Weak

l Army. He and his troops were staying at the estate of Lord Sabri before they left on a massive ca

re threatening a complete invasion. Lord Sabri had decided to honor the army b

ang. She was wearing a simple dress of fine material. She did not look like a maid but worked as one. Her long red hair was tied at the nape of her neck and cascaded down her slender back. She scrubbed the tables and swept the

didn't want to worry about leaving someone behind should he die on the battlefield. Besides, most women didn't give him a s

is position. He started to slowly walk away from the kitchen dors. He passed two mai

s too much work for someone with her condition." the first complaint. "I know Moira and so does her father. He just doesn't care. She is useless to him. No one would want to marry someone who cannot produce strong healthy children." the older maid expla

did she have? he wondered. It must be serious if it was so unthinkable to require such work from her. How could anyone

woman? You are aware she is constantly ill. She will serve no real purpose for you. She will cost you a fortune in doctors and healing treatments." Lord Sabri questioned. "Don't worry, I have plans for her." the mystery man responded. Sir Raael could almost hear a sneer in his voi

callous about his own daughter and consider selling her. A father who cares nothing f

not wait until after the campaign. If he wished to save her, he would have to marry

an about Lord Sabri's daughter and his plans with her. The one who is supposedly wil

an entered, "M'Lord, a message from the Emperor has just arrived." he announced. An envelope was handed over. Lord Sabri opened it and read the message.Hi

e is cleaning the kitchens and preparing for the banquet, as you ordered." she responded. "Assign someone else to finish the prep

on?" one maid asked. "The Emperor is coming. Lady Andromeda has to prepare to rece

. What can I do for you?" she questioned. "You must prepare to receive the Emperor." Maid Corrine announced. "Monkey is coming?" Lady Andromeda's eyes brightened. "Wait, I haven't finished preparing

he started to hear footsteps in the corridor. She smiled at the prospect of seeing her best friend again. The door opened and her now grown childhood friend walked through with a huge smile on his face. Lady Andromeda bowed to the Emperor. "Welcome, Your

lina," he introduced. "It's nice to meet you, Your Majesty." Lady Andromeda bowed. "No formalities." the young Empress smiled and gently hugged Lady Andromeda. "You are my husband's very best friend." she said. " And you can call me 'Lina'" she

sked. "I shouldn't, but I am so tired." Lady Andromeda complained. "I know, M'Lady. I will make it as quick as possible." Maid Corrine swore. "Fine" Lady Andromeda

aybe. I am contemplating another offer. What is your offer?" Lord Sabri sat back and studied the General. "I am prepared to triple your other offer and I would like to marry her before I leave. Then she can travel to my land soon after." Sir Rahael explained. "Why would you offer so much?" Lord Sabri asked suspiciously. "We are limited on time and would like to try and skip the long negotiation process. I do not know how long I will be gone and my people will need some sort of leader." Sir Rahael

hurts." she complained. "I'm sorry, M'Lady. If the Emperor was not here, I would allow you to sleep longer," Maid Corrine sighed. "I am sure Monkey would like to spend some time together.

the story of how the Emperor got his nickname "Monkey". "I can't believe you threw mud at her from a tree." Empress Castelina laughed. "I was

cing any discomfort. Empress Castelina could see that she was and will always be his second choice. Somehow it didn't bother her. She couldn't explain what made her feel

." she questioned. "Because her father sees her as a useless disgrace to his family name. I know he only allows her as part of the family when they have visitors. He treats her well when I'm around. Any other time she is little more than a servant." He explained. "Why?" she asked. "Because she will most likely not garner a good marriage due to her condition. A condition that seems to be getting worse over the years." he responded. "That doesn't make her less his daughter. We should try and get her out of here." she suggested. "As I have hear

e all need an Empire to defend but we also need someone to fight for. Tonight I am happy to announce that I have accepted an offer for the hand of my eldest daughter , Lady Andromeda, in marriage." he announced. Lady

e rowdy and demanding. She wondered what type of man he really was. Did he know of her condition? Did he understand what that meant? so many questions swirled through her mind. She abandoned her plate and stared into her lap. She w

off the battlefield, he is quite kind. I am sure he will understand about you and what that means. You know your father would have brought it up to try and talk the General out of marrying you. I also heard that when n

oesn't matter. I will only wear it once. I don't need anything special." Lady Andromeda responded, uninterested. "M'Lady, this is your wedding day. It may have come as a surprise and we haven't the time to really plan, however you can still make it special." Maid Corrine urged. "

d better fulfill all of your duties as a wife. If he abandons you, you will not return to my home. I will finally be free of a wretch like you." he sneered. "Yes father." she responded in a

and turned to face her. "I know that this is all sudden and you may have reservations about being my wife. I married you now so that I can come home to you. When this campaign is over, I can return and court you properly." he assured. "Why did you want to marry me in the first place? Wouldn't you prefer a strong, healthy wife who can provide you with strong, healthy children?" she questioned. "I wanted to marry you because there is something about you that calls to my soul. I didn't want to take the chance of coming home to find that you were married to someone else. If the Go