Lotus Blossoms - Part Three

      Edric and Adrian entered in the throne room after three weeks of absence from the Goutine. The prince had hoped to see his new wife on the way in, but she hadn’t been notified of his return. His father sat on his throne, a grim look on his face. He didn’t like the way that his son walked, it was not the way he held himself when he had good news.
      Edric and Adrian bowed to the king, before his son began to speak. “The treaty has been signed and an alliance formed with Treyorn.”
      Ilgar rose an eyebrow, “And the bad news?”
      Edric hated when his father read him like a book, “It seems that King Hurge of Treyorn was involved with many discussions with Zsusanu tribe leaders. They are aware that they can not remain out of this war any longer, and know that their superior warriors could help end it. He was not aware if they had spoken to any of our allies.”
      The king nodded his head, “I was afraid this would become an issue. I have heard that many Zsusanu have been seen traveling east.” He sighed, “There is only one way that we can hope to bring them to our side instead. The Zsusanu are a peaceful and righteous race and they must want to understand both sides of the matter. We need to send messages to our allies to see if any of them have attempted talks with the Zsusanu, and if not or if they failed then we must send ambassadors to Zsusa.”
      “If it comes to that, then I wish to go.” Edric asked more then stated.
      Ilgar nodded, “Yes, of course, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I have always prayed that this war would end during my lifetime. Too many people have died in the past century, and few remember what began this blood bath.”
      “Do you think the Zsusanu can actually end this war?” Adrian asked.
      “I do not like their beliefs, nor do I respect the way their lives are lead. I do however admire their combat skills. We have already witnessed single battles turned in favor of the side who had a single Zsusanu warrior fighting. Yet, a single warrior will do nothing for the war as a whole.”
      Edric was surprised about how much his father knew of the Zsusanu’s business during the war. It had not been something that he had studied himself.
      “We must begin first by sending messages to our allies. They must be aware that the Eastern Empires are trying to recruit our neighbors to the north. It would be a great disadvantage for us to be at war on two fronts, and I do not believe we would last long.” Ilgar stood from his throne and walked over to his son, before throwing his arm over his shoulder.
      He walked with Edric out of the throne room and into the hallway, waving for Adrian to follow him. “Now that we are away from the advisors, I wanted to speak to you both alone.”
      Adrian came to stand beside the king, who placed his spare arm around his shoulder.
      “What of, father?” Edric looked past his father to Adrian briefly.
      “I know you have not seen her in three weeks, but how was the beginning of your relationship with Charday?” He asked his son, he was being polite, this wasn’t the issue he wanted to discuss.
      “It has started most excellently. Why do you ask?”
      Ilgar looked at Adrian then back to his son, “Her guard, the Zsusanu, is she trustworthy?”
      “Pryene seems to be very loyal to Charday, though I could not say if she was to our kingdom.” Adrian responded.
      Edric nodded in agreement.
      Ilgar pulled the two men onto the balcony, where Adrian and Pryene had spent an evening together weeks before. Shutting the doors, he turned to the two young men. “If it comes down to us riding to Zsusa, she might be of great assistance. Not many Zsusanu ever travel too far from their homeland.” He meant the Eastern Empires. “Do you believe she would assist us?”
      Both men looked at each other then back to the king, “If it was to Charday’s benefit, which it is, I believe she would.” Adrian answered.
      Ilgar nodded, “Good. This alliance is more important then any other. It is not an option to fight the Zsusanu, we would stand against them for long.”
      “Should I ask her?” Edric folded his hands behind his back, appearing willing to serve his father’s command.
      The king waved his hand, “No, not until we are certain a journey to Zsusa is necessary. The servants tell me that she spends much of her time with Charday, but recently she has given the princess her space. Do you believe she would travel to Zsusa without Charday?”
      Neither man had an answer, and both stared at the king dumbfounded.
      “Yes, I see. Then we have to wait and see the outcome, and hope that she will assist us.” He grinned, “Now, your wife was quite upset when you left Edric, I suggest you find her and rest for the day.”
      Edric returned the grin, “Thank you, father.” He said as Ilgar turned to exit the balcony. “And what are you going to do?” He asked Adrian.
      He shrugged his shoulders, “Rest sounds nice.”
      “Ah, so looking for Pryene. She’ll probably be with Charday.”
      “I am not going to look for her, I am going to my quarters.” Adrian walked past him and out into the hall.

      Charday had spent most of the three weeks in the study, and the rest of her spare time reading books the king told her to. Pryene decided that the castle was secure, and began leaving Charday alone in her study during the day so she could train beside the garden. She also managed to borrowed a few books from Charday to entertain her spare hours.
      “He’s home! He’s home!” Charday’s voice cried out from the garden entrance, as she ran towards Pryene with Edric’s hand in her own.
      Pryene closed her book, and stood from the marble bench. “Welcome home.” She bowed gently.
      “Thank you, it was a long journey. We had several attacks, luckily we didn’t lose anyone.” Edric informed her, for some reason he thought Pryene would be interested in such things.
      “That is good to hear. Charday would have been distraught had something happened to you.” Pryene said, and felt Charday jab her in the arm to shut her up.
      Edric grinned, “I heard she was upset when I left, I couldn’t imagine how she would react if I was injured or killed.”
      “I am right here.” Charday barked, “I can hear you both.”
      Pryene smiled at the prince, “I’m sure that you both have a lot of catching up to do. Please, do not let me keep you.”
      Charday skipped slightly, “Come, do you have time for a picnic in the woods?”
      “Of course.” He began to walk away with her, then stopped to speak to Pryene. “Adrian is searching you out, I… I thought you would want to know.”
      She looked up at him and gave a nod, “Thank you.”
      Pryene didn’t want to get up and find a hiding place in front of the prince, though she was certain he knew that she planned to do so. She waited for a short time until they disappeared, and then jumped to her feet. Walking down the white stone path, she ran into the castle entrance and slammed into Adrian’s chest. She stumbled back some, completely surprised that she had not been paying attention in her rushed escape.
      “Greetings, Pryene.” He said when he was certain that she had caught her balance.
      “Welcome home.” Pryene bowed and tried to walk past him.
      The king had informed her that she was disrespectful in her lack of bowing, and so she had begun to do so to anyone who she knew wasn’t a servant. Unfortunately, that meant Adrian as well. It was not something that she had to do in Aluke, as she was considered royalty herself there.
      Adrian grabbed her upper arm as she ran past, “Why are you in such a hurry?”
      “I need to get somewhere.” Ugh, that was a terrible lie.
      “Somewhere? Like anywhere that I am not?”
      She swallowed, “No, just somewhere. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Pulling on her arm, he didn’t release it.
      “Did you miss me?” He finally asked with a grin.
      “I hardly noticed your absence.” She lied again, but this time it was better.
      His grin faded, “I found this book in the Treyorn library, and the king there said I could keep it. I’ve been studying it the entire time we journeyed home.”
      Her muscles eased their tension, and she stood straight. “And what book is that?”
      Adrian began to speak in Zsusa, “I missed you, Pryene, especially the way that you smile at me.”
      His pronunciation was off on some words, but she understood well enough. Quickly, she spoke his last sentence to correct his errors, but she used his name in place of her own.
      Adrian grinned and released her from his grip, “Until sunset then.” He returned to speaking the common tongue, and ventured down the hallway.
      With a sigh and a shake of her head, she returned to the garden to finish reading her book. Looking back towards the entrance, she grinned. He was growing out the white portion of hair, she realized as she thought over their last encounter.

      Finding his quarters, Adrian entered and began to remove his armor. His room was larger then the servant’s quarters, but did not compare to the prince’s. He had a large bed, a fireplace, a desk, and even a tub placed around the room. All of which were common, except for the tub which the servants had only a few to share among the lot of them.
      Once all his armor was removed, he laid down on his bed and grinned at his new memory. Pryene had actually admitted to missing him, at least he thought she did. Perhaps, she was just correcting his accent, but that was something he preferred not to believe.
      A loud knock came to the door, and before he could answer it the door was shoved open. He cursed himself for not locking it, and sat up immediately to see who the intruder was. Wearing only a pair of pants, he wasn’t decent to have guests.
      “My love!” Karessa cried, after shutting the door and jumping on the bed atop of him.
      “Karessa?” He was shocked to see her, and even more so that she had thrown herself upon him.
      She began to assault him with kisses, yanking his hands to feel her breast, and attempting to pull up her dress. Adrian grabbed her wrists and flipped her over onto her back, so that he was above her. “What in the hell are you doing?”
      “Welcoming you home, and forgiving you. I wasn’t fulfilling your needs, that why you turned to that savage. But now, I’ll do whatever it is that you need.”
      “They heard that we weren’t getting married, didn’t they?” He asked, speaking of the ladies of the court.
      Karessa frowned, “Do this for me, Adrian. I’ll be whatever you want, I swear. A loving, faithful wife, I promise.”
      He snorted, “I think that there are plenty of men out there that you can gain sympathy from those women with. They will probably be more then willing if you act this way.”
      She kissed him fully on the lips, and Adrian turned his face away. “I’ll be kind, loving, and faithful… you can even keep the savage as a mistress. Whatever you want, Adrian.”
      He chuckled, and shoved himself off of the bed. “Get out of here.”
      Karessa continued to undress herself, tossing her clothes across the room. “Don’t make this any harder then it already is. I am humbling myself before you, I recommend you accept it, before it is forced upon you.”
      “Forced? Is that a threat?”
      She shook her head, “No, a prediction.”
      Her stared at her silently for a moment, wondering just what it was that Karessa had planned in her devious mind. “What have you done?” He asked with a firm tone.
      Karessa smiled mischievously, and then climbed underneath the covers. “Let’s not start the rest of our lives together this way, Adrian. Come lay here with me.” She patted beside her.
      “What have you done?” He asked again, raising his voice slightly.
      “All I want is to be part of a higher class, even if that is only through friendship. You want to advance your career, and as my husband you will go further then any mixed savage ever has.” She sat on her heels, “Besides, something awful has happened to me. You are the only one that can help, please just do this for me.”
      “What has happened?”
      “I am with child, Adrian. If my father finds out who the father is, he will disown me, so please.” She stared up into his eyes, “If it’s a boy we will send it away, and if it’s a girl it won’t matter.”
      “Who is the father?”
      She dropped her head, “Probably a servant, maybe a married man, I don’t know. Please, Adrian. I am begging you. I will be the most loving wife. Anything you desire, I will do… anything.”
      “I feel for you, Karessa, and I am sorry this has happened. I want to marry someone that I love and who loves me.”
      “I can love you and I know I can make you love me.”
      He slowly shook his head, “No.”
      “It’s the savage, the princess’s guard, isn’t it? It’s alright, Adrian, you can keep her. You can have as many other women as you want, but…”
      “Karessa, I…”
      The door slammed open and her father, Captain Feron, barged into the room to speak with Adrian, something that his daughter knew he was in route to do. His eyes fell upon Karessa nude in Adrian’s bed, then Adrian’s half clothed body.
      “What have you done?” Feron asked him.
      “It’s not what it looks like, sir. She came in here and removed her clothing, I was changing out of my armor before she…”
      Feron held up his hand, and looked to his daughter, “Has he touched you?”
      She nodded innocently, tears swelling up in her eyes.
      “No, she lies!” Adrian yelled.
      “You have deflowered my daughter and dare call her a liar?” Feron didn’t give him time to answer, “I should kill you where you stand…”
      “No!” Karessa cried out, “Father, I am with his child. Please!”
      Adrian’s eyes snapped over to the woman in his bed, “I have never touched you, whatever you carry in your womb is not mine!”
      Feron moved so quickly that Adrian never got a chance to react. His captain shoved him up against a wall, his forearm pressing against his neck. “Pray that she is with child, because if she is not then I will have your head. You will do the right thing and marry my daughter, won’t you?”
      His gagged when Feron applied pressure to his throat, then looked at the graying man before him. “I have never touched your daughter, sir. She opens her bed to any man who is willing, there is no telling who has fathered the child.”
      He slammed Adrian against the wall again, “You will marry my daughter!”
      “I will not!”
      His captain released him, “The king will hear of this, Adrian.” Feron turned to his daughter, and threw her clothing at her. When she was dressed, he yanked her from the room.
      Adrian rubbed his neck and tried to calm himself down. He couldn’t believe what had just happened, but knew he had to reach the king’s ear before Feron. This was no time to disturb Edric, but he needed to prince on his side when he spoke with the king. Though he was a confidant to the king, he knew that Feron had more sway.
      The king could force him to wed the girl, or worse yet Feron could ask for Adrian to be punished for what she accused him of doing out of wedlock.

      Running out into the garden, he found Pryene sitting on the bench reading a book. She looked into his frantic face, and immediately stood from her position. He stared at her for several moments, not sure if he wanted to involve her in this. She might be inclined to believe Karessa with the way that he had treated her when she first arrived.
      “Where is Edric?” He asked.
      “He and Charday went to have a picnic in the woods.” She told him, a look of worry apparent in the way she held her brow.
      His eyes looked over the royal woods, it was huge, they could be anywhere within.
      “I know where she likes to have her picnics, if you want me to show you.” Pryene finally said, noticing him surveying the woods.
      Adrian turned his eyes back to her, debating in his mind whether or not he actually wanted her to show him. Grabbing her hand, he began to run towards the woods. Pryene dropped her book along the way, but Adrian didn’t give her time to stop. When they reached the edge of the woods, he turned to her, wanting her to lead the rest of the way.
      “Are you going to tell me what this is about?” Pryene asked, crossing her arms defiantly.
      “No, show me where Edric is. It’s imperative that I reach him.” Adrian didn’t want Feron to speak with the king first, and knew that Ilgar would not see him at this time. He was certain that the king would be eating his midday meal now, and hated to be disturbed. However, Edric could speak to his father.
      She rose an eyebrow and continued to cross her arms.
      Adrian grabbed her upper arms, “Listen, Pryene, this really doesn’t concern you. Now, please, where is Edric?”
      “Probably where the stream empties out into the lake. She has been taking me there these past weeks.” Pryene informed him, and he took off into the woods before she could question him further. Rolling her eyes, she went to find her book and ignore the incident entirely.
      Adrian didn’t realize that Pryene was no longer following him, until he made it to the mouth of the stream. His eyes fell upon the man he was searching for. Edric was sitting on a blanket with his wife, both were giggling as Charday spread some pie filling over his lips.
      He wiped his face on the napkin, “No, I don’t like blueberries.”
      “Oh, come on, try it. It’s not like the real fruit.” Charday chuckled when he licked his lips and made a disgusted face.
      “Ack, it’s worse.” Edric’s eyes moved towards the approaching form, “Adrian?” He stood from the blanket.
      “I hate to disturb you, Edric, but this is urgent. Or maybe it’s not, I don’t know.” He looked down to Charday, “I’m really sorry, milady.”
      She nodded her head.
      “What is this about?” The prince asked.
      “Karessa is accusing me of fathering her child, and she was found nude in my room.” He swallowed. This wasn’t something he wanted to say in front of Charday, but knew that Edric wouldn’t come with unless he informed him of the situation. “Captain Feron is going to speak to your father, and…”
      “We should speak to him first!” Edric threw down his napkin, and looked upon Charday’s disappointed face. “I’m sorry, my love, I’ll send Pryene to finish the picnic with you.”
      She nodded, and watched Edric take off ahead of Adrian.
      “Don’t tell Pryene, please.” Adrian begged her, but followed after Edric before she could answer him.
      Running through the woods, Edric didn‘t even questioned him. It made him rather proud to know that his friend trusted him enough.
      “She planned this entire thing.” Adrian panted as he ran up beside him.
      “Is she really pregnant?”
      He gave a nod, “That is what she told me. I have never touched her, Edric. I swear that she’s never shared my bed.”
      “You don’t have to tell me that.” They stopped running as they reached the wood’s end, and began to walk towards the castle. “I’ve known you all my life… and besides you always tell me when you bed a woman.”
      Adrian frowned, “It doesn’t look good, I was changing when she stormed into my room and stripped down to nothing.” His voice lowered as they approached Pryene, she was still sitting on the bench.
      Edric noticed his friend’s behavior transform, he didn’t look worried anymore. He was trying to act as if nothing was wrong.
      “Everything alright?” Pryene asked as she stood up from the bench and bowed her head at them.
      “Yes, fine now, thank you.” Adrian quickly said.
      “Where is Charday?” She asked Edric.
      “In the woods waiting for you. Could you take my place for the afternoon, and tell her I am sorry again.” Edric watched her nod, and then begin to head towards the woods.
      Adrian watched her disappear over the meadow, not realizing that Edric was speaking with him. His eyes never left Pryene, giving him a worry free moment.
      “Are you listening?” Edric voice broke through to him.
      He turned his attention to the prince, “What? Sorry.”
      “I see.” He began, looking at the horizon where Pryene had disappeared. “I hate to ask this of you, Adrian, but before I argue this in front of my father, I must know the truth. Are you certain that you didn’t bed Karessa?”
      “I swore unto you, already.”
      “And this has nothing to do with your new infatuation with the Zsusanu?”
      Adrian tried not to scowl, “I hold no feelings for her, and even if I did, I would not dishonor myself by denying my own child. You know this.”
      Edric took a deep breath, “I didn’t mean to sound as if I doubted you, but you did tell me that Karessa caught you in an intimate situation with the Zsusanu. She may use it to explain why you would deny the child.”
      He looked his friend in the eyes, so that there was no doubt of truth when he spoke. “I never touched Feron’s daughter, I swear on my life.”
      “Then let’s speak with my father.”

      All of Adrian’s muscles froze when he entered into the dinning hall and saw Feron and Karessa sitting at the table with the king. Not intimidated by the captain’s presence, Edric kept Adrian moving forward.
      Ilgar watched Adrian as he walked down the long table to take a seat across from Feron and his daughter. “I was about to summon you.” The king said as he swallowed down some of his lunch.
      Folding his hand in front of him, the king leaned back in his chair, before clearing his throat. He then reached for his wine goblet and sipped down some of the red liquid.
      Adrian felt a lump forming in his throat, not liking how nonchalant the king was acting. His eyes wandered past Karessa to her father, who seemed to be rather pleased with himself. Something about this didn’t feel right, and his anxiety continued to build.
      “So, Adrian,” The king began, “Karessa has explained to me that you have fathered her child, and refuse to care for both her and your child. Are you not of a knight of Goutine? Do you feel no harm to your honor has been done by denying this?” He used his hand to point at Karessa.
      Adrian looked at Edric for help.
      “Do not look to him for answers.” Ilgar tapped his hand on the table to get Adrian’s attention back.
      “I have never invited Karessa into my bed, milord.” Adrian finally said, “She informed me herself that she believes the father to either be a servant or a married man. This is just a ploy concocted by her to force me into marriage.”
      Feron jumped to his feet and slammed his hand on the table, “How dare you blemish my daughter’s honor!”
      Ilgar threw up his hand, “Sit, Feron.” He demanded, then turned his attention back to Adrian. “Your captain tells me that he has caught you and Karessa in the act.”
      “He walked in on me half naked and Karessa nude in my bed, yes. However, I was changing and she barged into my bedroom, removed her clothing, and threw herself in my bed. As I said, this is all part of her plan, she knew he was coming to my room.” Adrian tried to stop his hands from shaking.
      The king looked at his son briefly, before turning to Karessa. “Did you plan this?”
      “No, I don’t know why he would say such things.” She began to cry, “Adrian, why are you doing this? You said that you loved me. You said you would marry me, that’s why I did those things with you.” Her thin face fell into her hands.
      Adrian swallowed, “I never…”
      Ilgar silenced him with a wave of his hand, “Did you know that your father was coming to speak with Adrian?”
      She shook her head.
      “She did.” Feron was shocked to see his daughter lie.
      “I didn’t know that you were coming so soon, you said you were stopping to speak with mother. I wanted to see Adrian right away.” She sniffled, “I was so happy that he was home. He was gone for three entire weeks, I hadn’t seen him in so long!”
      Ilgar’s eyes fell onto Adrian, “Well, what do you have to say for yourself, boy?”
      “I swear on my honor and my family’s honor that I have never touched your daughter in anything but a chivalrous manner.” Adrian looked directly into Feron’s eyes.
      The king gazed between the small group for a moment, “Well, Feron, what do you think?”
      “You can have my family’s manor outside of town and I will promote you once a year until you are able to accept my position.” Feron leaned back in his chair, “You will also receive half of my inheritance. All this for accepting what you have done and taking my daughter as your wife.”
      “That seems to be a reasonable offer.” Ilgar told him.
      “If there was any chance that the child was mine, I wouldn’t be sitting here now.” Adrian looked between the two older men. “You have both known me since I was a young man of eighteen. You both know that I am not a liar, and you both know that I am an honorable man.”
      Feron’s eyes fell on his daughter, then back to Adrian. “I will give you two weeks to think on the offer I have made you. Even if what you say is true, you will be receiving a sizeable dowry, which I am certain can make you look past her faults.”
      “And we can pray that the child is a girl, and if not the knights will accept him as an orphan.” Ilgar nodded at Feron, who agreed. “That is, unless, you admit the child is your own after looking into his eyes.”
      Adrian couldn’t believe what he was hearing nor understand why Edric was just sitting their silently. “I won’t accept the offer, it’s not my child.”
      Feron stood, pulling his daughter up. “Your child or not, think of what you are giving up if you decline my offer. And don’t think I will let this deed go unpunished.” He and Karessa bowed to the king before exiting the dinning hall.
      “Milord, it is not my child.” Adrian whimpered when they were gone.
      “I know, Adrian, but this is a good opportunity for you. Lord of your own manor and a sizeable inheritance, it is more then you could ever have here. Plus promotions and a guaranteed position as captain of the guard when Feron steps aside.” Ilgar leaned forward, “I believe you, I do. You planned on marrying this woman a month ago, and other then the child, I don’t see what has changed.”
      “She has opened her bed to every man but me.” Adrian tried to keep his anger at bay.
      “It’s true.” Edric finally said, “Even I have had her, she is disgusted by Adrian’s Zsusanu blood.”
      Adrian glared at his friend, “You have bedded her? Before I was courting her, I hope.”
      Edric dropped his head with a frown, “I think we should find out who the real father is, if we can.”
      “Could you be the father?” Ilgar asked.
      “No, that was sometime ago.” He looked back to Adrian, “I’m sorry, I should of told you.”
      Adrian jumped to his feet and bowed to both of them. “Excuse me, I must be alone now.”
      Ilgar shook his head, “Edric, that should have been said in private between us. You may have caused a great deal of damage to your friendship.”
      “He needed to know, father.”
      “Will he take this offer?” The king asked after several long moments of silence.
      “No, I have reason to believe that he is courting the Zsusanu guard.” Edric looked up to his father, “He abandoned Karessa the day of my wedding.”

      Adrian tried to avoid Karessa for two days, and always ensured that his door was locked. He, also, found himself on the receiving end of Edric’s logic. Telling him that this would be the best for everyone involved if he just accepted the proposal.
      “You have nothing to lose.” Edric kept saying to him as they walked down the hallway.
      “Except I will be in a loveless marriage with a woman I can’t trust. I’ll never be able to believe that any of the children she bares will be mine.”
      The prince stopped at the window over looking the garden, “See that beautiful woman out there?”
      Adrian looked out the window to see Charday smelling the roses. “Princess Charday?”
      “Yes, that beautiful woman is my wife. I heard that she was childish, threw temper tantrums, and was selfish. Remember how I kept telling you that I would never love her and how I hated my father for this arranged marriage. I should have been able to chose my own wife… thank the heavens I was wrong.” He smiled.
      “If you are trying to compare my situation to your own, then you are failing. I already know Karessa and I know what type of woman she is. She may tell me that she won’t be with other men, but I know that’s not true. She’ll do whatever it takes to give herself a higher standing in the social circle.” Adrian sighed, still looking out the window. He watched Charday pluck a rose, then Pryene walked up behind her. The princess placed the rose in Pryene’s hair then took her hand, leading her around the garden.
      “A large inheritance, a manor, and a guaranteed position as captain of the guard.” Edric said looking out the window, “Could you ever imagine getting any of those things any other way?”
      He looked up at his friend, “Call me a hopeless romantic if you want. I just want to marry someone that I care for.”
      “That wasn’t your problem a month ago, you what Karessa was then, but were willing to take the fruits that the relationship bared. She’s a promiscuous and there isn’t a shred of honor left in her tiny body, but a life with her is a small price to pay for what you would get.” Edric waved his hand when Charday noticed him, she grinned but didn’t return the wave.
      Adrian looked at Pryene as she turned her head upward to see what the princess was smiling at. Her eyes settled briefly on him, before Charday spun around and pulled her to another side of the garden. She was making a bouquet for her bedroom.
      “What made you change your mind? You told me that Karessa would have to do, because no other woman would have anything to do with you. Now, you are getting land and money to go with that woman, and you don’t want it? Is it the child?”
      “Edric, stop!” Adrian raised his voice, “I’ve changed my mind because I realize that I was selling myself short. I have to suffer the rest of my life because people here can’t accept who my grandfather was? What is so wrong with the Zsusanu? They are a brave and noble people, who preach peace and understanding.”
      “Oh, I see.” Edric cleared his throat.
      “I hate when you say that.”
      The prince grinned, “Well, even I have to admit she was pretty for a Zsusanu. Though I’ve never really cared for their muscular physiques.”
      Adrian rolled his eyes, “This has nothing to do with Pryene. Even if I had never met her, I…” He stopped himself from saying anything else, as he realized it was a lie. “Alright, she was the one that opened my eyes. She isn’t afraid of her heritage, she refuses to hide it, so why should I? And more importantly, why should I settle for less because of it?”
      “Good morning!” Charday’s voice came from down the hall.
      Edric normally gone by the time she awoke in the morning, and found herself seeing him around noontime and in the evenings.
      “Morning, my dear.” Edric kissed her forehead when she slipped an arm around his waist.
      Pryene was following behind her, a large bouquet of flowers in her arms. Adrian grinned at her as she approached. He had been trying not to run into her either, not until this issue was resolved. She seemed to become more beautiful as the days past on.
      “We are going to hang these flowers up to dry in the bedroom.” Charday told her husband. “That way we can have flowers all year round.”
      “Sounds lovely.” Edric respond, noticing that his friend had been struck into silence. “Morning, Pryene.” The prince finally said, even though he had greeted her when he left at dawn.
      “Good morning, milord.” Pryene bowed her head.
      “You know that whole milord thing and bowing is only necessary around my father.” Edric told her.
      “Better to do so all the time, milord.”
      The prince frowned, his father was trying to find a reason to send Pryene away after they used her. He was waiting for the Zsusanu to make a mistake, and she seemed to know it.
      “Let me carry those for you.” Adrian finally snapped to, and reached for the flowers.
      “It’s alright, but thank you. They are quite snug in my arms, and if they were to change hosts they would most likely fall to the floor.”
      “And bruise!” Charday added, “Come along, Pry.” She kissed Edric’s cheek, and began down the hall with Pryene close behind her.
      Edric began to speak when Charday had turned the corner, “My wife tells me that Pryene has summoned Zsusanu men to come to the castle, so she can pick a husband.” He hated to tell Adrian this, but he wanted his friend to see the opportunity that he was giving up. “She won’t marry anyone but a full blooded Zsusanu. You have no chance.”
      Adrian frowned, “I never thought I did.”
      “Then why do you do this to yourself? You can’t have the woman you want, the one who has nothing to offer anyway. You can however have a woman with a large dowry, but you send her away. It doesn’t make any sense?”
      He looked up into Edric’s eyes, “You’re right.”
      The prince was surprised to hear admit the truth.
      “What am I doing? Letting her slip through my fingers like this.” He watched Edric nod, “I am going to study the Zsusanu code twice as much, and be her shadow whenever I can. I’ll show those males a thing or two about courting women, she’ll have no option but to pick me.”
      “Uh, that’s not what I meant, Adrian.”
      “I know, but…” He sighed, “The moment I saw Pryene, I knew that she was the one for me. Just like when you first saw Charday. I can’t explain it, and I know that I barely know her, but deep inside I feel it. I can’t breath or think when she’s around me, and I act like an arrogant, over bearing fool. Afterwards speaking with her, I feel warm and satisfied. I sound like an idiot…”
      “No, you don’t.” Edric sighed, “Damn it. Alright, Adrian, you win. I only pray that she feels the same, as I have no doubt that it will take strong emotions for her to pick a mix breed over a true Zsusanu male. At least, that is what Charday has told me.”

      Pryene laid the flowers on the princess’ bed, and began sorting them into smaller bouquets while Charday found some string. After so many years together she had learned how the princess liked the flowers arranged, though occasionally she would change her tastes.
      She sighed thinking about the conversation that she had with Karessa that morning. For some reason the woman thought that she and Adrian were more then acquaintances, most likely because of how she found them on the balcony. However, Pryene chalked it up to experience, it wasn’t the first man that she had kissed and not committed herself to.
      She had tried to explain that to Karessa, but the woman continued to insist that there was more. She explained that she was pregnant with Adrian’s child, which had sent a chill down Pryene’s spine. It was not something that she had expected to feel, disappointment that Adrian was spoken for. There were Zsusanu males enroute to the castle, she had gotten the message a day ago.
      There was no denying her attraction to Adrian, she wasn’t in love, but it was most definitely a strong lust. Yet, she knew that the two of them could never be, she had to mate with a Zsusanu male, not a mixed breed. There wasn’t any room in her life for love anyway, she had to pick someone who understood the life oath she was under. Even if Adrian was trying to get into touch with her Zsusanu roots, it would take him years to understand their belief system.
      “Pry!” Charday yelled for the third time.
      Her head jerked upward to look at Charday standing with several long strands of string in her hand, beside her was Edric.
      “Welcome back.” Charday teased, “Must have been a long trip.”
      Pryene kept her placid face, not realizing that Adrian was standing behind her at the door. He held a grin on his lips, never expecting to witness Pryene in a daydream.
      “Can you cut this string, I’ll finish arranging the flowers.” The princess held out her handful of string.
      Taking it from her, Pryene turned around to sit on the bed, her eyes caught on Adrian. He was leaning against the doorway, and mouthed a greeting to her. Pretending not to notice, she sat down and pulled the dagger from her belt.
      “I was thinking that we could go out riding tomorrow afternoon.” Edric said and Charday smiled in response. “The four of us, if that’s alright.”
      His wife’s smile turned mischievous, seeing the plan formulating in his eyes. “Oh, that’s alright with me. I enjoy Adrian and Pryene’s company.” She turned to Pryene, “You do want to come, don’t you?”
      Pryene continued to cut the strings, not noticing that Charday was once again talking to her.
      “Pry?” She waited, “Pry?” Charday asked again, “Pry!”
      Her eyes jerked up to look at the princess.
      “My goodness, Pry, where are you today? Did you hear any of that?” Charday crossed her arms.
      Pryene’s eyes shifted from her ward to Adrian, he was chuckling. “No, I’m sorry, my mind is elsewhere today.”
      “Edric wants us to go riding with him tomorrow, do you want to come?” She sighed and rolled her eyes towards her husband.
      “I go where you need me.” Pryene responded as she continued to cut the string.
      Charday grinned, “Great.” She turned her eyes back to the flowers, “Hmm, I am short a rose.”
      “Do you want me to go get another?” Pryene asked standing up.
      “No, I want to make sure they are perfect.” She looked towards Edric, “Care to join me?”
      He gave a nod, and they both exited the room, hand in hand.
      Adrian remained which brought nothing but discomfort to Pryene. She twisted slightly on the bed, trying to make herself more relaxed. When he took a couple steps forward, she ignored him until he was standing directly in front of her. He kneeled down, placing his hands on her knees to steady himself.
      “I wanted to talk to you, but after what happened last time between us, I didn’t know what to say.” His words were slow as he looked into her eyes.
      “I have spoken with Karessa. She has informed me that she is with child, your child. She also explained to me that you deny this.” She laid the cut string on the bed, and stood to begin tying up the completed bouquets.
      Adrian pressed down on her knees, keeping her sitting. “It’s not mine, I’ve never touched her.” He couldn’t believe it as he watched the look of doubt melt away from her eyes.
      “Why would she say such things?”
      “You… you believe me?”
      Pryene stared at him for several long moments, “Have you ever given me reason to believe that you are dishonest?”
      He grinned, “No, I just didn’t expect it to be that easy.”
      “I asked a question.”
      “She is pregnant by someone she can never have, and it would dishonor her and her family if they found out. She says it is me, because I have already been approved by her father. He knows the child isn’t mine, I know he does. So, he offered me a large dowry if I wed her and accepted the child as my own.” Adrian’s heart thumped wildly in his chest. It had nearly stopped beating when she told him that she knew.
      “And she thinks that I am what stands in the way of you accepting her and the dowry, which would be why she came and spoke to me at all.” Pryene nodded, “I thought she was behaving a little too nice.”
      He tried to keep himself together, “I can’t believe that you don’t think I am lying. I mean I had to throw a fit in front of the king for him to believe me, and he’s known me for sixteen years.”
      “Zsusanu think the best of people until they prove the worst. You have never acted in a dishonest manner, therefore I have to believe you now.” In truth, Pryene thought he was a liar, but Zsusanu code dictated that she give him the benefit of the doubt. He may of acted like a dog in heat around her, but that didn’t mean he was prone to telling tales.
      “Are you still going to mentor me in the Zsusanu way?”
      Pryene pressed her lips together as she gave a contemplative look, “I believe I just did.”
      He bowed his head, before standing up and taking his position back at the door. It was just in time, as Charday and Edric returned a few moments later.

      Pryene exited the front entrance of the castle, and stepped onto the stairs that lead to the castle’s court. She smiled wide when she saw her brother, Faraji, dismounting his horse. With him were two Zsusanu males and one female. The customary greeting for another Zsusanu is to hold each others’ hands and touch foreheads. Pryene obliged all of her kin with this greeting the moment they dismounted.
      “It has not been so long since I have last seen you, but it feels like years.” Faraji told her in Zsusan, before his eyes wandered up to the knights who were standing guard at the front entrance. Among them was Adrian, who was not pleased to see their arrival.
      “I felt it has been far too long, as well.” Pryene smiled.
      “Please allow me to introduce you to my companions. This is Kyre, her and I will be bonded come the day of union.” Faraji told her.
      The day of union was the beginning of spring when all Zsusanu were bonded to their mates. Everyone shared the same anniversary and therefore the day also celebrated old bondings as well as the new ones.
      Pryene embraced Kyre, “I welcome you.”
      Kyre was slightly shorter then Pryene, and her colored patch was black. Her face also had a gentleness that was sadly missing from Faraji’s sister. “Thank you, I am pleased that you approve.”
      Faraji smiled, “And these two men are Cian and Thane.”
      She smiled at them both, “Welcome.” Both men bowed their heads to her.
      Thane stood far above the rest of the group, where Cian was as tall as her brother. Both men wore the traditional Zsusanu robes of white fabric with gold embroidery that covered their traveling gear. These robes were normally only worn on special occasions. Obviously both men were trying to impress her into becoming their mate. Both had brown patches of hair that covered the white.
      Thane looked like he had been part of many battles from the scars on his hands and cheeks. It was a rarity to see a Zsusanu so battle worn, and she knew he would have many interesting tales to tell. Pryene could see immediately that Cian was a monk from the gold embroidery of a dove on his robe. Though he was taught the art of battle, Cian was more of a philosopher and teacher of his people’s ways. Pryene was most interested to meet him as she had never before spoken to one.
      “This is my sister, Pryene. Guard of Princess Charday.” Faraji continued, then turned his eyes to her. “I was hoping that we, Kyre and I, could stay until spring, of course, you would have to ask your superiors.”
      Pryene gave a short bow, “I would be joyous if you could. Come, let me show you around the castle.”
      As Pryene turned to head up the stairs, her eyes fell upon Adrian. He gave her a dark look that informed her of his displeasure with this situation. Shrugging off, she continued into the castle. She didn’t have to answer to him, this was the way of her people.
      She wondered how Faraji had convinced Kyre to bond with him so quickly, however. Normally a male would have to spend years begging for a woman to even show him a small token of favor. The more she thought on it, she remembered that her brother had been sending many letters to those in Zsusa. Perhaps, Kyre was among them.
      It didn’t matter right now, she would question her brother another time. She wanted to show them to their rooms. She had informed the Charday when she first got word from her brother that they would be arriving, and Charday had made the preparation for them. It was just Pryene’s luck that this happened to be one of the queen’s duties that Charday had taken over. She didn’t know how the king would react to more Zsusanu in his castle, though he would find out eventually.
      “Here are your rooms. I insured that they were near each other.” She pointed to the four doors. Zsusanu desired to be close to each other in foreign lands, it was an unspoken law among their people. Even in Aluke, all the Zsusanu those that lived there and those that were just visiting stayed close to one another.
      Pryene waited for each of them to claim a room and drop the small bags they were carrying inside. While they did so she tried to shake the nervousness from her mind, and set herself back into her Zsusanu ways. The two men were here not only to win her as a mate, but to decide if they wanted a mate like her. She needed to behave in the Zsusanu manner to also win their attentions. Either one of them could stay on here for years until she decided to chose one, which was something the king was not overly happy to hear. Yet, he seemed willingly to indulge her request, which had made Pryene suspicious about his intent.
      “Tell me, Miaca Pryene, where do you meditate and practice?” Cian’s rich voice spoke, when he find himself the only person in the hallway with her.
      She tried not to grin at the title of Miaca. In her people’s tongue it referred to a noble woman with no bond mate, and it was only used by males who were interested in bonding with the woman. In essence it was a term of affection. “There is a garden behind the castle with a large meadow, it has a view of the woods. I spend my time there.”
      “Lovely, you will show it to us when the time comes for practice?”
      She bowed her head, “Of course, perhaps even before then.”
      Cian grinned, “I did not know if you kept it secret. In Zsusa many try to keep their place of meditation hidden from others.”
      “I have no such claim on my grounds, I welcome any who wish to share them.” Her eyes turned to Thane as he stepped from his room. She realized that both men had removed their robes and were now wearing brown leather shirts and leggings. Cian had two short swords on his belt, where Thane carried two larger swords on his back.
      “Miaca Pryene,” Thane began, his voice a deep echo in his throat, “being bound to the princess, do you have much time for ceremonies of our people?”
      “Yes, Princess Charday is very understanding of our people’s ways. Now that she is married, I find that I have more time to myself. She will sometimes refuse my protection and I will spend my time practicing, of course.” Pryene looked between the two men who were standing in front of her.
      She knew that her duty was to not ask questions of either men, least she make them believe she held interest in them. Answering their questions and taking what information she could from them would lead her to chose between them. She knew that her brother probably had many suitors to pick from for her, and these two men had to be the best. It had somewhat surprised her to only see two, but Faraji was hard to please and these two had to of performed some feats to get his invitation.
      “I must compliment you, Miaca Pryene.” Thane began, “For a woman who has never been to Zsusa thus far you have conducted yourself as one that has lived there all her life.”
      “I must agree.” Cian jumped in on the praise, which got him an angry glance from Thane.
      “Thank you both. My mother was from Zsusa, she tried to teach me all that she knew.”
      Faraji and Kyre appeared nearly at the same time. Both had wanted to leave Pryene alone for a short time with her new suitors, which was customary.
      “Let us see this castle.” Faraji told her, “It is much nicer then the one in Aluke, I can see that already.”
      Pryene smiled at her brother as they began to walk. Kyre and Pryene took lead of the group as tradition dictated that females walk ahead of the party. “Yes, there is much here that is pleasing to the eye. My favorite part, however, is I have heard it does not snow here.”
      Faraji laughed, knowing that his sister hated when it snowed in Aluke. Suddenly, he realized that there were among three Zsusanu who lived in a land where snow occurred all through the winter and most of the fall. He wanted to inform his sister of this, but since she walked ahead he was unable to do so. He had to allow what he thought might be construed as an insult to rest.

      Adrian glared out the window, as he watched the three Zsusanu in the distance. He had to keep reminding himself that he was tightening his jaw, causing himself tension. Again he released his muscle and tried to decide what he should do from here. It was no secret to him that she had sent for suitors, but he thought there would be more time for him.
      He wanted to run out there and demand that Pryene tell him if he even had a chance now. The more he thought about it, the more he knew she would tell him that he didn’t, even if he did. He needed to understand the ways of courting among the Zsusanu in order to obtain Pryene’s favor. Obviously, his blatant attempts were not going to work when it came to her. He had to be able to compete with these two Zsusanu.
      A pair of soft hands touched his jaw, “Release.” Charday said.
      Adrian grinned, and released the tension in his jaw. “I am sorry, milady.” Though he didn’t know what he was apologizing for.
      “I did not think it would be, but jealousy is such a lovely color on you, Sir Adrian.” She teased him.
      “Jealousy?” He sounded shocked.
      Charday giggled, her eyes closed as she continued to laugh. “Sir Adrian, as a knight, you have a vow to tell the truth, do you not?”
      “I do, milady.”
      “We both know that you have been looking upon my guard with the eyes of love.” She grinned, “I believe most of the castle knows this, you do not hide it well.”
      “I do not?”
      Charday smiled and looked out the window, “Zsusanu have their own codes, just like that of knighthood. She is vowed to speak the truth as much as you are. However, Pryene has a way of speaking the truth, but making it sound like the opposite of what she means. I suggest that you ask her your questions, but only allow her yes or no responses.”
      Adrian laughed, “I do not see her being too keen on that.”
      “Perhaps not, but asking questions of a Zsusanu female are how the males court her, as well as telling her tales of their past deeds.” Charday looked back at him, “Does that help you any?”
      “Indeed, my fair princess, it helps me more then you could ever imagine.”
      “I like you, Adrian… er Sir Adrian, and I have known Pryene a long time. I do believe that you will make her very happy if she would just allow you to.”
      “How can you be so certain? You have known me no longer then she has.”
      Charday smiled, “I am young and have much to learn, that is true, but I know my friend with all my heart. I see the subtle changes in her face when you enter a room and I hear the delicate shivers in her voice when she speaks to you. Pryene may never say so, but I do believe she is taken with you… just as much as you are with her.”
      “Then why does she toy with me by bringing suitors here?” Adrian was trying to not sound angry, but knew he had failed.
      “You must understand. She is bound by the oath her grandfather gave many years ago.” Charday sighed, “I wish… I wish I knew more about her people’s customs, so that I could somehow find a way for you. I fear that Pryene’s duty to her people will outweigh that of her heart.”
      “Are you saying there is no hope for me, milady?” His voice saddened.
      “I fear there is none, but I pray there is much. I know Faraji, her brother, well and if you do not give up hope, then perhaps I can speak to him. He is schooled in Zsusanu ways much more then Pryene is, and may know more on the subject.”
      “Why would you do this for me?”
      She grinned, “I told you… I like you. Now, go down there and tell Pryene that I wish to speak to her… and tell her that I looked distressed.”
      Adrian smirked, “Yes, milady. Will we find you in your bed chamber?”
      “Yes, of course.”