Bonds Unbroken

"Kreir? Kreir." The sound of a woman's melodious voice bounced off the stone walls. Her footsteps echoed with each step, wooden heels striking the cobble stones as she made her way further down the dungeon. The flicker of firelight danced, playing with the shadows.

Thessa carefully stepped from the last stair and looked through the bars of the door that blocked her way. She lifted the torch in her hand to peer inside. She saw the shadow of a figure on the far side and smiled. With a flick of her wrist, she unlocked the door and entered, closing it behind her. "Kreir. Say something when I call you."

Kreir watched her enter. His skin was pale from lack of sunlight, and his pupils wide. His hair was brushed back into a simple ponytail, and he wore simple clothes that did little to block out the cold or keep in the warmth during the changes of weather. Two iron shackles circled his ankles, chaining him to the wall, and another bound his wrists, allowing him limited movement.

"Thessa..." Kreir lifted his head, squinting against the light of the torch.

Thessa smiled warmly at him and set the torch in the holster on the wall. She moved to settled before him, caring not if her skirt became dirty on the unwashed floor. Reaching out, she brushed aside the man's hair. She had taken care of him for several years now. Ever since he came to their seaside, ever since her father took him in as a prisoner, she took care of him. She visited as often as she could, sometimes once a week, sometimes twice or three times if she could afford to. She cleaned him with sponge and water, and fed him leftovers from yesterday's dinner.

When time allowed, she taught him to speak and understand words. It took her many months to get him to finally say something back to her, for he was an unintelligent man in the beginning. No one understood whether he was dull or amnesiac, but he knew little more than a newborn babe when he arrived at their castle. Kreir might have been taken to a local clinic if not for the fact that he was found wrapped in the coat bearing their enemy's insignia.

Thessa's father wanted to kill him, but Thessa's mercy saved him, though he was not completely free of torture and ruthless interrogation. Ever since, Kreir had been imprisoned in this dungeon, cared by Thessa in a way no guard or other person bothered to. He warmed up to her, and her alone, and listened always to her stories. Once he was able to understand her language and respond, she told him about their country and people. Enemy or not, this man knew nothing.

She told him about her family and herself. Often she spoke of her dislike for her father's ruling ways, and her mother's negligence to rein him in. She also told of her brothers, both men of military and very much like their father. The boys took after the King in more ways than one, and she was loath to follow in her mother's footsteps all the same and be agreeable.

Secretly she vowed to take the throne and rule this country as it should be. No more war. No more brutality. She would be diplomatic and sensible. She would negotiate. Of course, only Kreir knew of her intentions. Being faithful to her, he wished her luck. Always, he supported her.

"I have a special gift for you after we clean you up. We have to be careful, or Father with certainly punish me if we are caught." Thessa pulled out a key, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "I'm going to let you see the sun today."

Kreir's face lighted up. He hadn't seen the sun in so many days, it wouldn't have been a surprise if he forgot what it was. He gave Thessa an eager nod. "I would like that very much."

Thessa nodded back and began, talking with Kreir as she helped him wash with the sponge and bucket of water. She told him of her day and how she had an argument with her brothers about coming to see him. They didn't approve of her spending time with a "vagrant" and "scum." Thessa ignored them, of course. She would prove them wrong. She would make them see.

Once they were done, Thessa brushed Kreir's hair before unlocking the shackles on his limbs. Then, taking his hand, she led him out of the room and up the stairs, carefully and slowly guiding him up each step. Kreir hadn't walked in so long, his limbs were weak, and frequently they had to stop and let him rest, but eventually they made it to the top. Thessa bid him wait to check and make sure one of the guards wasn't around, then led Kreir outside.

The sun was bright overhead, and Kreir's eyes couldn't handle it. He shouted in surprise and pain, and ducked inside the stairwell. "It's okay," Thessa soothed him. "You will be fine. Let your eyes adjust. It won't be so bad."

Slowly they let him be exposed, until finally he could stand in the sun's warm rays and look at his surroundings. Kreir was enraptured, truly taken in by the world of light. If he could, he would've liked to stay here for the rest of the day, but Thessa had informed him that it wasn't possible. Not yet, anyway. She didn't want them to get into trouble, so she led him back down to his cell soon after.

It would not be his only day of sunlight, though. The next time she visited, Thessa once again promised to take him out, and she carried out her promise without fail. It started to become a routine, to bathe Kreir, talk with him, then lead him to the world beyond his prison.

For the next few months she did this, until finally her brother confronted her about her actions. "I saw you and that barbarian in broad daylight! You're lucky I haven't said anything to Father yet. I don't know what you're doing, but I suggest you stop it. Or I will have your privileges removed."

Thessa held her tongue, but she did not obey. She knew her brother would do something anyway, and so when night fell, she snuck to the dungeon and set Kreir free. "You cannot stay here any longer. My brother has learned of what we are doing and I do not doubt he will come to kill you. You must flee and hide." She touched his cheek affectionately. "I wish I could take you somewhere, but I cannot. I will lead you out of here. The rest is up to you. Please, survive."

Kreir touched her hand. "What about you? Why not come with me?"

Thessa smiled sadly. "My place is here. I would go with you if I could, but they would sooner find me and imprison me to my room than allow me freedom to leave and do as I wish. And you must also understand that I have a goal, and in order for it to come true, I must stay and endure."

She stood up, taking Kreir's hands in her own. "We must be quick, before they learn of my absence." With fast feet, she led Kreir back up the steps to the entrance of the dungeon. She took him across the courtyard, pushing his limits as they made their way to the one of the servants' back entrances. At the door, she looked to either side for any sentries and, to their luck, none were around. But she could hear footsteps around the corner and knew they were mere seconds away from getting caught.

Turning to Kreir, she tossed a cowl around his shoulders and handed him a sack with food, drink, some coin and spare clothing. "Take it. It should help you to survive for a few days. Do not come back to see me. This will be our last time together." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Be well, Kreir."

The man opened his mouth as if to protest and reason her out of her decision, but she gave him a push. "Go! Before they see you!" she begged in a harsh whisper.

Kreir nodded and disappeared into the nearest alley. Thessa bit her lip, watching him go, before quickly closing the door behind her and making her way back to her chambers.

After that day, she learned nothing of Kreir's existence. After her brother had learned of what she had done -- there was no way to truly hide her crime, only she would be so kindhearted and "foolish" to do such a thing -- Thessa was sentenced to solitude in her chambers for several weeks. Even after her sentence had been paid, she remained there, refusing to speak with her siblings.

When her mother came to her, to speak reason, she ignored the Queen's words. Only Thessa's faithful attendant was privy to her thoughts and stayed by her side, fetching her meals and taking care of her every need. She alone understood the princess and prayed for her happiness.

As two years passed, war escalated between Thessa's home country and their enemies. The royal family lost one prince, and the King became ill due to an assassination attempt during mealtime. Stricken, the Queen remained at the King's side, even though his conditioned only grew worse, leaving Thessa's remaining brother in charge.

Thessa watched from the sidelines as her brother struggled to follow in their father's footsteps. Their enemies were surprisingly well notified of their tactics, and countered their attacks with alarming ease. No one could understand why or how it was possible. Many people feared for their lives and turned to their broken monarchy for help.

Without her favorite prisoner and companion to confide in, Thessa grieved for someone to see eye to eye with her and help her with restoring the kingdom to its former glory. She knew that no matter what she thought of this kingdom and its insufficient rule, she was not in a position to have say in anything. She would have to wait for it all to crumble before she could even hope to rebuild it.

Soon enough, the enemy invaded their borders and marched toward the capital. The prince and his army were at the front lines to receive them, while the King grew gravely worse, the Queen governed the home on her own, and Thessa worked in the shadows, gathering guards from around the palace and having them round up the civilians and move them to safety. She knew her mother would be too tied with concern for the King to pay too much attention to the citizens, so she took matters into her own hands.

Riders and fast messengers sent out word throughout, working to keep normal civilians in each city out of harm's way. Word went out to each city's leader and overseer to do any means necessary to keep the peace. There should be no slaughter. If surrender was the only option, then so be it, but negotiations were essential, and bloodshed should be avoided.

As her brother's army lost to the invasion, Thessa stared over the horizon from the top balcony. Word came back to her as, one by one, the cities were being taken over. Her family and country were falling apart. She expected there to be a high count of death in the cities, but to her surprise, there were very little. Each messenger came back with the same news...

With the addition of one from the nearest city: "The General of their army wishes to meet with the Royal Family."

Thessa's brows rose high in surprise. She hadn't been expecting any communication from the enemy, only a complete massacre of her people. Confused, yet interested in what the General would have to say, she agreed to a meeting, but only she would be attending. Her father was in no condition to rule, and her mother was a useless woman to begin with. She would take charge in their place.

The messenger accepted her words and took it back to their enemy. When he came back, it was to state the enemy's estimated arrival. Thessa had the city open its gates and the guards stationed to receive them. Warmly. Though they were the killers of her people, she had to be courteous. They wanted to talk, and talk they would.

She waited in the council room, seated in her father's chair. She had dressed every part the princess she was, aided by her attendant. With plunging neckline, flowing sleeves and a full skirt that pooled around her ankles, soft heels, a royal pendant about her neck, and her hair fashioned into intricate weaving atop her head, she sat primly with her hands folded in her lap. Two guards stood on either side of her, and a few more were stations about the corners of the room, swords at their hips.

Thessa pressed her lips together as one of the guards at the door announced the arrival of her guest. She watched with a guarded gaze as the doors were opened upon her approval and four men entered. Each man was dressed in uniform, but she knew her interest laid in the one who walked at the front. She knew from the way he held his head and the way he moved he was a man who commanded respect and obedience. The three behind him were probably guards or assistants to his cause.

As she watched him approach, Thessa had a strange feeling he looked familiar. Hauntingly familiar. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. When no answer came to her, she dismissed the thought.

The man, presumably the General, stopped a dozen or so feet away from her and bowed deeply at the waist. "It is a great pleasure to be granted an audience with you, Your Highness. I am Welik Ariassi, and these are my men." He straightened. "If you'll excuse me, I was not aware this country was ruled by a Queen."

"It is not. But you will speak with me nonetheless. Now state your business."

"As you are aware, our people are at discourse with each other. And as a result, many lives have been lost. We would like to put an end to this war."

Thessa's brows rose. "Put an end? You could have easily done that by simply halting your assault on our land."

"That may be so, Highness, but such a task is not so easy when we must also defend our own land."

"Yet you found reason to force your way into ours?"

"We humbly apologize for the deaths that have been caused due to our actions. We wish to end this properly, and end the bloodshed. Surely you too do not want to see more graves erected upon your land."

Of course not. Thessa did not want this war any more than the next sane person. "If you truly wish to settle this, and I assume your word sincere since you came all this way to speak with us, then I also assume you have a proposal." Peace was not free, she knew. If it was a negotiation, then she would hear it out and wager the consequences.

Welik's lips curled into a smile. "The matter is simple. Our King wishes to exchange gifts with you in the name of truce." When Thessa looked at him questioningly, he continued, "He will send condolences for the damage wrought upon your land, and you will be granted rule of your people. Though we cannot bring the dead back, the families of the deceased will be compensated for their loss."

"And in return?" She was suspicious. Why would their enemy do so much for them after tearing their land apart?

Welik looked back at one of the men, holding out his hand. The man pulled out an envelope from his breast pocket and handed it to him. He stepped forward, holding it out. Thessa nodded to one of the guards at her side to take it and bring it to her. Once in her hands, she looked it over. It was sealed with a royal stamp. "What is this?" She looked at Welik.

"These are the demands our King has laid out for you. They are for your eyes only."

Thessa frowned slightly and looked to her guard. He handed her a small knife to open the envelope. She slit the seal and pulled out the parchment, unfolding it. She read the elaborate script silently, her face growing pale as she reached the end of the letter. She read it over twice, her jaw tight and her lips pulling into a trembling line. When at last she could read no more, she looked across at Welik.

"This is what he wants?" Her voice was tight. The guards at either side of her glanced at her in concern.

"Yes, Your Highness. It's not a lie." Welik held her gaze intently. The way he spoke suggested there was more than what was literally said.

Thessa closed her eyes. She inhaled slowly, deeply, then let it out. She was silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "I accept."

"Truly? This is your answer?"

She opened her eyes and stared straight at Welik. "Yes. I accept without complaint."

Welik smiled at her and stepped toward her. The guards stood in his way, but Thessa waved them off. They looked at her curiously, cautious about this man coming near, but she did not change her mind. Rather, she stood in welcome to Welik, holding out a hand to him as he stepped closer.

The man gently took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of her palm. He knelt on one knee before her, a hand over his heart. "I ask you again, Your Highness. This is your answer?"

Thessa reached out and gently cupped his cheek. "Yes, Kreir. It is. You have been brought back to me, safe and sound." She looked to the rest of the room and dismissed the guards. Again, they looked at her, uncertain, but they heeded her command.

Welik, or Kreir as Thessa knew him, dismissed his men as well, leaving the two of them alone. He looked up at Thessa, smiling. "I thought of no one but you, my princess. When I fled this place, I longed only to return to your side. I was lucky to be taken in by women who were kind enough to care for me. I came to learn of their culture and with basic skill alone came to be their bodyguard. My skill had me scouted into the King's army, and there I learned how to fight. I learned many things, and became close with the prince. It is through his efforts that I came upon my true identity. And it is because of his pity on me that I gained the favor of the King. They have accepted and welcomed me into their family as if I was one of their own, and in turn I have served them faithfully." He stood up, taking Thessa's hands in his. "As our countries continued to fight, I was reminded of you. I told the King about you, and the stories about your family as I had heard them. He offered to help us reunite."

"But the war... so many people are dead. Could your King not have sent a message instead?"

Welik shook his head. "Perhaps, but I didn't simply want to see you again. I wanted to see you as Queen of your people. I remembered your stories, your dreams, and I wanted to make them come true."

"So you killed...?" She couldn't say it.

Welik squeezed her hands, bringing them up to his lips to kiss her knuckles. "Please forgive me. I cannot bring back the dead, but I wanted revenge for what they did to you. They treated you unfairly when you were so kind. You may blame me. You may have me executed for my crimes. I do not care, because being able to see you again is already a gift I do not deserve."

Thessa shook her head. "I am a terrible woman to admit it, but I am grateful for their deaths. And as my father lies on his deathbed, there is none to rule in his stead but my mother. She, I am sad to say, is unfit to lead. She has lost her right rule in the years she has played crutch to my father's services."

"Do not forget that it is by my King's request that you be crowned in exchange for peace. None other should hold the scepter but you." He kissed her hands again. "I will see to it that you have everything."

Thessa smiled softly. She was undeserving of him.

Together they talked of Welik's journeys and discussed what was to become of their countries. An alliance would be formed under the name of Thessa who would be crowned Queen, and Welik's King. Accommodations would be made for the damage done, and a greater nation would be built up from the ashes of the old. Together, the two countries would work to build a grand kingdom. Trading would pass between them, resources open to all, and all the land and sea would be free for use. And in dire times, they would call upon each other for support.

Welik and Thessa were reluctantly separated after their short time together. Welik pulled back his forces and sent message back to his King about Thessa's decision. While he was gone, Thessa ripped apart the rule that her father has set in place. She visited him during his last hours to tell him what was to be done. Her father was too weak to protest, and so gave his permission.

Thessa was crowned Queen and right away she set about the task of ruling her people. A month passed her by as she reestablished rule and erected a new system. She knew she had a long way to go, and her work was certainly cut out for her, but she had hope something fruitful would come out of it all. And with the support of Welik and his home country, she knew she was not alone.

After six months went by, Welik proposed to Thessa. They tied their hearts together, and in addition tied their countries together. After a year, they married. A new era was upon them. With a long and bloody war behind them, a new and joyful future was ahead.

END