The Prince's Pet Read online

  He relaxed his arms, leaning back in the chair. "Are you sent to spy on me? Are you under Indari's thumb? Or someone elses?"

  I held his gaze, even though my eyes were beginning to prickle with tears. “No." I said, squeaking out the answer.

  “Then I ask again. What is it that you are afraid of?”

  “You!” I exclaimed. Then I swallowed hard, fearing I'd gone too far.

  He barked a laugh. “After all you must have been through, you fear me?” His face twisted in a grimace and he cursed in Cimbrai. "A while ago you were begging me not to sell you." He reminded me, reaching out for the jug and refilling both our tankards. He pushed mine back toward me. "Why, if you are so afraid of me?"

  "Aye..." I said. "I..." furrowing my brow in frustration, I corrected myself, "this slave does fear being sold. She has no one left at home - raiders killed her family. A horrible man bought her before Ellys took her away. Another owner might be crueler than you... Master."

  I feared I would be passed from hand to hand until I was all used up. I was alone and vulnerable, and anxious to cling to whoever would protect me. The small morsels of kindness I’d received from Ellys and Atshye, as well as the Prince, were enough.

  "And it helps that I have a palace and a throne, yes?" He asked, tipping back his tankard to drink deeply of the bitter liquid.

  I gritted my teeth, blinking several times as I fought to hold his gaze. This man was infuriating.

  "This slave has been treated well here." I said.

  It wasn't a lie. Compared to my treatment at the hands of the raiders, and some of the things I had seen happen to other slaves, I had been treated well here.

  I was somewhat ashamed of myself for the thought, but the fact remained: this was a palace, where even the slaves ate better than I had eaten at home on the farm. I was scared of losing that for the unknown, which was almost sure to be worse.

  "Stop."

  "Master?"

  "Stop talking like that." He said, scowling. "You may be my property, but you are not a dog. You are allowed to say 'me, I.'"

  I sighed in relief and inclined my head. "Thank you, Master. I have been treated well here, and Atshye-"

  "Ah." He rolled his eyes, smirking. "Indari's pet. Yes."

  "...She has been kind." I finished.

  "She gets away with too much." The Prince retorted. "Don't expect me to be so lenient."

  I fell silent, but couldn't help the flicker of hope I felt at his words. "Does that mean you will keep me?" I asked quietly.

  He cursed again, throwing his head back to stare at the ceiling, then regarded me for a long moment. "I don't need you." He said.

  My shoulders slumped and I hastily wiped the back of my hand to across my face to catch a tear as it ran down my cheek.

  “I could set you free.” He said quietly. I wondered if it was pity I heard.

  I said nothing. I knew that would be as good as a death sentence. I would be a young woman on my own in a foreign land, and someone was bound to take advantage of that in one way or another. From all I had heard from Ellys and the sailors on journey, Cimbra was not always easy for women, and worse for foreigners. I would end up enslaved again, or worse.

  He spoke quietly in Cimbrai as though holding a debate with himself. I looked up at him, but I couldn't understand his words.

  “My father would be angry.” He said.

  I just looked at him, defeated. My lower lip quivered and my eyes threatened to spill more tears. The prince looked frustrated, like he wanted to grab and shake me.

  “Stop crying.” He said, as though I could turn it off at will. I blinked hard, and tried nonetheless. After a while I picked at the food again, still hungry but somehow lacking enthusiasm for the meal. The tension was thick between us, the atmosphere uncomfortable.

  The prince drained another tankard and rose. “Call for water.” He said. “I will bathe now.”

  I was glad to have instructions. It gave me something to do. Besides – in my mind, every order he gave me made it more likely that he would keep me. I pulled the chain that rang the servants' bell and when a girl came and meekly knocked, I opened the door a crack and asked her to bring bathwater.

  The girl soon returned with four others. They brought steaming water in huge jugs and pails. I tried to help them, but they pushed past and ignored me. I was only a slave like them, but they seemed to want nothing to do with me. So I stood uselessly, supervising as they trailed in and out of the bathing room and filled the large iron tub.

  After their final trip in and out, the five girls bowed their heads to me one by one as they left with their empty jugs. I mimicked their actions, bowing in turn and closing the door after them.

  I didn't know where the prince was, so I went to look for him. I crept slowly and hesitantly, as though I was walking on eggshells. I didn't know the proper way to behave. How were house slaves in Cimbra supposed to act? No one had told me the rules.

  I hesitated for a long moment before knocking on the door to his bed chamber, worried I would antagonize him by disturbing him.

  "Eai?" Came the reply.

  "Your bath is ready, my Lord." I said.

  The door was wrenched open abruptly before I had finished, and I gasped and took a step back. He only glanced at me for a moment before stalking past, into the bathing room. I stayed where I was, unsure what was expected of me.

  I thought of my bath with Atshye: the way she had washed me and oiled me with her hands. I bit my lip as I waited, certain he would tell me to follow him into the bathing room.

  After a few steps, he turned back, and it looked like he was considering something for a long few seconds. “You should rest.” He finally said, looking away.

  Relief flooded me. I was so overwrought from the stress of the day and so exhausted from running on very little good sleep. It must have been obvious how tired I was. I was grateful for his kindness, in this at least.

  I curtseyed. “Thank you, my Lord,” I said honestly, as he closed the door behind him.

  Chapter 4

  I didn't expect to sleep easily, but somehow I did. When I woke, it was in confusion. For a moment I couldn't remember where I was.

  I had laid down on the divan in front of the fire, which was now nothing more than cold ash. There was a light woven blanket covering me. He must have put it there. I let it fall to the floor as I sat up. I looked around, and everything came flooding back. My preparation, the venomous queen, meeting my new master. His questions; our conversation.

  Now that I wasn't so exhausted, my thoughts were clearer.

  I hadn't lied to him about my fears. But there was another thing I had been reluctant to admit even to myself. This morning it was harder to deny.

  This Prince, Issander, intrigued me in a way no other ever had.

  I had never had much time for boys at home, working from dawn to dusk every day. Most girls were promised at an early age, but for me there had never even been thought of marriage. My father couldn't do without me on the farm, so I had put it out of my head, assuming there would be time for it one day in the future.

  Sure, I had dreamed of what it would be like to be married, with children and a house of my own. Perhaps even being comfortable enough that I wouldn't have to fill every hour of every day with back-breaking labor. But there had never been a specific target of my fantasies.

  I'd barely had any contact with men, save those I traded with in the village, and had no interest in the crude farm-hands that drifted through. Not that they had spared much of a glance for me – a small girl, perpetually dirty and tired, with her head either in her work or in a book.

  This man, Prince Issander was unlike any I'd ever seen - dark and handsome and so very masculine, with his unreadable eyes and hot temper. His presence alone froze me and made me tremble. He was so intimidating, and yet somehow enticing. I didn't understand it.

  And the way he looked at me so hungrily... like he wanted to devour me. I was some prey animal, a frightened rabb
it to his lion. I wasn’t quite sure what that meant, either. All I knew is that I was drawn to him.

  Yes, I was afraid of him. I was scared of this place - of whatever was in store for me here. I was frightened of being cast out for all the reasons I'd mentioned. But a small part of me was also worried because if that happened, I would never see the prince again.

  I was still in the fog of many hours of deep dreamless sleep. But I felt so much better. Rubbing my eyes, I stood, smoothing my crumpled gown and trying to make it cover me sufficiently. The sun was shining through the windows where the curtains were open, filling the room with yellow morning light.

  I jumped in surprise when he came into the room. He was dressed in leathers, buckling on his sword belt, and he looked at me as though only now remembering I was there.

  "May I help you, my Prince?" I asked, running a hand through my hair in an attempt to smooth it.

  "You can fetch my sword," he said. "I have Kai La...” He searched for the right words. “Combat drills - in the mornings."

  I found the sword in its rack. It was surprisingly heavy when I picked it up. How did men manage to fight with such weapons?

  I bowed my head as I passed him the sword and his hand brushed mine, sending a strange little shiver through me.

  As he took it from me I looked up, noticing the way he treated the weapon almost reverently, gazing at its blade before slipping it into its sheath at his belt. He nodded once at me and left the chambers, leaving me alone.

  He hadn't eaten - which meant neither had I. I was hungry, despite my feast of the night before. But wasn't sure what to do about it.

  I sighed, and placed my blanket back on the couch, and went to look around the rest of my master's rooms. I entered his bedchamber - hesitantly, as though I might be caught trespassing.

  It was huge and luxurious, with thick dark carpeting and comfortable couches. The middle of the room was dominated by the bed – the biggest I'd ever seen, with a thick mattress that looked wonderfully soft, and wooden bedposts reaching almost to the ceiling. I was tempted to climb up and see what it felt like, but resisted the urge.

  The bed-linens were twisted and half strewn on the floor. Restless sleeper, I thought. I straightened them, and picked up clothing from the floor.

  Aside from the dining room, privy and bedroom there was the bathing room with its huge tub, standing off the floor on clawed feet. The room was cold right now, but there was a fire pit that could be used to keep the water warm, and several long benches with pillows. The harem had a similar thing, where the concubines would lay for massage by one of the skilled slaves.

  There was a small closet-like room that was empty and a neglected-looking study with shelves of books. I thumbed through one, not sure what I was expecting. I was literate, but I couldn’t read the Cimbrai characters. Sighing, I placed the book back in its spot on the shelf.

  My stomach growled and I sat down at the dining table with a huff. Should I ring the bell? I debated for a long while, but the thought of calling some other poor slave to wait on me rankled too much.

  Growing more and more frustrated, I finally got to my feet and opened the door, peeking out along the empty hallway. Perhaps I could find a kitchen or a friendly face to help me.

  I made sure to pay attention to where I was going so I could find my way back. Even so, the twisting hallways were confusing.

  From time to time a slave would pass me, carrying some burden or other. They were recognizable, of course, by their collars. Some wore dark iron, some silver. Those in silver collars were dressed in uniforms, and some of them carried trays of food. I guessed they were the ones who waited on the royal family.

  Every one of them looked up at me, nodded swiftly then averted their eyes, lowering their heads and hurrying past. Even when I smiled and greeted a young girl who was carrying a breakfast tray, she bowed hurriedly and continued on. Why were they so reluctant to associate with me?

  I found the staircase and followed it down, then soon came across a brighter section of the palace, where many windows let in the warm morning sun. Columns lined the walls and the floor was a beautiful, intricate mosaic of brightly colored tiles. Intrigued, I followed the passage, delighting in the rays of light falling on my upturned face.

  Live trees in huge pots stood next to a huge double-door. It was open, and beyond I could see a bright walled courtyard covered in greenery with plants and ornate statues and a trickling fountain pool.

  There was no one around that I could see. Curious, I made my way through to the garden. This oasis of greenery was surprising in the hot, dry climate of Cimbra. From what I'd seen of it, the few trees out in the town were palms and tough shrubs. Here, there was lush grass and flowering plants, and unfamiliar but beautiful trees with pink blossoms trailing down over the paths.

  I inhaled the sweet flowery scent, closing my eyes in bliss. Then I sat on the edge of the fountain and listened to the trickling water, idly trailing my hand in the pool. It was cool and refreshing.

  Suddenly I was conscious of someone standing next to me. I looked up, to see a young man clad in a sky-blue robe of rich but undecorated fabric. He had pale blonde hair, but the golden-brown skin and almond eyes of a Cimbrite. He was perhaps my age, or slightly younger - and beautiful.

  "I'm sorry," I stammered, shaking water from my fingers. I stood up, my face heating. Whatever this place was, I was probably not supposed to be here. "I am lost."

  He stood serenely with his hands clasped before him, hidden in his sleeves. And he smiled warmly. He spoke, but I couldn't understand much of it - and I apologized again, moving to leave.

  I felt a hand on my arm, gentle but insistent. The young man was still smiling, and nodded encouragingly. "Come," he said - that, I understood. He had such a warm, open face that I couldn't help trusting him. I smiled back and allowed myself to be led by the hand.

  We walked down the path under the swaying trees, and entered a stone building that looked older than the rich marble of the palace. A white carpet ran down the center of the huge room, sunlight streaming through colored glass windows and casting rainbow light on the interior. Life-sized statues stood in alcoves. Their pedestals were covered in candles, flowers, coins and various small treasures.

  As I looked at the statues, recognition dawned on me. They were the same figures that stood sentinel on the bridge at the entrance of the city, only in miniature. I stared at them as we walked by.

  The young man sat me on a stone bench. “Wait.” He said, patting my wrist once and turning to sweep off.

  Having nothing better to do, I waited. I didn't sit though, instead standing in the middle of the hall and taking in the sights. The minutes passed by as I looked at the statues. I was amazed at the craftsmanship. What did it take to carve such a likeness? I especially liked the curvaceous woman - her eyes curtained by long waves of her hair, her smile at once somehow sweet and mischievous. It was peaceful here, and I felt calm - as though my worries were far away.

  I spun around at the sound of someone softly clearing their throat.

  Ellys stood there, with the young man at his elbow. I was struck by the similarity of their clothing. The chief eunuch's robe was of silk, finer than the young man's dress, but they were both a similar pale blue shade. Where the eunuch lined his eyes with the cosmetic they called kohl, the younger man - is he a eunuch as well? I found myself wondering - was unadorned. Ellys' face was stern as he looked down his nose at me.

  "Ellys," I squeaked in surprise.

  He nodded in acknowledgment. "Leander here came to tell me there was a lost slave in the temple. What are you doing here?"

  The boy named Leander smiled, made a short bow to each of us, and walked away. I looked at Ellys like a child about to be scolded by her father.

  "I was... left alone." I said. "I didn't know what to do."

  He only looked at me, so I continued - the words beginning to tumble out in a rush as I defended myself. "I had no food, no clothing -" I brushed useles
sly at my dress, the same one I'd been wearing yesterday.

  "What were your orders?" The eunuch asked.

  "I had none. The Prince doesn't care what I do. He doesn't want me."

  He raised one well-groomed eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"

  "He... he looks at me with disgust." To my shame, I felt tears begin to burn my eyes. I rubbed at them angrily with the heels of my hands.

  Ellys was silent for a long moment, then let out a sigh. He put his hand on my upper back, and drew me over to the bench. "Come." He said quietly. "Sit."

  I did so, and he sat down beside me, taking up most of the space so that we were lightly squashed together. We were quiet while my tears ran their course - Ellys tactfully looking in the other direction.

  Finally, I took a deep shaking breath and tried to center myself. I looked up. "Please -" I said, eager for a reprieve from the subject of the prince, "will you tell me about these statues?"

  He followed my gaze, and looked around the room at each stone figure. "They are images of our gods."

  "All of them?" I was astonished. Thessia had only one god, and though not everyone was devout, worshiping any other was unheard of.

  He made a sound which might have been a muted chuckle. "Yes. All of them."

  I stared with new eyes, wondering. How was it possible to worship more than one god? Or did the Cimbrites choose one or the other to pray to? How did their priests get along?

  "Which one in particular speaks to you?" Ellys asked.

  I looked at him, curious. Then my eyes flicked toward the naked stone woman. The statue was so beautiful, I felt like I could look at it for hours. "That one." I admitted.

  When I looked back at him, he nodded approvingly. "Me too."

  "Who is she?"

  "That is Iele." He answered reverently. "The goddess of love and desire. She happens to be the patron goddess of pleasure slaves, among other things."

  At the mention of the goddess' name, I felt a strange stirring within me. My family had never been devout, and I had grown up without worshiping the one Thessian god. What did it really mean to do so?

  "We can teach you of her, if you wish." Ellys said.