A/N: Second Princess *on my knees*

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Chapter Eight

Slowly.

Methodically.

I took my time cutting into the steak on my plate. Every slice draws me further and further from the conversation of those around me. Despite my new find favoritism with my father, I'd been seated to the right in the fifth seat. Far away from the people I could possibly annoy.

Finished, I reached for my wine glass and slowly twirled the red mixture before taking a sip. The bitter taste filled my mouth, my tongue felt numb. In silence my mind would become absorbed within the miasma of old memories.

"Princess Zorya, I've heard your palace burnt down recently. One, can only bend knee to destiny allowing you to escape."

I trailed my eyes from my glass to the stout man who'd spoken. His upper lip still gleamed from the oil of his dish. Viscount Chasin, a noble who dabbled in business. If cheating and taking bribes was a business. He worked in the treasury. Anyone that is close to money would have a hard time keeping their paws off the well printed coins.

"Mm, I'm sure there were many who'd have given alms to the holy church in my honor."

He frowned. Working his little brain to find the hidden puzzle in my words.

Placing my glass down, I glanced toward the head of the table to find my dear crown prince speaking to one of the guests of honor. Count Qupar, red hair blazed in the candlelight drawing my fascination. His pale skin was unblemished, and his thick lashes graced his cheeks as he chuckled at something witty my brother said. I wondered just what my brother could've said that would make the ruthless merchant laugh. The two seemed to be made to be partners.

"Surely, you're not insinuating someone was seeking to hurt you?"

Ah, the treasury pig had finally arrived at a conclusion.

"Let's just say, the fight for an overprices chair filled with woe and misery doesn't exactly wait one anyone. Not even those considered less favored," I said softly.

Enjoying the way Chasin's widened I was disappointed my little bit of fun was interrupted.

"Princess Zorya, your father was tell me you'll be attending the academy for the following semester," A amused voice spoke up.

Turning away from the stunned hamster, I faced the man who'd called my name. Red eyes holding amusement and knowing sparkled at me. The handsome Amauri seemed most eager to speak with me. Completely ignoring the panic that graced my father emperors face for a second I smiled brightly.

"Yes, my tutors have recommended that I attended at least or two before my debut ball."

"Debut Ball," he repeated frowning. "Are you not 18?"

"Freshly turned, I know. Many assume I'm older due to my mature behavior."

"Is that so? That must be why you're allowed beyond the castle wall for the festival." The corner of his lips twitched as if he was trying to withhold laughter. "No chance of you stealing a kiss from a stranger."

I tilted my head, my lips parting as I thought over my next words. Those who'd been speaking amongst themselves were now paying attention to the two of us. Even my brother had ended his conversation with Qupar to watch our little tete a tete.

"Anyone I kiss or will kiss, should feel honored."

"Zorya—," Father emperor cried before his voice was sharply cut off. He frantically cleared his throat. Waving off the empress who'd patted his back. "My daughter is precocious, even as she excels at learning etiquette she enjoys exploring the capital. There is little chance of her exhibiting impulsive or inappropriate behavior when she does this. Surely, you Lord Amauri wouldn't think the worse of her?"

I reached for my wine glass once more. A bit of alcohol would add flavor to the situation I found myself in.

Amauri shook his head, still watching my every movement as if he were a hawk and I, the prey he wanted to swallow hole. "No, of course not. In the north we prize woman who are strong willed and capable."

"Is that your way of asking for my hand in marriage?"

In the stunned silence, I took a sip of my drink. The taste was slightly sweet, and citrusy. "Perfection," I whispered as I set it down. "I've been eager to have my suitor settled before my debut."

The silence was thunderous. The emperor and empress expression had turned red.

The man who'd been teasing me was also showing his surprise on his handsome face. Eyes slightly widened as he lifted his chin as if acknowledging my unspoken dare.

Pushing my chair back, I rose. "Just know, I'm going to practice the ways of my mothers people. The Nycturian woman marry more than one husband. I have no interest in serving anyone, I wish to be served."

Dalton appeared at my side like magic gently taking my hand. Catching the side of gown, I slowly curtsied with every drop of my royal blood. "This evening has been wonderful but I'm still suffering from the horrendous fire that destroyed my palace. Father Emperor, Mother empress Forgive me for leaving early."

Usually no one would leave the presence of the hire ranked persons early, but being that I hadn't debuted yet and I, had suffered and was still recovering form my "illness" it was not seen as rude when I made my escape.

One we left the glitzy banquet hall behind, Dalton tightened his hold of my hand drawing my attention.

"What is it?"

"Do you truly intend to have multiple husbands," he asked looking at me with an unreadable look.

A small smile came to my lips. "Why, do you think it's not proper? I want to live a life where I can be free in my love and hate. Surrounding myself with powerful men would give me that life."

"B-but could you—," he trailed off lowering his head. Seeing his shyness I found myself laughing.

"Pfft, what are you imagining my lilly knight, hmm?"

He jerked his head away, avoiding my gaze. "Nothing, let us return to your quarters."

We continued walking forward, me chuckling and him, hiding his shy expression from my eyes.

In Nycturnia a woman of high class or royalty could have multiple husbands. While it was an old custom, it was successful due to the high amount of men in comparison to women. Due to this favoritism my mother country had been known to kill female children. To fix this woman, could pick their husbands to be protected and cared for. And woman children were doted on.

To me it was the best way to keep men of this empire away from me.

They were the type to want to be your jailer, even when they don't love you. Trapping women in a hell of being controlled and brutalized with no way out. Empire man enjoyed proposing using poetry, and then comforting after the vows with their poison.

Even my own love...that bastard. How can you judge me a slut when you betrayed me first?

How can you resent me when I'm so obviously begging for your love?

Why couldn't he see, that just like him; I was nothing but a puppet.

"Princess?"

Scarlette looked at me worried, her eyes showing her concern. "Are you okay?"

I wrapped my robe around myself and waved her off. "I'm fine, you can go now."

She gave me another look but finally, she gathered the cleaning tools along with the other maids and left me alone with my thoughts.

As soon as the doors shut, I marched over the desk and opening the drawer pulled out a stack of paper and quill pen. I hadn't done this yet, moving on instinct rushing things because if I didn't I'd only think of who to kill.

Sloppily popping the top off the ink bottle, I dipped the quill and started writing. Everything I remembered from the tragedies, the lies and the manipulations. The people I cared about disappeared just as quickly when I needed someone to save me.

The sound of my quill scratching against the parchment was the only sound that filled my room.

It was a long time before I stopped and when I did the floor was covered. The sun was peeking over the hills of the palace.

Setting my quill aside I stared down at the words that covered all the pages. At some point during my mad writing, I'd sat down. Now my body felt stiff, getting up I walked over to the bay windows and opened them.

Turning around I gathered all the papers and organized them once I finished. I placed them inside the drawer, and closed it twisting the key.

I walked over to a black box that sat beside my table and placed the key inside before closing it. Releasing a sigh I walked out of my room onto the porch.

"Fire and flames will grace her skirts; the dead will plead but know only silence. That is me, your maker and empress," I whispered.

"And may his sword be cold and fierce, the dead will know silence and misery. That is me, your conqueror and emperor."

Startled, I turned around to find a shadow of man hidden in the corner. Boldly stepping forward revealing his blood thirtsty red eyes. The heir of Duke Amauri offered me a shallow bowl. "I greet our noble Seventh princess Zorya humbly."

...Well, this wasn't what I was expecting. 

TBC

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Author Note: One can only wonder why he's there.

https://youtu.be/D4WjbrKrLvw

A/N: Ambience