**DAPHNE**
Disappointment flares through the crowd as they begin to protest, but they are silenced with just the raise of the king’s royal hand.
“Make no mistake, your life will be given in your father’s stead, however-” he pauses, gesturing for me to stand and I do. “A life of servitude for you, my dear. Your sentence? To live every remaining day in this palace as my slave, never to see your father again, as you will be dead to him, should he accept. Are you in agreement?”
*Life as a slave? What? Why? What will be expected of me?*
*Does it matter, Daphne?* This is the only way to save your sisters. They will have a chance to be happy. They will know you are still alive.
This is a gift!
It is the only way!!!
“I accept, my lord,” I choke out and the nobles around me begin to laugh.
The king smiles, allowing his hungry gaze to defile me completely. “Guards, bring me the Farmer Myrh.”
**ASH**
My muscles are tensely coiled as I listen to the imbecilic guards mumbling about what fate lay ahead of the ebony haired beauty standing at the king’s feet. She would be used up then passed around for the men. At least, that is what they hope for.
Little do they know, *I have the prince’s ear*. It was my suggestion that turned her from corpse to slave and she would be the key to the kingdom. Unknowingly becoming the downfall of a great people. Or so it is said, but I don’t value them as much as they value themselves. They are not great in the eyes of *my* people.
They are human. They are careless murderers. Pawns at my disposal. To them, I am Ash, friend to the throne. Playmate of their Crowned Prince from the age of five when I was “found” in the meadow beyond the palace walls.
Silly really. For I am not even human. I am Fae. Glamoured into an orphan twenty years past. If they only knew...
I’ve been at work on their demise for fifty plus summers. However, my plan never included this farmer’s daughter. This opportunity heaved itself onto my lap. I had hopes for a princess, but there are none quite as fair as this peasant girl. No, not a one. The king would not be tempted to chance his throne on any of the royals I have come across. This girl will do perfectly. Such a pity, she shall have to die with the rest.
The maiden is absolutely lovely, and I will certainly sample her before her time is done. First though, I’m sure the king will have a taste. What a shame that such an innocent should have to endure the attentions of the old human king.
Then again, she was ready to die when she ventured here. So, I am absolved of any guilt that I may or may not have. I smile to myself, thinking of her selfless act to save her wretched sire. Her spirit is strong. She will make a superb tribute. Especially if she is pregnant with the king’s bastard child when the time comes.
Her eyes catch mine as the guards force out her father. Twinkling and sparkling emeralds that shine with moisture. I shake my head minutely, trying to tell her that the halfling of a man that sired her is not worth a tear. She purses her full, round lips in disapproval, yet I see her blinking as she straightens her back proudly.
*Good girl. Don’t waste your sentiments on a fool who served you up before you even offered yourself.*
Farmer Myrh had been arrested the night before last. Upon arrival, he had pleaded the king take one of his daughters as payment of his debt. The king had refused of course, even after the farmer boasted of the youngest girl’s beauty and talents. Saying that she could bring any man to his knees with temptations of the flesh. No one had believed the idiot. Because Farmer Myrh is so damned ugly, you almost want to beat him just so that his hideousness makes sense.
But, as they say, seeing is believing.
Unless you are Fae.
“Daphne!?” The old farmer spoke, reaching for her with his arms still in chains. “You’ve come to save me?”
To my surprise, there is no love in her eyes as she looks upon him, only disgust.
“No,” she says, drawing a gasp from the crowd. “To save my sisters. Isabel and Diana. To save their futures. Simply make certain they are cared for and tell them that I love them, please.”
Farmer Myrh is stunned. He reaches his arm high as if to slap her, and she flinches, her head snapping back.
“Stop!” Hayden shouts. “Touch the property of the king with that hand and you will *lose* it, farmer. Accept the gift you’ve been given and depart.”
A shudder passes over the old man, and he spits on the ground at the girl's feet. Tears fill her eyes once again, and I find myself gritting my teeth. “And my debt, Highness?” The old farmer says.
"It's Your Majesty, idiot," Hayden hisses.
“Paid,” King Hadimere declares, ignoring the farmer's ignorance. “Furthermore, should your daughter please me and please me well, I will arrange for a marriage for both of your remaining daughters. So they might see life beyond *your* humble beginnings.”
Daphne instantly hits her knees in thanks and the king smiles in approval. Already, she is working him over.
*Now, why does that irritate me so?*
*Ah, yes, because I hate the bastard.*
The farmer is outraged. “But You Majesty!? Who will see to my meals and my comforts? No, no. I thank you kindly, but they must stay on the farm.”
“They *WILL* marry men of my choosing and should you speak again, in any manner while in this court, I will cut out your lazy tongue. Is that clear?” Hadimere yells. “Guards, remove his chains.”
The farmer glares at Daphne, murder in his eyes and for a moment, I think he might even do something crazy like strike her despite being warned not to. But ... he doesn't. Instead, he spits at her one more time and then hobbles out of the palace.
*I can't imagine what the girl's mother was thinking when she mated with that creature.*
*Perhaps the woman was possessed. Or enchanted by some barkeeper's ale.*
“You, girl,” Hadimere grins. “Daphne is it?”
“Yes Sire,” she says.
“Rise,” he commands and she does. “Guards, escort this young maiden to the West wing. The tower room.”
“If I may be excused, father, I will see to her comfort,” Prince Hayden informs the king.
Hayden’s eyes are fastened to the girl's breasts and I fist my hands over the front of my tunic.
“No,” the king warns. “Ash will accompany her in your place as he knows better than to touch my things.”
I smile inside and laugh out loud as Hayden sends me a defeated look.
“It’s your fault,” I whisper to him as the guards gather around the farmer’s daughter. “You should never have slept with his mistress.”
He glares and I wink back at him.
“Do not worry,” I chuckle. “I’ll make sure she is bathed and ready for you later.”
Then, turning toward the girl, I lead the way to the West Tower.