The Protector

Chapter 3

Dnarza sat behind the curtains where her mother was about to perform. The sheer violet curtains swayed in the wind blowing through the large windows. At fourteen years of age, Dnarza was not allowed to dance just yet. But she practiced and would watch everytime her mother danced.

Her mother, Zaphina was a beautiful court dancer. She had been bought as a slave at a young age, but had been freed by the kind Dortague king. Ever since then, she'd been dancing at his court.

Dnarza was four years old when the kingdom was usurped by the Carroughs. The violet Falcon on the turrets had been replaced by the blue blood hound. But that hadn't been the only change. The Carroughs were a ruthless, rugged and wild bunch. Their highland origins had made them tough and brutal, something gentle Corcusse was not used to. They had made drastic changes to the landscaping and erected multiple monuments of their gods. They were also more prejudiced against the lower classes and had constructed walls to prevent the mixing of the high and low classes.

Her mother was the King's favourite dancer, and she'd been given a place to stay near the castle. The new king had also taken a liking to her mother and had allowed her to stay.

To say that Dnarza disliked the Carroughs was to put it lightly. She despised them. They had taken away the kind king, the beautiful trees and fountains. The people had been divided into classes, the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer. Young girls who weren't so well off were forced to sell their bodies to get food to eat.

Worst of all, they had taken away her mother's smile. And she could never forgive them for that.

Nonetheless, she watched her mother prepare for a feast that the king had held in honour of his brother turning sixteen.

The king had three brothers. The eldest, king Jor, was nineteen years of age. He was a tall and muscular man. The second, prince Grant, was a tall, gangly young man. He was the one who was turning sixteen. The youngest, prince Theon was about her age. He rarely came out of the castle and despite the frequent visits by the Royal brothers, had never been seen outside the castle much.

Her mother never allowed her to be present at her dances, yet she had always sneaked behind the curtains to watch. Her mother did not wish for her to be seen by the kings, in order to protect her. She also made Dnarza wear a veil on her mouth whenever they would come. Yet Dnarza would always ape her mother's moves behind the curtains and pretend she too, were dancing in front of an audience.

"Dnarza! Have you read the books I got for you?", Said Zaphina. She did not wish for her daughter to live the same life as she did. A good education was the only way. She spent the money she earned secretly providing her daughter with good books and scrolls. She had even requested the old scroll keeper to teach her for a few hours everyday. As a result, Dnarza had learnt five different languages and could read different scrolls and writings.

"I have, mother. I'd finished them days ago." She said, proudly

She looked at her mother for encouragement. Her mother's smile did not reach her eyes.

It hadn't in a long time.

***

"Theon!"

A loud voice bellowed through the halls of the Royal castle. Tired and weary, Theon sighed.

"We shall continue the practice tomorrow, Brandt," he said. "My brother wishes to see me now."

Brandt bowed, and quietly picked up his sword and shield. Theon was unhappy that even though it had been eight years since the kingdom had been annexed, the Carroughs had failed to win the people's hearts. Yet it seemed to him that he was the only one out of his brothers who was concerned. He was also the only one who practiced with swords and archery. His eldest brother had become lazy after he had taken the throne and his other brother had never been very interested in swords or battles. He was more interested in women and wines.

He walked up to his brother's chambers. They had been covered in a bright violet, Grant's favourite colour. The colour made Theon feel nauseous.

"Little brother! I have called you here to invite you to the dance hall for the feast tonight."

"You know I have no interest in dancing." Said Theon, warily.

Grant chuckled.

"You needn't dance, you fool. We'll be watching a woman dance. The beautiful Zaphina."

"I have no desire to watch women dancing. However, I do wish you a joyful and prosperous birth anniversary. I wish to take your leave now." Said Theon, turning to walk away.

"As your elder brother, I command you to come with me and watch the dance. Perhaps it will make you more interested in women. When I was your age, I-"

Theon sighed. He had already lost interest.

A/N: what do you think about Dnarza? Theon? Let me know in the comments! And don't forget to vote. Thanks!