Chapter 21

Despite her eye loss, Aracsilla was back to her former self in a matter of weeks. She was just as fiery as she had been before the injury. Perhaps she would still have her eye if she had been properly educated in swordplay safety. Csaba was proposed by Xena to educate the younger children how to handle weapons safely.

Many of the royal children gathered together on a crisp autumn day. They had brought their wooden swords and were already batting at each other. Aracsilla stayed close to Emese, but got in a quick thump to Muqan's arm now and then.

Xena walked over to one of the old horse pegs and chose to teach her weapon lesson there. It was a secure zone, free of distractions and passers-by. She was less than amused when she observed the four children acting carelessly with the wooden swords once more.

Her blade shrieked against the holster as she drew it. The children all shuddered at the sound and drew their weapons to their sides.

"I didn't tell you to use your swords," said Xena. She sheathed her sword and crossed her arms over her chest. "Now that I have your attention, come line up."

The children formed a straight line and stared up at Xena as she walked around them. She took her time adjusting their stance and spacing them apart.

Xena came to stand in front of her pupils and smiled. "If you're going to use a sword, you need to know how to use it. I've done this many times with the children in the tribe."

"Even my parents?" asked Aracsilla.

"Yes, I've taught your parents. Although, your mother was...a very different student." Xena recalled the time when she tried to teach Farah how to fight. It was a disaster.

Emese snickered. "Teyze Farah can't fight!"

Aracsilla scowled and shoved her cousin so hard that Emese collapsed on the ground. Xena stepped in between the girls before a fight broke out. She gave Aracsilla a disdainful glance.

"Do you want to lose your other eye?" she snapped. "You need to stop before you hurt someone." She patted the girl on the shoulder. "And Emese's right. Your mother can't fight to save her life."

Xena moved to the center of the pin and drew her sword again. She thrust it at the children, who all gasped. Tespar was so preoccupied with the blade that he dropped his own sword.

"You all will follow my every move. You will follow all of my instructions. If you don't, I will send you home. Everyone understand?" she asked, and the children nodded their heads.


Arielle sat Gabrielle down in her office and told her to compose a letter to Shah Khosrow. She knew this Balaam invasion was not going to go well. She couldn't wait to ask Gabrielle since she was too upset to compose the letter herself. And, of course, she agreed.

Gabrielle blew on the wet ink before handing the parchment to Arielle to sign. She wrapped up the parchment and then sealed it with a wax seal. Wasifah entered the room, grabbed the letter, bowed to Arielle, and hurried away.

"There's a good chance Issik has been attacked already or is in the thick of the invasion," said Gabrielle, as she watched the Khagana's mind drift. "He should have been here by now."

Twirling a pen in her hand, Arielle nodded absent-mindedly. "He probably thinks I set him up."

What she didn't realize was that there was already a strategy in place to attack the Gokturks. When Xena proposed the initial bargaining arrangement with Yeter, she had clear plans to remove the dictatorial Issik. Now that the plan had failed, the empire's invasion was both a curse and a blessing.

Gabrielle took her hand and squeezed it. She forced Arielle to meet her eyes and spoke calmly. "None of this is your fault. We'll deal with the aftermath when the time comes."

What Arielle said next took Gabrielle off guard.

"Do you ever feel like you don't belong anywhere?"

Gabrielle reclined in the chair. "Sure. I was taken to Pannonia against my will. I didn't fit in with anybody."

At that, Arielle shifted and crossed her legs. "That must've been hard. My grandma...kidnapped you, essentially," she clarified.

With a chuckle, she said, "I hit her with a pitchfork, staff, or something. I guess she didn't like that too much." She was glad she could make light of that horrible situation, but it seemed like eons ago. "Your grandmother was a different person back then. She did offer me the option to leave, but I didn't."

It was a phase in her life that she rarely recalled. Her life had altered much too much in the last four decades. Everyone she knew left the tribe, was slain, or died of old age. Aside from that, she was curious as to what was going through Arielle's mind to ask such a question.

"Hey," she nudged Arielle's knee. "What's really going on?"

After Arielle mustered up some courage to speak her mind, she couldn't keep it inside of her anymore. She wanted to speak the truths that rang in her thoughts constantly.

"I sometimes feel like I don't belong here. I'm not a part of Attila's clan and I'm seen as scum of the earth in Persia. I wasn't given a choice to take on this role. I miss being a commander, but now I'm stuck politicking until I die."

She continued, "And on top of that, I'm afraid about being separated from my daughters when they come of age. No matter what Xerxes says, they are as much the Sassanids as they are mine. This baby won't be any different, I'm sure of it. That's why I decided I didn't want any more children. I can't."

Gabrielle felt a sickening dread rise in her chest. She could feel the genuine anguish in those spoken words. She even heard Arielle's voice shaking as she spoke.

There wasn't much Gabrielle could say to make Arielle feel better. But she felt honored to be the ear that heard it all. Arielle only wanted someone to listen to her without passing judgment.

Gabrielle's only option was to give her a hug, which she gratefully accepted. Arielle squeezed her close, pressing their cheeks together.

"I knew something was bothering you," Gabrielle said softly.

Arielle dried her eyes and took a deep breath. "Please don't tell anyone I told you all of that. I don't want anyone to see me like that."

"I won't say a word."

Shehzada Abbaseh entered the room casually. She walked past Gabrielle, said hi, and then looked up at her mother. Her eyes had a peculiar glitter to them that her mother did not approve of. Abbaseh became more extroverted and wanted to do things in Pannonia that she would have been banned from doing in Persia.

"Grandma Khanum is teaching Aracsilla and Emese how to use swords. Can I go?" she begged, clasping her hands together.

Arielle arched her eyebrow. "Absolutely not." She raked her fingers through her daughter's coppery hair. "You're not allowed outside for long periods of time. And you're too young."

"But mom, I need to know how to use swords! It is my birthright."

Gabrielle sputtered a laugh and quickly suppressed it when she saw the horror on Arielle's face.

"Well, you can act on your birthright in...ten years."

Although Abbaseh was prepared to bargain, her mother gave her a severe look. She decided not to push the topic further, but she was not going to give up. Her mother would ultimately agree to let her spar if she persuaded her enough. She had cousins who were only a few years older than her. It was simply a question of when.

She stroked her mother's belly, curious about the baby inside. She waited with her ear to the stomach, as if something was going to happen. After a few seconds, she felt a gentle brush against her cheek. She let out a loud squeal and glanced up at her mother.

Arielle wanted to laugh at her astonished expression. She mirrored her daughter's appearance by dropping her jaw and enlarging her eyes. Abbaseh laughed, covered her mouth, and stared at her mother's stomach.

The girl ran out of the room without another word. Arielle nearly jumped out of the chair and called out to her.

"Hey! Where are you off to?" she yelled.

"To tell baba and Boran!"

Gabrielle shook her head and stood to leave. "She's going to pass out if she keeps running around like that."

Arielle agreed and made her way to the door. "I should follow her."

"I'll go." She set a hand on Arielle's shoulder. "Rest. You deserve some time to yourself."


Yeter stayed in her bed, recovering from the wounds she had received from Farah. She believed the attack was a long-awaited wish of Farah's, given her inability to protect herself. Oran's attention to her while she was confined to the yurt astonished her. It was an unusual sight, given that the two had been estranged spouses for years.

Oran checked on her every morning before field instruction. He also made time to spend with his two sons, whom he hadn't had much opportunity to get to know. Yeter was perplexed as to why he had suddenly changed his tune. She didn't dare to question him about it, instead thanking him for always being there for her and their sons.

Yeter completed changing her clothing and climbed back into bed early in the morning. She heard footsteps and figured it was Oran going about his morning ritual. But it wasn't the person she expected.

Xena smiled at her and grabbed a stool near the floor bed. "It's been a while since we last talked," she said. "You seem to be healing pretty nicely."

Yeter touched her shoulder gently, nodding her head.

"I'm sorry for what happened to you. Farah shouldn't have attacked you. And I know your sons didn't hurt Aracsilla intentionally."

That made her smile. "That's the first apology I've gotten."

Xena's stomach sank. Arielle, she assumed, would have at least gone over to apologize. Yeter, political prisoner or not, deserved an apology. It was not common for tribal members to be stabbed, especially by a queen.

"Look, um, all things aside, you're still a prisoner, but I don't think you should go back to Anosbord." She saw relief cross Yeter's face. "But you can't remain here either. I'm going to propose an idea to Arielle and we'll see if she agrees."

The former Gokturk queen was prepared for any new punishment. She knew she'd never have a peaceful existence, especially as Oran's wife. Even if she was still married to Attila's grandson, it made no difference.

"I do not care where you send me, but I don't want to be separated from my sons again," Yeter croaked, tears welling in her eyes.

"I'll see what I can do."

"Xena," she grabbed her hand. "Don't take them from me, please."


Xena stewed on Yeter's words for days. There was no genuine intention to separate the former queen from her boys, but she was a burden. Her presence in the tribe sowed seeds of suspicion and unease. Even though Farah was the first to raise her blade against Yeter, Xena had a feeling it wouldn't be the last.

She eventually spotted Gabrielle in the main throne room after asking around. Gabrielle grinned and retrieved her leather satchel as she cleaned up her workplace. Xena barred the doorway as she attempted to leave.

"Why do I have a strange feeling that you're about to give me bad news?" Gabrielle mused.

Xena closed the doors and pressed her back against it. "We've got to move Yeter somewhere else. Anywhere else but here."

Nonchalantly, Gabrielle said, "That's been decided already."

"Arielle made a decision? Without talking to everyone?" she said in disbelief.

"Not exactly. She's letting...Aurora decide."

With a breathy gasp, she whispered, "She's allowing a teenager to make a political decision?"

Gabrielle expected this reaction, which is why this delicate information was kept hidden. Everyone would be outraged if they discovered that a child was making such a huge decision. What no one knew was that Aurora was extremely brilliant for her age and learned quickly. And it's not like Aurora didn't have her mother's guidance.

"Hear me out, just listen!" she grabbed Xena's shoulders firmly. "Aurora is learning, or she's in 'queen school' as Abbaseh says. Her decision isn't final. Arielle will still read over it and make sure it's fair."

"Gabrielle," she spat, "I know that Aurora is trying to learn, but she cannot make decisions like that."

"Says who?"

Xena blinked rapidly. "Says who? What do you mean, 'says who'? She is a child."

"Well, I already know what has been decided and I think it's pretty fair if you ask me!"

She pushed Xena aside while clutching her bag to her chest. She dashed down the corridor, wondering how long it would take her wife to notice what had happened. It didn't take long. When she heard chained boots approaching from behind, Gabrielle quickened her step, inwardly squealing.


Aurora was tasked with converting her mother's notes into an official document that would be kept in a leather-bound ledger. She had enjoyed transcribing notes and being instructed by her mother during the last few weeks. She sat in silence much of the time as her mother read, wrote, and repeated these actions for several hours.

She completed the fourth document and slipped the parchment over the wide desk. Her mother offered her a slight smile as she read the document for errors. Aurora sat there watching, sweat beads collecting on the back of her neck. She was used to Farah's tough grading and expected her mother to be harsh as well.

"Good job," said Arielle, handing the document back to her daughter. "But you misspelled two words."

Aurora glanced at the words, twisting her mouth. "Your handwriting is hard to read sometimes. You should work on your penmanship, mother," she teased.

Arielle chuckled lightly as she raised her brows. Aurora seemed to be taking her responsibilities seriously, especially since Gabrielle was teaching her how to write professional documentation. It reminded her of all the lessons she had with Gabrielle when she was a girl. She wasn't the finest writer, and Aurora was better at both writing and reading than she was.

Xena raced inside, ignoring Wasifah who was standing outside the office. She kept her gaze on Arielle and smiled briefly at the princess.

"I need to talk to your mother alone," said Xena.

Aurora stared at her mother, who gave her a little head nod. She gathered her coat and tossed it over her shoulder as she exited the room.

Xena sat down and folded her hands on the table. "Are you letting Aurora make decisions for the empire?"

"No, I'm letting her help me with decisions. I always have the final say," said Arielle, studying her grandmother's expression. "What's this about?"

"I was told that she made a decision about moving Yeter away from Pannonia. Is that true?"

Arielle heaved a sigh. "Yes, and I approved it. I'm going to move Yeter and her sons to the Pontic region where Bayan is. I sent the letter three days ago."

"And you didn't think to mention this to anyone?"

"I was going to tell everyone tomorrow. Why are you so agitated? I have an entire empire to control here, grandma. I can't always consult everybody when I make decisions."

Xena impatiently drummed her fingers on the table. "That's a pretty big decision. I just think everyone should know. Even Gabrielle knew before I did."

Her grandmother's tone smelled of envy. This wasn't about making decisions for the empire. This was about her grandmother's position being disregarded. Arielle had dealt with this before, when she was first appointed commander and then empress.

"Do you need something to do? Because I have plenty of things that need to be done."

Offput by her response, Xena recoiled and folded her arms across her chest. "Don't talk to me like that, Arielle. All I'm trying to do is make sure everything runs smoothly around here."

"I'm trying to resolve this Gokturk issue as quick as I can. I'm sorry for not consulting everyone, but I need some peace in this tribe."

Xena relaxed her tense shoulders. "Does Yeter know that Issik is being attacked by Persia?"

The Khagana's silence was all the reaction Xena required. Yeter had no idea the invasion was taking place. As Arielle said, Yeter needed to get out of Pannonia as quickly as possible.


Gokturk Territory, Balaam

As Shah Khosrow's army rained flaming arrows down on the Gokturks, the battlefield was dense with black smoke. Khosrow offered Issik the opportunity to surrender, but the headstrong boy refused to give up the stolen kingdom. He stood on a peak with a view of the snow-capped mountains, watching the Gokturk army crumble by the hundreds.

He noticed Issik in a tower, distant from the chaos, issuing several commands to the men. It was only a matter of time before Issik gave up. Khosrow was tired of witnessing countless deaths and inhaling the dark smog that lingered in the alpine air.

The Shah regrouped in his tent and was approached by a Hun envoy. He unhooked his sword-attached belt and lay it on the table. The messenger placed the letter on the table and respectfully moved back, lowering his head.

When Khosrow opened the letter, it was four pages long, not one. He was astounded by the contents, which depicted a far different picture of the Gokturks than Adarmahan had informed him. The kidnapping and torturing of Xerxes in the underground rebel camp astonished him the most.

It was fairly convenient that Adarmahan chose to scout eastern Persia during this assault. Khosrow stormed out of the tent, yelling at his archers.

"Sound the horns for a retreat! Cease fire!" he shouted, all while the troops gaped at him. "Cease fire!"

Issik was led across the field toward the Persian camp as the black haze began to dissipate. As he stood feet away from the Shah, Issik's knees began to buckle. He had little energy to fight what was to come because he had been running on little to no sleep since the attack began.

"Were you asked to attack a rebel camp?" asked Khosrow.

Issik suspiciously eyed the monarch. "Yes. I made a deal with the Huns."

"Who asked you?"

"Xena and Gabrielle."

Everything Issik said corresponded to what was said in the letter. Khosrow was well aware that his brother was not a liar. He also had a lot of faith in Arielle and her family. He didn't trust Adarmahan anymore.

He only had to deal with Issik now. He realized that whatever bargain the Huns struck had to be stopped. Khosrow was fully aware that Arielle was deeply in debt, and that admitting landless Gokturks into Pannonia would only add to her debt.

"You and your people have been nothing but a thorn in the Huns' side. They are generous to offer you solace in the empire," he said. "But now you've used up all your resources. All you have to offer is yourself."

Issik's eyes widened as he crumpled to the ground, exhausted. When he attempted to get to his feet again, he collapsed. His eyes popped up as he saw the Shah lending his hand. He took Khosrow's hand hesitatingly but eventually stood up straight.

The Shah was not about to admit that he had erred in assaulting the Gokturks. Adarmahan had misled him. If only he had received Arielle's letter sooner. He did, however, have power over Balaam because of a pact he made with Yeter years earlier. A contract he had grown to despise.

"I'm regaining control of the Caucasus. You will marry my cousin to prevent you from obtaining power. She lives in eastern Persia, far away from Balaam and Pannonia."

Issik laughed. "I'd rather be in Anosbord."

"You would be if you didn't have connections inside the prison," said Khosrow, narrowing his eyes.

Two soldiers carried a table over to Issik and placed it in front of him. One soldier presented a quill and rolled out a parchment. Issik pinched his brows and gazed at the parchment before turning to face the Shah.

"Sign the marriage contract," Khosrow ordered.


Elam, Persia

Without the sound of children running around and playing, the palace was a quiet and lonely place. Nousha struggled to acclimatize to her quiet household, and she often isolated herself. Others took notice, especially when she began to frequent the square alone.

Her colleagues, made up of noblewomen, were aware that something was wrong, but they did not inquire as to what it was. Nousha knew they were devious women, and she refused to tell them anything about her life.

Because she was alone, she kept herself occupied by maintaining the trade route from Elam to Estakhr. It was a tough undertaking, but she enjoyed being occupied every day. Nousha spent her time counting trade money and putting it in the treasurer's ledger.

She discovered the stolen funds while recording bills and examining the log. She squinted and flipped the pages back and forth three times to make sure. While she wasn't a mathematician, she knew enough to know money was missing.

After gathering the ledger, Nousha headed for the library. She noticed the door was open and slipped inside. There were papers all over the large table, their pages fluttering in the cool breeze coming in through the windows. She covered her nose as a noxious odor permeated the space.

She tiptoed around the table, eyes dropping to the ground. She looked down in horror to see Zal Pasha, the treasurer, lying in a pool of his own blood. She could tell by the volume of blood that the body had been there for some time. Somewhere around a day or two.

Standing vigil, Nousha had learned not to alert the Shah's troops. She started to have serious doubts about their true motives. Upon leaving the palace, she went outside, where she discovered one of Arielle's guards arranging a weapons rack.

The soldier bowed her head. "Banu Nousha, what brings you here?"

Nousha clutched her necklace. "I need a message sent to the Shah. It's urgent."

"I will send one of the Shah's messengers immediately."

"No!" she stopped the soldier. "I want one of Arielle's soldiers to go."

The woman frowned. "Do you feel unsafe, Banu Nousha?"

"I...someone's been murdered in the palace," she whispered.


When word spread that Yeter and her sons were departing, many Suevi became skeptical of their Khagana's intentions. They had already lost faith in her after Farah's punishment was disclosed. Ebnedzar was the only one who seemed indifferent about the situation. He was utterly unconcerned with his clan's thoughts for Yeter.

Xena couldn't help herself from tagging along when Gabrielle was assigned the responsibility of speaking with Ursula. They arrived at Ursula's yurt to find it empty and quiet. With Yeter and her sons gone, there was an uncomfortable stillness in the air.

Gabrielle talked to her wife before they arrived. She was emphatic when she stated that she should be the only one speaking in this room. Arielle assigned her a vital task, and she would be devastated if Xena ruined it. Fortunately, Xena agreed to remain silent.

Ursula emerged from her bedroom, frowning at the two women who were standing in her living room. She realized she couldn't refuse to speak with them. She sat them on the rug and brought them water and fruit.

"I'm here in Arielle's place to talk to you," Gabrielle began.

Ursula interrupted, "And why hasn't she left her home? I haven't seen her step foot out of that Adame since she got here. It's been over a month now."

Gabrielle nervously eyed Xena and then said, "This won't take long, Ursula. First, I want to say you've been really great through all of this."

"My grandsons have been taken away from me for a third time," she snarked.

Awkwardly, Gabrielle continued. "I know. I'm sorry about all of it, really. And Arielle is too. She actually...came up with an arrangement for you to see them."

Ursula's dark eyes showed signs of relief for the first time. Gabrielle detailed the arrangement, which allowed Ursula to visit Muqan and Tespar in the Pontic Steppes three times a year. Oran's marriage to Yeter could be legally dissolved as part of the deal with no consequences attached.

"Did Arielle say how long each visit could be?"

Gabrielle crinkled her nose, and shook her head. "I don't think so." She smiled at her warmly. "I know it's not the best, but since Yeter is still a political prisoner, it was the best Arielle could do."

"Tell her I say thank you," said Ursula, sneaking in a small grin.

Before she forgot, Gabrielle presented the divorce decree written by Arielle herself. She slid it across the rug for Ursula to look over. Arielle's signature was already on the bottom of the page in place of Yeter's, and all that was required was Oran's signature.

Ursula lifted her eyes from the decree. "I will need some time before I talk to Oran."

"Take your time. If he chooses to sign it, he can deliver it to me."

Xena finished her fruit and got to her feet, holding Gabrielle's hand to assist her stand. Ursula stored the divorce decree in a chest near the back of the yurt. She then moved to the exit and hesitated, grasping the yurt flap.

"Is there a reason why my midwife is traveling to and from the Adame?" asked Ursula. She noticed the color drain from their faces. "I know everything that goes on in my clan," she revealed with a smile.

Xena retorted, a bit perturbed, "Then you of all people should know exactly why she's there, Ursula."


Returning to their bedroom, Gabrielle began dressing for the cold evening. She sat on the bed, slipping stockings over her legs. Xena was busy searching for her stockings in every corner of the room. It wasn't until she almost got down on her knees when Gabrielle pointed to the bath chamber.

"You left your stockings on the bench," she said.

Xena squinted her eyes in displeasure. "And here you are, watching me scrounge around like a dog."

Gabrielle chuckled and flinched as her arm was given a light whack. "Hey, Xena..."

"What?" she called from a distance.

"Do you think Ursula will tell everyone that Arielle is pregnant?"

Xena appeared from the bath chamber, stockings in hand. "No, Ursula is very good at keeping secrets. I suspect she's known this entire time."

"Not even for revenge for what happened to Yeter?"

"You really think she would do that? You're misjudging Ursula's character."

Gabrielle shrugged. "I guess I'm just worried. This is the first time I've felt some uneasiness with the Suevi clan."

"They're an odd bunch, but they're not dangerous." She sat down and picked the lint off the stockings. "It also doesn't make people feel safe when a queen attacks someone."


Constantinople

Sophia fussed with hair in her quarters before heading out for the day. She and her chambermaid had been arguing for more than an hour. They debated about the hairdo for the day, and Sophia's hair was refusing to cooperate with any hairstyle.

She held her long chestnut hair up while the maid pinned the coils back. Growing irritated, she wanted to smack the woman's hand away but kept her temper in check.

Sophia overheard her daughter utter a gasp and whisper to the young chambermaid out on the veranda. She tuned in intently, but all she could hear were giggles and gasps coming from the two women.

"Arabia, what are you giggling about over there?" she called.

The brunette, vivacious young woman dashed into the room from the balcony, startling her mother. She tucked her long, wavy hair into a bun and gestured to the terrace.

"Mother, there is a barbarian woman outside!" she squealed.

Sophia raised a brow. "A what?"

Much to the dismay of the chambermaid, Arabia snatched her mother's hand and dragged her out onto the terrace. She pointed to the woman on a large black horse festooned with tapestries and tassels as she rode through the city gates.

From a distance, Sophia observed the woman as she skillfully dismounted the horse. The woman wore billowy trousers, knee-high boots, a brown fur cape, and a headdress adorned with beads that reached down to her waist. Sophia briskly went a second terrace, following the woman approaching the palace gates.

"Who is she, mother? Why is she here?" asked Arabia, curiously.

"I do not know," Sophia muttered. "Hand me my dress."

Sophia quickly located the unknown woman. The general under Justin's command was already chatting with the woman. When Sophia and her daughter walked into the main hall, everyone's attention immediately focused on them. She met the woman's gaze and feigned a grin.

"Empress, this is Queen Farah from Pannonia," Baduarius announced.

Sophia scanned the queen's attire and then studied her face closely. "Queen Farah," she greeted. "You've come a long way—all the way to Constantinople."

"Yes, I've come to speak with Justin," said Farah.

"Of course. Baduarius will take you to him."

Sophia's smile faded and a scowl formed as Farah walked away with the general. What could possibly have brought a Hunnic woman here, she wondered. She prayed her husband would use his common sense and urge the Hun queen to leave.

Arabia grasped her mother's arm and raved, "She is absolutely gorgeous!"


Sophia developed her own methods for learning vital knowledge. Within the palace, there was a small washroom just next to the throne chamber. Anyone may hear discussions because of the vents. Sophia heard something intriguing but unpleasant. This Hun queen not only encroached on Byzantine territory, but she also intended to stay. Of all locations, the palace!

When the irritated empress returned to her chambers, Arabia was impatiently awaiting news. She couldn't determine whether she was amused or disgusted by her daughter's strange fascination with the Hun woman.

"What did you find out?" asked Arabia.

"She is to stay here. It has something to do with land, but I couldn't hear much."

Arabia gasped. "That woman is staying here? We should go greet her, mother. Make her feel welcome here. She is our guest."

Sophia flicked her wrist. "You go ahead, girl. I have an important meeting today."


When night fell, Arabia assembled the culinary staff to feed the visitor. She stalked toward the guest quarters, trailed by two maids. Each maid was carrying a tray of food and several desserts. Arabia knocked and heard a faint voice from within.

She smiled from ear to ear as she opened the doors. Farah stood up after folding her clothing into a chest. Arabia circled the queen, fascinated by Farah's long hair that reached her knees. She twirled her fingers through the queen's copious tresses.

Farah balked, grabbed her hair, and took a step back. "May I help you?"

"You have such long hair," Arabia admired. She didn't realize the queen had been gawking at her. "Oh, I brought you some food," she quickly changed subjects.

"Thank you," Farah said with hesitancy.

"We haven't met. I'm Princess Arabia, daughter of Justin and Sophia."

Farah nodded and bowed briefly. She didn't appear interested in continuing the conversation and kept folding her clothes. The servants placed the meal trays on the bed, and Farah noticed the young princess staring at her.

"You are very beautiful," said Arabia. "I didn't think barbarian women could look like you."

Farah had to use all of her self-control not to spit at the girl. She was fatigued from the journey and furious that she had been sent here as a punishment. She had no desire to entertain a Byzantine princess as if she were an exotic animal to be idolized.

"I am very tired, princess. I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to be alone," Farah said, resting her hand on her chest. "Thank you, again, for the food."