The Archduke of Kyre is a few years older than me, but he certainly doesn't have my experience in rulership. Yet, he managed to defeat me on my territory.
He's a whole head taller, and his eyes shine regardless of the darkness in them. They're pitch-black, but they still reflect the light. I can see my figure in them when he turns to me and smiles assuringly.
His hair is also dark, as well as his clothes. He looks like a devil aiming at my soul.
He stands next to me as if he's used to dealing with fallen queens. As if he's never done anything else than marrying prisoners and winning wars.
There isn't any malice in his smile, but he hasn't any real reason to be resentful. He is the one who won, and he's going to enjoy his reward without worrying too much. This is how things work outside of my Palace walls, I know it.
When the guard uncuffs me, I massage my wrists. Red marks cover my skin, but they don't look severe. They will probably fade soon.
I'm still confused by this sudden turn of events.
Did the Archduke ask to be the one killing me? Or does he just want something to show around as a sign of his victories?
Whatever the case, does the Archduke need a wife so badly? Isn't there anyone else willing to marry him, among all those noble ladies?
I glance at the crowd, and I discern a range of different emotions among them. Some are shocked, others annoyed or confused. At least, I'm not the only one not understanding what's happening.
Regardless, I'm not willing to play along. An Emperor has the power to declare marriages, here in Ethiro. Yet we in Polis value our traditions. If a priest isn't present, this marriage can't be considered valid.
I will point this out when the Duke tries to take advantage of me. My words won't stop him, that's for sure, but at least he'll know how immoral his actions are.
As if reading my mind, my new husband points with his chin to a spot behind the throne. Right there, a young maiden with painted skin and a long red gown is looking at us with interest. She's analysing my features and the Archduke's actions as if she's observing some children behaving oddly. It's the same way a city dweller stares at the animals of a farm.
Red is the colour only the imperial family and the highest priests are allowed to use. That young girl is a priestess, and a high-ranked one, at that.
She didn't oppose the announcement, so she implicitly approved of it.
I bite my lower lip in a huff. My first idea was thrown in the water even before I had finished forming it.
«You can go, now,» the Emperor utters and starts to read a note that arrived a few minutes ago. It must not be that important if the messenger waited for so long before delivering it.
The man by my side half kneels, greeting the Emperor by bowing his head like everyone else.
If I remember correctly, the etiquette of the Empire states that ladies are required only to curtsey. I could just bend my knees by a few degrees and get it over with, but all this situation is getting on my nerves.
I have no intention to follow their rules. No one asked me my opinion, so I don't need to consider myself as one of them.
I just wanted to die in peace. Why involve marriage in all of this?
The Emperor meets my gaze and smiles gently. I bet he can understand what I'm feeling. I've never needed to show courtesy: it was the rest of the people that revered me.
«What are the consequences for refusing to greet the Emperor?» he asks one of his aides. He leans his elbows on the armrest of the throne. Then, he supports his head on a hand.
I widen my eyes in outrage. That brat is sitting on the most sacred chair in the Empire, he should keep some decency! Is this how rulers are educated around here? He's disrespecting his subjects, acting like he doesn't care about the symbols they entrusted to him!
While my thoughts are wandering as routine, the conversation between the Emperor and his aide continues unbothered.
«It's a sign of disrespect, your majesty. If the subject doesn't comply after being ordered, though, it might be considered a challenge or even treason.»
«I don't think the Archduchess has any thought of treason. She's been a subject for a few minutes only,» the Emperor points out.
Treason? Whom did I swear allegiance to, ah? I can't betray someone I'm not loyal to. Well, at least this will speed up the execution. I can't get out of here alive, or people in Polis will think that the Empire isn't as cruel as we all thought.
«I would suggest not to let such behaviour go unpunished, your majesty. It would create a precedent. Still, the Archduchess might not be familiar with our rules.»
«Shall I try to understand her?»
«Your Majesty will make the best choice,» the aid finishes.
He's kept his head low for the whole duration of the chat. I once ordered one of my servants to do so, but it was because he had almost caused an international incident. This guy, though, looks used to it.
«Since the Archduchess is now married to the Archduke, she's his responsibility. Am I right?» the Emperor continues.
«Yes, your Majesty.»
«Then, I'll take away the northern part of his territory. Is that enough?»
The aristocrats in the hall wince, and then they look at each other with surprise. I bet the region the Emperor is reclaiming is valuable.
What does the Archduke have to do with my disobedience, however? Why is this teenage ruler suddenly seizing his loyal subject's territories?
«It will be directly under the Crown's supervision until we find someone willing to take the responsibility,» the youngster continues.
«It will be done, your Majesty.»
«Also, the Archduke is from now on only a Duke. It will be so as long as the northern territory isn't under his power. It was the reason my uncle was an Archduke in the first place. Only with the northern border, Kyre is an Archduchy.»
The Emperor turns to me with a cunning grin.
«So, Theodora... Are you continuing your battle?»
As if I cared about the territories this Archduke is administering.
Still, I bend my knees slightly, without moving my eyes down. It's some kind of compromise.
«You can go,» he repeats, and I follow the Archduke out of the hall.
Only after the door is closed behind our back, I understand that I'm not going to die. Part of me is angry because my plan failed, but the anger decreases every second that passes.
We walk for some time, and I start to feel glad that I'm not dying here and now. My fingers are trembling, so I clench my fists to hide it.
I was so ready to go, up to a few minutes before. Yet, now I'm happy to be alive. How unworthy of a Queen.
My breath is returning to normal, and I can feel the air filling my lungs after so many days of pressure and expectation.
I thought it would be so much worse...
Then, I remember that not everything is in place. I'm now married to a man I don't know, and he has power in the palace. I think the Emperor didn't come with the idea by himself, but that he was counselled by a beloved cousin.
«Here,» he says, turning around a corner.
I follow him silently. He's not looking at me at all. It's strange for someone that had just gained a wife. If he is the one behind this idea, he should glance at me triumphantly from time to time. If he isn't, then he should be staring curiously.
Still, he's so impassive that it's bothersome. In the end, I'm the one analysing him.
«This wing of the palace is for my use, so you can walk around here freely,» he starts, showing me the hallways.
Reaching a window, I can see a large, beautiful garden in full bloom.
«I'll show you your chamber tomorrow,» he continues. «For now, just remember how to get here. I'll introduce you to my personal servants. The maids are all from the palace, so be careful around them...»
I nod, instinctively. I understand what the Duke is trying to say. I don't need someone to tell me such trivial things.
«And these are my chambers,» he finishes opening a door.
Behind it, there is a huge waiting room. I can see several doors from here, so I have to follow the Archduke... The Duke. I have to follow the Duke.
Only now, I understand that I'm alone with a man whom I caused the loss of a title.