Chapter 5
Kaimana: The City of Water
A/N: Here is Ch. 5! We get introduced to some new characters and a new setting! Please leave a review I welcome critiques as long as they're helpful not hurtful! Enjoy!
"Princes Bella welcome to Kaimana it is an honor to have you here," Lord Kalan stated. Bella and Rose had finally made it to the Kai Compound after making a small detour at Athena's Lake. They were greeted by Lord Kalan and Lady Cordelia Kai and Small Lady Amaya and Young Lord Jasper Kai.
"Thank you, Lord and Lady Kai. Kaimana is just as beautiful as Rosalie said it was" Bella responded. She wasn't exaggerating! It was amazing to ride through the city. The architecture was so different from back home.
"I am sure you are tired after your long journey, please allow my son Jasper to show you to your chambers," Lady Cordelia said.
"Oh, Mother I can show her," Rose told her mother.
"Nonsense you yourself must be exhausted daughter. Your brother is more than capable of showing the princess around," Lord Kalan stated. Rose looked at her father with suspension but before she could respond Bella cut her off.
"It's no problem, Rose I'd be happy to have Lord Jasper escort me," she responded.
"Then it's settled! Jasper will show you to your rooms and later we will have dinner," Lord Kalan said motioning for Jasper toward the princess.
"Follow me, Your Grace," Jasper said as he led her and the two guards away. "Father what are you planning," Rose asked knowing how scheming he could be.
"Come now, daughter. You have provided us with a rare opportunity here you didn't think we would not take advantage of it. As I'm sure every other noble family will try and sway Her Grace's affection," her father said with smug confidence. "And who better than our son to be King Consort instead of that mountain brute she's betrothed to? What do they know of ruling a kingdom?" her mother added.
Rose closed her eyes and mentally counted to ten before saying, "Father we have been over this! Bella is not interested in Jasper".
"It has nothing to do with love my dear. Only the advantages of uniting our lines," Kalan said.
"But what about Athena? Wouldn't she be upset with mixing our blood with the descendants of Aragon, her enemy?" Rose asked. The Royal family were the descendants of the God of Fire Aragon. It was said that before she came to land and met Aalto, Athena was in love with Aragon. However, he spurned her affection for another causing Athena to grow bitter toward him.
"Don't be silly Rosalie the Goddess would relish the thought of seeing Aragon's descendants lose their position of power," Kalan said.
"Loose power?! Father, even if Bella chooses to be with Jasper, he would only be a consort. Bella would still be the ruling queen and their heirs would take the Kenna name not Kai," Rose said trying to talk some sense into him.
"Rose do not concern yourself with things you do not understand. Go and see yourself ready for supper tonight and take Small Lady with you," Kalan said ending the conversation. Rose, knowing better than to argue with Lord Kalan simply curtsied and took her sister's hand, and left the room.
"I have to admit, our daughter does have a point," Cordelia said after the girls left.
"Perhaps. But as I've said, the other clan heads will attempt to push their sons on that girl so we must strike first. Don't worry Cordelia I have a plan".
Bella followed Jasper as he led her to a spacious sleeping quarter that looked out to a waterfall behind the Compound. "Oh my! This is a beautiful view, Lord Jasper".
"I'm glad you approve Princess," Jasper replied flashing her bright smile causing her to blush. She had to admit Jasper was a very handsome man; his short-cut blonde hair and blue eyes could make any maiden swoon. But he still didn't hold a candle to her Samuel.
"Perhaps after dinner tonight I could show you around the place. I know you're eager to learn all you can of our history" he told her. "That would be lovely thank you, My Lord," she said.
"Please Princess call me Jasper no need for such formalities between us," he responded causing her to laugh a little.
"Jasper it is then," she responded. "I will leave you to relax a bit before dinner," he said bowing to her before leaving. Her two guards remained standing outside her door.
Bella sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. She was relieved to be alone for a while. She wasn't a fool. She knew that the nobles would do their best to convince her that she should reconsider her marriage to Samuel. However, she had no intention of changing her mind about her upcoming marriage. She started to remove her travel cloak when the Amethyst gem around her neck began to pulse. Bella sighed and shook her head while taking the gem off and placing it in her hands. The gem cast a light in front of her in the form of Queen Renee.
"Hello mother," Bella said.
"You were supposed to inform me the moment you arrived in Kaimana Bella," her mother responded not bothering with pleasantries. "I haven't even taken off my cloak yet! I only just arrived not even an hour ago. If you would have waited another five minutes, I would have contacted you"
"Regardless Bella you must realize the situation you're in you must-"
"Be extra vigilant of my safety yes mother I know. I am being careful I promise," Bella responded cutting her off. "Do not give me that attitude Bella! I am just reminding you of the dangers," Renee said in frustration.
"I know mother and as I have said before I am fine. Like I promised you if anything seems suspicious, I will leave at once".
Renee took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Very well. How was your journey?"
"It was fine. The water city is so beautiful!" Bella told her.
"Yes, Kaimana is quite famous for its beauty if nothing else," Renee said.
"Mother! Be respectful," Bella told her. "
Regardless Bella, be aware of Lord Kalan and his wife. They're both scheming social climbers who want nothing more than to see their family intertwined with ours".
"Yes, I can already tell. Jasper was just here offering to be my guide".
"Hm that sleaze couldn't even wait a day before making his move I see," Renee said.
"He and all the others can try all they want! I'm not so fickle that I would abandon my betrothal on a whim," Bella responded. "But mother I will talk to you soon I would like to get settled in before having dinner tonight. We'll talk soon!" and with that, she ended the communication spell and began settling her things.
As the night came, the Kai clan convened out by the waterfall behind the main family residence. It was a clear night with the moon shining bright in the sky. They sat at a large u-shaped table with all the higher-ranking members of the clan seated along each side. The Kai's were the largest clan in Keegan and Rosalie had many aunts' uncles and cousins, unlike her clan due to her family's bad luck with childbirth. It was why she was an only child and her mother only had one sister.
The water magicians preferred to enjoy meals out in the open close to the source of their power. There wasn't a group of musicians playing like back home but a single harpist playing a calming melody to the side. There was a very peaceful atmosphere around as Bella sat at the head of the table with Lord Kalan and the rest of the Kai family with Rosalie on one side and Small Lady Amaya, she was having a good time listening to them tell her stories of their childhood. Just then Lord Kalan stood causing everyone to fall silent.
"My family, we give thanks to the Goddess Athena for her many blessing upon her children tonight! My youngest daughter Amaya has returned home from The Solar with her familiar; my eldest daughter has come of age and will find a suitable match to further strengthen our bloodline," he said causing everyone to applaud.
"We are also honored to host one of the royal family the Crowned Princess of Keegan Bella Kenna. We are ever humbled by your presents, Your Grace and we hope that this will be the beginning of a new era between our clans," he said as he raised his glass. "To the Princess Bella".
"To Princess Bella" Everyone else replied to causing Bella to nod and smile in acceptance of the toast. However inside she was irritated! With that statement, he was insinuating an alliance between their two clans. And everyone knows the best way to secure an alliance is through marriage. Could she be any clearer?! She was not here looking for a suitor; she was already promised to another!
"Forgive my father Bella, he is relentless," Rosalie whispered to her.
"Yes, he is. But I can deal with it as long as he doesn't continue to press the issue," she whispered back to her friend.
"Do not worry I will do my best to speak with him," Rose said grasping her hand under the table in support. Bella smiled at her friend, thankful for her understanding. While Bella knew that Rose would rather, she be marrying her brother, she was glad she at least respected her choice. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder.
"Princess, would you mind taking a walk with me," said Lord Jasper.
"A walk? Where Lord Jasper," she asked him.
"There is a place I would like to show you," he responded smiling at her.
"Just what are you playing at brother," Rose asked him. "
Nothing for you to worry about sister just want to show the princess the Ice Gardens," he told her.
"Oh yes, I've heard about them! I would love to see them; Rose would you come with us," Bella said.
"Princess if you don't mind, I need to introduce my daughter to a potential suitor," Lady Cordelia said as she approached them with a young man following behind her.
"Please Princess allow me to escort you there," Jasper told her holding out his arm for her to take. Rose gave Bella an apologetic look. She understood. Perhaps the best way to end this scheme is to tell Jasper herself she wasn't interested in him.
Bella accepted his arm and followed him toward the garden area, her two guards following discreetly behind them. Jasper led her a bit further into the small forest that was close to the gathering when they came across the most delightful smell Bella had ever experienced.
The Ice Gardens were one of the main attractions of Kaimana. Beautiful silver flowers, created from water magic, can only be grown in this city's environment. They were called the Ice Gardens because of the texture of the flowers. Holding them, it felt like you were holding an ice cube in your hands.
"I never thought I would see them in person," Bella said releasing Jasper's arm to get closer.
"Kaimana's pride and joy princess. Only fitting for the most beautiful garden to be seen by the most beautiful woman in lands," Jasper said behind her. He held out his hand, and they both watched as Jasper pulled in the moisture in the atmosphere into his palm and froze it into the shape of a glass rose. He held it up to his nose as if smelling it, before handing it to her.
Bella sighed as took it knowing now that she needed to end ideas, he may have of trying to seduce her.
"Lord Jasper-
"Just Jasper Princess please," he said cutting her off.
"I think there has been a misunderstanding," she told him not responding to the request.
"How so?".
"This expedition was not meant for me to find another match but for me to learn more about my people," she said handing the rose back to him.
"I know that. However, I feel like I owe it to us both to tell you how I feel, how I've always felt," Jasper responded taking her hands in his instead of taking the rose.
"Bella, ever since we met in The Solar, I knew that we were meant to be together! I have wanted nothing more than to have the chance to show you how good we can be together, and the Gods have given me this chance to show. You and I would make the greatest alliance Keegan has ever known. Our bloodlines are the two most powerful in the kingdom; it would be a disservice to this country for us to not take advantage of this opportunity. Grant me the chance to court you properly, to show you what it would be like to be tied to a true gentleman".
Another woman would have been flattered. Another woman would have been ecstatic to have such a handsome lord proposition her. Another woman may have even accepted his proposal. However, Bella wasn't flattered. She was furious! His whole reasoning for wanting her was strictly for his gain. She was aware of the advantages of marrying Lord Jasper; however, she was already promised to another! Her mother, The Queen, had already decreed that she was to marry Samuel. Even if she wanted to give Jasper a chance she could not. Only her mother can break her betrothal now. If she were to marry another without The Queen's approval, she could be disinherited or worst convicted of treason.
"Lord Jasper, thank you for such a sensible offer however I am promised to Lord Samuel of The Rock I cannot marry another," she told him while pulling her hands away from him.
"Surely The Queen would understand if you wanted to break ties with mountain dwellers," he responded.
"You forget yourself, My Lord," she told him narrowing her eyes at him, her temper getting to her.
"I can see being gentle will not do so let me be plain. I do not want you or any other besides Lord Samuel. I love him and I want to marry him. You stand there and tell me how a union between us would benefit Keegan but we both know the truth. You only want to marry me because of the advantage it would bring you. Do you realize the entire time you spoke, you said nothing of love or even affection for me? Do you think me so vain that I would abandon the love of my life for political gain?!," she asked slightly raising her voice.
"Of course, I don't think you are vain; I think you are a woman who will be queen one day. A woman who understands that a Lady of your station shouldn't throw away her prospects for a savage".
Bella finally lost it and slapped him. Jasper looked at her in shock. He had never been struck by a woman before!
"How dare you speak of my betrothed, your future king, in that manner! I should have your tongue removed from your empty head!" she yelled at him. Her guards, Seth and Alec appeared from the shadows ready to defend their charge.
"Princess is all well?" Seth asked her ready to draw his sword.
"Yes, Seth Lord Jasper was just leaving my presents," she told Ser Seth.
"Thank you, Lord Jasper, for showing me the gardens. I think it would be best if your sister Rosalie continued as my guide for the rest of my stay," Bella said dismissing him.
Jasper looked at the guard, who still had their hands on their weapons, and decided not to press any further. He turned to leave however he was stopped as Bella called his name.
"And just so that there is no confusion, Lord Samuel is twice the nobleman and magician than you can ever hope to be! After all, he is a firstborn," she said smirking delighted at the anger on his face.
And if I hear so much as a whisper of slander coming from your lips again it will be the last thing you ever say," she told him
He simply gave her a grim look, took a bow, and made haste out of the garden. She felt a bit apologetic over her statement to him but not so much that she would apologize. Every female magician had a source of power, that is buried deep inside of them, and stored for her offspring. In the early stages of her pregnancy, there is a certain time when that power is released to the child so that they are born with magic. A woman's firstborn child always gets the bulk of this reserved magic, making the eldest child the most powerful of all their siblings if they have any.
Jasper was the second-born child with Rosalie being the eldest but eighteen months. However, the Kai clan still held onto the old ways of men taking precedence over women in succession.
"Let me guess the ice prince tried to make his move," Seth asked chuckling at the audacity.
"Yes, that was his master plan. But I think I've made myself clear to him and hopefully his father," Bella said conjuring a small flame in her hand, watching the rose melt quickly.
"Let us escort you back to the gathering cousin," Seth said to her.
Seth was her Aunt Seraphina's son and eldest child. He renounced his titles and his place in the line of succession to join the Black Magicians years ago. Since they were so close in age and given the fact that they grew up together she asked her mother to assign him to her as her personal guard. Bella smiled at him and led them both out of the garden.
Jasper was furious as he stormed into his chambers. He grabbed a wine glass that was sitting on one of the tables and threw it and the table across the room. How dare that spoiled brat reject him. Him! He was Lord Jasper! The Master of Ice! She was nothing compared to him! Their entire clan was nothing more than a group of flaming sexual miscreants. Their only claim to power was due to their Great Mother spreading her legs!
"That dimwitted wench! How dare she lay her hands on me," he screamed picking up one of the chairs and throwing it against the wall.
"Calm yourself, My Lord," a velvet voice said from his bed. In his fury, he didn't even notice that she was there.
"Kate what are you doing here," he asked her filling some of his anger subside seeing her.
"Call it woman's instinct, but I had a feeling that you would be needing me tonight," she said to him rising from his bed. She wore nothing but a covering made from crystals that barely covered her breast as she approached him.
Kate was a favored Lady of Night among most of the noblemen in Kaimana. Recently though she graced his bed only as she became his inamorata.
"What happened with the princess," she asked him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Nothing and that is the problem. That fire slut had the audacity to reject my suit! Claiming her mountain lover was worthy of her and not me. Me! That low-bred savage shouldn't even stand in our presence let alone become our king," he responded pushing her away as his frustrations swelled back up.
"Perhaps you shouldn't insult the man she loves so openly if you hope to win her affection," she responded following him.
"To hell with her affection! I don't need nor do I want it. I only need the title she brings," he shouted as he sat down in one of the plush chairs. Kate kneeled in front of him.
"Put it from your mind for now my love. Allow me to ease your frustrations," Kate said as she began to undo his trousers. Jasper closed his eyes and rested his head back as she began to work him. This was the proper order of the world. A woman kneeling in service to her betters.
His plans to romance the princess may have fallen through but he wasn't giving up. As he said her affection was not needed for his plans. Bella Kenna will rue the day she ever insulted him.