"My lady. Your sisters approach." The head servant, Chasa whirled into the room tidying up. Irina sprung out of bed and threw on her nightgown and tried to smooth out her hair. Her head was pounding and the light streaming in from the balcony wasn't helping.
"Irina, my dear sister. We need to have a talk, get dressed, father is waiting." Katya tossed her the robes laid across the foot of the bed.
Irina dressed quickly and followed her sisters into the banquet hall to speak with their father. As she sat down at the table she could feel the ice coming from her father's stare.
"Good morning father." She whispered sheepishly, her eyes focused on the bread in front of her.
"Good morning Irina. I trust you slept well." Seasar turned to fully face her.
Irina looked up and saw Elena's eyes boring into her, hatred pooled in them making them black.
"Get to the point father. Irina, you shamed us yesterday." Elena's fist pounded against the table.
"Because my men won against yours?" Irina stared at her unbelieving.
"My daughter, Elena's men are known around the world for their fierceness. They are part of the reason the walls of Angusa have never been tested. Do you want to jeopardize that?" Seasar took Irina's hands in his.
"Of course not father." Irina bowed her head.
"Don't fret my dear. Your men won't be placed in the ring with Elena's men again until they have the same status. Until then they will be matched against the warriors from other nations and they will need to begin training."
Irina just nodded and turned back to her breakfast.
"There is one more thing, daughter." Seasar smiled.
Jacous spun the medallion around in his hand. The gold piece bearing the mark of Varta burned him now. His brothers had been killed in the battle, he was supposed to share that same fate. But he had been spared and brought here to what end. He watched as his men ate their fill, knowing that being taken under the care of Princess Irina had been the one ray of sun since being captured. She was a kind and just princess unlike her sisters. His mind drifted back to the feel of her in his arms. Her smooth skin and lips tender against his sent a tremble down into his loins.
"Arise! The princesses approach." The keeper of the gladiators announced before stepping aside for Irina, Katya and their guards.
Irina's eyes were shimmering with unshed tears and Katya's gleamed with anticipation.
"My brave warriors. As I spoke of yesterday, it shall be a week's time until you fight in the rings again. However, some of you will not be in that fight. My father has decided that I must trade one of you with my sister Katya," Irina swallowed hard "Jacous, you are now a member of Katya's warriors."
Jacous rose and walked over to Irina, his eyes searching hers for the meaning of it all. She turned away from his eyes and back to the remaining three.
"Come Jacous, let us not tarry. There is much to be done today." She smiled seductively and ran a hand down his chest.
With a final nod to his men he followed behind Katya.