The burning in his heart

Durreos castle. Lynn The heavy ebony door slammed shut with a resounding echo, severing our connection to the comforting warmth of the sun. The abrupt change in atmosphere sent a chill down my spine, and I instinctively tried to shield my bare shoulders with the inadequately thin fabric that clung stubbornly to my skin. A soft voice reverberated across the black-tiled room, drawing our attention to a young man with silver hair rushing towards us. His slicked-back appearance exuded authority, and an otherworldly grace set him apart from the rest. Yellowish eyes surveyed us before he spoke. "Come along, the Tatsuya court is about to address you," he announced, and we were ushered forward by the guards following his lead. A humongous hall waited for every girl's arrival. Dimly lit walls created a somber sight and twisty staircases made me dread to imagine what terrors they could lead to. The most impressive sight was the four jewelled leather thrones that reigned in the middle of the room, pushed against what seemed to be an intricate wooden art piece narrating the war that had just ended. The animals that represented each kingdom were suffering under the claws of a big dark dragon. With each step, a tightening sensation gripped my insides, and anxiety clouded my mind. I failed to notice the intricate details of the room as my thoughts spiraled into apprehension. The white-haired man joined another, seated in a red suit that matched his fiery hair. Though his appearance was bright, his countenance exuded darkness, and his voice sounded ragged and unnatural. "I, the one known as Ladon and leader of the Tatsuya council, shall address the meaning of the following summoning." Stated the red-headed man who stood up from his throne." Your fathers have accepted the terms I shall read to you now." A collective shift of attention occurred as we focused on the man with fiery locks. He unfurled a large parchment and began reading our fate. "As an incentive for peace and the prosperity of the five kingdoms under the new empire, the Tatsuya court demands that every eligible royal female be brought to Durreos Castle as an offering to Emperor Cadmus Cardaire. In exchange, the Tatsuya court will consider bestowing royal titles and a new duty comparable to their birthright upon the remaining family members. Once within the castle, the girls will be inspected, and four will be chosen to represent each kingdom, except our own. The rest will be liberated and returned to their parents—an additional gift from the Tatsuya court," he sneered, relishing his own words. "You will treat each of us with utmost respect. When his imperial majesty enters to fulfill his responsibility, you will bow your heads and keep your eyes on the floor. Do not stare or talk unless directly addressed. Do not expect any patience; the guards are keeping an eye on every one of you," Zendril, the grey-haired man, added flatly. Some girls shifted uncomfortably, confusion etched across their faces. "There has been no mistake. You are meant to be here. Yes, even if you are first in line to the throne in your kingdom. Your titles are worthless here, and you belong to the emperor. Don't let your fathers' sacrifice go to waste," Zendril explained harshly. "You belong to the emperor," echoed in my mind. The weight of those words sank in, and the realization hit me—I was not a guest; I was to be a slave. As the sole representative of my kingdom, I was destined to be bound to the emperor. Unaware of the hushed room, I grappled with the impending changes in my life, oblivious to the girls bowing beside me. It was only when the Emperor arrived and locked eyes with me that I snapped back to the present. ***************************************************************+** The week before. Andria castle. Lyn. "Not my baby!" My mother's cries reverberated through the room, a desperate plea against an impending fate. "I won't let him take her." A heavy silence settled over the room, the weight of the impending decision palpable. "The queen is right, Your Majesty. She is the only heir to your throne. What is asked of you is pure insolence," reasoned Percival, the highest representative of our royal court. "The kingdom of Andria cannot afford his wishes." "And what do you suggest we do, Percival? His instructions are clear. He takes all the female heirs to prevent marriage alliances against him. It's not insolence when he is the emperor who has won the war," my father discussed, frustration etching lines on his face. "I am afraid that if we don't let him take Lynn, he will do far worse. Get her ready." My mother's cries intensified as my father forcibly led her to the next room. "If that is what you wish, Your Majesty," Percival replied, whispering instructions to the maid at his side. "Lynn, you are to be prepared," he said, clapping his hands to set the wheels in motion. "Bathe in hot water and comb your hair. I will find a tailor from Durreos to provide clothing up to their standards." "I don't understand. Am I being sent to dine with the Emperor? I will not entertain such a horrible man. He is an enemy of Andria," I hissed, mistakenly thinking I had some say in the matter. Five maids promptly restrained me, forcefully guiding me down the hallway toward the bathroom. My guard, once a protector, now acted against me. When I demanded an explanation, Percival coldly declared, "You will no longer be the princess of Andria when you serve the Emperor." Percival that didn't dare look me in the eyes... ************************************************************* Durreos castle. Cadmus. Look me in the eyes... All the girls had kept their posture, elegance and head down following the orders that Zendril had given. Yet one slave seemed to be somewhere else... Ladon had asked me to inspect every girl, all lined up, as if I were to choose what I wanted for dessert. I hated the thought, I wasn't interested in playing the harem owning emperor, but it was a sign of power. I saw a few familiar faces. Mara Delanoir and her beautiful blonde hair curtseyed as I passed by her. She was one of the four girls to be picked as a concubine. Her father had helped us during the war and had become the only kingdom to give up its power willingly to me. Her beauty was famous among the 5 kingdoms and was considered the maiden to make your wife. Little did they know that she had thrown herself on me and lost honour some time ago. Before the war had started, I had been a bit too keen on seducing women, now I was tired and too busy to even feel interest. I let out a sigh, not really wanting to put up with her cravings, she was to be the exception to the slave rule. She would carry her title and would not be treated as the rest. At least I knew she would cooperate with my court's wishes. All this show had to be done. It wasn't till I kept walking amongst the girls that I saw her. A lost gaze, a big doe eyed expression, in between a uniformed mass of women ready to serve the Tatsuya court. My steps towards her were deliberate, and an unfamiliar warmth blossomed within me. Standing in front of her, I felt a fire kindling in my chest, curiosity urging me to let cold out of coldness... To tease, like I used to do before the war. I reached for her, my fingers lightly tracing her neck and hair. Her initial shock turned to fear, and I couldn't resist a mischievous grin. "Do you know who you are staring at?" I teased, my tone gentle as I leaned in. Her arm tensed as I held it firmly, anticipating her reaction. Silence greeted my question and that bothered me, quickly returning to my serious self. Moving closer, I whispered into her ear, "You do... So tell me, how did I hurt you?" "You killed my brother," she replied, her words cutting through the air. "And do you hold hatred towards me?" I hissed, feeling the chill in her eyes, a taste of unease lingering in the air. "I do," she replied, her tone unwavering. Her resolute response intrigued me. Most would cower or lie, but she met my gaze with a steely determination. A flicker of amusement danced in my eyes behind my unbothered expression. "Interesting," I murmured coldly, releasing her arm. The air between us crackled with tension as she stood her ground, defiance etched on her face.