The Warrior Prince

Makes no Sense

It was early as Prince Lothar walked through the halls. He could hear the sound of someone crying as he past his mother's room. The prince didn't check on the woman. His father had probably been rough with her during sex again. It would hardly be the first time. Lothar was aware his father could be as rough as he could be gentle during pleasure. Whenever his father was upset or angry, a woman could guarantee he'd be rough and sometimes flat out cruel as he took her. His father could be the cruelest with his mother when she displeased him. Chances were quite high his father had taken out his displeasure on the woman throughout the night.

While his father had been casual about his wife not being as strong as Valeria, Lothar knew it had upset the king. Valeria was every bit as beautiful, if not more so than his mother. While Lateefa had cringed during dinner when the two men had been forced to bow and had been openly uncomfortable, Valeria had seemed unbothered. His father had expected his new bride to break down, but it hadn't happened.

Lothar smiled remembering her defiance and dismissal of Duncan's words. The woman had been completely unapologetic and he was even sure now it wasn't because she was sitting with the Royal Family of Zandell. No, she despised the man on her own. His bride needed no encouragement.

The prince turned down another hallway and headed toward the terrace at the back of the castle. He opened one of the two French doors leading outside and entered onto the terrace. He walked to the railing and looked up at the last few visible stars. Soon the sun would hide the stars once more.

For the first time since Caden had suggested a marriage between Lothar and Sage, he felt a sense of peace. Caden would be angry, but even he would understand once he met Valeria. Sage was beautiful to be sure. She was well proportioned and certainly knew how to please a man. The woman was even quite a warrior in her own right. In truth, he would have thought Sage was the perfect woman for him. Lothar did not know what it was that made him not want her. To him it didn't make sense at all.

Lothar was as confused by his lack of attraction to Sage as he was with his yearning attraction for Valeria. Valeria was beautiful of course. Both women were blonde with blue eyes. Valeria's hair was long while Sage's was shoulder length with slight waves in it. They were both strong women and skilled with a sword. Sage was fierce while Valeria appeared gentle. The prince shook his head. It just didn't make sense.

"Good Morning, Your Highness."

Lothar turned and was surprised to see his bride had entered the terrace. "You're awake?"

Valeria smiled at the heir to Zandell. "I've never been one to sleep in," she told him. "You thought I was getting up because we were traveling?"

Lothar looked at the woman. "Most women would not be awake. You are not a warrior."

Valeria was slightly taken back by his somewhat harsh words. "No, I am not. If you want a warrior for your wife, I suggest you marry that ally Princess instead of me." She turned abruptly and left.

Lothar watched almost shocked as the woman dared to walk away from him. She had no business speaking that way to him, let alone walking away without him dismissing her. Who did this woman think she was?

Angrily the prince went after her. He entered the castle to find she was nowhere in sight. Becoming even more enraged he stormed through the halls. "Where is Valeria?!" he demanded as he came in contact with one of his men. The warrior didn't speak and simply pointed in the direction the woman had gone.

The King's men knew not to speak to the heir when he was angry unless it was to give him the information he wanted to know. Lothar continued to storm through the castle before ultimately making his way to the stables where the woman had gone.