The Protector

Chapter 11

Dnarza's eyes burnt with hot tears that made their way down her cheeks, smudging the kohl in her eyes, as she looked at herself in the revealing clothing she had to wear for Theon's birth anniversary celebrations, which would decide her fate.

The crimson strip of cloth with a flowery pattern barely covered her chest, securing it to her back with a tiny hook. The black skirt she wore had a slit on each side up to the middle of her thighs.

She pulled on a shawl in an attempt to hide her reflection from herself.

Her mother wiped the kohl stains from her cheeks, cleaning up the smudging around her eyes. She tied a shiny belt at her hips and held her at an arm's distance to have one last look at her before she left for the palace.

"Do not stay there a minute after your dance is done, no matter what happens." She said, even though she knew she had no control over it.

There were tears in her eyes too, but she didn't change the expressions on her face. Her eyes had the expression of failure; of a mother who had failed to protect her child.

She took her into her arms in a tight embrace and Dnarza did not think she'd ever let go.

"I'm so sorry, Marcus." She said, a tear falling from her eye.

Marcus was Dnarza's father's name. That was all she knew about him.

***

Four eunuchs from the palace had been sent to bring Dnarza in a palanquin. It was meant to make her feel like royalty, but she felt like a lamb on her way to be slaughtered.

More than once, she looked out of the moving wooden box, wondering what would happen if she jumped down and escaped once and for all.

However, she knew she couldn't. Her mother would have to bear the brunt of the king's anger and she wouldn't be able to survive for long.

Hopelessness plagued her mind as she reached the palace.

It was huge and decorated beautifully in celebration. The large gardens had been covered with thousands of clay lamps, making them look like stars. Colorfully dressed girls were serving the guests drinks and refreshments, while the king sat on a large, illuminated throne, with his brothers beside him. A dance was being presented before him by a group of men carrying sticks, who were dancing to the beat of the drums. For a minute, Dnarza forgot about everything else, held in a trance by the pull of the festivities.

A sudden surge of something unexplainable ran into her. A feeling of belonging. She felt like she had known this place all her life. Her eyes turned to the three brothers on their thrones and her heart filled with extreme anger. The sort of anger you feel towards someone who has snatched away something you love.

As soon as she took a step out of the palanquin, she heard an announcement.

"Presenting the beautiful Dnarza, daughter of the dancer Zaphina!" Said the presenter.

All eyes were on her as she made her way to the raised platform in front of the throne. People parted to have a look at her.

The men could not take their eyes off her. Her body was like a powerful magnet, attracting every male's sight in a firm pull.

She slipped her shawl off.

She felt powerful. She would not need it any more.

She stopped right in front of the throne and her eyes met the eyes of the king. Her fear was replaced by a deep burning hatred as she looked at the king, his rich blue robes draped over her protruding belly.