Here'a new chap.=) I changed the rating, T definitely is a bit much for this story.

"My lady, "a familiar voice, called, and Tamina turned around reluctantly. She had just seen the man with the Dagger, talking to the prince Tus. There seemed all too familiar with each other. She was certain now, he could not be a mere soldier. No, she was starting to suspect the was noble himself . What about the third prince, whom she hadn't thought was present then.

Her handmaidens cleared their throats, trying to get her attention. Saara, one of her newest servants, stepped forwarded, her hands shaking with panic.

"We've been ordered by Prince Tus, to...prepare you. For the celebrations." she struggled.

Tamina pursed her lips, looking down at her hands. Her sacred symbols. She sighed, turning away, then and followed her servants in.

The maids were quite upset themselves, Tamina noticed. Many of them had been serving her for through their years, and in single day, bound to another sovereign. One she was to wed.

When she had been seated, the handmaidens busied themselves, rubbing the marking off her skin.

"Your highness," a soft voice spoke. Tamina looked up, seeing the familiar face. She was a young handmaid, around her own age, sometimes, had almost a friend to Tamina.

"Aisha," she greeted.

Aisha was fidgeting, clearly uneasy. "I'm so sorry, my lady. For what you're to go through for the people" Tamina was surprised.

"It is not your fault Aisha," she said, hoping to calm the girl down. She was still the princess, albeit a fallen one, and after all, expected to be in control of the situations.

"These orders," Aisha continued timidly, "I know you're quite helpless, my lady. As I am." She said the last part softly, but they could all hear her. Aisha dabbed her hand with a cool cloth,"Please, your highness. The people of Alamut shall forever be in your debt. You've spared them far worse. At least you still are our sovereign. And I quite hope, if it is not too bold to say,-"

"Yes Aisha?"

"Since Prince Tus is heir apparent, you might still retain control of this city," she smiled sadly, rubbing off the henna, "he may soon be too occupied with other skirmishes."

Tamina sighed at her handmaiden. Through the years, they had talked and known each other, Aisha's words, no matter how innocently made, had never comforted her so little. Her heart was struck cold, as a new realisation dawned upon her. Her people were grateful, they were spared yet.

The myths of the Sandglass were widespread and commonly told within walls, but so romanticized, they were thought to be just that; myths.

Only her trusted guardians and the High Council knew of the secret to unlock the Sands. Sometimes it had been tasked-

Tamina winced in pain, as a particularly sharp blade carved designs into her skin. A Persian symbol, no doubt.

She concentrated on her memories, letting them flood her. How her mother first brought her into the temple, and showed her the powers of the Dagger. How she was led through the Hindu Kush, learning of secret passageways.

The time had come to use them. But, after Aisha's words, she now knew she had to truly marry the Prince Tus. Only after the wedding, could she attempt to steal off in the night. It was the only way to protect her people.

Tamina let out a shudder. Prince Tus was not uneasy on the eyes, but his coarseness, his proud posture, no doubt he'd force her into, intimate relations early on, in their marriage.

And she'd have to comply. Tamina turned away, letting a single tear fall.

Then she smiled bravely at the handmaiden, nodding. "Let us hope so." But she feared it.

Aisha sensed her sovereign's discomfort, and tried to distract her. She began hesitatingly, trying to change the topic. "I saw you were looking at the princes, my lady,"

"Princes?" Tamina could not help exclaim, "What do you mean?"

Aisha looked at her in surprise. "My lady, that was Prince Dastan, younger brother of Prince Tus."

Tamina nodded, masking her surprise. Of course, the thought had crept into her mind. She shouldn't have been so shocked. The lion of Persia, she mused. She'd heard the Persian troops call him that, the youngest prince she thought she'd yet to meet, as she was escorted to her chambers. They were all toasting to him, the true conqueror of her city.

She suppressed a grimace. It would not to let fury control her. In fact, this all made it easier, Tamina tried to think. As the younger brother of her soon-to-be betrothed, she'd be able to watch him more closely. Watch the dagger closely.

Yes, it was made all the more convenient, for the prince to be closer. Yet, the danger of the dagger had now increased tenfold. Should he find its secrets, Tamina only shuddered at what would happen.

"Your highness, you're ready." Saara spoke. And indeed she was, cleansed of her Alamutian pride. She was to take the exit on the other side. Tamina thought. Aisha pressed her hand, offering a comforting smile. Tamina returned it, knowing that it would be, perhaps the last time she'd see her...friend.

As soon as Tamina opened the door, unfamiliar guards closed down on her. Persians. She was disgusted. But through them, she saw the youngest prince of Persia, coming out, the Dagger at his side.

Dastan had gone up to wait by the princess' chambers. He was quite eager, for the sole curiosity of discovering her character. Demure, perhaps? Or as fiery as the little he had seen? After her constant glances at him, well, any would be curious.

He turned to his troop of guards, positioning them. So when the door burst open, the guards immediately closed in on her. He smiled at her, observing her ill concealed fury.

"So, I am escorted by the lion of Persia. It must feel great, destroying such an innocent city." Dastan smirked, hiding his surprise. Surely she could be more civil to her conquerors.

"Ah, nice to meet you too princess, "he replied, careful to etch sarcasm into every syllable. "Allow me to offer," he continued, "that if punishing the enemies of my king is a crime, then it is one I'll gladly repeat."

He hoped she'd take the hint. Yet, his own words he himself did not truly believe. Evidence of Alamut's treachery had yet to be found, and Dastan, though he certainly would admit it, was wondering perhaps, if they had been wrong after all.

"Then you are a true Prince of Persia. Brutal. Without honour," she shot back.

He felt irritated. The princess may be a beauty, but she had a serpent's tongue. "Don't make the mistake of thinking you know me, princess, "he warned.

"Oh" she replied. Clearly she would not desist. "And what more is there?"

Dastan held his own tongue, and spoke to his guard in the front.

"Wait here with her Highness, Ashaan" He turned back to the princess, who, from her grim expression, clearly did not take well to be virtually imprisioned. He smirked, turning to her,"If you can manage it."

She glanced down, before holding her head high and looking straight at him.

Tus was sure to kill her, Dastan thought. He was not one who tormented jibes, and that too from a woman. He suddenly felt worried.

Tus wouldn't kill her, he would had to. Dastan looked back at the princess, and slipped in a warning. "I suggest a hint of humility when you are presented to the King, for your own good," He looked at her pointedly.

He did not know if she understood, but her lips curved into a small smile. And it wasn't one he trusted.

Reviews please? I worked hard for you...=D Seriously, I did.