The Castle - Xena

  Xena tossed and turned in her new bed that night, feeling strange in her new quarters alone. She had always had to share a room with a few other girls, at least. The night was too quiet, no other breathing or snoring, no one rolling around or murmuring through the night. But beyond the oppressive quiet, strange dreams plagued her when she finally would fall to sleep. She saw blurry faces all around her, standing amongst strange foliage or buildings she had never seen. She would try to lean in, see their features more clearly and then the dream would grow blurry until she found herself staring up at the wispy canopy around her bedposts. Every single time sleep found her, the same dream.

  Frustrated and knowing morning was near, she finally climbed out of bed, giving up on getting any rest. She padded to the washroom, shoulders slumped in exhaustion. When she entered the receiving room she noted that no servant stood inside at the door. She wondered if they were ordered to give her privacy at night. She doubted she’d be left completely alone, however. Someone was likely to be stationed in the hallway in case she were to need anything. She hadn’t explicitly been told she must stay in her room but she knew that she was too valuable to be unguarded at any time. The Princesses of the royal household were notoriously extremely well protected. They didn’t go away without a guard of ten to twenty men a breath away.

  She went to the washbasin to splash water on her face. She glared at her reflection in the mirror, dark circles under her eyes a clear indication of the terrible night of sleep she had gotten. Her mind reeled as she went over everything she had been taught by Princess Ryna. Besides the quiet, she was sure that her night with the Prince and then his mother was weighing heavily on her mind. No wonder she had those dreams, she couldn’t help but think. The previous day had been monumental. Over the past week her entire life had been upended and set on a new path. She had prepared for it but to live it was another matter.

  Her mind kept drifting back to her dinner with the Prince. Her future husband. His easygoing smile as he spoke to her in that low, clear voice of his kept sending color to her cheeks. She had let her imagination get the best of her when she’d finally been left alone to rest for the night. She kept imagining their wedding night and his hands on her waist and staring into his beautiful eyes. She had thought about the way his lips would feel on her skin. She had often wondered how it would feel to someday be touched by a man in the way that husbands touch their wives. But knowing who, exactly, that man was going to be, had sent her mind exploring further than it had before.

  She finished washing up and relieved herself before returning to bed and tossing and turning for the remainder of the night. Just after the sun began brightening her room, the doors were thrown open by Remy demanding she get up. Xena didn’t bother telling her that she’d been up for most of the night anyway. She just got to her feet, stretched and followed Remy to the closet. They spent the next hour rushing around to wash Xena up and get dressed and face made up. At the end of the hour, the doors opened again to reveal Princess Ryna, dressed the same as the night before in her robes, presumably a different pair not that anyone could tell.

  –????????–

  Xena spent the rest of the day and the following two days in meetings with Princess Ryna. They did everything from visit the dress maker’s shop to have her measured for her wedding gown, to practicing her vows and ceremonial traditions she needed to know, to discussing details of the wedding dinner where Xena would be expected to sit on a raised dais with her new husband and be presented gifts by those in attendance. Princess Ryna went through detailed descriptions of all the Lords and Ladys who would be in attendance so she would know their names when it came time for greetings. Much to Xena’s dismay, they also discussed what duties were expected of her as wife to the Prince, many of which had to do with the bedroom and producing heirs. Their meetings were done over tea which Princess Ryna had instructed her to drink morning and night to increase fertility. It was a special blend of herbs provided by the physician who oversaw the royal family. On the last day before Tregan’s wedding their meeting ended with a trip to said physician for Xena to have an examination to ensure she was healthy enough to wed the Prince.

  The physician, an elderly man with long salt and pepper hair that he kept neatly tied back at his neck, poked and prodded every part of Xena’s body while Princess Ryna watched from her seat in the corner of the room, hands folded neatly in her lap. When it came time for Xena to lie down and him inspect between her legs, she couldn’t stop her face from the bright shade of cherry red it turned. She stared at the ceiling as his cold fingers spread her gently apart for his inspection. He poked around for a moment and then nodded toward Princess Ryna in confirmation and said, “intact.” He moved away, patting Xena’s knee to indicate she could get up. She did so and dressed quickly, face staying crimson. Never once did she complain or refuse what had been asked of her. Just as she’d been trained.

  On the way back to her quarters, the blush finally faded and she found herself wondering about the results of her examination. The physician had been kind and gentle but afterward had spoken in hushed whispers to the Princess while Xena had dressed and then he showed them out. The princess, who had been silent for their walk, cleared her throat as if she sensed Xena’s question brewing.

  “The physician says you are completely healthy and in prime child bearing years,” She said quietly once there was no one around them. “You will be checked regularly once wed to see what part of your moon cycle you are at to know when you are most fertile. He cannot… check you properly now as you are still intact and that could compromise you. You will return to him after your wedding night to ensure the marriage has been consummated and to also check your cycle.”

  Xena didn’t respond as the words tumbled through her mind. She knew that she was expected to produce an heir as quickly as possible but it hadn’t sunk in that she could possibly get pregnant within days. Two days to be exact. The thought made her stomach tighten slightly. She wasn’t scared of her duties but it was still so unknown to her. To be touched that way by her husband and then to bear a child… It would be completely new territory.

  Seemingly sensing Xena’s feelings, the Princess stopped their walk and put a hand on the young girl’s arm. “My Lady,” She said, voice still hushed. “I know this is a lot to take in and many changes all at once but I will be by your side through it all. My son is a good man and he will take care of you. There is nothing to be worried about.”

  Xena sucked in a deep breath at her words and let them sink in. She nodded, genuinely feeling better and they continued their walk back to her quarters.

  –????????–

  Princess Ryna and Remy helped to bathe and get Xena ready that night but not for her usual dinner with the Prince. Tonight she would be attending the rehearsal dinner for Prince Tregan and his chosen bride, accompanied by Prince Beck and his mother.. She had come to look forward to seeing him every night for their evening supper. He had chatted with her about what he did throughout the day and his various duties to the Kingdom and how she would help support him in his role. He had asked some questions about things she enjoyed and what it was like where she came from. She answered his questions as best as she could without talking too much. Luckily, he was a great conversationalist and picked right back off where she let it drop. Before she knew it every night the meal passed and the Prince was escorting her back to her room with a light kiss on her cheek in departure. Though, the previous night, he had turned her face to him and stared deep into her eyes for a long moment before pressing his lips firmly to hers.

  It was all she had been able to think of after that and didn’t help with her strange dreams and restfulness. She was exhausted, having barely slept for four nights in a row now but made a great effort to keep the exhaustion out of her posture and expression. So far, no one had commented on it and the paint they applied to her face concealed the dark circles beneath her eyes. She would need to be at her absolute best for the next few days, so she tried to ignore the dull ache behind her eyes from the lack of sleep. It annoyed her that she couldn’t seem to sleep well since being chosen. Her sleep had never been this disrupted before and she didn’t remember ever having the strange, murky dreams that had been plaguing her.

  “Princess Ryna?” She asked quietly as the woman fussed over the puffy, pale pink gown they had stuffed her in a few moments prior.

  The woman stepped back, hands on her hips as she surveyed her work. She offered a vague, “Hm?” in response.

  “I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this,” Xena said quietly, “But I haven’t been sleeping very well and I need to be at my best for tomorrow and the following day. Do you think you could take me to see the physician tonight after dinner? I’d like to see if there’s something he could do for me just for the next two nights to help me sleep a little better. Maybe… a tonic or something?”

  Princess Ryna continued studying the dress as Xena spoke, not looking into her eyes. She circled her once and instructed her to raise her arms. Xena did as she was told, tensely awaiting a response.

  “No need,” Princess Ryna replied. “I will visit him and bring up your concerns but it is likely the tea we’ve been giving you.”

  Xena’s eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. “The tea, my lady? I thought it was a fertility brew?”

  “It is,” Princess Ryna replied, finally meeting Xena’s eyes, satisfied with the gown. “But it affects people in different ways. It has herbs in it that can cause restlessness. I will speak to the physician and see if we can adjust some of the ingredients for you. Until then, do not drink it. We will skip it after dinner tonight and continue after your wedding night. What you have ingested so far should be enough to have your body ready regardless. Skipping a night or two wouldn’t hurt. When are you due for your next moon blood?”

  Xena’s face reddened slightly but she answered surely, “It should come in about two weeks, Princess.”

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Princess Ryna nodded, “Good. I shall let the physician know. Come now, we can’t be late for dinner. You are to arrive before the other honored guests. They’re all dying to meet the new betrothed Princess of the royal house.”

  Xena bowed slightly and then they were off, leaving Remy behind. She gave Xena a quick good luck pat on the arm as they hurried out the door and shut it firmly behind them. Xena followed Princess Ryna through the now familiar halls of the upper floors of the castle. As they walked, however, the environment started to become foreign. They were venturing into a part of the castle that Xena had not had the chance to see much. The castle had many wings, one of which was given to each prominent member. She had a wing with Prince Beck and the King and Tregan had their own private wing. The servant quarters were underground, near the kitchens and laundry rooms. Xena had not been underneath the castle at all so she had no idea what those areas looked like. But there were also common areas where the public was periodically allowed, such as the throne room where she had been chosen. There were three ballrooms within the castle. She had passed by one, the grand ballroom, which was where both wedding ceremonies were to take place in the coming days. The rehearsal dinner, which would only be done for Tregan’s wedding because Beck’s would follow a similar pattern the following day, would be held in one of the smaller ballrooms. Xena had been told that only a few of the lords would be attending the rehearsal. The more important guests. This was an important first meeting for her with some of the most prestigious households. To mark the occasion's importance, Princess Ryna had donned her white robes to denote her rank. The King’s chosen Queen would be clad in the same but with a thin band around her hooded head. The Queen’s crown was a delicate band of silver, plain and simple but beautiful nonetheless.

  Princess Ryna guided them through the halls, past the grand ballroom and into yet another section of the common castle area that Xena had never seen. She looked around as they rounded a corner into a lavishly decorated hallway. Had she not been so focused on staying composed, face clear of emotion, her jaw would have dropped. Every visible surface leading up to the tall oak doors of the smaller ballroom was decorated with white. There were delicate flowers in vases, streamers of flower garlands hung from the ceiling, gauzy ropes of twisted lace and fluffy gossamer were strung along the walls. There were tiny twinkling balls of light within the bunched gossamer, giving everything an ethereal feel. Thousands of candles were lit on every surface, many of which had been artfully erected just to hold said candles. The tiny, flickering firelight cast twinkling light over everything in the hall. It was absolutely stunning, something out of a daydream.

  Princess Ryna walked slowly up to the doors of the ballroom and stopped, turning to Xena. Her eyes were crinkled in an obvious smile from beneath her hood. “Reminds me of my own wedding day, though much grander.”

  Xena stared at her, unsure of what to say but then the Princess turned and led them into the ballroom. Prince Beck and Tregan stood at the end of the room, clad in the most handsome outfits Xena had ever seen. Both were dressed in all white. Their suit jackets and lapels were lined with fine golden thread that sparkled slightly in the light of the thousands of candles that also lined the walls of the ballroom. Tregans jacket had a long, elegant train of fabric that was an extension of the typical tails at the back of fancier suit jackets. Beck’s had the traditional tails. Their trousers were of a fine, soft fabric and pressed to crisp perfection. Even their shoes were of a bleached, white leather with golden thread and buttons. They looked every part the Princes they were.

  As Xena and Princess Ryna approached the Princes turned and Prince Beck’s face lit up with a smile. Tregan’s face remained blank, almost bored, as he surveyed Xena up and down before moving his attention back to the doors. Xena realized that every time she had seen him so far he’d worn that same expression. Though, she supposed, her own face was probably set in a similar, blank look. One she’d been required to perfect since she was a little girl. She wondered if the Princes had undergone their own type of emotional training. Though, Prince Beck never seemed to hide his emotions, his easy smile a near perfect fixture on his beautiful face. She found herself realizing she was glad that he chose her rather than his brother.

  Prince Beck stepped up his mother’s side and leaned down to take Xena’s hand and bring it to his still smiling lips in greeting. He gently pressed the back of her gloved hand to his mouth and let it drop, eyes sparkling in amusement as a bit of color rose to her cheeks.

  “Good to see you, my love.” He whispered for only her to hear. “You look absolutely stunning this evening.”

  Xena curtseyed, trying to breath and quiet her thundering heart. She was always stunned how he seemed to have this affect on her. “You look ravishing as well, my Prince.”

  He beamed even wider at her title for him and, still holding her hand, led her to their place along the huge table that had been set up in the center of the ballroom. Instead of pulling out her chair for her, he turned her to stand with her back to it, facing the doors. He did the same and stood in front of what would be his own chair.

  “We are to greet the other guests before settling in for the meal,” He explained, gesturing toward the door where a finely dressed man and his robed wife had just walked in. Tregan stood near the door but off to the side, waiting. Xena knew he would escort his soon-to-be bride to their place as well once she arrived. The few guests were making their way through the ballroom, slowly toward the table, trying to speak to the others in attendance on their way.

  “That’s Lord and Lady Parson of Kinsley,” Prince Beck muttered quietly out of the side of his mouth as the first couple drew nearer to them.

  Xena squeezed his hand lightly in acknowledgement and appreciation. She had known who they were from the description Princess Ryna had given her but she liked the help all the same. The couple approached them and Prince Beck graciously did all the talking, introducing his bride with her new name he had given her. Lady Parson, dressed in the traditional tan robes of a wife’s position, did not have the age lines or any sign of wrinkles around her eyes like Xena had expected. Lord Parson was stooped with age and walked with a slight limp but his Lady seemed to be in wonderful health. It was hard to tell how old she was exactly, covered as she was, but Xena guessed she was much, much younger than her Lord. Not that it was uncommon but it surprised her a little all the same. They both offered their congratulations, eyes sweeping over Xena in almost hungry curiosity before continuing down the table to their place.

  Soon, the ballroom was filling with people and introductions went much the same. All eyes were glued to Prince Beck with Xena at his side. That is, until Tregan’s bride made her appearance. Head turned and murmurs grew louder as she stepped through the doors of the ballroom. Even Prince Beck’s smile slipped a little when he caught sight of her. Tregan smirked as he approached her, taking her arm and guiding her into the room and out of his mother’s care. His chosen bride was dressed in a gown that left little to the imagination. The fabric was stretched tightly over her body, seemingly shaped to her as it was made. It was cream in color and every curve was on display as she glided across the room. She kept her back straight and head high, face emotionless as she looked each person in the eye. She met Xena’s gaze and she could swear there was a fire of pride burning within them. The woman on Tregan’s arm was not ashamed of her body and wore the piece proudly. It was beyond scandalous. Tregan’s smirk told Xena’s that’s exactly what he wanted.

  –????????–

  The dinner proceeded as normal, not much different than the meals that Xena had been sharing with Prince Beck. Before dessert, Tregan stood up at the King’s gesture and introduced his new wife, Ja’lena, who’d been named by him the previous day. She had stood when he said her new name and curtseyed to light applause. Xena had kept her hands in her lap as did Prince Beck. After dessert a bishop was brought out to discuss the events of the next day and how they would proceed. He had Prince Tregan and his betrothed stand, with a brief pause as he eyed the woman’s attire and said nothing. Then he continued to explain how they should enter the grand ballroom, what words were to be said and mementos to be exchanged and blessed and how they’d transition into the reception afterward. Xena had already heard all of this many times from Princess Ryna so she was relieved to hear there was nothing new to be memorized. Especially as the ache behind her eyes grew to a steady, rhythmic throbbing as the night drew on. She blinked away the pain, trying desperately to keep the wince off her face. Prince Beck squeezed her knee under the table once, shooting her a questioning look and whispering out of the side of his mouth if she were ok. She;d given a barely perceptible nod before turning her eyes back to the couple standing across the table from them and listening to the bishop once more.

  By the end of the rehearsal, Xena was positively ill from her aching head. Prince Beck stood and pulled her chair out for her to stand. As her chair moved, the world swayed and she had to fight the urge to grab the edge of the table for support. He waited a moment, hand outstretched to her before she finally took it. She stood carefully and, though trying hard to be steady, swayed slightly as she did so. Prince Beck’s hand was immediately around her waist, supporting her as she gathered her bearings. His usual relaxed smile was gone and replaced with a look of concern, lips curved down at the corners in a rare frown.

  “I’m fine,” She whispered, moving out of his grasp slightly so as to not alert anyone that she was ill. Her food rolled in her stomach as the world spun and the lights burned behind her eyes.

  He moved in close again though as he felt her shudder and sway again. “Let’s get you back to your room,” He murmured, smile returning to his face. He took her arm firmly and slowly moved them toward the door. As they passed people, he casually said good night and easily turned their attention away from Xena and to himself. He had a way about him that seemed to draw people in. An easy way of talking with people she noticed. Though, at that moment, she didn’t care much. She needed to get out of here. Now.

  Halfway across the floor to the door, they were stopped by Tregan and his bride. Tregan looked Xena up and down again, eyes narrowing when he looked at her face. Xena stared at him, trying not adjust her expression to hide the pain she was in. She was sure she wasn’t doing a great job though because his bride stepped forward and placed her hand on Xena’s head, frowning.

  “Are you ill?” She asked, louder than Xena would have liked, causing a few heads to turn in their direction.

  “My Lady seems to have exhausted herself tonight,” Prince Beck said with a short laugh. “You look beautiful, Lady Ja’Lena and we’re looking forward to the ceremony tomorrow. If you’ll excuse us, I need to make sure Lady Xena gets to her bed to rest for the big day tomorrow.”

  Ja’Lena said nothing as she stepped back to Prince Tregan’s side, frown still present on her perfectly painted face. Prince Tregan was now looking bored again, focus elsewhere. Prince Beck tugged on Xena, indicating it was time for them to start moving again. She took one step and the room spun violently. She grabbed onto his arm, trying to steady herself but the pain overwhelmed her and she wavered, swaying again. Prince Beck tried to steady her but it was no use. She leaned forward, clutching his arm hard as the contents of her stomach came up, splattering the floor of the ballroom and, to Xena’s horror, the bottom of Ja’Lena’s gown and her shoes.

  Ja’Lena stepped back in surprise and horror, face breaking from it’s mask and eyes widening at what had happened to her. To her credit, she straightened her back after no more than a second and held her head high as she turned a glare on Xena. Prince Tregan was not as calm as he looked at the mess. His face filled with rage as he took in the scene, Xena still clutching desperately to Prince Beck’s arm as she tried not to collapse onto the floor. Prince Beck turned, just as Xena’s legs gave out and caught her, hauling her into his arms and stepping back from the vomit on the floor.

  “Get. Her. Out. Of My. Sight.” Prince Tregan seethed as he glared at his brother.

  Prince Beck wasted no time on a reply and swept Xena out of the ballroom and through the castle to their private wing.

  –????????–