The Winter Queen

1.Encounter By Chance

Stones and dust - that's all that was left of the village lying north of Galos. Just hours ago, this little village was bustling with people going about, doing their work. People carrying loads on carts, women buying fruits and the children running through the busy market street filled the streets. And that was when the bell sounded. Everyone knew the dreaded sign. The first rock came hurling towards the marketplace a reduced the arch pillars to dust. People scrambled for cover. Fear spread like wildfire and the result was chaos.

Hours later, accompanied by his men and the smell of smoke and death, King Ares arrived. The village came under his kingdom of Galos. He looked around at the damage. As he passed through the market and the side roads one thing was clear. Many innocent lives were lost in that unprovoked attack. For a king like Ares, his people are his most prized possession. For him, their safety always came first. But now...

A twig snapped somewhere behind a tree and his guards, alert as always, drew their weapons.

"Who's there?" His General asked. "Show yourself or we will fire."

Ares stepped down from his horse and said to the unknown woods

"We mean no harm. You have my word."

They waited. Seconds passed and the General caught a slight movement behind the tree line. He motioned for his guards. A figure stepped out into the open followed by another. The latter seemed to be in pain and his movements were sluggish. Both were covered from head to toe by cloaks.

"Bring them to the castle."

Ares sat on his throne, feeling the whole burden of his kingly responsibilities. His kingdom was attacked, people brutally killed and he could not stop them. His frustration was evident. Responsibilities always come first. At this time of the night, the council he called is almost empty. Only his most trusted men were here.

"My Lord. The people we found..." The General's voice brought Ares back to reality. Standing before him, were the two clad figures. They bowed to him. One of them, slowly pulled back the cloak. It was a man, maybe fifty something of age, standing in his full height. 'Someone of high rank.' Ares concluded.

"I am King Ares and this is Galos, my land. Please speak so I may know you."

The man was about to speak when suddenly, he clutched his stomach as if in pain. When he pulled his hand way, it was crimson. Blood was soaking through his clothes. The other figure, at once supported the man.

"A doctor. Now." Ares ordered. Within seconds, the man was carried away, barely conscious.

"Please tell us what happened." Ares urged.

The figure took of the cloak and it dropped to the floor. Ares' gaze stayed fixed on the one before him. Skin as white as snow, hair flowing down in waves and locks and oh, those eyes. Before him, clad in white, stood the most beautiful woman he had seen. He was transfixed by her beauty and so was everyone else. She bowed once again and started.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience." Her voice was gentle and seemed to sooth Ares' frustration.

Ares smiled. "It's no inconvenience . Please continue."

"I am Princess Athena, daughter of King Sirius. My kingdom lies north of here. My accomplice is General William, my father's most trusted man."

"How did you end up here, My Lady?" Ares asked.

"It is a long story but true all the same. About a week ago, our kingdom was attacked by King Azul. He had ascended the throne of Isiris just weeks before. It was unprovoked attack and it took us by surprise. We fought hard but his army was too much for us to handle. My kingdom fell into his clutches."

She paused for a moment and was met by looks of astonishment.

"Your kingdom isn't the only one, My Lady." General spoke up.

"He's cunning and cruel. A deadly combination. He imprisoned my father and many of his men. And somehow, in the midst of all this chaos, his eyes fell on me. He wanted to speak to me and I let him. He kept a proposal. In return for the freedom of my father and his men, I would have to marry him. My mother had died when I was young and my father was all I had. I agreed. But my father had other plans. He had send William to me minutes before the ceremony and before I knew it, I was at the outskirts of the town. I knew this was escape and I expected my father to follow. But the empty streets behind me said another story."

She stopped and a tear rolled down her cheeks. She caught herself and continued.

"My father had entrusted my safety to William and while we were trying to escape from Azul's men, he was shot. It is by God's grace alone that we made it this far. And I'm truly grateful for your help."

"Pleasure's all mine."

As if on cue, the doctor rushed in.

"The man is going to be fine, My Lord. He did lose a lot of blood but he will survive. It will take time." Athena breathed a sigh of relief. Ares nodded. "I have request, My Lord. Please allow me to tend to the wounded. Today's attack had brought a lot of damage to our people and I would like to extend my services. That is, if Your Grace allows."

A smile spread across Ares' face almost immediately.

"Certainly. I think it's time we get some rest." Ares said getting up. " Princess. Would you like to take a walk?"

"Sure."

The palace garden was a sight to behold even at this time of the night. Athena and Ares walked side by side until they reached a small pond at the end of the garden. It was beautiful. Blue water lilies amidst white and the stars shone like little diamonds in the water. They sat there and talked till the first rays of sun came out from behind the mountains.

"Your kingdom is truly beautiful, My Lord."

"Please. Call me Ares."

She smiled. "Only if you call me Athena."

And that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, one that eventually turned into something magical.