Conquered Love (Love Series: Book 1) FREE READ

Chapter 6: Geared for War

::Ryanna's POV::

When we returned, we had filled our bellies to the brim. The roasted pork was extremely succulent. The venison stew was soft and flavorful. I have never tasted dishes this delicious! The men gulped down their beer and sang songs with slurred voices until they each started to fall. I couldn't help but crack a small smile. They didn't seem like just soldiers or troops, they treated each other like family.

When everyone was asleep, I decided to stay up and attend to the fires to keep them warm. Some of the troops gave me the eye but ultimately did not say anything. I felt a bit weary, but wanted to contribute. They all soon drifted off to sleep.

I wonder if, wherever I settled to be, that I would be ostracized like this regardless...

"Pay them no mind," Dom patted my shoulder, "They haven't exactly had the best experiences with royals."

"I can imagine..." was all I could muster.

"Where are you going to lay for the night?" he asked.

"I dunno-" I said half jokingly, "Maybe with my best friend Merwin."

He did not look impressed at all, instead, he signaled to the carriage that I used to be in, "It might not be all too comfortable, but it beats the cold ground and hay."

"Where is the coachman?" I asked.

"Who? Keneff? He prefers lounging with the troops once a blue moon," he said.

There's no doubt that I will be cold in that carriage. There's no heat in there.

"I think I will join the sleep near the troops as well," I suggested.

"Did I not warn you about being careful earlier?" his tone turned dark.

"Well they are your troops. They wouldn't do anything to me, right?" I lifted an eyebrow.

"Let's get one thing straight half-princess," his words stung, "I may be their leader, but survival will turn anyone against anyone," he then closed in to me, "Especially, when their blood enemy happens to be so naive, vulnerable and a throat slit away."

So I am unsafe either way. Whether I go back to the northern borders or remain a part of the south?

"Would you share your tent with me? I promise I will sleep on the other side," I said with a pinch of fear.

"I think that's far more dangerous than sleeping next to the troops tonight," he scoffed, "Whenever we are alone, I tend to bring out the savage, remember?"

"I don't think you are a savage," I looked up at him, "You're the safest to be around with right now."

::Dom's POV::

Those eyes... those f*****g eyes.

I couldn't help but choke back on my breath. Ryanna wanted to share the night with me? With our past experiences, I would think that she wanted nothing to do with me, but here she was, basically asking? I am not one to sugar coat anything, but I wasn't trying to scare her either. My men have been through so much and lost to uncalled battles by the Royal Government. I have to focus on the mission, and tomorrow is when we arrive at Fardon City. She won't be able to attend the meeting, so I have got to clear up my head.

As she slept through the night on the opposite side of me, I looked over at her. I normally kept night's watch as there were liabilities at stake if we were to be completely vulnerable.

This woman. She was too soft to be within our borders. There were too many risks. She could have gotten hurt without the proper guidances or warning. To be this carefree, was this something that perked her with the life she once lived? It must be nice being born into the northern borders and granted showers instead of springs.

I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that once she left my sight someone would discover that she had royal blood and cause a lynch ceremony. I did not want that to happen, I would never condone that to happen, but there are some who hold a grudge against her people.

The morning sun soon rose, we rode on our steeds and headed to Fardon City. The troops were a bit hung over, but nothing out of the ordinary. We got to the city within a few hours and the guards lowered the bridge, so we could enter.

Fardon City was impressive in size, and it has only kept growing since the last time I was here. A few decades ago, this was merely a village strip with thatched houses, and now, it is stoned from floor to roof! Many buildings consisted of two stories or more. The people seemed to be content with their situation. We arrived at the entrance of the Chamber's of the Southern militia. This was where I was to meet with my general, Tyrion.

I got down from Merwin and a hostler carefully redirected him to the stables. I looked over at Keneff, who gave me a straight face. Wh-

Ryanna appeared from the other side of the carriage and I immediately made my way over to her, "What do you think you're doing?"

"Following you?" she answered.

"You cannot come in here, this is a prohibited space!" I growled.

"I don't feel safe alone," she bowed her head.

"You can't follow me in here, but you can wait at the stables with Merwin and Keneff," I walked away.

This woman is trying to get me killed! There was no way that we would be able to pardon her entry into the building. She was not only a descendant of the royals, but she was also a woman! This was not the right place to decide for her to play tag along with me. I was not having it.

Ryanna reluctantly walked over to the stable stations and began to talk with Keneff who mouthed the words, "I told you so."

I entered the grand building. The flags of the different sub clans of te south hung over the hallways. At the very end were the massive double doors leading to the Nation's Map and war strategy meeting. The doors opened and I was greeted by Tyrion and the other sub major commanders.

"Good to see you, Lord Domarius," Tyrion stood in attention.

A part of me wanted to rip his head off, "Did your grand scheme work, Sir Tyrion?"

"I admit it did not go quite as it was told to, however, it was expected," he answered.

"It was a waste of time! Some of our soldiers were injured by this scheme of yours," I growled.

"I assure you, Lord Dom..." he paused, "All due within the Gears of War."

"Explain," I impatiently slammed the signed contract onto the table, "Jerard lied! I knew that weasel would not fall through his word. Yet, YOU allow him to mock me and our pride?"

"We must go about this cautiously, Lord Dom," he bowed, "He is a snake. As like a snake, he strikes at the perfect time, not realizing that if he misses there may be consequences," Tyrion continued, "Right now, he thinks he has struck and won. Let us move onto the next phase."

One of the sub division captains drew a line from their territory towards the south-western borders, "We should be able to overtake this location. The Royal Government will soon have their allies dock from their ships here," he circled the harbor, "We have the expertise of pirate assassination, there will be minimal casualties."

Another stepped forward, "We would like to take on the south-eastern borders. My men are riled up about taking back their hometown. We are the champions of the bow. We intend to strike at night."

"With the rage of war between the Spartans and the Vikings how do we propose a non-third partied fight?" I asked.

The feud was supposed to be between the northern and southern borders, but the Vikings are always looking out for opportunities to conquer. The Spartans wish to determine the highest with brute strength.

"We have to keep in mind that the time seems ripe for war, which will attract an unnecessary bloodbath," I sighed in frustration.

"What do you intend to do with the girl?" Tyrion asked.

I looked up at him puzzled.

"My ravens fly faster than your horses roam," he reminded me.

Tyrion was not my general for brute strength. He had always been the brains behind our victories. This may have been a questionable move he's made, but I know for sure this tall and lanky man had our best interest by heart.

"Generally speaking," Tyrion pointed at the southeastern border, "There's been a few reports of Vikings scavenging along the villages near the coast. We must assert dominance to remind them of their focused enemy."

He was right. The southeastern border clashes with the Viking's territory, and they have always been itching for a fight.

"Again my Lord," Tyrion froze the room with the question, "What are you going to do about the girl?"

I didn't have an answer to that and I shook my head. I looked down and sighed, "I can't decide for that girl. She has her will."

"My ravens tell me she is quite the perplexing distraction to you," he playfully chuckled.

"The next time I see a bird I will turn it into stew," I warned.

"Temper, temper, mi Lord," he reminded, "What would you have done if King Jerard did pull through? Were you really going to marry the blonde?"

"If it stops the fighting," I glared at him, "I'd do it."

"And what do you have to say about that? Young lady?" Tyrion looked over my shoulder.

What was he talking abo-

I turned and froze. Ryanna was right at the entrance of the council room. She was frozen with pain in her eyes.

"What are you doing here? I told you to-"

"I'm sorry," she said with regret, "I'm sorry for holding you back from your duties. I know I am not the one you want, I just want to find someone to belong to."

Ryanna said nothing more and ran out the door. I dashed after her, leaving the room without hesitation.

Why couldn't you just wait at the carriage just this one time, dammit! I cursed under my breath.

I knew since the first time I saw her I wanted her. I craved her being. I wanted to nurture her soul and free her from her painful past. I didn't know this girl personally, but a part of me erupted in haste and wanted to save her. I couldn't escape it. Tyrion was right. Ryanna had so much influence over me that I would be questioned whether I was fit to lead the upcoming war.

I made it past the entrance and caught up to her, "Ryanna wait!"

"I know that I've been nothing but trouble for you," she silently sobbed, "I- I just don't understand why I can't bare to be away from you."

I felt the same way.

"But if it means to fulfill your duty without me," she wiped away her tears, "I can help you find your happiness, even if it's with my sister."

She closed her eyes and kept her smile, tears streamed down her face and I felt the air in my lungs being sucked out. I was in such big denial about her. I tried my hardest to focus on what is dire for my people. Yet, my heart raced when she would clumsily fall, or my instincts reacted upon her call. My heart and mind have been fighting each other of what was right and what was ideal. I couldn't help but feel terrible for how Tyrion looked at her. If I'd known those questions were meant for her unasked thoughts to be answered, I definitely have screwed up. I wanted to take back those words. My thoughts were pounding and all I could do was look at her, with that broken smile.

What have I done?