Prince Saan made his way through the market to get back to the palace. His time with Asbed was very much needed.

  The sound of yelling and breaking of tables caught his attention and he turned left to get to the main road to see what was going on. As he rounded the corner he was shocked by the commotion that greeted him.

  The marketplace was in disarray, tables destroyed food and products littered the floor. Everyone was attacking everyone. By the last unbroken stand a man was being kicked by guards, his young son threw grains at the guards crying for them to stop.

  To the left another child around his age held up a bamboo umbrella to block a blade and Saan saw red. “How dare you!” He yelled, rushing to block the strike.

  When Saan held his hand up the cuff on his arm showed the insignia of the royal family and the guard ceased his attack and knelt. “P-prince Saan.”

  All around him the guards knelt. Saan turned and helped the child up off the floor. “What is the meaning of this?” He turned to the captain. “Captain Enlil? Why are you attacking my people?”

  Captain Enlil lifted his head, “Prince Saan we have orders from the king to apprehend Stillits.”

  Saan motioned to the merchants, women, and children on the floor. “These are the Stillits you are apprehending?”

  Captain Enlil froze, suddenly looking fearful. “My apologies Prince Saan.”

  “Do not apologize. Return to the palace and explain your actions to the king,” he ordered, his arm still reaching out to protect the boy.

  Captain Enlil rose and commanded his troops, his jaw was clenched so tight that he could hardly pronounce his words. “Return to the palace.” His ablaze eyes turned back to Saan. “Allow us to escort you.”

  Kemal watched young Prince Saan leave with the guards as he helped the people clean.

  The same scholar grumbled as he picked up his cinnamon. “How selfish she was. We stood up to defend her and she abandoned us.” He did not mention who she was, but it was obvious.

  A teenage boy was to the side picking up hair pieces for his grandmother. “That is not true, we did not move to aid her. It was her who defended us first. Today’s troubles have nothing to do with her.”

  The man stood and slammed his cinnamon down on the table. “You dare talk down to him, boy!”

  The boy’s grandmother hushed her grandson and beckoned him to stand closer to her. “Forgive my grandson. Today was a tiring day.”

  The man rolled his eyes but did not have the energy to argue with a frail woman.

  Kemal assisted many people by cleaning their tables and stood up, his eyes searching for the loudmouthed scholar. Finding him walking away, Kemal quickly followed.

  Inside the palace throne room King Saamun played with an obsidian blade as he spoke to Duke Majidi. “Have you been searching?”

  Duke Majidi knelt. “Following your orders the guards have searched the homes of the commonfolk four times in the past week.”

  “And have you found anything?” He asked humorously.

  Confusion flooded Duke Majidi’s face. “We have found nothing, your majesty.”

  King Saamun hummed. “You never know, there could have been a surprise. I hear that you discovered a presence on Mt. Antingree.”

  “Your majesty?”

  “Yes, was it not you who discovered Stilits activity on the ridge of Antingree? Did your sister not remind you?” He threatened in a gleeful tone.

  Understanding flickered in the duke’s eyes. “Yes your majesty. There is Stilit movement by the ridge of Antingree, what is your command?”

  He stood and aimed his small blade in the fool’s direction. “That is more like it. Destroy the ridge while the Stilits are in route.”

  “Should I clear the path of innocents first?”

  Everyday he debated giving the fool the tea. Was the duke’s brain only used to question his orders? “In three days time I want that ridge destroyed, if you fail you know the consequences. If you meet my expectations perhaps you can guard Concubine Megera on a trip to the Trivplah Kingdom.”

  “Yes your majesty. This one will not fail.”

  “Your majesty, Prince Saan requests your presence.” Eunuch Yosen announced.

  “Let him in.”

  Duke Majidi rose and took his place at his left.

  The doors opened and his grandson marched in. His raven hair was tied up loosely, and as strands framed Saan’s youthful face the king saw glimpses of his late wife.

  Saan made his way to the steps leading to the throne, and moved the front of his garment to kneel. “King Saamun, this prince greets the king..”

  He chuckled and extended his arm. “Come my grandson, rise and tell me why I am honoured with your presence.”

  Saan smiled and raced up the four steps to stand at his side. “Grandfather, is it true that guards have been sent to check the homes of the people to search for Stilits?”

  King Saamun’s finger traced the blade on the armrest. “Does this trouble you?” He adored his grandson, but it seemed as he grew older he was becoming more and more like his foolish father.

  Saan scratched his head. “Grandfather, what do Stillits look like?”

  King Saamun rose his throne and pulled Saan to sit on the steps with him. “That is the pinch, they can look like anyone.”

  “Ah I see.” Saan seemed to contemplate on that before asking another question. “Then what weapons do the Stillits use? Surely there is a way to see their fighting style and know.”

  His irritation began to fade, this was the grandson he had missed. So inquisitive, a mind that absorbed all around him. A mind filled with wonder just waiting to be molded. Once he got rid of the Aljehnis he would perfect his grandson into a man who would rewrite history. “Saan you never know who the enemy is, that is why you must always be prepared. These Stilits, look like anyone, you are unable to pick them from a crowd if they do not wish to be seen. But fear not, there is nothing your grandfather is not capable of doing.”

  “Grandfather, if we do not know what Stilits looks like, or what weapons they fight with; why are the guards raiding homes and stores to search for them? What exactly are they searching for?”

  His smile faded. “For the- that is because.” He soothed his growing annoyance. “As a king it is my job to help the people feel at ease. With the Stillits being so dangerous, having the people know that their king is doing something, can help them sleep at night.”

  Saan was perplexed. “To help the people feel safe we raid their homes? I do not understand grandfather.”

  “Perhaps this is something you will learn as you get older.”

  Saan frowned. “Please, grandfather, please explain it to me.” Saan grabbed his hand. “I want to learn, I want to understand. Grandfather, please explain.”

  King Saamun smiled and brushed Saan’s hair out of his face. “Duke Majidi, you are dismissed.”

  “Your majesty might I visit-”

  “No, talk to the guards. Captain Enlil should have returned by now,” he cut him off.

  “How about I tell you a story to help you understand Saan?”

  Saan nodded and crossed his legs on the steps.

  “Alright, let us imagine there is a class of students, and one by one they fall sick. Just falling into a deep sleep that last days, if not moons. Sometimes they will wake on their own, sometimes they will not. No one knows why it is happening. There seems to be no cause, but the students come and ask what they should do. They are scared, and in that fear comes anger.

  “So you tell the students that the location of the class will change. This comes with outcry. The new location is inconvenient for many, and they claim you are being unfair. Still they all show up to the second location for classes.”

  “So the sickness had to do with the location?” Saan questioned.

  “No, the students continue to fall ill, the second location did not help. So once again they become filled with fear and slight contempt. So you come up with a new plan.” He motioned for Saan to speak. “Can you think of what that plan is?”

  Saan tapped his knee as he thought. “If the first idea was to move to a different location and that did not help, the next idea should be to separate the students from each other?”

  “Precisely.” He squeezed Saan’s shoulder affectionately. “The students were all separated and told to study alone. Once again the student complained, they argued, they spoke in anger. Eventually however they followed the plan and separated. However-”

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  “It did not help.”

  He looked at Saan in approval. “Correct Thus with no other ideas, the next plan was to stop and think. However the students, with no orders of what to do grew just as angry, if not more. Can you understand why?”

  Saan tilted his head as he thought. “When you had plans they were angry at you, so if you do not have plans their anger should fade.” He shook his head. “They should not be angry anymore.”

  “It is because you are doing nothing. Therefore the students feel you have no hope in them, and no longer care.”

  Saan waved his hands. “No, that is not true. The teacher, or me, I just need time to think of a solution. Inaction does not mean I have given up.”

  “Yes, but fear is not an emotion that can be talked down with logic. So the students believe you have given up on them and that is why you do nothing. What do you do now?”

  Saan huffed and crossed his arms. “What else can I do? I have to do some action in the meantime while I still think. That is unfair.”

  He chuckled at Saan’s anger. “So the students are told that everyday their belongings will be checked. It is very tiring, I agree. In doing this, the students feel you are taking action, and that gives you time. Besides, in checking their belongings you can also ensure no one is bringing anything bad, which is not a terrible thing.”

  Saan’s look of annoyance only grew with his judgemental eyes. “Are people really like this?”

  He took pleasure in Saan’s frustration. This was the life of a king.

  Saan dropped his head back to stare at the ceiling with a pout on his face. “So we are raiding the homes of the people knowing that we will find nothing, and we have no clues to identify the Stillits. But in doing this the people can believe that the king is actively trying to do something? Then what plan are you trying to come up with? Or are you still thinking?”

  “I am still thinking.” He nudged his grandson with his elbow. “Or do you have an idea?”

  Saan hummed. “What is it that the Stillits want? We can take what they desire and put it somewhere far from the people, and when they go to get it we can arrest them.”

  He chuckled and draped his arm across Saan’s shoulders. “What a great plan, did you really come up with that on your own?”

  Saan beamed. “Aaleyah came up with the idea. She and Zale always plan attacks on their older brothers.”

  Once again those damned Aljehnis. King Saamun stood swiftly and, with a flourish, sat on his throne. “Return to your chambers, do not think I am unaware of you sneaking out of the palace this morning.”

  Saan rushed to obey, leaving with confused eyes.

  King Saamun barked for Eunuch Yosen to enter. “Fetch Hammaan, he is to cover the remaining meetings for the day. I am to be left undisturbed,” he barked.

  In her chambers Megera rubbed the soothing ointment her brother gave her onto the bite marks on her neck. Her fingers fluttered over the swollen edges of her chin. The king’s anger only seemed to grow. Tracing her lips, they no longer hurt as much, by tomorrow the swelling would go down. A red ribbon lay on the table, and she picked it up to tie her hair back so she could place the ointment of the bruised parts of her face. The moment she pulled the loop through to tie her hair the door to her chamber opened with a bang.

  “Everyone out!” King Sammun ordered.

  Holding her breath so she would not cough, the hair on her body froze. Megera watched from the mirror as the king approached her. His hot hand sat heavily on her shoulder, melting the ice she had placed around her body for protection.

  “Will you not greet me, Megera?” He drew circles on her collarbone with his finger. “It has been so long since I last saw your hair up. I forgot how alluring your neck was.” From the mirror she could see his satirical smile as he leaned down to kiss her neck.

  She suppressed a shudder. “Your majesty.” She moved to turn and bow but his grip on her neck locked her in place.

  “No need.” Bending down he kissed the spot underneath her ear. “Megera,” he called in a thick voice. “Who are you tying up your hair for?” he asked, his words barely held back his hunger.

  She winced from his words, her body instinctively warning her to move. “No- no one, your majesty. No one.” she stammered trying her best to stay calm and force herself to relax underneath his touch.

  King Saamun tilted her chair back and twirled her to face him with ease. He leaned down until his breath fanned her face. “I have not seen your hair tied in many Blue Moons. You did not know I was coming today, so who did you do this for?” His fingers drew designs on her waist.

  Megera pushed herself against the back of the chair. “No one, this one swears it. Please your majesty, please believe me,” she stammered tightly.

  “If word got out about your actions this benevolent king would protect you.” He lifted her hand to his lips to kiss it. “But I wonder who would protect your brother.”

  “Your majesty I-” his finger on her bruised lips silenced her.

  “Everyday your brother does everything in his power to follow my orders and keep you safe. Is family not supposed to look out for each other? If you wish to throw your brother away, do tell me. I will abide by my young Megera’s wishes,” he vowed, his other hand twirled her hair around his fingers lightly yanking on the ponytail exposing her neck to him.

  “No! Your majesty please.” He ran the back of his knuckles over the bruise on her face. “Your majesty, please do not harm my brother,” she whimpered, her hand hesitantly hovering over his.

  Releasing her he took a step back and curled his index finger. “Rise,” he ordered, his eyes hungry for her.

  Standing from her seat, Megera hid the pain in her legs and bowed her head. “This one is here to serve the king,” she repeated the words she was taught to say.

  King Saamun caressed her face. “How long has it been Megera?” He looked off to the bed on the left. “Since you gave yourself to me? What were you, two Red Moons?”

  “This one was one Blue Moon short of two Red Moons,” she whispered.

  He pulled on the ribbon of her hair causing her to stumble into his chest, a soft whimper escaping her lips. “I first saw you when I was three Red Moons. My wife had left me after birthing my son. I never thought there could be another woman who could grasp my attention.” He ran his nose along her neck. “Then I saw you. You had piled your hair up on your head so it would not get wet.” He pinched one of the bite marks on her neck causing her to flinch. “Now you are mine. All I ask is your loyalty, but I am unable to acquire it.”

  She trembled as she lowered herself to the floor. “Your majesty, there is no one this one is more loyal to, than you. Whatever you ask of me I will do.” She could feel his hand snaking around her hair.

  “You will only act if I ask?” He sat in the chair she had left and moved his garment.

  Her eyes stung, but once again she reached up to untie his pants.

  His fingers slid underneath the ribbon getting a strong grip so he could move her the way he liked. “Use your hands for what you cannot fit in, act like you know what you are doing.”

  Tears fell from eyes as she choked, her hands obeyed and massaged his scrotum. Her head bobbed quickly and she moved her tongue hoping to pleasure him faster.

  “Look at me. Allow me to see your face.”

  Her teary eyes moved to obey his command. Her brown eyes locked with his.

  “Old Gods,” he called out. “You are so alluring.”

  He pulled her back. “That is enough. I do not wish to finish yet.” He released her. Her once perfectly tied up hair was now a mess, strands pulled out, and the ribbon barely held it up off her neck. “From now on, tie your hair up when I come to visit. I rather enjoy the control.”

  Within the barracks of the training camps Duke Majidi struck his whip onto the floor in front of Captain Enlil. “So you failed? Is it hard to incite anger? You do a great job angering me all the time.” He stood in front of the table.

  “My apologies, Duke Majidi, Prince Saan’s arrival was an unexpected turn of events. However we were very close, it will be no trouble at all to start it again. It was wise to have soldier Yekta dress as a scholar, the people easily followed his words.”

  Duke Majidi rolled his eyes. “Next time I will be coming. I no longer have any expectations of you. You were unable to deal with Amenah Aljehni, will you struggle to deal with Kemal Adel as well?”

  Captain Enlil stood taller. “No. Kemal Adel will be properly dealt with.”

  Khastan rolled up his whip and returned it to its rightful place at his side. “I certainly hope so. You are dismissed. Do control your guards, I heard Ishmek caused problems.”

  “He will be punished.” Captain Enlil bowed and walked out the room.

  Once the door was closed he sat in his chair. Elbow on the table he rubbed his forehead. “Once the Aljehni’s are gone,” he promised himself. Once they were gone he would save his sister. “Megera, things will be better once they are gone.” He pulled out a map of Mt. Antingree.

  King Saamun laid on the bed, his hands gripped Megera’s waist tightly, not caring if he bruised her. “Is this all you can do?” He taunted pushing up. “This is how you aid your brother?” He dropped his head back on the pillow and laughed as she pushed herself harder, her face scrunched in pain, her arms trembling to hold herself up. “That is good. Keep going, harder.”

  He rubbed on her bottom lip to stop her from biting it. “Do not hide your cries from me.”

  Her eyes were squeezed shut and she forced herself again and again to take him in. He pulled hard on her waist moaning when she gasped in pain.

  He sat up and slammed into her repeatedly. “Yes,” he moaned, finally releasing himself.

  Her body shook, and with quaking hands she forced herself to wrap her arms around him anyway. Her head resting on his chest as she caught her breath.

  King Saamun twirled the ribbon that he had ripped from her hair around his finger. “Will you always love your brother?” He rasped still inside of her.

  A shiver traveled throughout her body. “Familial duties and love never fades.”

  “There is nothing your brother can do for you to stop loving him?” He dropped his head to nibble on her neck. His hands locked her into place.

  “Your majesty, is there something the matter?” She bit lip to stop the whimper when his teeth grazed a sensitive spot.

  He ran his fingers through her hair and pulled her so he could read her face. “The Stilits are becoming a problem in the capital.” His right hand slid down to caress her thigh. “Your brother is searching for them, and he happens to think they are at the Ridge of Antingree.”

  Megera sucked in a breath as the king pushed inside her. “Is that not a good thing?” She forced herself to ask

  His face brightened. “How so?” His fingers played with her breasts before rolling them over so her back was on the bed.

  With the sudden movement she winced her teeth digging into her bottom lip to stay silent.

  He pinched her chin. “Do not hide your sounds from me,” he ordered.

  She shuddered. “Your majesty, perhaps we should-” her words were cut off when he slammed into her once more. This time she was unable to hold back her cry of pain.

  “There it is.” He hit her just as hard repeatedly eliciting more cries of pain before slowing down. “Now tell me, why is it a good thing?”

  “If my brother can find and stop the Stilits the people of the kingdom will be at peace.” She attempted to move away from his actions but he yanked her to take him in harder.

  “Do you think I should give your brother the order then?” He nibbled at her earlobe.

  “His majesty should do whatever he wishes,” she answered obediently.

  “What if he destroyed the ridge? There are other paths.” He pinched her nipple as he moved. “With the ridge destroyed the Stilits will have nowhere to go, and if they get harmed in the blow so be it.” He bent down to take her nipple into his mouth.

  “Your majesty is wise,” her breath hitched as he thrust into her, “and able to do what he thinks is best,” she cried, her eyes clutched shut. Please Heavens, make him stop.

  He wrapped his hands around her thighs to open her wider. “But what do you desire? Do you wish for your brother to attack the ridge?”

  Unable to stop herself, her hands clawed on the king’s back, tears fell from her eyes as she sobbed. “Yes. Have my brother follow your wishes. Whatever his majesty commands.”

  King Saamun chuckled. “I will.” He pulled out and flipped her over. “Enough talking now.” He pushed her face towards the bed until her body was in a nice arch and resumed his actions.