A Sea of Sand (1)

We started to travel through the dessert. Because this was my first time coming to the empire of Alessandria, it is also my first time seeing the dessert.

I was amazed to see my surroundings full of sand as far as the eye can see. The camels we were riding are all lined up in a single line and traversed the sands that looked like sea.

"Are you doing alright, my lady." Malik asked.

"Yes…" I replied. "A little sore on the leg part and my behind." I told the truth.

"We have been traveling for quite some time." Malik said. "Do not worry, we will be arriving at the nearest village soon. We will be staying there for the night."

"That is good to hear." I replied. "I was told that it would take three days until we arrive in the capital of Alessandria."

"Yes, that would be correct if we would not be making stops." Malik said. "But with you with us, we were ordered to make you comfortable as much as possible."

"You need not worry about me sir Malik." I replied. "I would not want to be a burden to you."

"You can just call me Malik, my lady." Malik replied with a smile. "And we cannot worry about you, my lady. You are to be a wife of our lord and emperor. We must take care of you. And also we have been ordered by the emperor himself to make your journey as comfortable as possible."

"The emperor told you that?" I had an eyebrow up. I had a hard time believing that the emperor himself would have given such an order. "I have never thought that the emperor would do such a thing for one of his wife to be."

"I know what you are thinking of our lord." Malik smiled. "He might have many women inside his harem, but he respects all of his wives. He gives them the best as much as possible."

"Well that is good for him." I scoffed. "Thinking that he had at least a hundred women inside his harem."

"I cannot change your mind about our lord, but I am sure you would see for your self what he is like." Malik replied. "And you are not just any other person, my lady. You are the first princess of the Constantine Empire. That is why there is a special order to take care of your needs."

"Then I need to give him my thanks when we see each other in person." I said.

"Yes, you should." Malik replied with a smile. "I am sure he would be happy to hear that."

'An emperor of a powerful empire being happy to be thanked by his wife to be…' I thought. 'That does not sound like the emperor that I have heard of.'

As I have heard of Emperor Romulis in my information guild. The data about him was outstanding. He had gotten the seat of emperor when he was just fifteen years old. He had bested so many of his siblings in such a young age. I have heard that he had poisoned many of his siblings just to take the throne. Those that still lives have swore allegiance to him.

After that, Emperor Romulus stretched the borders of his empire. He had swallowed up those little countries with his military power. He was unstoppable.

'He would be nearing thirty right now.' I remembered his data stored in our archives. 'He is nine years older than me.'

In just fifteen years he was able to expand the borders of his empire. And he had continued the war with the Constantine Empire that had began before his time. Because of him Alessandria had won many of the battles in his reign in much less time compared to all the years of war from his predecessors.

'He is not to be taken lightly.' I told myself.

I looked at the sea of sand that was glistening under the sun's light. It was hot but there is a beauty in the sands.

"How far does the dessert stretch?" I asked Malik.

"The dessert is at least one third of the original empire of Alessandria." Malik replied.

The original as Malik meant was the original size of Alessandria before Romulus had defeated the other countries and took them as Alessandria's colonies.

"Our land was rich with gold, but what we lack was a land that can be fertilize and grow food. Water is gold to our people." Malik said. "That us why Romulus did what he had done, for the people of Alessandria. He might be a frightening warrior and tactician in war, but he is a good leader to his people."

What Malik said might be true. As far as the intelligence my network had gotten, the countries that were absorbed by Alessandria has not revolted, not even a bit. That just means the emperor is leading his empire in a good and just way.

All the information I am getting first hand from one of Romulus' most trusted men was gold. I already had a grasp on what the emperor of Alessandria is like.

The journey continued until we arrived at the village that Malik had mentioned. It was a small village that had a few business establishments.

Malik had gone inside an inn and talked to the front desk. Not long he comes back and gave me keys to a room.

"My lady, this is where we will be staying." Malik said. "This will be your room. You mist be tired. I will leave you to rest."

"Thank you, Malik." I replied.

"Rest well, my lady." Malik bowed and I proceeded to the room designated to me with Jessie following from behind.

Once inside, I sinked on the bed. I felt my body ache more prominently now that I was stationary.

"Would you like a massage, your highness?" Jessie asked.

"Maybe later Jessie. I am sure that you also feel quite sore." I replied. "I would rather like something to eat though. Can you get me something to eat?"

"Of course, your highness." Jessie replied brightly. "I would return shortly with your food." She bowed her head and exited my room.

Now that I am alone, I took out the piece of paper that contains the information I asked for from my purse.

"Now let's see who the man with a snake tattoo is." I said to myself.