Princess Tatiana

[Iamdax]

Close Perplexia

King Thoren rode proudly at the head of his army after he was victorious over his enemy. He had been away to wage war against King Tharak. Thoren had sent messengers after messengers for Tharak to stop Raiding and pillaging his holdings, but he didn’t paid Thoren no mind. Thoren finally had enough and prepared for war. Thoren set siege up on his arrival and offered Tharak a chance to surrender or perish.

King Tharak refused by sending his headless messenger tied to his horse. The battle lasted 5 months, leaving thousands dead and a castle almost completely destroyed. A flag of truce was eventually seen over the high wall. He gathered his army rode in front of his troupes through the lift bridge. The disaster and carnage that faces him was more than he could take.

“To think that this could’ve been avoid” he said to himself. The catapults had destroyed most of the castle and most of his army, some from starving but most from the crumbling castle. He told Markus his General to send a search inside the castle, and to look for survivors of the royal family. He was walking amongst all the wounded and dead soldiers, when one of his men caught his attention.

“Forgive me my Lord; General Markus has gathered all the member of the royal family in the court yard”.

Thoren looked at all the people gathered, and was shock to see just three women and a few children. Thoren asked his General about Tharak and was told that King Tharak died along with the Queen. The prince died in battle with a sword in his hand, and one of the ladies, the one with the yellow hair was Princess Tatiana. The castle was just a shell and didn’t know how those women and children escaped death. King Thoren looks at the princess wondering what to do with her.

“Markus please assign four of your best men to the Princess, and have they taken her and her ladies to my tent, and to make sure no one is allowed to enter without my permission”.

Thoren looks at Tatiana for a long moment as she was taken away, when a thought came to mind, and the more he looked the better he liked it. Thoren had very big plans for Tatiana, she was twenty years old and the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and she was of royal birth. He smiled as he just realized why they called her the golden princess. Her hair was gold and her skin was the color of light bronze. King Thoren was just 28 and a window as his Queen died giving birth to his only hair, now a two year old boy.

Thoren smiled at the sounds of blaring trumpets as they approached his castle. The news of the victory got back two days before the army arrived. “It is great to be home again Markus” he said to his general beside him.” Yes it sure is your Majesty, and what of the young Princess my Lord” he asked. Thoren look’s at his friend for a moment. Why don’t ask Lady Alexia to have her in set up next to my quarters.” Alexia being Markus wife was acting as the Lady of the chastle. The Princess has some ladies with her, make sure they are not settled them with her; just close by that she can ring for them.


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[Perplexia]

Sitting in the rubble of what was her home with a bloody sword by her side she softly cooed her brother. He was dieing, and there was nothing she could do to save him. For all of her twenty years he had been her best friend. He taught her how to hunt, fight, an even dance those stupid dances. Now he was leaving her. Leaving her because he was dieing, and dieing because her father was a terrible leader, a selfish greedy man who brought this amoungst his people and their family. She would not shed a tear for this, as far as she was concerned he got his just reward in the end. But at what cost, she looked around at the flying dust an listened to the screams of the wounded and dieing. Her brother had told her she would be kept alive if captured. If anything because of her beauty. Her beauty what a curse that was. Every prince with in a thousand miles had proposed to her at one time or another.
"Tati, Tati" her brother said getting her attention. "He is a good man" referring to
King Thoren. King Thoren was just as responsible in her eyes for this massacre.

Tears began to fall down her face mixing with the sweat and blood of battle. "don't be such a pigheaded brute" he replied with a smile. "I'm not Pigheaded"she retorted. He laughed a little and coughed. His breathing was slowing as the blood filled his longs. He looked up at her touching her face lightly "I love yo" and then he was gone. Not even getting to finish his last words. She took a moment for herself to feel the pain of his loss. She rose with a stern face wiping the blood from her hand across her face. Picking up the sword she let out a blood curling cry and went back into the mixed of the fighting swing her sword and cutting them down like branches blocking a path. The shock of the yell and the flowing of her dress with her golden locks was enough of a distraction to give her the momentary advantage. "never fight when you're angry" her brother had told her. The advice proved to be valid as she was seized from behind.

It took three men to subdue her, none of them leaving unscathed. If she had been in the mind to recollect her brief fighting she would have been proud. But as she stood lined up with the remaining courtiers/ ladies in waiting. The only thing that seemed worthy of focusing on was the way the sand which was tan, was now a crimson red. There were parts of people everywhere. People who died from the war of two men.

Taitiana stood cold and angry, her dress torn, an the blood smeared across her face. Her ice blue eyes held the fire of hate. Chains were placed around their wrists and feet and they were walked past the men who stood talking. Her eyes found the one that seemed to be giving the orders. "if given the chance" she thought to herself "You will die at the end of my sword." She held her head up high looking traight in front of her as they were led. The ladies where whimpering and whining as they walked "Silence" she said abruptlly. Silence was granted.
The were led into the tent that appeared to be that of the leader. The girls fell exhausted upon the dirt floor taking a nap while she stared blankly at the wall of the tent listening to the hurrays and prayers.
A few hours passed an the girls were waken by the guard bringing in food.

Tatiana kept her gaze a the wall of the tent remaining stationary. "You should eat mi lady" one of them said to her. "There is no reason left, we are captured, we are their prisoners. Who knows what our future holds. He could put us in the filed for his farmers, sell us as slaves, or simply give us to his soldiers as rewards for their use and abuse."
As they each considered the speech their Princess gave, they slowly set down their bread and chalices one by one. It had crossed her mind to ask the guard to relay a message to his king "shove your food for nothing from him would be accepted for the loss he caused them." But she did not. Deciding it was beneath her.

Everyone was silent as the night came on. One by one the Ladies fell asleep. Tatiana remained true to her quest staring blankly at the wall. She remained there until morning using the memories of the past with her brother to fuel the rage with in her soul.

Morning came and she could hear the sounds of wagons. "Entering" the guard who had brought them their food the previous evening stated. He frowned upon the uneaten food and drink. "Give it to the wounded" she ordered as if she held some authority. "But mi lady" one of the whining ladies started. A glare was given to her and she shut her lips. "My orders" said the guard "are to give you food" he set it down and turned and walked out.

The next guard that entered re shackled them and took them out to begin the journey to the castle. "Why aren't they in the wagon?" questioned a guard to the one that was tying them to the wagon. "The gold one refused stating she would walk with her people." "he won't be happy if she is scathed, have a horsemen lead them at their own pace, But put them in the middle to be flanked.
Trumpets sounded as the conquering hero's arrived home. People cheered and and seemed genuinely delighted their king was with them.

His castle was large but not egotistically so. As they were led up the stairs Tatiana tried to memorize all the possible exits. Reaching the first door the guard opened it. She began to walk in an was pulled back by her elbow. The guard motioned for the ladies to enter. They all looked at her and didn't move until she nodded. The door was shut behind them. As they turned she could hear their giggles of glee. The king had successful bought him self a herd of daft children.

Tatiana was ushered into her own room. A large royal chamber with the finest linens. It was more beautful then her own room had been. Upon her canopy bed laid a slew of gowns for her. She gathered them recklessly and placed them in front of door with hope someone would trip over them. Looking out the window she calculated her risk of jumping. She would more then likely break something or die if she tried. But quickly she decided that a robe of linens an canopy would work just fine. For now though she would just have to stay put until the castle slept. Sitting in an antique chair in the corner where the light didn't fall she sat staring mindlessly at the wall. A knock came upon the heavy door and she heard the key enter an turn so it could be opened. An older woman dressed in commoner clothes entered scowling at the pile of clothes she had to step over. "I have brought your dinner" she advised. Tatiana didn't answer her and merely continued to stare at the wall. "you're not doing yourself any good you know." Again no answer an she turned and strolled out of the room, locking the door behind her.

The woman went to look for the king for his report, finding him in his library she spoke "Excuse me your Majesty" a perfect curtsy was given upon his attention. "the woman sits in a chair an stares blankly, she place the clothes we gathered in a pile in front of the door. From what i heard she'd not eaten a morsel since being taken. I don't believe she intends on doing so now." She shook her head disapprovingly.
"Her ladies however have accepted the clothes, jewlery and food and have pledge their alligance to you as their one true king. They say the princess will not. For her king is dead, so she will mourn the loss. Primarly the loss of her brother. Who it is said she held until his last breath escaped his lips. She then went mad with anger they say and barged into the battle slaying ten to twenty of your men before she was subdued. She broke every rib in one man, bit the ear off another, and it is yet to be seen if one will see an if the other will live. My advise sir is you sell the wild creature before she kills us all."

 

[Iamdax]

Thoren couldn’t hold the smile that crossed his lips. He had heard of her bravery and he admired her for it. He knew the moment he saw her she would make one of the best queen ever. He also knew it would take time for her to see it, but then he was not in any hurry, and in the mean time he could have fun with her till she learned.

Thoren wondered why Alexia didn’t take care of Tatiana herself, as this was so unusual for her. He sent one of his Paige to ask lady Alexia to join him in his meeting room. He didn’t have to wait long when she stood in the open doors.
She courtesy than spoke. “Your majesty has requested my presence, how may I serve you me Lord.”

“Thoren looks at her smiled. Alexia don’t be so formal come in and sit down please.”

He got up from his chair and walks around his big desk and sat on the edge of the desk. Alexia you do know we have the Princess her with us don’t you, and asked Markus to informed you to look after her and settle her in. Did he not tell you?” She looked at him with big eyes not knowing what he was talking about, even though she knew of the Princess.”

My Lord Markus slipped and bumped his head against the wall and passed out as he came in. He is now resting in bed. After a moment she thought about why Markus did came in so early, he would normally talk to his Captains before came in.

“HO! My lord that poor girl, that was why Markus came to see me so fast. Forgive me you majesty I will take care of her right now.” She got up to leave but the King took her arm and dropped her.

“Alexia wait please don’t fret you go take good care of my fried, and I’ll go see the Princess. I think I should have done that earlier anyway. Just Markus to rest and not to rush it, we’re all resting for while.”

They walked together and when they got to the top floor, she went to her and Markus quarters and he went to the Princess Rooms. He knocked softly three times and waited, and then he knocks three times a little louder, than again a much louder. Now he was a little put out.

“Princess Tatiana, would you really have me break down my own doors or are you going to answer it.”

He pulled gently at the door handle, and the door came open without any effort. He shook his head and went right in. He found her sitting on the floor and a plate of food on one of the tale untouched.

“Princess I will say this once. I’ve giving you every courtesy befitting a royal Princess. I expect the same courtesy from you. Now please get up and sit down like the Princess you are. I didn’t like your father much, but I did like your brother and I am very sorry for your loss. I wonder what he would say if he saw you behaving like this.”
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[Perplexia]

She sat blankly now upon the floor finding the chair was a bit to formal for her liking. The knock came upon the door. She wondered if she had dozed and the old women unlocked it prior to his arrival. she wish she had heard that she would have made a run for it.

The king asked to come in. She turned her head and stared proudly at the wall as if he could see her reaction through the wooden door. Eventually he entered. Keeping her head turn he scolded her.

When he mentioned the part of her brother, being sorry for his loss, and asking what he would think she rose grabbing the vase from the table and hurling it at him with rage.

"Don't you dare speak of my brother you murderer. You killed my father," smash went the plate from the food You killed my Mother "smash went the cup missing his head by a fraction as he ducked " and you killed my brother

She was out of things so she threw herself at him in a rage punching. Finding out quickly that hitting him was as productive as hitting a wall but she continued until she sank at his feet in exhaustion and sorrow.

After a few moments of silence she rose an turned away walking back to her seat on the floor.

"you try to buy my affections like a common whore with fancy gowns, and don't even have the courtesy to extend to me a mourning gown. But listen to me carefully, unlike those girls, i will not be bought. She stared at him her eyes locking with his. But he did not falter. Eventually she turned away and stared at the wall again.

 

[Iamdax]

Thoren stood watching her irate and didn’t move except his head when she started throwing things. He understood her sorrow but now her behaviour.
"Don't you dare speak of my brother you murderer. You killed my father," she kept insulting him while still throwing anything she could grasp. "And you killed my brother.

“No I didn’t I was there and I was part of it, but your father brought that on himself and on all of you and you know it. I couldn’t stay by and watch him killing my peoples.”

Once she didn’t have anything to throw at him she attacks him. He let her work it out of system till she just collapsed on the floor. She sat on the floor at his feet then got up and went to sit again on the floor.

"You try to buy my affections like a common whore with fancy gowns, and don't even have the courtesy to extend to me a mourning gown. But listen to me carefully, unlike those girls, I will not be bought.”

He smiled and looked at her for a moment.

“What makes you think I want to buy you, I already own you to do as I please or are you forgetting that little detail.” He really didn’t to hurt her more then she was hurting, but some time you do what one must.

Tatiana from this day forth, you will behave as a Princess outside of these rooms. You will have dinner at my table and you dress like the princess you are. You will attend all the courts functions, and if you continue displaying manners befitting a whore. You will be treated as one. I will be back again later before dinner; you will accompany me to dinner and will sit next to me.
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[Perplexia]

She sat silently shaking as he spoke to her in such a calm scolding manner. "If i must partake, may i have a mourning gown" she asked lightly.

Her mind was full of rage and sorrow, suddenly the non sleeping had caught up with her. She wasn't going to stay here, but if she was going to escape she would need strength.

"I humbly ask of you to leave me to my sorrows this evening for i am not well. Her tone was cool an rehearsed with a bit of anger bellowing but not pronounced.

He may think he owned her she advised herself as she mulled, but she would not be bought, or owned. Whore, her actions couldn't be like a whore, she was a princess. Perhaps she behaved a bit outside the regular suitable guidelines as one, but she was still a princess. One her people had loved, her brother had loved.

 

[Iamdax]

He could see it in her face Tatiana was thinking the alternative is she didn’t complied. Thoren had to think that the dress, but he didn’t like the idea. She would be every ones target; they would be staring at her all night.

"If I must partake, may I have a mourning gown" she asked lightly.

“I will not promise you can get one, as no one here normally wears black at least not solid black.”

"I humbly ask of you to leave me to my sorrows this evening for I am not well.”
Thoren was about to agree but something in her tone and controlled voice didn’t bode well in his ears.

“Princess what I said to you will stand you will attend this evening dinner with me, and that subject is closed. If you feel tire, you still have ample time to rest. I suggest you take advantage of it.
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[Perplexia]

Her eyes shot up at him shooting words and flames if they could.

Her mouth was pierced shut tightly. Her nostrils flared as her teeth ground against each other. Her eyes had dark black rings around them from the lack of sleep and tears she'd shed. Her skin was pale.

She had plenty she would like to say, but perhaps now was not the time to tell him what exactly she was thinking. Instead she closed her eyes and counted backwards.

Upon opening them she spoke softly. "If i am to behave like a princess, i must beable to follow the traditions of those that came before me. Mourning the loss of my brother is the only thing i can see myself ever requesting from you. To do so, i need to beable to follow the traditions." It almost killed her to say the next words.

"So i humble ask if i may have a mourning gown to honor the memory of my brother, who died protecting my honor." As the tears started to fall she turned her face.

 

[Iamdax]

Thoren knew or he had some sense that was telling him she was up to something. I didn’t think she would try to jump from the window; the moss around the castle was like quick sand she would be that foolish. The only other way out were the two doors and they were well guarded, plus they were also lucked.

"If I am to behave like a princess, I must be able to follow the traditions of those that came before me. Mourning the loss of my brother is the only thing I can see myself ever requesting from you. To do so, I need to be able to follow the traditions." It almost killed her to say the next words.

Thoren the more he heard her plea the less he liked the idea. Somehow she sounded that she made up her mind to do something. He had never been wrong in his intuitions.

"So I humble ask if I may have a mourning gown to honour the memory of my brother, who died protecting my honour." As the tears started to fall she turned her face.

“Princess Tatiana. Please don’t take me for a fool. We both know you’re up to something but whatever it is, put it out of your mind. The only thing I will try to do for you, is to find a dress that might suit the occasion, and even than I don’t know if there is one in the castle.

” Perhaps I should’ve treated you they your father would’ve had me been in my place. You think about that Princess. I don’t think you’re your fathers daughter, but then again you can prove me wrong.

"Princess I need to ask you something that’s been nagging at me. You said you brother died to save your Honour? Explain this to me please. This war was between your father and me, and there is no reason for anyone to fight for your honour."
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[Perplexia]

Her eyes looked up at him saddened. But then spoke bluntly truthfully

"If I were my fathers daughter, i would have shed a tear for his loss. I would have abandoned those" she looked for the correct words "sell outs when your guard that was behind your tent took a nap." she sighed

"if i were my fathers daughter i would be sweet as pie to you, bow and pledge my loyalty to you only to plot how to steal your kingdom. My father was a greedy selfish man, my father is one of two men responsible for the deaths of a kingdom. My father was responsible for many of the travesties that cause you to react as you did."

Hesitating a moment she decided again to tell him the truth.

"One of your men tried to have his way with me while his comrades were fighting to the death." To prove she was not lying She lifted her hair and turned around showing where the back of her neck had a hand print type bruise and her dress was fastened with straw which showed that it had been ripped. She lifted her dress high enough to reveal the bruises and knife wound where he tried to pry her legs apart.
She dropped her dress and turned back to him.

"I am to blame for my brothers death. The one person that would die for me did, and he died because of me. If it had been a draw, my father would have given me to you as payment for all that he stole. I sir" she choked back on tears "Am NOT my fathers daughter."

 

[Iamdax]

"If I were my father’s daughter, I would have shed a tear for his loss. I would have abandoned those" She stopped for a moment then continued. "Sell outs when your guard that was behind your tent took a nap."

Thoren never interrupted her, he wanted to hear all she has to say, and she continued as he listened.

"If I were my father’s daughter I would be sweet as pie to you, bow and pledge my loyalty to you only to plot how to steal your kingdom. My father was a greedy selfish man; my father is one of two men responsible for the deaths of a kingdom. My father was responsible for many of the travesties that cause you to react as you did."

This was one time that he fully agrees with everything she said about her father, he was all she said then some.

"One of your men tried to have his way with me while his comrades were fighting to the death."

Thoren was dumbfounded at what he heard her say and he believed her. Her voice had the sound of truth, without the need of her showing the marking that could only be done the way she told him. He promised himself he would try to find him although it was almost impossible. For all he knew he could be dead.

"I am to blame for my brother’s death. The one person that would die for me did, and he died because of me. If it had been a draw, my father would have given me to you as payment for all that he stole. I sir"

He could see her eyes filling with tears and tried to stop them before she spoke again. "Am NOT my father’s daughter."

Thoren didn’t know how she would react but he had to try. He moved close enough and wrapped his arms around her.

“ I know you're not. I never doubted it for a minute, I knew you better than you thought, and I am really sorry Tatiana that I didn’t know about this while we were still at your castle. My men are told never to harm the member of the royal family unless it is to save their own lives.”

He pushed her away a little so he could look at her. I still would like to have your presence at dinner, and I am sure your brother would agree, but I will not force you.


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[Perplexia]

Thoran embracing her only allowed her to dive deeper into her emotional turmoil. His arms wrapped around her gave her the strength to finally let it all out.

For the past 48 hours she had tired in vein to block the whole thing out. Now she found herself simply spilling it all to a man that she had sworn to hate. Her brother use to have the same effect on her. Get her so mad that she would tell him everything until she broke down.

"He said". she gasped between tears after he'd pushed her a little bit away from him. "he said if he had to give his wench up to fight in a war my father started, the least he could do is make me repay him." she breathed heavy as she tried to control her tears and then she tried to speak more "I got him, but he could live, if he lives he will try again, but his eye will be mauled an he'll have five deep gashes from where i scratched him across his neck"

She gripped the kings forearms to try to steady herself. The smell from him still lingered in her nostrils. "don't let him get me" she begged as she then said "tired, so tired".

Between the lack of sleep, the emotional roller coaster, and not eating her body finally gave in as she blacked out falling against the king.

 

[Iamdax]

Thoren was at a loss for words now after such revelation. He never expected this, but he held her tightly and let her cry.

"he said if he had to give his wench up to fight in a war my father started, the least he could do is make me repay him." she breathed heavy as she tried to control her tears and then she tried to speak more "I got him, but he could live, if he lives he will try again, but his eye will be mauled an he'll have five deep gashes from where I scratched him across his neck"

Thoren couldn’t do much and there was nothing he could say either, he held her and listened to her talk, cry and sob between words. She could barely stand as he felt her grip his arm tighter.

"Don’t let him get me" she begged as she then said "tired, so tired".

He could feel her weight on his arm as she began to slide off his arm, then he gripped her tighter as she collapsed against him. He got one arm under her and carried her to her bed. He ran his hand softly on her face,then moving away some of the hair covering her eye.

He called one of the guards to fetch lady Alexia. She came in and looked at the Princess on the bed then at her King.

“Markus sends his apology my lord and he is fine, but her I don’t know. I guess the realization of the tragedy finally hit her. You go my lord I’ll get her two ladies to stay with her, and we’ll keep you abreast on how she is doing.”

Thoren looked at her for a few moments then started to walk away. Thank you Alexia, look after her well for me as he went out.
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[Perplexia]

Floating, she felt for a brief moment she was floating. Her dream started with clouds and blue skies. The grassy knoll below her filled with laughter of her and her brother in their youth. They were playing, playing with wooden swords "I win" she had exclaimed with her foot over his throat holding the sword high in the air. Her brother shook his head in shame being beaten by his sister. Clouds came quickly rolling in Darker haunted clouds. Sound of thunder and lighting.

Her body lay on the bed tossing and turning she had begun a fever that seemed to grow as the nightmare began. Screams, cries of pain, blood, and then the face of the man that assaulted her "NO NO NO" she cried out in her sleep sounds of profound terror and fear filled her chamber. The ladies looked at each other and continued to soak cloths in cool water dabbing her forehead trying to keep the fever under control.

She's getting worse one of the ladies said out loud. Lady Alexia nodded "I should tell the king" "aye" the other responded "it doesn't look good, she's burning up"

Lady Alexia sought out the king "Sire" she said with a curtsy "the Princess' fever is getting worse, I'm afraid Mi'Lord it doesn't look promising. I've sent for the doctor but he's a days ride away. It's as if she's being pulled under further an further, she keeps crying out with things like "no no"

Tatiana tossed more violently as her dream continued. Her arms were flaying as if she were fighting off an attacker and then she stopped as in her dream she began to fall into a dark pit with fires burning. she let out a scream in her delirium.
a strong arm held her "come back" A rich soothing deep tone said. "why?" was her defeated reply as in her dream she stared down at her fate.

A light glowed around the man with the arm, shining a whole thru the darkness. Then there was the face of her brother. "he's a good man go with him he'll keep you safe" he told her softly. She shook her head defiantly no. "Stop being pig headed" her brother told her more assertive. Out loud she spoke I"m not pigheaded" "yes you are came two voices one of her brother and the other of the mans whose arm had a hold of her. She scowled.

"Her fever is coming down" one of the ladies advised the room

"go with him Tati, be happy" her brother told her. "don't go brother" she said outloud. "it will be fine he replied just be a princess" She shook her head no as tears fell from her face. "come back Tatiana" came the rich deep voice again. His voice was Calm and soothing like a warm bath.

She looked torn and her faced stress then she began to calm into a deeper slumber. The hand started to pull away and the darkness reappeared "NO NO He'll get me!" she cried out in complete terror an panic "Don't let me go"

 

[Iamdax]

King Thoren rushed into the room and looked at Tatiana and could she was delirious, nothing she was saying made much sense. He placed his hand on her forehead and felt how hot she was, and the bed sheets where soaked with her own sweat.

“I think you should change all her bedding and put fresh ones” he told them.

Thoren was about to pick her up, when she takes a hold of his arm and holds it tight. He was about to pull away, but stopped and picks her up. He nods to the ladies to go ahead with the sheets.

Thoren held her against his chest, and stroked her hair as she kept mumbling things that didn’t make much sense. He thought for a minute and realized at one point she was reliving what happen in the court yard.

“NO NO He’ll get me” she nearly screamed. “Don’t let me go”

The Lady had the bed already but he shook his head no. He was going to hold her, as he felt her body relax a little and somehow snuggled to him. He didn’t how long he held her but he noted that she was quite and was sleeping.

Alexia as still there, but had fallen sleeping on the chair, he glanced at the two other ladies also asleep. He looked toward the window and could see it was near dawn.
Theron couldn’t bring himself to put her back on the bed, so held her on his lad like a little girl.


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[Perplexia]

Tatianas eyes opened to the warmth around her. Thoran was holding her on his lap tenderly. She looked up at him and his eyes caught hers. He moved the hair from her face. Looking around the room she saw three sleeping women.

Her head laid back upon his chest and watched the sun come up in silence. After another half hour passed she finally spoke. "my brother," she said weakly "told me you were a good man before he died." She looked out the window for a moment and then looked up at him. "I behaved abominably yesterday. Please forgive me. I will do as you ask and behave like a princess should."

 

[Iamdax]

Thoren watched her when she woke and saw where she was sitting. She looked into his eyes and didn’t say a word. She looked around and saw the women were sleeping. She didn’t seem to be in and hurry to get off his lap, and actually she looked as if she was comfortably where she sat. It took a long time before she looked at him again and spoke again.

"My brother," she said softly "told me you were a good man before he died." She looked out the window for a moment and then looked up at him again. "I behaved abominably yesterday. Please forgive me. I will do as you ask and behave like a princess should."

He took a moment as she looked into his eyes before replying to her.
Tatiana I never had any doubts about you. I knew the tress you were under and I might’ve been a little too hard on you, but I knew you would be the Princess your brother had told me more than once.

He put his mouth close to her ear and whispered. The two ladies what are their names. I brought them along as I was told they were your maidens. They both turn to look at the three ladies, and all three were looking at them smiling.

“The Lady you obviously don’t know. Is Lady Alexia, and she is General Markus wife.”
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[Perplexia]

"but I knew you would be the Princess your brother had told me more than once."
"were you friends with my brother? how well did you know him? Why would he speak to you of me?" All of these words came in a rush in a soft tone.

Tatiana felt a heat rush to her cheeks when he whispered to her ear.
She looked up to see all the ladies in the room smiling to her.

"yes mi lord" she replied in reference to the two ladies being he maidens. That is Andrea and Janice. "Ladies" she addressed them lightly "please meet your king and obey his wishes" "yes Princess" they replied harmoniously rising to curtsy "Your majesty" with a lowering of their head followed.


“The Lady you obviously don’t know. Is Lady Alexia, and she is General Markus wife.”
"Your ladyship" she said softly bowing her head. "forgive me for not rising to greet you, I'm afraid i am a bit weak. But i look forward to furthering your acquaintance when I am well. I'm afraid i do not know your husband, but please express my anxiousness in meeting him as well. Perhaps when i am well we shall take a stroll amongst the grounds together."

Tatiana was a bit embarrassed by finding herself upon Thorens lap, But she also found herself quite reluctant to relinquish her position. The thought of not being there frightened her. That alone surprised her, she wasn't afraid of anything.

So she spoke as honestly as she could without being shocking.
She looked up to the king an spoke in a soft tender tone. "As much as i would prefer to sleep in my current arrangement, I'm sure that i have burdened his Majesty enough. If i could trouble the maidens for a bath, and a bite to eat, i should wish to return back to my bed to sleep more. But if i remember i owe thee my company at dinner. Perhaps his Majesty would suffice with joining me here for it until i am well enough to walk on my own?"

 

[Iamdax]

"Were you friends with my brother? How well did you know him? Why would he speak to you of me?" All of these words came in a rush in a soft tone.
When Tatiana asked about her brother he wanted to tell her what little he could tell her, but this was not the time.

“I will be glad to tell you about your bother, but I think we better leave it for another time.”

Thoren nodded to Andrea and Janice. “Ladies welcome to my castle”
“Your ladyship” Tatiana addressed Alexia.

“Forgive me for not rising to greet you; I'm afraid I am a bit weak. But I look forward to furthering your acquaintance when I am well. I'm afraid I do not know your husband, but please express my anxiousness in meeting him as well. Perhaps when I am well we shall take a stroll amongst the grounds together

Tatiana was the proper Princess he knew of, and it showed when she spoke to Alexia and knew the two would become best friends.

“ Princess Tatiana it is an honour having you with us, and I am looking towards spending more time to know each other, but please address me as Alexia most ladies her in the castle address me as such.”

Tatiana didn’t seem to want to get off of him, and he knew she had accepted him not only as her King but also as the man. Thoren could see there was a different light in her eyes as she looked at him.

"As much as i would prefer to sleep in my current arrangement, I'm sure that I have burdened his Majesty enough. If I could trouble the maidens for a bath, and a bite to eat, I should wish to return back to my bed to sleep more. But if I remember I owe thee my company at dinner. Perhaps his Majesty would suffice with joining me here for it until I am well enough to walk on my own?"

Thoren smiled at her and waited till Andrea and Janice came back to tell her the bath was ready for her.

“Seen that you’re still a little weak to walk on your own, let me carry you to your bath.” He got on his feet and walked with her in his arms to the other room, then lowered down on her feet.

“I will be happy having dinner with you Tatiana, that was a great idea you had, and also a great way to get to know each other better. I will be waiting for you enjoy your bath. We shall talk more later.”
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[Perplexia]

She smiled and nodded "I look forward to that Sir, and thank you" as he stepped away from her she felt the panic begin to build with in her. Her eyes looked at him with the same terror that she held when she begged him not to let him get her. Closing her eyes she gritted her teeth to recompose herself. They opened again looking at him with a reassured knowledge that he would in fact be back.

The ladies held up a sheet in front of the entry guarding the ladies modesty as Alexia began to undress her. "OH" she exclaimed seeing the now purple bruise on the back of her neck. She also found a shoe size bruise along her rib cage. The back of her legs had a minor knife wound and hand size prints. With help she was able to lower herself into the warm bath. The ladies came an began to gently wash her. Trying to avoid the bruised areas as much as possible.

She winced quite a few times but never made an outward sound. They were able to get the tangles out and wash her long golden hair. She was put in a white night dress and taken slowly back to the bed that now held fresh linens. "Thank you Ladies" she said softly as she tucked in.

 

[Iamdax]

I look forward to that Sir” she said.

Thoren knew now that it would take a little time before she would be able to feel her old self. But didn’t fail to notice the look in her was as he began to leave. He couldn’t help wondering what Alexia would think when she saw all her bruises.

He remembered how she looked the first time he set eyes on her. All her clothes were in shreds and he could see some of those bruises.

He was in his study when Alexia came to tell him that the food will be there shortly. He nodded but knew she was thinking, but being the lady she was. She didn’t say anything of what she saw.

Thoren walked into Tatiana’s room and smiled at her when he saw her eyes lit up. She looked so much better than see too long ago. She was wearing a gown that she could sleep in if she got a little tire, but she looked radiant at that moment.

“I am very glad to see you looking so much better; in no time at all you’ll be ready to run through the halls.”

He sat on the edge of her bed as four of the kitchen staff brought all the food. Tatiana gave Andrea and Janice permission to eat in the room but asked them to return to their own room afterward.
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[Perplexia]

She dozed on an off while she waited for dinner. Being clean helped her spirits greatly. When the king entered her eyes smiled at him followed by her lips. “I am very glad to see you looking so much better; in no time at all you’ll be ready to run through the halls.” He stated to her. "Thank you sir, I feel ..I feel much lighter". what she didn't add was since she was able to unload her burdens on his capable shoulders. She had hoped he would understand her meaning. "i'm afraid Sir running through the halls is not very princess like, and i have made a vow to only behave like a princess. So alas i cannot run through the halls."she exclaimed teasing him. She moved a piece of her hair from her face and looked down blushing slightly as he looked at her.

Proticol had required that she always have her maidens with her. She hated having them hear all of her conversations. So when he advised them that they were to go to their room. She didn't object at all. It was highly improper however for her to be alone with him. But who was she to preach to him about it.

They ate their meal and she asked for more.

 

[Iamdax]

"Thank you sir, I feel ..I feel much lighter".

He had no doubts she felt much lighter. She had not eaten for two days.

I’m sure you will feel much better soon, even if have to demand it from you. He smiled at her knowing she understood he was teasing her. His teasing didn’t last long as she came back at him.

"I’m afraid Sir running through the halls is not very princess like, and I have made a vow to only behave like a princess. So alas I cannot run through the halls.

Perhaps I was a little too pretentious to hope you would anyways, but maybe you would be able to compensate by some other activity.” He said as he looked deep into her eyes.

Thoren couldn’t wait till Andrea Janice left the room so they could be alone. She had made it plain by her actions that she was all for it. He had felted her body press to him more when she woke in his arms. Not that anything would take place at this time, but it was what they both wanted. He didn’t think it was just him.

Thoren couldn’t help laughing softly when Tatiana asked for more food, there is nothing assuring that she was feeling better, than the fact that she was hungry.

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[Perplexia]

After eating her second helping she laid back and closed her eyes.

The ladies looked at the king and then left. It was plain upon their face they didn't think it proper he should stay alone in the room with her. Especially while she slept.

Tatiana slept about an hour before waking with a start. "you're still here" she said sounding relieved as her eyes locked with his.
"i was afraid you'd left me again" she said apprehensively. "did you find the body of the man?" she questioned assuming that he'd had him searched for.

 

[Iamdax]

Thoren watched Tatiana eat with a great appetite, than after a short time, her eyes closed and sleep took over. He was going to leave for a short time, but didn’t want her to wale while he was away. He also enjoyed looking at her sleeping.

He was aware the ladies didn’t look very happy to see the King staying in the Princess alone, but he didn’t care though he understood them well. They had no idea what was in the King and Tatiana’s mind.

Tatiana woke around an hour or so and when she saw him she looked happy he was still here.

“You’re still here” she said locking eyes with his.

“I was afraid you’d left me again” she said. “Did you find the body of man?”

I am sorry Tatiana, we’ve found many bodies as you know we would, but none of my soldiers know who he is and what he looks like. We have to wait till you are able to ride back to your castle, and I am not sure it is a good idea. There are still many bodies there, and it is not a very good place to visit. We have to set fire before the bodies will decompose, than we wouldn’t be able to even go the.

Tatiana to honour you we have prepared the bodies of your parents and your brother to perform the rites and to light the pyre befitting a royal family. I apologize, but I had to tell you as we can’t delay it much longer.

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