Chapter 1
Salt water pattered against the shutters of the cabin, for three long months they had sailed at sea and finally they were within a few hours of port. Alina had never favoured sailing, despite her father and brother spending much of their life at sea she, as most women, had never really travelled by boat. Yet here she was, thousands of miles away from home, accompanying her brother Kari on a democratic visit to gather support for fathers’ war. It was thrilling. Well, slightly thrilling but mostly uncomfortable. Kari had told her tales of all the beautiful things they would see and all the fun they would have when they arrived on the island of Calchos, the island their mother had hailed from.
“Are you still unwell?” Thalia touched her arm, she’d sailed this journey once before when Kari had brought her to be her body servant. He’d said there was no other equal to her skills with paint, apparently it had taken much negotiating for him to get her. “You’ve not eaten.”
“I’ll eat when we get off the ship.” To be cooped up for months, unable to walk the deck without her brother and never able to join the camps on land was torture. But Kari was insistent, soldiers were not the type of people to mingle with after a few weeks at sea. “Thalia did you hear-“
“Alina, no.” Thalia shook her head in warning. “Finish your prayers and we’ll practice Calchosi once more, you’ve really not picked up much.”
She had very limited knowledge of the Calchosi language, Kari was fluent but he’d learnt from mother yet mother had died giving birth to her. That was another reason for Thalia, she could speak many languages. But truthfully the main reason for Thalia was company, to bring another woman from the court could be dangerous and Kari only wanted to protect her from whatever danger he perceived. Only it seemed he didn’t perceive the right things as dangerous, he thought danger lay with the men sworn to be loyal to their bloodline but at night she saw danger in the darkness that was approaching, in the barren wasteland that called out to her. Sometimes she heard them, sometimes she saw them, but by now she knew it was better not to tell anyone. Even Thalia it seemed.
The sharp orders of Kari were carried over the sounds of the storm and through the wooden walls of the cabin, the sea only seemed to be getting worse, but still Thalia helped her repeat useful phrases that she my need in Calchos. Mostly they boiled down to ‘I’m hungry’, ‘I’m tired’, ‘can I have’, just small phrases as she’d be with Kari and Thalia at all times. Learning a language wasn’t really her forte, honestly she’d not been allowed to learn much outside of weaving, embroidery, and the harp, she could read and write but nothing grand. She’d never be a poet. Not that it mattered, as the daughter of a king she didn’t need to know these things, perhaps if she was the daughter of a merchant things would have been different, but she knew how to dance, sing, dress, host, everything important.
“Have you prayed? Of course you have. We’ve docked, I’ll give you an hour to dress while the soldiers unload.” Kari stood in the antechamber of the cabin, the sea-spray had drenched his shirt. “There’s no time to heat the water, sorry Alina.”
“It’s quite cold out there, look at the wind.” Something seemed off, it had for the past few days.
“Hurry up, then I’ll send a soldier for your trunk.” Kari turned, leaving their rooms once more. “I need to consult the priest.”
The first two weeks of the journey had been exciting, then she’d gotten sick and spent almost a month in bed and things had only become worse. The harsh seas played havoc with her stomach and she’d lost a fair bit of weight, the lack of fresh food had obliterated what was left of her appetite and the lack of fresh, hot water meant she couldn’t truly wash her hair. She’d always been known as beautiful, in fact the only thing she could complain about was her height but they said her smallness was due to a difficult birth, but these three months at sea had dampened that claim. It was nothing a hot bath and fresh air wouldn’t fix, but she’d still have to face the world like this.
“If I add some colour to your cheeks-“
“Just line my eyes, my skin feels dirty enough as is.” She cut Thalia off, painting her face was not high on the list of things she wanted to do. She wanted to get off this boat. “And the blue veil with the gold discs. I’ll veil fully.”
“Kari wants a translucent veil, he feels your face should be seen in some ways.” Thalia shook her head, Kari was asking for something that wasn’t exactly allowed for a royal first visit. It should always be a full veil, then a translucent veil once introduced and welcomed to the land. “Even tired and pale you’ll outshine every woman in the city, but we’ll add some jewels.” It was Thalia’s way of saying she looked dreadful, she probably looked sick. “And a thick cloak over your dress, it’s cold today.”
“My clothes aren’t very thick.” Nowhere near the thickness of the clothes Kari had packed, her trunks were filled with sheer silks and light cottons. Completely inappropriate for the brisk air outside.
Even with the lined cloak her blue silk dress did little to shield her skin from the wind, Kari was wearing a matching deep blue jacket and loose trousers as he waited for her on the deck, they were the perfect pair, a prince and princess from a prosperous kingdom. This place was different from home, the trees were greener, the ground not covered in red dust, the buildings a stark white and not a sandy yellow, and it was so busy, terribly busy. A crush of men swarmed around the docks, even the pier that stretched over the water to their boat was crowded.
“Hold my hand, please Kari.” Her hand shot out to grab his, she was acting like a child but it was frightening. “Don’t laugh at me.”
“I’m not laughing.” He was deadly serious, scanning the docks. “Stay close, it will be okay.”
“Where are we going?” She clutched his arm, desperate not to get jostled as he led her down the gangplank. “Kari, is this a safe place?”
“Alina, my sweet sister, calm down.” Now, he laughed. “We’re going to a friends house to talk business, a very important friend.”
“But is it safe?” It didn’t matter where they went, not when things seemed so chaotic.
“I would never put you in danger.” But his free hand was at his sword.
Although they were flanked by a dozen soldiers nerves still rose, she had never ventured beyond her fathers palace and even on days of celebration there had never been crowds this thick. She’d often looked down upon the city from the walls, but it had never seemed as hectic as this place. At some point Kari moved her to stand before him as he held his sword in front of them and her fear crested, but he would never take her somewhere unsafe, she was his only sister, only surviving sibling, and he’d protect her with his life.
“Just a little further and we’ll be out of the docks, some soldiers have gone ahead and they’re waiting with your litter.” He was pushing her slightly, trying to get her to hurry. “Come on.”
“People are looking?” Staring, even.
“They’ve probably never seen a man as handsome as I.” His laughter rang false, he was nervous. “I think you’ll need to rest when we arrive, you look unwell. Have you taken your tonic?”
“I feel tired and dirty.” And sore, and so very nauseous.
“It’s early, you’ll rest, bathe, and reappear for dinner.” He wasn’t nervous, he was simply embarrassed at how dreadful she looked. He may be her brother, but he was shallow. “All will be well, I’ve consulted the priests.”
“I don’t care what they’ve seen, I care what you’ve seen.” It was only Kari she trusted, he could see things, do things, that even the High Priest couldn’t.
“I’ve seen all will be well.”
Shiver after shiver trailed along her spine as she huddled in the litter with Thalia, when Kari had told her of this place he’d said it was warm for some stretches of the year and cool for other, but this wasn’t cool it was freezing, home had a rainy season but even then it was warm. The rhythmic rocking of the litter eventually pulled her into a light sleep, sounds passed by, they stopped a few times, Kari even slowed his horse and called through the curtains to see if she was alright but she didn’t bother to answer. Not when Thalia could do it, she felt like she hadn’t slept in weeks and even now it was only a shadow of sleep. It was nothing compared to a real bed on a stable surface, a heavy sleep that would only come from a hot bath and full stomach.
“Alina, we’re here.” Thalia shook her gently, outside the curtain were voices she didn’t know.
There was definitely Kari, but he was speaking in the language she didn’t really understand, then there were some soldiers she knew, and a few male voices she most certainly didn’t. She could pick out a few of Kari’s words but the replies were completely incomprehensible, honestly it probably didn’t matter that she’d not given much effort to her lessons. It’s not like she’d ever understand that.
“What are they saying?” She murmured, voice thick with sleep.
“I believe it is the General.” Thalia listened intently, staring at the ripple in the curtains. “He wishes to see you before you are welcomed in, your brothers says you are sleeping and must not be disturbed-“
“I am sleeping.” She shifted under the blanket, the soldiers holding the litter steadied any movement she made.
“He says custom dictates he sees who enters his city, so they should wake you.” Thalia’s hand moved to the curtain. “Should I say you’ve awakened?”
“No.” Because why should that man get to dictate what was happening, to her own brother none-the-less. “It’s good manners to allow female guests to settle before meeting, he should know that.”
“Customs here are different from your own.” Thalia whispered, tensing at something being said. “If you wish not to see him close your eyes, your brother has agreed.”
She let her eyes fall closed as the voices drew neared, Thalia’s fingernails drummed against the small box she held as footsteps stopped just beyond the curtains. The curtains were pulled back, Kari’s whisper was harsh, probably telling the man to leave her be, the man replied something in an empty tone and the curtain fell back into place. After a few moments Kari returned to the litter and touched her shoulder, humming the song they used to sing as children.
“Are we here?” She blinked slowly, feigning sleep.
“Let me settle you in your rooms, I have men’s business to discuss.” He touched her forehead, checking for illness. “You still want to help me secure the troops?”
“Baba said I could do it easily.” Father had always called her the perfect courtier, a mini queen, he claimed her to be so much like her mother and denied her nothing. “People always like me Kari, you know that.”
“But if you don’t like it here, we could leave.” He worried his lip, something he’d not done in years. “Tell father the sea was too rough, we have allies, dozens of treaties, it is one small threat in the west that we could easily crush. We don’t need peace.”
“He’s testing us Kari, let’s make him proud.” The greeting when they returned flanked with scores of ships would be phenomenal, ballads would be written of their bravery. She, a princess who defended her country and Kari a king in waiting.
“I’d never put you in danger, you must remember that.” Of course he wouldn’t, he was her own brother.
They were in a villa high on a hill, Kari had spent much of their time on the ship explaining to her the layout of the homes here, it wasn’t so different from home with separate rooms being for men and women, large airy courtyards, fountains, bathing rooms, and rooms where both men and women could mingle. But it was different, there were less decorative arches, less vibrant flowers, she hadn’t seen much incense burning, and instead of cushions on the floor there were a lot of rather uncomfortable looking chairs.
Her room was tucked away in her brothers rooms, most visiting dignitaries would expect separate courtyards but as she was an unwed woman – and in the possession of an overprotective brother- she wasn’t even given an adjoining suite but instead placed in a chamber besides his with four of his soldiers stationed outside the door. Thalia drew the shutters as she watched the guards patrolling the courtyard, no man would be allowed within a ten-meter radius but Kari would still worry. He always did.
“There is a beautiful bathhouse but your brother commands you bathe here, he had instructed soldiers to fill two copper baths in the bathing room and wait my command for more hot water.” Thalia laughed softly. “But two baths are enough, one to clean you and one to ready you.”
“But if we demand more water, you will have a fresh bath.” Despite the fact it was common, or indeed a privilege, for someone in Thalia’s position to be allowed to use their mistresses bathwater she couldn’t help but think it would be much better to have fresh. Certainly she wouldn’t want to use someone else’s water, so why should Thalia?
“It will be awfully heavy to carry the urns to this room.” Thalia readied the oils, but she sounded wistful.
“If I command it, it shall be done.” The decision was made.
With two copper baths the bathing room was rather cramped, but there was a separate room where Thalia would massage oil into her back and exfoliate her skin on a marble bench whilst the soldiers refilled the first tub. It wasn’t the most luxurious setting, but after months on a ship it would be heavenly. Thalia scrubbed her body with all manner of perfumed soap as she tried to undo weeks’ worth of salt damage, her hair was washed and carefully detangled before a slathering of coconut oil was massaged into the curls and piled atop her head. That would need to sit for a while before it could be washed out, but it felt divine.
“You have such lovely golden skin, and such pretty hair. When they see you, I’m sure they’ll take it back” Thalia massaged the honey and cinnamon scented soap into her skin.
“Take what back?” She needed a manicure, and a pedicure.
“Oh, nothing I-“
“Tell me or I shan’t ask for more bathwater.” It was petty, but necessary.
“Well, your brothers friend, the host- the one who, well, demanded to open the litter.” Thalia was stuttering, so it was probably bad. “He said you looked different to how Kari depicted you.”
“What did he say?” Her good mood was rapidly dropping.
“That you were scrawny and sickly.” Two things she was at the present moment, but only due to the awful voyage. “Kari told him you were tired from the voyage, and not to insult you.”
“Well, fine.” It was perhaps only the rudest thing someone had said of her, and to say it so unwarranted made it sting all the more. But Thalia needn’t know that.
A clay mask was spread across her face as she sat on the marble bench, as the soldiers refilled the bath Kari stood guarding the door to the second bathing room. Her nails and toenails were manicured, feet massaged, skin exfoliated, and finally a sugar paste was applied to her skin to remove the hair.
“What are you doing?” She pulled the linen sheet tighter, Thalia was smearing the sugar paste rather high upon her thighs.
“It’s the custom here, don’t worry.” But still it felt a bit much. “Just lie back.”
“I don’t think you should, it’s quite painful.” Not that anyone would see.
“I was told to follow the customs here.” Thalia shrugged, coaxing her back to the bench.
It was unpleasant and completely unnecessary but she allowed Thalia to remove all the hair from her body as opposed to just her legs and arms, then her eyebrows were threaded and she began to relax once more. She hadn’t seen the man who’d had such cutting words for her, but she’d soon remind him that not only was she a princess from the richest kingdom on earth, but she was the most beautiful princess the kingdom had seen in generations, they said even a god would lower their gaze as she passed. They only needed soldiers, allies even, as father was anxious and in his old age not willing to let his reach slip even a foot of earth. But the soldiers at home were enough to subdue a threat, Kari was skilled enough to subdue a threat, but father worried.
Finally she was ready to bathe in the second tub, the one filled with sweet smelling oils, and Thalia thanked her profusely before shyly getting in the newly refilled tub. It wasn’t common to share cosmetics between mistress and servant, especially not ones as expensive as hers, but she liked Thalia so she would. After a relaxing soak and Thalia had finished her own bath they were able to sleep, the bed was comfortable, a fire had been lit, shutters drawn, the floor was stable, it was perhaps the deepest sleep she’d had in months.
A soft humming pulled her from her dreams, Thalia had already woken and was preparing her clothes, but the noise was Kari as he waited for her to wake. He was watching her with a soft frown but when he noticed her looking he smiled, he was always a worrier, always brooding.
“What did you talk of?” She pulled herself up against the cushions, as she moved the scent of lavender filled the air.
“Many things, mostly where we’ll sail first.” He handed her a steaming cup of mint tea. “Are you well?”
“Have they agreed, already?” It was a treaty of the ages, in only a morning they’d gathered their troops.
“Almost, they’ll support us as we’re offering more gold than they have. You know what’s happened here, don’t you?” He’d told her of the troubles facing this place, of a civil war that had ended with a General taking power. A general who wouldn’t use the title of king, because he could never be legitimate. She nodded, and he continued. “We just need to discuss how our relations will continue, between us our rule would be unchallengeable.”
“And we speak of that tonight?” Rather he spoke and Thalia would translate for her.
“Tonight we dine, tomorrow we discuss.” Kari motioned for her to hurry. “Wear a shoe with height, you look very small.”
“I’ve always been small, so I look as I always have.” She’d suffered enough teasing for her height, especially from him. “Who do we dine with?”
“A few important people, wear your diadem and I’d like you to play the harp.” He turned to leave. “Wear the green, you always look nice in green.”
Thalia took special care styling her hair, arranging her inky ringlets atop her head and allowing some to fall around her face, small pearl-tipped pins were dotted around and her emerald diadem was carefully nestled against her hair. She wore the emerald dress, but the low back and thin silk did nothing to combat the evening chill, the fabric of the bodice looped over her thick golden collar and smaller emeralds dripped from the back of the collar and shone against her skin. Finally a set of heavy gold cuffs were slipped onto her wrist and Thalia could move to paint her face, it took another hour of fussing and primping before she was finally ready but she looked regal.
“Another spritz of perfume, then you’re ready.” Thalia sprinkled some more jasmine water over her.
“Can you fetch my cloak?” Her silk slippers had a thicker sole than usual, but they added barely an inch of height.
“Your brother said you won’t be needing one.” Thalia shrugged.
“But I’m cold.” So, she did need one.
“It may be warm where we are going.” Thalia ignored her complaints, instead knocking the door to signal to Kari that she was ready.
Kari inspected her in a way that he never had, quietly commenting on her lost weight, sharper collarbones, beautifully lined eyes, for every fault he offered a compliment but he seemed concerned over her weight. Eventually he stopped circling her, stopped issuing orders to Thalia, stopped chiding her on her inability to eat, and nodded.
“You are a droplet of gold, no other woman in this kingdom can compare to you.” He offered his arm. “You’ll sit beside me, once you’ve played the harp, and I’d like you to dance for us – Thalia can dance with you, if someone asks you a question I’ll translate and you can answer.”
“There is no need to be nervous, they need us before we need them.” She placed her hand on Kari’s robe, the threads of gold running through the fabric were rough under her fingertips. At least he was warm.
“Of course, Alina.” He patted her hand, leading her through the corridors.
They were housed in the farthest wing of this sprawling villa, but Kari seemed to know the route as he led them through the alabaster hallways and carefully curated courtyards. The night was already drawing in, causing the shadows to loom against her imagination, she didn’t even like walking the palace at night so this new place was utterly terrifying. She shivered slightly as they stood before the door to the great hall, or whatever they called it here, it was an adventure and adventures were supposed to be fun. This was fun.
After a slave had announced their arrival she stepped forward with Kari into the hall, the ceilings were painted with scenes of battle, and the walls painted with that of myths, there were men and women already sitting at the table whilst some stood in small groups and chattered around the floor. There were perhaps fifty people here, with the tables arranged in a horseshoe shape and the harp placed in the middle. At least she’d be admired from every angle.
“Smile sister, we meet our man.” Kari led her to a sullen looking man, barely older than himself, he was toweringly tall and his dark hair contrasted with his pale skin. He was handsome, but not in a soft princely way. “General Tom.”
“Ah.” The upstart who murdered a king, their uncle, the man without royal blood too afraid to sit on a throne.
General Tom’s eyes were hard as he noticed her, sizing her up like a cow for slaughter, he raised his brow slightly as they approached. Kari greeted him with a strong handshake and she waited for him to bow, but the way he simply nodded her head had her bristling slightly. It took all her willpower not to scowl as he spoke to her, speaking so quickly she could barely pick out a few words.
“He asks your age, and about your voyage.” Thalia moved forward.
“Seventeen, and it was fine.” So he hadn’t bothered to welcome her. “Does he speak my language?”
“No.” Thalia whispered as Kari responded, clearly adding in far more than what she’d actually said.
“He’s the one from the litter, the rude man who wouldn’t leave me in peace.” Her tone sharpened, Tom’s eyes flicked towards her. “The one who called me scrawny and sickly-“
“Alina, quiet.” Kari touched her hand on his arm, letting her know he was just as offended as she. “He asks you to play the harp, then dance, then we will eat.”
“Thalia,” she glanced at her bodyservant, as Kari couldn’t be trusted. “Tell him I’m not some fool who is here to entertain him, if he asks nicely then I shall.”
Kari sighed but allowed it, because she’d only make a bigger scene, Tom’s reply came much harsher and Kari snapped a reply of his own.
“He says this is his kingdom, not yours, and if he asks a request you shall grant it. Your brother reminds him you are a princess with a kingdom of your own, and you will not nor ever be some lady to command.” Thalia followed the conversation. “Kari says he doesn’t need the army, that he will take his gold and leave if his sister is to be subject to this disrespect.” Good. “He reminds the General that although between the men they may eschew their titles, you must be referred to as ‘princess’ and honoured accordingly. From this day, to your last.”
“Tell him to play the harp and dance for me, perhaps he could juggle too-“
“Princess.” A man bowed before her in greeting, then turned to Thalia to translate. But he spoke slowly so she could pick out a few phrases.
“This is General Abraxas, he welcomes you and hopes you’re much recovered from the voyage.” Thalia translated.
“I am.” She paused so Thalia could translate. “Although I’m still rather tired-“
“Alina, my sweet sister, come talk with Tom.” Kari led her from the fray, telling Thalia to bring some wine. “He apologises for his abruptness, too much time on the battlefield, he wishes only to know you.”
The conversation was stilted as it needed to be passed through Kari and Tom seemed to find it incredibly irritating, but as a conversationalist he was weak anyway, simply grilling her about the minute details of her trip and not finding some common interest so they could both speak. She would rather just be playing the harp.
“I’m finding it quite cold here.” That was a phrase she could say, slowly and carefully, but Tom didn’t even look at her as he replied
“He says it will get colder, then the summers will be nearly as warm as our home.” Kari answered.
“If he speaks slower, I will understand.” Maybe not all, but some.
“I’ll ask-“
“Never mind, I’ll play the harp now.” The conversation was dire enough.
The guests took their seats as she settled at the harp, sitting straight and smiling softly, this was her most praised talent and she’d received strict instruction to seem as ethereal as possible as she played. Apparently her mother was the same, she’d captured fathers heart by playing the harp. But as she played she could feel the dark gaze of General Tom boring into her skin, he didn’t even seem to be enjoying it as he studied her, he was a very strange man.
The harp was moved from the centre as another set of musicians played behind a screen, Kari asked her to show them a dance from their country and Thalia took her side. As she danced the feeling that something wasn’t right settled over her stomach once more, it was the way Kari was watching her with such regret that stoked her fears. For the past few weeks he’d been nervous, restless, telling her if she simply wanted to wait on the boat he wouldn’t mind, that maybe they should return as the seas were too rough. Perhaps it was unease around General Tom, he’d killed the king who was their mothers cousin – their cousin- and the rest of his family, if anything they had mor claim to this kingdom than General Tom. Perhaps Kari was smarter than he let on, perhaps they were taking this Kingdom back.
“What are they speaking of?” She whispered over her shoulder to Thalia, despite sitting beside Kari she was barely in the conversation.
“Hunting.” Thalia replied. “Would you like some more food?”
“It’s not that nice.” It was quite different from home. “Do you think anyone speaks my language?”
“No one here does, but I’m sure someone does.” Thalia stepped back, it seemed here they were far stricter with the roles of a servant.
They couldn’t dine together, Thalia was not a slave which was not something they had at home, servants yes, but not slaves, but here it seemed the distinction was blurry. It was worrying. Kari had told her to keep Thalia close, to show obvious favour and keep her in their rooms, he said things were different here but they would never change their customs.
“Alina, come, you’re tired and we should retire.” Kari stood, the room stood with him. “Smile at the General please.”
“Why?” She smiled anyway, inclining her head in recognition. He simply raised his glass in acknowledgement.
“He’s our friend, why shouldn’t we all be friendly?” Kari led her from the room.
“He’s rude.”
“You’ll learn to like him.” He sighed, leading her back through the corridors.
“I don’t need to like him, we’re only here for a short while.” It was growing even colder and Kari shrugged off his clock to cover her. “Will we explore tomorrow?”
“We’ll be quite busy tomorrow, so sleep well.” He called for a servant to bring more wood to their rooms. “Everything will be okay.”