-Eryx's P.O.V
"Who the hell are you?"
"I could ask the same thing, what business does a noblewoman have in an army barracks?" I couldn't help but smirk.
She seemed frustrated, "I am Lady Cahira, ward of the king, and I live here, sir. It is you that has no business here."
This woman, she was not just any noble, was she? But I was not aware father had taken in a ward while I was gone, he never wrote to me about her. "I wasn't aware the king had a ward."
"Have you been living under a rock? I've been a ward of the king for years." If looks could kill, I'd be dead on the floor with the way she stared at me. I took a big swig of the wine; it was perhaps the cheapest wine that ever touched my lips, and it was horrid. "Now, let me reiterate. Who? The. Hell. Are. You."
Damn this woman, she was definitely no noble, far too careless and unrefined, though she was a sight to behold. Bright golden eyes, tanned skin, and caramel-brown locks of hair. She had full, kissable lips, strong features, and a supple bust. She had to be the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on.
I wouldn't dare give her my real name, not to mention, I want to toy with her for a bit. "I'm Cael, I just returned from war, and I thought this was a decent place to rest for the evening."
"Sir Cael, this a private dining room, the north wing has its own hall for soldiers, dine there." She hissed, snatching the wine from my hands with strong force. "And leave the wine. It's my last fucking bottle."
Never before have a met someone with such strength to rip something out of hands like I was a rag doll. But to act this insane, she must be war prisoner, that would make sense. "Fine woman, but don't act like it's the most exquisite bottle of wine ever, not even peasants would let themselves drink that."
"It will have to do. Now, get out. I will not hesitate to remove you myself." She glared down at me, almost amused at the idea of throwing me out. Though I do enjoy a good challenge, I don't want to provoke such a person any longer, or at least, provoke them slightly less.
"There is no need, I won't trouble you any longer." I smiled. "Such a beautiful woman shouldn't fret over my being here."
She seemed to ponder a second, before a long dagger was pulled from some hidden fold in her dress. "I am not some common girl who can be swayed by a pretty boy's words. Get out, I will not repeat myself again."
Though I would admit hearing her call me pretty was pleasant, I knew better than to continue like this, I needed to change tactics. "I don't think that a good idea my lady, I am affiliated with the crown prince."
She visibly paused, clearly contemplating her next words. "Then I suppose you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself by explaining to his highness that you got your ass beat by a woman, would you?"
Damn her, I can't seem to intimidate her in any way, I could only wonder what rebellious province she came from. "What about the king. If you're his ward it may seem that he's losing control of his people, I don't think he would be pleased."
She burst out laughing. "What is the pathetic bastard going to do to me! I'm already locked in this place; I already wallow in self-pity all day, I only leave once a week so I can go play noble lady with Duchess Aithne. The number of times I've almost slit his throat is proof enough he won't do anything to me. He has permanent scars and injuries from all the half-assed attempts where I've tried to kill him. If you think you can scare me you are horribly wrong."
I have never heard anyone speak that way of my father that way, I knew he was an ass, but I don't know what he's done to her that's made her hate him so much, or why he still keeps her here. "You speak like that of king, you are quite strange Lady Cahira; I suppose I concede, though I do hope to see you again." I smirked, knowing I would get nowhere talking to her.
I rose from my seat, and quickly shuffled out the room, the door slammed behind me as a I did. She seemed to have no idea of who I was, but considering that I had been gone for so long, that shouldn't have surprised me.
I swiftly marched down the halls to a spare room above the east wing, where guests would stay when visiting for war or combat gatherings, so I knew it was empty.
It was covered in dust and cobwebs for the most part, but the bed itself had obviously been made for quite some time, and were decent enough to sleep in for the night, as I didn't want to return to the palace yet, and enjoy my lack of responsibilities for now.
But I laid awake all night; I couldn't stop thinking about her, that Lady Cahira. So many questions and worries arose in mind. Such as why hadn't my father said anything? Why does she hate him? Why isn't she in the palace where a king's ward belongs?
By the next morning I was drunk of lack of sleep and was ready to see my father again. He rarely visited me while on the battlefield, saying it was too gory for the likes of a king.
I didn't even bother with breakfast, I just shucked on my leather boots, threw on loose tunic, grabbed my bag of belongings, and left to find a carriage. There should be a few lying around for the high-ranking military officials and their families if the castle was operational.
I saw one that had a driver sitting in wait. I rushed over and looked to the man in front of the coach. "Kind sir, I need a carriage to the imperial palace."
"I'm afraid I cannot allow you on soldier, this coach is for the lady of the castle." He tried to be as polite as possible.
"Surely you can make an exception for the crown prince." I said, taking out my royal badge to show him.
His eyes widened. "But of course, sire. Though the coach itself has been reserved for the lady, on orders of the king, you may sit on the rear bench if that suits you."
"Very well." I gave him a small nod and found the seat. It was behind the actual compartment, and was decently large, enough so for 4 men to sit.
I soon heard footsteps approaching the carriage, then the voice of Lady Cahira. "Good to see you coachman."
Before I knew it, the vehicle was forced into motion and we started towards my home. I fiddled around for something to hold onto so I wouldn't fall off the bench.
It wasn't long before we had reached the palace. I hopped off and headed inside the doors, so the lady wouldn't see me. I did not want another conversation similar to the night before.
As made my way in I already knew that some of the servants had recognized me. Some shooed others way to make ample room for me to pass by, as I made my way to the council room, where my father was most likely meeting with the dignitaries.
As I opened the door, I saw my father arguing with the advisors. They soon silenced, knowing that whatever it was could wait. The moment my father noticed me he stood. "My son! It has been far too long since I've seen you! Come sit." He gestured to a chair that sat at his right-hand side.
I sat down and turned to him. "It has been far too long; we have much to discuss."
"You four, may retire for the day." He narrowed his eyes at the advisors that couldn't help but stare, as they stood and left. "So, how has your campaign been?"
"It's going well, the Dhorian kingdoms should yield soon, as their resources are too low to continue. The kingdoms of Lesivus and Ultir should also submit to the conquest in due time." I lowered my eyes to the war map spread out on the large table. "Though I must ask, what have been doing with the war prisoners and refugees?"
He seemed confused by the question. "What I normally do, allowing them to keep their jobs and homes as long as they don't resist our regime."
Clearly that wasn't the right question. "Father, it's come to my attention that you have a ward in the old castle. Why hadn't I learned of this prior to my return?"
"Well, I suppose I didn't think I'd keep her around for this long, I was planning to betroth her to one of the officials after a few months, but I didn't realize that the Outlander would take so long to adjust to our ways."
I couldn't seem to find the words. It was as if all my questions were resolved in an instant. "She is an Outlander! Why would you take her in as a ward?"
"Outlanders are hard to come by in our empire, the women even less so. After Sir Eldridge found her in that wasteland on one of his hunts, he brought her to the palace, as he thought it was the best thing for the girl." He paused. "But how did you come to hear about her? Have you met her perchance?"
I sighed. "We. . . May have crossed paths."
"What did you think of her?" He had a grin on his face.
"She is rather unladylike, but definitely a beauty though." I answered.
"Good, I'm glad you like her, she is to be your wife after all." He smiled as if he was the one getting married.
I just couldn't imagine that outcome. How long had he been plotting this? Was this behavior why she detested him so much? I didn't even know how to respond.
"Father! Why would you plan to marry me to such a woman? She is not a noble woman, and weren't you the one who insisted that my betrothed be one of the Grand Duke's daughters?"
"I did not know that such an opportunity would arise. She is perfect for you son! She is of the strongest group, she is in excellent shape to bear healthy sons, and she is of age. Give me one good reason she shouldn't be your wife?" He huffed, as if he had planned everything out.
I just rolled my eyes. "Father, she doesn't love me! How can I marry a woman in such a situation!"
"My son, think of the empire. We need a strong lineage or else our line will die out. I understand your concern, but as long as she is enough to satisfy you, I have no concerns."
"Why can't Merrick handle this burden, he is also a prince." I groaned. 'And he is also your son."
"Merrick may be a prince, but he is not the next king. You are, now I suggest that you accept these responsibilities, your kingdom depends on it." He said to me. "Have a made myself clear?"
I tried to not punch him in that smug face; perhaps one day I'd get the chance. "Yes father."
"Good, now clean yourself up; I expect to see you at lunch in the royal dining hall. You're getting the chance to properly meet your betrothed."
"Very well." With that I stood and left, thoroughly done with that conversation.
A/N I hope this story has gotten your attention and that you keep reading as I'm slowly falling in love with this story and it's characters. Be prepared for more to come in future updates!