“Hold her down.” Canis Hunsavi growled narrowing his watery green eyes at the small slender girl staring at him.

Illia Kuncia was her name. She was the only slave present who would even dare of putting up a fight against Canis. She glanced at the two men approaching her from both sides. Her eyes filled with fire as the men grabbed her arms. She didn’t fight as they turned so her so that her back faced him. He walked up behind her and softly caressed her shoulder. Illia gave a shudder at his touch.

Realizing that the action was not from desire, fury engulfed him. Moving from her shoulder to her neck, he then grabbed the collar and ripped the plain slave dress she was wearing to her waist. Even as he prepared to punish her, Canis admired the graceful line of her back. He uncoiled the whip and flicked it at her. A line of red grew on her graceful back each time he cracked it until the bleeding lines mingled with her ebony hair. Canis couldn’t help taking delight in how Illia fought to stay conscious.

“Get out of the way!” her twin pushed his way through crowd that had gathered. Canis let a smug look of pride twist his face into a cruel smile. Finally the boy had made it to his sister’s side. “Illia?” He glared at Canis with his strange icy eyes. Those two will finally get what they deserve, being the scum they were, he thought.

Canis was used to getting his way. In every country that was conquered, the king always chose him to bring the slaves under control. And usually it worked. Until they came to Troun.

Illia and Cain were born in Troun. A small country that ran into the mountains. Their men were famous for their skill with taming the Nightcats that roamed the area. The women were delicate and beautiful and considered the goddess Danné’s daughters. Canis glared at them, no matter how he punished these two, they seemed to be as in charge of the people as before the Tolusion army over threw the country of Troun.

“Anyone who dares deify me will get what she got before they spend a day’s night with the Nightcats.” He bellowed looking at the crowd of slaves that stared at him in fear. Good, he thought. He knew he was a cruel, unfair bastard; he embraced it, which allowed him to be one of the most successful slave masters in Toluse. After glancing disdainfully at the children of the fallen monarchy of Troun, Canis and left the platform.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

After collecting his sister from Canis’ soldiers, Cain softly whispered “Illia, that bastard is going to pay,” as he treated his sisters wounds. She sat quietly with her head slightly drooped. Cain stopped and leaned over to see his sisters face. She stared at the dirt floor of their new house. “Illia,” he began again, but she held a hand in silent protest.

“Cain, I think something is wrong with me” she said quietly.

“What? You look perfectly fine to me.” Laughing softly, he looked closer at his twin. She had black dots under her right eye that grew smaller the closer they got to the bridge of her nose. Her eyes, instead of their usual bright blue had started to turn purple towards the pupil. A startling realization hit Cain; His sister had been marked by Danné, the goddess of life and beauty.

“Illia do you know what this means!?” Cain said blue eyes lighting up. Illia shook her head, confused by what her brother meant. “You’ve been chosen by the goddess Danné! You can now become queen.” He almost shouted, grinning.

“Queen? Cain I think your being a little too dramatic, a priestess maybe,” Illia said frowning at her brother. She softly whispered “There are no more queens of Troun.”

Cain smiled at his sister, now he could put his long awaited plans into action.

“It’s simple really, Illia, Danné only choses one girl every hundred years to be marked. She does this so the earth will see her beauty, and believe she is still watching them. My plan is to have you go to court and be a representative of this province, woo the prince, marry him and become queen then set us free.” Cain said staring eagerly at his sister.

“I’m not a noble anymore. The last time I was at a court was when I was seven Cain, Seven!” Illia argued. Her brother had just purposed the impossible. if what her brother said was true, she was now daughter goddess Danné, but what Cain was suggesting still was insane.

“Illia, if you pull this off, you could change the kingdom for the better. Just think of all the lives that would be saved and the pain that would be eased. You’re the only one who can help us.” Cain said pleadingly.

Illia was silent. Cain was right, if she did this, she could ease the slave laws and influence her ‘husband’ to move toward more compassionate ruling.

“Fine, I’ll do it.” She said chewing on her lip.

Cain stood up his eyes lighting up as he hugged his sister then ran out of the house. Illia stared after him wondering how he could have been devising this plan over the last three years. Shaking her head she smiled.

The house was quiet without Cain. Illia busied herself with simple tasks around the house when a shadow blocked the door way. Illia turned expecting to see Cain but froze when she saw a tall woman in a cloak.

Her long white hair was loose except for one braid that hung over her shoulder. Her amber eyes swept around the house once then stopped on Illia.

“Cain, this is your sister?” The woman finally said moving further into the house. Cain appeared grinning as Illia gave him a startled look. “Of course Lady Izrea, as you can see I did not lie about anything.” He said. Lady Izrea walked up to Illia looking her over with a careful eye.

“Cain,” Illia said forcing a smile as she grabbed her brother’s arm and pulling him away from Lady Izrea. “Who is she?” she demanded once Cain had given her his attention. “She’s one of the few nobles who wish to dethrone the current king, and they need a spy within the castle to do that.” He said glancing warily at the house. “I promised I would go through with your plan. I’m not going to be a part of the dethroning of the King of Toluse.” Illia said frowning as she started back to the house. Cain caught her arm and pulled her back, “You’re not going to be. I promise.” He locked eyes with her. She knew her brother would never lie to her, they’ve been through too much.

“I’m going to talk to Master Canis,” She said as Illia entered the house. “Illia for both our plans to work you’re going to need to be trained in our customs, you’re lucky I have a brother who lives in the mountains near here. You’ll be his daughter and son.” She gave Illia once quick glance before turning and leaving the house. Cain took a deep breath then sat down on the floor. He looks tired, Illia thought as she stared at her brother. He held his head in his hands as he sat.

“Illia,” He began the paused looking up at her, “if you don’t want to go through with this then I won’t make you.” He wore a look of concern on his face. Illia shook her head, “Cain I gave you my word I would.” She said offering him a reassuring smile. He let out a sigh of relief as he got to his feet. “We need to be ready when master Canis comes, and no more acts of charity Lady Illia.” He said. Illia frowned at her brother then nodded reluctantly. Illia looked out the window seeing the edges of the sky tinged with orange and pink. “We had better get some sleep then.” She said stifling laughter as her brother yawned.

Illia’s and Cain’s bedroom consisted of two simple straw beds and a thread bare blankets. Illia crawled into her bed in her clothes. There wasn’t really any need to change; she wouldn’t get another set of clothes for another month. That was if Lady Izrea didn’t snatch them up. Pain shot through her back reminding her that she’d have to sleep on her side to avoid pain. She drifted to sleep as the pain dulled.

 

“Wake up!” Canis yelled as he jerked the blanket off of Illia. She jerked, sitting up and blinking, the light from the lamp he held blinded her.

“Hurry up Illia.” Cain said glancing from her to Canis. Illia rubbed her eyes then stood up, wobbling slightly as her brother ushered her outside. Four horses stood outside, two already had riders.

“Lady Illia, Izrea informed us that you’re not to come to any harm. So we took it upon ourselves to buy you a riding cloak.” A voice said as a man dismounted his horse and walked over to Illia. His face covered by the shadow of his hood and the night.

“Thank you,” Illia said looking at her brother as the man handed her the cloak. He removed his hood, revealing the face of a young man. He looked to be a couple years older than Illia and Cain. His hair was a sandy brown color and his eyes where the color of a murky river.

“My name is Leu, I’ll be your brothers mentor.” He flashed a brilliant smile at Illia before walked over to his horse and mounting. Illia put on the cloak then walked over to a tall dark Kurian mare. She patted the horses neck then mounted it clumsily.

“Lord Jurun’s is days ride from here. Since you’re going to pose as his children Lady Izrea feels that it would be best if you were actually there.” Leu said as rode down the road. “Why does Lady Izrea want the king dethroned?” Illia asked once they left the slave town and had entered the woods. Leu slowed his horse to ride beside her.

“The king’s first wife died when Prince Edon was born, and Izrea thinks that his new wife is the one pushing for military conquest.” He said glancing over at Illia. “So she wants the king gone so the prince can rule? But what if the prince is worse than his father?” Illia said shaking her head. “That’s where you come in. Izrea thinks if you can marry him he’ll be more lenient to peace. After all men will do anything for a pretty face.” Leu said winking at Illia. “What if the prince doesn’t think my face is pretty? What will you- I mean, lady Izrea do then?” Illia asked haughtily.

“Probably kill you or just remove you. She’s driven; she’s not going to let anything stand in her way.” Leu said smirking as he spurred his horse into to a canter and rode to ride beside his slient companion. Illia glared after him, she was being to think that the goddess had cursed her instead of blessing her.

“Don’t worry Illia, Danné won’t let you fail. I’m sure of it,” Cain said giving her a reassuring smile as they rode.

Illia's body ached by the time they reached a rocky road that led upward. Her gaze followed the path to a large wooden door. It was wide enough for five horses to ride through comfortably. Illia shifted uncomfortably in her saddle. She rode further back than the three. She glanced at her brother, he rode beside Leu, bits of their convveration drifted back to her. They rode through the gate and entered a large court yard. It was covered in snow, twisted bodies of plants and trees stood bare in there boxes.

“So these are the unlucky siblings my sister managed to rope into her scheme,” a voice Illia assumed belonged to Lord Jorun. She dismounted and turn to stare at the lord. Lord Jorun was a tall man with powerful shoulders, a fierce dark face, and eyes that seemed to flash and glitter with savage laughter. All his movements were large and perfectly balanced, like those of a wild animal. Illia felt like a deer staring at the hound.

2: Crown Princes

Edon wiped sweat from his eyes as he dodged the knives his tutor threw at him. They were blunted, but still could inflict a nasty gash.

“Don’t work him to death Kunsav.” Edon heard a familiar voice bark as a knife flew past his head, barely missing his ear.

“You Highness, distraction is not good for this particular exercise.” Kunsav grunted but bowed.

“I can see my son when I want to?” His father’s voice dropped to a low growl.

“Of course you can, this is your castle, and I’m only a servant to under your power.” Kunsav’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he locked eyes with his father. Kunsav and King Aldeon had never seen eye to eye. Kunsav hated conflicted and disliked kings Aldeon’s idea for military dominance. Edon leaned more toward his tutor’s way of thinking. He thought the other countries where doing just fine without being conquered by Toluse.

“What do you want father?” Edon said drawing both their attention.

“Your mother is worried about your social life. She thinks that you’re spending too much time training.” Edon winced at the word mother. His mother died giving birth to him, and when he was seven his father remarried a woman who scorned him and vided for her son ascension to the throne.

“Does she? Imagine that…” Edon said disdainfully as he walked over to a bench that ran along the back wall of the training room. He picked up a towel and whipped the sweat off his face. “She had a wonderful idea, why not holds a ball in your honor, in a week. We’ll invite all the nobles’ daughters. It would provide you the chance to meet your future Queen. “Aldeon said sounding like he had already made up his mind on the matter.

“If you think it would be a good idea, then it will….do…” He said with a sigh. “That’s my boy. You know I heard Lord Jurun, Lady Izrea’s brother has a daughter that is part Trounese. I’ll invite her too. Although I’m sure that barbaric blood will surely show through.” Aldeon said as he turned, glancing over his shoulder to look at his son. Edon nodded as his father left.

“I would suggest that you skip but that’s probably what your stepmother wants.” Kunsav said as he tossed Edon another towel. “Does she think if Odei marries before me he’ll be king faster?” He laughed as he slipped his shirt over his head ignoring the towel.

“Maybe, although the real reason is unclear why the Yashalli is doing this…” Kunsav said his Kurian accent coming out causing him to slur his I's. “Don’t worry, Kunsav I’ll be careful.” Edon said as he walked out of the training room as a bell tolled in the distant.

He reached his chambers just as a servant girl knocked on his door with a tray of food. He was starved; his training had been especially tough today. “Thank you,” He said lifting the tray out of the girls’ hands, “You may go.” Startled she quickly bowed then ran down the hall. He quickly ate then made his way toward his father’s room. His father called him every evening. He hated to go there, for it meant that he would have to face his stepmother. He swung the door open, causing his father to look up from his chair.

“Good, I was about to send for you. I need you to ride to Lord Jurun’s with Odei to meet with Lady Izrea and her niece and nephew.” He said as a tall slim woman walked out of another room with a dark haired boy about Edon’s age.

“I’ll hold you responsible for anything that happens to Odei, Edon.” She snapped hidding her frown with a lace fan.

“Then I’ll make sure he’s as safe as he was still here at the castle” Edon said watching Odei frown and turn red. “Then be off with you, it’s a long ride and I want you to give Lady Izrea this and make sure to meet with her niece. I want to know if Trounese are as pretty as they say.” Aldeon said winking at Edon who smiled. Edon bowed waiting for Odei to stand besided him then left. Closing the door behind them her turned to his half brother.

“Odei, whatever your-“

“Whatever my mother has planned for the ball has nothing to do with me. I assure you I don’t plan on becoming king until after you see fit.” Odei said as they walked down the hall.

Several men met them as they descended the staircase that lead to the stables and the gate.

“Lord Jurun’s castle is to the north of here on the used to be border of Troun, and a four day’s ride, if we don’t stop and make camp.” Edon said to the small band of men that had gathered in the stables tack room. Each one looked like they hadn't bathed in a week. “So I take it we had better get going then huh?” Odei said from his spot near the door. Edon nodded then walked out to find his horse.

“Let’s get this over with.” He muttered as they set out toward Jurun Castle. 

3: Jorun's Castle

Illia gasped for breath as the handmaid poured cold water over her head.

“I'm sorry, m'lady, we didn't have the time to warm the water.” The woman said giving Illia a sympathetic glance. Illia sat in silence as the woman rubbed a sweet smelling oil in her hair. “M'lady, may I ask about your people?” the maid asked hestitantly. Illia looked at the woman, she was older than Illia by a good three years. A smile crossed her face as Illia nodded, “I'm not sure how much more I can tell you.”

“Is it true that the woman dress an work like men?” The maid asked as she finished with her hair. Illia managed a small laugh as she nodded. “Most of the woman do more work than the men. We see childbirth as a sort of battle, and after a woman has her first child she is able to own an buy land just like any man.” Illia said standing up out of the tub, taking the towel the maid handed her. “Your people are strange, m'lady.” The maid said thoughtfully. “So are yours,” Illia said uncertian that the maid had said her name. “Oh I'm sorry m'lady, my name is Indra. Lady Izrea will have my hide for not introducing my self properly.” Indra said bowing her head.

“Illia,” Izrea burst into the room breathless, “we have to get you changed. The princes are on their way here.” She said walking over to a chest that sat at the edge of the bed. Digging through it she pulled out a blue gray dress. “Lady Izrea, “Illia began but was quickly silenced as she was ushered behind a changing panel.

“We have to hurry,” Izrea said in a firm voice. Illia reluctantly did as she was told, wincing as the muscles flexed in her back as she raised her arms. Pain shot up her arm as she changed.

“Quickly we still have to do your hair!” Izrea said frantically. “I can't-” Illia started to say but was slienced as Izrea held up a hand.

    “Yes, yes I realize this. Let me help you.” Izrea urged as she pulled the laces hard. Pain made Illia’s eyes water as Izrea tightened the dress even more. She didn't think she would ever get used to their fashion. The tight dresses were almost impossible to put on alone.

    After she was dressed Lady Izrea made her sit in a chair as she raked a brushed through her hair. She braided her hair into a long rope that hung down her back. “Remember Illia, they’ll be expecting you to act remotely decent," “I will Lady Izrea,” Illia sighed as she searched the room for Ingra. The maid must have left when Lady Izrea entered ther room she thought.

    She’s got a delicate face and a quiet personality, Izrea though to herself, perfect for a queen. A loud cry interrupted her thoughts. “Hurry Illia,” Izrea said as she pulled Illia through the door to her room and down a hallway. Illia still got confused by their twists and turns. There and been more than one occasion she had ended up at Leu’s or her brothers room, fortunately they showed her the way back with a smile. They stopped outside the large wooden door that led to the large dining room where Lady Izrea and her brother met guests.

    “Illia,” Izrea snapped slapping her on the back, “stand up straighter.” Illia felt the pain run up her back. She wanted to double over with pain; instead she did as she was told. Izrea pushed the doors open, Illia saw her brother standing next to Leu and two unfamiliar young men smiles spread across their faces. One had dark hair and the other had a light dusty brown.

    “Prince Edon, Prince Odei, I would like to introduce my niece Illia.” Izrea smiled as she took Illia’s hand and guided her in front of her. “I apologize for being late, Beauty is not an easy task,” Izrea added with a smile. Illia forced a smile and managed a small bow. The pain in her back was taking its toll, even with the healing strength the goddess was granting her. She blinked back the tears as the darker haired stepped forward. This man was tall by her standards, around six feet. Her gaze raked of his features, black hair swept across his brow in a short cut, his skin was lightly tanned from the sun. Her gaze was trapped by his vibrant blue eyes, for a moment she could have sworn they glowed. He looked more like a solider than a prince, she thought as she tore her eyes away from his.

    “If all the Troun women are as beautiful as you then I think my father made a mistake of invading,” He was smiling, “I'm Edon, first born of the Tolusian monarchy, and this is my brother, Odei.” Illia turned her gaze to the other prince, something about what he had said make her feel angry. Odei looked like a slightly larger version of his brother, with hair the color of honey. Illia had always wondered if there light hair was a gift from their gods. While his brother had an athletic strength, Odei seemed to have a more brutish strength about him. Muscles bulged under his shirt as he moved to bow. Each of the brothers stared at her, their eyes traveling over her hair, her face, across her shoulders. Their gazes lingered at her throat, close to were the small sliver pedant Izrea had slipped over her head in the hall hung, just above the neckline of her gown. Illia shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. She heard her brother clear his throat or to hide a laugh, then Izrea say “We have prepared a small feast in celebration of your arrival." “Good, Lady Illia, will you be attending?” Edon asked his eyes never leaving her. Illia managed to smile as she spoke, “If you wish.”  She watch as the princed noded slowly, then turned to her brother with a slight smile. 

    "Excuse my brother for staring, he doesn't get out much," Odei said stepping up to her with a smile. "I'm sure he means well," Illia said with a strained smile. By the goddess's wrath, she though as a shock of pain shot through her chest.  She heard her brother's and the princes voice melt into one, all sounding like a distant echo as she sunk into darkness. 

4: What Lies inside

Panic gripped Cain's chest as he watched his sister pitch forward. He lurched forward, his mind racing over whether she was okay or not. That Toluse bastard must have done something to her. He caught her just before her head hit the floor. Cradling his sister in his arms, he smoothed the hair away from her face. He noticed the goddess markings under her eye had disappeared completely.             

                "Illia? Illia, answer me," he anxiously muttered to her underneath his breath. He could feel the eyes of everyone on his back. Her eyes moved frantically underneath her eyelids.

                "Canis, why don't we take her back to her room and send for an apothecary," Izrea spoke from his side, "I had thought the wounds where healed enough to stand this." She muttered in a disappointed tone. Anger flashed through Cain. The Toluse bitch didn't even care that she had fainted. Illia was a princess; no she was Queen of Troun. The fact that she would be treated like a mere- his anger faded away as Illia let out a gasp of pain. He picked his unconscious sister up and stormed out of the hall. He ignored the calls from Izrea and the princes; kicking the door open with some ease and letting it slam shut behind him.

                He had the castle layout memorized, he needed to incase something would happen to put Illia in danger and he had to get her out. Cain glanced down at her, the pain must have faded because her face was no longer twisted in pain. His let a out a breath of relief, but didn't slow his pace. He caught sight of Leu standing in the hall a ways ahead of him.

                "Is she alright?" his voice was full of concern. Cain's steps flattered he had left Leu back in hall with the princes and Izrea how had he beaten him to Illia's room. As if reading his mind Leu muttered a simple 'servants passage.'  He held the door to her room open ushering Cain through. A girl stood in the room looking at the three in confusion.

                "Illia? By the goddesses what happened to her?" The girl spoke finally moving toward a large bed in the middle of the room.

"We don't know, she was meeting the princes and fainted," Cain grumbled, he wanted to know the answer to that as well, but he knew he couldn't do anything until Illia woke up. "Poor girl, I probably would have done the same thing," The girl sighed. Cain's eyes snapped up to glare at her.  "My sister didn't faint because she met a couple of Princes', She was in line for the throne in Troun." He spat at her his anger rising once more. The girl shrank back from him as he stepped forward to lay Illia down on the bed.

                "Easy there Cain." Leu said laying a hand on his shoulder. Cain turned to face Leu, he had enough of people telling him what to do. For three years he had been enslaved in his own country, watched his sister be beaten and almost raped. His once proud sister had disappeared and was replaced with a mere shell of what she had been. He swung at Leu, his anger getting the best of him. He heard Leu let out a surprised gasp, as he skillfully dodged the attack.

                "Cain, you really need to calm down. Your sister needs your attention now, besides you don' t want to fight me," Cain could sense some thinly veiled threat underneath those words. He fought to control his anger, he knew Leu was right but damn he wanted to punch something. He felt so helpless. His sister was his only reason to keep looking forward. She had once been such a strong person, now well now she was so meek.

                                "Myth'ri, Gha' Urahis," Illia's voice echoed around the room, melting away the anger Cain had. He turned to look at his sister, she gave him a small almost devilish grin. They hadn't spoken their language in sometime, he was surprised she had even chosen to now. 

 

 

**Hey guys!

Sorry for the small chapter and for not uploading anything for a long, long time. A lot has happened in the time i was gone. I've moved, bought a house and gotten married. I'll try to start uploading more stuff as well more actual art work for the characters and small bios for them. I hope you continue to read!