I dream about the same girl over and over again.
The dreams always goes the same way, I'm falling from a cliff screaming out of my lungs in fear. The ground is getting closer and closer as i close my eyes tight waiting for impact, but the impact never comes. Instead i open my eyes to see the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and trust me i have seen many beautiful women in my lifetime.
She smiles softly at me, Her long fiery red hair swims gracefully caressing her bare shoulders. Her soft features alluring and soothing to my much harder one. I can feel her bare lap beneath my head. I was lying on her legs while she sat resting her back on a tree behind her.
She stroked my face again and again whispering to me
"Nemorosa escamus Elora villeria ominus"
As soon as i raise my head to ask her what it means, she's nowhere to be seen.
For years i have tried all sorcerers and seers i know to explain the meaning of this dream.
In secret of course.
I am the most powerful king in the seven kingdoms and every enemy of mine lie in wait for the slightest show of weakness from me to pounce and destroy me.
In order to protect what i have, i show no weakness or vulnerability to anyone…anyone at all.
This is one of the reasons why i have refused to choose a wife from the numerous women i have… that is until now.
The Zedai's which are the 4 chiefs have for so long been on my neck about having an heir to strengthen my reign even more. Some of them even going as far as offering me their granddaughters or nieces. I have been able to put them off for long but with the Trojan Moon coming up, I knew I couldn't avoid this any longer.
I had Deadra as the perfect arm candy, but she didn't fit into the requirements I needed for my Wife. She was too bold and outspoken. She had her identity. I didn't want that.
Growing up, i was taught to believe my Queen should be quiet and timid, doing only what I want, how i wanted it and that was the kind of woman i needed.
After a quiet search for a few months, Erend, my most trusted soldier came to my with the good news.
He had found the perfect bride for me.
She was a lost princess whose parents both died on the day of her birth leaving her to the cruel fate of her uncle, the greedy king of Pyrefall.
Pyrefall was a weak kingdom whose king, Zeba spends every waking moment collecting and collecting even more from his people.
I smiled
Getting married to the Princess will be the perfect thing to do. Knowing King Zeba, and how greedy he is, i made my guards arrange gold worth half his weight alongside my intention to get married to his niece in a few days time and sent it to him.
Just as I suspected, his reply came in two days time granting me her hand and setting the date for the marriage.
Easy peasy
On the agreed upon date, i set out my horses and carriages to go making sure everything was ready to recieve the Queen.
Arriving late at night at Pyrefall, it was too late to commence the marriage ceremony, besides I needed to rest.
Good enough, rooms were prepared for i and my men as well as women to keep us company.
I had no interest in the women or party so I retired to my room to rest.
Early the next day, Zeba received me with his overly sweet smile that made me want to cut off his lips.
He was a foolish King whom I would never be caught having a conversation with on a normal day. He kept talking and talking about money and slaves and whatnot while my bride was being prepared. I was bored
"…so King Alaric, this marriage will create an unbreakable bond between our both great kingdoms" his creepy smile reappeared " You see i love my niece so much it breaks my heart to see her go. I just want…"
He was interrupted mid sentence by a guard who whispered something in his ear. He immediately jumped up like he was burned and rush to the door playing the dutiful Uncle.
I rolled my eyes at this fake display of affection.
Coming back to sight was King Zeba and a beautiful young woman. I was struck with the same hair from my dreams. Red and fiery almost threatening to burn.
She was the same woman
But how?
What does this mean?
Her hazel eyes locked with mine. I see fear, confusion but something else, something almost nonexistent.
I see Pain.
I was brought back from daze with the announcement
"The bride is here"