The Conqueror's Wife

Smoke rises to the sky from different locations in the outer and inner city of Casia. The screams of women and children, can be heard above the sounds of conflagration. The street is littered with the bodies of massacred soldiers, all bearing the emblem of the King of Casia, little gullies of blood run through the ravaged streets, from the bodies of men, women, children and animals alike. In the midst of all the chaos, a horse in golden armour struts through the street, undeterred by the carnage. On it’s back, sits a rider in golden armour who urges the gentle beast forward while he surveys the damage done to the kingdom. The wailing women instantly become quiet, lowering their heads as the man in the golden armour rides past them, the crying children hide behind their mothers’ skirts.  They don’t meet his gaze, the ones that are brave enough to do so cower instantly, shivering uncontrollably, as through the slit in his helmet, they see his cold gold eyes, the e

She heads to the kitchen, where she is saved from having her head smacked in by the bowl of hot soup in her aunt’s hand.“Where have you been, you stupid girl?!”“I am sorry aunt, I went for a walk, to get a breath of fresh air and lost track of time.” Kiara gathers the serving bowls and utensils in her arms.Her aunt mimics her in a high-pitched voice. “That’s how you’ll lose track of time and forget you have a husband at home to feed. I wonder what that poor boy sees in you. I’ve told him several times, it is not too late to change your mind, Corgan. There are several dainty, meek girls in the city, from good homes, not this strong-headed mule I call a niece, but he doesn’t listen to me. I won’t take you in if he brings you back after a few days of your nonsense. You better find another home to stay.” Her aunt says this, as she walks into the dining room to serve her family.Two of

Kiara wakes up in a cell after a bucket of water is dumped on her. Two soldiers are in the cell with her.“We are here to prepare you for the Emperor.”Kiara does not anticipate the blow until the foot makes contact with her side. Both soldiers kick and stomp on her until it hurts to breathe, Kiara curls into a ball, using her arms to cover her face. She is struck repeatedly until she passes out for the second time today.When she wakes up, she is in intense pain, she pulls herself off the ground in a kneeling position holding the side that hurts the most. She whimpers, taking in short painful breaths before realizing something crucial. She is not alone.She turns around and finds the Emperor sitting on a chair, he is still in his gold armour but Kiara notices that this one is different, shinier. Up close she can see his features, they are strong, yet somehow delicate at the same time. High cheek bones and a strong jawline, yet he has thin bro

The Emperor looks through the opening in his tent at his newly conquered kingdom. He is aware of his General’s presence in the room but does not turn around until the man clears his throat, announcing his presence. The Emperor leaves the makeshift window and sits himself on the pillows, before the meal spread out on the table. The General takes his seat only after the Emperor is seated, he unbuckles his sword from his waist and lays it by his side. The Emperor pours wine into two goblets, which the men drink from before eating in silence, observing a custom they had shared for more than two decades. The Emperor looks at the gray hair on his General’s head and wonders how many more years they have before death or war snatches either of them from this table. “I heard you are married now.” The General’s gravelly voice brings him out of his reprieve. Word does travel fast. The Emperor waves his hand, dismissing the statement. “Jin…” The General calls out

  Nia joins her in the carriage where she has been dumped and locked in for two hours at least. Kiara turns her face away from her, to hide her tear stained face from the girl. Nia doesn’t say anything. The carriage begins to move, soon after, Kiara hears a whip crack furiously and various unintelligible sounds coming from the hostler. “Where are we going?” She asks. “Home.” Nia replies. “What about court?” Nia looks at Kiara, her features twisted in utter confusion. “The Emperor said we had court this morning.” Kiara expatiates. “You can’t hold court with people who no longer exist.” Nia’s voice is toneless and cold as she says this. Kiara feels the tears pool in her eyes. She is the sole reason her people have been annihilated. The sole reason. She cannot bring herself to make eye contact with Nia. The carriage begins to move with neck-breaking speed on uneven road, the car