Young Dominance

Hands On

A woman, in her 30s Lina assumed walked in the room with such power. It was as if the room became cold as ice. This must be her: the queen mother.

She took a few steps, glaring at her son, "have some manners, boy," turning to Lina, she gave an apologetic look, "I'm quite sorry if he caused you much trouble. As you know he is still a young boy."

Lina struggled to find the words to respond. The queen mother was as beautiful as all the rumors had said. She had dark flowing tresses that sat at her delicate but strong shoulders. Her frame and demeanor was that of someone who has seen much. Her eyes were dark and slim. Such beauty, Lina was at a loss of words.

"Princess, are you alright?" The queen asked.

"Of course, I'm terribly sorry, my queen. It is quite alright, I was just taken aback."

She looked Lina over and once more she felt the thoughts pouring in her head.

She is quite lovely, if Luke doesn't scare her away I'm sure she'd make a fine queen.

Lina tried to hide her smile, but alas, the queen perked her head, "I didn't think it was true, but it appears it is?"

Lina nodded, "I'm flattered, my lady."

"Mother, don't you have something to do?" Luke sighed, "I'm meant to be courting her and I frankly can't do much with you standing there."

The queen frowned, "watch your tone, child," she turned to Lina, "it was a pleasure meeting you, my dear. You are so much more beautiful than the rumors. I'm happy you've decided to give this arrogant king a chance."

Best be on your guard, he enjoys playing with many women.

Lina nodded but felt unsettled after hearing the queens thoughts. "Many women"? Does that mean he often has mistresses? Lina had always imagined a marriage based around love and loyalty. Although for someone in her position, that was near impossible. But, she could wish.

"We'll now that the wretched old woman is gone, it is time for me to start... courting you. However, this is my kingdom, we'll be doing things my way," Luke smirked.

Scoffing, Lina wore a smirk herself, "I think you forget, I still am able to deny you. I wouldn't act so cocky."

"Trust me, I'm very persuasive," Luke gently caressed Lina's face. However seducing this boy was, Lina would never let him win her without a fight.

However, Lina ultimately knew that for her own clan, she needed this alliance.

"Come, woman," Luke grabbed Lina's arm and pulled, however she had different ideas.

"You will call me with the proper titles. Not 'woman' that is extremely disrespectful."

Luke laughed, "such a funny one, princess."

You realize that though you can deny me, it would not be in your best interest to.

Lina looked at the devilish smile coming from her potential husband. Never had any suitor been so outright rude. She hesitated, but eventually grabbed Luke's extended hand.

His hand held such warmth for someone who was responsible for killing so many. It was known throughout all that the young Sumar was in charge of the field front that annihilated several protesting nations. All fighting for their independence, but conquered in the end. Men, women, and even children were slaughtered. No one could escape from being a casualty in his game.

"Princess Lina, I do wish to tell you, that when you become my queen, I will have many mistresses. I get bored quite easily, of course it is only fair I permit you your own lovers. Perhaps that butler?"

Lina stopped in her tracks, "excuse me?"

Luke smugly smiled, "oh I've seen the way he looks at you. And the way you look at him. But I must remind you it is... taboo."

Such insolence! This bastard.

"I can assure you, nothing is going on between my butler and I. We've simply grown up together and I consider him my close friend."

"Ah, but aging does do something to one's emotions," Luke stepped in front of Lina, "and their self control."

Rolling her eyes, Lina pushed past the Sumars attempts to fluster her, "My lord, are we meant to be going somewhere or are you taking me in a circle?"

"Yes, yes, I have a place planned to take you. Come, princess."

After a stroll through the palace corridors, Lina and Luke stopped at a pair of giant marble doors.

"I hear you like birds,"

A slight perk in Lina's head was obvious. Luke laughed and opened the door.

"Please step inside. We must shut this door so that we can open the doors to the aviary."

"An aviary?" Lina asked, "you had it built directly into the palace? Why?"

"As soon as I heard the rumors, I had my staff build it immediately. I have to impress my future queen."

More of the future queen talk, he's so presumptuous.

As Lina heard the door close behind her, a bright light filled her vision. When her eyes settled, her sight was filled with magical birds flying through the air. It was as if the air was made of glitter itself. The glass ceiling only reflected the hundreds of fluttering creatures and multiplied them.

"Amazing..."

"I thought you would like it. Do you have many pet birds?"

"Ah, I only have one, his name is Trite. He's a small finch from the north. I rescued him when I went there as a small child with my father."

"Do you rescue a lot of small creatures, princess?"

Lina nodded, "I rescue many, my favorites are birds though. I also save cattle from inhumane slaughterhouses and what not. Dogs from the streets also have a home at my sanctuary."

"There are hundreds of different species here but there is one in particular that I thought you would like to see up close. Follow me,"

Lina trailed behind the tall yet young king as he led her to a smaller enclosed space. It was still big enough for the both to walk in, but separated from the rest of the birds. When Luke shut the door, he whistled and a beautiful pigeon landed on his extended finger. She was gorgeous with white and pink curls trailing down her small neck. Her beak was a pale yellow and her cheeks were as if she had applied pink blush. Her eyes were dark black and looked up at Lina's brown ones with such innocence.

"Her name is Parí, she's a rare pigeon from the southern coast. The locals there say that her kind is from a royal lineage that used to be used exclusively as a sign of wealth and royal blood," Luke took Lina's hand, "however I would like to gift such a beautiful bird to someone who is nothing less than beautiful, not because of her wealth or blood."

His words are laced with such a practiced tone. It's as if it came to him naturally. But I will not fall for it, the smile hides the fact that he's killed thousands.

"Thank you very much, my lord, but it is too much."

"Too much? I can assure you your beauty knows no bounds."

Lina smiled. She must put on an act, as pleasing as his words sound, he has a reputation for a reason. She must remain cautious.

***

"It has been a pleasure, love. I must end our visit though as the Sumar is a very busy person."

Lina bowed, "of course, I enjoyed our time as well."

Lina grabbed Nord's hand as he helped her into the carriage. She waved as Luke smiled, but something left her shocked.

An awful woman... I absolutely despise the Naka Klan, why must I marry such a savage. I'll find a way to get rid of her.