincerely, "I will have you moved to your private chambers."

He then left her to her thoughts.

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Serph sat on his throne with a dreamy expression on his face. He had arranged it all. He and Amadeus were to marry in a fortnight. It was enough time for him to get to know his queen.

He snorted as he remembered seeing her in her overly glamorous apparel at Flavius Adeodatus.

'No…at our wedding, she would be wearing not that ridiculous garb, but our national dress.' he thought dismissively. Yes; she would not wear that robe again.

He snapped back to reality as he heard Heat enter the throne room. Yes, he had requested for an audience with the king.

Serph raised an eyebrow as Severina was presented to him. He smirked as he saw her clothed differently. She wasn't wearing the robes from Flavius Adeodatus but their women's attire.

She wore a tight and small bodice that was cut from just below the breasts and a long, billowing skirt that hugged not her waist, but her hips. It showed off her physique quite well.

Jewels adorned the middle of her forehead and retreated all the way to the back of her head. She also had donned a thin and almost transparent veil on her head. Her garb was called the Sari. Her sari was of light blue in color with its edges trimmed with golden stitches and embroidery. The skirt was also embroidered with flowers and animals on it; all in gold.

How Serph would love to see his queen this way…

"Majesty…" Heat muttered, bowing before him.

"Rise Heat. What is it that you wanted to speak to me about?"

Heat nodded and turned to Severina and ushered her to come to him. The princess walked timidly and stopped and bowed in front of him.

"Rise Princess Severina." he commanded her.

She did as she was told and Heat spoke, "We are to marry tomorrow Highness."

Serph smiled, "I'm happy for you Heat. Amadeus and I shall be attending your nuptials."

Serph raised an eyebrow as he heard a slight gasp from the young woman beside his general. Heat blinked and looked at Serph, a small blush in his face, "Highness, I am also here to congratulate you on your upcoming marriage with Queen Amadeus."

Severina gasped again but said nothing.

Serph smiled, "Thank you Heat. It will take place in a fortnight."

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Sera squealed as Heat grasped her arm tightly, "Heat…please…"

He then shoved her on her bed painfully, "What the hell did you think you were doing?!"

"I've done nothing!" she protested, whimpering a bit as she inspected her arm as she sat up on her bed.

Heat growled and grabbed her chin, "When you are at the presence of His Majesty, you are to remain quiet! Understand!?"

Sera shivered; he was angry at her. But still, not wanting to displease him any more that she already did, she forced herself to nod, "I…I understand…"

"You were so god damn noisy back there! You embarrassed me damn it!" he yelled at her, his ruby orbs burning with anger.

She winced as he pressed harder on her chin. Heat saw the hurtful expression on her face and immediately let her go. He didn't mean to sound so harsh…but at the same time, he still placed his allegiance to the king, to Serph.

And not just some woman.

He wanted Sera, yes, but if she were to become part of his life, she needed to know and understand her place. He needed to teach her how things were at Arkanadara.

But still, his eyes softened at the sight of her and he grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips, "I apologize…Severina…"

"No…" she immediately said.

"What?"

"Don't call me that…My name is Sera. Please call me that." she said, smiling at him weakly. She didn't know why; she should hate him for imprisoning her. But for some reason, she didn't. She felt something for this man…

He may be strong and a bit hotheaded at times, but at same time, whenever he was with her, she never missed the moments wherein he would try his best to be gentle with her…

He always treated her with respect and kindness…Well, as much as he could allow himself to.

He sighed and kissed the back of her hand again, "Tomorrow, we wed…"

She giggled, "Yes. Tomorrow…I…"

"You become my wife." he said firmly, stroking her cheek with his palm.

Sera didn't want to be called a coward. Her sisters would probably do so; telling her and questioning her of how she could have fallen in love with a man who brutally killed many of their own people…

Sera had been wondering about that herself, but, she knew not the answer herself. She had been feeling something for Heat ever since their eyes had met during their audience with her father weeks prior…

'Am I really in love?' she asked herself.

But at any rate, in love or not, she was to marry him anyway…

'Argilla…Jenna…Forgive me…'

Heat stood up and she did as well, "Heat?"

"Yes?"

"King Shailendra…and my sister…are getting married?"

That was right. Heat hadn't told her anything about Amadeus. She felt quite hurt as she heard Heat congratulate Shailendra about his marriage to Amadeus. She felt hurt that Heat hadn't included her in the loop. He had most probably disregarded her existence and importance to know of such matters.

"Yes." he replied without hesitation, "The king had told me a few days ago. That's why there are many preparations being made."

Sera's silver eyes beamed with hope. Could this be a way for her to see Argilla again?

"Heat…? Could I see Amadeus again?" she asked timidly.

Heat sighed and pulled her against him, embracing her tightly but gently, "I know how you feel about Amadeus Sera. But…it's out of my hands. She belongs to the king. I cannot just…let you see her. We have to ask the king."

"Couldn't you ask him that?" she asked innocently, yet audaciously.

How was Heat to say this to her?

"The king…is very possessive about what belongs to him Sera. Even if I am his friend, he wouldn't hesitate to have me killed should he suspect that I'm attempting to get around his rules…Amadeus belongs to him Sera. We see only what he lets us to see. We have what he allows us to have…No more, and no less."

She sobbed within his arms, "Then…I won't ever see her again?"

"Probably not." Heat said honestly, holding his fiancée within his strong arms, soothing her.

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Jenna smirked evilly. She had just burned all of the clothes that Gale had sent her. She didn't want those clothes. They were all too revealing for her.

She liked wearing her juni-hito. It was what she grew up wearing, and damn it, it would be the clothes she'd be wearing when she died!

She couldn't care any less whatever Gale would do though…

'He's too soft for that.' she thought to herself with outmost arrogance.

Suddenly, the doors to her chambers opened and there, the devil stood. She looked at him disinterestedly.

Gale looked from her to the fireplace. His eyebrow rose as he saw the remnants of the textiles of the apparel that he had sent her.

He looked at her again and saw that she had disregarded his instructions to change her apparel. From what he could deduce, he would say that she had incinerated all the gowns and saris that he had sent her.

"You've burnt them all." he said, just as bored as before, crossing his arms.

"Yes." she replied; defiance written all over her features.

His eyes narrowed, "Don't you know that wearing the same apparel for long periods of time is considered unhygienic?"

Jenna narrowed her eyes at him as well, "If you bother to count, you would see that there are twelve layers of robes in my juni-hito. I am just wearing three of the twelve layers."

Gale sighed, "I merely wanted you to fit in Junia."

She growled as she heard him say the name "Junia".

"My name is Jenna. Stop calling me Junia!" she shouted. Gale was taken aback. She was energetic today.

"Besides," she said, crossing her arms, "I don't want to fit in. The juni-hito is my country's national apparel. I will wear it until I die. And no one's going to change my mind about it. Not you, not anyone."

Gale was smirking within. She really was worth all of this trouble. She never really ceased to amaze him.

He didn't really resort to "harsh" methods such as Heat's beatings or Serph's emotionally-destroying mind games…

No.

Gale resorted to reason and appealed to the adversary's logical mind to win. Jenna was smart and intelligent. That was why he wanted her in the first place. She wasn't a mere slave that could be used for just erotic gratification.

Oh no.

If she were, it would be a waste of her intellect.

But still, with all that aside, he was impressed on how she openly defied him, even if she knew that her life was in his hands…

To some who had no foresight, they would say that her act was of pure foolishness and stupidity, but to him, it was worthy of admiration and respect.

He smirked at her, "Very well. I will have your wardrobe from Flavius Adeodatus transferred. And I will make sure that the weavers and the manufacturers of the…joooney…"

Jenna was smiling within. He was struggling with his words…

'Wait a minute! I'm not suppose to be…'

"…hit-oooh to be open for your convenience." he finished.

She said nothing but continued to regard him evenly. It would seem that she wasn't impressed by his declaration. He sweat-dropped. She was hard to impress, yes?

"Oh and, tomorrow, we are to attend your sister's wedding." he said as a matter-of-factly.

Jenna's eyes widened, "Sister?"

"Severina and Heat's wedding is tomorrow."

She could feel a knot in her stomach. She gritted her teeth in anger. 'How could Sera consent to such a marriage?' she thought rationally as she forced herself to calm down. No; Sera couldn't be in love with the general.

No.

It was probably an arranged marriage.

She'd never betray their country. But what about herself?

'Yes…why am I still alive?' she asked herself in shame. If she really felt strongly about upholding their national values, then, by all her logic, she should've killed herself already…

But she didn't…

She then forced herself to look at Gale. His emerald eyes were soft…There wasn't a tinge of malice within them. There was only a hidden feeling…of fondness?

She blinked with disbelief. Gale was fond of her?

'How could he be…? He's just after one thing.' she thought to herself defiantly as she shook her head of such traitorous thoughts.

But still, she could not deny the feeling that she had at the pit of her stomach whenever their eyes would meet.

No. She didn't know what it was…

'I don't think I want to know…'

"Yes. Tomorrow and after a fortnight, the king will wed Queen Amadeus."

Jenna's mind spun and her eyes almost popped with disbelief. Not only had Severina wavered her loyalty, but Amadeus as well!

Gale saw the look of betrayal pass through Jenna's face. He understood, "Your sisters have done nothing wrong Jenna. They wed because of your people. Think about it."

With those words, he left.

Jenna walked over to her chair and thought deeply, her eyes fixed on the dancing flames, 'Think about it?'

She sighed.

Were they really doing the right thing?

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Amadeus, no, Argilla…

Yes. There was no more need for a formal name. She sighed as she lay on a bath. Several women were within it too, brushing her hair and scrubbing her back. There were many of them…

'Probably…fifteen to twenty…' she thought knowingly, 'Are they all Shailendra's whores?' she asked herself disgustedly.

Argilla really couldn't care any less what they were doing but what got her attention was what they were speaking about.

She heard them; even if they were whispering, she heard them all the same.

"So…she's the king's new lover?" one said.

"I see…She has the strange hair that everyone spoke of…"

"And her eyes…"

"Is it true that she was the queen of…?"

"Yes…that's right."

"It must be difficult to be reduced to a common whore after living the life of royalty…"

"But still, what does she have that I haven't?"

Argilla gritted her teeth but said nothing.

Half an hour later, she found herself within her new chambers. She looked around. It was…comfortable. It had all of what she'll need. The furniture was exquisite though…She had never seen such carvings…

She raised an eyebrow as she walked over to the wall to touch the engravings…They were of a woman and a man, in profile. The woman held a flower to which she would give the man. Then, there was another where the woman stood a top a tower, gazing down at the man below…

She didn't get further time to appreciate it as the women who assisted her in bathing now entered the room…to dress her.

She sighed.

Half an hour later, she was done and she found herself alone. She looked at herself in the mirror. She blinked in hidden disgust. Her long pink hair that reached the small of her back had been undone and left to dangle carelessly. But it had been smoothed out.

She wore a tight silver bodice with its edge just below her breasts along with a matching long skirt that she wore by her hips. The textile was smooth like silk and had elaborate stitching and golden embroideries…

Her head had been adorned with a jeweled headpiece that ran through the middle of her head and onto the back. And over that, she had a transparent silver veil. She had been told that she was wearing what they called a sari.

'This must be their national apparel…' she thought, 'It's very…different from what we wear at home…'

"You look absolutely beautiful…"

She gasped at the sound of the male voice. She sharply turned around and saw Shailendra, unmasked, standing within the middle of her chambers, smiling.

She blushed under his gaze. His smile was mesmerizing…His features were angelic, almost innocent. Clearly, he was handsome…His body was lean and fit. And his silver eyes…His silver eyes seem to speak to her; telling her…calling out to her to come to him…

He walked up to her and bowed. Serph gave himself a mental pat at the back. She really did look beautiful…She looked too beautiful…And now, as she stood there, unsure of what she was to say or do, he felt his desire for her intensify.

She was a breathtaking sight to him…He let his prying eyes meander over her features. Her tight bodice did her elegant figure justice as it accentuated her curvy figure. Her firm abdomen and flat belly were exposed to him…Her breasts were plump and round…How he longed to touch them…

Her skin was spotless and of pearly white complexion…

She really was royalty.

Argilla looked at him, frowning. She wasn't new to the looks of men being this way…They were lustful. She was disgusted.

"Your Grace, what is it that you wanted to speak to me about?" she asked, rousing him from his land of fantasy.

Serph blinked at her. He then smirked, "Do you have any idea how much I want you right now…?" he asked as he took another step towards her; their bodies awfully close…Too close for Argilla's comfort.

She turned her head sideways, not wanting to look at him. His eyes were making her uncomfortable, "Sire please…" she said politely, her voice steady, neither cracking nor begging.

He looked at her with a hardened face; as stern as ever. But it was his eyes that conveyed what he was feeling; his eyes and his tongue, "I want you Amadeus…"

She took a step back, her pink eyes leaving his, finding the floor interesting, "Sire, I…I do not wish to be disgraced."

He took another step towards her and grasped her arms, pulling her to him. She gasped in his arms…He inwardly laughed; he was right; she really was smooth to the touch. Her skin was like silk itself…smooth and soft…

He brought his face close to hers and inhaled her scent deeply; she smelled like lavender and he couldn't help but moan in pleasure. He really wanted her; and he wanted her now. He chuckled; he could have her, if he really wanted to…but it wouldn't be right; even for him.

No.

He just had to wait.

'God damn it…It's too painfully long…'

His marriage to her wouldn't be for another fortnight. That meant that he had to control his urges and desire for her until after the ceremony.

He sighed at that thought.

Serph let go of one of her arms and turned her face so that she looked at him, "Amadeus…That is not your real name, is it?"

She shivered within his arms as she felt his breath on her cheek, "No…it's not."

He brought his lips just before her ear and whispered huskily, "What is it then?"

She shivered again as she felt his breath on her ears…or was it his lips?

"My name is Argilla…" she whispered as her eyes left his once more.

Serph pulled away from her and tilted her face upwards so that their eyes met, "Argilla…well, my name is Serph."

Argilla could feel herself becoming entranced by his eyes but nonetheless, said nothing. She couldn't allow herself to think of him other than some sadistic murdering pig.

"No…I wouldn't disgrace you Argilla. I would wait." he said with a sigh. He then took her hand in his while the other cupped her face, pulling her face so that their faces were only an inch apart. Argilla growled and tried to pull away but he held her tightly.

He chuckled, "I want to kiss you…"

Here, she drew the line. Her hand immediately flew up and slapped him. Serph felt the stinging sensation on his cheek and his eyes narrowed into slits. He was livid. He grasped her arms tightly and pulled her back to him.

He glared at her and whispered dangerously, "When we marry, I will do whatever I want with you. You would do well to enjoy your freedom now…Because after the ceremony, your body belongs to me."

With that, he let her go and left her chamber.

She only glared on after him. No. She agreed to marry him and that was all. She didn't agree that she would be his faithful lapdog. Their marriage was purely political. No more, no less.

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A/N:

Geta: Japanese sandals that are worn by women. They are easily described as the clogs/sandals worn by geishas.

Juni-Hito: This literally means "twelve layers". It is a twelve-layered kimono that is worn by women of royal or noble birth. The Empress' juni-hito is the most meticulous and extravagant.

Sari: The national dress of India. It consists of a tight bodice cut just below the breasts and a skirt fitted at the hips with a veil. It can also be a bodice with a wrap-around skirt that is of several feet long that is wrapped around diagonally across the chest and slung over the shoulder to conceal the exposed belly.