by E. A. James
“This must be a really violent place,” Angelica said softly. She bit her lip. “Is that true?”
Aerdan shook his head, sending his long dark hair flying. “Not exactly,” he said. He sighed. “I understand why one would be under that impression, but no, Angelica. Zheka is a peaceful place.”
“Then why the hell are those guys trying to hack each other apart?” Angelica gasped in fear as the fight began in earnest. The two men had thrown down their swords and they were wrestling in the sand, throwing hard punches and kicks. When one man wrapped his hands around the other’s throat and began to squeeze, the crowd jeered loudly.
“It’s too fast,” Aerdan explained. “They want a long fight.”
“But how can people be so thirsty for blood if this isn’t a violent place?”
“Because this is the only time where such violence is seen,” Aerdan said. “We never fight. There are no wars – Zheka is one of the most peaceful kingdoms in the land. Mother – that is, the queen – says that women can lead with little violence, but the same cannot be said for men.”
“And she allows this?” Angelica braved one more glance into the arena. When she saw that one of the men was now limping and bleeding profusely from an eye socket, she shuddered.
“Mother knows that sanctioned violence keeps the people happy,” Aerdan said. He shrugged. “She hates it, of course – she says it’s nothing but childish. But people would revolt if we did not have the tournaments.”
Angelica’s stomach turned and she felt hot bile rushing up her throat. Bending over, she vomited quietly between her feet. From the arena, loud cheers and cries filled her ears.
“I can’t watch this,” Angelica moaned. “It’s too awful!”
Aerdan was silent. He got to his feet and offered Angelica his elbow. “Come with me,” he said. “This might all be a little much, I’ll take you to the castle and introduce you to the Queen.”
Angelica leapt to her feet. Anything has to be better than this, she thought, trying to block the sounds of screams and cheers from her ears. I just want to go home!
CHAPTER FOUR
Aerdan
As Aerdan led Angelica into the castle, he couldn’t keep from sneaking glances at his female companion. It wasn’t just that Angelica was a new face – she was easily one of the most beautiful women Aerdan had ever seen. She didn’t have the ample curves and large breasts of many Zhekan woman – instead, she was slim and slender, with pale skin, long dark hair, and dark eyes that flashed whenever she seemed to grow particularly passionate about something.
It’s just because she is a stranger, Aerdan thought as he led Angelica through the main entrance. Still, he had to admit it was fun just to watch her – she could barely walk through a room without craning her neck and gazing up at the ceiling. He could tell that she was completely overwhelmed by the land of Zheka. I should feel guilty, Aerdan thought as Angelica followed him up a long spiral staircase. But she’s going to be such a distraction. Mother and Father will forget all about forcing me to wed once they see her!
“What’s going to happen when I meet your family?”
Aerdan shrugged. “Lady, I am sure everything will go smoothly,” he said. “Please, this way.”
Aerdan dipped his head to a roomful of servants as he led Angelica through the halls and towards his mother’s chamber. Queen Zornaya spent most of her days responding to letters and mail delivered by the strong falcons kept in her menagerie. Aerdan knew that Zheka was facing more desperate circumstances than it had in a long while – his entire life, in fact. The neighboring land of Glasule was desperate for a royal alliance, but Aerdan knew he couldn’t marry Muertha. Princess Muertha had never been a particularly attractive option – she was plain, and notoriously prudish.
Especially compared with the lady Angelica, Aerdan thought as he snuck a peek at Angelica’s backside. She was clothed in a strange pair of blue, stiff pants and a loose black shirt that didn’t quite conceal her small breasts. Aerdan felt a stirring in his loins as he watched Angelica’s slim frame parade in front of him.
Angelica whirled around and crossed her arms. “You were staring,” she said. She cocked her head to the side.
“I wasn’t,” Aerdan lied. He cleared his throat. “This way,” he added. “Not much longer.”
The halls and rooms grew more lavish as Aerdan approached his parents’ living quarters. In addition to Aerdan, Zornaya, and Thurban, the castle was home to many servants, slaves, and royal cousins. There were also several unoccupied royal apartments. Aerdan had always known that Zornaya had wished for more children – families in Zheka tended to be quite large – but the gods had not blessed her.
It’s all up to me, Aerdan thought. It was something he remembered quite often…usually whenever his mother was around, chiding and scolding him for not living up to her standards. Aerdan hoped that Angelica would captivate and charm his parents. Anything to keep their attention away from me and Muertha, or any other woman in the kingdom, he thought as he led the way to a small, ornate chamber.
“This is beautiful,” Angelica said softly. Aerdan nodded.
“Yes,” he said. “The Queen has exquisite taste.”
Angelica’s eyes were wide as Aerdan led her through the chamber. He took a deep breath, then knocked on a concealed door.
“I wouldn’t have ever seen that,” Angelica said.
Aerdan nodded. “It’s a security measure,” he replied. “I’m sure raiders wouldn’t see it either.”
Angelica raised a brow. “Raiders?”
“Forget it,” Aerdan replied. “This way.”
Aerdan led the way into a large chamber, with windows that stretched from floor to ceiling. He felt a twinge of anxiety as he moved through the room, trying to summon every ounce of his strength. He could feel from the chill atmosphere of his mother’s room that she was still angry with him.
“Mother?” Aerdan called. “Are you here?”
Queen Zornaya stepped into the room, her chin at a haughty angle. In robes of pure white and gold, she looked magnificent. Her dark hair was coiled and looped on top of her head and her blue eyes flashed at the sight of her son.
“Aerdan,” Zornaya said, managing to make her son’s name sound like a powerful command. “What have you brought me?”
Aerdan stepped forward, dipping into a brief bow. “Mother, this is lady Angelica,” he said. “She is from a distant land – the kingdom of York.”
Aerdan gestured for Angelica to step forward. When she did, she stared at Zornaya with her eyes wide. Then, seeing Aerdan’s posture, she slunk into a sloppy curtsey.
“Angelica,” Zornaya repeated. “From the land of York?” She narrowed her eyes. “I do not believe I have heard of that land.”
“Actually, it’s New York,” Angelica said. “I mean, ma’am.”
Zornaya’s nostrils flared.
“Your majesty,” Aerdan hissed under her breath.
“Your majesty,” Angelica repeated, dipping her head.
Zornaya nodded serenely. She walked closer to Angelica and Aerdan, her eyes traveling over every inch of her slender body.
“And how did you come to the Kingdom of Zheka, lady Angelica?”
“Really, your majesty, just ‘Angelica’ is fine,” Angelica said softly. “And…I don’t know,” she added, her voice faltering slightly. “I passed out and when I woke up, I was here.”
Zornaya frowned. “Aerdan, I sense the veil is not too thin,” she said. “What can be the meaning of this?”
Aerdan shrugged helplessly. I should’ve known Mother would interrogate me about this, he thought in annoyance. It’s not as though I’m responsible for the girl!
“I was walking home from work when I met Brynx – Aerdan’s cat,” Angelica said quickly. “Of course, he didn’t talk.”
“Why not?” Zornaya asked haughtily. “He is well-spoken. I conjured the spell myself!”
Angelica flushed hotly and Aerdan felt a stirring in his loins as h
er pale cheeks grew pink. She would be a delicious roll in the hay, he thought, staring at her small-yet-perky breasts. As he imagined his hands running over her body, he caught glimpse of his mother’s stern eye.
“I mean, with all due respect, Majesty, cats don’t speak where I come from,” Angelica said meekly. “Animals don’t talk at all.”
“Neither did Brynx until I enchanted him,” Zornaya replied. She tossed her head and fixed her gaze squarely on Aerdan. “Son, fetch the Commander-in-Chief,” she said. “I want him to meet this girl.”
Aerdan stared. “Are you sure, Mother?”
Zornaya rolled her eyes. “Yes,” she said. “And be quick about it!” She clapped her hands.
Aerdan threw one last glance at Angelica before leaving the room. Judging from the desperate look in her eyes, she wasn’t any happier about being left along with the Queen than Aerdan was about leaving her.
Aerdan darted down the hall and took a left, into a narrow corridor decorated with arms, shields, and full-sized suits of armor. He entered a large, sparse room.
Thurban, Commander-in-Chief of Zheka, was seated in a large chair. Half-naked Zhekan women fanned him with palm fronds and offered him grapes. Looks like a nice life, Aerdan thought, rolling his eyes. His father was a beast of a man – huge and lumbering. As Aerdan had bragged to Angelica, he’d defeated six men during a show shortly before his marriage to Zornaya.
“Father,” Aerdan said, bowing low. “Mother has called for you. She wishes for you to come with me.”
Thurban eyed his son and snorted. “Like I have any reason to move,” he said. “Girls, bring more wine!”
One of the Zhekan women took a jug of mead from the table and poured Thurban a full cup. Thurban closed his eyes and tilted his head back, drinking greedily until the mead spilled from the sides of his mouth and dribbled all over his chin and bare chest. In his youth, Thurban had been an intimidating man. But now, he was over fifty years of age. His sinewy muscular bulk had melted into fat, and he was starting to lose his facial hair. His cheeks were ruddy from the drink, and Aerdan noticed the girls serving him couldn’t quite conceal their disdain.
Thurban snapped his fingers and one of the girls came forward with a silken cloth. She dabbed at Thurban’s lips and chin, wiping away the last of the mead. Thurban gave her a raunchy look and reached around her curvaceous body before pinching the cheeks of her bottom. The girl squealed in pain and Thurban burst out laughing.
Aerdan’s distaste grew. Am I doomed to become the same old dumb man, he wondered. Or will my life be more exciting – a true adventure? His past few hours with Angelica had been more thrilling than anything that had happened in years, and Aerdan was reluctant to resign himself to a life of sloth.
“Father, Mother waits,” Aerdan said. “I am sure you can return to your…” he trailed off, eyeing the women around his father with slight disdain. “Fun very soon,” Aerdan finished. “This won’t take but a minute.”
Thurban grumbled. His face clouded with irritation as he hauled himself upright from the chaise and stretched. Even though he was old and fat, he still cut a powerful, intimidating figure. He still had at least two inches on Aerdan, and his shoulders were as wide as the trunk of a massive tree.
"This better not take very long," Thurban complained. "Girls, tidy my chamber." He winked lecherously and the girls giggled, but Aerdan could tell they were only feigning adoration. “When I return, I expect my dinner to be ready.”
“Yes, Commander,” one of the girls said, dipping into a curtsey. Thurban made no secret of staring into her gown where it puckered and fell away from her bosoms. Behind his father’s back, Aerdan rolled his eyes.
The walk back to Zornaya’s chamber took much longer – Thurban had a festering wound on his right knee, and he walked with a slow limp. Aerdan held his breath – the wound was stinking so badly that he felt faintly nauseous. Man up, Aerdan ordered himself as Thurban led the way to Zornaya’s chamber. You’re a man – it’s time to act like one!
“Queen,” Thurban cooed in a manner that was somehow both respectful and patronizing. “So good to see you are doing well.”
Zornaya turned and nodded her head at her husband. “Commander, there is someone I’d like you to meet.”
Aerdan noted with pleasure that Angelica looked marginally more comfortable than she had when he’d first left her.
“This is the lady Angelica, from a distant land called New York City,” Zornaya declared. “She is a guest of the royal family, and should be treated as such.”
Thurban snorted. He walked closer, dragging his injured leg behind him. Angelica stood there, quivering but holding her head high.
“Angelica,” Thurban repeated. He growled. “Not much of a woman, is she?”
“Commander!” Zornaya said sharply. “Hold your tongue. She is five and twenty years of age, which is more than acceptable.”
“Acceptable?” Thurban snorted. “What for?” He eyed Angelica lecherously and Aerdan had to consciously resist the urge to attack his father.
“For a wife and future Queen,” Zornaya said.
Angelica turned to Aerdan. “What?”
“Mother, I had not yet discussed this with Angelica,” Aerdan said quickly. “She is just a guest, that is all. She will be staying with us while we find a way for her to return home.”
“Aerdan’s told me all about how he’s an explorer,” Angelica said, a note of desperation creeping into her voice. Aerdan cringed as she continued: “So I’m sure it won’t take too long.”
Thurban exploded into laughter that filled the room with his syrupy mead breath. “An explorer!” He laughed. “That’s a good jest, son!”
“Aerdan?” Queen Zornaya narrowed her eyes. “Is this true?”
Angelica glared, her dark eyes flashing. “Yes, Aerdan,” she echoed. “Is it true?”
Aerdan felt like melting into the floor. I can’t believe I was so stupid, he thought. I couldn’t even think of a good lie!
Zornaya smiled serenely. Aerdan glared – why was his mother, of all people, happy about this?
“I am sure my son was only trying to impress you,” Zornaya said kindly to Angelica. “But he is no explorer.”
Angelica’s shoulders slumped. “I had a feeling,” she muttered.
“You are smart, child,” Zornaya said. She smiled. “And Aerdan…well, take it positively.”
Aerdan cringed. Of course, his mother was pleased that he’d lied – because he’d never bothered lying to a girl in order to impress her before. It was all too much to bear.
“Come on,” Aerdan said sulkily to Angelica. “Let’s go.”
Thurban’s laughter rang through the halls as Aerdan led Angelica out of Zornaya’s chamber. He stomped angrily down the hall and she broke into a run just to match his stride.
“Aerdan!” Angelica cried. “Where are you going?”
Aerdan didn’t answer. He was filled with a mixture of shame and anger. I shouldn’t have lied, Aerdan thought as he stalked away. But what in the name of gods should I have done instead?
Aerdan strode out of the castle. He broke into a run and didn’t stop until he was inside the stables. At the sight of his master, Tlatse shook his head and whinnied.
“Come on,” Aerdan said darkly. “We’re going for a ride.”
Thirty minutes later, Aerdan and Tlatse were soaring through the woods, moving as one body, one soul. Aerdan didn’t even have to keep his eyes open – he knew this path so well that it was like being with an old friend. As Tlatse broke into a fast gallop, Aerdan twined his hands in the mane of his stallion. His strong thighs clung to Tlatse’s back and sides. As Tlatse leapt and cleared a fallen tree, Aerdan tried to clear his mind. He tried to forget all about his lecherous father, his cold, distant mother.
And Angelica. What of her?
I don’t care, Aerdan thought bitterly. She despises me now, anyway – I lied to her! But what else was I supposed to say? He realized that even though he may have
successfully diverted the attention of his mother for the moment, now that she had a new target, she wouldn’t release Aerdan from his obligations until he announced the bride of his choosing.
And what’s worse, Aerdan thought as he rode through the woods. She might just be trying to trick me, by making Angelica think that I’ve brought her here to be wed! Mother’s going to exploit whatever anxiety I have…and she won’t stop until I tell her I’ve chosen a girl.
His blood was racing through his veins by the time Tlatse arrived in the clearing. Baelan and Huen were already there, lounging in the grass and passing a flagon of mead back and forth.
