Frost & Fire

Chapter One: First Impressions Are Everything

Frost & Fire

Chapter One: First Impressions Are Everything

“Where are they? What is taking so long?!”

The angrily shouted questions echoed throughout the almost empty throne room. The guards all shifted nervously, as did Bastien – the older man standing at the bottom of the stairs that led up to the throne. He had brought word that the awaited guests hadn’t yet arrived, which was already much later than they were anticipated, and now stood silently with his head bowed and his eyes cast down at his feet.

“I am unsure, Your Majesty,” he said some moments later. Bastien was afraid to speak but knew there would be consequences if he didn’t answer. An agitated growl could be heard from the King. The servant and messenger lifted his gaze, finding that the King was scowling and tightly gripping the spear, Gungnir, which he held in his right hand. It was obvious that their King was absolutely furious.

“I am sure they will arrive soon, Your Majesty. Perhaps they just encountered a small problem that has held them up,” he offered.

“What possible problem could make them so late, Bastien? Their task is a simple one and has never given them issue. Gathering the offerings is something that a mere child could accomplish. They best have an acceptable excuse for this or I’ll have them all seen to the dungeons! My patience is swiftly growing thin,” the King snarled out. Never one to hide his displeasure, he always made it clear he didn’t approve or tolerate certain things. The tardiness of others and being made to wait were those of those things in particular.

A few moments later there came a sound on the other side of the double doors that opened to allow entrance into the throne room. It sounded as if there was some kind of skirmish going on. The scowl on the King’s face got worse. The doors opened to admit five men, the Gatherers, and five young women, the offerings. It was the last one that was practically dragged inside that caught his attention the most. Of course when someone was kicking, screaming, cursing, and fighting it was near impossible to ignore them. Vayne, the man that had her, was frustrated, obviously tired of her. Bastien stared before easing himself off to the side of the stairs so that he wasn’t in the way.

“Be silent, girl. And be still,” Vayne hissed as he pulled her in behind the rest of the Gatherers and offerings.

“Vayne! Control her! I cannot welcome our guests when one is howling like a banshee,” the King said, his voice commanding and his tone sharp.

Vayne snatched the screaming and combative girl close and attempted to silence her by putting a hand over her mouth. However, she bit him when he did. He cursed and was about to try again when a muzzle – not unlike the one that the King had been made to wear a couple of years ago when he had been a prisoner – materialized over her face. The only thing they heard from her then were muffled sounds.

“There… That’s much better,” the King said, a smug grin appearing on his face as he rose from his large golden throne to stand. “Present them,” he stated to the five men standing there.

Gamil took one step forward, bringing one of the young women with him with his hand on her elbow. “Your Highness,” the man said in greeting as he gave a half bow. “I present Samantha. She is 23, healthy, able to produce children, and is a virgin. She is shy but willing, sire,” he stated, and then turned to the young woman. “Bow to your King and greet him,” he told her. Samantha did as she was told and gave a bow and then lifted a shy gaze to the King. She had brown hair that reached her jaw, delicate features, pale skin, honey brown eyes, a slim figure, and stood at about 5’5”. She was clad in a floral print summer dress and simple ballet-style flats. “Hello, Your Highness,” she said in a timid voice, lowering her gaze again in a bashful manner.