Red River: Kira Ishtar
A bad omen has struck our protagonists! The slave boy Tito is to be executed by hanging! But our brave and kind-hearted heroine refuses to let Queen Nakia's treachery destroy the lives of others! But Kira must be careful-or her kind deeds might just lead her down a path filled with death and sorrow.
Chapter 4 - Heart of Gold
"Tito's execution?! What do you mean?! He's innocent!" Kira cried in protest.
"The moment I took you into my palace, you became a member of my household. A princess under the law. Anyone who tries to harm one of the royal family must die. It's the law." Prince Kail explained.
"But the Queen was manipulating Tito!" She pleaded, grabbing hold of Prince Kail's arms. "He wasn't in his right mind!"
He gazed upon Kira with sad eyes. "There is no evidence to prove that. I don't want him to die either Kira," He sighed. "But the law is the law." Then out of nowhere, Kira delivered a hard smack to the back of his head. The prince yelped in response and scowled her way.
"You dumbass!" She yelled, jumping off the bed and hurrying to search for some sort of clothes she could wear. "Instead of getting out there to help stop this execution, you'd rather shack it up with me! Well, playtime is over! Now where is the execution being held? And help me find some clothes!" She ordered. She was a fiery spirit. No doubt about that. Very different from the girls he was used to seeing. Maybe that's why he has taken a liking to her?
After giving her a pair of boy's clothing-there were no girls who lived here except for Kira so it was all they had, the two ran outside to the streets where people were gathering around watching the preparations begin.
"Dear Gods, he's just a child!" a woman whispered.
"What was his crime?" another asked.
"I believe he tried to murder the new princess in Prince Kail Mursili's household." said another woman.
"Then the boy is a fool." a burly man said gruffly watching as the soldiers pulled Tito to a wooden man-made contraption that held the noose that would end his short life. Tito's eyes were closed, not out of fear but shame. He barely remembered the events of the night before and whatever he did remember horrified him. How could he want to kill Princess Kira? Such a kind soul like hers; it was impossible!
Nonetheless, Tito was ready to face his execution knowing that he deserved it for such a heinous crime. The noose was tied to the strappings on a full grown horse and the soldiers moved in unison, placing Tito's head through the hold and when he was ready, they gave the signal.
"Pull!" said the commanding soldier.
"Stop the execution!" A feminine voice said approaching the field. The crowd looked in wonder to see the victim— Princess Kira, rushing over to Tito's side with Prince Kail and his servants trailing behind.
"P-Princess Kira!" said the soldiers who bowed upon her entrance. The crowds followed in pursuit.
"This is an injustice! I want Tito freed!" She demanded. The shamed slave boy's head shot up in surprise seeing this brave girl fight for him.
"Kira," said Prince Kail, placing a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to pull her back, but Kira was adamant in making sure that Tito would not die for the Queen's actions. She pulled herself away from him.
"Please! Tito is innocent! It was only a scratch! And he was so tired and overworked! He was delirious when everything happened! You must see that he wasn't in his right mind!" She pleaded.
"Your pardon, princess … but under our law, a commoner who raises a hand against a royal must die. It is absolete." said the leading soldier. "This is not one commoner to another. He tried to kill you—a royal member of Prince Kail's house."
"I am not a royal!" She said, shaking her head vehemently. "I am a commoner, just like Tito! So what's the crime if a commoner injures another commoner?"
"The penalty is hard labour or a fine." said another soldier.
"Alright then, so as punishment for giving me a small scratch, I will punish Tito by making him work extra hard for me for the rest of his days. Now free him!" She demanded.
The soldiers were shocked beyond comprehension. "B-But princess … that is counter to our law. We cannot let this boy live after committing a terrible crime against you prin—"
"I am not a princess!" Kira shouted. "I'm Kira! A commoner girl from—" she paused, realizing she had to control her emotions lest she reveal something that could possible sink her into deeper trouble. "From a poor country! I have no rank, no royal status—nothing! Which means that no law has been countered because Tito injured a commoner! But if you all are so dead-set in calling me a royal—then obey your princess and let Tito go!"
At this point, Prince Kail had heard and seen enough of Kira making a fool of herself and his household name. The young prince grabbed at his princess and held her back from saying anything more.
"Kira! You're abusing your royal prerogative!" He hissed. Kira shot him a harsh glare.
"Abusing my royal prerogative?! I am trying to save a boy from being unjustly executed while you and everyone else here would rather see his blood spill for a crime he didn't commit! This is how I choose to use my royal power, Prince Kail! By saving the life of those who cannot fight for themselves!" She shouted, loud enough for everybody to witness and hear. All eyes, including Prince Kail's and Tito's were centered on this fiery girl. Awe filled admiration filled the hearts of all those who watched on.
And even Prince Kail couldn't help but admire her bravery—to stand up to him and everyone who told her otherwise. Yes. She was an interesting woman.
"Alright, Kira." said Prince Kail with a soft smile. "We'll take Tito home." Relief and happiness flooded through Kira who quickly embraced the young prince in a tight hug—eternally grateful for how things played out.
"What?! You too, Prince Kail?!" said the commanding officer. The young prince only chuckled lightly and wrapped his arms around Kira's petite yet curvaceous form.
"As you see … my princess insists. How can I possibly refuse her?" He replied smoothly and kissed her unusual pink and brown hair coloured hair. The realization then sunk in that she was still holding onto Prince Kail and Kira tried to back away, but he held her in place.
"Kikkuri, bring Tito along." Prince Kail ordered. Kikkuri immediately went to the noose and cut the boy free from its grasp. Tito then fell to his knees and cried profusely.
"I … I … ," he stuttered. Finding the right words to say to Kira was almost impossible for the young boy. How and why would this princess—this kindred soul fight for him like she did? For a slave? He didn't have the answer to that question. All Tito knew was that he was indebted to her.
Kira rushed over to Tito's side and enveloped the boy into a tight embrace.
"It's alright now, Tito. You're safe." She soothed.
"P-Princess Kira … it would serve me right if Prince Kail killed me right here!" He wailed.
Kira hushed his cries. "Don't talk like that, Tito. You did no wrong and I don't believe you should die for nothing."
"I swear to you, Princess! I will do whatever you ask of me! Anything at all, no matter how exhausting or challenging-I will do it for you! You have but to only ask!" Kira didn't respond to his proclamations. She was just relieved that Tito would live to see another day.
PRINCE KAIL'S PALACE
Tito immediately went to work in the kitchens and help all the servants throughout the palace the minute they arrived home. Kira was a little taken aback by his drive to serve now that he was spared from death by her and Prince Kail-but she didn't think he would take it so seriously.
Prince Kail and Kira went back to their rooms which allowed Kira some time to herself. Since she came to Hattusa, the girl hadn't really expressed all of her feelings about being away from home. And knowing that Queen Nakia was the only one who could send her back made the whole situation worse. Peering out her small window, Kira fell to her bed and cried hysterically.
"I know it's only been a few days … but … I just know they're so worried about me!" She cried into her pillow. Seconds later, her door creaked open and in came the handsome prince who looked down upon her tear-streaked face and sat beside his sobbing princess. A hand reached up to brush her hair back behind her ear gingerly. She watched his face and saw only sadness in his eyes.
"You miss your home. Your family, yes?" He asked softly.
She sniffled. "Terribly. And the worst part is-I know Queen Nakia will never send me back as long as I have blood running through my veins!" She wept. "Why does it have to be her? Why can't someone else send me back?"
Prince Kail raised an eyebrow. "Nakia isn't the only one who can send you back, Kira. Any magician of equal ability can undo her damage."
Hope was restored in Kira's heart as she practically jumped into Prince Kail's arms, wanting to hear more. The amused man smirked at her reaction.
"Are you sure?! Please tell me you aren't joking!" She begged, grabbing onto his clothes.
"Calm down, you hyperactive rabbit." He chuckled, prying her hands off of his shirt. "And yes, I am sure. A priest or priestess whose power is of the highest order can reverse the spell that brought you here."
"Where can I find one?" She asked frantically. Prince Kail shot her a devilish smirk.
"Hmm … I'm afraid I've forgotten." He teased.
"Don't screw around with me like that! Please, I need to know!" She practically hollered. Now, the prince was laughing wholeheartedly much to Kira's annoyance.
"Alright alright—I'll tell you!" He snickered before composing himself in a regal fashion. Kira waited patiently.
"Kira: I can also send you home. I am a priest of the Temples as well." He began. "But whether the Queen does it or myself—for you to return; things must be just as they were when you came here. For example: all seven of Hattusa's springs must be full. During this season, the springs become full whenever the morning star shines in the east. We need to wait for that moment … but there is something else." He pauses.
"Something else?" Kira questions.
"We need to have the clothes you were wearing when you arrived here as well. Do you know where they are?"
The girl frowned. "They're in the Great Temple. Before they took me out for the ritual; some women came in, took my clothes and changed me into that white dress."
Prince Kail made a small expression and looked to his trusty servant. "Kikkuri; send someone to find out what's become of her clothes immediately."
"Yes sir!"
"I can go with—" she was hushed by the strong shake of Prince Kail's head.
"Stay in your room." He said firmly. Kira inwardly winced—even though he didn't raise his voice.
"But why?" She asked.
"Besides having magic powers; the authority of the Queen's is second to the Emperor's. If she finds you on your own; you will never be able to return once she's got her hands on you."
Kira frowned. Prince Kail sympathized with her sadness.
"Just stay inside and keep quiet, alright?" Kira nodded glumly as he exited.
"Am I truly safe here in this palace then?" She sighed out loud.
"Of course!" Tito suddenly appeared. "There's no need to worry. The Queen can't touch us here otherwise it would cause a reason for concern. And Prince Kail would never let anything happen to you. He'll protect you." The boy smiled.
Kira smiles lightly to herself. Aside from the incident this morning—Prince Kail has been there every single time she was in trouble. And though she wasn't impressed with his playboy, sex-crazed behavior—she was grateful to him.
THE NEXT DAY: (PRINCE KAIL'S PALACE)
"Prince Kail? Are you here?" asked Kira; aimlessly wandering through the halls. She stops shortly when she comes into the open space of a rooftop balcony that overlooks the prince's well-maintained garden.
The handsome blonde was seated comfortably on the ledge and smiled her way. "There you are, Kira. I was just going to send for you."
He reaches over and grasps a bowl of greenish fruit with a light golden glisten. "Here. Eat these."
Kira takes the bowl with wary on her face and eats them slowly. A sweet taste bursts in her mouth and awakens her sleeping nerves.
"These are delicious!" She says happily. Prince Kail smiles.
"I knew you'd like them. They're honeyed jujubes. A rare treat in Hattusa." His smile widens as he watched the girl each heartily. Kira notices and blushes.
"Sorry, I must look like a pig to you." She mumbles embarrassed. The young prince shakes his head.
"Not at all. I find it rather relaxing to see a woman so comfortable before me. Eat as much as you like. You needn't worry what I think." She blushed.
"But … if I eat too much—I'll get super fat." She joked.
"That's partially the reason why I want you to eat them." He reveals openly. Kira stares at him with confusion.
"You already have a curvaceous body, don't get me wrong—but these will make sure you have the proper weight for child-bearing." At those words, Kira gasped and stood abruptly.
"Child-bearing?!"
"Yes … and the fruit will also help in making sure your breasts grow. They are a decent size right now, but a little more plumpness wouldn't hurt, right?"
"I'm sixteen for God's Sake!" She shrieked. "How big do you want them to be?!"
Both Prince Kail and Tito became puzzled and shocked.
"She's sixteen? I thought she was younger like thirteen." Prince Kail whispered. "I guess the people in her country marry their daughters at old age."
"Old age?!" She repeated with a furious tone. "You're such a beast! Thank God I won't be here for you to fatten me up or get me pregnant anyways so you can kiss your little plan goodbye!" She hissed and then stomped away.
LATER IN THE EVENING
"What? The Queen took Kira's clothes with her?" said Prince Kail.
"That's what the priests said." His servant replied.
"Should we go get them now?" Kira asked. The prince shook his head.
"No, Magic is stronger during the nighttime. We must act with forethought … Nakia wants us to fall right into her trap. She wants us or better yet—you, to naively wander by yourself so she can trap you. We have to be smart about this."
"I understand." Kira said sadly. Prince Kail, noticing her glum mood, placed a finger under her chin.
"Be patient, Kira. We will get your clothes back and send you home in no time. All you need to do is trust me." He said softly. "Can you do that?"
"I'll … I'll try, Prince Kail."
A LITTLE WHILE LATER
"But you have so many empty rooms in this palace? Why do we have to sleep together?" Kira whined as Prince Kail looked on with a bored expression.
"I am Hattusa's greatest lady's man. I do have a reputation to protect, you know." He huffs. "No one must know that you remain unravished."
Kira's brow furrowed. "Why do I feel like there's more to this than you're letting on?"
The Prince resisted the urge to smirk. She was an intuitive girl; but for her own protection—he kept his plan secret and merely shrugged as he adjusted himself into a comfortable position. Kira, knowing it would be pointless to argue or to even attempt to escape, relented and turned on her side—facing away from the handsome prince, who was slightly saddened to have her back to him.
Regardless; he pulled her slim body to him and inhaled the fresh, minty smell in her colorful hair. All while listening to the whistling winds that called to him.
IN A SECRET ROOM
"Dammit! I can't see her!" Nakia cursed. "Prince Kail must've locked her up! Damn him!" She grumbled, examining Kira's strange attire.
"She cannot return home without her clothes. She must desperately want them but Kail is probably preventing her! There has to be a way to lure her out!"
Suddenly, the water in the large pan rumbles slightly with an image arising. Kira was sneaking away.
Nakia immediately grinned. "What's this? The little fool is leaving her sanctuary? Hmm … you are desperate aren't you?" She beams evilly.
"Urhi—please welcome the princess properly, will you?"
"Of course, your Majesty."
BACK AT PRINCE KAIL'S PALACE
It was a brief noise that awoke Kira from her peaceful sleep. The prince was still enraptured into the night's spell, carefully wrapped around and protecting the young woman. A small, soft noise appeared again beyond the door. The prince didn't stir, but Kira did.
'Is someone there?' She thought carefully. Skillfully, she loosened the prince's grip on her form and slipped out for his hold towards the door with careful steps.
Barefoot, she tiptoed down the hall whilst scanning the area and almost yelped when she came across someone else. She covered her mouth as her eyes widened to see Tito, with a sword in his hand and a surprised expression on his face as well.
"Tito!" She half-whispered, half-yelled. "What're you doing out here?"
"Nothing, Princess Kira!" The boy replied with a small panic in his voice. Kora raised her eyebrow.
"Really? Then why are you carrying a sword?"
"I … I was …," the boy was at loss for words and eventually sighed, confessing the truth.
"The truth is: I was … on my way … to the Queen Dowager's palace."
"The Queen's Palace? But why?"
"I … wanted to help you, Princess Kira. I know that Prince Kail won't allow you to leave with the Queen still scheming for you… and I know you're trying to be patient even though it's killing you not to go home yet. So I thought … if I could retrieve your clothes for you—then it would bring you one step closer to being with your family again."
"Tito …," Kira gasped, truly shocked by his bravery and sincerity to her.
"Please don't send me away back to the kitchen, Princess Kira! I want to do this for you! I'll be quick and swift! The Queen will never know I'm coming! Just go back to your room and—"
"I can't let you go, Tito." Kira interrupted. "Not without me, anyways."
"No, Princess! It's too dangerous for you!"
"This whole escapade is dangerous for you too, Tito! If the Queen catches you; who knows what punishment she will deliver? I have to come with you! We can escape quickly if we work as a team." She reassured. The slave boy was not totally convinced. Still, her own bravery and will to not let Tito go on his own was truly admirable. How could he possibly say no to such a sweet soul like hers?
"Okay, Princess." He nodded. "Just follow my lead." The two then ventured off together quickly towards the other side of Hattusa where the Dowager Queen's residence is.
"You know, I was really surprised to see you talk back to Prince Kail the way you did!" He announces. "My older sisters say that they would be too thrilled to speak if they ever met the prince!"
"You have sisters, Tito?"
"Yep! Three of them!" He grinned and then smiled lovingly at a necklace he wore. Kira smiled as well. "I have a sister too. Her name's Nia."
"You must miss her so much, Princess." The boy said sadly. "I know I did after my first few days in Hattusa. But that's why we're doing this Princess Kira; to reunite you with your family. And I swear to do whatever it takes to get you home." He said firmly before looking ahead. "Look! That's the Queen's Palace!"
Kira pauses with wide eyes. "That huge building on the hill is all hers?"
"Yep, perks of being a Queen."
PRINCE KAIL'S PALACE
"THAT FOOLISH GIRL!" barked the young prince with a stressed face. "I was trying to protect her from the Queen and her schemes! Hell, why else would I sleep in the same room as her?"
"On the contrary, my Prince: you seem very happy when you're with Princess Kira. Relieved, even."
"What?" The Prince gasped. "Do I really—nevermind that! She must be going to Nakia's palace! We have to stop her!"
"Sir!" A soldier rushed in. "Tito is missing as well!"
"What?!"
OUTSIDE NAKIA'S PALACE
Quietly, Tito pushes open the entrance door and peeks inside with Kira over his shoulder.
"I can't believe it's unlocked … and empty too!" He says with a happy smile. Kira wasn't so enthusiastic. Why would the Queen leave her door unlocked?
"Tito; we should turn back. This doesn't seem safe. And it's a little weird that a door to the most important person in the city would be unlocked."
"You're right, but we can't pull back now! We're so close to getting your clothes! We just need to stay together and protect each other."
Warily, the two stepped inside and scanned the area carefully.
"Where's the temple? I can't see it." Kira said and then suddenly freezes when she noticed a pond of water nearby. Tito looked at her with concern.
"What is it, Princess?"
"The water … be careful of the water, Tito. The Queen can control water; that's how I got here in the first place. Let's try to steer clear of it." She explained as they quickly passed.
However, Nakia was watching their every move and suddenly commanded the water to rise from the pond and shoot out in a dagger like fashion that quickly and painfully pierced a hole through Kira's hand that left a gaping wound.
"AAAAAHHHH!" She screamed in agony as she clutched her bleeding hand, falling to her knees. Tito rushed to her aide but paused when he saw spurt of water rise again and form into daggers headed towards her.
"Princess, watch out!" He shouts. The young woman reacted just in time and rolled over before the deadly water could pierce her flesh again. She was breathless and in stinging pain, laying over a closed off sewer that tumbled beneath her. Her eyes widened again.
"Shit!" She cursed and leaped out of the wya into Tito just in time as the water gushed upwards fiercely. The boy was scared beyond belief.
"Princess Kira! It's too dangerous here! We should go and let Prince Kail handle this!" He exclaimed as he helped her to her feet.
Kira hissed at the burning of her wound. "You're right. We should go while we can!" She said hurriedly. As Tito turned to lead the way out—a blunt force knocked him far away onto the stone floor as Kira watched in horror.
"Tito!" She cries and then yelped as she felt herself being grasped by her hair, hoisted up into the air by a very large and crazed man.
"Let go of me! Put me down!" She yelled and wriggled under his death grip as he carried her away while Tito lay on th ground completely disoriented.
After writhing for minutes under the large man's grasp; Kira was thrown onto a hard brick surface with a thud to her sensitive back.
"Oww!" She yelped and then froze unde the crazed man's stare. However, her attention soon became focused on what was hanging behind him.
'My clothes!' She thought frantically.
A sudden tear to her garments heightened the steady pace of her heart and the limp that boiled in her throat.
"Mmm … bronze skin—I've never seen or felt such luscious skin before." The man hissed like a hungry snake and ripped her top more.
"Get off me!" She shrieked.
"STOP!" A strong female voice said. Kira and her attacker turned to see two hooded figures approach them. "She is not for you!"
'That voice!' "Queen Nakia! I know it's you under that hood!" Kira growled.
The elder woman chuckled. "Good evening to as well, my dear. I apologize for not being a gracious enough host, but as you can tell I am a very busy woman and have things to attend to; like having your head on a spike!" She chucked darkly.
"May I have the body afterward, my Queen?" The weird man said, salivating at the mouth.
"Why? What would you want with it? She wears no jewels nor gold."
"I want her skin." He says slobbering with a crazed look. "I have collected the most precious of skins; from ivory colored to as black as a Nubian Princess's. Her headscarf is patched with the skins of Mitanni and Arzawian soldiers who died at my blade. But her skin is flawless—unmarked, smooth. Egyptian and Mitanni women do not compare to her texture. And I want it." He slurped.
At his explanation; Kira shivered uncontrollably. He wants … to skin her?! What kind of sick bastard—
"After I've drained her blood; I'll have no use for her body. At that point—you may do whatever you wish." Nakia dismissed.
The crazed man gave a throaty chuckle and ripped her top completely, exposing her breasts. Kira gasped in fear and shrieked in disgust as his excessively wet tongue grazed over her nipples.
"I can't wait to wear your skin as my neck scarf." He slurped. Nakia raised her hands and her staff to begin the ritual.
"God of Storms!" She began. "Accept this girl's blood as my offering!"
The deranged man then lifted Kira's body; her wrist and ankles bound under his huge, meaty hand while the other held the blade that would end her life.
"No! Please!" Shebegged in vain. Nakia just smiled viciously from under her hood while Urhi watched in silence.
"CUT OFF HER HEAD!" She bellowed. The deranged man then raised his blade and Kira shut her eyes closed with tears spilling from the sides.
"KAIL!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.
SWISH! CHUNK!
A grunt erupted above her and caused Kira to open her eyes to the shocking sight of Tito, stabbing his blade into the bulky man's bicep with a determined face. The boy then with a surge of adrenaline shoved her attacker's head into the bowl of scared water.
"Nooo!" Nakia howled as Kira dropped to the floor and clutched at her bare chest with shaky hands.
"Princess Kira! Run! Quickly!" Tito yelled. Instantly, her head shot up and searched for the very item she craved now more than anything. Her forced her wobbly limbs to run to the l others she longed to have back in her hands and grasped hold of them while Tito fought the large man bravely.
Nakia growled at her foiled plans. "BRING THE GIRL!"
"Princess! Follow me!" Tito said with the girl running behind out of the secret room swiftly.
"Catch her at any cost!" The Queen growled. The crazed man nodded and then went off to pursue them.
"We did it, Tito! We got my clothes!" Kira praised.
"I'm so happy for you, Princess Kira! I told you we could!" The boy said happily, but his ecstatic face was short-lived. "But … I cannot lie. I will miss you … very much, Princess Kira. There's no one even remotely like you in this land."
"Tito, don't say that. You'll make me cry … and as it turns out we're currently running for our lives." She chuckles weakly.
"It's true." He replied. "And I know Prince Kail will miss you as well."
Kira then rolled her eyes. "I doubt it." 'He'll just go back to all of his beautiful concubines and forget that I even existed.'
All of sudden; her thoughts were interrupted as the deranged man suddenly emerged from the sewer taking hold of Kira's leg.
"You thought I would let a prize like this go?" He slurped. "Never!" He laughs and then licks her leg sloppily.
Dear God, he was insane!
Immediately, Tito rushed to save his princess and stabbed the burly man's hand as hard as he could. He growled and yanked his wounded hand away, glaring at the boy who scrambled to get Kira to her feet.
"Hurry, Princess Kira! Get beyond the gate! The Queen won't dare to touch you once you're outside of her reach!" He commanded. The young woman nodded shakily and pursued the doors, but the man emerged once again, grasping Kira's arm.
"Unhand her!" Tito snarled and clashed his blade against his attacker's.
"You little pest!" The man hissed. "I'll skin you first!" Tito, mustering all the energy and force he could; shoved him backward and pushed Kira to the door.
"Go, Princess!"
"Tito, come! We have to—"
"Princess Kira," he interrupted with a sad smile. "Thank you for saving my life. You are such a kind woman with a heart of gold. I promise to never forget you and I hope you don't forget me either. May the Gods be with you." He said and with one last saddened look, shoved Kira through the doors and slammed them shut—locking himself inside with that beast.
"TITO!" Kira screamed, as she sobbed at the horrible reality before her. "Tito, please?! Don't do this! Open the door, Tito!" Her fists pounded against the heavy door while her heart raced.
'No! Please! I can't leave him!'
"Kira!" Prince Kail called rushing over.
"Prince Kail!" She gasped and ran into his arms with tears in her red-rimmed eyes. "Please! We have to help Tito! He's inside battling a monster!"
"What?" The prince gasped. "He's inside?!"
"The Queen has him! And he's going to be killed!" She sobbed against the handsome prince; praying to all the Gods to spare this poor boy's life.
Peace & Love
xGhostReaderx