Cici Tsumis

Chapter 8

“Bianca Regin, …the only survivor …of the female quadrant.”

I was kneeling in front of the Empress in the great throne room. There was hardly any light inside even though the sun was shining brightly before I came inside. The color maroon, red was plastered everywhere, lined with gold. The throne where the Empress sat was about 10 feet high. She had an attendant on her left while her advisor was standing at the bottom of the steps to the throne.

“How old are you, Bianca?” questioned the Empress.

Bile rose up in my throat. I forced it down less I humiliate myself.

“I am 17 years old. I will turn 18 in a few weeks.” I answered as I kept my eyes on the floor.

“Hmm….” The Empress pondered as she nonchalantly tapped her fingers on her royal chair. The sound echoed the room.

“You are of age.” She pondered to herself.

I didn’t reply. I waited for more comprehension.

“I would like to reward…your survival. But I have a mission for you first.”

I inclined my head but did not lift my gaze.

“I need someone to visit Dove Lorraine and see if the island had any plans to invade ours.”

Dove Lorraine?

It was the only island near us. A civilization close to us yet parted from us by the seas. Years ago, they tried to invade our lands. They failed because of Ares and Artemis that led that war. The War Against the Tides. It was what that war was called. For the battle was in the ocean and shores.

It would take a day for me to reach it. And another few days infiltrate their kingdom.

Go to Dove Lorraine? Wasn’t that suicide?

“If they find out that I am from Isle of Elah, they will execute me from the spot.” I stated as I boldly met her gaze.

She frowned. Her eyes sent daggers my way. “Are you not the great warrior that survived the Battle of Red Hill?”

I flinched. No, I don’t want to remember that battle.

“I will go to Dove Lorraine.” I spoke. I clenched my hands to stop them from shaking.

She smiled mockingly. “Great! Tomorrow, you will part so go on and pack your things. I will have someone help you with transportation and anything else that you may need…”

I nodded and got up to leave. I needed to leave. The warning bells rang in my head.

“Oh, and Bianca?”

I looked back. A wily smirk was on the Empress’ face. I felt cornered. As if she was a cat and I was a mouse, caught in a trap.

“Do enjoy yourself and don’t worry about hurrying back. I mean unless you need to notify us of a threat to our great island and kingdom.”

I nodded numbly and let myself be escorted out by the knights.

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The whole thing was a blur. I might have gotten sick on the way to this despicable island. My chaperone brought me to an abandoned pier. He threw my bags on the land and promptly turned back to Isle of Elah.

I huffed and explored the area. The castle was within my sight but so far on foot. I camped in a hidden cave and started my journey the next morning.

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The few villages that I passed by were kind to a stranger as I. In one village, I met a kind elder maiden who knew many herbs. She advised me against working in the palace. But I ignored her and sought employment the next day.

The sooner I was done with the mission, the sooner I could go back home.

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King Albert was an arrogant king. I did not understand why he was chosen to rule. His wife reminded me of my own mother. Timid and full of nerves. Except the queen was soft spoken. She was pregnant and was due in what looked like 2-3 months or so. But her husband did not seem to be concerned. His attention was mostly reserved for the women attending the ball than his expectant wife. I disguised myself as a lowly maid.

Dove Lorraine and Isle of Elah were still in conflict with each other. If anyone realizes that I am from Isle of Elah, they’d surely use me as a hostage. Especially if they were to realize my status as a warrior. Since I could not attend as myself, I walked around the castle as a lowly maid servant. It seemed that the rulers of Dove Lorraine had no impending plots to invade Isle of Elah. The only thing this king is interested in was the female company in his kingdom. While I’m glad that they did not have any trouble brewing for Isle of Elah… I expected an adventure or something to take my mind off certain things. I had only been on this island for two weeks and had to go home so soon…. Well, there is nothing I can do.

I wiped my face off on a fountain. “What’s this?” I whipped my face quickly. K-k-king Albert? He was standing there with a smirk on his face. I remembered my manners as I quickly realized that I was still in my maid dress. “Your highness” I curtsied. My eyes lowered as it’s rude for a servant to look in their master’s eyes. “I’ve never seen you working in the palace before…” he gently lifted my face with the tip of his fingers touching slightly at my chin. His eyes wandering my person.

Vulgar man!  If the female is attractive, that’s all that matters to you…

“I’ve had a long day ….and I would appreciate my bed being warmed for me….” My eyes widened at his suggestion. Fortunately, we were interrupted by another servant. “Excuse me. Your highness. The queen is feeling quite ill and would like you to be at her side at this moment.”

“Ah right. I’ll be right there.” I heard him reply as I made my escape from the palace. It might have been rude, but it doesn’t matter since this would be the last time, I would see him…