ONE THOUSAND GOLD COINS

14:58pm 1608年3月16日 (15th March 1608)

The palace was an old country mansion that had been extended over the centuries. High upon the hills, it overlooks the town, it's many pointed towers giving it the look of an eccentric crown. It now had four sides around a central quadrangle and maybe five hundred rooms or more. 

The walls were a white stone that glistened in the summer sun and the roof was grey slate. It was as big as twenty of the ordinary houses of the town and it might take a small army of servants to upkeep such a large abode. 

Around the palace were the horse pastures and kitchen gardens for the royal family, and around that was a stone wall topped with iron spikes which might be guarded day and night.

The sculptures in front of the palace had been made long ago by masters of the craft. They were set on pedestals amid the water of the fountains and the perfectly manicured hedges that looked like different animals.

The palace seemed more like a status symbol, it set her above the peasants and that is where she needed to be, separate, apart, superior, untouchable.

Caulifla admired the building as the carriage stopped just in front of the gate. The two men ordered her to get out of the carriage.

Walking to the entrance, two guards were seen at the entrance.

"Salaam alaykum" (may peace be upon you)" The two slave traders greeted and the two guards bowed in greeting.

"We are here to see the King. Can we see him?" The slim man asked.

"I will go and tell him you want to see him" The guard on the right hand side of the entrance said.

"Please make it clear that it is urgent" The fat man said.

"Follow me in and I will show you where to sit till he sends for you all" He said as they all follow him to a huge and heavily decorated cultural passage way. The guard later left them there to seek permission.

Caulifla had to stand while the two men sat down awaiting the guard's return.

He came back thirty minutes later. 

"He is ready to see you now. Do follow me"

Tears fell out of Caulifla's eyes as she limped. She tried to appear strong but deep down, all her body hurt, everywhere aches. She cleaned her eyes as she tried to walk properly, into the throne room.

The throne room was twice the size as that of the Tsumago empire. It was heavily decorated. The throne at the middle, four steps to the throne and the beautiful tiled floor.

A court befitting for a king.

Her eyes suddenly fell on a man at the right end side of the large room, looking out of the window. His back was facing them all, his hands folded at his back.

So she could not get his face then. He wore a beautiful purple lace, looking so not cheap.His crown was of pure gold.

There wasn't any doubt that he was the Persian King.

The man whom she was going to kill.

"My Lord" The two slave traders say as they kneel and bow down to him. Caulifla looked at them but didn't bow. She didn't find a reason to.

"What brings you here?" The man said without turning to look at them. His hands were still crossed behind him. 

His voice was like nothing she had ever heard before. It sounded like a drum, but deeper, like a tuba, but deeper. It was smooth, like butter, but it could be as rocky as rocky road ice cream. His tone was as deep as the sun at midnight.

"We have a slave you might want your highness. We bring her to you"

"I have lots of servants and slaves so I am not interested"

"But at least take a look at her my King. She might interest you"

"Why do you think she will?"

"Because we think so your Grace" They bowed their head as the Persian King turned to face them.

And then their eyes locked.

There was an uncomfortable silence as the King's eyes seem to widen. He walked towards them and soon he was in front of her, his eyes staring right into her eyes.

Into her soul.

There was only one word to describe the Persian King. Where his eyes were the green of fresh dew glinting in the sunlight off a leaf of green emerald. His lips were pale and thin and his nose slender and rounded. 

A prominent jaw curved gracefully around and the strength of his neck showed in the twining cords of muscle that shaped his entire body; strong arms, bold thighs and calves, a firm chest and abdomen. He was an Adonis among the other men who each pale in comparison. His hair was packed neatly behind him.

"Where do you come from?" He whispered as he looked at her.

"Tsumago empire"

"What did you do to her?" He asked as he closed his eyes and opened them, his eyes portraying immense anger. He looked at the two men who seemed to flinch at his anger.

Why does he so suddenly care?

"We do not understand your majesty"

"Why is she shaking and why is she covered in blood? Tell me what you did to her" He said as he held the slim man's shirt, almost pulling him up.

"We did not do anything. Please have mercy" The man pleaded.

The King threw him to the floor as he held the other man's shirt, pulling him up. 

"Why is she covered in blood? I see marks on her body. Who beat her? Tell me or I kill the both of you"

"He did" The slim man who was already on the floor said as he pointed to the man he was holding.

"How dare you?"

"She fell my pot so I had to teach her a lesson"

"Guards!" He shouted as two guards came in with a spear each and a shield.

"Take this man and give him seventy-four lashes. Make sure I see the marks on his body" He ordered as the guards dragged the man away, his pleas unheard.

"I want to buy her. Sell her to me. How much will you sell her?"

"One thousand gold coins" The slim man said immediately.

"I will pay five thousand gold coins for her. Now get out" He ordered as the man left immediately.

"What is your name beautiful one?" He asked, his facial features softening as he came closer to Caulifla.

"Caulifla" She said as she stepped back, hugging her body.

"They hurt you so badly, I am sorry"

"Are you okay?" He asked

"Yes I am"

"You are bleeding" He said as he looked at her cloth, his face portraying worry.

"I am fine" She said as she bit her lips hard, trying to not cry. The pain she was having at that moment was way too much and she had to appear strong in front of him.

She doesn't want to be weak.

But her strength failed her as she fell to the ground, so weak to get up. Her eyes close slowly as she saw the King knelt down, feeling his hands on her shoulder. She could hear him whisper her name but could not answer.

She entered into a world of her own, darkness surrounding her swiftly.