"Take him to the dungeons. I will see him later" Magnus said.

I was dragged to the dungeon and I passed out. When I woke up I saw a guard pushing a plate with bread and curry and a jug of water through the door and said "Enjoy while it lasts".

I didn't know whether Myra was safe? Was she married to Lestat? so I asked him "Is she all right?"

The guard smirked and said "If you think she is married or not then she is not. But that will be for a while and sooner or later she will be Mistress of this clan and answer to your question she is conscious in Lord's chambers".

I was glad she was fine but she was still in Magnus reach was what bothering me.

Aria/Josh's POV

"Child I am sure you would do good but before we move further. There is something Andrew has to share with you" He said.

Andrew looked at me and then on floor.

"Josh you are not ruined. You are a pure as the day you were born" He said.

"What do you mean by that Andrew" I asked not understanding what he meant.

"Josh I faked the incident of you being compromised. It was me who gagged you and made you unconscious and I took help from a woman to undress you and used my fingers blood to stain the sheets so that it looked like you were compromised" He said not meeting my eyes.

It shook me that my best friend would do something like this. He made me feel disgusted with myself. I didn't hear his pleas for forgiveness because I could not think anymore.

After Andy's confession I just didn't feel like being around him. I avoided him at all costs. If I see Andrew approaching I would walk in other direction and even during meals, I would make sure I am busy while he was seated besides me. I was near river sitting and thinking when I felt as if someone sat besides me. I turned to look only to find Andrew sitting besides me. I was about to walk away when Andrew said "Stay".

"Well After what you had done Andrew the last thing I would want is to stay and that too around you" I said moving further only to be pulled by my wrist to face him.

"Josh I know I made a mistake but it was needed to stop your forced wedding because whatever you did you would have never left him, married forcefully or not" He said gazing into my eyes.

"That would have been my decision Andrew but you took that from me. I thought we were friends but guess not because friends don't take away our choices" I replied staring in his eyes.

"Well friends don't but lovers do so they can be together" He said bitterly.

"Lovers?... But we are not.." I said when he cut me off and said "You do not love me Josh but I do and I did everything in my power to make sure the woman I live for is only mine" He replied pulling me by my waist.

"Andrew.. I.. don't know how you claim to love me when you have ruined my reputation. Even lovers don't do that" I replied and pushed him and ran from there towards my hut.

As I was passing I was stopped by Ryker village chief and said "Princess, we were looking for you to have a discussion on future of our clan".

I nodded and we moved to the office and there I saw all the important people of the clan waiting for us.

They bowed in respect and I acknowledged and reverted the gestures.

Ryker got up and said "Princess we gathered here to discuss about your rightful place on the throne of Eastern state Aloav".

"What is the strategy we have to overthrow the ruling king?" I asked.

"Well we have to wage war against the King Owen but right now we don't have enough soldiers and also we have to think about your protection since you never learned to wield a sword" Ryker said.

"But I can learn right?" I replied making my mind.

"Yes you can but we don't have much time because once the heir to the Kingdom is born via wedding union of Prince Randolph and Sarah, it would be difficult to claim your rightful place" Chief said.

"Fine that means we need to motivate our soldiers plus find more who are willing to fight for our purpose" I said.

"Yes that's why we have a proposition" Chief said and at that moment Andrew made his presence known and nodded to all the men present.

"We have a proposition that you marry Andrew so that we can have loyalty from not only his clan but also from his friendly clans" He said.

I felt angry at that but composed myself and asked "Why should there be a wedding? Can't they aid us since they are friends with Andrew".

"Well Princess they are friends of Andrew but not yours so why would they oblige to aid us who are people of different Clan and moreover if Andrew is the King of the Aloav they are sure to get financial and weaponry aid but you are no way related to them and that there would be no gain for their efforts for that" He replied.

" I would like to think of other way to achieve this and while I am at it. I would like to learn how to wield a sword so Could you ?" I responded.

"Oh of course Princess you must and Andrew is the best we have here and he can give you lessons on that" He said.

I wanted to deny but could not because there were so many things to think. I got up and everyone bowed except Andrew who followed me to my room.

I turned to ask him to leave when he entered the room and sat himself on the wooden chair as if he owns this place.

"Andrew I would like to rest so could you please see yourself out" I said.

"Well.. I would once my bride to be gives me good night Kiss" He said smiling.

"Andrew I am not your bride to be so you can go find someone else" I said wiping his smile but then he responded "Sooner or later you would agree.. by the way be ready in the morning 4 am to start our training. I don't like late comers and I punish the offenders" he said getting up to leave.

Next Morning

I got up early and washed my face and dressed myself in the lightest of the gown that I had and reached the training ground where I found Andrew already waiting for me.

"Good you are on time Precious" He said.

"I do things on time Knight" I said.

He raised his brow noting that I didn't referred him as Andy or Andrew for the first time.

He showed me how to wield a sword and then he asked me to attack which I did and he blocked my attack and then again he beckoned me to attack. This went on and on and I got tired of attacking and not able to even touch a hair on his body.

Then he gestured that training is over when more warriors came to do their practice they were surprised at first but soon begin to do their training as if nothing was happening.

"Tomorrow I am expecting you to better yourself Precious because at this moment you are a lousy in attacking" He said and walked away.

I was seething in anger at his comment but needless to say I could not do much so I composed myself and left to have breakfast which indeed was delicious.

After that I ventured back to lake where I sat yesterday and enjoyed the scenery and then felt I must take bath and that's what I did.

I came out of water and felt as if someone was watching me. I covered myself quickly and took one stick which laid nearby and began looking for them. After searching for a while I could not find anyone and thought it might be a wild animal when someone picked me up and a loud shriek left my mouth only to realise that it was Andrew when we were settled on a branch.

"Oh Precious you should not be so unaware of your surrounding" He said while holding my face. I slapped his hands and said "I need to get down I don't have time for this".  I was about to jump when he held me by my hands again and pulled me back on the branch.

"Don't Precious. Look someone is waiting for their meal" He said and when I looked down I saw a Lion looking at us like he was salivating on his meal.

"What do we do now?" I asked for him to only chuckle and said "We... Precious you are on your own and he jumped to another tree like he was flying".

I felt as if the Lion was totally focusing on me now. I sat on the branch thinking he would leave but 4 hours have passed but he didn't move. My limbs have began to ache and I was feeling sleepy but having a lion right under you was not what you should have when you want to sleep. So stay focused is what I did. Half an hour or so must have passed when he started attempting to climb the tree.

I was terrified now but only thing that I could do was to hit him with the small branches on the tree which didn't deter him from climbing but only annoyed him further. The only person I could now think of was Andrew, the very person who left me alone in the forest while a savage lion wanted to make me his meal.

The Lion almost made his way to the branch where I was seated and he was now facing me and looked in my eyes as if to say don't you dare to move. As he was about to pounce on me I jumped down the tree only to land on my legs in a wrong angle and by now the Lion too had jumped on the ground and he was about to attack me I felt myself lifted in the strong arms on seated on another tree. I had hid my face in their chest and after realising I was holding someone I looked up to find Andrew smiling at me. I hit his chest hard and said "You cruel man he would have made a feast on me. How could you do this to me? Your childhood friend and the girl you want your bride to be. Would you do the same to your bride too?" 

I looked at him for answers and he replied "No I would not let any harm come to my bride but you are not my bride since you rejected me earlier ".

"Then why did you save me now" I asked narrowing my eyes at him.

"Well to see if I can have a chance at my bride and to give you a chance at life" He said.

By this time Lion has moved under the tree where we sat and he was trying to jump to reach us. I was shaking and asked him "How do we get rid of him Andrew".

"Well you have to agree to be my bride" He said.

Now Lion was too frustrated and so he was trying to climb the tree and I was scared that this time there will be no chance so I did what any other person would do " I will. Please save me".

"You will what Precious?" He said as if uninterested that a Lion was about to attack us.

"I will be your bride" I said by this time tears were rolling my eyes.

"You will be my bride" He said gleaming in happiness and then whistled and a herd of elephants came running and the Lion who was trying to climb the tree ran away scared.

We jumped down and Andrew held my hand though I tried to get free he only tightened his hold till he escorted me safely in my room.

"Be ready for the training tomorrow by 4" He said and left.

I was too numb about the situation and tired so all I did was black out till next morning. I was awoken by someone's hands shaking me.

"Andrew what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Well when one of my trainee thinks she can defy my rules then I do barge in their rooms to tell them they can't" He answered.

"What? Is it morning already?" I asked.

"Oh yes Princess now get yourself quickly on the training grounds for I have other works to do as well" He said and left.

I freshened up quickly and rushed to the training ground and as soon as I entered, Andrew was training and was trying all kinds of move and when he saw me he said " 10 rounds this ground and then we will have your sword practice".

I looked at him shocked and said "But ..." he cut me off and said "You don't want to add on to that and Princess if it had been anyone else I would have asked for 50 rounds now go follow my orders. Hopefully your weak self will be able to do it by afternoon".

I felt more hurt than anger by his words so I began taking rounds and by the time I was at 5 I was sweating, breathless and had no energy to continue. People have come to training grounds began practising but I was given pity looks whenever they saw me. I would have stopped but his vile words pushed me and on my 7th round I stumbled and fell and blacked out.

When I woke up it afternoon and I heard loud voices.

"Look Andrew I can you should leave her now. You have done enough" A female voice which I knew belonged to Veronica.

"I think not and she's yet to complete her 3 round and a sword practise later so no" He said firmly.

I wanted to say something but my mouth was parched so I looked around and fumbled with the pot which shattered since I was weak. The noise brought their attention to me and Veronica rushed my side and said "Look Jocelyn I will get you water. Please get yourself back on the bed".

I did what I was told and she fetched water and her hands touched mine when she yelled "Oh my god Jocelyn you have fever. Your body is burning".

Immediately I felt one more presence and saw Andrew touching my head and said "Fine have two days off but be ready on the third day".

I nodded and then Veronica fed me and got me potion and next day I felt better. Next morning I got ready only to find Leo waiting for me.

"Where is Andrew?" I asked.

"Oh he went away for 2 weeks since there have been search operations and we need to be careful and misguide them" He answered.

I immediately understood that still Prince was searching for me seems like it was matter of ego for him and now Andrew went out for distracting them.

I began training with Leo and it has been 3 weeks and I know I am doing better than how I did on my first day. After the practice I asked the regular question "any news on Andrew?".

"None as of now. But we have sent one of our men to get the news" Leo answered.

I nodded and walked off to my room. I freshened up and have began to mingle with the women folk to understand our culture. It had been good to know that women were not restricted to household work. Some even were teaching, others do handicrafts work and I even did that as I had learned this during my years of slavery.

Once I was done with our daily session of chores I again busied myself with sword practise and for the onlookers it seemed like I was obsessed. But I kept practising till it was dinner time. Veronica would fetch me for dinner and there again we would discuss on the increasing head count in the soldiers.

Like this 6 months passed and I have not only excelled in the art of swordsmanship but also learnt the archery from Serenity. But she keeps telling me that I am better at it. I don't know how true it was but it kept me occupied. 

Soon Mary another women whose been helping me called me over and said that chief Ryker requested my presence. I entered chief's chambers and there all men were present.

"Princess our soldiers have been practising over and over but I have noticed that there is nothing entertain themselves while they are away from their families, it can be demotivating" He said.

"Well we can bring in women from outside and have them entertain us" One of the men said.

"NO" I shouted "What do you think bringing in women so you can find your pleasure. You really think that is pleasure while the women will be suffering" I asked.

"But Princess a man has needs and it's better we take care of them or else they might not be that compliant" Another responded.

"You said soldiers are away from their families here to fight the battles for us and by bringing in women you will be distracting them. I understand that men have needs but I want them to restrain themselves and be faithful to their women. I don't want soldiers who are slave to their lust. Lust can be blinding" I said.

"I agree with Princess" Ryker said.

I looked around and all I found was the gloomy faces and I said "We will have a fair and a competition where we will have our soldiers fighting and the winner gets to have the food of his choice and he can visit his family" I said.

"But what about the men who not win then there is no entertainment for them" they asked.

"Well.. for all of them their Princess will dance for them for their entertainment" I said 

I could see the admiring look in the men's eyes for they were happy that they all will have something to entertain themselves. With that all men disbursed.

"Do you think that was a wise choice Princess" Ryker asked.

"I know it was not but I need my soldiers looking up at their Princess as not the one who just orders them around but also take care of them" I replied.

The day the celebration was to be held I saw a herds of horses running and soon it was clear that group of soldiers were arriving. I took by bows and arrows and kept aiming at them when I noticed the symbol on their flag it was of our clan. I relaxed and handed over bows and arrows to Mary and approached them.  

The first one to reach was Andrew and soon his men followed. As soon as he approached he came near me and took my hand and kissed the back of it.

"Andrew how have you been?" I asked surprised at his gesture.

"Well I have been great Precious" He said and then he pulled me with him towards his chambers.

"Andrew I have some tasks to do" I said.

"I came after 6 months and you have other important tasks" He raised his eyebrow.

"I will see you later" I said and moved away to my practice session.

Soon the bell rang it was time for soldiers to get ready to fight. I too rushed to my chambers and dressed to fight and reached the grounds.

"Friends we are gathering here to start the competition wherein all the soldiers are invited to fight and whoever wins will get to have food of his choice for a month and also get to visit his family and there is special gift for others who are present here" Ryker announced.

The competition began when I flied the white flag and then it began and soldiers attacked each other like savages and soon it was more like battle field. We have made the rule that no one will wound the other physically seriously. But seems like the man on the field was out for blood.

"Who is he?" I asked.

"Oh he is Jackson and whenever he lifts his sword he sure goes for the kill" Ryker answered.

"But we are doing this for fun not to cause deaths" I said and Ryker just started. "Stop it " I shouted but no it did not deter him. I could see Jackson was determined to kill the other and so I jumped in when the other man lost is sword and was at his mercy. I used my sword to stop the attack from Jackson and soon his wrath fall on me.

He attacked me like a man possessed and I fought him and we kept fighting and then I saw him aiming for my neck so I bent on my knees slightly and hurt his right hand the hand which held the sword leaving him at my mercy and when he saw this he was shocked and bent on his knees in submission. But then another soldier came to fight instead of him and soon it was like battle is between me and my soldiers and I could see that they enjoyed it and soon I was the only one on the field. I was about to walk back to my throne when someone attack me from behind and I dodged it and used my sword to stop and turned to look at Andrew challenging me for the fight.

"I must say Precious that was quite a show. But would you like to fight the real man here" He said smiling.

Then we both went to our seats and since there was no winner I choose to surprise them.

"Ok since there is no winner I would arrange for the surprise and while that is being prepared. I would request all of my soldiers to move to the area where food and wines are being served" Ryker announced.I had arranged for the centre place which will be higher so that all can see. 

I went to my room and took a quick bath and dressed myself in white gown which was flaring down and then I entered the podium with 13 of the women hiding me between them. Soon the music started and we started dancing and one by one each women left the podium and I danced to the tune of the music lost in it and when I stopped I felt complete silence.

And then all the men and women in standing ovation at my performance. It was good to know that they liked it. I moved to my seat and then the food and wines were served. I could see the happy mood around.

In all this happiness only person that scowled was Andrew and I didn't care. We had our food and more dancing it was fun but I wanted to keep myself disciplined so I left while letting them all know they can dance.

I was walking towards my chambers when I heard someone following and when I turned I saw it was Andrew.

"What do you want Andrew?" I asked.

"Why did you do it Precious?" He asked.

"What?" I asked confused.

"Why did you danced infront of other men when you know a Princess dances only for her husband" He said.

"I.. I didn't know. I thought it would be entertainment and nothing else" I said and was about to move when he grabbed my wrist.

"But did you ask my permission before that?" He asked.

"Why would I need your permission for dancing?" I frowned.

"Because you are my bride to be?" He said clenching his jaws.

"And when did I promised to be your bride I just said yes" I said smirking.

"Fine Precious have it your way then I challenge you that day after we will fight and if I win then you will marry me and this time you will promise" He said. 

"I will fight you Andrew but marrying is out of question" I said.

"Are you afraid you would loose?" He said making fun of me.

"I will fight you and if you win I will be your bride" I said.

"No promise me Precious like seal it with blood" He said and he cut his left palm and then held his hand for mine and I gave him and he sliced and mixed our blood.

I left for my room and when I reached I did not even notice Mary was waiting for me and when she asked about my palm I didn't say anything because I was lost in my thoughts. She applied the herbs on it and left.

Next day flew with daily chores and soon the day of our fight arrived and I was on the training grounds like we made the deal.

I looked around and Andrew was no where to be found when I felt a presence behind me and seems like the person was about to attack and I defended myself.

"Ready to fight a real man Precious" he asked.

"I would have if the real man would not have just sneaked in on me" I replied.

"Well rule no 1 never be unaware of your surrounding" He said.

I attacked him when I saw he wants a fight and so fight he will get. We were fighting but I could see Andrew was not attacking with his full force.

"Is that all you got Knight. I thought you were like a beast in the field" I provoked him.

"I am beast for my enemies Precious not my beauty" He answered.

"Well I am not yours until you win me" I smirked.

Soon he started attacking I was dodging his attacks and whenever I would get opening seems like I was failing to even touch the hair on his body. I was getting irritated and staring at his face all I could see was him calm and focused.

While fighting I became aggressive and he started moving back and I took steps ahead and I cornered him while giving him opening to attack me while he used his sword on my lower part I jumped and I could see my gown was now slit from my thigh and our fight going on and I saw each time I gave opening Andrew would slit my gown and it was time for sunrise and I could feel cold air hitting my legs since there were lot of slits on my dress now.

"Give up Precious and I will take care of you" He said while eyeing my legs. That made me uncomfortable. I was about to attack when I heard loud noise and I rushed out to see that all our soldiers were fighting and women were running and children crying.

I ran like that to protect my clan and soon I was surrounded by soldiers who I clearly know belonged to Fallden empire. I fought and was killing mercilessly but then I felt as if there was a smell that made our vision blur and last I knew was someone carrying me in their arms.