Chapter 1: Lady Cahira

- Cahira's P.O.V

The sound of clashing swords echoed through the castle. Steel colliding with steel was all I heard these days. I could practically taste the blood those weapons would one day draw.

Though I suppose these days had become less lonely, since the bastard of king decided to turn my prison into a training ground for his army. I had grown used to the feeling of eyes on me. The whispers and rumors that sounded every time I passed by.

Though as of late, they seem to speak less of me as a threat, seeing me as just an exotic beauty. How clouded their minds had become of such crude thoughts. How much I would enjoy carving out such vile tongues and feeding them to dragons for even thinking of such things.

Sooner or later I will be gifted to one of them as a wife, now that I've settled into this way of life. I've heard many murmurs from the servants of my future betrothal, as the king seems to think my temper has settle. How wrong he is, I've just stopped trying to kill him is all. As every day I spend here, the more I want to slit his throat and return home. Though at the same time, I learn how easy life here could be.

Life in the Outlands was hard. I fought tooth and nail for everything I had, I was a warrior, and a leader. I did what I wanted and faced my own consequences. But that life was simple, difficult as it was. You were given nothing, and worked way to the top, through brute strength. I spent my years as a child catching birds and having to eat them raw. The children here are fat and healthy, running around without a care in the world, never having to worry about food or shelter.

Though a part of me wished I was raised here, that life taught me to appreciate what I had, and not take anything for granted. It made the person I am today.

I huffed, looking out the window of my cage, at the soldiers that sparred below. They were so entranced in their little skirmish, as if it would help them in true combat. Most of them would pass out at the sight of blood, and probably shit their pants if they faced off with a true enemy.

I still enjoyed watching, it was the only entertainment I got these days. Watching men beat each other with wooden swords, what have I become?

I still couldn't help but smirk as one of them threw the other to the ground in a swift movement, incapacitating them and rendering them helpless. He seemed utterly smitten with himself. If only I was permitted to spar, they'd soon learn what real achievement is.

"Lady Cahira, would you like me to help you prepare for lunch?" My handmaid squeaked from outside my chambers.

"Yes Rosalind, you may let yourself in." I sighed, listening to the door slowly open. I moved to my vanity and sat down on the stool.

"My lady, I'd like to remind you that you have a meeting with the duchess tomorrow." She said, slowly beginning to brush my hair. "Have you thought about what you wish to wear at all?"

I suppressed a groan. I'd hoped that the duchess would give up soon, and stop forcing me to attend her lessons in etiquette. "That one yellow dress should do, and if it's not too much to ask that you also find me some of the white gold pieces from a while ago."

"No problem at all my lady." She continued brushing my hair, clearly focused on which style to try today. "Do you wish for me to come along at all?"

"It's fine Rosalind, it's just a lesson in literature, my hair should not fall out. Though if I'm forced to stay with that monstrous woman for too long it just may." I grinned. I could tell that she also wanted to smile, but we both knew that it was improper to become attached to a handmaid, especially when she served me. The king seemed to take pleasure when he removed the friends I've made along the years, few as they be.

I couldn't help but think of how different my life may have been. What if I had never come here? If I had never met Sir Eldridge? My mind swirled with what ifs and whys.

I quickly noticed that I had been lost in thought. "How long has it been Rosalind?" I asked, trying to feel less solemn. "How long have I been here?"

"Just over three years my lady. Why do you ask?" She seemed genuinely interested.

"I'm just curious I suppose." I guess I hadn't realized it had been so long. I was but a child when I arrived, I didn't even notice that I was now an adult, that I had lost out on so much of my life. I was only 16 summers when I first arrived, and now I was almost twenty.

"In other news, I've heard that crown prince is returning home." She smiled. I, on the other hand had even forgotten that there was a crown prince, since I had never met him; I only knew of his younger brother and sisters. "It's been 5 years that he's been at war. It seems that he's retired from combat, perhaps he's to find a wife."

I instantly stiffened. My stomach churned and I felt ill. "Can you say that again Rosalind?"

"Perhaps he's planning on finding a wife?. . ." She repeated, pausing as she began tying up my hair.

Of course. This was why I hadn't been married off yet, he'd been waiting for the prince to return so I could be married to him instead. Makes all of his jabbering about how Outlander mothers bear strong and healthy sons, and why he'd seemed so determined to turn me into a proper lady. "My apologies, I didn't hear you the first time." I put on a fake smile.

"No need to apologize, I will speak clearly next time." She nodded, finishing my hair with a jewel pendant. "Though I do hear Prince Eryx is quite the looker, and has had many admirers in the past, whoever his wife may be, she'll be one lucky woman. Or so the servants say."

"I suppose so, though I would take that information with caution, they usually stretch the truth. He's probably average looking, they're probably more interested in the fact that he's a prince." I said, thinking about how giddy the servants would be to know a 'handsome' prince was coming to the capitol.

"You're probably right my lady, they do love their gossip." She fastened on my necklace and earrings, the iron jewelry perfectly matching my silver gown.

"Impeccable taste as always Rosalind, you may take you leave." I smiled at her. She gave a small nod and left, leaving me to my own devices.

I stood from the stool, smoothing my dress before I left. Opening the door and continued down the halls and to the small private dining room.

The table was filled with fresh fruit, dried figs, and some simple breads and cheeses. I spent my time to savor the food in front of me, I knew better than to waste such a precious meal.

I turned to the butler that stood near the entrance to the kitchens. "I'm finished with my meal, please see to it that the kitchen staff and servants get the leftovers."

"Generous as always Lady Cahira, I will make sure that they do." He bowed and left. I soon followed suit, deciding that I wanted to watch the soldiers spar some more, it was either that or sit bored in my room all day.

As I walked through the once luscious courtyard, I could feel the eyes on me as I found a seat on a bench that overlooked the training grounds. Some of the soldiers seemed nervous at the thought of lady watching them practice, some even turned a bright shade of cherry red.

It seemed that they all wished to impress the woman that now watched them. Each one of them fought with vigor and tenacity, wanting to prove themselves. It made it all the more amusing to watch them beat each other to a pulp.

My favorite soldier had to be the black-haired man, he beat every opponent with ease and agility. He would be a leader in the Outlands, it was quite a sight to behold someone I saw as an equal. One by one every man who faced him fell, and still many others tried; I could watch it all day.

He soon stopped, clearly satisfied with his training today. It was then that he looked to me, clearly amused that I had been watching. He slowly made his way over to me, standing beside me as all the soldiers watched in awe.

"What bring you out here Lady Cahira?" He asked.

"I thought this would be an interesting change in routine." I answered him.

He soon had a strange look on his face. "My lady, will you allow me to dine with you this fine evening?"

"I'm afraid not sir, his royal highness does not permit me to dine with anyone other than the imperial family; as much as it would be a pleasure."

"That is truly a shame, though if you do wish to come here more often, I can give you a tour." He smirked.

"I'll have to take you up on that, sir? . . ." I wanted to learned his name.

"Imani, General Imani." He replied, seemingly content with himself. I nodded in turn. "My lady, if it's not too bold, have you yet married?"

"I have not General, if I am to marry it will be at the will of the king, as I am his ward."

"I understand my lady, may I expect to see you tomorrow?" He grinned.

"Perhaps not, as I have business at the palace, though I free the day after if it's no trouble." I stood from my seat. "Though it is about time I take my leave as it's getting late."

"It's no trouble at my lady, I look forward to it."

I smiled and gave a nod, before I returned to the castle. The sun was now starting to set, and I knew it was time that should eat.

I continued to my dining room, opening the door, and seeing a strange blonde man sitting at the head of the table. My most expensive bottle of wine in hand, and feet kicked up on the table.

"Who the hell are you?" I groaned.