Chapter 1: Arranged marriage

A soft knock on her door had Lady Aurora looking up.

"Come in," she called out.

A timid maidservant entered and bowed deeply.

"The king wishes to see you."

"My father," Aurora corrected with a sigh, "the king is my father. You say my father wants to see me."

"My sincere apologies, my lady. Your father wishes to see you."

"You may leave."

Aurora shut the leather-bound book she had been reading and rose. Her right hand lazily untied her hair as she walked out of her room. Long tender blonde curls cascaded down her rigid back.

"Father," she greeted, walking in through the doors held open for her, into her father's private quarters.

He was lounging by the pool, his legs in the clear water. She knew instantly that something was wrong. He was only ever in that position when he needed to think about dead important matters.

"Trouble outside the borders?" 

She placed a kiss on his cheek and lowered herself down to sit with him.

He sighed deeply.

"I'm afraid not, dearest Aurora, I'm afraid not."

She grew worried. The look on his face was one of great distress.

"Emperor Julius of the Jaresh empire sent a message today."

"What does he want? He's not the type to cause trouble."

"Of course. He wants to strengthen the bond between the empire."

"That shouldn't be a prob…" her countenance fell as realization dawned on her. King Janus took his daughter's hands and kissed them deeply and affectionately.

"I prayed that this day would never come. I did but that was so selfish a prayer that I knew Zeus would never grant it."

"It's alright, father" Aurora smiled, recovering from the shock, "I've been prepared for this all my life."

King Janus's lips trembled and Aurora threw her arms around him.

"You won't be weak because of such a trivial issue, will you? Do not let the waters witness such a great embarrassment."

"Oh, Aurora…"

She withdrew her arms and straightened her back.

"Which of his sons am I to engage?"

"Emperor Julius has many sons but only one was born to him of his wife." 

"Sebastian," she murmured, "I've heard a great lot about him."

"Strong lad. He has helped his father conquer so many territories."

"When am I leaving?"

"Well," Emperor Janus turned a sly face to his daughter, "you're my only daughter and child so of course, I couldn't just let you go so easily."

Aurora shut her eyes in defeat, "what did you do?"

"I simply requested that the wedding be held in our kingdom," Emperor Janus announced with glee.

"What?" She gasped, her eyes flying open, "that's unheard of!"

Emperor Janus shrugged, lifting himself out of the water, she followed, her shock still evident.

"Anything for my daughter."

*

Two days later, the slave messenger arrived in the central city of the Jaresh Empire. The city bustled with the early evening trade. Horse carts loaded with goods traveled the streets, raising dust wherever the crinkly wheels stepped, loud boisterous chatter of the men and the quiet gossip of the women filled the evening air as workers returned to their homes for dinner.

In the Palace, located in the center of the city…

"My lord, I have come with a response from King Janus of Hvar kingdom."

Emperor Julius who was reclining on a golden bench received the letter from his slave. He opened it with great anticipation and then burst out into laughter after reading its contents.

"Oh my Zeus! What a man!" He exclaimed.

"What's the problem, father?" Justus, one of Julius' many illegitimate sons, asks at the entrance.

"You may come in, boy," Julius beckons on him with excitement.

"King Janus wishes for the wedding to take place in his city."

Justus scoffs, taking a seat on one of the golden stools adjacent to his father's bench.

"That's absurd and a great disrespect, father. It has never been heard of."

"I know son, I know… but it won't be so much of a bad idea, would it?"

"It is, father. Our subordinate kingdoms will laugh at us. Don't you think he means this as a sign of disrespect?"

Julius waved him off.

"I don't think Sebastian will mind. He didn't offer the slightest hint of defiance to me when I suggested the marriage alliance. Lady Aurora is, after all, the fairest maiden to ever be known."

Justus turns his face away in envy.

"Where's Sebastian?" 

"Out on another mission."

"I'm here, father."

Father and son looked up to behold Sebastian standing at the entrance to the emperor's plaza, in all his princely glory. He had the build and stature of a king and he exhibited the aura of a fierce warrior. His features were the loveliest to behold.

"May I?"

"Of course, of course. I'm sure you must have overheard the news. Do you find it disrespectful?"

"Not at all. Princess Aurora is the king's only daughter and child. It is only normal that he feels reluctant to give her away in marriage."

"See, son," Emperor Julius looked at Justus knowingly, "he is completely taken by the princess even without meeting her."

Justus forced a smile.

"Father, I'll like us to get the marriage over with as soon as possible. The bloodsuckers' attacks are increasing in numbers."

"All right," Julius happily rose to his feet, "I've longed for this day when I get to retire and let my sons take over. Relief."

Sebastian and Justus watched him walk away.

"I wish you a happy married life, brother, and congratulations on your coronation."

Sebastian looked at his younger brother and smiled softly.

He let out an inaudible sigh. He hoped the princess Aurora was not a female loaded with trouble.