The Red String

de the hollow walls. She runs down the

while she fall

ices her kingdoms banners. "They are leaving me behind", say's with a cry when she understands that they won'

ide them. They try to find the Emperor, but they find him d

their spears to her while she slowly turns around. She tightens her lips while closing her eyes for a second, leaving a heavy breath fro

. She pushes her hands against the ground trying to stand up, mumbling, "They can't leave me behind". The soldiers co

form a circle around her. She looks at them while lowering her gaze. A soldier steps forwar

lenches her fists and with one swing she slices his neck, leav

t kill, and I did

them grabs her by her arm forcing her to come

ttle shit! Do you know what

strike her but a dee

l you do,

m. Her mouth drops. She knows who he is, or has heard about him. She recognizes him by his looks. Long black hair with piercing

g intimidating. She whispers,

back, and looks directly at his eyes. "We have a brave one here", he says with an amused voice a

icing her ripped dress. "You a

now she is royal?"

en it looks like it is a dress made for a wedding night. Also, look at her po

r in surprise. "So, who is

se. "She is the beautiful princess Arianna, from the Kingd

ldier to come to him. Arianna o

knew

k into the palace. Roen will be in there. Give her to him", he orders and Hoen gets

rs that they became distant. Keiran notices th

e. As she walks, Keiran sees the dead soldier. "Who

s at her. He sighs and continu

es on the corner and a tall figure close to them. "My Lord, this is the fourth

dviser of our Lord, soon-to-be Emperor, Keiran. I'm here to keep you safe". She looks at him

d, but Keiran is more... mes

to follow him. He stops next to the other wives and says, "

you?", she asks them. With disdain in their voice they answer, "These mons

dom has fallen, and all they can

nna knew they didn't like her. She is much younger and

hey received. He offers them some bread and the three wives grab it w

her some water,

gently said, m

ssing till Roen c

you that Emperor Lon is dead

es look each

finally

death. He then continues, "The day after tomorrow he will be cro

pick one of you since you are coming from the most powerful kingdoms. But the Emperor doesn't have the time to think tiny things like that. So, he gives you a chance! You get to pick which on

he remaining three

eir freedom,

them are left speechl

choose? I don't wanna marry this monster

he oldest saying, "Let's not lie, it didn't require a lot of thought, but the logical decision is to be you, Arianna. We all saw Keiran, killing countless of

trings of fate b

e to the throne room. Arianna is rubbing her eyes and looks at the rising sun from the big windows. The three of them stop some fe

dies. I hope you've made a decision cause Lord Ke

Arianna will become the wife. It seems she is also still a v

ure about this?" raising his eyeb

the stairs slowly. Roen poin

she thinks

with him. He tilts his head as he analyzes her, spins around Arianna

a new set of clothes and feed her. I can't have my future wife be trea

s her and as she walks she looks back at Keiran. She raises her eyebrows showing that she did not ex

otices that all the blood damages

en had the time t

ide, there are other servants that prepare the water. Hot steam comes out of the bathtub and a mai

orry my Lady", a

t w

th only water, a teared-up dress and unattended wounds. I can't believe you are covered with only bruises

she end up like this. She takes a step into the bathtub. The hot water touches her open wounds and she feels the burning throughout her body. She tightens her lips a

xes her muscles and tilts her head ba

orgot ab

, realising that not much

the

ast. The memory of Keiran kicks in, his piercing gaze and

her and says, "Are

her. "You are the maid that left

hing is gonn

the past few months that she's been in here. She wasn't here till one week ago th

lanned to kill him then"

our name?

name is Zoe my Lady". H

stics didn't give it away, but your name did.

e being used for their resources and people. They take peop

ho killed the Empe

hink?" Zoe an