Artrenos

2: Dreams and Kisses

I woke up to my own heavy breath. I immediately had flashes of my own dreams.

War.

To ever think that the peaceful times we were in would ever come to that. The city of Iris was too good for any bloodshed. My father ruled over the city, which stretched out for what seemed like forever. Old stone and brick from ancient cities before made up our houses, markets, and temples. My mother walked the streets with Ray, her protector, and asked the people what could be improved. Rome was in charge of crimes.

I sat in my bed with crossed legs, looking out of my bedroom arch way. I saw a light on the hall way floor. I put on a white silk dress with lace short sleeves that draped to the floor. I walked down a little hallway that led to the preparation area, where game was skinned and veggies were chopped. The preparation area lead to the cooking room, then into the servants' dining area. I decided to see if anyone else was awake. I passed by Beau on my way to my parent's room and blushed. He was a servant and a very good looking one. My parents were awake and gone. I headed towards my brother's room. I peeked into his room and I saw Rome with a servant girl. They were kissing uncontrollably and they started to undress themselves. I stayed, curious of what was to happen. They were about to have sex. When I realized I shouldn't be there, I turned away. I quickly proceeded back into my room. Why would Rome have sex? He is supposed to save his purity until he turns 18. Girls are much more different. I pulled my blanket over my head and made my breathing slow down. I found myself asleep again.

When the sun arrived, everyone began their work. I slept until a servant came into my room and woke me.

It was the same servant that was with my brother.

"What is your name?" I asked, sitting up and rubbing my eyes.

"Aurum."

"From what family do you come from?" I questioned again.

"Nemesis."

I hummed for a second before I stood up, I faced my mirror and combed my wavy hair.

"I know what you did this morning at a particularly early hour," I paused, dropping my brush. Then turned my head to look at her. "Aurum."

"H-How did you?" She stuttered, almost dropping a tray of my breakfast. I walked over to her and gently took the wooden tray, setting it on a table near my bed.

"I won't tell anyone." I replied.

"Why?"

"I think you and my brother fit each other... I'd just prefer it if you wait until he is over the purity age. How old are you?" I stated. I picked up my brush, sat Aurum in a seat, and brushed her hair. Her hair was soft and was like a brown waterfall. I started to braid the long strands.

"17."

"So you have to be of age by the. Why don't you ?" I instigated, reaching the end of the braid.

"I'm waiting for Rome. Which isn't normal... But we've known each other since 13."

"I thought girls weren't allowed to wait for men..." I mumbled, tying off the braid with a piece of string with small jewels hanging from it.

"I'm lying about my age. I say I'm 15." Aurum stood.

I thought for a couple of moments, then decided what I should say. I said softly and slowly, "I'll keep your secret. On one condition."

"Yes?"

"You have to tell my brother that I know. You see him more often than I."

"Of course," she replied. "Thank you... For the braid and everything."

"Take this," I smiled and handed her a small green apple, sour to the core. "I don't care much for these."

She took the apple out of my hand and stroke her hand down the side of my face. Aurum then left my room. I had a feeling we'd be close friends. At least, I thought we were friends now.