3 The Throne Room

"My father is d-dead?" Skyla stuttered as a wave of terror washed over her. Unable to conceal her emotions, they washed over her face. "W-why?"

A smirk curled the corner of Zafar's mouth up. It made her stomach turn. "You see my child, we are from the Western country. We have watched over your dealings for years now. Your alliances have grown and have made an impact on our trades. We have too many enemy's allied with your kingdom. I decided that it was time to turn the tables. Once your people are joined to my allies in the Western empire, we will have unlimited trade potential." When he had finished his rambling Zafar returned to his seat. Skylas head began to swim. Her father was taken from her because of what? Money? Power? It was a pitiful attempt at leadership. Her kingdom of Janen had always been peaceful and had fair relationships with the surrounding kingdoms and those in the East. They would not stand for this.

As the initial shock of this news settled down, Skyla held back tears. She was the only ruler left for her people. She squared her shoulders and willed herself to steady her breathing. A wave of numbness washed over her. Her demeanor changed the aura of the room. When she refocused on the man before her he was still sitting and had began to strum his fingers on the stolen throne again. Slowly, as if wading through the silence, someone stepped out of the shadows and appeared next to the, obviously twisted Zafar.

The man who appeared was tall and broad shouldered. With dark hair and a clenched jaw. His hands clasped in front of him and he stared down in front of himself, not daring to look at her. Skyla was unsure of how long he had been standing there silently observing the scene. She felt pathetic and helpless. She internally grieved for her father and tried to push her thoughts behind her in order to focus on the enemies before her.

"Young nephew, see, I told you the operation would go as planned" Speaking again, Zafar seemed to gloat in his success. "Boen, the princess here will need monitored. Make sure the guards take care of our guest. She will dine with us for dinner to celebrate and discuss the future of Janen. For now let's all retire and rest. After all, it was a very successful night." He smirked again and took a long moment to look her up and down before exiting out of the large double doors. She was left alone with the guards who began to snicker. One grabbed her arm roughly to lead her from the room when a richly dark voice spoke up.

Suddenly, Skyla was absorbed by a set of dark eyes peering to meet hers. Boen's expression was the same as before, cold and distant.

"Did you not hear the king. The princess is to be taken care of. Any mark left on her I will return to you tenfold." With that the guards straightened up answering with a "yes sir" before ushering her away.