The Kings Hold

TKH-Chapter One

TKH-Chapter 1 (Unedited)

9 years Later

Katya shivered as another strong wind attacked the kingdom of Aurelia. 9 years and she was still not used to the coldness of the kingdom. Her hands almost numb in the icy river as she washed the clothes she was given. She did this every morning and once a again she was alone- she preferred to finish her chores before the other girls arrived as she mostly liked to keep to herself. The stream was barely moving- Katya knew it wouldn't be long before it froze.

Gritting her teeth she focused all her energy ( as small as it was) into forcing her hands to work. Snow begun to fall and she wasn't surprised. In fact it seemed snow was old this kingdom had to offer. Almost as if it was warning people of the darkness that was around. The mountains stood high. On rare occasions she found the sight beautiful but she knew first hand that this place was anything but beautiful. Her skin- which was tanned was the only indication that she did not belong here. The Aurelians were pale people therefore they knew and could recognise their kind.

Katya tried to place her mind elsewhere-so as not to feel the emptiness she felt inside as well as the shaking of her hands as she scrubbed the tunic she was washing hard and fast. "Almost there" she kept muttering to herself. Her mind drifted to her homeland- Azaria. She tried to remember the heat that as a child she always complained about, now all she wanted was to feel the golden rays shine upon her skin one more time. It was filed with crops and meadows-a place that was blessed by the Gods with fertility. Now she knew was no more.

She realised that she was finished and quickly removed her hands from the stream- glancing down she noticed the bruises on her palm-cracked skin here and there with little droplets of blood. Katya was not surprised. This happened regularly. quickly she picked all the cloths and placed them in the basket she was carrying and quickly rushed to the palace- the pride of Aurelia. As their people starved in the villages and lived in small huts- the palace prospered. It stood large and accommodated only the important people. The rich nobles who fed off the poor.

The guards barely spared her a glance as they knew the slaves that came in and out. The king had ordered all the young children that were captured into slavery. The girls were either in domestics or art of the escorts. Katya shivered-she was lucky to have put in domestics. For that she was truly grateful. The boys were trained the army-to fight the battles that the King starts and to capture and destroy more lands. She realised that the halls were empty which meant she was late for breakfast.

Quickly she rushed through the corridors which was only filled with guards and reached the kitchens where the slaves ate.

"There you are" exclaimed Alexandra- the only friend Katya had. " I have saved your porridge and bread."

Katya smiled gratefully at her and sat on the small stool next to her. Whereas Katya was short with a curvy body Alexandria was blessed as she was tall and slender.

" Have you finished the washing?" she asked.

"Yes" Katya replied. She preferred to speak as little as possible.

As Katya took a mouthful of the porridge Alexandrias eyes trailed to her hands and she smiled sadly at her-she knew Katya easily bruised but said nothing.

"Well hurry, we need to go and serve at the great hall. I heard the king will be there." Alexandria stated happily. She seemed excited.

Although she was also a slave she - along with almost all the slaves have accepted their fate. Katya however still held on to her past and still clung to a better future. She nodded and rushed to finish her meal. Today was going to be a long day. She just knew something would happen but she shrugged it off.

As they reached the great hall, they rushed to their individual tasks. Katya was quick to arrange all the cutlery and filled the goblets with rum. Foods were placed on the massive table. The massive throne was at the head of the table with chairs around the table.

Katyas mouth watered as she started at the variety of foods and vegetables. But she knew that the special treatment was reserved only for the higher class citizen. She has almost forgotten the pleasures that came along with fine food. As the slaves went at the end of the room-all dispersed across the room so they can easily be called when they were needed the room begun to fill up with the Aurelian men. She looked down as she didn't have to look at them to know what she would find-the same things always happened.

The men were huge and had long hair that was braided. They were fierce. When they were drunk was when she was fearful of them. They could do whatever they wanted to the slaves with no remorse. She knew when the king entered, this was the first time that she had been in the hall when he was here.

The room was silent until she heard a large, dominant voice say "Men. 'Tis a fine day. we shall dine to celebrate another victory."

The men roared in happiness.

"May our blessings continue."They all shouted in agreement and were given the go ahead.

She knew what was next and she wasn't looking forward to it. These men were vile. She lifted her head as she heard the closest man call her to fill his goblet. As she walked closer-she realised the voice belonged to the King.

With her head down she walked and grabbed the jug and begun to fill the goblet. She felt heavy eyes on her-it was scorching the side of her face and she immediately knew it was the King. This was not good.

Finally she filled the goblet and turned to walk away when a large, rough hand grabbed her wrist and tugged until she resumed her position. The men were still laughing and enjoying themselves- no one paid attention.

Her heart started to beat faster s she heard him speak to her "Look at me girl".

Hesitantly she looked up to meet his gaze- Icy blue eyes started down at her. She noticed that he had pale skin and a sharp jaw as he looked at her from hair to toe .

She realised that she had held her breath. she Quickly looked down and he asked her " what is your name?"

"Katya" she answered quietly.

"Katya" he repeated and a dark voice she noticed his grip on her wrist tighten before he let go.

She took that as her cue to leave. She resumed her place. Throughout the whole celebration, as the men became the beasts she knew them to be she felt his eyes on her.

Hello everyone-so if you have seen my announcement you will know that I'm rewriting this whole book and focusing my all on it. I have been told that the book has potential and I hope you all enjoy. I first had the idea for this book really young and rushed into it without a clear understanding of the plot. But I am back, so hopefully this book reaches it full potential.

PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT,

Maria