The Arrival...

*****

Princess Rania's POV.

We traveled for days. Most of the time, we took rest in villages. Of course, They received and hosted us well. Every one wanted to dine with the world's Emperor. When ever I was asked about my husband, the empress was the first to answer. She Interrupted me in such a way that I became suspicious of her. They were hiding something away from me.

On the eighteenth day, we arrived in Aragón. No body told me that but I knew at once it's was the capital. The buildings were beautiful and artwork dominated the city. From the window of my carriage, I could tell that the people were happy to receive me. But was I ready to be their prince's wife?

No. I refused the prince even before we got married. Nothing was going to change my mind after marriage. Once I reach the palace, I promised to be polite and ask for privacy, till further notice. 

He bought me like a slave. Distance was his punishment.

“My Lady” A male voice called from outside the carriage. I noticed that we stopped, few minutes ago. Where was my mind!

“Yes” I pushed the curtains of the door and peeped out side. There was a large and magnificent building. This was the biggest palace have ever seen. People who had been in Aragón before I came, spoke of this great palace that took seven years to be built. It was worth its.

The guard brought out his hand forward. I gave him, mine  and I stepped out of the carriage. The sight was beautiful. Many maids lined up waiting for us. 

The Empress was outside already. She was waiting for me to join them.

“You shouldn't keep us waiting again” She said, rudely. I felt embarrassed in front of the maids and guards.

"Forgive me, my lady" quickly I bowed my head and apologized. From the look of things , this was the beginning of my sufferings. I got a bad mother in-law who wanted to turn me in to a slave. 

The maids took the lead, as we walked in to the gate of hell.  People stared at me with their mouths opened.  I wondered if they were feeling sad that my life was wasted.

We got to a giant door, and one of the maid, knocked. A guard opened the door while she urged on us to enter.  

I entered the room with a fear just to be disappointed. It's was a large hall full of women. Just like the maids who I met earlier, they were all lined up. 

The Empress walked in after us and the girls bowed their heads.

(So, you see? I wasn't the only slave here) 

The women were very beautiful that I was attempted to ask who they were but I didn't. The Empress did not like me. In order not to create problems for my self here, I shut my mouth. (It's wasn't difficult to do, was it?)

“Alissa” The empress called one of the maids. She had a frown on her face like she was forced to attend the wedding. Well , I guessed,  the woman was against this marriage. If this was true, then we were going to be best of friends.

"Yes , your highness” The slim girl with a green dress knelt in front of her. She looked so innocent and young. Poor girl, I knew she was a slave captured from a war.

“Take princess Rania to the prince's room and get her ready for the welcome ceremony” The empress instructed . 

“Your wish is my command, your highness” She said, standing up from the floor to meet me where I was . 

“Alissa  will be your personal maid, Princess Rania” My dearest mother in-law continued. “She has been by service for six years. With her, you will learn the dos and don'ts of this harem.”

A harem? Wait did they bring me to the harem??

I almost yelled at her. Annabelle told me stories about harem. One man and a hundred wives. With each struggling to be his favorite. I never wanted to share my husband with me.

Another thought came to my mind, just when I was about to protest. If Ivar was married to many women, he was going to be less concern and forget about my existence . ~which makes it a brilliant idea.~

“My lady , shall we?” Alissa asked in a low tone, interrupting my thoughts. 

I took a deep breath  "Sure."

We walked and passed several doors. The stairs were longer than the ones we had back at home. Thinking of home, I missed my family a lot. If there was a way to please the emperor other than marrying me, then father would have done it. My family was blameless. This was fate.

When we got to a black door on the last floor, Alissa stopped. The maids behind me took a step back. What were they afraid of?

There were two muscular guards at the door. Alissa went closer to them and asked "Is prince Ivar inside?”

“No” they both answered, with out looking at her. If the guards could be so rude, I wondered how rude their master would be !

“The Empress sent us to dress princess Rania here” Alissa told them . They gave me a surprise look. 

“Forgive us for not knowing” One of them apologized. 

“It's nothing” I managed to speak without stammering. 

Quickly, the guards opened the room and walked in to the room. The interior design was darkish. There was a giant bed facing the terrace door. Music instruments were arranged at the corner of the room. 

The room had a library too. There was no sight of a wardrobe. The art work on the wall scared me. 

(Who kept Skeletons and bats drawings on the wall? Who do such a thing?)

I became more scared when I saw a knife on the table. It could be use for protection or to cut a fruit... Only my brain knew the reason behind my nervousness.

“My Lady, we have prepared the bathroom for you. Three of the maids will take of bathing” She said.

“No. I will bath myself.”

“We will take care of your make up and dressing, when you are out” Alissa told me. She entered a room after three minutes, she came out with a large cloth. “Here my Lady , we will come back when you are done with your bath.”

“What?” I shouted. Why would they leave me in this damn room that looked more of a grave yard. By the way, I did not want the prince to show up while I am taking my bath “Please stay here and wait for me.”

“As you wish , my lady” She bowed.