Chapter 2

Valda's bloody hand curled into a tight fist as she walked down Oberon castle's great hall. Warm blood dripped from her fingers to the pristine floor. Hours ago, she'd thrust her dagger one last time into a traitor. It was the fifteenth kill of that day. Her enemy's blood mingled with her own from a wound on her upper left arm.

She'd come back from Umbriel to get her arm fixed by the castle's doctor, a blessed Asclepius worshiper who'd worked for the family for years. She didn't mind the pain or that she was bleeding profusely. One touch from the man and she would be healed.Many healers were Asclepius worshipers and began their studies in medicine from an early age, hoping that by showing determination and discipline, the god would bless them.

In the great hall, caged in wooded frames and old paintings, the eyes of past rulers and bearers of the god sign gazed down at her as she made her way to the throne room. She always wondered if they regarded her with awe or disapproval. Their burning gazes were heavy on her shoulders, judgmental.

"Still with me?" Arwin's voice pulled her from the heavy gazes. His firm hand fell on her broad shoulders, shaking her slightly. She turned to face him, her height matching his, her eyes darkening at the sight of him.

"I am here," she answered as he pushed the doors to the throne room open for her. Inside, her mother's surprised gasp filled the empty silence.

"Valda!" Rionach shrieked, climbing down the dais, and running towards her. She wrapped her arms around Valda, bringing her down with her. Valda hugged her mother tightly with her uninjured arm, squeezing her smaller frame and pressing her face to her shoulder.

She was home. She was in the castle. She was alive.

"Glory be to Ouranos!" Rionach pulled away, cradling Valda's dirty face. "Are you all right? Are you hurt?"

"She is fine," Arwin answered, stepping aside.

His presence brought a heaviness to the warm welcome. Valda wished he would leave her alone to talk to her mother, but knew that as soon as she freshened up, rested and ate, the conversation would turn to the coup. Who were the leaders and what did they want?

Rionach ignored Arwin and touched Valda's waist, her eyes widening as she saw the deep red coming from underneath the heavy armor and stained the orange silk blouse. "You are bleeding."

"It's not all mine."

Rionach sighed and turned to Arwin, anger brewing in her expression. "I thought you would not make it in time for her birthday! I was worried sick. You sent out no communication, no—"

"I am sorry we worried you. It wasn't my intent. We never imagined that this group would be as big and spread out as it was," Arwin said, waving his hand dismissively. "We are here, we made it and,"he slapped Valda's back a little too hard for her liking. "And she is safe. Just like I promised."

Valda grunted and straightened her back. A reflex of years of training with Arwin's not so gentle handling. "I need to freshen up."

"And a healer," Rionach added, patting her hand and examining her arm.

Valda frowned. "Is the healer gone?"

"It has been days since I last saw him. Nobody knows where he has run off to."

"He ran away?" Valda asked. If there wasn't an Asclepius follower in the castle, her healing would be slow and torturous. She sighed and rubbed her face in frustration. "Have you tried getting another?"

"Of course, I've tried. But they are hidden amongst us. They don't want to be exploited."

"Like we exploited him?" Valda asked, clearly knowing the answer to her question. One blessed Asclepius worshiper in one castle meant the poor man was over worked. There were dozens if not hundreds of her soldiers needing to be healed. One man alone wouldn't do. Even if the god's power was at his fingertips, his body was of a mortal, he would tire faster than a regular healer.

Arwin chuckled and shook his head. "He is well paid."

"By being locked up in the castle?" Valda asked a faint snarl escaping her lips. "Wouldn't you like to be locked up in a place with no contact with your family, Arwin?"

"You are being sentimental. What better honor is there other than to work at Oberon castle? Being the royal family's healer?"

"Being free could be better."

"Oh, Valda. Please. That man had everything he wanted. Food, drinks, and all the lovers he wished for. I wish I was blessed by Asclepius and given the gift of healing. I could really use a quick and easy fuck."

"General." Rionach cut him before he could add anything to his discourse. With a disapproving shake of her head, she dismissed Arwin, who left the two women with a wicked grin and a soft chuckle.

Once the doors to the chamber closed, Rionach touched Valda's bloody hand and whimpered. "I could send a chambermaid to your room. Maybe she will be able to clean up your wounds?"

"Better than nothing, I suppose," Valda mumbled.

"Valda," Rionach called out, gently touching her daughter's jaw with her fingertips. "What did he do?"

Valda rolled her eyes. She was tired of the same question every time she left to train or prevent a coup. Her mother was suspicious of foul play with Arwin, convinced he used too much force during training or abandoned her on the battlefield when she needed him the most. Valda was tired of explaining that Arwin was not her bodyguard, and she could take care of herself just fine.

"Nothing, Mother."

"I cannot do anything if you don't tell me, dear."

"There is nothing to say," Valda muttered before forcing a gentle smile. "I will head out to my room now. I am sure Cerberus misses me." She kissed her mother's forehead.

"I will have supper ready for you. We can continue talking once you are feeling better."

"Of course." Valda bowed to her mother before heading out once again into the hall. This time, instead of ignoring the portraits, she lifted her eyes to study them, stopping in front of her father's portrait.

Although dead tired, she took her time to take in her father's expressionless face. The memory of his smile drifted from her mind like dandelion seeds. Though she couldn't feel the warmth of his love, she could feel the heaviness of everyone's expectations on her shoulders. The comparisons seeped through the halls in whispers and finger pointing, in angry disapproval.

Valda wondered if she would ever step up to be the ruler everyone thought she would be. If when the time came could she make the right decisions for her kingdom? As of lately, Valda felt that her decisions weren't the best. Or at least that's how Arwin made her feel.

She pushed her thoughts away to the far corners of her mind as she greeted the guards by her door. Settling in her bedroom, she sat on a small sofa by the fire in the living space. She stretched out her legs, and leaned back, exhaling as the tension in her back eased.

Suddenly something stroked her legs. Looking down, her large black cat, Cerberus, welcomed her with a loud meow.

"Hello there."

The cat stretched her front legs and then the back before shaking her head, the tufts at the tip of her ears swayed. Valda chuckled and complimented the stretch before patting her lap. Cerberus jumped right away and bumped her face against Valda's. The vibration of her purrs relaxed Valda after her strenuous ordeal.

"Missed me?" Valda asked, stroking under the cat's chin. Cerberus closed her large yellow eyes and purred louder, leaning into the soft caress. "I will take that as a ‘yes, I did'."

They were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Valda placed Cerberus on the floor before a young, terrified maid peeked her head inside. Valda frowned before sitting up straight, as Cerberus waltzed to the entrance. "The healer is really gone, isn't he?" Valda's voice boomed inside the large room.

The maid cringed before rubbing her hands together and nodding. "Queen Rionach sent me. I have some knowledge in medicine…" She looked down at the large cat and visibly swallowed.

Valda stared at the maid. She had common Skylian features, sun-kissed skin, dark raven hair, and light eyes. She was probably new to her position. Her eyes traveled over the young woman's body before deciding she was too tired.

It was an open secret that Valda enjoyed sleeping around with the help. The power play involved in every interaction left her craving more. She knew she shouldn't, now that her twenty- fifth birthday was days away.

Nine years ago, against Arwin's wishes, her mother had brought the kingdom's Oracle to the castle. Not man nor woman, not alive nor dead, the Oracle was a creature cursed with the burden of being a vessel to The Fates. They could see into the future. They roamed the desert of Umbriel, with scorched skin from the blazing sun, not dying, not living, just existing to foretell whatever tragedy or good fortune of whoever asked. A person with a query could only ask one question every twenty years.

Valda did just that. "Oracle, when will I meet my mate?"

The Oracle's answer was forever engraved in Valda's mind. "You will meet her on your twenty-fifth birthday."

Valda needed to focus on finding her mate and that meant she had to stop sleeping around.

"What's your name?"

The maid's lips twitched, she cleared her throat and answered, "Melvian, your highness."

Valda nodded. "Melvian, come. Take my boots off."

Melvian hurried to Valda while Cerberus crawled near the fireplace. Her yellow eyes studied Valda, giving her slow blinks now and then.

Lowering to her knees, Melvian hastily undid the knots, slipping the boots off. Her hands trembled when she noticed the blood staining the boots.

Peering up to Valda with a questioning gaze, Melvian set them aside. Valda grunted as she moved forward, unclasped the heavy armor from her shoulders and torso, letting it fall onto the marble ground. In doing so, she revealed the slashes of her arm, and a small wound over her right shoulder. Valda sighed; she touched her left shoulder before removing the stained shirt, leaving only a black wrap covering her breasts. Not saying a word, Valda showed off the wounds that needed tending.

"I shall bring the kit," Melvian said, standing and heading to the bathroom.

"Draw my bath while you are at it."

Melvian nodded, leaving Valda to look down at the extent of her injuries. She had it worse, but she was more than sure that they would scar.

Melvian came back with a large box. She placed the kit near the night table before opening it and turning to Valda. "These are deep," Melvian said as she roamed the wound further. "You will need stitches."

Valda grunted as Melvian worked on her arm.

"I suggest you consume ginger and turmeric. Tea is always good. It will help you keep an infection away. In a few days you will feel better."

Valda nodded. "You do know a lot."

Melvian smiled at Valda. "Thank you."

"When did you get this training in healing? You seem rather young," Valda said, feeling Melvian tense at the word.

The younger woman pursed her lips as she began to tend to the wounds. She didn't answer until Valda grabbed her wrist, stopping her movements altogether. "My mother is a healer!"she yelped.

"A worshiper?"

Melvian shook her head. "No, ma'am."

There was no way of knowing if she was lying or not. Valda could torture her and wait it out, but at the end of it all, she wouldn't be like Arwin… She sighed and released the maid to lean back on the chair. "Get my bath ready. Clean this mess up."

"Yes!" Melvian turned on her heels and placed the boots inside the walk-in closet before running to the other side of the room, bumping her hip against a small table. The crystal containers rattled as the dark liquid sloshed inside. She hissed, grabbed the table, and turned to Valda, who stared at her with an arched brow.

"Bring me a drink while you are at it."

Melvian nodded, grabbed a glass, and poured a drink before running back to her. Valda took the proffered glass and waved her hand dismissively. The maid hurried to the room next door and finished preparing Valda's bath.

Standing tiredly, Valda shot the glass in one and hissed as the burning sensation settled in her stomach. After placing the glass on the small table, she undid the ties of her chest wraps and unrolled it from her torso, throwing it on the ground for Melvian to take care of later. Then she pulled her pants down until she was bare from all her clothing.

Valda was never shy, she had nothing to be shy about. Standing a whopping six foot and five inches, she was the tallest woman in the entire Skylian court. The only person able to see her eye to eye was Kayden, her best friend and the next in line to be the leader of Harmonia. Even Arwin was short by a couple of inches. Although sun-kissed like any other Skylian, her skin was embellished with dark freckles and white scar lines. All of them had a story, so she never saw them as something to be ashamed of.

Stepping in front of the full-length mirror, Valda looked at the wound, imagining the scar it would become. She flexed her arm, the bicep bulging under the tanned skin. The wound stung, but nothing she could not handle. Her honey-colored eyes traveled to the muscles of her thick thighs, noticing a couple of bruises forming. She had an ointment to help with that. If only the castle's healer hadn't fled. She would be ready in no time.Suddenly, the mark of Ouranos shone on her forehead for a heartbeat then disappeared. It had been weeks since the mark of the god surfaced. All those chosen to rule by the gods bore that mark. Seeing it once more eased her worries of one day being worthy of ruling.

She let out a relieved sigh before walking towards the bathroom. Melvian was just finishing pouring a bucket of warm water into the tub before squeezing some oils in. Once the young maid made contact with Valda, she looked away from her nakedness.

"Do— do you want another drink, Your Highness?"

Another drink sounded nice. It would numb the muscle aches. "Sure." Valda was calmer now. The welcoming scent of the bath had somehow relieved her stress. She placed her hand over the edge and slowly got into the tub. She hissed loudly and closed her eyes as she let the warm temperature ease her.

First, she would wash away all the blood she had on her, the dirt and the grime; then, she would drink some whiskey and sleep until noon. Absent-mindedly, Valda nodded at her plan and smiled.

It wasn't long before the tiredness of battle came crashing down on her, nearly immobilizing her. She lay in the tub, eyes closed, listening to the maid's footsteps as she walked in and almost immediately feeling a warm cloth upon her shoulder. "Is there anything you need before I leave for the night, Your Highness?"

"Leave the drink on the floor and go. I want to be alone." She wanted time to think about her upcoming birthday, about the fact that she was days away from meeting her mate. Her stomach jumped with anticipation. She wondered what she would look like. Would she be the Sealian beauty she had imagined in her dreams? Sighing, a smile spread across Valda's face.

Maybe with her mate, the weight of everyone's expectations would be bearable.

The tavern was filled to the brim with boisterous soldiers, their armor clanging against each other as they laughed and cheered. The air was thick with the pungent scent of ale, sweat, and smoke from the hearth.

From what Maris heard, the soldiers had just returned from a grueling battle, and were eager to drink and celebrate. Tankards were raised high in the air, and rowdy cheers echoed off the walls as they toasted while Maris tried to write down their orders in between each drunken cheer.

Cressida was a small village and only had one small tavern. Maris never imagined it would be this full. The sound of raucous laughter mingled with the strumming of a lute and a thumping drum. A few soldiers had taken to the makeshift stage, singing bawdy songs. Some were even dancing, their movements uncoordinated but exuberant, making it hard on Maris to move from table to table.

Maris wasn't in her element. She tried to keep up with the demands of the thirsty and rowdy soldiers. She poured ale from barrels stacked high behind the bar, wiping the sweat of her brow with the back of her forearm. The tavern's hearth blazed bright, casting flickering shadows on the walls as it roasted meat on spits.

The soldiers let loose with wild abandon. They pounded their fists on the tables, shouting out orders for more ale and mead. The noise was deafening, but it was better than to have a bunch of drunk men fighting over nothing.

On cue, a few soldiers broke out into a brawl, the sound of punches and curses ringing out through the tavern. But the scuffle was quickly quelled by the more level-headed members of the group, who pulled the combatants apart and laughed it off with a rough pat on the back.

Maris exhaled, undoing her ponytail in exasperation, and pulling it higher to keep her hair from her face. She fixed her sleeves, re-rolling them up to her elbows, then grabbed the tray of food, took a deep breath, and walked out to the tavern.

"All right, gentlemen. We have tonight's special for all three of you," she raised her voice to capture their attention. When they stopped talking, she rapidly placed their plates on the table before moving back. "Hope you enjoy it."

Maris tried to ignore their hungry gazes; after all, she knew how to deal with drunk customers. As she was about to walk away, one of them grabbed hold of her apron and pulled her a little too rough for her liking. She stumbled on her feet, but managed to stand as she turned around and faked yet another smile.

"Yes?"

"I said mine with no onions," the soldier slurred his words, holding on tightly to Maris's apron and pointing his other hand to his plate.

"Oh! Excuse me, no problem I will get your order fixed right away, sir… If you let go of me, that is." Maris grinned and only moved when the soldier's hand dropped to his side.

She took the plate and made her way back to the kitchen, slamming the door open angrily. "Hey!" She almost smashed the plate over the counter. "I said no onions! Why do you keep getting the orders wrong?"

"You better keep your mouth closed if you don't want me to tell the boss you are the one taking bad orders," one of the cooks said, wiping his hand with a dirty rag. He took the plate and fixed it."You Sealians are useless."

"You are the one that can't read…" Maris muttered and took the plate once again. "Thanks."

She walked to the table of drunken soldiers and placed the plate. "Special with no onions, enjoy…."

"Maris!"

Maris turned her attention to the woman calling her. She couldn't help but smile when she recognized the young woman at one of the tables. The long black hair and tired eyes were a quick giveaway. "Melvian!" Maris waved excitedly, and just as she was to walk towards her another hand forcefully grabbed her elbow.

She almost lost her footing as she turned around to look down at the smirking, red-faced Skylian soldier. "What now?"

He laughed, loud and obnoxious, before winking at her. "You seem like you need a break."

"At least someone noticed. You could teach my boss a thing or two about caring for his workers."

"How about you take a break with us, honey?"?

"Not going to happen." Maris jerked her arm away from his grip and he stumbled forward.

"Now, now! You don't have to be so aggressive, sweetie."

"Oh, but I do." Maris stopped moving altogether when he reached for his water. Her frown turned into a menacing smile as the soldier drank. Her eyes sparkled for a moment. The guard grabbed her again, this time, for dear life.

He gagged as he swallowed, trying to cough, struggling to breathe. He turned to look up at Maris in fear.

Maris watched him, unconcerned by how fast his face turned purple. The rest of his friends had stopped eating altogether and moved to his side. Maris fought to release his grip, and decided to let the water go down.

He fell on the floor and coughed loudly, gasping for much-needed air.

Maris snorted and looked down in disgust. "That's what you get."

"What did you do?" the soldier asked, standing up and pulling out his sword. "You tried to kill me?"

"How?" Maris gasped when two guards stepped beside her, also drawing out their sword. "Really? He chokes on water, and you think I did it?" she scoffed.

Maris deftly dodged the soldier's punch, knocking another one aside as she backed away from the fray. Her heart raced as she scanned the chaotic tavern, searching for a way out of the danger.

Just as she was about to be cornered by a particularly aggressive soldier, someone grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards safety. Melvian.

"Come on, Maris," Melvian said, her voice low and urgent. "Let's get out of here!"

Together, they slipped out the back door and into the dimly-lit alleyway. The sounds of the tavern slowly faded away, replaced by the distant hum of the town at night.

"Are you all right?" Melvian asked.

Out of breath, Maris nodded as she pressed her hands to her bent knees.

"You need a new job, Maris. You can't keep working at this sort of place."

Still gulping mouthfuls of air, Maris scoffed and looked up at her. "Easy for you to say. You are not a Sealian, and your dad helped you get a job at the castle."

"They were recruiting,"Melvian said.

"And your dad knew right away."

"And now I know, and I want you to know." Melvian patted her shoulder, pushing her to stand straight. "The princess's birthday is coming up, they need extra hands to help out at the castle."

Maris wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't right for a Sealian to be around Oberon castle. It wasn't a concrete law, but everyone knew that Queen Rionach wasn't fond of Sealians. It was an open secret that she blamed them for the king's death.

"I don't think I can make it inside the castle."

Melvian sighed, leaned against the wall, and groaned in annoyance. "Maris…" Her voice shifted, sounding condescending and rueful. "I don't think your mother would've wanted you to stay as a mere server in a low life, dirty tavern."

"It doesn't matter that you are my best friend, I will not allow you to talk about my mother and use her to manipulate me."

Melvian took a step away and nodded. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Not after what—"

"Melvian!"

"Sorry! Sorry. I—"Melvian squeezed her eyes shut. She grabbed Maris's hand and pulled her closer. "Listen. I am worried about you. Especially about your wellbeing. Sealians everywhere are being treated like shit."

"Don't you think I know that, Melvian? I've been trying to get a decent job, but Skylians won't hire us. What makes you think I will make it to the castle?"

"Because I am there, I can help! I want you to be secure, taken care of—Stop scoffing. I swear to the gods, Maris! Why are you so difficult? You will be inside a castle filled with soldiers!"

Maris was about to pull her hand away from Melvian's grasp. Soldiers. Maybe even a certain General. Her unfocused gaze stared past Melvian. "Does General Arwin live in the castle?"

Melvian frowned confused. "What? No? I… I don't know. I see him a lot, but—"

"I accept your offer."

"Wait. Why the sudden change? And why are you asking about General Arwin?"

Maris opened her mouth to answer but hesitated. She wasn't sure if Melvian would find it strange and then decide to pull out on helping her. But this was her best friend, they had known each other since they were little girls. Melvian would never judge her. "He was my father's superior." She shrugged dismissively. "Maybe he knows what happened to him?"

"You want to talk to General Arwin about your father's death?"

Maris pursed her lips and lifted her shoulders. "Why not?"

"He is always busy or with the queen. It's hard to get to him."

"I could learn his schedule. Maybe offer to serve him?"

Melvian's face frowned in disgust.

"Not like that, Melvian," Maris said, nudging her friend's flank.

"I wish I could help you with that, Maris. But I don't want to seem suspicious."

"You don't have to do anything, but I could try."