A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE, SUGGESTIVE LANGUAGE
Chapter 4: A Glimpse
The week had gone faster than Jenna had previously anticipated. She crossed her arms defiantly as she rode her carriage. Gale had kept his promise. She really was to leave with him the week next.
Her servants had already packed her belongings. She bit her lip. She had packed nearly a week's worth of gowns and kimonos…
She only hoped that Gale would bring her back sooner…
Why did he bring her with him anyway?
'Probably to make sure that I wouldn't run away.' she thought sourly.
Feeling bored, she looked out of the window and saw the Imperial Guards surround the carriage. She smiled as she saw the strong and powerful horses galloping proudly beside her carriage.
She loved horses…
She loved to ride them; well, she was in training. She never rode one professionally. She was always kept within a carriage and had to beg her father to allow her to learn how to ride one.
She missed it though…her old life. She immediately wondered if Gale would allow her to ride one.
She sneered at that, "That stiff wouldn't understand." She narrowed her eyes and sat back down, resting her back on the cushions, "All he cares about is following Shailendra around like some dog!"
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Argilla inhaled deeply, taking in the amorous scent of the flower that she held in her hands…Jasmine.
"Is there anything else you need Your Highness?"
Argilla turned and saw Priya having a worried look on her face. Argilla smiled and motioned for her to come closer to where she sat.
She had gone from the palace and had decided to explore the nearby hills…There, on the grassy fields, among the flowers she had asked her passé to halt. And now, she sat there, just feeling at ease…
For a while there, it almost seemed like home…
Arkanadara wasn't all that bad…She had been mistaken. Before, she had thought that it had been all stone walls and battle fortresses…But being there, on that hill, made her realize that not all of Arkanadara was of military design.
She smiled as Priya sat a foot away from her, holding a pitcher with her, "Are you thirsty Highness?"
Argilla laughed, "Don't call me 'Highness' Priya…just call me Argilla."
Immediately, the timid look upon the girl's face was replaced by a look of terror, "I cannot do that Your Highness…King Shailendra's words are law…I cannot disobey him…!"
Argilla sighed; Shailendra. Yes. He would be a problem.
She smiled at the timid girl and touched her hand, which made the girl gasp. Argilla tightened her hold on the girl's hand, "Do not be frightened Priya. I won't allow Shailendra to do any harm to you." She smiled at the girl again, "You can call me by my name when we're alone…"
Argilla allowed her pink orbs to penetrate the young girl's onyx orbs, conveying to her that she spoke no lie…and that she really was adamant about her being called by her personal name.
Priya bowed, "I thank you Your Highness…"
Argilla chuckled, "I thought I told you to not call me that…"
"But I…"
"Then make it a command Priya. I command you to call me 'Argilla'. Do you understand?" she asked, looking straight within the girl's eyes once more.
The girl nodded, smiling a bit, "Of course Your-Argilla."
"Good."
As she continued to smile at Priya, something else caught Argilla's attention…Yes…her bodyguard. She suddenly felt warm all over her body as she saw a glimpse of him from behind Priya.
She stole a glance at him and there, she saw that he was looking at her. Argilla immediately diverted her gaze elsewhere.
Had he seen that she was looking at him?
'What am I thinking?! What am I doing?!' she shouted at herself.
Suddenly, Argilla felt the heat of the sun on her fair skin. She heard Priya gasp in surprise, "Oh my! I apologize Your Highness! I had left your shade and your fan unattended!"
With much haste, she sprang to her feet and adjusted the crowned queen's shade. Argilla looked on after her but instead, her eyes fell upon her mysterious bodyguard once more. He was unmoving and unflinching; he was just there…As still and lifeless as a statue…
She wondered if…
She suddenly smiled at him, "What is your name?" She felt utterly foolish at that moment. She had had him in her service for almost a week now, and she had not once even attempted a conversation…until now that is. And what did she ask him?
His name.
'Of course I know his name!' she internally seethed. She just merely wanted a conversation…
He didn't respond. She then beckoned for him to come to her. He obediently followed, "Your Highness…" he bowed, "What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering…Why were you standing all the way over there?" she asked him curiously.
She knew that she shouldn't be even talking to him…but…she couldn't help it.
Something about him intrigued her.
"I do not wish to invade your space Highness." he replied respectfully.
She chuckled, "You're not. So, tell me…Uh…what is your name again?"
"It's Roland Highness." he replied curtly.
Argilla nodded, "Ah yes…Roland." She then turned back to the scenery. She could feel the breeze pass by, making the tall grass and shrubs sway left and right.
Without looking at him, she spoke again, "Are you a local of Arkanadara Roland?"
"No Highness. I'm not."
Argilla chuckled; he was too uptight. He was just responding to her questions as if they were "yes or no" questions.
"Where are you from?" she asked him.
"I come from a tribe, a country further west of here…"
Argilla turned to look at him. She stared at him, wanting to see his eyes…but it remained hidden within his glasses, "Your tribe…What happened to it?"
Roland looked at the queen. She really was…as beautiful as he had heard from the rumors…Of course, he had thought that ever since that morning, a week past, when the king had introduced them to her…But…he had never really seen her as close as he did at that moment…
She was flawless in every way…
He couldn't believe that she would actually talk to him…
"My country, my tribe, fell to Arkanadara two years ago."
Argilla gasped and covered her gaping mouth with her hand. She looked at him with sympathetic eyes, "I'm sorry to hear that Roland."
Roland nodded, "It's quite alright Your Highness."
Argilla nodded, "So, you had decided to work for the crown instead?"
Roland wasn't sure what the queen wanted to know. Was this an interrogation? And if so, why was she interrogating him?
He felt a bit uncomfortable as he answered her last question…and she seemed to be probing about his past still. But nonetheless, he couldn't really tell her to cease her incessant querying.
He had not that kind of power.
He was a bit surprised though; she had not spoken to him all week long but then, today, she suddenly did. What changed? Well, he could think about it some more somewhere else, some other time…
He saw his salvation on the horizon. Argilla followed his gaze. There.
The sun was beginning to set.
Argilla sighed; she knew what it was she was to do. She was to return to the palace…Serph would be displeased if he didn't find her there…
She slowly stood and there, Priya immediately ran to her, assisting her in any way possible.
Roland smiled inwardly; he got away from her questions just barely…But what about next time? Or the moment after that?
But still he was glad that he got to talk to her…She seemed like a nice person. She wasn't obnoxious or arrogant…She actually wanted to know about him! That was a surprise right there…
'Roland are you stupid?!' his inner self shouted at him, 'You shouldn't look at King Shailendra's property! Are you trying to get us killed?'
Roland immediately felt a knot within his gut. He knew what the voice spoke of…He was physically attracted to the queen…
Argilla sighed and began to walk away from the hill with Priya and Roland in tow. She walked towards the castle. Soon, she had reached her chambers. Dinner would soon be served…She was expected to attend of course.
It was something that she looked forward to. There, she would see her sisters. Well, that was if Serph deemed it. He could easily just have her dine on her own just as he had commanded the days before. She frowned at that.
But still, she chose to be optimistic. She would see her sisters at dinner. She could see how they were faring…That was a good thing…But still, that wasn't what she was longing for…She wanted to be with them; even if just for a little while. She wasn't just content at seeing them.
She wanted to speak to them and embrace them…
"Ah, I see that my instructions weren't defied as I expected it would."
Argilla stiffened; she turned to see that her darling fiancé had decided to grace her with another meeting.
He smirked at her, "Leave us." he said, his command directed at Priya and Roland. A moment later, they were alone.
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Sera arranged the ornament within her hair meticulously. She smiled; she might see her sister at dinner. She had been hoping for the last few days to see Argilla…and possibly speak to her.
But, like Heat said, the king did not permit it.
Argilla was rarely seen out in the open. Sera frowned at that. She began to hear rumors of the "plaything" the king kept within his most secret of folds.
She would only guess that it was her sister.
She sighed; but she mustn't relent…
She suddenly blinked as she remembered her other sister. Jenna. She too had not been married yet. She hadn't spoken to her either; but she had seen her more often than not. But, even then, she had always been escorted by guards. If not, Gale had always been there…She could never find the chance to speak to her.
She sighed again. She stiffened as she felt hands on her arms, massaging them affectionately, "What's wrong?" her husband asked.
Sera smiled and turned around, looking at Heat, "Heat…?"
"What is it?" he asked her gently, his ruby eyes penetrating her soothing silver orbs.
"When will I be…?"
Heat sighed, "Is this about your sisters again?"
Sera cast her head down, "…"
Heat drew her to him, "Sera…"
"Why won't Gale or the king let me see them Heat? Why?" she yelled at him, desperation seen clearly written in her eyes and her sadness-filled face.
Heat said nothing, just continuing to run his fingers through the locks of ebony hair along her face and forehead.
She looked at him expectantly. Seeing her this way, he nodded, "Everything is still unsure Sera. Everything is uncertain. Your stay here…the marriages of your sisters…Right now, neither Junia nor Amadeus is married. Gale and the king would just want to ensure that they are here to stay…Perhaps they are attempting to spend time with your sisters without interruptions…"
"But…"
Heat narrowed his eyes at her and she immediately shrank back in her sari. She wasn't supposed to interrupt him…
"Gale and the king merely want allegiance. The king in particular wants a successful unification of our countries. But…do not fret. Things will change when the marriages are done. The marriages are like a binding contract. Without it, the king really has no claim and neither does Gale."
Finishing his sentence, Heat once more narrowed his eyes, looking at Sera with dead serious eyes, "The king would do everything to keep with him what belongs to him…whether she likes it or not."
Sera gulped as she looked at her husband. Gone was the gentle man that she loved…and now, there was only the strong and ominous aura of Arkanadara's general.
His demeanor suddenly changed and he weakly smiled at her, "Don't worry. I'm sure that the king would let you see her when the time is right."
"Thank you."
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Jenna was exhausted. She had fallen asleep in her carriage. The ride was long and hard.
Gale dismounted his horse and made his way towards Jenna's carriage. They had arrived and had finished presenting himself to the guards. He opened the carriage doors and there, he saw his princess leaning on the side of the carriage, her hair slightly disheveled.
He suddenly found a fuzzy feeling within his gut as he beheld her exhausted form. He was smiling with as he continued to look at her…The poor thing.
But being who and what he was, he did not allow his smile to reach the surface of his countenance. Contenting himself to his mental happiness, he reached out within the carriage and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her out of the carriage as gently as he could.
He carried her within the palace and within her room.
The king had sent him to oversee this kingdom's implementation of Arkanadara's rules and policies. He had come to oversee the crop production and the payment of tribute. He had also come to see the loyalty of their ruler.
And so, he had total access to everything within the country.
He had set her on her bed but wondered for a moment. It looked like she wouldn't be able to sleep soundly with her…state of dress.
He wondered for a moment whether or not he would take it upon himself to aid her into the state of undress…
Blood rushed to his face as he thought of the possibilities…He shook his head and looked at her firmly. The tight sash on her waist was anything but comfortable…and her hair…and her face…
He blinked; he should wake her.
She shouldn't sleep this way…
He touched her shoulder, "Jenna…"
She moaned but said nothing. He touched her again and raised his voice a bit, "Jenna…"
Here, she responded and fluttered her eyelids open. Gale couldn't breathe…What he saw was…He couldn't explain it. The way she was beneath him, the way she opened her eyes from drowsiness…
"Wake up."
She suddenly sat up right as she gathered and organized her thoughts. She was in a room, asleep with Gale…? This wasn't good.
"What are you doing here? Where am I? Why did you bring me here? You won't get anything out of me you hear?!" she thundered, scooting away from him, narrowing her eyes in anger.
Gale wasn't surprised anymore. Jenna tended to overreact when it came to these sorts of things…After all, she still did not trust him when it came to them being alone within a room…
Gale looked at her nonchalantly, "You fell asleep within your carriage. I was the one who brought you here. We are at the city of Shankara. We have arrived. I brought you here for you to get some rest. I'm not aiming to 'get' anything from you."
Jenna blushed, "Not that I believe you…Now that you've brought me here to get some rest, please leave me be."
Gale brought his hand to touch her face, still enthralled with her whole countenance. Her feisty attitude…It was addicting. He loved seeing her like this…She was forthright. She was steadfast. She was truly worthy of being his partner…
Seeing his hand near her face while his eyes were transfixed on hers, she snarled and slapped his hand away, "What are you doing?!" she hissed.
Gale broke away from his reverie and stood up, "Nothing. I apologize Jenna. Goodnight. I shall see you tomorrow. Be careful and don't even think of wandering these halls at night. We are not at Arkanadara. You won't be protected."
Jenna said nothing but continued to look at him, urging him to continue.
"These people hate us."
She snorted, "Don't you mean 'you'? It's Arkanadara who's enslaving this place anyway!"
Gale glared at her, "It matters not Jenna. The fact still stands that should you set one foot outside this door without your guards, you will not live to see your sisters."
Jenna paled at that. Gale smirked within. She wasn't that tough to control…He merely must find a chink in her armor and expand it…
And without further words he turned around and walked out of her chambers. Jenna watched him leave with mixed feelings. Why did he bring her here in the first place? There was nothing that she could do anyway…
Then…why?
Her attendants soon came and assisted her in the removing of her juni-hito.
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"How was your trip outside of the castle?" Serph asked her, his cheeky smile in place.
Argilla bowed, "It was satisfactory Your Highness." she said politely.
"So, I suppose that you are mistaken about Arkanadara." he mused as he walked around her chamber, walking over to the window.
"Mistaken Sire?" she asked in confusion.
"About our country." he said, laughing, "We're not as barbaric as you think we are Argilla." he laughed as he turned to look at her.
Argilla narrowed her eyes, "Yes. Arkanadara is a beautiful place…and the only barbarian here is you Your Highness." she finished malevolently, her words laced with malice and contempt.
Serph felt a painful sting in his chest. So, this was how she saw him…He felt his anger rise at that moment. And it took most of his willpower to stop himself from going over to her and beating her to the ground until she bled and then have his way with her.
She was coming dangerously close to testing his patience.
He would not let her win. There was no way that a woman would best him. He was the master of mind games…Right now he knew that he wanted her. He wanted her like he had never wanted a woman in his whole life. But she didn't know that…He would never let her know that. But still, he won't let her win.
Before she breathed her last breath, she would be the one desperate for him. He would make sure of it.
"You had better get ready for dinner. It would be served in an hour." he told her. A moment later, she found herself alone once more.
And then, again, Priya entered her room.
"Highness…"
Argilla felt her heart lighten as she looked at Priya. She was the one who lessened her stress here in this place. And the odd thing was that she had only met her a week prior. For some reason, she felt at ease with the young girl.
"The king is quite fond of you…" she said with a slight blush on her face.
Argilla raised an eyebrow. She had a feeling that…
No.
Priya was…? Was she right about Priya? Well, there was only one way to find out. But of course, it was too early to tell…She couldn't just ask her straight out. She needed to find out more.
"The king?" Argilla repeated.
Priya helped Argilla remove her veil and set it down carefully on the cushions, "Her Majesty is very fortunate to have His Majesty as her fiancé." Priya spoke dreamily.
Argilla's lips turned to a frown, "Priya," she said gravely. The girl looked at her with curious eyes, "What is it Highness? Is something amiss?"
Argilla looked at her with dead eyes, "I would never wish for anyone to be at my place at this moment…"
Priya's smile disappeared from her lips, and was now replaced by a concerned facial expression, "Highness? What do you mean?"
Argilla sighed and beckoned for Priya to come to where she sat. As the young girl approached her, she motioned for her to sit. And sit the girl did.
"Royalty isn't about fairytales Priya…It's complicated. The king is…a complicated matter."
Priya blinked and tilted her head to the side, "Pardon me Highness…but, may I ask a question?"
Argilla chuckled, "You already have. But, you still may ask."
Priya smiled at her politely, "If I may be so bold…But…doesn't Her Majesty feel affection for His Majesty?"
Argilla didn't know what to say…Her mind screamed for her to deny Shailendra. After all, it was the truth. She held not an ounce of love or affection for the man…But nonetheless, she really mustn't denounce him. Her marriage to him, after all, had its political foundations…
It would embarrass the king to no end should word get out that she loathed him. And if he heard it, he wouldn't punish her; he'd probably punish her people.
"Priya, where do you get such notions?" Argilla asked, effectively concealing her cracking and shaking voice, "You said so yourself that the king is very fond of me…"
"So I did Your Highness, but…I have yet to hear such words from you towards him." she finished with a blush.
Argilla smiled mentally. This girl…really was a girl; pure and innocent. She knew nothing of blackmail or deception, pretenses…She still lived within the world of fairytales; where the prince and princess would marry and live happily ever after…
If only she knew the truth…
So, taking a deep breath and then releasing it evenly, Argilla slowly spoke, "I myself am very fond of the king Priya…He's a…good man." She wanted to kill herself at that point. She was lying through her teeth and her simple words were almost enough to choke her.
Priya smiled, "I'm so happy for you Highness…Your marriage to the king in five days would be the most awaited and spectacular event in the season within the country!"
Argilla felt her heart skip a beat.
'Five days…It's just five more days…I didn't even notice the time pass by. What have I been doing? Where are Jenna and Sera? He promised me I could see them!! I need to talk to him about that.'
And about Priya…well, the conclusion had not yet been conceived…
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The banquet was magnanimous; nothing less could be expected. Serph sat at the head of the long rectangular table. Argilla sat at the right hand side of the king and cast her face down, trying to quell the stares that she was getting…
She was wearing a different style of sari. No longer showing her abdomen, the skirt of the sari was now several feet long, wrapped around her hips elaborately and then made to diagonally wrap her torso.
It was brought from her back, onto the hips and then through the chest, hanging on her left shoulder. It was good though as it concealed her body from the men that sat along with them on the table. Stealing a glance from her right, her eyes widened. It was Sera! She was there!
She discretely turned her head to get a better angle of the table, looking for Jenna. But she was severely disappointed to find that she wasn't present.
Not just her but Gale as well.
She frowned; where were they?
"So, this is the rumored pink-haired beauty that you keep to yourself Majesty!" a man in front of Argilla said.
Argilla remained quiet and refused to look up.
She gasped though as she felt a hand grab hers. It was Serph. She looked at him and saw him smiling proudly at her and then, turning to address the man who had uttered the previous statement.
"She's more than that Satinder." Serph grinned at the man, raising a triumphant eyebrow.
The man, the obese man with the turban chuckled heartily, "Is that so?"
Serph smirked, "She is the crowned queen of Arkanadara. Isn't that right Amadeus?" he asked her, squeezing her hand firmly.
She looked at him again and nodded, "Yes. I am…Your Highness."
"The rumors are true then?" Satinder asked.
"What rumors?" Serph asked darkly, the grin that he had before disappearing.
"That you are planning to have heirs." Satinder stated boldly.
Serph nodded and smiled maniacally at the man, "Well…I believe that it's time, yes."
Satinder took a sip of his drink from his golden chalice and then looked at the king again, "I really must commend you on your choice King Shailendra. Your fiancée is simply the most striking woman that I had ever laid eyes on."
Serph laughed, and then looked at the obese man with contempt, "Yes. She's mine. You had better not forget that, if you want to continue breathing." he said, emphasizing on the word "mine".
Argilla wanted to shrink in her sari. There were many who looked at her…She didn't want to be the center of such unwanted attraction…
The hour ticked by and then, it was over. The banquet was done and now the female dancers were entertaining the court. The whole court sat on the floor on comfortable cushions. Argilla didn't feel strange though…They had also had this sort of practice at Flavius Adeodatus.
Argilla sat beside the king, on his right, her cushion a bit forward. Her eyes were darting wildly at Sera. She sat further in the left of the king, beside her husband.
Argilla felt horrible. She could do nothing. Her sister was only a few feet away and yet she could do nothing. She felt angry at that moment; she hated the feeling of helplessness. Her life was no longer her own. Now, she needed permission just to say hello to her own sister?!
Never did she think that it would ever come to this…
'But I suppose that it's what all victims of the world say…They never think that the atrocities committed to them or the tragedies they face would ever happen to them…I suppose I am now one of them…How pitiful.' she told herself, shaking her head.
Serph seemed to have noticed and draped a warm hand on her shoulder. Argilla blinked and turned back to Serph, "Highness?"
Serph looked at her with concerned silver eyes, "You seem distracted Amadeus…Is there something that you would like?"
This was her chance! He wouldn't dare refuse her! Would he? He was, after all, in front of the court…filled with visitors from foreign lands and nobles…
Surely he would grant her, her wish.
"Highness, I would very much like to…" she faltered, her voice low and meek.
Serph tilted her chin upwards, letting her look at him, "Come now Amadeus, tell me." he grinned. He loved seeing her this submissive. He wondered though. She wasn't the submissive type. It could only mean one thing.
Whatever she wanted was probably something that was very dear to her…
'I think I already have an idea of what it might be…' he thought wistfully.
'Damn…I hate this!' she thought angrily to herself. She hated begging him for this…Knowing what little she knew about the king, she'd assume that he would gloat to himself upon hearing her beg…
'Egotistical…Well, whatever it takes!'
She just needed to speak to Sera…
"I would very much…like to see my sisters…Sire." she finished with a tone of hope; hope that was also reflected in her eyes.
Serph was grinning like an elf within…He could easily see the fragile flower of hope within her eyes. Oh how easy it would be for him to pluck it and crush it within his hands…
He wanted so much to hurt her…But that would drive her to hate him more than she already did…
For now, he would give her what she wanted.
"Ah, the Princess Severina is the only one present. I regret to inform you that Princess Junia had left Arkanadara with Gale."
He saw with delight as her eyes widened with fear and sadness. She wanted so much to ask him but he knew that she wouldn't utter a word. Amadeus wasn't stupid. She knew full well that insolence in the court was the absolute disrespect…
She wouldn't dare cross that line.
He was right.
She said nothing but he saw the desperation within her eyes. She wanted to know. But still, he didn't think he wanted to tell her anything. He didn't owe her an explanation, "I sent Gale on a diplomatic mission. He must've taken Junia with him."
That was it. Argilla couldn't believe him. He would say nothing more! She took in his calm countenance and read his composed eyes. No. He wouldn't reveal anything more. She'd rather not ask…
He nodded, "You may speak with Severina. Go." he motioned. He looked at Heat, "Heat…the crowned queen would like a word with Princess Severina."
Heat nodded; his face hard and stern.
Argilla looked at Serph and smiled, "Thank you Your Highness."
He merely nodded.
Serph watched as Argilla left his side, walking away with Severina to talk. His eyes then darted to Roland who stood in the midst of shadows. He came forward and understood the king's command. He was to watch over the crowned queen.
Nodding, Roland disappeared and followed the sisters…
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Roland watched from the shadows as the two women embraced one another. They probably had not seen each other in a while…seeing as they were so entranced with each other. He looked at the crowned queen with softened eyes…
She was even more beautiful than he remembered…
She was so elegant, so…charming.
He could hear her voice from where he stood. Her voce was soothing to the ears and pleasant to the heart…He didn't know how to explain it…But he just knew that he was quite taken with her…
He knew that it was dangerous. The king would have him killed should he even suspect him of having such feelings for his fiancée…But Roland didn't know what to do. He can't help it. The only thing that he could do was to…not say anything about it. As long as he kept his distance from her, he would be fine…
'I shouldn't be near her under any circumstances…I will…however, protect her with my life…' he silently vowed, his eyes blazing with determination.
Yes. He would protect this woman…He would protect the queen…
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"Sera!" Argilla sighed, breathing out her sister's name as she embraced her tightly.
Sera nuzzled her face close to Argilla's, holding onto her sister for dear life, "Onee-sama…I missed you…" she said, her voice cracking.
Argilla smiled as she closed her eyes, just holding Sera within her arms…She pulled away though as she felt something wet on her sari…She looked at her sister and saw that she was sniffing and crying.
"Sera…don't cry…I'm here now." Argilla said, smiling affectionately at her, cupping her face in her hand.
Sera, who continued to sniff, had her cheeks droop sadly. But after hearing her words, she tried with all her might to smile and meet Argilla's concerned pink eyes, "Onee-chan…"
"I thought I'd never see you again…!" Sera exclaimed as she squeezed her sister's arms, smiling weakly.
"Me too…"
Argilla lightly touched Sera's forehead, letting her slender fingers thread through her silky ebony hair, "So…you're married huh?" she asked Sera, smiling a bit.
This was her chance. This was her chance to get to know how her sister was faring…She wouldn't hide anything from her. That, she knew…
Sera blushed and turned away, smiling timidly, "I am…"
"How is he treating you?" she asked, her eyes searching hers as her hand turned Sera's face to face hers.
Sera bravely peered within Argilla's cold but concerned pink eyes and smiled happily, "I'm happy Argilla…"
A flash of skepticism ran through Argilla's pink eyes and she frowned, "You don't have to hide anything from me Sera. You keep nothing from me."
Sera shook her head and took a step back, eliminating the contact between them, "I'm…I don't know what to tell you Argilla…I'm telling you the truth…Heat…he…"
Argilla narrowed her eyes, "Heat…? The general…That's what he allows you to call him?" she asked with incredulity.
Sera sighed, "Argilla, I'm happy with Heat…He cares about me." she said firmly.
Argilla was taken aback. Never had Sera spoken to her in this manner of voice and tone.
"I apologize Sera. You…your life is your own."
Sera blinked; she was taking it the wrong way! She immediately grabbed Argilla's hand and squeezed it, "Argilla, please don't be displeased…I really am happy with Heat. I'm not hiding anything from you…"
Sera held her breath. What would her sister say?
Argilla merely smiled and embraced her once more, "For that…I'm glad Sera…All I ever wanted was to see you happy…Nothing more…You and Jenna both…"
"Thank you." Sera said meekly. A moment later, the two pulled back and sat on the nearby cushions.
Argilla spoke first, "Sera, where is Jenna? The king had told me that she had departed with Gale…"
Sera shook her head, "I know nothing. Heat had not spoken to me about it. I am at a loss of what to tell you…What about His Majesty?"
"I do not wish to speak of such an ill creature Sera." Argilla hissed.
Sera blinked; Argilla had always been like that. Argilla was very careful when it came to the matters of the heart. She had even insisted to their parents when they were still both alive that she did not plan to marry and would rule the country by herself…
Sera wasn't surprised that Argilla did not like the king…
To her, personally, he looked quite frightening.
"Onee-sama, your wedding is in five days…" Sera trailed off, looking at her sympathetically.
Argilla looked at her steadfastly, "I am aware of that. Do not concern yourself Sera. I am quite fine with the idea of marriage."
Sera smiled weakly and nodded, "It'll be alright Argilla…You don't have to pretend to be strong for us…"
Argilla's eyes widened but said nothing.
Sera held her hand, "Sometimes, it is we who must be strong for you…"
Argilla cast her face down and looked at the fabric of her sari with displeased eyes. She was strong. She would not yield; not to Serph, not to Sera, not to anyone.
She looked at Sera with cold eyes, "I'm alright. Do not worry."
Sera sighed; Argilla was as proud as ever. But still, she knew what she was doing. Sera had complete faith in Argilla's capability.
So, without further words, Sera lunged herself at Argilla, embracing her as much and as tight as she could, "I love you Argilla…"
"I love you too…"
Their moment was suddenly broken as Roland cleared his throat. Argilla felt her blood boil.
Who dared interrupt them?!
She narrowed her eyes and turned to look at the pitiful person that would face her wrath, only to have her anger dissipate as she gazed upon the calm and stoic face of her personal guard.
She immediately felt blood travel to her face.
Sera looked at the interaction between them with mild interest…
But nonetheless, remained perfectly quiet.
"Yes? What is it?" Argilla calmly asked the platinum-haired man.
"The king has requested your presence." he said, bowing respectfully, not daring to meet her eyes any longer than he already did.
Argilla felt her displeasure mount. She had just begun to speak to Sera and that barbarian had to ruin everything!
Argilla sighed, "Alright. Come Sera," she said, turning to her youngest sister, "let us go."
The two stood and there walked away with Roland following closely behind.
"I shall speak to you again soon Sera. I promise." Argilla spoke, whispering as she leaned slightly towards her as they walked.
Sera smiled, "Alright…I'll be waiting for you…"
A moment later, Argilla found herself by the king's side, "Sire…you sent for me?"
Serph looked at her firmly, "Yes. I believe it's time for you to retire to your chambers."
Argilla's eyes widened and she stole a glance at Sera who spoke to her husband with a smile on her face. It would seem that it was only Argilla being treated this way! Why was the king constricting her this way?
"But I…"
The words of protest quickly died within her throat as she saw his eyes; his blazing angry eyes. They were warning her…warning her to not say anything and at the same time, his silver eyes were daring her. They were daring her to go ahead with her feelings and utterance of protest.
They were daring her so that he may bestow upon her the most severe punishment for defying him.
Argilla frowned at him and glared, "I wish to stay Sire."
Here, she saw a flash of surprise rush through Serph's eyes, only to be replaced by a look of total lividness and loathing.
'You'll be punished for that Amadeus…' Serph thought angrily.
He narrowed his eyes at her as he heard the guffaws of laughter from behind and beside him. It was the other noblemen.
"What an insolent woman!" a random voice called out.
"Surely His Majesty would teach the woman her place!" another said.
Serph glowered at the woman a second more, before smirking at her, turning his face away, beckoning for Roland to come forward.
The man bowed obediently before the king, "Your Majesty…what can I do for you?"
The king touched his chin in thought, "Take the queen to her chambers."
Argilla glared at him defiantly, "I will not allow myself to be removed!" she muttered darkly.
The laughter again resumed. Serph began to lose his patience. The people within the court were probably thinking that this was some sort of opera house! It wasn't! It was his imperial court!
He would not be disgraced! No one could do that to him! No one! And most especially, not a woman!
"And if she refuses?" Roland asked calmly, never taking his eyes from the floor, continuing to kneel faithfully.
"Drag her if you must. I want this wench removed from my sight." Serph commanded with seething anger.
"As you wish."
Here, Argilla crossed her arms. They could try to remove her, or even throw her in the dungeons, but she didn't care. She was through being his little lapdog. She refused to beg him any longer.
She could feel Roland approach her but she did not yield. Finally, she saw him in front of her, "Your Majesty. Please allow me to escort you to your chambers."
"No."
Her answer was a flat as the floor. Roland sighed. He really didn't want to resort to anything drastic…but she insisted. Grabbing her arms firmly, he hoisted her up and lifted her off the ground, putting her on his shoulders, ignoring her shouts and her kicks, before fading from the court room.
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Sera paled as she watched Argilla dragged away. She had always been that way…When she set her mind on something, she would do it. She would do anything and everything to ensure its success…It had always been an admirable trait…
But now, she wasn't so sure.
The king would be very angry with her…
He would most probably punish her too…
She bit her lip as she saw flashes of ominous prophecies from within her mind.
'Argilla…what have you done now?' she thought with worry and regret.
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A/N: This is just a recap of the names of the places.
Arkanadara: Serph's Kingdom.
Shankara: Was a kingdom but had fallen to Serph's army and thus became a city. Gale and Jenna are currently located within.
