- KINOS
Sugia Territory lay immediately west of Aegtrys. The fertile hills were home to the goddess Inusgi, and her farmland overflowed with barley, rye, wheat, and cereal. A part of the Ashenian Empire for nearly a thousand years, Sugia’s bosom would have sustained the Empire for hundreds more. These days, the Sugians enjoyed Ashenian citizenship, a luxury not shared by all, and the privileges that went with it. Their men could govern in Aegtrys, trade with foreign ships, and march under the Ashenian falcon to all corners of the continent. At this point, the Sugians viewed themselves as Ashenian as the islanders did themselves.
So it was no surprise that Admrilia could hear the cheers from miles out before they had even reached Kinos’ harbor. Across the first neptor, the men hastened to prepare for their arrival. Admrilia knew the neptori would be eager to get ashore and be released into the streets.
“It’s good to be home.” Flavius said beside her.
“Will you visit your parents?” Admrilia asked her friend.
The neptori’s smile reached his grass green eyes. “Oh yes.”
“And you?”
Alexandros patted Flavius’ back. “I’d sooner die than miss his mother’s cooking.” The stocky sailor laughed. “You should join us Argenti, unless of course you are too good for us.”
Amdrilia knew she shouldn’t tolerate such talk from her subordinates, but it had always been different with Flavius and Alexandros. They had been trained together since seven. She trusted the pair with her life. Both had stood loyally by her side after what had transpired in Argyro. She trusted Alexandros and Flavius more than her own father, and she was thankful they had been promoted as her personal guard for the triumph.
She smiled slightly. “It’s only food.”
“No Argenti!” Alexandros sounded aghast. “Mama Dulcia is touched by Inusgi herself.”
Flavius and Adrmilia shared an eye roll. Her lips threatened to quirk upward. “Save me something if he doesn’t eat it all. Now quiet, we're almost there.”
The Sugian Governor awaited them at the docks. Mynos Illum Agricola was a large, well-fed man. His body bowled and stretched against the seams of his bright blue robes. About the same age as the Conqueror, Mynos’ warm eyes had sunk into the folds and wrinkles of his weathered face. Hif graying beard was delicately oiled and ornamented with beads. While the Emperor was refined and hard edged—forever a military man, Mynos had released himself to the pleasures of old age.
The Governor extended his hands and bollywood heartily. “Welcome to Sugia, Emperor Atesh Ayuan Ashiphiex, great Conqueror of Ker!” He broadened good naturedly as he bent to kiss the Conqueror’s knuckles.
The Conqueror’s lips loosened. “It is good to be back in Kinos, old friend.”
“I’d thought I would be long dead before you decided to get some fresh air.” Admrilia bit her cheek to keep her jaw from dropping. The Governor was speaking to the Conqueror as if they were old friends. Nearly equals. She quickly schooled her face as the Governor gave her a cursory nod. “I see you have brought your grandchildren.”
“Yes.” The Conqueror waved them forward. “Governor, may I introduce to you prince Asho Ashen Ashiphiex and princess Admrilia Hortus Ashiphiex. My heirs.”
Admrilia’s jaw dropped as Mynos bent down and scratched the Conqueror’s hunting hounds behind their ears. He looked up. “I can see the resemblance.”
Asho snorted. Mynos nodded as if pleased and bade them to follow.
Kinos had cracked the bosom of the earth open for their arrival. The procession to the Governor’s seaside estate made Admrilia openly gawk. Garlands of wildflowers draped window sills and entryways. Farmers bombarded the streets with crops and cattle shouting for the Conqueror’s blessing. They openly wept as the Emperor blessed their children and possessions as they passed. Musicians played uplifting melodies on flutes and lyres. Poets sang from the street corners.
The joyous crowd blended together the further into the city they traveled. An army of attendants led the triumph’s inner party inside Mynos’ red-roofed villa. They were guided through hallways packed with finely dressed noblemen. A woman in a colorful stola fainted as Asho threw her a passing smile.
They were led to a large courtyard at the center of the estate. Admrilia’s eyes adjusted to the sunlight. The Governor flung his arms wide and presented the spectacular tribute. “Ships worth of grain.” Mynos said proudly. “To feed our people and warm your legionnaires' bellies.”
The Kinos court swelled with guests upon the news of their arrival. Admrilia had planned on spending her week cataloging her tribute, but had been turned away by Advisor Khispen. A future Empress must pay her respects to the court of her closest ally. Go away Princess. Enjoy yourself. So instead of being useful, or even taking Flavius up on his offer to visit his family in the countryside, she was being weighed down by a small army of handmaidens.
Occasionally she caught sight of Asho being whisked away on hunting trips. She ached to join them. Well, not them exactly. The young nobles who kept Asho company were the very same, throwing themselves against her cold, dead, unwed heart.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
She spent her first week in Kinos fighting off the suitors. Some puffed their chests and recounted long-winded stories of heroism. Others tried song, dance, or bouquets of wildflowers. A magistrate's son was so brazen to pucker his lips around her knuckles. Her handmaidens had gasped when she sockped his ear.
Admrilia loathed the attention. She knew she stood out in the Sugia court. Even as an heir to the empire, her existence was contrary to what the Kinos elite expected. Women in Sugia were prevented from joining the military and discouraged from engaging in public life beyond the domestic sphere. It had been much the same in Aegtrys. But there the senate had years to tamper their outrage when her father enlisted her at seven along with the other boys. Besides, at that point, the Conqueror was already running out of heirs.
After an evening of particularly drivel discussion with the court’s noblewoman, her handmaidens prepared her a bath. Admrilia resisted the urge to massage her temples as a handmaiden worked one of the clasps of her stola.
“I will get it.”
The handmaiden, a girl of about fourteen with mousy brown hair flinched. “Oh I apologize Princess. It’s just, you are so tall you see.”
Admrilia waved her off. It was unsettling, being dressed and undressed like a doll. Three handmaidens stood close together as she undid the clasp and threw the stola overhead. Admrilia fought a smirk as she caught glances darting up and down her muscular form.
She threw off the offered hand and lowered herself into the warm bath. She sighed. Gods below.
Soft hands began rubbing her feet and shoulders. Admrilia closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. Maybe she could finally find some peace after her long day.
“Maybe she has someone waiting for her in Aegtrys. A strong prince?” Wheat hair whispered.
“Or a strong neptori.”
And the moment was ruined. Admrilia frowned and opened an eye. “I can hear you.”
Black hair actually squealed.
“Well Princess, do you have someone?” The brunette asked.
Admrilia leaned forward on her elbows until the girl flushed deep crimson. “Well, aren't you a bold one?”
Her eyes widened in horror. “I-”
“Argenti?” A male voice carried through her quarters.
“In here.” She called.
“Princess Admrilia!” Wheat hair objected. “You cannot let him in here.”
“Why not? He may be my big strong neptori you inane hens keep clucking about.”
“Argenti? I brought you some food.” Flavius chose that moment to stick his head through the doorway. His green eyes widened. “Uh, hello, I can come back later.”
“And let Mama Dulcia’s legendary cooking grow colder still?” Admrilia lifted an arm out of the tub. “Bring it here.”
The handmaiden’s face drenched with color as Flavius approached and raised the cloth. Admrilia reached for a slice of braised pork. Even a day old, the meat melted on her tongue. “Mhm. That’s from the gods.”
Flavius beamed. “Be grateful I got it. I had to pry the rest from Alexandros’ fists.”
Admrilia grabbed another bite. “Oh really?”
“Inusgi spare my mother, he nearly ate my parents out of house and home.”
“Well he is a growing boy.” Admrilia said.
“How much more growing could he possibly do?” Flavius wondered aloud. “He’s the size of a horse.”
“Princess. I must say this is most inappropriate.” Ah, so wheat hair had found her voice.
Admrilia sighed. “Flavius is my trusted guard. He’s sworn to guard me with my life, not deflower me in the tub.” Admrilia grabbed another bite, pairing it with the cheese. “Gods that’s good. Don’t look so bitter. You, take a bite of that.”
The black haired girl reluctantly set down her comb. Her brown eyes widened as she swallowed. “Oh,” she said softly. “That is wonderful.”
“Isn’t it? Dulcia is the most renowned cook in all of Sugia. Or so I’ve heard.” Admrilia waved at her handmaidens. “You three, take that into the next room and finish it.”
The black haired girl went to grab the cloth eagerly. The blonde smacked her hand away. “We cannot in good conscience leave the princess with a man.”
“Woman you won’t be so quick with your tongue when I rip it from your mouth. You can guard my dignity from behind the door. Now move.”
The woman looked like she had choked on a lemon. The other handmaidens dragged her from the room. Flavius watched them go, clearly amused. “The gossip will run rampant by the morning.”
“Let them. It’s hardly the first time a noblewoman has been romanced by her guard.”
Flavius’ nose pinched. “I see future empress duties are going swimmingly.”
Admrilia groaned and reached behind her for the comb. “I should have gone with you.”
“Yes, you should have. Us lowborn make mighty good company.” Flavius smirked and eased down onto the tile. He grabbed the comb from her and eased it through her hair. “How many times have you been proposed to this week?”
“Eight?” Admrilia squinted, trying to count. “Or nine.”
“Persistent.” Flavius chuckled.
She sighed. “I wish they would leave me alone.”
“You are a woman now, Argenti.” Flavius softened. “You’ll have every eligible bachelor from here to Ker vying for your hand over the next year.”
“I’m well aware.” Admrilia said as he ran the comb through her hair.
“It’s just the reality.” Flavius said not unkindly. “You knew this day would come.”
“At least you can avoid it.” Admrilia tilted her head back and looked Flavius in the eye. “I have this—”
“Duty to the Empire?” Admrilia sunk further into the tub. “Well, I heard empresses get to make their own rules. Besides, you have your sisters.”
She let out a choked laugh. “Yes, thank the Skytops for that.”
“I should go before one of them has a heart attack.” Flavius pushed off the floor.
Admrilia extended her arm. “Or you could join me? Three birds with one stone.”
Flavius laughed. “And they say you don’t have a sense of humor. Goodnight, Argenti.”