The Scarlet Scepter

Chapter Fifteen (Revised)

A beautiful woman was sitting on a fountain in a middle of a garden. I don't think I saw this place before. I was standing next to her, and she seemed to be waiting for someone.

She had creamy white skin, long curly hay-colored hair and emerald eyes like mine. The way they sparkled . . . it was familiar. Her beauty radiated even though she was only wearing a plain blue dress.

Why am I having all these dreams anyway?

She stood up, and a handsome man approached her. He kissed her hand, and she smiled fondly at him.

"Forgive me for making you wait, milady," said the man. He had auburn hair and dark green eyes.

"Milady? You're always trying to make me laugh, General," the lady said.

He grinned. "I like it when you laugh, Zuleira."

She blushed. "Shall we?"

The scene changed. I was standing in a huge room. It looked like the Council room in Seriah, but it was much more magnificent. All walls were decorated with precious stones, and I was standing in floor made of gold.

"Zuleira! What were you doing with him?" a voice boomed from the dais in the far side of the room.

"He was accompanying me to the marketplace, Your Majesty," the woman said, her head bowed. The man she was speaking to was wearing royal velvety clothes, like the ones King Arioch wore during the Council meeting. The man was also ruggedly handsome, with black hair and brown eyes, and radiating an aura of power.

"Accompany?" He was evidently angry. "What for? He knows the way!"

The woman cringed like she was going to melt in his stare. "Your Majesty, I—"

"Insolence!" he shouted at her. "He's been here before, so do not dare give that excuse!" He scrutinized her and huffed. "I heard reports that you have been seen with him often. You are not planning to elope with him, are you?"

"No!" she said quickly and knelt in front of him. "Forgive your servant, Your Majesty."

The man's eyes softened. "Or have you forgotten that he is an enemy? He might have been sent here under Andreas's orders, to spy on the kingdom."

"General Zenas would never do that."

He was obviously angered, but his expression remained calm. "Are you trying to defend a General of Seriah to me, Zuleira?"

"I, no, Your Majesty, but I know that he would never do such a thing," she said quickly. "How could I answer to you, Your Majesty, when I am just a servant here in the palace?"

The man smiled, and his eyes shone with . . . malice.

"Nevertheless. I know Andreas. Do you know what punishment awaits those who help our enemies?"

I was standing in front of them, and I saw her eyes tremble in fear. "Death, Your Majesty."

"Would you like me to sentence you to death?" What kind of man asks that?

"No, Your Majesty."

"I can lift the sentence, Zuleira," he said, and Zuleira looked at him with hope. "But only if you agree to my conditions."

"What conditions?"

"As you see, my wife is in Ahavah," he smiled nastily at her. "It's a cold night tonight."

Her eyes widened with comprehension, and she immediately backed away. "No, I cannot do that, Your Majesty."

He rose and stood behind Zuleira, who froze. He played with her hair, and leaned close to her ear. "Can't you do this only once? I can give you what you want and much more."