10 comments/ 13479 views/ 15 favorites An Empress for the Emperor By: AislingSpinner Before I was taken my name was Marie and I lived in a small village in the countryside, about a weeks ride from the capital. From when I was young I was known as a teller of tales. My imagination reached up to the highest mountains and down to the darkest seas. When I was old enough I was given a job at the inn and paid to tell my stories to entertain travelers. Word spread quickly of the beautiful girl who could capture a man's soul and ignite his adventurous spirit with a simple tale. I suppose the rumor that I was beautiful spread to make coming to my small village more enticing because most people found me quite ordinary in my gray wool dress and head scarf. My hair is an ashy brown and I have always lacked the generous curves most men find fetching. My mother always called me slight and over the years I have remained so. I have always thought my eyes to be my best feature, a light mossy green that most people have a hard time looking away from. I lived in my stories and only visited the dreary world occasionally to do the chores around my mother's house or visit the market. There was one light, however that bridged the river between the real world and my fantasies and it was in the form of a dark young man who continued to visit the village every few months. He could only be three or four years older than me but he carried himself well, despite his humble traveler's garb. Each time he visited I would notice the subtle changes in his features that months apart make obvious; longer hair, jaw line more pronounced, slimmer build. He would sit near the back of the common room and listen to my stories with such rapture there were times, I must admit; that I began telling them to him alone. Unlike some of the other men who came through who would turn to their tablemates at the end of my story and talk about how they'd love to get a girl with my imagination in bed; he would offer a single smile and a nod, finish his drink and turn in for the night. By the time I turned eighteen I had been working at the inn for three years. The young man had been visiting for about half of that time; no one knew what business took him through our village month after month and no one thought to ask. On my eighteenth birthday my mother made me a beautiful blue cotton dress, much different from the old shift I always wore. This dress had an embroidered bodice that helped prove I was a woman and a thin waist that widened at my hips, the skirt flowing loosely down to my ankles. Feeling like a princess in a priceless gown I made my way to the inn that evening walking on clouds and conversing with the stars. It must have been the dress, making me feel so feminine that made me look more intently at the young man that evening. I told a story about a prince who rescues a peasant girl from a terrible beast only to discover that she is in fact a princess who was stolen from her home when she was but a small child. I spoke of their passion as if it were my own; and I spoke it to him. In the middle of my tale I almost faltered when he stood up and moved to an empty table close to me. Once he was closer I could not bring myself to look at him as intensely and so I let my gaze wander around the room as I finished my tale. My audience offered a small applause and a few asked for another story. Jed, the Inn Keeper came out and told them I'd be back the next evening if they wanted another story and encouraged them to stay another night. When I dared to look over at the dark young man he had the strangest look in his eye. I didn't want to call it a hunger, but there was something primal in it. I received no nod from him as he finished his drink and instead of leaving the common room he sat back in his chair. I could feel his gaze upon me. As I gathered my things and chanced a look around the room I could feel tension building. The men at other tables, some easily twice my age were looking at the young man with what seemed like anger but then they would look back over at me, as if insinuating a connection between us. The tension seemed animalistic and I saw each face contort into the snarl of a hungry wolf. Because I did not know what else to do I took my things and left the inn hurriedly. The moon was full and cast long shadows before me, confusing my senses. When I heard the inn door slam I didn't dare turn back to face my pursuer, I increased my pace. Terrifying images played before my eyes, I saw myself being torn apart by manlike beasts, being impregnated with a child I wasn't ready for. I could see my swollen belly and hear my screams. I broke into a run, hot tears splashing onto the dirt. Rounding the corner into the woods I could hear heavy foot falls coming closer. Had I kept my wits about me I might have escaped my shadow but I chanced a look behind and in that moment my foot caught on an exposed root and I tumbled onto the ground, landing hard. The next think I knew I was screaming in pain as I was grabbed by the hair and pulled up. He lifted me by the roots and brought me close to his face. I could smell his warm sour breath caressing my neck and I shuddered. He threw me back on the ground and before I could begin to fight back I realized that the beast who assaulted me was the beautifully silent young man from the inn. As he pushed himself on me and tore at my clothes the fantasies of being heroically rescued by this man vanished and a painful hatred began to arise. I fought as hard as I could against him, kicking and punching, biting and clawing at his face. All the while I screamed; nothing coherent, I just screamed as loud and as long as my breath would permit. By struggling I added to my pain, however, he was not afraid to beat me into submission. I felt like I was covered in blood and my breath finally ran out and with it my strength and will to fight. A wolfish grin crossed his face and I saw a darkness in his eyes I had never noticed before, he would not look back on this night with regret or remorse. The top of my dress ripped and my exposed breasts heaved as I tried to keep breathing. His ravaging hands started there and moved down while he giggled like a little boy who had gotten what he wanted after repeatedly being told he could not have it. As he grabbed the remains of my dress and began pulling them off, I closed my eyes tight, not wanting to witness the defilement of my body. My mother had taught me about sex, saying that it can be very enjoyable. But she warned me it would hurt until I became use to it. She told me about this when the action was mutual, not forced. I hated to know the pain I would soon feel but I tried to prepare myself as best as possible. The pain, however, never came. His hands vanished and I could hear a man's gruff voice threatening my attacker. I dared not think what a more powerful man would do to me and so I started backing away into the brush. Before I could get even a few feet, large strong arms scooped me up. I surprised myself by kicking and flailing in his arms, sobbing and screaming. In a quiet voice he spoke, trying to calm me. "You're safe now, you have no reason to fear me ." And for some reason, whether because of the calm timbre of his voice or the gentleness in which he held me, I knew I could trust him. He set me down for a moment, wrapped his large coat around me, and then picked me up once again. Collapsing in his arms I wept and shook and when we entered the warm glow of my mother's house I wept harder. He set me in a large chair by the fire and exchanged his coat for a softer and larger quilt my mother handed him. I could hear their conversation as mother boiled water to see to my scrapes and wash away the blood that covered me. "I came before he was able to do anything irreversible, ma'am. Your daughter is quite the fighter, she kept the bastard at bay for quite a while it seems. He won't soon forget what messing around with a girl with such spirit costs; I'm pretty sure she broke his nose, most of the blood on her is his." Mother thanked him and showed him to the door. When he asked if he could call on me the following day to see how I fared. Mother hesitated, I did not. Shakily walking over with the quilt wrapped around my torn dress and body I told him quite calmly that I would be honored if he visited. Taking his hands I held them for a moment feeling the thick calluses from years of hard work. Looking up I studied his face. I had seen him before; he lived just outside of town and came regularly to the inn to listen to my stories. He had kind grey eyes that showed such concern I felt my lips begin to tremble with unshed tears. His own full lips raised in a questioning smile as I stood and studied his features. Soft tawny hair was chopped short and uneven but a few curls sprang up around his face. Wide, strong shoulder supported a massive frame and the loose shirt he wore, now stained with blood could not hide the muscles that lay beneath it. He was solid, and although in the back of my mind I remembered that a man of such build could be dangerous, I remembered his soothing voice and gentle touch. Going on my tiptoes I kissed his cheek. "Thank you." I said and returned to the seat by the fire. We were married a month later. We were not the blissfully in love couple I sometimes spoke of in my stories, but I did love him. He was gentle and kind, understanding and hard to anger. His name was Bryant and he was fifteen years older than me. Our wedding was simple, held in the local church. Many of the regulars from the inn came both because of their familiarity with me and their friendship with Bryant. Jed held the reception and for a few hours everyone celebrated our union with food, drinks, music, and dance. I was surprised to find that Bryant was a very talented dancer despite his size. The whole evening if we weren't dancing we were sitting side by side, his large arm wrapped around my waist or shoulder possessively. I will admit it felt wonderful to be pulled into his embrace and know that he cared so deeply for me, despite the short time we had truly known each other. As the evening wore down, Bryant spent less and less time paying attention to our guests and more and more time nuzzling into my neck and laying sweet and gentle kisses along my jaw and collar bone. Since meeting Bryant I had felt safe and wanted in his presence. He had kissed me a few times before the wedding in ways that made my toes curl. But on this night, whenever I pulled his face up to try and kiss him properly in an attempt to dull the passion I felt beginning to boil, he would pull away and smile at me with fire in his eyes. "Are you ready to retire, Mrs. Westover?" he whispered silkily into my ear, causing me to tremble with unrecognizable lust. I had never felt this way before, never had a man so close. I nodded dumbly, unable to piece words together as all of my sense seemed to be solely focused on Bryant's hands on my body, the sound of his voice and the feel of his warm breath dancing across my neck. He stood, pulling me to my feet and cleared his throat letting everyone know we would be leaving. Knowing whistles and cheers erupted around the room, causing a blush to quickly rise to my cheeks. "I have never seen anything so beautiful as when you blush," he whispered and kissed my neck one more time. I desperately held back a moan. The ride to his home...our home took about fifteen minute on horseback as a quick trot. Because my mother lived so close to the inn I had never ridden a horse before but Bryant pulled me up in the saddle and settled me in front of him. I was grateful for all of the talks my mother shared with me about men and women because I'm not sure what I would have done when I felt his hardness against my back if I hadn't. I was a little embarrassed to feel it but that quickly turned to pride to know I was the one he desired. With a secret smile I leaned further into him and ground my backside and back into his thick arousal. The low moan that escaped his mouth sent a feeling of triumph through me. He growled in my ear and spurred the horse into a gallop, causing me to screech and hold on desperately to the saddle horn, as he sped his way toward home. We arrived in record time and he jump off of his horse and pulled me down to stand next to him. Quickly unsaddling the mare and releasing her into the pasture he then stalked toward me and pulled me into a bruising kiss; I groaned and melted against him. I was suddenly lifted up and carried inside, where he gently placed me on his large bed. I sat there as he quickly started a fire in the hearth to take away some of the chill that had begun to set in. As he worked I grew nervous. Bryant was older and much more experience than I was. I wasn't afraid that he would hurt me, because I already expected there to be some pain, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to satisfy him. He came back and kneeled before me, taking my hands in his. He kissed the palm of each hand and then placed them on the sides of his face. Slowly looking up into my eyes he pressed a soft kiss upon my lips and smiled. The urgency he had shown before seemed to have disappeared and been replaced with a quiet sense of patience. He seemed to recognize my anxiety and spoke quietly. "My beautiful, Marie. You don't know how long I have waited for this, for you." His hand lifted to my face and stroked my cheek then ran them through my hair. "It's ok to be nervous," he said. "But don't worry, I want this to be as enjoyable for you as I know it will be for me." His hands had come to my shoulders and he gently pushed the top of my dress down over my shoulders, continuing the movement until the bodice pooled at my waste, leaving my breasts open to his view. Despite my fear I felt my breath catch as I saw the look in his eye that proved to me just how beautiful he thought I was. Hesitantly I reached out and with shaking hands, began to unbutton his shirt. As I reached the bottom he pulled it off and let it fall to the ground, revealing the hard yet beautiful body of my husband. He reached for his pants and quickly dropped them as well, presenting me with a startling view of his erect manhood. Curiosity got the best of me and I reached out to touch it. When my hand made contact it seemed to jump on its own and I pulled back as Bryant moaned low in his throat. "I'm sorry," I stammered, afraid I had hurt him. "I didn't mean to hurt you." He only shook his head and laughed. "Nay, Marie. You caused me no pain, you have an angel's touch. You could only give me pleasure." His voice was lower, more gravely and it sent wicked shivers up my spine. He took my hands and lifted me up, gently maneuvering the rest of my dress over my hips and down to the floor. I felt my face warm in another blush as he stood back and looked me up and down. As my cheeked grew crimson he groaned and threw himself at me. His patience had worn too thin and I found myself pinned under his warm body as our mouths came together is long and hard kisses. His hands were all over me and all I could do was try and breathe and hold myself together, the sensations running through my body nearly too much to bear. His mouth trailed down my neck to my chest where he pulled my right nipple into his mouth, lavishing it with attention that caused me to cry out. An ache had started between my legs and I knew I couldn't wait much longer. "Bryant," I gasped while his mouth switched to my other breast and his hands continued to run up and down my sides. "Please," I begged "I need you, more of you." His head lifted and looked at me, a glint in his grey eyes. He moved up my body and recaptured my mouth with his while positioning himself between my legs. I could feel his erection poised before my core and I swear I could feel his pulse through it. Gently he moved forward and groaned into our kiss as he was enveloped in my tight channel. The feeling of being filled up by the man who loved me sent a new wave of arousal through me. He stopped when he reached my maidenhood and looked into my eyes. "Are you ready?" he asked and all I could do was nod. He rammed forward fast and I cried out at the sharp pain the filled my lower belly, clutching his arms as a few tears escaped my eyes. "Shhh," he soothed and kissed my tears away, remaining still until I became use to the feel of him. After a few moments the pain dulled and he began moving shallowly, whispering my name with a tone of reverence. The pain I had felt was quickly forgotten as his movements sent waves of pleasurable feelings throughout my body. I felt like I was glowing. His speed picked up and our cries mixed as he pushed me toward a precipice I did not know lay within me. Two more thrusts and I was thrown over the edge into oblivion, bright lights erupted behind my eyes and my body arched beneath him as I called out his name. When his own release came a few moments later and the warmth of his seed flooded into my womb I sighed with happiness and let sleep take me. I discovered I was pregnant during the first year of our marriage. When I told Bryant he scooped me up in his arms and swung me around, walloping for joy. I laughed but was startled when he quickly set me down, a look of terror on his face. "I shouldn't have done that," he said with concern, "I don't want to hurt the baby." This sent me laughing all over again for his warrantless worry. He was a good man. The day after we found out about the baby there was word from the capital that the Emperor had died. His son had assumed the throne and his first act as Emperor was to raise taxes. Bryant was a woodsman and could bring home some game for us to eat, but winter was quickly approaching and the forests were becoming scarce of animals. The little money I made at the inn was just enough to pay the new tax. A tax collector arrived the next week and took the little money we had saved with a promise to return once the winter snows had melted. The leaves had mostly fallen and there was little time to gather enough food to sustain us through the winter. Fewer travelers passed through town during the winter so with little audience, our income was very limited. Bryant began to fret over the coming baby, refusing to eat his meager share at times to make sure I had enough food. I watched as he got thinner and thinner. I awoke one morning and knew something was wrong, the bed was wet and sticky and when I lifted the covers I couldn't help but call out in fear. The loss of a child is hard, especially when you've only begun to think about all you will do with her, who she would have become. Bryant helped me from bed and put water to boil to help bath me and clean the bed linens; they were the only ones we owned. He did this all with tears streaming down his face. That night he held me close, I could feel sharp juts of bone from his thin frame. He whispered that we would try again, that as long as he had me he could continue to live. "One day we will have a beautiful child, and she will be as wonderful as her mother." Together we wept until sleep called us away. The first snow fell only a week later and Bryant had left for a few days after a heard of elk that had passed near the village during the night. Luck would have it that some travelers were stopped at the inn for the night and Jed had sent a message asking me to perform. It was like any other winter evening; warm ale on the tables and forms of people huddled close to the fireplace. My throat was a bit scratchy and by the end of my story I was coughing. One of the travelers was a kindly looking older man and he came and offered me a warm drink. I accepted it graciously and took the seat he offered. We spoke of everyday things, family, work. It happened he was quite the traveler and I asked if he would tell me about his journeys. He enthusiastically obliged and I listened while finishing my drink. His voice was raspy but as I listened my eyes began to droop and when I tried to shake off my weariness, the world seemed to spin. An Empress for the Emperor "Are you alright, my dear?" The man asked as I suddenly stood, shakily. "I'm sorry, Sir. But I think I should... be going home." I stumbled to the door, steadying myself as best I could on chairs and tables as I passed. The faces of the other customers were contorted and all turned to stare. Falling to my knees in the snow as the Inn door closed behind me, I took a few deep breaths before struggling to get back on my feet. Strong hands took me by the arm and helped me to my feet; the world tilted. It was the old man, stronger than I would have expected. "Let me help you, child." I could only nod, leaning into him for support. We made it only a few more steps before I was embraced by darkness. I awoke slowly; the ache of my body dulling my other senses. I bumped around on a hard floor and opening my eyes I could see through a break in the boards to the moving ground below, the sound of the icy ground crunching beneath horse hooves and the turning of wagon wheels the only sounds. With a growing fear I realized my hands were bound behind me and when I attempted to roll over I could only go part way because the rope was attached to the side of the wagon. My right shoulder was throbbing from lying on my side; my right hand asleep. I was both ravenous and thirsty. The clothes I wore were damp and clung to me and my own stench made me want to gag. I had obviously soiled myself while I slept. There was one thing to be thankful for; someone had draped an old blanket loosely over me helping to keep the chill away. Nevertheless, panic was rising inside me as I took in my situation. Lifting my head I tried to look around. Someone knelt beside me and pressed a bowl of water to my lips, I drank greedily despite my fear. "Ah, our little Siren has awakened." I turned my head toward the person holding the bowl, he had a vaguely familiar voice. The old man from the Inn was kneeling beside me, wrapped in expensive furs. I tried calling out in an outrage but my voice would not respond. I swallowed, trying again but all that emerged was a croak. "Don't try and speak, you've been in and out of consciousness for the better part of a week, you'll have to take it slow. We've only roused you a little to give you some water, you probably won't remember, but no matter." A week! No wonder I was hungry and filthy. Like an infant who is not changed regularly my buttocks felt raw and burned and itched as I tried to move my body. My thoughts raced to Bryant who must have been searching for me by then. I wondered if any had witnessed the old man lead me away. I began thrashing on the wagon floor, trying to do anything to get myself out of the situation. My feet were bound together but not restrained to the wagon like my hands and so I lashed out at the bastard who had abducted me but he nimbly jumped over me to kneel at my head, a knife pressed against my throat. "The Emperor will not be pleased if his property is damaged before it even arrives. I think you need another nap, open up." I clenched my jaws tight and refused to open my mouth until he grabbed and pulled my hair hard. Reflex caused me to let out a scream and in that split second he let three drops of a bitter liquid drop into my mouth. More quickly than last time my vision blurred and I began feeling disoriented. "Yes... concentrated Mugwort and Mullein, it should keep you out for another day or so, plenty of time to reach your new home." When I regained consciousness again someone helped to lift my head and tipped water into my mouth. I swallowed weakly, coughing most of it back up because my mouth and throat were so dry. The hand tried again and I was able to take a few more sips; I felt light headed from the slight effort. The person who held my head lifted me easily with delicate hands, sitting me up and putting pillows behind my back. I no longer felt dirty and I did not smell; I wore a plain white cotton nightgown and knew someone had cleaned me up while I slept. "Here, eat this." She lifted a bowl of broth into my view and the aroma made my mouth water. I tried taking hold of the bowl she handed me but I was too weak from so many days without food or activity and dropped it on my lap, luckily it was just warm. Without pity or complaint she took up a cloth and wiped me up as best as she could. She ladled some more broth into the bowl and dipped a spoon into it, lifting it to my lips; I was too hungry to protest. I took the time while being fed to look around. We were in a large room, elaborately decorated with wall hangings depicting feasts and the rendezvous of lovers. A fire burned in a large fireplace with an intricately designed iron plate behind, radiating the heat throughout the room. There were no windows and the air felt humid, giving off the feeling that we were below ground. When I finished, although I had barely eaten anything, I felt a little stronger and when she called an older woman with thick arms to help carry me to the waiting tub, I was able to walk with their support over to the steaming water. They stripped my now soiled nightgown and lowered me into the hot water, scented with lavender. My skin felt overly sensitive and I yelped at the sudden sensation of heat flooding over me, but it mostly passed as I settled in the water. "My name is Bernadette, this is Silvia." The younger girl said, indicating the other woman. "Don't worry, you'll be better soon, we'll make sure of that." She smiled sweetly and I tried to return it but found it difficult because I started to think of Bryant. Through the smile tears began to pour from my eyes and I let out croaking sobs. My shoulders heaved and I held my head in my hands. The two women seemed to understand and let me cry, all the while washing my soiled body and hair. Despite the fact that I'd just slept for a week, the hot water, a full stomach and tears lulled me to sleep. I was lying on a cloud wrapped in a blanket of wind. The bed I laid on was the softest thing I had ever felt and I was wrapped in what seemed to be a silk blanket. My hair was damp and smelled of lavender from the bath. Still feeling light headed I carefully pushed myself up, wanting to look around, my fragile body protesting slightly. As I sat up the blanket fell from around me revealing my nakedness. Fear gripped me when I realized that sitting beside the bed in nothing but dark breeches was a man I recognized well. His eyes held the same hunger as the last time I had seen him but there was also contempt there. I grabbed the blanket trying to cover myself. His nose was crooked now from where I had hit him and his hair was longer, but it was the same dark young stranger sitting before me. Upon his finger was a large Signet ring that told all who saw it that they were looking upon the Emperor. I knew my place but could not bring myself to leave the bed and kneel before him and not only because I did not have the physical strength. Had I felt stronger I would have spit in his face but I could only back away, cowering; I had nowhere to run this time. He laughed at my terror. "Yes girl, you should be frightened. I could have made you Empress, but you refused me." There was only a hint of anger in his melodic voice. "You're stories called to me...you called to me and yet you still denied me." The calm and dangerous way he spoke made me wish he would just yell. The quiet was unnerving. He stood and moved around the bed, lamp light accentuating his bare chest and arms, his teeth glistened white. "You've told many tales, but this is one tale you will learn a lesson from... a fable." He walked around and cornered me as I climbed off the bed, grabbing my wrist and pushing me against the wall. Ripping the blanket from my grasp and letting it fall he brought his face close to mine and lowered his voice. "Hmm, I rather like the sound of that. From now on you shall be known as Fable. To forever remind you of what happens when you deny me." He stroked one of my breasts; I shuddered. I had no strength to fight him that night and his lust seemed insatiable. For me the physical pain of being trust into and rubbed raw by his unending rhythm was nothing compared to the ache in my heart. I thought of Bryant and his gentle nature and yearned for him to find and rescue me again. Needless to say, he did not come that night, or the many that followed. As the Emperor took me time and time again the pain began to dull a little but I lay there, refusing to grant him the fight and the spirit he knew I possessed. In the morning servants took me from the Emperor's chambers and I was bathed clean by their rough hands. None of us spoke and once I was dried and dressed in clothing much finer than I had ever worn before they led me back to the only other familiar room in the castle. They put a plate of food in front of me but I could only pick at it. My body hurt. It hurt to sit, it hurt to walk and it would probably hurt to lie down again. Bernadette emerged from a doorway yawning. When she noticed me she rushed over, lights of excitement dancing in her eyes. "Your first night here and they already brought you before the Emperor!" she said with girlish excitement. "What an honor! Oh I do hope he gives me a chance to prove I can be a good Empress." I wanted very much to explain to her that he was not looking for an Empress but a woman he could use. There would be no power for the girl who became his consort. I wanted to warn her but even my emotions were bruised and I half wanted her to find out for herself the man the Emperor really was. I hated myself for feeling like this so instead I asked where I might lay down for a while. "Oh there's an extra bed in my room, you can join me." She showed me to her room and before she could continue talking I closed the door on her and fell onto my new bed. Every part of me was dry. Physically and emotionally I was spent and although I desperately needed the release that tears could bring, none would come for me. I do not know how or when I fell asleep but when I awoke I could hear quite a ruckus in the common area outside my room. Upon opening the door I was met with the site of over twenty young women ranging in age from eighteen to some who seemed closer to thirty. All were dressed in their finest and I wondered where they came from and why they all seemed so excited to be here. A large table was set with all kinds of food and when I reached for a roll Bernadette saw me. "Oh there she is, the girl who went before the Emperor last night! I never did ask your name, what's your name?" It took me a moment to respond but I answered with my head held high. "Fable, my name is Fable." The rest of the girls bombarded me with questions about my night with the Emperor, wanting to know what to expect if they were called. I had to hold back a bitter laugh. There was little I could say to convince them to leave this place, even if they could; the pedestal they had placed the Emperor on was higher than words from me could knock down, they would only learn from firsthand experience. But I had to offer some warning. "I wouldn't be too excited." I said and quickly found a seat in a corner. The girls seemed puzzled by my dark demeanor and decided to ignore it instead of pay it any heed. They began fantasizing about elaborate dinners, dancing to a lone violin under the starlight. For them the Emperor was an ideal and as I listened to their wild chatter I wondered how they could be so innocent, but realized if the Emperor had a say they would all be soon broken and torn. It was explained to me that a decree had been made about a week before that the Emperor was searching for an Empress. All the noble families were instructed to send their most beautiful daughters to the castle so the Emperor could choose from among them. No other girl had been taken by the Emperor as of yet and I couldn't help but hope that their fantasies might come true, that maybe his scorn was reserved for me alone. A clock struck the hour somewhere in the city and two large doors swung open at the end of the room. Two muscular guards flanked Silvia, the woman I had met the night before. Her aging face was hard and worn; her eyes showed no feeling. She could not have been too old, no more than forty-five but there was a weight upon her that showed in her walk. She found me in my corner and approached. The room went silent. "Fable, the Emperor requests your presence this evening." My throat constricted; how much more would I have to bear? At the same time my mind rebelled. Request? Request! As if I even have a choice. A tyrant's request is a tall tale; there is never a choice when the request is from a man like the Emperor. "I will help you prepare." She turned on her heel and without looking back began walking toward the two waiting guards at the door. What else could I do but follow? I was dizzy with fear as she led me through the open door and down the hall. We walked up a flight of cold stone stairs and I saw the setting sun for the first time in a week but it offered me no warmth. We entered a room filled with shelves and hanging clothes. A large table stood in the center of the room, on it were a pitcher of steaming water, numerous brushes and combs, and body ornaments all laid out in precise rows. The guards waited outside and Silvia closed the door. With a resigned sigh she spoke to me again. "Alright child, let's get you into something more fitting." Without thinking first I began to plead. "Please ma'am, don't make me go. If you don't know what he does you will soon enough when he has either beaten or raped me to death, or the other girls return from him as ruined as I am. Please!" I was on my knees holding onto her hands, my voice cracking, I swallowed hard. Searching her eyes for any hint of understanding, I thought I saw something but she turned and began taking clothing off hangers and shelves without a word. She set the clothes on the table near me and looked into my eyes. "Give me your hand." It was a gentle command and I obeyed. She took my hand kindly and seemed to study it, turning it palm up and raising my sleeve. Before I realized what she was doing she had drawn a sharp knife over my forearm. I gasped and pulled away in shock, grasping my bleeding arm. "Don't act like a wounded animal, you asked for my help and I'm giving it. Now hold out your arm!" Her words convinced me more than the command in her voice and I held out my wounded arm. What she did next surprised me as much as the cut. She took a pair of drawers from the stack of clothes and ran them over my cut, smearing them with blood. She then dipped clean linen in the pitcher of hot water and cleaned my wound. The knife had been very sharp, the cut clean and the blood was already starting to scab over. Just to be safe she tied a small bandage over it and lowered my sleeve. "Stay here," she said as she picked up the stained garment and opened the door. "Inform the Emperor that Fable is unfit for a visit this evening and will be so for at least the next seven days. I will prepare another young woman for this evening. If he asks why, show him this." She shoved the drawers toward the guards who backed away from the sight, scrunching their faces up in disgust. "No need to bring that along, my lady. We will explain things to his Imperial Majesty and send a maidservant to build a fire and burn the impure cloth." The two guards bowed to Silvia and left at a trot. When the woman turned she had a smug grin on her face. As if she spoke to herself she said aloud, "I may not have much power anymore but I can still use women's secrets against the brat." Relief and confusion washed over me. Despite my pleadings I hadn't really believed I would find help from this woman. I sat down in stunned silence. "What happens when I do start bleeding?" I was sure her lie would be discovered and we would both be punished. "Bah, noblemen understand nothing about women's bodies. My son will believe whatever I tell him in that regard." One surprise after another and this one was almost too much for me to take. "You are his mother?" I asked and she nodded solemnly. "I can't put him over my knee anymore, no matter how much he may disserve it. Not that his father ever allowed that anyway. Maybe if he had, our son would be different today." I could just picture the scene; the Emperor thrown over this woman's knee getting spanked for his transgressions. I could not help but smile a bit, feeling this would be the start of a fitting punishment. "I lost my power when my husband died, not that I ever had much," she continued. "But this son of mine is now rounding up all the beautiful women in the Empire; or so it seems. He says he searches for an Empress, but I think he's looking for a trophy." Mention of the other girls reminded me, that because I would not be with him tonight, another girl would have to face the Emperor's voracious appetite. "I just sent one of those girls to a horrible fate!" I covered my face with shame. "There now, child," Silvia comforted. "You've done no such thing. Unlike you each of these girls came of their own free will or the will of their parents. You have nothing to do with that. They all seek to advance their station in society. You've asked for no such thing." She patted my head and ushered me to my feet. "Come now, we should be returning to the others." We walked back together, entering the large room quietly but this didn't stop the girls from noticing. At witnessing my return excited whispers began. Silvia quickly called another name and I retreated into my room. When Bernadette came to bed later I pretended to be asleep. I had no wish to speak with her. Waiting until her breathing slowed into a pattern of deep sleep, I left the room in silence. The only light in the common room came from the dying fire. I added a log and sat beside it, waiting. My thoughts drifted toward Bryant and I had to fight to hold tears back. I began telling myself a story just to get my mind on other things. Not long after the main door opened and the room filled with sobs. "Shh, child. We don't want to wake the other girls now do we?" I looked back to see a frail young woman shaking her head, straight red hair covering her face, her shame. The girl was not much older than me and guilt welled up inside. Silvia must have noticed me because she steered the girl over and sat her down next to me. Upon seeing me she backed away, her face turning as red as her hair in shame of what had just happened to her. "I'm Fable." I said gently. "I was with him last night." I said the last part through clenched teeth but I knew I had to offer her some comfort. Realizing I was the only one who could understand what she had been through, she threw herself upon me and wept bitter tears. I stroked her hair and tried to sooth her pain and fear despite my own. Why would someone do this? I was just glad she had not been subject to his ministrations all night as I had been. Silvia nodded and whispered the girl's name in my ear, "Kara." Then she was gone. I sat with Kara through the night, comforting her with stories and a few songs. It was during these stories I realized what I needed to do. "I overhead the guards talking about it last night. The Elves want to send their princess to marry the Emperor!" I spoke in a hushed voice to Bernadette the next morning. "But I thought only certain people can even see Elves," she mused and I nodded. "You're right! It is said that their magic can recognize a person for who he really is and then allows only those the elves deem worthy to see them. I don't know if we should tell the other girls, how can we compete against an Elven princess?" Bernadette's eyes sparkled and I knew I had caught her attention. By that afternoon the room was abuzz with rumors of the Elves. My small story now split into hundreds of rumors. By that evening the guards too were murmuring. The next morning, when another girl had joined Kara and me, Silvia came in with news from the city. An Empress for the Emperor The Elven princess, Rayden would soon be arriving in the city to try her hand at winning over the Emperor. My creation had a name and my story was gaining power. Now I had to bide my time in order to solve the key problem of bringing the princess to the city. I could feel my body healing and my spirit too was feeling lighter with the success of my story. I was not as sore as I had been but my abdomen had begun to ache around lunchtime. When Silvia appeared I asked for a bath and clean linen; my monthly flow had begun and Silvia and I were safe from her lie. I was just finishing getting dressed when Silvia came in. "Quickly, child. The Emperor is waiting." She saw the terror seize my features. "Have no fear of him touching you now. He fears women's menstrual blood, believing it will poison him." She took a comb and quickly brushed my thick brown hair, pinning it up out of my face. "If he doesn't call me for my body, why does he call?" Silvia looked at me surprised. "It was not your body that first seduced my son, Fable. It was your stories. It appears the Emperor has heard the rumors regarding an Elven Princess." I took a sharp intake of breath; did he suspect I was their origin? "And since you are our resident storyteller he seems to want to hear about these mysterious people." So his interest too was peeked. I smiled to myself. I had counted on the young Emperor's vanity and possessiveness for my plan to work and so far, he was not disappointing. I was taken to the throne room where the Emperor sat alone, apart from two silent guards in the corners. The empty hall was dark, all the curtains but one were drawn. Faces of rulers past gazed down at me from the walls. I did not want to evoke his temper and so I curtsied along with Silvia when we approached the throne. "Leave us," he told his mother and she curtsied one more time and left the room, the large doors closing behind her. The Emperor sat with his crown in his lap, playing with it and one leg draped over the chair's arm. He caught my gaze and held it, I stared back as long as I dared and then dropped my eyes to the floor. "Tell me of the Elves. With so many stories in that pretty head of yours, there must be some mention of them." I opened my mouth to create another story for the man, but no sound came out. Up until this point my plan had been going perfectly, but he had already taken so many of my stories, so much of me. I looked up at him to find that he was regarding me carefully and a small smile played across my lips. What was it Silvia had said? "It was not your body that first seduced my son, Fable. It was your stories" My stories had already gained power over the Emperor. They were my weapon; all I had to do was put fear aside and wield them like a double-edged sword. I cleared my throat. "Elves have always been enchanters of humans, whether it was their intention or not. With their soft skin and delicate ways, who could resist their charms? This of course became the problem. Elven women in particular were found by human men as something wild and exotic. Their almond shaped eyes and perfectly sized hands made mouths water. Their hair was always worn long and it was believed that when in the safety of their woodland homes they could be found with only their hair to cover them. It came to a point in our history that when a group of Elves would enter a human town or city, there were those men who could not restrain their sexual urges to claim the Elven women as their own. Now it is important to mention that although they appear delicate and young, most Elven women were highly skilled at protecting themselves, so it was rare that any man succeeded and only those who could defend themselves were even allowed to leave their forest. Nevertheless, the attacks became more frequent and the Elves knew something had to be done. The elders gathered and decided that because only some humans were the problem, only they should be affected by their decision. In the largest working of magic they had done in a millennia they created the magical weaving we still hear of today. Only those with an honest heart and honorable intentions are able to see or hear the Elves. "Of course this doesn't address why the Elves withdrew from the human world. Originally the spell weaving only took affect when the Elves left the safety of their woods. One day however, a man wandered into their woods and came across a young girl bathing in a stream within a glade. She was indeed young by Elf standards, barely fifty years old. To the man she looked no more than thirteen; but she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen and he knew he had to have her. Her hair was silk ebony and flowed over her naked body, barely hiding the swell of small, perfect breasts. When she filled a jug with water and poured it over her head her hair parted revealing what had been hidden from him at first. As she bathed she sang. Her voice was like the water trickling down the rocks, landing lightly and crisply with each note. Sneaking around the clearing he silently came upon her, wrapping one arm around her body and the other he used to cover her mouth. Right in the clearing he raped her and when she tried to get away he beat her. Once his hunger was placated he left her lying there, half in the water, half on the soft grass. He left the woods and was never seen again. The next morning when the princess had not returned from her outing, guards were sent to find her. Instead of a joyful and energetic girl they only found her body; the princess was dead by a humans hands. In an outrage the King sealed their borders and no Elf has been seen since. That was one hundred and twelve years ago." The Emperor sat with his chin resting in his hand, fingers drumming along his jaw, thinking. There was silence for several minutes and I stood there uncomfortably. "Why would you think the Elf King wishes to make this connection with our world now, giving up another daughter to a human?" "Perhaps, your majesty, he sees an opportunity to put an Elven Princess on the throne of a human realm. Maybe he believes with a marriage to a powerful ruler, such as yourself, you will sympathize with their plight and offer more protection." "I did announce that I searched for the most beautiful woman to become my Empress," he added, as if not really hearing what I had said. "And if what you say is true about the beauty of Elven women, perhaps my Empress will soon arrive. You may go," he said, waving me away. As I curtsied and turned to leave he added one last comment. "Fable, my Priest, Bartholomew will be looking after you from now on, my mother has overextended her usefulness. When he deems you are ready to return to my bed, I will be expecting you." I forced myself to nod and keep walking. He must have suspected his mother was helping me in some way. I prayed no harm would come to her and wondered if I would ever see her again. To be put under the scrutiny of his priest made my plans much more dangerous. I was escorted back to the girls' common room by a guard and when I entered I found the girls in tight circles whispering urgently. As I stepped into the room everyone fell silent. The guard seemed to take no notice of the girls' strange behavior. As soon as he closed the door Kara and Trisha, the Emperor's choice for the previous nights came rushing up to me and the rest of the girls continued their conversations. Trisha's eyes were red from crying and I could still see the path the tears traced down her face. "They've taken Silvia! A guard came in not long after she returned and announced to everyone that she had been conspiring against the Emperor and was to be thrown into the dungeon!" Trisha just managed to speak before breaking down into tears once again. Kara looked up at me imploringly; she understood that the person to take Silvia's place would most likely not be as understanding of our plight. I had not informed the girls of my plan and I was glad I hadn't, it would have gotten their hopes up prematurely and I was unsure now if it would work. I glared back at the door in defiance to the Emperor and wrapped my arms around Kara and Trisha. "Have I ever told you about my life before I came here? No? Well...Once upon a time..." Weeks went by with little change in our situation except for the Emperor's Priest. Since Bartholomew was now overseeing all of the women, I had no way to hide. The Emperor called me into his chambers for a week straight after Bartholomew deemed me 'clean'. I did gain some reprieve when I emerged bruised, beaten, and bloody; Bartholomew surprised both the Emperor and me when he refused the Emperor my presence, telling him he would not be held responsible if anything more serious happened to me. For a few nights new girls were sent to him and they joined Kara, Trisha and myself in our silent sisterhood. After I recovered, Bartholomew wouldn't let him call on me night after night. He would send other girls instead and so it happened I only had to face the Emperor every few nights. When I entered his chambers he demanded stories. When he first made this demand I thought I might be able to appease him with a story alone, but it only seemed to fuel his fire. After that, I refused to speak. I was beaten and raped each time. I hated that man. When I had been there for over two months I knew something was wrong because my menstrual flow had not come since that first week. I kept this to myself for another few weeks but I began to feel sick and I knew I was pregnant with the Emperor's child. I now feared and welcomed his beatings with a new intensity. I was terrified of what was growing inside of me, the seed of such a cruel man. Part of me wished the Emperor would beat me enough that the child died before he even knew that I carried it. Then there was the part of me that still called out to Bryant and very much wanted a child. I feared that same beating if my secret was discovered. I do not know how he knew, but Bartholomew was the first to confront me about the child. He had called to me one morning after breakfast and asked for a word. He led me up the stairs to a wide door. A guard stood near and handed me an elegant green cloak. He took me outside for the first time since my captivity began. I breathed in the cold crisp air, relishing its brisk feeling. Winter would soon be over and the roads would clear for travel. If I were to bring my rumor to life I would have to act soon. "Fable, I know you carry his child, and I believe you do right to hide the fact." I was startled by Bartholomew's sudden announcement, but with his approval of my secret, I was relieved that someone else knew. "When the Emperor finds out, for this is not something you can hide forever, I can almost guarantee he will order the child killed once it is born." I nodded, accepting Bartholomew's close knowledge of the Emperor to know the truth. "I see you are unsurprised, which does not surprise me, you are a bright one." He smiled and patted me on the shoulder. "Now all we have to do is figure out a way to get you and the unborn child to safety, far out of the Emperor's grasp." I looked at him in shock, was he offering his aid? "Oh don't look so surprised, young one. I only accepted this position because I knew no one else would be able to fool the Emperor as easily as I can. You already know his own mother was unsuccessful." "How can you be so sure he is fooled?" I asked, for if I was to trust this man I had to know whether we had a chance. "I am glad you are weary, Fable. The Emperor has come to me since he was a boy, telling of his troubles. Despite the fact that I have tried advising him to make more...how should I say it...humane decisions? He has continued down a darker path. Nevertheless, no matter how far down that path he goes he has always counted on my council, whether he follows it or not. He cannot question my loyalty, or he questions his own humanity. Does that make sense?" "I think so. Would you really help me and my child escape?" He nodded. "I will do all I can to help. I overheard you speaking about your husband, do you think he knows where you are by now?" "There isn't a doubt in my mind, he is in the city, searching for a way to free me." "Then we will start there, I will have paper and a pen sent to your room, write a letter explaining to your husband that you are here and safe for the moment. I would not mention the child in the letter just in case it is intercepted. I will see that your husband is found and the letter delivered. Can you do that?" I smiled and nodded. "Thank you Bartholomew, it sounds like a start. But I do have something to tell you." My plan had not gone further than rumor and I would need help for it to succeed. Bartholomew seemed my only choice and so I took a chance. "I have a plan of my own." Bartholomew and I sat outside in the cold while I told him of my plan. He sat quietly and listened, never betraying his feelings of what I suggested. It was not until the end of my little tale that a broad smile spread across his face and he began to laugh. It was a few minutes before he was able to calm himself enough to speak. Wiping tears from his eyes he spoke. "This is a plan I like! A perfect way to teach the Emperor a lesson! We will have to make sure that everything is in place and that everyone who the Emperor could lay his rage upon is safely spirited away. Do you think your husband can help with this plan?" I nodded enthusiastically; he would play his part perfectly. "Good, then along with our letter I will send him funds to put your plan into action, I will deliver both myself and relay your plan to him. By the time the snow melts, the Emperor will be on his way to a marvelous humiliation." The next few weeks went by very fast. Bartholomew kept me away from the Emperor as much as he could but there were still a few nights I had to suffer his company. The majority of the other women had made their visits with the Emperor and no longer did they remain silent about his abuses. Now when a new name was called the girl would cry and plead that she be spared. Any admiration for the Emperor was lost. There was only one girl left who refused to believe the stories the other girls told of where their bruises came from, and that was Bernadette. She had yet to face the Emperor, telling the other girls that Bartholomew was saving the best for last. At night when we went to bed she would talk endlessly about how awful the other girls were to lie about the Emperor like they did. She would go on and on about how they were all just common whores and if what they said about him were true, they must have led him on. I would always roll over and pretend to be asleep. Only once did I say something to her and that was the day her name was called, not even a week before the Princess Rayden was scheduled to arrive at the palace. I offered her warnings that the other girls spoke the truth about the Emperor; I showed her the scars and welts he left on me. Her only response was that I was jealous. She was sure the Emperor would choose her to be his Empress. I waited up that night nervously. I could not imagine Bernadette's return and so when the city clock struck three in the morning, I sent the other girls who had waited up with me to bed. No one else but myself had ever returned later than midnight. Perhaps he had chosen Bernadette. I must have dosed off because I was startled awake when the common room door opened. I sat up and looked over to see Bartholomew solemnly coming towards me. It was not until he got closer that I realized his eyes were red from crying. He came over and sat next to me. "Your plan must work, Fable. We must end him," He dropped his head in his hands. "Where is Bernadette?" I asked but he simply shook his head. "Where is she!? What did he do?" I was on the verge of screaming. I was not very fond of the girl but Bartholomew entering the common room without her sent waves of concern up my spine. I had endured horrible things at his hand but I had always returned, as had the other girls. "Before I brought her to the Emperor I sat with him during dinner. There was nothing on his mind but Princess Rayden, he was getting all worked up over how beautiful she would be and how he would make her his. When I brought Bernadette into his chambers, his eyes were ablaze with lust and he quickly ordered me out. It wasn't long before I heard her shouts of protests and screams. It was barely ten minutes after I left when silence fell. I waited as long as I dared and reentered. The Emperor lay spent on the bed with Bernadette beside him. Her skin was tinged blue and her eyes were open wide in horror, I could see red marks in the shape of his hands around her neck. The Emperor saw me looking at her naked and lifeless body and explained that she had fought him, so he taught her a lesson." Bartholomew broke down again and cried while I sat stunned. He had killed her. Bernadette, the doubter only had precious seconds to learn that she had not been lied to. It could have been me, or any other girl that visited him that night, but I have a feeling it would not have mattered, someone would have ended up like Bernadette. I did not cry as you might expect, instead I seethed. I let my rage wash over me fully. There was no doubt in my mind that this man had to learn a valuable lesson and Fable would be the one to teach him. The morning was somber. When the news about Bernadette spread, there was great sadness, along with an almost overwhelming fear from all of the girls. However, Bartholomew joined us soon after breakfast and explained that no other girl would be visiting the Emperor until after Princess Rayden arrived at the palace. If the Emperor did not choose the Princess as his wife, more visits would be planned. On the eve of her arrival I made a decision to tell the other girls of my plan. It had been announced that we would all be in attendance in the Throne room when the Princess greeted the Emperor the next day and I hoped the other girls would help. Bartholomew even called a few trustworthy guards into the meeting. I explained to them that there was no Princess, but they must act as if they saw the most beautiful woman they had ever laid their eyes upon. The Emperor in his vanity and the rest of the court would see all of our reactions and so as not to show that they were unworthy of seeing and hearing the Elven Princess, would play along. The next morning found the palace in motion. Servants were busy cleaning and decorating, courtiers were coming in and out, looking for the most recent bit of news, and the girls spent the morning as if they were getting ready to attend a grand gala. We were all nervous and giddy with hope that my plan would work and that we would soon be able to escape from the Emperor's grasp. I was surprised when servants I had never met continued to visit the common room, seeking me out. They explained to me they had been told in confidence about my plan. Many would hug me or even place a hand upon my stomach and smile. All wished me well and said that if this plan worked, they too would abandon the Emperor. I knew Bartholomew was behind this and although I was first terrified that if this many people knew the Emperor must as well. I soon began to realize that since Bernadette's death, there were few people in the Palace left that had any respect for him. They would all play along. News arrived soon after midday that a grand carriage had been spotted about an hour's ride from the palace. Everyone began to gather in the throne room, talking excitedly. The Emperor entered and sat on his throne, dressed in a blue silk shirt and pants, a darker blue cloak falling over his left shoulder. He appeared the handsome and composed ruler. Everyone fell to a knee as he entered and with a bright smile he motioned for everyone to rise. An Empress for the Emperor "Today," he began, "We shall all witness a momentous occasion. The Elves have sent to us a priceless gift, the Elf King's youngest daughter. It is his wish, and my own to forge a new alliance between Elves and Humans that will extend far into the future." The room erupted into cheers and applause and I slowly edged myself to the back of the crowd. The Throne room doors opened and a flustered herald stepped in. He pounded his staff on the stone floor and the sound reverberated throughout the room, silencing all of the chatter. "May I present, her most Royal Highness, Princess of the Elves, Rayden, and her manservant, Gillian Stormgull." In walked a proud man, dressed in what seemed like finer clothes than the Emperor. He was clean shaven and I barely recognized him. It took all of my composure to keep from breaking down into tears of joy or calling out his name. Bryant approached the throne with his arm out as if he had the hand of a fair maiden. Whispers began and then people began to gasp. "She's beautiful!" someone whispered, loud enough that the Emperor could hear. "I have never seen hair so gold, or skin so fair!" Another person said, louder this time. The room erupted in exclamations of the Princess' beauty and a look of stunned realization crossed the Emperor's face. He could see no Princess. He looked around the room at everyone else's reactions and was not sure what to do. "Is there a problem, your Majesty?" Bartholomew had come up beside the Emperor and asked. "No, Bartholomew." He responded, thinking quickly. "I am just overwhelmed by Princess Rayden's beauty." Bryant had reached the edge of the dais the throne rested upon and bowed deeply to the Emperor. "Your Imperial Majesty, The Princess would like me to pass on that she is overjoyed by the welcome you have given her and willingly offers herself to you, if you would but accept her." He leaned close to the invisible woman as if listening to her whispering. "She does request a quiet place to rest, for we have had a long journey." The Emperor descended the steps and stood right before the Princess, pretending to look her over. He bowed deeply to her and when he rose he looked around. "My people, meet your new Empress, Princess Rayden, of the Elves. The Wedding Ceremony will be held tomorrow morning with a parade through the city to share my happiness with all of my citizens." The room burst into cheers and applause once again. More quietly and directly stated to Bryant and the Princess he added. "It is my pleasure to accept you into my home and my heart. I look forward to tomorrow, Princess. My priest, Bartholomew will show you to your room. Thank you master Stormgull, for seeing my Empress safely to me." Bryant bowed again. "It was my pleasure, majesty." The Emperor turned sharply and made his way out of the Throne room while Bartholomew led Bryant and the Princess to her private chambers. I could only imagine the messages reaching the Emperor. Many servants informed me that he wanted the Princess and her manservant watched. Hot water was brought to her room and to make it seem more believable, Bryant had a nice bath so the water was used. Food was also brought, enough for the Princess and her manservant. So that Bryant would not have to eat it all himself, he shared it with the servants who brought it for him. Bartholomew came for him soon after he ate to bring him to the girl's common room. I waited nervously for his arrival, Bartholomew having warned me before he went to fetch him. Not wanting the other girls to witness if I broke down, I waited in my own room, which seemed empty now without Bernadette. They needed my strength to see this through. When the door opened I was engulfed in Bryant's large arms before I even had a chance to look at him. I held on tight, taking in the smell and feel of his body. I looked up into his face and saw tears streaming down his cheeks. My own hot tears were already falling on his shirt and we both laughed and wiped them away. He sat me down on the bed and kissed me passionately. "Oh Marie!" Was all he could say. He held me for a long time when he suddenly ordered me to stand up. I did so without question, having become accustomed to following orders. Looking me over carefully he took my hands. "It's his child isn't it?" There was no anger in his voice, just concern and I nodded, breaking into body wrenching sobs. I fell to the floor weeping and barely noticed when Bryant scooped me up and placed me back on the bed beside him, holding me and offering comforting words. When I had finally calmed down he gently stroked my stomach and looked in my eyes. "I hear you are called, Fable here." "I am. I suppose it is fitting." Bryant smiled brightly "Indeed it is. She is a strong baby," he said, a hand on my stomach once again. I wanted to ask how he knew that I carried a girl but he continued. "She will be ours dearest, and I think it fitting that her name also be, Fable." I let his words sink in and I knew he was right. The child I carried was a new story, my Fable, not the Emperor's. "Bryant, make love to me please, I need to feel you, feel your love. I barely feel like a person anymore." He looked at me with surprise but there was understanding in his eyes. He took me slowly, understanding that I had been denied the pleasure of love for much too long. I had never been aroused for the Emperor. Despite his handsome face and sculpted body I never felt drawn to him since that first evening in the woods outside my mother's home. For the first time in months I felt the stirrings of desire as my husband kissed me and removed my clothing. The details of our encounter have not remained with me because the feelings associated with being with my husband again after so long were too overwhelming. As he made love to me I wept again and the world condensed into the small bed we shared and the undulations of our naked bodies, rocking together and carrying away some of my grief. Bryant departed soon after we finished, we both feared discovery. I went to take a bath, hating to wash away the evidence of our union but knowing that if discovered the consequences would be dire. The night was coming on and I decided to lie down early. I was just dosing off when my door opened and Bartholomew called to me. "Come, Fable. The Emperor demands your presence." "But you said..." I began to protest but he interrupted. "I know what I said, and I am sorry. I have no choice, if I did not bring you he was going to send his personal guards to fetch you even if they had to drag you to his chambers." "Do you think he suspects?" I asked while getting to my feet and wrapping myself up in a robe. Bartholomew shook his head. "When he called for me he could not stop speaking about the Princess' beauty and how delicate she seemed. He even talked about how her voice was like bells, although I remember no time when Bryant did not speak for her. He is a believer, my dear. Perhaps he thinks that once they are wed the spell will be broken and he will gain the ability to see and hear her. But come, we cannot keep him waiting." The two of us sped down the corridors as quickly as we could until I stood yet again before the doors to the Emperor's rooms. "I must leave you now, Fable. His instructions were quite precise; he only wishes to see you tonight." I swallowed hard and pushed into the room. "Come here, Fable." The Emperor lay on his bed, already naked and propped up on one arm. I walked over to the side of the bed. He sat up and swung his legs over the side motioning for me to come closer. He took the sash that tied my robe closed and opened it, dropping the robe to the ground at my feet. I stood before him in a simple nighttime shift that he pushed from my shoulders as well and let drop. Taking my hands he pulled me onto the bed gently. I did not know what to make of his behavior. I had never seen him be so tender. Starting at my neck he began kissing me, moving down my body. I was surprised because my body was reacting to his touch. Perhaps it remembered the same act that was so intimately done to me but a few hours before but given my current company I felt sick. Although he still entered me against my will this was the first time it did not really hurt. I closed my eyes and felt as if I were with Bryant again and began to cry. When the Emperor finished he lay back on the bed and let me weep, not saying a word. When my tears subsided he looked up at me. "You are an extremely beautiful woman, Fable." He stroked my cheek gently with his hand. I began to doubt the actions I was taking against this man. Perhaps he could change. "I regret that this is all our relationship will ever be. I do suspect that since I will be married in the morning I will have to send the other girls home. However I do believe I will keep you here with me, I do so enjoy our nights together." There was no tenderness in his eyes; whatever had reminded me of Bryant was gone, and my moment of doubt had passed as well. "Tell me a story," he said. I began to refuse but stopped myself. It was time he heard a story. "There was a great hunter," I began, the Emperor propped himself up on his elbows, shock clearly showing across his face that I was actually sharing a story with him. A satisfied smile crossed his face, one that showed his belief that I was totally his, before he lay back down. "And he lived on the edge of a majestic forest. It was said throughout the land that he was the greatest hunter in the world; but he doubted this. In order to prove to himself that he was indeed the greatest he set out into the forest to hunt all of the bucks in the wood. For weeks he stayed out there. At first, deer after deer fell to his arrows but as the days and then weeks went by there were fewer and fewer bucks left until he couldn't find even one. Still unsatisfied he began to shoot and kill any deer he saw. It finally came to a time when the only deer left was a pregnant doe. Despite her pregnancy and the obvious signs she left in her wake she evaded him for a week. Finally, one evening he found her in a meadow. As he raised his bow and put her in his sight, he heard a rustling from behind him. Before he could turn around a lioness pounced and ripped his throat out. You see, all the while the Hunter had been stalking the deer; the lioness had been stalking him. The great hunter had been so focused on what he wanted that he forgot to look around and be wary of the other hunters in the forest." The Emperor laughed good naturedly, finding my tale extremely humorous. "It appears you wish to return to my good graces with a story such as that. Well, if you insist." He pinned me on the bed and ran his hands over my body. "I see you are endulging well in the castles delicacies. You've gained a belly, dear Fable." He patted my stomach with his hand. "Be careful, I might not like you as much if you're fat." If he was not so self indulgent I would have worried that he suspected more than that I had just gained weight. One last time he had his way with me. All the while I looked at his throat and thought just how delicious it looked. This next part of the story Bartholomew told me about after it happened. Bryant presented himself to the Emperor early the next morning, carrying a box. He informed the Emperor that it was Elven custom that the Bride make the clothes the Groom wears on their wedding day. He explained that Princess Rayden had been working diligently on these garments for weeks in anticipation of being chosen as Empress. Intrigued by his announcement the Emperor ordered Bryant to help him dress. Opening the box, Bryant seemed to be lifting out a delicate piece of fabric. "Now your majesty, although these all look delicate, it would take a lot to rip anything Elf made. Look here at the precise stitching and the gold embroidery; and here you can see your family crest, inlaid with precious stones. Is it not beautiful?" The Emperor agreed and asked Bryant to show him the other pieces. "Oh well, here are the pants, they were woven with silk as fine as a spider's web. Feel how light they are?" The Emperor reached out to feel the invisible fabric. "Like air," he mused. "Indeed they are, majesty, you will feel like you are wearing nothing at all. Now the boots are made from specially tanned basilisk skin, just as light as the clothes." The city clock struck ten. "Oh, your majesty, let me help you dress or you will be late to your own wedding." Very carefully Bryant helped the Emperor dress in his Elven clothes, complementing him at how regal he appeared. "I must see to the Princess so we may make our way to the grand ballroom. Please excuse me, highness." The Emperor waved Bryant away and Bartholomew entered. "Why your majesty! I have never seen you look more fit to rule. This is indeed a happy day. Come lad, your blushing bride awaits." When the Emperor began his procession down the aisle, the girls and women servants began to swoon, saying how lucky the Princess was to have such a handsome man for her husband. Everyone remarked on his remarkable clothing. With the talk the Emperor puffed up his chest a little more and stood as straight as possible before Bartholomew. A quartet of violins began to play and the room fell silent as Bryant appeared dressed in his finest, an arm out to offer the Princess an escort down the aisle. Again the comments of her beauty began and before anyone knew it, Bartholomew was almost through the vows. The Princess had enthusiastically said "I do." And the Emperor followed suit. "I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife. You may kiss the Bride." The Emperor leaned forward cautiously with his lips puckered. The crowd sighed and he took that as a completion of their kiss. Putting his hand out he grasped thin air and like a school boy, led her back down the aisle to the waiting carriage to take them into the city. In the celebration that followed it was easy for all of the girls to gather their things and make it to the other waiting carriages at the rear of the castle. Bartholomew refused to join us, saying he had to release Silvia and needed to be there when the Emperor returned. I feared greatly for his safety but trusted his judgment. The servants and many of the guards were also packing their things and leaving the city. One of the Emperor's personal guards had snuck into the royal treasury and given Bryant and myself and all of the servants enough gold to live comfortably; the girls all came from wealthy families and refused the guard's offer. As we left the castle grounds and entered the outskirts of the city, I swear I could hear laughter erupting from the populace and an enraged Emperor storming back up to the palace. As the parade wound its way through the city streets everyone pretended to be awed at the beauty of their new Empress and the Elegant Elf clothing the Emperor wore, no one wishing to appear unworthy. Near the end of the parade however, a small girl could be heard over the crowd. "Mama, why is the Emperor naked? I don't see an Empress either, there isn't anyone there but the Emperor." The crowd fell silent and began to realize that if a small innocent girl was not worthy to see an Elven Princess, then perhaps there was not one after all. The news spread quickly and suddenly people were laughing, and not just at the comedy of the scene but at the Emperor himself. By the time the Emperor returned humiliated to the palace it was all but deserted. He raced to his chambers and threw on his clothes yelling for any servant to attend him. The only person to arrive was his mother. "This was left for you, boy." She ignored his glare and stood, waiting for him to open the letter she had handed to him. My letter. You, highness were the hunter, greedy and blind. I was the Lioness. It is your turn to learn from a Fable.