Knock, knock.
Writing down the last few words of my sentence I draw my attention to the door.
"Come in."
A short stocky young woman walks in before giving a deep bow her long black braid falling over her shoulder.
"Excuse me your Highness, I'm sorry for disturbing you but Deity Arius has requested your presence at the dinning hall. You will be joining the of High Family for dinner."
Dinner with Arius and his family...hmmm, I wonder what everyone is like?
"Wait outside, I'll be out in a moment."
Standing up from my desk I walk over to my wardrobe and pull out a long sleeved baby blue 1877 victorian gown with white trim running from the collar to the bottom of the dress, and the fabric going along the crinolette is edged with laced white tassels. It's elegant with a simple design, perfect for this evening.
Slipping on the cold material I gaze into the mirror taking in my appearance, checking for anything out of place. Appeased by the look I walk to the door and pull it open, immediately I see the youthful maid patiently waiting.
"Let us go, take me to my husband." I command
Bowing her head she speaks "Yes, m'lady."
Just as we approach the dinning room doors the maid raises her hand and begins a series of short knocks before telling them she had completed her task.
"You may enter." I could hear All Mother's gentle voice say.
With permission to come in the raven haired servant pulled the doors open revealing the five members of the High Family bantering over their extravagant feast. So with my chin up and back straight I walked into the room and claimed my seat next to Arius. Not once did anyone look at me.
"Good evening everyone ." I spoke my voice stilling their conversations almost immediately before All Mother replied.
"Good evening my dear, have you made yourself at home?"
Looking into All Mother's black eyes I answer her.
"Yes, I have and I am quite satisfied with what I have seen so far." And with whom I have met, I thought to myself.
"That's wonderful dear, now why don't we all exchange pleasantries and welcome our newest member to the family." Her voice was gentle but beneath it I sensed an unsettling power emitting from her words although it was faint I knew it was there, everyone did.
It wasn't long before a familiar velvet voice could be heard.
"Hello again Seku, you're looking rather divine this evening." A sly foxlike grin made its way onto his sculpted face as he spoke, quickly glancing at my fiancé.
"We should meet in my room later and continue our earlier discussion." I could see the wheels turning in his head, what was he up to?
"I beg y-" right before I could get the last words out a woman a little older than myself interrupts.
"You two seem awfully friendly." Pausing she eyeballs Arius. "Don't you agree brother?"
What nonsense was she spouting? I had just met the man only a few hours ago surely he does not believe this accusation. I turn my head to look at Arius our eyes meeting only briefly before he looks at his brother than at the red haired woman.
"Stop instigating Frey and eat. I'd like to have a peaceful meal for once." His face was stoic, void of emotion and his voice remained calm.
Quickly she retorted "Awn you are no fun brother. You see Brother Sage flirting with your wife right in front of you yet you have nothing to say. Though that's so typical of you is it not Brother Arius? Nothing to say then nothing to say now. Pathetic."
I could tell her words were meant to cut deep, to reopen an old wound that had not fully healed. It made me curious as to how much it weighed on his heart but, why would she do that?
"That's enough Frey!" His voice echoed throughout the room as the air began to thicken with miasma. I watched Frey and Sage tense under the pressure of his barbarity.
Not fazed enough she opens her mouth to let out one last remark "Fine one last thing."
Turning towards me her big round grey eyes bore into my confused blue ones. "Seku he may be the God of death but don't be mistaken it is death that rules him." With the last of her words she stood from the table and stormed out.
"The dinner was delicious All Mother but will you excuse me I must go after her." Hastily the brunette man trailed after Frey leaving us in a room of silence.
He had such a weak presence it's like he faded away over time, how is that possible?
The room had fallen silent the only thing that could be heard was Arius scraping his fork against his plate as he took his last bite. Looking at me then at my dish a look of disappointment became apparent upon his face until he turned away to speak to his mother.
"What a wonderful dinner this turned out to be mother, as usual." His words were draped in disdain and sarcasm. His golden almond eyes stared directly into All Mother's glossy black orbs before he stood up and exited the dinning hall, leaving the three of us at the table to finish our bitter feast.
With minutes passing by the only thing on my mind is how awkward this dinner has become. All the tension that was released is still wafting through the air. No one is talking, All Mother is just eyeing her eldest whilst he pretends not to notice as he bores holes in my head. I wish she would just dismiss me already so I can go to my room, I have a lot I have to do if I want to make my debut as ruling goddess of Io a success.
"Sage I'll send someone for you once I finish my meal, you're dismissed." Her order held no room for discussion and Sage could see that so, without a word he rose from his chair and we watched him leave. I must say I can tell family dinners are usually disastrous, there is so much animosity.
"Now Seku, I created you for my second son, you understand this yes?"
Her intentions were clear she wanted me to stay away from Sage and know my place as Arius's bride. I was created for him and although I was given free will, she can easily take that from me and I understand that. Do I like that fact? No, not at all, I'd like to be able to fall in love freely and choose my own lover.
She clears her throat as she waits for my answer, her face stern and her eyebrow raised.
"Yes, All Mother I understand." I replied, acknowledging her question.
"Good. Now I know you haven't started your duties yet but I need you to govern another country to be more specific an island. It's the smallest and least populated but it needs a lot of work compared to the other five land masses."
Another country to watch over...am I even able to govern one properly? Why does she want me to do it? I'd say Arius or Sage would be more than capable so why go with someone with so little experience? Though this is a great opportunity, I'm nervous can I really do it? I don't know, but I must try there's got to be a reason she chose me.
"Can you elaborate on the problems? I would also like to know why it's in such poor condition." This is vital information if I am to govern this country.
"Yes well, things got too busy around here and it just became forgotten. Now and then one of my children will go down there and give me an overview of their situation." She spoke nonchalantly.
I can't believe she just said that.
"I do not mean to be disrespectful but should you not have stepped up, as Empress of the High Family it is your responsibility to make sure it was properly cared for, small or not you are-"
"I'm going to stop you right there dear. I cannot be bothered by such trivial matters, I have other tasks that require my full attention besides I'm making sure it gets done now." Her voice seemed to dare me to challenge her, to say something else regarding the matter.
How could she be so insensitive, they were her creations, her children...how could she do this to them.
"Alright. Now that that is cleared up, the island country is called Hala. It is made up of two islands, the larger one is shaped like crescent moon with six different spiked peninsulas. While the second smaller circular island resides within it. Hala is inhabited purely by wolf beastmen but the population is low from poor agriculture, a lack of natural resources and human material, along with a damaged economy. There's a total of four villages each housing more than two different species, for the most part they all are able to get along even under such harsh conditions. So, I expect you to make sure that does not change while you're altering things down there. Any questions?"
I only thought of one question after hearing her speak.
"When do I start?" I have made up my mind, I am going to govern these people with love and put in the time to make them forget their horrible lives up till now, so they can finally enjoy life.
"You start tomorrow at dawn. I suggest you revise your strategies for both Io and Hala, you'll need to put them into place as soon as possible."
"I understand. I will be prepared for tomorrow you can expect that." There's a lot of things I need to think about if I want to improve both territories. I am going to need multiple systems and plans along with some help.
"Great! That ends our conversation then, you may leave." My dismissal was quick and far nicer than Sage's.
"Yes, thank you All Mother." With a new ambition in hand, I stood from the table and headed to my boudoir ready for tomorrow.