The Fate In Us

Chapter Three

Stirlana Kingdom

Many miles away resided a dark, poor kingdom by the name of Stirlana. It was the kingdom of slavery, death, an unpaid labor. Cleremunda had traveled there in her dreams- but besides that, the young woman had never stepped foot inside the depressive village. Alexander was born in the filth there, but was raised to be king. Instead of following his father's footsteps, he was rebellious and joined the army. Within years, the commanders saw his talents and decided that he should lead the soldiers. Woman couldn't join the army- if they did, however, they were slaughtered. The only contact females had with the soldiers were when they fed them or tended to their wounds. Alexander never showed interest in women; the only time he had was when he first saw Cleremunda.

She had awoken on the crack of dawn to shoot with her bow and arrows. Alexander watched from his carriage as he passed, just so happening to see her split an arrow with another. She cursed, went to retrieve it, then snapped it using her knee. He chuckled beneath her breath. "Timothy," he called up to his driver, "who is that woman?"

"That is Princess Callista's slave-girl, Cleremunda."

Alexander scoffed. "You know not to say it like that."

"My apologies, M'Lord."

Alexander hadn't visited Narbani again until he discussed the war with Callista.

Stirlana was where Alexander lived. His room was in the palace, clearly, but he loathed the rich cloth constantly around him, the fancy words, ugly dresses, obnoxious woman, and loud music from the stringed instruments that played in the dining hall. Alexander's mother was a woman obsessed with sexual intercourse, while his father focused on the alcohol and ignoring his villagers' issues. Most people of Stirlana hated the king and queen. They attempted to torch the palace multiple times, but ended up being punished terribly. Alexander hated to be around this negativity- especially when he had a younger sister to worry about, who was up next to rule.

Princess Zahannah was a gorgeous young lady, aged fifteen years. Her light blonde hair was cut to the middle of her neck and was slightly wavy, while her eyes were stunningly blue. Her lips were rosy pink, plump, and perfect. She had fair, clear skin, but a nasty looking scar that was slashed across her face. No matter how one would look at her, the mark was always visible. This didn't keep her from smiling. Alexander was very close with her. He didn't necessarily like the young boy she would be marrying, but he was thankful that he was better than Jamettus.

Alexander was smacked across the top of his head with a roll of cardboard. He winced and rubbed his head, then glared at the attacker. It was his fellow commander, Lukhas. "The hell was that for?"

"You were daydreaming."

"I was just thinking about stuff."

"Is it that girl again?"

"What girl?"

"Callista's slave-girl. The enemy."

His jaw clenched. "You know how I feel about that word."

Lukhas smacked him again. "Snap out of it. You kill people for a living, not daydream over slaves. That's gross, by the way. She probably has diseases."

Alexander went to clock him in the jaw, but he was forced into his seat by an elder commander. "Will the two of you son's of bitches knock it off," he growled. "We need to plot out our attack."

Lukhas pumped his fists into the air. "Hell yeah! I can't wait to slit that princess's throat in front of all her loved ones!"

"That's horrible," Alexander told him.