Dynasty:

The Heavenly Fox

By

Sam Ryan

PROLOGUE

Even as I pen this I have no idea who I am writing this for. If anyone ever finds this I am sure that it would be discounted as false if not burned on the grounds of heresy. However I feel that I must write this down. I must tell the true story about Lymee. The real Lymee. Not the Deity known as the Heavenly Fox but the person. I do not make excuses for her actions nor will I claim that the choices that she made were the right ones, only that she always did what she thought was best. But to understand how Lymee became who she is now you must first understand who she once was.

Whore, skank, slut, fag. Lymee had been called them all growing up. When she was young she never understood why people hated her so much. She knew she was more attractive than most people but the way others treated her made it seem like her good looks had been a bad thing, and that it was somehow her fault for having them. Her mom had always told her that others were just jealous but something about that had never set right with Lymee.

Her mother was Japanese and her father an American Sailor. They met while her father was stationed in Japan. They were married a month later and eight months after that Lymee was born. A love story for the ages.

Lymee’s mother had told her that Lymee had been blessed with the best of both worlds. She had inherited American proportions being 5 feet 9 inches tall and her breasts were a solid D cup. But her facial features made her look completely Asian including her thick black hair that she kept cut five inches short.

It was in high school that she started to truly understand her unique situation. Puberty had been exceptionally good to Lymee and she was often considered the most beautiful girl in her school. This however only made her prey to every guy who wanted nothing more than to bang her.

Realizing that she had to do something to change her persona so she would seem less attainable, she started training in martial arts, and changed her style to be a little gothic wearing darker clothing and makeup. She had five piercings in each of her ears, studs only. She did not like the feeling of things flopping around when she walked, or things to be yanked on when she was sparring.

None of that had been enough to stop a boy from trying to rape her one day after school. She was able to fight the guy off before anything could actually happen and the boy was arrested but her mother the very next day started the paperwork to transfer her to a private all-girls school.

Whether it was because of that or because she was surrounded by girls for the next three years of her life, Lymee was not sure, but while attending the all-girls school was the first time she started feeling attracted to other girls. She had looked it up online and found that it was not uncommon for young girls to feel more attracted to girls over boys at her age but it was not that she was more attracted to girls than boys; it was that she was not attracted to men at all. Nothing about the male figure was appealing to Lymee. The opposite actually. She found most men utterly repulsive in a sexual way.

She never told anyone this. She figured it was better to keep it to herself at least until she could figure out what it was that she was actually feeling and she had intended to do just that until she graduated from high school. After all, she was fine reading her books playing her games and writing her stories that she would never let anyone else read. She could figure out her own sexuality later.

But up until this point Lymee had lived a relatively normal life. Her story really begins here:

CHAPTER 1

Lymee stirred from her sleep instinctively grabbing a clump of grass on the ground that she was laying on. She could hear loud sounds all around her, cries of men and the clanking of metal. It sounded nothing like the sounds of the cars and electronics of the city that she was used to. The air smelled different as well. It was repugnant, on a level that she had never experienced before.

She slowly opened her eyes a sharp pain piercing threw her head as the light struck her eyes. She reached up holding the side of her head in an attempt to try to make it stop spinning. She felt something warm running down the front of her face. Thinking it might be sweat or muddy water she wiped it off with the palm of her hand before it could run into her eyes.

Instantly she noticed that it had a strange texture so she brought her hand in front of her face to get a better look at it. She frowned looking at her palm with a puzzled look. Her hand was smeared in blood. She must be bleeding. Lymee figured that was probably the cause of her head pain and vision problems. She needed to get it treated as soon as possible. Head wounds tended to bleed a lot anyway and the likelihood of a concussion was high considering how she got it.

Lymee paused as she tried to remember how she had actually gotten her head wound. She could remember flashes of something. She remembered that she was fighting someone. Or had she been running from someone? But the last thing she could clearly remember was walking back to her dorm. Then…

Then what happened?

A loud scream snapped Lymee out of her thoughts. She looked up toward where she had heard the cry and saw a man clad in armor being cut down in front of her by another man in armor wielding a spear. Blood splattering everywhere as the spear dug into the man’s side.

It was then that Lymee noticed her surroundings. All around her, she was surrounded by death and battle. There were dead bodies sprawled everywhere and the mud that she thought she had been laying in was actually blood soaked dirt.

Lymee could feel her stomach lurch as she did everything in her power not to throw up. She knew she was not safe lying there. She had to get up. She had to move. Slowly she staggered to her feet lifting herself up with her arms putting her knees under her chest and using them to lift herself up. Her body was stiff and did not want to respond but she forced herself through it.

Once on her feet, Lymee flung her arms out trying to keep her balance, her head finally starting to settle down. She quickly checked herself over assessing her present condition. She was still in her blue jeans and black tank top with spaghetti straps. She had on a light leather coat that cut off at her midriff. She was thankful that the boots she wore were not just for show and were actually meant for walking. She had the feeling that she would be doing a lot of that soon.

Lymee staggered forward across the battlefield. Every time she moved she felt more and more grounded, gaining strength with every step. She was in a light density forest and the surrounding fauna was no higher than her ankles. From what she could hear, it seemed like the battle was mostly further behind her meaning that she was probably headed in the right direction. The last way she wanted to be going was towards the fighting.

There was a crashing sound of branches and leaves as a woman clad in light armor leapt out of the trees. She was holding her right shoulder and Lymee could see blood leaking out between her fingers. She had long dark brown hair that fluttered behind her like a superhero’s cape.

That was all Lymee noticed before the woman smashed both her knees into Lymee’s chest. With a thud, Lymee fell to the ground the wind getting knocked out of her, the woman landing on top Lymee’s chest. The woman put her full body weight into Lymee pinning her to the ground raising her hand ready to strike at her would be enemy, but stopped when she saw Lymee’s face.

She looked at Lymee with deep brown eyes. There was fear in them but also wonder. Her features were Asian and the way her long hair fell around her face acted like a frame accentuating her beauty.

The woman said something then. Lymee could not understand the language but in her heart, Lymee knew she was asking for help.

There were more crashing sounds as several soldiers came charging out from where the woman had come from their weapons at the ready. They all had blue ribbons tied on their hips, heads, and shoulders, as opposed to the red ribbons tied on the girl still sitting on Lymee’s chest. It did not take much to figure out that these people were not her friends.

The woman stood up dropping into a fighting stance, her right arms hanging useless at her side. Lymee got to her feet trying to find the fastest path away from them. These soldiers were not after Lymee. If she ran they would probably ignore her and go only for the woman standing next to her. This had nothing to do with Lymee and she had no idea which side, if either, was the ‘right’ side to be on.

She glanced at the woman glaring at the four men standing in front of her. She had no weapon and was wounded. She knew she did not stand a chance but she still stood her ground.

Lymee sighed slumping her shoulders a little. “Always was a sucker for a nice rack.” Lymee stepped in front of the woman dropping into her fighting stance.

The men started yelling at her but she could not understand anything, though she got the impression they were telling her to surrender. Their armor looked to be some kind of hybrid between Chinese Three Kingdoms and Japanese Samaria, but their language did not sound like either. Their weapons were made out of fine quality steel and all of them were bloodied.

But none of that mattered to Lymee right then. Her mind was racing as she cycled through her options. She had been trained on how to fight people with weapons but that was all centered around bats and knives and the assumption the person wielding them had no clue what they were actually doing. These were trained soldiers and unlike Lymee, all of them had killed before.

Realizing this Lymee dropped her guard with a loud audible sigh. Standing up straight, she put both hands behind her head.

The woman behind her said something, her anger was obvious in her tone.

Lymee had no idea what the woman was saying but she could guess. “I never said I wasn’t a coward, princess.” Lymee shrugged as she looked over her shoulder at the woman.

The four soldiers glanced at each other a little taken back by her sudden surrender. One of them lowered his spear and began to move forward. The others kept their weapons leveled ready to move but they were still several yards away. It would take them several seconds to reach her if she tried anything.

The soldier moved in closer moving his spear to his left hand pointing the blade at the ground as he reached out to her. Lymee exhaled all the air in her lungs waiting for the right moment. In a flash, she sent a ridge hand to the soldier’s nose. If done right the strike would send the floating cartilage in the person’s nose into their skull. But Lymee had never hit someone for real before and instinctively pulled her strike at the last second.

The man staggered back in surprise his hand reaching for his wounded face. Without pausing Lymee grabbed the sword on the man’s hip unsheathing it and putting all her strength in her hips she snapped from a back stance to a front stance driving the blade into the man’s chest. There was resistance as she hit the chest plate and for a brief second she feared that the sword would not go through but the armor gave and once the blade pierced through his flesh it simply felt like stabbing a steak.

Not bothering to pull the blade out Lymee reached out grabbing the man’s spear spinning it in her hands. She had only learned a single bow form for her black belt test and it had been a while since she had practiced it but she hoped that by taking a few of the moves from it she could feign some kind of higher skill.

With a loud ‘kia’ she held the blade out in front of her in the deepest back stance she had ever done. There were no other thoughts in her mind other than the three men standing in front of her. All of them had recovered from the initial shock of their comrade dying and were spreading out, moving to surround her so they could all attack Lymee at once.

The woman standing behind Lymee lost no time pulling the sword out of the dead soldier’s chest gripping it in her left hand in a high guard. Lymee was not sure how much help she would be using her off hand but any help at this point was welcome.

There was a loud thundering sound approaching from behind her. Lymee prayed that they were friendly because while she might have a chance against these three she doubted she had any hope against even a single opponent on horseback.

The three men looked behind Lymee and saw what was heading towards them. They all lowered their spears and made a run for it, Lymee completely forgotten. The woman started barking orders at the cavalry as they ran past them, waving her good hand in different directions.

Did that mean that this woman was an officer? That seemed odd considering the time period but a woman soldier was odd in and of itself.

One of the cavaliers stopped in front of the woman, the rider also a woman. She wore more armor than the first woman but it was clear from her features her gender. Not only that, she was just as pretty as the first girl though Lymee could not tell how big her breasts were with the armor.

The two exchanged words for a moment then the Cavalier kicked her heels riding off with the rest of them, leaving Lymee alone with the woman.

It was then that everything that had just happened sunk in. The spear fell from Lymee’s hand her whole body shaking. She looked at the lifeless body of the man that she had just killed. The look of surprise and anguish forever plastered on his face.

She had done that. She had killed him. She looked at her hands that were now covered in blood.

Lymee’s knees gave out and she fell on all fours. This time she did puke. She kept heaving long after she had anything left in her body to throw up. She had not given her actions a second thought before she had killed him but now it felt like her mind was starting to unravel at the seams of her sanity.

Lymee felt a hand rubbing on her back. It was the woman she had just saved. She was kneeling next to Lymee saying something soothing, but Lymee still could not understand her. Despite that, her words were still warm and comforting and they did help a bit.

The woman reached around putting a hand on the side of Lymee’s cheek forcing her to turn her head so she looked at the woman. Their eyes met again and the woman continued to talk.

“I’m sorry I don’t understand what you are-”

Lymee was cut off as the woman pressed her lips to Lymee’s. It happened so fast that she was not even sure what was happening at first. The woman’s lips were sweet, and soft. Lymee was sure her own breath was terrible after she had just thrown up but that did not seem to bother the woman as she worked her tongue into Lymee’s mouth. Lymee put hand on the woman’s back drawing her in close. Lymee closed her eyes as she started sucking on the woman’s tongue in her mouth.

Lymee could feel something. She was not sure what it was. A warmth of some kind. It worked its way down her throat to the pit of her stomach. From there it spread out through her whole body causing her entire body to tingle.

After what seemed like too short of a time, the woman broke away.

“Can you understand me now?” the woman asked breathing heavily, her face flushed.

“I,” Lymee gasped touching her mouth with her fingers, “How…?”

“I gave you a bit of my spirit,” the woman explained. “It allowed me to impart a little knowledge from me into you. I could not be sure it would work but I think your willingness to accept it contributed a lot.”

Lymee’s ears started to burn as her face went beet red. She tried to find something anything that she could say to make this less embarrassing.

The woman brushed her hand across Lymee’s face moving her bangs out of her eyes. “You saved my life so I will allow you a few liberties. After all it was not an unenjoyable experience for me.”

“I’m so sorry.” Was all Lymee could stammer out unable to look the woman in the eyes. “It’s just that was my… my…” she tried to say the word as she nervously rubbed her lips together.

The woman let out an amused laugh but it was not in any way mocking. “You are a strange woman. What is your name?”

“Lymee,” she answered finally able to look at the woman though she still could not look her in the eyes.

“Just Lymee? That seems rather short.” The woman held out her hand for Lymee to take it.

Trustingly Lymee placed her hand in the woman’s and she helped Lymee get to her feet.

“Well Lymee, my family name is Su my common name is Hanna and my true name is Alia. I am the Lord of the free province of Su.”

Lymee tried her best to let the words sink in but she had no clue what any of those names meant, though they sounded important. “I assume I am not to say all of that every time I address you.”

The woman let out an almost giggle like laugh hiding her face behind her hand. “No I suppose not,” she smiled her eyes soft as they looked at Lymee. “Normally people only address you with your common name. Your true name is reserved for family and those that you trust or consider close. So please I request that you call me Alia.”

“But Alia is your…” she trailed off understanding what she was implying.

Alia smiled again her face seeming to light up.

“Lymee Lynn Jacobson.” Lymee said.

“What?”

“That’s my full name. You could say that Lymee is my common name and Jacobson is my family name so that would make Lynn like my secret name. Something most people don’t know.”

Alia’s smile grew even brighter. “I see. Well then thank you for sharing that with me. Might I call you Lynn when we are alone then?”

Lymee was not so fond of her middle name that she wanted people calling her by it but the idea that the two of them shared something so personal excited her a little. Lymee stared at her feet giving a nod.

“What was the word that you called me when we first met?” Alia asked.

“What?” Lymee could not remember calling her anything.

“When you were pretending to surrender you called me something. What was it?”

“Oh that, I called you a princess.”

Alia frowned her eyes darting to the side. “I am not familiar with this word.”

Lymee laughed. “It’s,” she tried to think of how to best describe it. “In the context that I used it, the word means a beautiful woman. It’s a word taken out of literature and mythology. It was often used to describe female royalty.”

Alia thought that over. “Well then I think it only fair to make that my secret name then.”

Lymee laughed ready to explain that it was not a name but a title. That she was probably already a princess if she really was the leader of this land. Deciding that it really was not worth the effort she smiled and nodded. “Then I shall call you Princess when we are alone then.”

“So then Lynn.” Alia took Lymee’s arm and they started walking. “Let us go back to my palace. I will thank you properly for saving my life and you can tell me what you are doing here.”

Lymee blushed trying her best not to stare at the woman walking next to her.

“Oh are you hurt?” Alia asked suddenly. She reached out touching the top of Lymee’s head.

“Oh that?” Lymee had forgotten all about it. Probably a good sign that she did not have a concussion. “Don’t quite remember how I got this.” She pressed her hand to her head. It did not seem like it was bleeding anymore.

“Well once we return I will have a philosopher clean that up for you. I would not want it to scar and ruin your pretty face.” She brushed Lymee’s bangs out of her face looking her square in the eyes as she said it.

Lymee just laughed it off trying her best to hide her blushing. She was not sure what was going on but things were definitely looking up. She unconsciously touched her lips again. Her first kiss had defiantly been one worth remembering.

CHAPTER 2

Lymee felt a strange kind of awkward in her new clothes. She had been given a change of clothes, after several attendants had scrubbed every inch of her body in a large bath, to use while her old ones were being washed. The outfit was made out of pure silk and dyed with an elegant red and yellow pattern with red being the primary color. Lymee had never worn silk before, she was surprised at just how light, and smooth it actually was and it felt amazing against her skin. The dress was beautiful and elegant with long flowing sleeves and leg flaps that hung down to her ankles. The top wrapped in front of her revealing plenty of skin around her chest while also accentuating her already large breasts.

Her hair had been done up as well, though there had not been much to work with. There were elegant hair clips on the side and back of her head that were encrusted with colorful stones that covered the entire color wheel, red again being the dominate color. They let her keep all her earrings in which was nice since she did not want her piercings closing up on her. But she thought she must look funny in such an elegant outfit and then having her ears full of metal studs.

But the thing that was actually bothering Lymee, thing that she could not get used to no matter how much she tried was the lack of undergarments. The silk as light as it was without any kind of bra or panties made it feel like she was wearing nothing but a light blanket. Every time she moved she feared that she was flashing everyone. On top of that the way the fabric rubbed her bare nipples was extremely distracting, as well as stimulating.

Lymee was sitting on the top step at the foot of a large throne in what looked like some kind of throne room. There were red wood pillars that lined the walls under a second story balcony. The walls of room were lined with soldiers that all had a strange cloth hanging from their helmets in front of their faces.

Standing in the middle of the throne room were several other soldiers all of them women clad in armor and they were all covered in dried blood and dirt.

“The Hu armies have routed,” one of the women reported.

Lymee noticed that it was the Cavalier she had seen earlier. The woman had her helmet tucked under her left arm, her other hand resting on the hilt of her sword. As she spoke her gaze was focused at the ground in front of her.

“As you ordered, my Calvary pursed them to the river before returning,” the woman concluded her report.

“Very good,” Alia nodded collapsing the red fan that she was holding. She was sitting on her large cushioned throne in a relaxed position. She was dressed similar to Lymee only she also wore a decorative headpiece on top of her head holding her hair in a loose bun. Her dress covered up her shoulders and pressed tighter to her skin so no one could see her wounded arm.

Alia also had some kind of chain jewelry that wrapped around her forehead hidden mostly under her hair. Hanging off the silver chain were smaller chains that dangled on her forehead ending in small gems. The middle chain was slightly longer than the others and had a red ruby at the end. She was also now wearing dark red makeup around her eyes and lipstick.

Lymee could not help but think she looked stunning. She was also willing to bet that she was not wearing any underwear just like Lymee. Considering where she was sitting if Lymee turned her head she was sure she would be able to see up her dress.

Lymee bit her bottom lip as she slowly started to turn her head towards Alia.

“Any word on a possible counter attack?” Alia’s words snapped Lymee out of her delusions.

Lymee found that she was breathing hard and her cheeks felt a little hot. She did her best to act natural as she calmed herself down. What had she been thinking? She had no idea what the customs were. Based on what she saw from the people in front of her Lymee could be executed for just looking Alia in the eyes.

“No my lord,” the Calvary woman shook her head. “All reports indicate that Hu is withdrawing their forces back behind their borders.”

Alia tapped the fan to her chin deep in thought. “Keo what do you think?” Alia turned to the woman who was standing beside her. She was in a long red kimono that was open in the front so it showed off her chest.

Keo moved forward slightly so Alia could see her. “General Dyn is not the kind of person to just give up.” Keo responded. “However she is also not the kind to needlessly waste her troops. If she does not feel that she can win she will wait for an opportunity to present itself.”

“My lord, I suggest we press the attack at once,” one of the other women stated. She was wearing almost no armor with the exception of the arm piece on her shoulder. She had her breast tied down with wrapping and she wore the bottom half of a kendo outfit and had a coat on her shoulders held together at the collar making it seem more like a cape.

“My lord I must disagree,” Keo immediately retorted.

Alia cut her off by holding out her hand to the side the closed fan extending her reach. “I already know,” Alia nodded at Keo. “They could easily be laying in ambush waiting for us to hastily charge after them.”

Not to mention Lymee was sure the army was exhausted. Victory or not it was hard on troops to fight after fighting then doing a hard march.

“We will reform our forces,” Alia declared. “Once we have fully scouted the paths only then will we consider a counter offensive. In the mean time I want to double the patrols on our borders. We cannot afford to have General Dyn sneak another force this close to The Palace again.”

There was a reply of understanding as the five generals saluted, bowing their head.

“Keo, Sai, please stay a moment,” Alia ordered. “The rest of you rest up and order your men to do the same,” there were bows of acknowledgment. After a moment only Keo and the Cavalier remained.

Alia beckoned Sai to come closer and for Keo to move out in front of her. They obediently obliged, Sia moving up the steps stopping just shy of reaching the top.

“I am sure both of you have noticed our guest.” Alia ran a hand down Lymee’s arm. The single gesture sent tingles through Lymee’s entire body. “I figured you would like to be present when she explains who she is and where she comes from.”

“I would like to know who it is that was granted the great honor of sitting at our Lord's feet. As well as to what she did during the battle to deserve such an honor.” Sai crossed her arms glaring at Lymee. While she may refuse to look Alia in the eyes she had not problems leering at Lymee.

Lymee tensed. She had wondered why the others had occasionally shot her mean glances. She had thought that they just did not like the idea of some stranger sitting next to their lord but it would seem they were also upset that Lymee had somehow stolen some kind of after battle honor from them.

“This woman saved my life,” Alia’s did not raise her voice but it still carried with it a sharp edge of authority. “Without any thought to her own life or any allegiance to speak of to me, she single-handedly stood down four soldiers with only her bare hands. Killing one of them in the process.”

“Alia please, I really didn’t do,” Lymee started then realized that she might be being too formal. “I mean,” She strained trying to think what her common name was. “Su, no that’s your family name.”

“It’s alright.” Alia laughed putting a hand on Lymee’s head. “Once one has given you permission to use their true name you may use it at any time. With the exception of when you are referring to that person to another who has not been given that right.”

“You let this commoner use your true name?” The shock and anger was obvious in Sai’s voice.

“This commoner gave up her first to me,” Alia stated.

Lymee’s heart stopped as she remembered the kiss that the two of them shared. Her hand instinctively reaching for her mouth. Why would she tell them about that?

Alia gestured towards Lymee but never took her eyes off of Sai. “This woman has gone her whole life without killing but she gave that up in order to protect someone she did not even know.”

Lymee let out a sigh of relief. Then she remembered the dead face of the man that she had killed. Cold chills ran through her body and she felt her stomach beginning to turn again.

“While her actions may be expected from the rest of you it was not expected of her.” Alia softened her voice seeming to notice Lymee’s state, putting a reassuring hand on Lymee’s shoulder. “This honor is for those who go above what is expected of them in my name, is it not? Then tell me who is more deserving than she?”

Sai seemed to have relented, completely withdrawing into herself with a slight nod. “You are right my lord. I beg your forgiveness. It was not my place to question your decisions.”

“Sai I told you,” Alia sighed standing up, walking towards the general. “There is no reason to be formal in situations like this.” She put a hand on Sai’s cheek as she leaned in pressing her lips to Sai’s.

Lymee felt her heart tighten at the scene. She knew what this feeling was. It was pure jealousy. She knew she had no reason to be jealous. It was not as if their kiss had meant anything, nor did they have any kind of relationship but part of her had still thought that there had been something more between them.

She hated herself for even thinking that. She hated herself even more for letting herself get so worked up over the matter.

“I believe we were discussing who this person is were we not?” Keo said her arms folded around her waist. She was facing Alia but she was watching Lymee out of the corner of her eye.

Lymee took a deep breath clearing her mind and brushing her feeling aside. She glanced at Keo who flashed her an apologetic smile. Lymee just felt even more embarrassed that she had been so obvious.

“You are quite right.” Alia broke away from Sai turning around looking at Lymee. “First, I believe introductions are in order. This woman here is my first vassal and supreme commander of my forces. Her family name is Thul her common name is Lye and her true name is Sai.”

Lymee gave the woman a nod in greeting and the woman responded in kind. The hostility that she had seen before now gone.

“And this is my Strategist and Adviser,” she motioned to Keo. “Family name Gin common name Kola and true name Keo. And this,” Alia walked to where Lymee was still sitting resting a hand on her shoulder, “is Lymee, Family name Jacobson. She has no common or true name. Correct?” She looked at Lymee for confirmation.

“Right,” Lymee nodded. “Though Jacobson would be considered more formal so please call me Lymee.”

“A pleasure to meet you Lymee.” Keo bowed her head. “You saved my Lord and my closest friend today. Please call me Keo.”

“I apologize about how I spoke to you,” Sai said with no hint of bitterness. “I was jealous of you and I let that affect my reason. You would do me a great honor if you would call me by my true name as well.”

“It would seem that it is now Lymee who is jealous of you,” Keo mumbled just on the edge of hearing, hiding her mouth behind her hand.

“So then Lymee,” Alia sat back down on her throne crossing her legs and resting her chin on her knuckles. “What were you doing on that Battlefield?”

Lymee pinched the bridge of her nose shaking her head. “I wish I could tell you. I know I am not from here. But I don’t know if I am from the future, past, parallel world, or what. I don’t even remember how I got here.”

“Have you suffered some kind of memory loss?” Keo asked seeming to have taken a keen interest.

“Some,” Lymee shrugged. “Last thing I remember was going back to my dorm after class, then I remembered something so I…” she trailed off. “What did I remember?” She ran her hand behind her ears brushing the backs of the ear studs.

“You said you thought you might have come from the future?” Keo seemed to be taking all of this in stride. Her acceptance was nice, it made things a little easier.

“It’s possible. Technologically you seem to be somewhere around a thousand years ago but I don’t recognize this civilization. I looks oriental but it’s not Chinese or Japanese. Have you even heard of those countries?”

“Keo?” Alia turned her head towards her adviser.

Keo shook her head fervently. “Never. However it is possible that they went by a different name in your past.”

“Would you happen to have a globe or possibly a world map for me to look at?” Lymee asked. She was looking at Keo but the question was to all of them.

“I don’t have any maps spanning the entire world but I have a few that reach far outside the 7 Kingdoms,” Keo said. “They are in my study.”

“We can look at them later,” Alia assured. “It sounds like we seem a bit primitive to you, is that correct?”

“Technologically speaking sure,” Lymee shrugged. “Socially who knows? I doubt there is a single country in my time that has not only a female ruling it but so many female heads of state.” She had said it halfheartedly but the three just stared at her in confusion.

“So then the Men run your government then?” Alia sounded astonished by the very notion.

“For the most part,” Lymee nodded. “Sure it’s changing every year where men and women are treated more equally but still...” she let her voice trail off.

“Why would I ever want to be treated equal to a man?” Sai sneered. “They are dumb and brutish. Worst of all they let their cock do most of their thinking.”

Lymee was not ready to completely disagree but it was not like women were much better at keeping their emotions reigned in. Sai was ready to kill Lymee a minute ago and now acted like they were best friends.

“Regardless,” Alia was tapping her fan to her chin again pondering something. “If you are from a more advance civilization then you could be of great help to us.”

“Sorry hold on.” Lymee put her hands up. “I am happy that I saved you, and I am grateful for your hospitality but I know virtually nothing about you, your land, culture or your struggle. And while I am sure you are all wonderful people, in my time we have the power to wipe out entire cities in a blink of an eye. So please forgive me if I am a little reluctant to teach you how to split an atom.”

“Lord Alia has told you to help us,” Sai started to move in towards Lymee. She was cut off by Alia holding up her hand.

“Lymee is correct,” Alia stated. “We would not expect a citizen of another Dynasty or Kingdom to help us simply because we requested them too. The same should be said about her. My hospitality was not conditioned on her assistance.”

“I for one admire her conviction,” Keo mused. “However I must wonder how she got here. If one person is able to find their way into our world then it is possible that others will follow.”

“I wonder if I may have had something to do with it.” Alia opened then closed her fan again with a flick of her wrist.

“How so, Alia?” Sai almost tripped over her last word.

“Last night before we marched our forces I offered up a prayer to The Heavens,” Alia explained. “My prayer was a bit more selfish than just that of good fortune in battle. I requested for them to send me something that would not only help me win today’s battle but would also allow us to bring peace to the 7 Kingdoms. Something that could usher in a new age of peace and prosperity.” Alia snapped her fan closed and looked at Lymee. “I am certain that if you had not arrived when you did that I would have died this day. If I had died then the battle would have been lost and my land conquered. And now you may hold the key to new technologies never before seen.” She smiled puffing out her chest as she sat at her full height. “I believe you are The Heavens’ answer to my prayer.”

“I’m sorry but I don’t even believe in heaven,” Lymee said as non-offensively as possible. “Much less gods or spirits.”

“Heaven does not require our belief in it in order for it to exist,” Alia stated. “Like all things in this world, it exist or does not exist regardless of our belief in it.”

Lymee had to concede the point. After all it was hard to argue when she was magically speaking a language she had never before heard in a world that was likely not even her own.

“Forgive me my lord,” Sai spoke up. “I have a hard time believing any of this. The idea of time travel or whatever Lymee is speaking of seems highly impractical to me.”

“You don’t have to tell me that,” Lymee laughed.

“Then what is your explanation Sai?” Alia beckoned at Sai with her closed fan. “You saw the clothes that she wore. She only speaks our language because I imparted to her some of my spirit. Where else could she have come from if not from The Heavens?”

“San Francisco,” Lymee mumbled under her breath.

“Regardless of what the truth may be” Keo interjected staring Sai down as she turned her attention to Alia. “My lord Alia, what would you have done with Lymee?”

Alia smiled as she shifted her weight in her throne so she could get a better look at Lymee. “For the time being she is my honored guest. See to it that she is taken care of. And be sure to give her the seat of honor at this evening’s victory banquet.”

“As you say my lord,” Keo bowed.

“That really isn’t necessary,” Lymee assured waving her hand in front of her. At the mention of food though Lymee realized how hungry she actually was instinctively putting her hand on her stomach.

Alia saw this and smiled. “Of course it is,” she said. “Where else would you sit but at my side?” She reached out and stroked the side of Lymee’s face with the back of her fingers. “However, I do think it wise that for the time being we do not tell the others that Lymee is from a different time.”

“Then what should we tell them?” Keo asked.

“What if we said she was a mercenary?” Sai suggested crossing her arms. “She would not be the first mercenary that we have hired, and if we say she is from another Kingdom it would explain her unusualness.”

“A lie that could easily be a truth one day,” Keo said softly seeming to admire the ingenuity of it all. “I do not think there would be a problem with that Alia,” she nodded her approval.

“Then it is settle,” Alia looked over Lymee thinking of a proper cover for her. “She is General Lymee a wandering mercenary from the…” she paused thinking it over. “Kingdom of Barson. It is the furthest from our lands so it is unlikely that any of my generals actually know much about it. I doubt even Chee has ever met someone from there before.”

“I would still suggest that Lymee keep her contact with the other Generals to a minimum and one of us should keep a constant eye on her.”

“Do not worry about that,” Alia smiled. “I will not have any trouble keeping my eyes on her.”

Lymee did not blush. She understood Alia better now. She knew not to take anything she said seriously. She was just like all the others. All she wanted was to sleep with her.

***

The food was extraordinary. There were three different kinds of cooked animal that centered the table and all around them were dishes with different assortments of fruits, vegetables, soups, the list went on. They ate with chopsticks which did not surprise Lymee. She had eaten at a few Chinese restaurants before and knew the gist of how to use them. At least enough not to make a total fool out of herself. Oddly enough they also had knives that they could use to cut up their food if necessary but no other silverware. They all sat on chairs which was also unusual but not surprising as she had already seen many people using them before now.

They were eating inside the throne room where a large table had been set up. There were eight of them in total. They were the same women who had been present before only now they had all cleaned themselves off and changed their clothing. Most of them were hastily devouring food only pausing long enough to make small talk amongst themselves.

“So are you a strategist then?” The woman who asked was the woman who before had been wearing an open shirt and had her chest wrapped. Unlike the rest she wore no kind of uniform or dress attire keeping it simple with a plain shirt and Kendo bottom. Keo had informed Lymee that her common name was Chee and she was a mercenary general that had been hired by Alia several years ago. She was apparently a fierce warrior and considered the best spear wielder in their army.

“I have studied some strategy yes,” Lymee responded doing her best to examine each word before speaking. She had to make sure that she gave as little away as possible. “However Alia already has a strategist, does she not?” Lymee looked at Alia for confirmation.

“I do. A very excellent one at that,” Alia smiled giving a nod of appreciation to Keo who was seated to her left. Sai was sitting at the other end of the table just out of casual conversation range. It would seem that Lymee was sitting in the place that she would normally occupy. If Sai had taken offence to this she was keeping it to herself.

“I am just curious as to why our lord has felt the need to hire another General as our forces have not grown enough to warrant such actions,” Chee stared Lymee down in challenge.

“Think that we are trying to replace you General Chee?” Keo asked glancing at Chee sitting next to her as Keo casually put her chopsticks in her mouth.

“Psh, hardly.” Chee looked away shoving food into her mouth lacking much of the grace that the others showed. “I am after all the best warrior you have,” she said with a mouth full of food.

“We do not know if that is any longer the case.” Another of the generals spoke up. She had a scar on the side of her face that looked to have just missed her left eye. She was dressed in a red and purple dress though it was far more boyish than Lymee’s or Alia’s outfits. It covered most of her skin revealing only her shoulders and arms, her long black hair falling to her back with no kind of ornamentation. “Only our Lord and Sai have seen her fight after all.”

Lymee tensed. She did not like what the woman was implying. The last thing she wanted was to get into a fight with a woman like Chee. “Oh please, I doubt I am any match for you,” she assured Chee. “Most of my training is in empty hand techniques.”

“You do not fight with a weapon then?” Chee frowned. “What good are you in a battle?”

“No good at all,” Lymee beamed. She smiled proudly glancing at Alia begging for her help.

Alia smiled back taking a deep breath. “Do not worry Chee your position as my top worrier is secure. Lymee has not yet even decided if she wishes to stay with us. It was just a happy coincidence that she happened on the battle when she did. The honor that I show her now is one out of gratitude for saving my life nothing more.”

That seemed to satisfy Chee and she went back to discussing other things with the Generals.

“You said you have had training as a strategist though.” The woman with the scar pressed not ready to drop the topic yet. Lymee had been told the woman’s name but there were so many that it was hard for her to remember them all.

“Nothing too serious I assure you,” Lymee said. She wished that they would just let her eat some of this delicious food. She had no idea when she would be able to eat this good again. Even back in her world.

“Who did you train under?” she pushed.

Keo held her chopsticks in her mouth for a lingering moment and Alia straightened a bit as she readied herself to intervene.

“Have you ever heard of the Strategist Sun Tzu?” Lymee asked not missing a beat.

“Can’t say that I have.” The woman with the scar shook her head. “Is she famous?”

“Where I am from he is. He is called the Glorious Strategist, winning every battle that he ever commanded and always against overwhelming odds. He united all of our kingdom under a single ruler.”

“You trained under this woman?” The woman with the scar asked getting a little excited. Keo, Alia and some of the others also seemed to be gaining interest.

“Of course not,” Lymee mused. “He died a long time ago. But his teachings remain. His most famous work is a book titled ‘The Art of War’. It is from this that I have studied military tactics.”

“Could you impart some of this wisdom to us then?” The woman with the scar was now fully invested.

Lymee paused trying to think of something cool and wise sounding. “The greatest victory is by winning without ever having to shed blood.”

“Wise words,” Alia nodded in agreement. “Assuming she is not talking about capitulation.”

Lymee shook her head. “Of course not. But he believed that the best strategist could always find a way to defeat the enemy without ever having to fight. Mind you he fought in many battles so even he failed at this.”

“You keep referring to this person as he. Is this strategist Male?” Scar seemed disgusted by the idea.

“He was.” Lymee had forgotten that bit. She should have just refereed to him as her but it was too late to stop now. “But try not to hold that against him,” she joked.

“I am surprised that the Kingdom of Barson would allow the teachings of a male to continue,” Scar said.

“That should show you just how great he was. Even being a male he is still held in such high regard.” Lymee pointed out. “After all, are not all the stories worth remembering the ones where people have to overcome insurmountable odds or prejudice?”

“Are we not living proof of that?” Alia asked giving Lymee a pleased smile. She was obviously impressed by her handling of the situation. Both of them had been worried that she would be unable to handle the pressure of the others questions.

They had come up with a signal beforehand that Lymee would use if she was feeling overwhelmed and Keo and Alia would come up with an excuse for Lymee to leave. But she was not sure if she would need to use it now. She was actually having fun pulling the wool over their eyes.

“Could you tell me more about your struggle?” Lymee asked. “I have heard that this is a free province but the stories I hear all seem to differ everywhere I go. I would like it if you could tell me yourselves.”

Alia smiled setting her chopsticks down in front of her. “I suppose I can do that.”

By asking her in front of all the others this served several purposes. The main one being it kept Alia honest, at least to a point. Alia would not openly lie in front of all of her Generals because that would then tip them off that there was something else going on.

Lymee was not sure if Alia had caught on to that but she knew Keo had by the way she smiled at Lymee. It would seem Keo appreciated intelligence and cunning. More so than the others at least. Lymee thought that to be expected of a strategist.

“My mother twenty years ago, during the Long Drought,” Alia started “became fed up with how our Lord at the time and the Empress abused their power by over taxing our people and robbing them of their hard earned food and money.”

There were several nods from the others indicating their agreement to what had been said.

“My mother declared that our province would be independent from the Kingdom and all its other lords. It was our fortune that the Kingdom did not have the might to personally send its forces after us. Instead the Empress relied on the neighboring lords to try and bring us back into the fold. After five years of constant fighting we finally were able to conquer or repel the other lords officially establishing ourselves as an independent province.”

Lymee looked at the others as Alia talked looking for any twitch or tell that might suggest what was said was not true. To her relief nothing said seemed to be false. At least not in how they saw it. Lymee knew the past had a way of being rewritten to better suit the needs of those in power.

“Was it really so bad that you were forced to such extremes?” Lymee asked.

“Despite the desperate nature of the land,” Alia answered. “People starving, not enough food to keep livestock alive, the Empress instead of lowering the food tax and working to resolve the food shortage, instead hoarded food in the capital. Increasing the food tax forcing the devastation to only worsen. While people were dying of hunger, lords were gorging themselves.”

“I take it that the drought is over then?” Lymee laughed gesturing to the large amount of food in front of her.

The others laughed assuring her that it had been over for quite some time. While Lymee had said it in the tone of a joke it was another test. If they were really eating this much in times of drought then they would be no better than the lords they had supposedly cast aside.

“So then what was the battle today about?” Lymee asked moving some food on her plate around with her chopsticks trying to pick up a piece of meat.

“Well,” Alia leaned back in her seat letting her hand rest of the table. “While our province has little in the way of natural resources, due to the lift of trade restrictions and being lax on importation and exportation taxes it has made our little province very prosperous. Some of the nearby provinces as of late have become jealous of this fact. They wish to conquer us and take our wealth for themselves, not realizing that once we are conquered this land would be subject to the very same laws that are causing their own lands to fail.” Alia smiled picking up her chopsticks and went back to eating.

Lymee nodded deciding not to press any further. She had learned enough for the time being. Alia had already promised to show her around the city tomorrow so she could get a look for herself. Any questions she had could wait until then.

“My lord I do have to inquire.” The woman with the scar had a serious look on her face as she set her chopsticks down in front of her. “Do we intend to launch an offensive against Hu?”

“Are you suggesting that we should or that we should not, Gea?” Alia asked her voice soft and even.

“I understand the need to do so.” Scar said, whose name seemed to be Gea though Lymee could not remember if that was her common name or true name. She assumed it was her true name as Alia was the one saying it. “However I fear that if we were to march our troops into Hu lands it would leave us open to attack from Bengui.”

“Keo?” Alia turned to her adviser.

“It is a high probability,” Keo nodded. “They have been quiet for many years but I feel that if we give them the opportunity they will act upon it. At the same time if we do not march our forces into Hu now then they will simply rebuild the army that they lost today and march on us again later.” Keo then turned to Gea. “However I would like to remind our generals that this is a celebration not a war council.”

“It’s fine Keo, I would have had to call a war council tonight anyway.” Alia reached over patting Keo’s hand reassuringly. The rest of the table became quiet as the topic moved into something that directly affected them. “This is difficult position that we are in I know, but most of the Hu army is broken. Is it necessary for us to send in our entire force to take Hu Province?”

“Maybe not,” Keo suggested. “But they are not so broken that they could not put up a fight. And with General Dyn still alive along with General Ku, they have the means to still turn the tide, even against our entire force.”

“But you would be able to out maneuver anything they may come up with correct Keo?” Sai asked. It was the first time Lymee had really heard her speak the entire night.

“I could,” Keo nodded to her, “but if I went with the army to Hu then there would be no strategist to protect The Palace. And Bengui has a fighting force more than double our own. If we divided our forces and I am not here, they would quickly overwhelm the city.”

There was a long silence. None of them seemed to like the situation that they were in.

“Suggestions?” Alia asked everyone, though they chose to remain silent on the matter. Lymee too kept quiet. Even if she could think of something she did not think it was her place to be making any suggestions. On top of that the idea of having so many lives on her shoulders was not a pleasing one.

“If I may my Lord?” Gea straightened as she spoke all eyes focusing on her.

“Please,” Alia motioned for her to continue.

“It would seem that we have been blessed by The Heavens in the fact that we do for the first time have two strategist.”

“Objection.” The word was out of Lymee’s mouth as soon as she realized what Gea had been suggesting. “Alia,” she turned towards Alia her eyes pleading with her to listen. “I have never once commanded an army. I would only get your men killed.”

“Aren’t you being a little presumptuous there, Lymee?” Alia chuckled. “Even if we made you a strategist you would not lead the army. That is the job of the generals.” There was a bit of amused laughed around the table. “However as I have previously stated, you are not one of my vassals. Meaning you would not have to aid us if you did not choose to. However,” she put a finger to her chin as she thought the situation over. “If Keo deemed your skills adequate it would truly be an ideal situation. Keo could stay here and guard the palace with Sai while I lead the rest of our forces into Hu.”

Lymee put on an annoyed stare. Alia was placing it all on Lymee. Did she not realize what a mistake it would be? Even if she was not in charge of the men, she could not make battle strategies. As she thought that however she knew that was not completely true. She had played every Total War game that had ever come out. To get better she had studied many of the greats, Sun Tzu, Alexander, Hannibal, Napoleon, among others.

While she would not consider herself their equals by any stretch of the word, she was not a novice either. In this world even the basic concepts of warfare could make a huge difference. While marching in formation is a very basic practice now, during the Revolutionary War soldiers still marched in a single file line. It was entirely possible that she could be decent enough in terms of strategy.

“But we should not rush her,” Alia said turning her gaze away from Lymee and towards the entire table. “We will let her decide. In the meantime, Sai tomorrow I want you to pick out the men that you think would be best in defense of The Palace and divide our forces accordingly. We will march out in three days’ time regardless of Lymee’s decision.”

With that Alia stood up and moved towards one of the side exits signaling that the meal was now over. Lymee flashed a smile at Alia in farewell who in turn gave her a warm grin and a nod. Everyone else waited for Alia to leave before also standing up. Lymee stayed at her seat leaning forward as she rubbed her face. If she had just kept her mouth shut. If she had just denied ever knowing anything about war and fighting the thought to make Lymee a strategist would have never occurred to Gea.

“Thinking you should have just remained silent on the matter?”

Lymee nodded into her hands. Realizing that someone was talking to her she shot up turning in her seat. Keo was standing behind her an amused smile on her face. Seeing her Lymee let out a sigh and went back to her brooding.

“If it makes you feel better I had all intention of testing your skills both mentally and martially. If I thought you had any aptitude I would have come to the same conclusion anyway and you would still be in this position. Only you would have had less time to ponder the decision.”

“That…” Lymee raised her eyebrow as she thought about how she really felt about what Keo had just said. “That does make me feel better actually.” She let her hands flop onto the table.

“Come. The servants are waiting for us to leave so they can clean the table.” Keo put her hand under Lymee’s arm forcing her out of her seat. “I will take you to your chambers.”

The doors to the throne room closed behind them as Keo slowly led Lymee through The Palace’s hallways. There was no natural light so the only source of illumination came from lanterns that were placed evenly along the hall. They lit the path well enough but everything was still cast in deep shadow. Lymee noted that most of the Palace was made out of wood, and very little stone. The design was everything Lymee had come to expect from ancient oriental architecture though perhaps a little less elaborate.

Keo continued to lead Lymee down the halls to what she assumed was the living wing of the place. Every once and a while Keo would point out something noteworthy like the way to the dining hall or the gardens. Keo seemed to have a pleased smile on her face giving passive glances at Lymee.

“So I saw that the bath had running water,” Lymee said trying to fill the air with something. “Does that mean that you have indoor plumbing as well?”

“The Palace does,” Keo replied. “But most of the city does not. Is it different in your time?”

“Very,” Lymee smiled. “Every building in my country has running water and plumbing. We even have the ability to heat or cool the water so we can adjust the tempter at will.”

“That sounds amazing.” Keo gazed at the ceiling as she thought of the possibilities. “Those clothes that you were wearing, what were they made of? I was able to take a look at them before and they had a very unusual texture.”

“Polyester,” Lymee chuckled.

“What’s that?”

“Oh sorry,” Lymee shook her head in apology. “My coat is made out of something that is meant to resemble leather but is cheaper to make but isn’t as high of quality.”

“I see.” Lymee was not sure if she did but she decided that it was best to just continue on regardless.

“The shirt was made out of cotton. Probably. I would have to check the tag on the back to make sure.”

“So that is what cotton feels like.” Keo seemed pleased by this statement.

“You know of cotton?” As far as Lymee was aware cotton was an American plant.

“One of the Southern Kingdoms grows it. We are too far away for it to be much of a common import. As such I had never actually felt it before.” Keo then glanced over her shoulder at Lymee. “Is that also what those smaller clothes were made of?”

Smaller clothes? Lymee was trying to figure out what she was referring to, when it hit her. “Ah yeah my underwear. Yes I believe so. By the way if I could at least get my panties back I would be very grateful.” She suddenly remembered her lack of undergarments and was very much aware of the cold draft she could now feel.

“Does everyone wear so many layers of clothing where you are from?” Keo asked seemingly oblivious to Lymee’s sudden fidgeting with her dress.

Lymee nodded trying her best not to let her discomfort show. “Pretty much. Some don’t I suppose, but that’s kinda frowned upon.” She let out a laugh scratching the side of her cheek, wondering how exactly they had gotten on this topic.

“Here we are.” Keo stopped in front of a large door. With a slight nudge the door slid open and she stepped inside.

The room was huge, bigger than Lymee’s living room back when she had been living at home. There was a huge bed in the middle that had rafters and curtains around it. It could fit an entire king size bed and still have room for another person. There was other furniture around the room like a dresser, a changing area, even a wash bin.

“Is there anything that you might need?” Keo asked standing in front of the door her palms clasped in front of her.

“A change of closes,” Lymee said tugging on her shoulder sleeve. “I wouldn’t feel right sleeping in something so nice.”

“I will have a servant bring you some sleepwear at once. If you require companionship tonight just ask her she will be more than capable of fulfilling your needs.”

Lymee blushed letting out a nervous cough. “That won’t be necessary I assure you.”

“So I was right” Keo mused. “Alia did in fact take your first kiss.”

Lymee closed her eyes. For her to try and deny it at this point would only be a confirmation. “She said she had to give me some of her spirit. Something to do with teaching me your language.”

“I am amazed that someone so old could have gone so long without being with another,” Keo said completely ignoring the part about the magic kiss.

“Old?” Lymee almost laughed. “I am only 17.”

“Then you are older than both Sai and Alia,” Keo stated. “They are 16 years of age. Gea states that she is only 19 but she has been 19 for a few years now.”

“Do you people only live to be like 30 or something?” Lymee asked.

“No of course not. Child mortality might be considered high but live past the age of 8 and one often lives until old age. Most nobles live to be well into their 70s if not older. But a person reaches their physical maturity at age 14 so that is often considered adulthood. How old is it for you?”

“18 or 21 depending on who you ask,” Lymee said casually sitting down on the bed. “18 and you can join the army. 21 and you can drink alcohol.” She ran her hands across the bed sheets. The top sheet seemed to be made of wool but the pillow and the beading were silk.

Keo frowned at the alcohol part but did not say anything on the matter. “And how long are people living in your time?” Keo asked instead.

“Most people live well into their 70 or 80 though it is not uncommon for people to live to 90 or older.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Keo’s eyes brightened. She sat down beside Lymee angling her body so she was facing her. “To live for so long. I cannot imagine all the things that a person could accomplish in so much time.”

“And yet most do nothing with their lives.” Lymee sighed laying back in the bed. She found it surprisingly comfortable. “I live in a world where we want for nothing and in return we feel entitled to everything and at the same time make nothing with our lives.”

“Then might I make a suggestion?” Lymee got the impression that she was going to say it regardless. “Maybe you could make something of your life here. Think of all the good that you could do for us.”

“I’m also thinking of all the harm that I could do.” Lymee glanced up at Keo.

“What do you mean?”

Lymee took a breath to gather her thoughts as she sat back up. “Many people have often wondered at the thought of uplifting a civilization lower than ours. The prevailing thought being that to introduce advance technology to quickly the society would not be able to adapt quickly enough and it would end up destroying itself.”

“Then start small,” Keo suggested with a shrug. “Introduce something that we can adjust to quickly and build from there.” Keo let out a breath. She reached out and stroked the hair out of Lymee’s eyes. “Lymee in you, I see the power to rule not only this province but all seven kingdoms. I agree with Alia when she said you could finally bring peace to this land.”

“Doesn’t that make me a threat if I don’t decide to help you?” Lymee glared at Keo out the corner of her eye.

“It could,” Keo nodded. “But Alia is good at reading a person’s heart. And she likes you. That tells me that you are a good person. That what you want is what we all want. Peace and unity where people are free to live without fear of war.”

“A tyrant can claim the same thing,” Lymee pointed out.

Keo seemed a little taken back by the comment, then an amused smile appeared on her face. “I suppose you are right,” she chuckled. “Then what do you want?”

“Well as an American it is my patriotic duty to say the obvious,” Lymee smiled. “Freedom for all and the right to become rich.”

“Freedom from what? You mean to free all the slaves?”

Lymee nodded slowly letting the realization that they were a slave owning society sink in. “Definitely would want that yes,” Lymee sighed. “But what I am talking about is personal freedom. The freedom to choose. Our founding principle is that everyone has the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“Sounds quite romantic,” Keo said.

“I guess you’re right.” Lymee laughed leaning back flopping on the bed cushion.

Keo patted Lymee’s leg a few times as she moved to get up. “You have had a very long day. We will talk more later. For now you should get some sleep.” She paused as she reached the door her hand resting on the frame. She looked back over her shoulder at Lymee. “If you find that you want for something later tonight I am just down the hall. Please feel free to talk to me.”

“I’ll do that.” Lymee still had her eyes closed but she waved in Keo’s general direction. She had not realized just how tired she was. Keo was right. It had been a very long day.

***

The man reached out towards Lymee as his face contorted. There were screams of people dying all around her. The life faded from the man’s eyes as Lymee sunk the sword deeper into his chest. The sound of the screaming was drowned out by the sound of the blade driving through his bones. The hot blood from his body covered her hands and sprayed on her face.

The sound of someone screaming brought Lymee out of her sleep. She was already sitting up covered in sweat. She must have fallen asleep and the attendant had changed her clothes and put her to bed. The sound of screaming sounded close. It had to be someone in the hallway or the other room.

Who was screaming at this hour? She felt sorry for whoever it was. Lymee noticed that her throat was sore. She might be coming down with something. It would not surprise her. New place and all that, sickness was common.

The screaming continued. It was just a constant shrill. Lymee put her hands to her ears trying to block it out but she could still hear it. It seemed to grow louder and louder.

Suddenly Lymee felt arms wrap around her shoulders holding her in a tight but comforting embrace. Long soft hair brushed against her skin as a woman pressed Lymee’s face to her chest, smooshing her face between her breasts. The woman pressed her cheek to the top of Lymee’s head as she ran her fingers through Lymee’s short hair. She could hear the woman making shushing sounds like one did for a crying infant.

Soon the screaming started to fade until it finally stopped. Lymee felt relieved to have it gone and silence return. She started to relax her arms letting them fall back to her sides. The woman embracing her forced Lymee to lay back down. With the screaming gone and the woman holding her Lymee drifted back to sleep.

CHAPTER 3

Lymee could feel the warmth of the sun on her face. She instinctively moved her head out of light burying her face in the soft pillow. There was something wrong, she could feel it. There was an extra warmth that did not come from the sun.

Lymee opened her eyes slowly. Lying next to her was Alia. Her head resting in the palm of her hand. She had a funny grin on her face as she gazed at Lymee.

“Good morning Lynn,” Alia said softly. “Did you sleep well?”

“Alia?” Lymee’s voice was groggy, still half asleep. Why was Alia in the bed? Lymee’s eye shot open. “Alia?” Lymee sat up in the bed the covers falling off her.

“I thought you were going to call me Princess when we were alone like this,” she smiled.

“Why are you in my bed, Princess?” Lymee then looked down at herself. She was dressed in a nightgown like outfit that was skimpy even for a Victoria’s Secret Catalog.

Blushing she covered herself up with her hands turning her back to Alia.

“Well I came to wake you up but I thought your sleeping face was so pretty I decided to let you sleep a little longer so I could watch it,” Alia said as she started climbing off the bed. “I was about to wake you though. There is much for me to show you. Here.”

Lymee looked up and saw Alia handing Lymee her old clothes. Lymee took them letting them rest in her lap.

“You did sleep through the morning meal,” Alia told her as Lymee took the clothes. “But I can still have them make something if you like.”

“It’s fine. I’m still full from last night.” Lymee assured her scooching to the edge of the bed. “Is it really alright for you to be showing me around? I’m sure you have lots of things that require your attention.”

“I have some administration work it’s true.” Alia took a step back from Lymee crossing her arms. “But I have told everyone that I am not to be disturbed today. I have given Keo my seal so if there is anything that cannot wait for my approval then she will take care of it. Everything else will keep I am sure.”

“Seems dangerous,” Lymee said holding her clothes as she stood up. She moved behind the changing wall and started to get changed. The comfort of finally having panties was a welcome relief. “Giving someone your seal I mean. Keo could use it to approve things that you normally wouldn’t or order things to be done in your name that you can’t take back.”

“You’re right,” Alia agreed standing on the other side of the changing divider. She pressed her back against it as she waited for Lymee to finish getting dressed. “Keo is the only one that I would ever entrust it to. As much as I love Sai I would never giver her my seal.”

Lymee paused. The way she threw the word love out there Lymee was not sure if she even meant it. Despite what she had thought yesterday she still felt a twinge of jealousy. She liked Alia. She was beautiful and charismatic and charming as hell. But she knew she had to stay away. To get close would only end in heartbreak.

Having finished getting dressed she walked out from behind the divider feeling a bit more comfortable now that she was in familiar clothing.

“Hey Princess?” Lymee looked at Alia debating on whether she should even ask her question. “Was there someone screaming last night?”

Alia frowned thinking it over. “Not that I heard.”

Lymee let out relieved sigh. “Must have just been a dream then.” She scratched the side of her head laughing it off. That was good. She still could not make sense of all that had happened last night but if it was just a dream then it did not really matter.

“Keo told me once that dreams are when a person must face the things they refuse to face when they are awake,” Alia said softly staring off into the distance.

“Sounds true enough,” Lymee smiled putting the whole thing out of her mind. “So Keo implied that you have slaves here.” Lymee changed the subject.

“Is that contempt I hear in your voice?” Alia crossed her arms raising an eyebrow.

“I believe that slavery of any kind is wrong,” Lymee nodded crossing the room. “To treat a person like property instead of human beings is well… cruel.” Lymee thought she sounded pretty pretentious right then. Not that she thought she was wrong in what she was saying.

Alia just let the words sink in not showing any reaction one way or another. A valuable skill for a leader Lymee was sure. “Well slavery does exist here.” Alia nodded sitting down on the bed crossing her legs, flashing some leg skin as she did so. “It is not as prevalent in this province as it is in other areas. I never saw the benefit of massive slave labor like others do.”

“Really?” Lymee sat down next to Alia putting her hands behind her and leaning back. “Most people like the benefits of a cheap workforce,” Lymee pointed out.

“Cheap yes,” Alia moved a little closer to Lymee turning her body so she was facing more towards her. “Beneficial no. Innovation is only made through necessity. It may be reasonably cheap to have armies of slaves work the fields but then why invent the plow, or the scythe. Things that make planting and harvesting not only easier but more efficient. The provinces that had it the worst during the Long Drought were the ones that used mostly slaves for labor.”

“We have a similar story from my home,” Lymee nodded. Alia was a bit close to her and the way that Alia was angled her knees were touching Lymee’s thighs. It was enough to make her heart race though she did her best to ignore it. “After our country abolished slavery they no longer had the mass amounts of people to work the cotton fields so a man invented a machine that could separate the seeds from the cotton in a manner of seconds.”

Lymee could feel Alia pressing up against her. She thought about moving away but thought that would be rude like she did not want to be close to her and there was nothing farther from the truth. Lymee could smell her perfume and she just wanted to lean in a smell her soft long hair.

“So then your world did have slavery?” Alia asked seeming to not notice Lymee’s discomfort. Or maybe she had. Lymee frowned at the thought.

“Still does in some parts of the world.” Lymee stood up and walked forward a bit like she was trying to emphasize her point. “Sadly there will always be people willing to buy another person for one reason or another. My country even fought a bloody Civil War over the matter, though that was over 150 years ago now.”

“You say world as if you are in communication your entire world.”

“We are,” Lymee smiled. “We have the ability to travel the entire planet in a day. We can instantly send messages anywhere in seconds. We have even been to the moon.” It all sounded so romantic the way Lymee was describing it.

“Such wonders.” Alia’s face lit up, she placed her hands on her knees bouncing on the bed slightly. “Then have your people been able to touch the stars?”

“Turns out that stars are actually other suns only they are extremely far away. So far they are just specs in the night sky.”

“I see.” The excitement drained from her face in disappoint. Lymee wondered if she might even be troubled by what Lymee had said.

“Did you think they were gods looking down on you from heaven or something?” she joked. Lymee regretted the words as soon as she said them.

“That is what many believe, it is true,” Alia nodded weakly. From her tone it sounded like she was one of those people.

Lymee paced a little rubbing the back of her neck as she remembered the conversation she’d had with Keo the previous night about the knowledge she possessed possibly destroying their society. Lymee often forgot that religious beliefs were the cornerstone of all societies and her knowledge could bring those beliefs into question.

She thought of all the prominent thinkers that were ridiculed for their ideas because it went against commonly held beliefs. And feared she might hold a similar fate if she was not careful.

Lymee sighed sitting back down beside Alia. “But you know,” she playfully leaned into Alia with her shoulder, “that was the case in my world. And even in my world some people believe that the stars can predict a person’s future and held the secrets of our fates. So who knows what the truth really is.”

“Thanks but it is alright.” Alia assured her flashing Lymee a weak but tender smile. “I came to the realization a while ago that you would probably turn many of our commonly held ideals and beliefs upside down. But maybe that is a good thing.” Her smile grew warm and brighter. “After all, is it not better to be told the truth instead of believing a lie?”

“Remind me later to tell you about a parable that a philosopher once told about people living in a cave.” Lymee let out sigh and fell backwards on the bed tucking her hands behind her head. “Ignorance is bliss after all.”

Alia reached out her hand stroking Lymee’s cheek with the back of her fingers. She was leaning over looking at Lymee with her deep brown eyes. Lymee’s heart started to beat again. “Lynn, do you mind if I kiss you? This time for real.”

Lymee swallowed as she felt her heart race. She could actually hear her heart beating in her chest. “Why would you want to do that?” She spoke the words softly lacking the strength to say it in a normal voice.

“Do I need a reason to want to kiss such a pretty face?” Alia smiled leaning in, her lips parting.

“That’s what I thought.” Lymee slapped Alia’s hand away from her cheek standing up and quickly crossing the room. Cold chills spread through her body and she tried her best not to rub the goosebumps on her arms.

Alia sighed sitting up in the bed. “I am guessing you have had many suitors who have been drawn to you because they thought they could gain something.” Alia stood up and walked up behind Lymee. Reaching out her hand she gently touched Lymee’s chin turning her head so they were looking at each other. “That about right?”

“Close enough,” she nodded stepping back from Alia.

Alia took a deep breath locking her fingers together and stretching her arms out in front of her never losing her smile. “It is kind of encouraging to know that people are the same no matter what world they are from or how much time may pass.” She let her arms fall to her side. “You must think that because of how I act towards Sai and Keo that I am like all the others. Just trying to get at your body.”

“Are you going to tell me that you’re not?” Lymee put a hand on her hip in defiance. She had suspected that Alia’s relationship with Keo might have been more than just friendship but that just confirmed it. To so openly sleep with two different people, maybe even more, it was almost sickening.

“I can understand why you would think that, but I promise you that is not the case,” Alia assured her. “I would never kiss someone unless I loved them.” She moved in close. Her words were like honey. Lymee could feel her hot breath on her skin as she talked making her hairs stand on end.

“So you are saying that you love me now?” Lymee could feel her back being pressed against the wall. Alia was shorter than her but not by much and she had the presence of someone much taller making Lymee feel small and helpless.

“I do. Is that so surprising?” Alia reached out her hand grabbing one of Lymee’s breasts giving it a soft squeeze.

Lymee let out a muffled moan of pleasure. She could feel her body responding to Alia’s touch. It wanted this. “Considering we just met yesterday, I find it hard to believe,” she whispered biting down on her lip. She should get away. She should run out of the room. Lymee knew all this but her legs refused to move.

“I fell in love with you the moment I saw you.” She leaned in closer her hot breath blowing on the side of Lymee’s neck. “Did you not feel it as well?” Alia continued to grope Lymee’s breast as her other hand ran down the outside of Lymee’s thigh giving her ass a squeeze.

“Please stop.” Lymee moved her head away from Alia, looking at the ground.

“Do you not want me to do these things to you?” Alia moved her hand in-between Lymee’s legs stroking her with her fingers.

“I want you to,” Lymee was starting to breathe heavily, “do these things… with only… me.” Lymee put her hands on Alia’s shoulders and pushed her away. “Me and no one else.”

Alia did not press her any further. She had an inquisitive look on her face but she made no other move towards Lymee. “I see. I am sorry but I will not do that.”

Lymee could feel her knees shaking. She was using Alia as support putting all her weight on her shoulders gasping for breath as she stared at the ground. “And that is why I won’t.” She looked up at Alia. “I’m sorry.”

Alia reached up grabbing Lymee’s hand bringing it up to her lips kissing the palm. “I understand. Maybe one day you will see things differently.”

Lymee gave a weak but genuine smile as she let go of Alia’s shoulders.

“Then let me say that I am sorry.” Alia bowed her head closing her eyes. “I did not understand your feelings and I acted selfishly. I vow to you that I will never do such a thing again without your permission.”

Lymee moved in wrapping her arms around Alia’s neck in a hug. Alia seemed confused for a moment but then returned the embrace rubbing her hands up and down Lymee’s back comfortingly.

After a moment Lymee broke away with a smile. “If it makes you feel better, I didn’t mind the attention,” she smiled. “I just refuse to be someone’s fling and I refuse to be in anything other than a monogamous relationship. Just call me a hopeless romantic.”

“Never say that,” Alia coed stroking the side of Lymee’s head. “There is always hope for romance. I am just sorry that you feel that it could not work for us.”

“That’s not what,” Lymee smiled taking a deep calming breath. “Weren’t you were going to show me around your city?”

“Yes,” Alia nodded holding out her hand palm up. “Shall we go?”

Lymee took her hand giving it a tight squeeze. “Let’s.”

***

Lymee looked at the several maps laid out in front of her switching from one to another looking for anything that seemed familiar.

“I take it you do not recognize anything,” Keo said putting several scrolls down on another table. They were in Keo’s study though it was more like a library with shelf after shelf of books and papers.

It was later in the afternoon. After their tour of the city Alia had led Lymee here so that she could look over Keo’s maps. Alia had left them to talk stating that she would be back soon to check on them.

Lymee shook her head letting the map fall from her hand onto the table she was sitting at. “No but to be honest old maps were notoriously inaccurate.” She rolled the map back up and slid it back into the metal cylinder. “I don’t even recognize many of the places drawn on the really old maps.”

“But you still don’t seem to think it is likely.” Keo said it as a statement not a question. She folded her arms across her stomach under her breast. She sat on the edge of the large central table facing Lymee.

Lymee shook her head pursing her lips together. “I don’t think so. While I wouldn’t know exactly where this place would be I would at least know the continent and nothing about these maps look like the Asia I know.”

“I see,” Keo paused a moment letting the situation sink in. “Well that could be a good thing though.”

Lymee raised an eyebrow. “How do you figure?”

Keo gave a slight shrug. “You no longer have to worry about altering your own history by helping or not helping us. It is now safe to say that whatever you do here will in no way affect your own time.”

That was true. She had not really thought of that before. Lymee leaned back in her chair as the realization sunk in. She paused bending over the arm of the chair looking down at the legs. “You know if you made it swivel it would make this chair more user friendly to working in here.”

“How would you get it to be steady then?”

“You make a central tower that branches out on the bottom.” Lymee gestured with her hands trying to create a visual image. “Put small wheels on the legs that also swivel and you could move around this room without ever having to leave your chair. Make the central tower collapsible and you could adjust the height to fit the person.”

Keo looked at the chair in wonder. “It seems so simple. Would that really work?”

Lymee shrugged. “It’s how most office chairs are in my world. Never actually took one apart to figure out the minor details of its design though.”

“I would like to try it,” Keo said running her hands down the leg of the chair Lymee was sitting on.

“Shouldn’t you be more worried about readying your forces for the coming battle?” Lymee suggested leaning her elbow on the armrest so she could look down at the woman crouched next to her.

Keo shook her head still focused on the chair. “Our defenses are already made. It is just a matter of assigning soldiers to man them. My work won’t start unless Bengui launches an attack. Alia is hoping the very fact that I am remaining here with Sai will be a sufficient deterrent to keep them from trying. Until then,” she stood up her breasts bouncing from the motion. A byproduct of being well endowed and not wearing bras. “I get to talk to Nele about making me a new chair.”

“Nele?”

“Oh sorry it was actually rude for me to call her that in front of you. Nele is her true name. Her common name is Hesi. She is the head blacksmith for the Palace. She oversees most of the forging of the army and palace. She loves to tinker with the design of things so I am sure she would love to try and make this for me.”

“Best of luck to you then,” Lymee kicked her feet as if she was sitting in an office chair and then lifted them as she imagined spinning in a circle. Keo was giving her a strange look. “You’ll understand if you get the chair to work,” she assured her. “Aren’t you supposed to be testing my abilities or something?”

“Have you decided to help Alia in her campaign?”

“Figured there would be no reason to worry about it if you don’t even think I am good enough to be a tactician. Tactician? Strategist.”

“A strategist.” Keo confirmed putting her hands on edge of the table sitting on the edge. “And what do you think we are doing now?”

Lymee shifted her eyes side to side. Was that a trick question? “Talking?”

Keo smiled letting out a small laugh. “That we are.” She nodded standing up straight crossing her arms under her breasts. “But you see a strategist isn’t just about figuring out battle strategies.”

“They’re not?” Lymee thought that was exactly what being a strategist would be about. “Do they like have to knit too?”

Keo let out a louder laugh this time Lymee could not stop herself from watching as her chest bounced. “Sometimes,” she chuckled. “But more importantly they have to be open minded and adaptable. Situations on the battlefield will change at a moment’s notice and in ways you could never imagine. If a strategist is not adaptable then they will be of no use.” Keeping one arm wrapped around her waist she moved to the other side of the table letting her other hand glide across the wooden surface.

“You’re not going to like throw a knife at me now are you? Trying to see how I handle pressure or something?” Lymee felt a little anxious as she watched the woman move to the other side of the room.

“No need.” Keo flashed a smile as she continued to walk at a very slow but graceful pace. “You have already proven that you are adaptable. You were taken out of your world and thrown into a completely different one. Since then you haven’t panicked, or retreated into yourself.” She stopped walking looking over at where Lymee sat. She kept her hand on the table as if to act as support but only her fingertips were touching.

“Then” Keo continued, “last night at the banquet you were able to navigate your way around the conversation with little hesitation and you were very convincing. You have taken everything in stride, accepting the situation and acted accordingly. Had a bit of a screaming session last night but that is expected considering, what happened,” her last word trailed off as she froze in place slowly closing her mouth. She looked up to see if Lymee had heard what she had said.

“So it wasn’t a dream,” Lymee sighed. She felt more ashamed than she did embarrassed. She wanted to just crawl into a hole somewhere. Instinctively she hugged her knees to her chest putting her feet on the seat of the chair.

“I’m sorry, I…”

Lymee held up a hand signaling her to stop. Taking a deep breath she uncoiled herself regaining her bearings. “It’s fine really. Part of me is glad that you told me. Better not to believe a lie and all that.” Lymee paused as she realized the other half of what she had been told. “So then who was the woman who came into my room? Or was that part actually a dream?”

“No that was real as well,” Keo nodded. She let out a sigh looking conflicted. Running her fingers through her hair she steeled herself. “That was Alia.”

“Alia? Why would she-?”

“Because she was afraid something like that might happen,” Keo said rather reluctantly. “War and death scar people. It messes up their mind. We who have seen so much of it tend to forget that fact sometimes. We become accustom to the horrors of war. Alia did not know how you would react so she stayed in my room last night so she could be close at hand in case something happened.”

That would mean that Alia had stayed with her the entire night holding her like a child. That had been why she had been there when Lymee woke up. Lymee put on a serious face. “Should I be worried about my chastity?” she asked as she started looking herself over.

Keo burst out into laughter. She laughed so long that she started to hold her side. “Oh thank you. I needed that,” She said wiping a tear from her eye. Then the room became depressingly silent.

Lymee thought about Alia and the advances that she had made earlier. “Would you mind clarifying something for me?” Lymee asked.

“Of course.” Keo straightened her back placing her hands across her stomach readying herself.

“You say that women are the dominant sex in this world.” Lymee turned putting her arms on the table. “Yet all the soldiers are men. While I visited the city today I saw that the shop owners were mostly men. And in the Blue Velvet District,” what they called the red light district, “it was women who were the prostitutes. It seems to me that men still run everything.”

Keo nodded in understanding. This did not seem to be an unusual topic for her. “It is true, the women that fail to rise to the top often fall to the bottom. And the men are sandwiched in between.”

“The way most men like it I presume,” Lymee mumbled under her breath.

Keo smiled at the comment and continued. “I myself have wondered a little at the paradox of the situation. But ultimately the system works. And as you might imagine Alia is in no hurry to change it. All her generals are women and all her servants are women. As far as she is concerned she lives in a paradise.”

“Do all women in this world find other women attractive?” Lymee asked.

Keo bobbed her head. “It is not uncommon though marriage is only between a man and a woman. The idea being that same sex relations will never beget offspring and does not need the same bindings as ones that will.”

“Is Alia married?” Lymee asked. She had never heard of a husband but it would not surprise Lymee either if Alia had him handcuffed to a bed somewhere.

Keo shook her head. “Not yet. However she is aware that she will have to one day. Not only for political reasons, she must bear an heir if she wished her linage to continue.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Lymee frowned leaning back in her chair. “She says she loves you and yet you both know that she will marry some guy someday.”

“I have always known that to be the case,” Keo said seemingly unclear as to why Lymee had such a hard time understanding. “Alia is a noble. She does not have the luxury of being involved only with people she likes. It is her duty to sacrifice her own happiness for the happiness and betterment of her people. The fact that I am able to bring some joy into what could otherwise be a joyless life is more than enough for me.”

Lymee listened to her. She understood what she was saying. So many times in history marriages between nobles were arranged. But it all just seemed so wrong to her.

“Alia offered herself to me this morning,” Lymee whispered fidgeting with some kind of device on the table.

“And did you accept her?” There was no anger or jealousy in her voice. It was as if she was asking what she had for breakfast.

Lymee shook her head unable to look at Keo. “I couldn’t.”

“Why not? I thought you liked Alia.” Keo sounded confused by Lymee’s reaction.

“I do,” she said instantly then paused. “Maybe.” She sighed getting frustrated. “Doesn’t it bother you? Her sleeping around with others when she says that she loves you?”

Keo smiled in understanding crossing over to Lymee. She crouched down resting a hand on top of Lymee’s hand that was placed on the table. “I love Alia and I know she loves me. For me that is enough. Just like that is enough for Sai. But I understand how you feel and I don’t think you are wrong in your thinking.”

“How can I be right if what you say is also right?”

Keo let out a breath closing her eyes as she tried to come up with the easiest way to explain it. “You have never had sex before right? With a man or a woman?” she asked placing both hands on the armrests of the chair leaning forward. The way she was angled her open kimono hung and Lymee could not help but look down her top at Keo’s breasts even seeing her nipples.

Lymee turned beat red and her ears started burning. “Right.” She did her best to look Keo in the eyes but her gaze continued to fall back to her breasts.

Keo took Lymee’s hand and intertwined their fingers lifting it up so they were beside their faces. “There is a difference between casual sex and making love,” she said. “When you make love with a person your bodies, your hearts, your minds, even your souls become one. There is nothing else in the world but you and the other person. Making love with a female is even more magical as the greatest pleasure is when you are able to pleasure your partner.”

Lymee could feel herself starting to become hot but at the same time she was shivering. Talking about this and then having Keo moving her breasts closer and closer to Lymee’s face. She was starting to become aroused. She just hopped that Keo had not noticed.

“Casual sex however,” Keo continued her explanation resting Lymee’s hand back down on the armrest but not letting go, “is all about yourself. It is about making yourself feel good. The intimacy you feel is fleeting and fake. There is no way I can describe the difference to you but trust me when you have experienced both you will always be able to tell the difference.”

“So when you and Alia…” she swallowed unable to say the words. “You’re saying its love making not just sex?”

Keo gave a warm smile. “Exactly.” She let go of Lymee’s hand placing both her hands on Lymee’s knees. “I can feel it every time we make love. I don’t know if it is the same love she has for Sai but it is true love none the less.” She reached up with one hand stroking the side of Lymee’s face. “I know that it would be the same for you as well.”

Lymee reclined her head on the back of the chair trying to catch her breath. She had her eyes closed and was trying to clear her mind. “I think we got a little off topic here,” she stammered out trying to steady her breathing.

“You think so?” Lymee felt Keo’s hand touching the side of her face. Her delicate and soft fingers pressed into her cheek forcing Lymee to look at Keo. Lymee smiled as she allowed Keo to turn her head thinking Keo had something more to say and wanted her to look at Lymee when she said it.

Keo’s lips pressed against Lymee’s her tongue working its way into Lymee’s mouth. Lymee went wide eyed taken back from the surprise kiss then broke away putting an arm on Keo’s shoulder and pushing her back.

“What the hell?” Lymee gasped burying her mouth in her coat sleeve as she pushed her chair back with her feet trying to create distance.

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Keo got down on her hands and knees going into a bow placing her hands in front of her, fingertips touching and pressed her head to the ground. But Lymee could not hear any shame or remorse in her voice. Looking up she gave Lymee a devious smile. “I just couldn’t help myself. Now tell me truthfully who is a better kisser, me or Alia?”

Lymee was not sure if she should be angry or flattered. Rage was the instinctive emotion but seeing Keo bent over on the floor flashing her cleavage with a playful smile on her face, Lymee’s rage faded and she went back to resting her head on the back of the chair.

“Just ask me next time.” Lymee said drained of all energy.

“But if I had asked you would have said no.” Keo slowly started getting to her feet staying out of arm's reach.

“Damn right I would have.” Lymee shot a glare at her as she walked over to the table and sat on the edge like before. “And if you must know.” Lymee smiled reclining her head. “Alia’s was way better.”

***

“Why is Lymee sitting so far away?” Alia asked. It was hours later. Alia had come in to check on the two and to find out what Keo had to say about Lymee’s prowess for strategy.

Lymee was sitting in a corner with a small work table acting as a barrier. She was pretending to look at a map not making eye contact with either of them.

“Keo tried to force herself on me,” Lymee muttered not looking up from the map.

“Keo!” Alia flared with anger spinning towards Keo.

“I just kissed her I swear. I couldn’t help it.” Keo raised her hands in the air playfully. “Her skin is just so smooth and her tits are just so large and those lips are just so…”

“Kissable I know.” Alia nodded rubbing her hand on her forehead all previous anger completely gone.

“Alia!” Lymee screamed in surprise her ears starting to burn again.

“What?” Alia moved her hand away from her head holding it out in a shrug. “She’s right. Hell if you would let me I would strip you naked, press you up against the wall and eat you out right now.” Alia smiled, then the humor drained from her face as she turned back around to Keo. “On a serious note however, Keo you are never to do that sort of thing again without her permission. Do you understand me?”

“My Lord.” Keo bowed her head showing the utmost respect for the woman standing in front of her. “I swear to you that it will never happen again.”

“See that it does not.” She turned back to Lymee. “Will that be sufficient?”

Lymee nodded giving a semi-regretful smile. It had not really been that a big deal now that some time had passed allowing her to calm down a little, and she felt bad for Keo getting scolded over it.

“Wonderful.” Alia smiled clasping her hands together. The matter now settled she turned to Keo. “Then Keo what have you decided concerning our gift from The Heavens?”

“Really wish you wouldn’t call me that,” Lymee mumbled.

Keo bobbed her head to the side seeming to be pleased. “Inexperienced to be sure, but definitely has the right set of skills. I think given enough time and training she would make a wonderful Strategist.”

“But what of sending her into battle with the troops tomorrow?” Alia pressed.

“To be honest I think it would serve as the perfect opportunity for her.” Keo wrapped her arms around her waist nodding her head. “The odds are in her favor and she will have much more room for error as well as more leeway to make mistakes. Not to belittle our troops, but failure here would not necessarily be catastrophic.”

“Meaning even if she does get most of my men killed we can always fall back and reform our army.” Alia nodded in understanding.

“Yeah no biggie.” Lymee laughed nervously putting the map down on the work table. “How many men are we talking about anyway?”

“The force that we will be sending into Hu will be 5 thousand strong.” Alia had a very authoritative tone. She was no longer the energetic flirt with a nice rack but the Lord of this land… with a nice rack. Lymee thought. “We suspect that Hu’s forces would be less or possibly the same, however even if they have reformed their ranks they are still a broken defeated army low on moral. If pushed a little farther they should break.”

“But they will be defending their homes right?” Lymee asked leaning forward in her chair. “People fight harder when they are fighting for more than their lives.”

Keo nodded. “Agreed, which is why ideally we would be sending in our entire force.”

“How large is your standing military? In total?” Lymee asked.

“Before yesterday.” Alia crossed her arms. “We had just over 12 thousand. Not including the wounded we now have about 9 thousand.”

“3 thousand lost.” Lymee thought it over for a moment. “What exactly happened?” Lymee moved the small table in front of her out of the way as she stood up from her chair and moved over to the main table.

“They surprised us.” Keo sighed moving beside Alia across from Lymee. “It was my fault for not seeing it sooner. General Dyn started marching her army towards our border at the northern bridge. There is a large river near the border of our lands that must be crossed. It is in their territory so we cannot guard it but we thought we would always have ample time to deploy our forces.”

“Something not go as planned?” Lymee asked turning her head and looking out of the corner of her eye.

“The army was a ruse,” Alia sighed heaving her chest. “They had every man holding a banner and in a loose formation giving our scouts the impression that it was their entire force of 18 thousand when it turned out to be less than one thousand.”

“What Dyn had actually done” Keo continued, “was forge the river under the cover of darkness days before further downstream and they marched into our lands avoiding the main roads along with our outposts. Their plan was to sack the Palace while our forces were up north where we thought to meet them.”

Lymee listened to every word that they said processing the information the best she could trying to get as clear of a picture as possible. “How did you get back in time?”

Alia smiled not looking very proud of herself. “As soon as I found out that I had been tricked I ordered my army back double time. We marched all through the night and were able to strike the Hu forces just before dawn.”

“Luck was on our side more than anything,” Keo said bitterly. “We lost a lot of men to fatigue as well as actual fighting.”

That would mean that an exhausted army of 12 thousand were able to surprise an army of 17 thousand and managed to capture or kill close to 10 thousand if not more. And after it was all said and done they only lost 3 thousand. On paper that was quite the victory. Though Lymee thought she understood why they were not more excited over it. Had the Hu army been a little faster or Alia’s forces been a little slower than General Dyn would have taken the capital.

“So then your plan is to completely take the province of Hu?” Lymee asked.

Alia gave a single nod. “Is that a problem?” She had a bit of bite in her tone. Lymee was not sure if she was being defensive or just authoritative.

“I don’t know,” Lymee admitted. “But won’t this be considered an act of war with the Kingdom or whatever? Will they send more forces when this is done?”

“It’s possible,” Keo nodded. “We are still waiting for an official reply from the Capital on this matter. Though I doubt they will send anything until after this whole thing is resolved. Legally speaking a province is free to act on their own but so long as they are not acting under orders from the Capital then they will not receive their support.”

“But it’s not like they will just sit idle while their land is conquered.” Lymee finished thinking she was starting to understand the situation.

“Best case, the Capitol does nothing.” Alia sighed sitting down in a chair. She tapped one of the scrolls on the table letting it roll forward. She would hold out her finger and wait for the scroll to roll back then tap it again. “Worse case they declare total war.”

“That would be bad I take it?” Lymee rested her arms on the table leaning forward laying her chin on the back of her hands her breasts squishing against the surface.

“Very.” Keo nodded. “More than likely though, the Capital will enact some kind of embargo and demand reparations. As it was Hu that attacked us it becomes hard politically to justify war even if it would be a relatively small one.”

“But aren’t you guys still considered a rebellious state?” Lymee asked.

Alia shook her head smiling a little. “If they consider us just a province in rebellion then it is left for our previous lord the Bengui to deal with us. The Bengui can request assistance but they would have to swallow their pride first. The Empress knew that would never happen and declared us a separate province giving all the other Province’s free reign to attack us.”

Lymee nodded thinking that she understood. She a least understood enough to know not to worry about it for the time being. “Can you show me a map of this province and Hu?”

Alia looked at Keo with a pleased smile. Keo returned the smile pulling out a map and unrolling it across the table. She brushed the map a few times to press the bend out before placing a small weight on both ends.

“How accurate is this map?” Lymee asked looking it over finding the rivers, valleys, and roadways.

“The most accurate one I have.” Keo put her palms on the table leaning forward never taking her eyes off of Lymee observing how she worked. She was showing her cleavage again but Lymee was not paying any attention.

“This general,” Lymee paused closing her eyes as she tried to remember the name.

“Dyn,” Alia said.

“Yeah her,” Lymee continued. “How likely is she to just turtle up and hide behind a fortress wall?”

Alia looked at Keo.

“Not likely.” Keo shook her head. “Dyn is not the defensive type. She is the kind who would rather meet her opponent on the field of battle rather than force them into a siege.”

“Best defense is a good offense after all,” Lymee mumbled to herself. She let out a breath and straightened her back getting a further view of the map. She crossed her arms chewing on the inside of her mouth. “How do you intend on crossing the river that you were talking about before?”

“There is a second bridge down here.” Alia reached over and pointed. “It is in our land as such we have a garrison there already. We can cross it here and march straight for their capital.” Alia moved her finger to a small drawing of what represented a city.

Lymee traced the road with her finger memorizing the path. “Then the best place for them to reform their forces would be somewhere around here.” Lymee taped a forest area on the map.

“Why there?” Keo enquired. She looked like she was really getting into it.

“That’s where I would form up,” Lymee said her voice a strong soprano. “The forest provides enough cover to hide their movement and also allows them to watch both roads into their land. If you were right and they had expected you to pursue them then it would give them the opportunity to ambush you but if you didn’t then they could quickly move their forces to intercept your advance.”

Alia glanced over at Keo who nodded in agreement.

“With their army in disarray it is doubtful that they will try a frontal assault…” Lymee trailed off. “If it was me, I would dangle some sort of bait. Something so tempting the enemy would have no choice but to follow then I would lead them into a place of my choosing.” Lymee moved her finger to a mountain area. “Like here.”

“What kind of bait would you use?” Alia asked.

“Honestly?” Lymee looked up at Alia a serious look on her face. “Myself,” she shrugged simply. “Kill the general and the army breaks. As long as Dyn is alive then she poses a threat.”

“She would make for very tempting bait,” Alia agreed her hand touching her chin. Lymee was not sure if she was being serious or making some kind of sexual joke. Probably both.

“So then how would you counter this?” Keo asked, her back straight and arms folded across her waist. She was looking at Lymee a cold but amused smile on her face. She seemed to be enjoying this.

Lymee shook her head. “Not sure. Sun Tzu stressed the importance of picking your own battle ground and said the first army to arrive will always have the advantage. But Alexander believed that any battle could be won no matter the odds or location. He said that it is not a matter of having more men but having more men in the correct place.”

“Another great strategist?” Keo asked raising her chin.

Lymee nodded. “Different time and different side of the world but in less than ten years he conquered the known world outnumbered tremendously every time.” Lymee thought it over, looking at the map trying to find a solution, then a thought occurred to her.

“Did you think of something?” Alia asked noticing Lymee’s sudden change in expression.

“Maybe.” Lymee continued to work out the details in her mind her eyes darting over the map. “What if we did the same thing they did?”

Alia and Keo frowned exchanging glances. “What do you mean?” Alia asked. Keo gave Lymee an inquisitive look before taking a closer look at the map examining it trying to figure out what Lymee was thinking.

“Dyn tricked you into thinking that she was massing her army at this bridge right?” Lymee tapped her finger on the map on a small drawing of a bridge. “But really crossed further south moving around your forces.” Lymee looked up for confirmation. Both Alia and Keo nodded but as where Alia was focused intently on Lymee, Keo’s mind was racing putting together the pieces of what Lymee was getting at. Lymee thought that maybe Keo had started to figure it out.

“So then what if we do the same?” Lymee suggested. “Split our forces and have one move to the southern bridge. Dyn will think that we will be marching up this road and set up her ambush. All the while the second group marches north.”

“You want them cross the river like Dyn and her forces did?” Alia got to her feet starting to get into the conversation. She placed a hand on the table leaning over looking down at the map.

“We would not have too,” Keo stated looking up at Lymee with a proud smile on her face having figured out Lymee’s plan. “We can have them cross at the northern bridge.”

“But they have troops stationed there,” Alia protested. “Any of our troops try and cross that bridge they will be slaughtered by archers.”

“Doubtful.” Keo shook her head. “Once Dyn confirms that we will be crossing on the Southern Bridge she will consolidate all her forces. She doesn’t have the manpower to spare for her to keep the garrison at the bridge. Any forces that are there will be minimal. If we cross under the cover of darkness our troops will be able to take out any soldiers stationed there.”

“If they cross at the northern bridge instead of by boat that could save half a day.” Alia let out a breath nodding. It would seem that she was liking where this was going.

“Then we have that force move around,” Lymee traced her finger along the path, “and flank the Hu as the first force engages them from the front. Standard Hammer and Anvil. The trick is going to be the timing.” Lymee crossed her arms looking at the two. “The second force needs to be mobile and fast moving. Like cavalry.”

“Sai is not going to be happy about that,” Keo said.

“She will have to deal.” Alia brushed the comment off as she continued to focus on the map. “How do we signal the other unit to attack? We cannot use conventional methods. The mountains will make flag signals impossible to see and a messenger will be to slow. If they attack too soon then Dyn has the chance to escape and retreat to the capital. Too late and the main force will be slaughtered.”

“A signal flare would work.” Lymee said offhandedly.

They both looked up at Lymee with confused expressions.

Lymee sighed realizing that they did not know what she was talking about. She scratched her head trying to think of an alternative. “Do you have fireworks? Explosive powder that you shoot into the air that makes pretty colors.”

“We have those,” Alia said. “I never thought of trying to use those as a signal though.”

“A lot of people never did,” Lymee admitted.

“Simple yet revolutionary,” Keo whispered biting down on her lip thinking it over.

Feeling that they had pretty much finished Lymee stepped back from the table crossing her arms. “Once the fighting starts you fire one of those into the air signaling for the cavalry to move in. That simple.”

Keo and Alia looked at each other with an amused smile. “Simple as that?” Alia stood up straight crossing her arms. “All this talk makes it sound like you have agreed to be my strategist.”

Lymee let out a sigh scratching the side of her head. “Yeah it does sound a lot like that doesn’t it?” She had gotten so caught up in the moment she had not even been thinking about what happened after. At the time it was all theory and numbers, but now it was people and death.

“Well?” Alia raised an eyebrow.

Lymee turned away putting her palm to her mouth. “I don’t know,” she said. “The thought of having so many lives resting on my decisions.” Lymee clenched her fist as she thought it over. It all seemed so ridiculous, Lymee was not even old enough to vote, yet they were asking her decide the fate of thousands of people.

A hand rested on Lymee’s shoulder. She turned around and saw Alia standing behind her giving her a comforting smile. “I think I know what the real problem is,” Alia said confidently. “You have no reason to fight. You have sworn no allegiance to me and you have no ties to this land or its people. You simply are not the kind to fight for fighting’s sake.”

Lymee knew she was right. She had nothing compelling her to fight. For them or for anyone else. In truth she did not even know what she wanted. Part of her knew she should be looking for a way back home. At the same time there was not any kind of pressing need or desire to do so. Despite everything, she was having fun in this world. But she was never the kind of person who wanted to lead armies into battle. She was not a soldier, she did not wish to test her skills against others. At least not in a life and death situation.

Yet the idea of outsmarting someone, getting the upper hand on them and proving that she was better did have a strong appeal to her. It was strange but she liked the idea of being smarter than everyone else.

“Then how do you suggest we rectify that?” Keo asked looking to Alia for guidance. She was still standing across the table watching the two calmly. “I feel that money and fame will not be a sufficient incentive.”

Alia smiled giving an agreeing nod. “You are right. She is too good of a person for to be incentivized by those kinds of rewards.” She flashed a smile at Lymee. “That is one of the things I love about her.”

Lymee blushed but it was not the same kind of embarrassment that she felt the other day. This was more like being praised by a parent or mentor in front of others when it felt undeserved.

“Lymee you have no tie to this land, to its people, or to me.” Alia turned her body fully towards Lymee looking her square in the eyes. “So I propose we give you that.” She held out her hand towards Lymee palm up. “Lymee would you join my family?”

Keo’s eyes grew wide at the suggestion. She even looked like she was going to move in and say something before stopping herself and setting her jaw shut.

Lymee frowned unsure what that actually meant. “Are you proposing marriage?”

Alia let out a loud laugh. Lymee noticed that Keo was doing her best to hold back a laugh as well. Regaining her composure enough Alia worked to clarify. “No. What I am suggesting is that you become my sister. You would take on my family name along with all the responsibilities that would come with it.”

“That’s a lot to just spring on someone.” Lymee found it a little hard to breathe. There was a tightening in her chest. What Alia was asking was worse than marriage. “What would that even entail?”

“Well there would have to be an official adoption ceremony at some point,” Alia explained. “But unofficially all you need to do is make the vow to me and then me to you. You will become my little sister in every way but by blood.”

“But I’m older,” Lymee said.

Alia smiled giving Lymee an amused look. “So how about it? You would officially be a noble. You would even be heir apparent to this land assuming I die without leaving behind any daughters.”

That last part scared Lymee. “Oh I don’t think I could do that. I don’t know the first thing about running a country, land, province, whatever.”

“Lymee I have no intention of dying, you don’t have to worry,” Alia assured her. “What do you think Keo?” she turned to Keo looking for her opinion.

Keo thought it over nodding slowly stroking her chin as she did so. “It would solve all of our problems. I think Lymee is the kind of person to take responsibility seriously. By making her one of the leaders of this land, their wellbeing will become her responsibility. However” her eyes narrowed as she glared at Alia with a stern expression. “Alia are you sure you wish to do this?”

Keo crossed her arms across her stomach looking at both of them all humor and joking aside. “Adoption is different than actual blood relation,” Keo reminded her. “Once you accept her into your family it is forever binding. You can never expel her or disown her. She will always be your little sister.”

“But I’m older,” Lymee repeated through her teeth. Not that it was actually that big of a concern. Keo was right though. Becoming a noble was not something to be done lightly. She would be, for better or worse, casting her lot with Alia.

Alia smiled looking at Lymee with confidence. “I think I will take my chances. That is assuming Lymee accepts of course.”

Lymee started to feel light headed. She sat down in the chair rubbing her temple with her fingers and her thumb. After a moment she turned her head looking at Alia. “Does this mean that you will be giving up on trying to bed me?”

“Not in the slightest,” Alia said immediately never breaking eye contact.

Lymee bit her lip. She was not sure what she should do. She looked up at the two who were staring at her unmoving. They waited for her answer. They knew they could not push her to hard else her agreement would not mean anything. However they were not going to let her leave until she had given them one.

Lymee let out a sigh as her hand flopped in her lap. “So how do we go about doing this?”

CHAPTER 4

“Seriously?” Sai gasped. It was later that night and they had finished filling Sai in what had happened earlier regarding their strategy against Bengui as well as Lymee’s pending adoption.

They were all sitting around a small dinner table. This time it was more of the traditional Japanese style with them sitting on the floor with the food in the middle that they would reach out grabbing it with their chopsticks putting it on their plate.

Sai was dressed in a more elegant outfit than her armor but it was still a far cry from the fancy gown that Alia had on or even the loose fitting Yukata like dress that Keo wore. Lymee on the other hand was still in her jeans and tank top though she was barefoot and not wearing her coat.

“I do not know how I feel about this,” Sai said looking at Lymee. Her hand rested lifelessly on the table gripping her chopsticks.

“I don’t think you have much say in the manner.” Keo casually said shoveling some food into her mouth.

There was only the four of them around the table. Lymee sitting across from Alia, Keo across from Sai. There were a few guards in the room but they all had the strange fabric covering their faces with the writing on it. They stood like Terracotta Soldier statues.

“I wish you would have consulted me at least, my Lord.” Sai put a defiant hand on the table as she turned to Alia.

“Alia,” Alia said as she gracefully continued eating.

“What?” Sai leaned back a little.

“Call me Alia when we are alone like this,” Alia explained. “I get called my lord enough as it is, I don’t need you calling me that when we are in private. You never seem to have a problem saying my name when we are in bed together.”

“My lord!” Sai exclaimed her face flashing red.

“Alia,” Alia corrected again.

“I take it this means people will now start calling me lord now.” Lymee let her hand holding her chopsticks fall, her gaze wandering off at the thought.

“Speaking of which.” Keo looked over at Lymee. “She is going to need a proper name.”

Alia straightened her back. “You are correct.” She thought about it for a moment. “Well her family name is easy enough, it will be Su, and Lymee can be her true name, so then what would be her common name?”

Lymee was about to suggest her middle name but realized that then it would no longer be the name that only Alia called her. It would make for a good way to break their relationship and show Alia that Lymee wanted her to keep her distance. But Lymee realized that she did not want that. She wanted them to continue their secret name calling.

“Would it not be Jakson or whatnot?” Sai asked.

“Jacobson,” Lymee corrected. “And I would rather not have everyone calling me that all the time. Besides Jacobson was my old family name.” It bothered Lymee some at how little it concerned her that she had basically just cut all ties with her real family.

“It would be taboo if she kept it then,” Keo said. “Well we can always make one up for her.”

Lymee thought it over for a moment. She had never thought about it before. She never thought she would be put in a position where she would have to pick her own name. Baring amnesia and it is not like any name she picked out beforehand would matter if that ever happened.

“Well I think it needs to be something that can inspire respect,” Sai suggested wagging her chopsticks to emphasize her point. “If she is going to be our new lord then she needs a name that people will repeat.”

“I think we should make some kind of tribute to The Heavens,” Alia stated. “After all it was The Heavens that brought Lymee to us, we should honor them in some way.”

“You do know I haven’t actually done anything yet?” Lymee pointed out. “Wish you would stop acting like I am the second coming of Christ or something.”

“The second coming of what?” Alia cocked her head to the side.

“Never mind.” Lymee instantly realizing the reference would be lost on them as soon as she said it.

“Regardless, you have done a lot for us already.” Keo stated. “In a manner of minutes you came up with such a splendid battle strategy.”

“About that.” Sai snapped her chopsticks at Keo as if she was catching her words with them then turned to Alia. “My Lord are you really taking my men away from me?”

“Here I thought they were my men.” Alia glanced at Sai leaning forward grabbing some food from the center.

“Of course they are but those soldiers are like my children. To have them under the direct command of someone like Chee or even Gea is hard for me.”

“You will have to adapt,” Alia said with a bit of a snap to her voice. “We need all our cavalry in order for this to work.”

“Then let me lead them,” Sai pleaded placing her palm on the table. “It would be my great honor to lead the ambush of the enemy general.”

“No,” Alia barked. “I need you here leading the defense in case Bengui attacks.” Then her expression softened. “You are the only one who I would trust to do this.” Alia rested her hand on Sai’s giving it a squeeze. “You and Keo are the only two people who I would trust to protect this land while I am away.”

“As your sister I will try not to take that offensively,” Lymee mumbled to try and lighten the mood. It worked, a smile flashing across all three of their faces.

“I fear that we have gotten away from the matter at hand,” Keo said. “We were discussing a proper name for Lymee.”

“You are quite right.” Alia gave Sai’s hand one final squeeze before picking her chopsticks back up.

“Is there some historical figure that would work?” Lymee asked.

“What about that man you were talking about?” Keo asked. “That strategist.”

“Who?” Lymee thought back trying to figure out who she had meant. “You mean Sun Tzu?”

“Sun,” Alia pointed her chopsticks. “The sun is the source of light from The Heavens, and Lord Sun has a nice sound to it. One that inspires people.” Alia looked at Sai on that last part.

Sai nodded in approval. Keo and Alia both smiled looking at Lymee for her thoughts on the matter.

“That sounds good. I like it. Sun.” Lymee said the word over and over letting herself get used to it.

“Then from this day forth you shall be Lymee Sun Su,” Alia declared.

Lymee almost laughed at the realization that her name sounded so close to the actual Sun Tzu.

Alia set her chopsticks down on the table in front of her with a refreshed sigh. “Now that Lymee’s name is settled,” she got up moving behind Keo. She crouched down wrapping her arms around the woman’s neck resting her chin on one of Keo’s shoulders. “This will be the last time we see each other for a long time,” she started kissing the nape of Keo’s neck.

Keo stretched out her neck out giving Alia as much area as possible. Alia worked her way up Keo’s neck to her ear. After kissing her earlobe she started to whisper something in it. Keo smiled as she turned her face so she was looking at Alia. They both looked into each other’s eyes. Keo leaned in giving her a long kiss reaching up with her hand touching the side of Alia’s face.

They broke away with a smile. “I think I can do that,” Keo assured.

Alia let go of Keo stepping back so Keo could get to her feet. Keo flashed a smile at Sai as she slid open the door and walked out. Alia was already moving behind Sai repeating the process.

Lymee just sat there watching with her eyes as Alia started making out with Sai. Lymee did not move her chopsticks frozen midway to her mouth. Did they really have so little shame that they could do this not only in front of her but in front of all these guards? After a moment both Sai and Alia stood up holding hands. They walked forward their hands breaking apart as Sai continued to the door and Alia moved to the side of Lymee brushing her hair behind her ear as she bent over.

She kissed Lymee on the top of the head running her fingers through Lymee’s short hair. “Try and get some sleep little sister,” Alia whispered. “We set out early tomorrow.”

“Oh I am way too scared to be getting any sleep.” Lymee smiled at her. The two grabbed each other’s hands giving it a firm squeeze before Alia walked back over to Sai who was waiting for her in the open doorway. Sai reached out her hand as Alia approached and Alia took it as the two of them walked out leaving Lymee by herself.

Lymee sat in the room alone for a moment. She reached out with her chopsticks to grab some more to eat when she stopped herself. She turned and looked at the guard standing behind her. “Is it wrong for me to continue eating now that Alia is gone?” The guard did not move or give any sign that he had heard her. “But now that I am a lord and her sister doesn’t that mean I can eat even after she leaves?”

The guard still did not move. Lymee let out a sigh grabbing her plate and loading it with food. “You’re no help.” She stood up and started walking for the door. “It’s not continuing the meal if I am eating in my room. It’s just a snack then.” She shoveled food into her mouth as she started to walk down the hall.

Lymee was doing her best not to think of Alia and what she knew Alia was doing with Keo and Sai. Lymee could feel that her panties were a little damp. The idea of sucking on Alia’s breasts or better yet having Alia sucking on hers.

Lymee gazed out in front of her as she fantasized about it a silly grin on her face. “No,” Lymee scolded herself hitting her forehead with the back of her wrist, her hand still holding the chopsticks. “Drown your feelings in food like every teenage girl,” she said taking another bite as she walked.

Using her foot she slid open the door to her room. There was now a guard standing next to the door that had not been there before. He did not have the cloth in front of his face and he gave Lymee a look of recognition but nothing else. Lymee decided that for the time being she would just ignore him and go on as if he was not there.

Having finished her food she set the plate down on the desk resting her chopsticks off to the side. With a sigh she started getting changed not bothering to move behind the changing wall. She knew this would probably be the last time she would be able to get a hot bath in a while so she figured she had better make use of the chance.

There was a light rap at the door. Lymee frowned looking in the direction of the door her pants already off her shirt over her breasts.

“Who is it?” Lymee asked.

“It’s Myu my lord.” Came a soft female voice from the other side of the door. “I attended to you last night but you were already asleep.”

She must have been the one who had changed Lymee and put her to bed. With a sigh Lymee pushed her tank top back down putting her hand on her hip facing the door. “Come in,” she ordered.

The door slid open revealing a short petite woman in a traditional kimono like dress. She had long thin black hair that fell straight down. She looked young maybe 15. She was short and flat chested which seemed to be a little of an oddity considering all the other voluptuous woman Lymee had met since coming here.

She saw Lymee’s half-dressed state and started blushing. “I am sorry my Lord.” She clasped her hands in front of her as she bowed deeply her hair falling in front of her. “I did not come prepared to please you in such a way. Please forgive me.”

Lymee raised an eyebrow. “Is sex all you people think about?” she sighed. “It’s alright you just caught me while I was changing. Come in.” Lymee turned back around sliding her jeans back on.

The woman shot up moving inside closing the door behind her. “My lord you do not need to concern yourself. I will dress you.”

Lymee held out her hand stopping her. “I have been putting on my own clothes since I was 4. I’ll be fine, I assure you.”

“I’m sorry my lord I have displeased you in some way.” She bowed again.

“What?” Lymee frowned laughing slightly in confusion. “What makes you think that you have displeased me?”

“Because you feel that I am unable to perform my duties towards you,” she said not raising her head.

Lymee sighed reaching out and putting a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Please stand up straight.”

The woman slowly stood up careful not to make any sudden movements and not looking Lymee in the eye.

“Now,” Lymee smiled once she was fully upright. “Why don’t we start over? Could you please tell me your name?”

“Of course my Lord,” she tried to bow again but Lymee stopped her with the hand she had on her shoulder.

“Without the bowing,” she ordered glaring into the woman’s eyes.

She seemed uncomfortable with the idea but she continued anyway. “My family name is Giue, my common name is Myu and my true name is Yunna.”

“Hello.” Lymee nodded. “My family name is Su, my common name is Sun,” Lymee had to hold back a laugh still thinking it was funny that she was now Sun Su. “And my true name is Lymee.”

“Yes my lord. I was informed of your pending adoption into the Su family. That is why I have now been assigned as your personal attendant by Mistress Keo.”

“And what does that entail exactly?” Lymee asked not sure she liked the sound of this.

“It is my duty to provide you with anything you may need,” Yunna stated. “I will clean your room and clothing. I will pick out your clothing and dress you as well as prepare your food and wash you in the bath. Along with as any other services you may require.”

“Look,” Lymee exhaled through her nose trying to think of the best way to explain. Lymee sat down on the side of the bed crossing her legs. “Come here,” she tapped the top of the bed next to her.

Yunna hesitated at first but then moved across the room towards the bed. She gracefully and formally sat down on the side of the bed several feet away from Lymee.

“Please, I want you to understand,” Lymee started. “I like cooking. So I want to cook my own food. I don’t feel comfortable with other people seeing me naked so I want to dress myself. However I hate cleaning so by all means clean away.” She smiled laughing a little but Yunna’s mouth did not even twitch. She only sat on the edge of the bed looking at her knees her hands clasped in her lap.

Lymee rubbed her temple with her fingers. It was not that she was opposed to having a personal servant it was just the idea of losing a majority of her privacy and freedom that was unwelcomed. Not only that but it would just make Lymee feel uncomfortable having someone wait on her hand and foot.

Lymee stared at Yunna for a long moment. She was not protesting to what Lymee had said but Lymee could tell she still felt that she had displeased Lymee in some way. “But you know?” Lymee took a deep breath. “The clothing and food here is all still new to me.” She leaned her head back slightly closing her eyes. “So if you could help me by showing me how to properly wear my clothing so I don’t embarrass myself and also show me some recipes it would be a big help.”

“Yes my lord, I can help you with that.” Yunna’s face lit up smiling for the first time.

Lymee cocked her head to the side taking her first real look at Yunna. “You know, you have a very nice smile,” she said. “It would be nice if I could see it more often.”

Yunna blushed breaking eye contact. “Thank you my lord, you flatter me.”

“Please,” Lymee fell onto her back spreading her arms wide in a spread eagle position letting out a long tired sigh. “When we are in private at least call me Lymee. The whole Lord thing is already strange enough as it is.”

“My lord I could never be as informal as to call you by your true name.”

“And I ask that you do act informal around me,” Lymee said. “I want to feel comfortable around you and in order for that to happen you have to feel comfortable around me. You don’t have to worry I won’t punish you for saying the wrong thing or anything like that.” Lymee put on a sour face remembering her earlier conversations with Keo and Alia. Sitting up on her elbows she peered at Yunna. “You’re not a slave are you?”

“No of course not,” Yunna assured her. “Slaves are not allowed on palace grounds. Nobles are too important to be in the presence of a slave.”

Lymee pursed her lips together shaking her head a little. “An issue for another time,” she mumbled. “Then let me ask you this. Do you like working here? Is this really what you want from life?”

“Of course my lord,” Yunna responded as if the question itself was nonsense. “My mother worked very hard to raise the money necessary for me to receive the proper education to work here. I went to school for many years to learn the proper way of speech and how to conduct myself around nobles.”

“But you’re a servant,” Lymee pointed out. “People think of you as dirt. Are you truly okay with that?”

“My Lord I live better here than I ever would have in the city,” Yunna stated. “Here I have a roof over my head that does not leak. I get my own bed with comfortable bedding. I have enough sheets during the winter to stay warm. There is always enough food for me to eat and I never have to fear for my life from thieves or rapists. In exchange for all of this I am simply requested to cook, clean and help where needed. I do this gladly.”

Lymee had never thought of it that way. So many of the things that Yunna mentioned were so standard fair Lymee could not imagine living without them. She could not imagine what she would do in order to have those things if she was forced, like Yunna, to grow up without them.

Lymee nodded finally understanding the true situation. “Well then,” she got to her feet. “I was about to head to the bath. If you would please grab me a change of clothes and follow me.”

“Of course my lord.” She snapped to her feet gathering up the clothes that Lymee had piled up.

“Lymee,” she corrected. “I still want you to be informal with me at least when we are in private.” Yunna stood there clothes gathered in her arms still uncomfortable with the idea. “Trust and loyalty is not built off of fear and loathing but on respect and friendship.” She flashed Yunna a smile. “I would very much like it if we could become friends. And it would be a great honor if you would let me call you by your true name.”

A tear ran down the side of Yunna’s cheek. Then breaking free of her speechlessness she gave a forceful nod. “Yes,” she said with a smile.

“Then please Yunna, lead the way.” Lymee opened the door and stood to the side for Yunna to exit.

Yunna briskly walked out of the room and Lymee was close behind her.

***

The warm water ran down Lymee’s back as Yunna rung out the cloth washing away the soap. She wore a towel like cloth around her body not wanting to get her kimono wet. She was humming a simple tune as she worked. She was careful not to press too hard as she scrubbed down Lymee’s body but was also diligent in getting every inch of her. Lymee was still uncomfortable being naked in front of a person even if they were a girl. She also did her best not to become aroused as Yunna all but fondled her breasts.

“I’ve finished Lymee.” Yunna said placing the rag in the basket with the soap.

“Then come in and join me.” Lymee said as she stepped into the hot water of the large bath. She sat down on the seat, the water coming up to just below her breasts her arms reclining on the ledge.

“My lord,” Yunna gasped. “I could never do such a thing as share the same water as a noble.”

“Yunna.” Lymee looked over her shoulder and stared at the woman. “Take off your clothes and get in the water. I will not ask again.”

Reluctantly Yunna tugged on the cloth around her body letting it fall to the ground revealing her naked figure. She was surprisingly well toned, her skin only slightly tanned. Her breasts looked to be about a B cup in size with pink nipples with almost invisible aerials. She did not look shaven but the hair on her legs was almost nonexistent. A trait that Lymee herself shared much to her delight. She doubted after all that she would get much of a chance to shave in the upcoming days.

Lymee became aroused at the sight of shy naked woman standing in front of her and Lymee had to fight the urge to slide her hand between her legs.

Slowly Yunna made her way into the water sticking one foot in and letting it touch the bottom before moving the rest of her body. She looked just as nervous as Lymee was about having another see her naked. She refused to look at Lymee and kept one hand in front of her trying to keep herself covered. Once Yunna was fully in the water Lymee let out a refreshed sigh leaning her head back.

“Doesn’t this feel nice?” Lymee closed her eyes content with just soaking.

“Yes.” Lymee opened an eye and saw Yunna hunched over staring at the water. Her knees were locked together her hands clasped across her chest.

“Yunna, you are somehow sucking all the joy out of taking a hot bath,” Lymee groaned closing her eyes again. “Please at least try relaxing and enjoying yourself.”

“Sorry my lord.” Yunna’s voice was frail and quiet.

“Lymee,” Lymee corrected.

“Sorry, Lymee.”

“Better.” Lymee gave a nod in approval. “So tell me what does being a lord actually entail for me?”

“I’m sorry.” Yunna sounded confused.

“I have never been a lord before and as far as I know I have never met one before yesterday,” Lymee explained. “So I am going into this blind. If you could help clarify some things for me it would probably save me a lot of embarrassment down the line.” Lymee then realized that the phrase down the line referred to railroads. “Down the road,” she corrected.

“Oh well.” Yunna thought it over. “I’m not quite sure. I mostly only know how I am supposed to act around nobles.”

“Fair enough I suppose.” Lymee leaned forward her large breast floating in the water in front of her. “Then let me ask you your opinion on something.”

“Certainly my lord, I mean Lymee.” she instantly corrected. It was a start at least. That was all Lymee could ask for at the moment.

“What were your thought’s when you were told that you would be my personal servant?” It was a little personal Lymee knew but she hoped to get a better read on the woman. Also this might help her loosen up a little.

Yunna blushed lowering her gaze. “Well at first I did not know. When I first saw you I did not know you were going to become our lord’s sister. I had been told that you were just a mercenary.”

“And what did you think of me yesterday then?” Lymee moved forward off the seat bending her knees submerging her body up to her neck.

“I thought you were very beautiful.” Yunna refused to look at Lymee. “Your skin was much smoother than any soldier I had tended too. You also looked like a kind person. The way that you slept you had this peaceful look that I had never seen before.”

“Now be honest with me Yunna.” Lymee moved forward a bit sinking so the water was above her mouth. Stopping about a foot in front of Yunna she lifted her head up enough so she could talk. “Did you grope my breasts while I was asleep?”

Yunna flushed red as she shrank away pressing her back on the wall raising a hand up. “No my lord I promise you, I would never do such a thing.”

“Why not?” Lymee tried her best to sound offended as she grabbed her own breasts. “Are my breasts not any good?” She quivered her lip a bit.

“No that’s not it at all. You have beautiful breasts. I would love to fondle them. But only with your permission.”

Lymee smiled thinking the embarrassed face Yunna had was too cute. “Relax Yunna,” she coed. “I was only teasing.” She gave Yunna a friendly grin. “I am just trying to get you to lighten up, loosen up” she corrected, “a little bit.”

Yunna did seem to relax a little hearing that it was all a joke. “Oh, I see.”

“I’m sorry that was probably a little mean of me. But you look really cute when you are flustered,” she mumbled that last part. Lymee was starting to see why Alia probably enjoyed teasing her so much.

“My lord, I mean Lymee.” Yunna’s voice was soft but loud enough to hear clearly. “May I ask you a question?”

“Of course.” Lymee nodded. “Please feel free to ask me anything.”

“Are you… are you and our lord together?”

Lymee let out a sigh half submerging her head again making bubbles in the water. Lymee had said she could ask her anything. She shifted her gaze to the side trying to think of what to say.

“I’m sorry that was a very personal question to ask.” Yunna looked away.

“It’s fine.” Lyme raised a hand her fingertips breaking the water’s surface. “Might as well tell you so you can correct any gossip at least.” Lymee moved over so she was sitting directly next to Yunna sitting up so the top of her breasts were exposed again. “I have feelings for Alia, sorry Hanna. I guess it’s bad to call her Alia in front of you. Anyways.” She shook her head getting back on topic. “Yes I have feelings for Hanna, and she says she has feelings for me. But I don’t think we feel the same thing.” Lymee looked at Yunna seeing if any of this was sinking in. “And until I know that our feelings are in fact the same for each other nothing is going to happen between us.”

Lymee flashed Yunna a bright smile trying to look chipper. “Besides she is my sister now. You are not supposed to sleep with family.” Lymee narrowed her gaze dropping her smile. “You people don’t sleep with your own family right?”

“Of course not,” Yunna assured her shaking her head.

Lymee nodded in approval. “Good, not that I think that will stop Alia, shoot I mean Hanna.” Lymee sighed. “That is going to take some getting used to. Why do you have to have so many names?”

“Do you not have different names where you are from?”

“We do,” Lymee nodded. “But we don’t put any real value in them. A name is a name. It doesn’t matter which one you use. Some people have nicknames. Names they make up for themselves and those can be personal but for the most part,” Lymee shrugged. “We just call people by their names. There are exceptions of course. You call teachers by their last names as to not sound too personal, doctors are the same way.”

“What’s a doctor?”

“A healer,” Lymee explained. “Or great thinker too I suppose.” Lymee then remember something that she had heard the other day. They had referred to a doctor as a Philosopher. It made sense it was just flipped from what she was used to where philosophers were called doctors. “Philosophers.”

That last word Yunna understood and she nodded her head.

“Well we had best not sit in here too long.” Lymee patted Yunna on the shoulder as she stood up her breasts bouncing as water splashed around her. “Don’t want to get light headed.”

“Of course Lymee.” Yunna stood up. “Let me get you your cloth and I will dry you off.” Yunna climbed out of the bath and walked over to where her clothes were being kept. Grabbing the towel she walked over to Lymee who had gotten out of the water.

“I can do it.” Lymee smiled holding out her hand.

Yunna nodded and reluctantly handed her the towel with a slight bow. Lymee took it and started to pat herself down.

“Where’s yours?” Lymee enquired noticing that Yunna was not drying herself off.

“Oh I didn’t know I would be joining you so I only bought the one.” Yunna stood there her hands clasped in front of her naked body the water dripping off of her. She refused to look Lymee in the eye choosing to stare at the floor instead. Lymee could see goosebumps breaking out across her body. She was getting cold but she was not going to make any kind of complaint Lymee knew.

Lymee moved forward extending the towel letting half of it fall from her hands. “Here,” she used the half and started dying Yunna with it.

“My lord you shouldn’t,” she protested. “I should be drying you.”

“It’s fine. Here take this half and we will just share.” Yunna slowly took the side from Lymee as Lymee reached down grabbing the other end.

The two faced each other as they dried themselves off.

“Oh but now your hair is all wet.” Lymee noticed. “Sorry I tend to forget about that since I keep mine short. Here use this to wrap it.” She handed her the rest of the towel.

“Thank you, Lymee.” Yunna smiled still a bit shy about using her name. Using the towel she wrapped her hair in it making the all too recognizable towel head.

Lymee smiled at Yunna as Lymee started to change into in her sleep attire. Yunna started to change back into her Kimono going through the steps of wrapping the band around her waist and other things that one would never think would be involved.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Yunna apologized as she finished getting dressed.

“It’s completely understandable,” she assured. Lymee was wearing the same clothes that she had been wearing when she woke up this morning only now she was wearing her panties underneath them, along with a long silk nightgown that dragged on the ground slightly.

Fully dressed they made their way back to Lymee’s room Yunna leading the way, her arms full with Lymee’s regular clothes. Lymee noticed that there was a guard outside of not only her room but the room across from hers. The guard had not been there before and he looked to be wearing the same armor as her own guard.

As they crossed in front of the room Lymee could hear the sounds of heavy breathing as well as the sound of skin rubbing on skin. She froze as she realized what she was hearing.

Turning to Yunna she whispered, “That is Keo’s room is it not?”

“It is my lord,” Yunna confirmed.

The sounds of moaning grew louder, Lymee could hear someone shouting, “Yes, yes. Alia right there. Don’t stop.” Lymee recognized the voice as Sai’s. It would seem that Alia had been right about Sai not having any trouble calling out her name in the bedroom.

Lymee looked at the guard who was standing outside the room giving him a pitying look. “You have my condolences,” she said sympathetically. He did not move but he did shift a glance towards Lymee that told her all she needed.

Shaking her head she walked back into her room. She guessed it was only natural for them to say goodbye to each other in such a way. Though she had to wonder if Alia had chosen Keo’s room because she wanted Lymee to be able to hear them.

Putting Lymee’s clothes down for a moment Yunna went to pulling on the covers of the bed readying it for Lymee.

Lymee got to work taking her earrings out of her ears and setting them down on the table next to her bed. She was heavily considering just not bothering putting them back in come morning and letting her piercings close on their own.

Stepping back from the table signaling to Yunna that she was done Lymee crawled into bed Yunna tucking her in as if she was a small child.

“Thank you Yunna,” Lymee said shifting around getting comfortable. “Will you be traveling with me tomorrow?”

“Yes Lymee,” she nodded. “As your personal attendant I shall accompany you wherever you may go.”

“Then be sure to get plenty of rest tonight,” Lymee ordered.

“Of course my Lord,” Yunna bowed.

“Lymee.”

“Lymee,” Yunna corrected as she started blowing out the lanterns around the room.

“And I am terrible at waking up in the morning,” Lymee stated. “So I will be depending on you to wake me.”

“Of course Lymee.” Yunna smiled gathering up Lymee’s clothes. “I will have these clothes washed and ready for you in the morning,” she bowed her head. “Good night my lord.”

“Good night Yunna,” Lymee called out to her as she walked out.

Lymee laid in the dark of her room ever aware of the deep darkness surrounding her. Her mind began to wander. She thought about tomorrow and the upcoming battle. She could not even imagine what it would be like. She knew movies probably did not even come close. Just being in the aftermath of a battle had made her feel sick.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a woman moaning in pleasure off in the distance. Lymee thought it sounded like Alia but she could not be sure.

Lymee let out a sigh. It would have been so easy for her to have taken advantage of Yunna. She could be having sex with her right now if she really wanted. Hell she could walk into Keo’s room right now and have sex with all three of them if she wanted. She knew that they would welcome her. She was sure they would be gentle with it being her first time.

She imagined that Sai and Keo would probably gently hold her from behind grabbing her arms caressing her breasts while kissing her neck as Alia parted Lymee’s legs apart as she massaged her pussy. As she did that Alia would then start sucking Lymee’s nipples lightly biting them as she moved down her body to her stomach before reaching her pussy. Her tongue parting her pussy lips as she started sucking and massaging her clit.

Lymee realized that her hand was between her legs a damp spot had formed on her panties.

She sighed throwing off the covers and opening the front of her gown exposing her breasts to the night air. “Well it’s not like I was going to get much sleep tonight anyway.” She slipped her fingers between her panties inserting her middle finger inside herself moving it back and forth. Her other hand massaging her breasts.

She bit down on her lower lip to prevent herself from moaning too loudly. She intensified her fingering as she listened to the cries from the neighboring room. She arched her back as pleasure spread through her body, thrusting her hips. She started massaging her breast more as they started to bounce from her movements.

She did not stop pleasuring herself after her first orgasm. She continued until she was too exhausted to keep going. Even as she started to drift into sleep breathing heavily and her heart racing she could still hear the cries of pleasure coming from the other room.

CHAPTER 5

Sai and Keo stood in front of the parade of soldiers standing in front of the palace gate inside the stone courtyard. The sun had risen only half an hour ago but Lymee had been awake even before then. After having a light breakfast she had gotten ready and joined up with Alia and the others in front of the palace.

Alia was dressed in the armor she had been wearing when they had first met. She had an ornate sword on her hip that had a jade handle with a red design on the grip.

She stood in front of Sai and Keo giving them her final instructions.

“We should reach the southern bridge by noon tomorrow so the cavalry should depart tomorrow morning,” Alia stated.

“As you say My Lord.” Sai nodded not making eye contact.

“Hey,” Alia said softly reaching out and grabbing Sai’s chin lifting her head so they were looking at each other. “Don’t look so sad. I will return victorious and unharmed. I swear to you.”

“I know my Lord. I believe in you.” She gave her a weak but genuine smile.

“Please,” Alia leaned in their lips meeting. After a short kiss she broke away enough to speak. “Say my name.”

“Alia,” Sai whispered as the two kissed again.

Stepping back with a warm smile Alia moved in front of Keo who had simply remained silent. “I shall return soon.” Alia wrapped her arms around the woman in a soft embrace. Then they had a quick kiss but Keo did not let go.

“Be sure and watch out for your new younger sister,” she instructed their foreheads touching.

“What kind of big sister would I be if I didn’t?” Alia smiled kissing her again. They each tightened their grip before breaking away.

Alia gave them both a reassuring nod before walking over to where Lymee waited. “What?” She asked Lymee as she approached.

“Nothing.” Lymee shook her head as they started towards their horses. “You three are disgustingly cute.”

“I am going to assume that was not meant as an insult,” Alia said mounting her horse in a single fluid motion.

Lymee had a little more difficulty only ever having ridden a horse a few times and the saddle design was completely different from what she was used to. “Take it for what you will,” she said casually as she failed to mount on the first try. “It is a little sister’s job to tease her bigger sister.” With a grunt Lymee lifted herself up swinging her leg over settling into the saddle.

“Do you have other siblings?” Alia asked pulling on her reins.

Lymee shook her head as she did the same. “No, but that is what I have been told.”

Spurring on their horses they trotted towards the main gate the honor guard marching in formation behind them.

“I know I should have probably asked this before we left,” Lymee said. “But what do we do when we need to relieve ourselves?”

“Try and hold it,” Alia told her. “The army will stop when the day reaches its hottest. We will rest up and eat then.”

“Got it.” Lymee nodded very glad she had used the restroom before they left. Though she was not looking forward to what the restroom conditions were going to be in the middle of nowhere.

As they rode they met up with the rest of the army moving in formation as they marched down the city street. Their march through the city was met with the typical cheering and hand waving as the people sent off their troops.

Lymee wondered how many of those people had family in this army. And how many would be seeing them for the last time? It still did not feel real to her. It was all still numbers and future events. It was easy for her to tell herself what to expect but she feared the reality would be far worse.

They left the city through one of the gates and headed towards a forest off in the distance. Alia riding alongside Lymee.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Alia asked starting up a conversation.

Lymee glared at Alia. “As if I could. The real question is did you get any sleep last night?”

Alia shrugged giving Lymee a knowing smile. “Enough. I will catch up on it tonight. It could be over a month until I see them again after all.” She trailed off at the end looking a little sad.

“How long will this march take?” Lymee asked changing the topic.

“About a 2 days march to the border another 3 days after that to their capital city.”

“And we march about 20 miles a day?” Lymee asked.

“Assuming the weather holds and there are no major obstacles in our way.” Alia nodded.

Lymee laughed shaking her head.

“Something wrong with that?”

“No,” Lymee chuckled. “It’s just funny to me. A weeklong trip that in my world on a good road I could make in two hours.”

“That’s amazing.” Alia looked at Lymee. “Would you be able to teach us that kind of technology?”

“Doubtful.” Lymee shook her head. “I don’t know the first thing on how to make combustion engines. I might be able to teach you about steam powered engines though. The concept is simple enough.”

“Steam powered?”

Lymee bobbed her head trying to think how to explain it. “Basic concept is that you use the force of steam to move gears. These gears turn wheals and then the coach is able to move without a horse.”

“Wonderful. I never knew steam could do such a thing.”

Lymee shrugged. “Try not to get your hopes up. Even if I decide to try and teach it to you there is still no guarantee that it will work.”

“You still have reservations about imparting your knowledge to us?” Alia frowned. “I would think you would want to try and help your own people as much as possible.”

“I do,” Lymee nodded. “And that is exactly why I have to be careful. War is not abolished in my world. We simply fight more efficiently. We have had millions die in a single battle before. Battles that only last a single day.”

Alia looked at Lymee probably thinking she was joking then seeing that Lymee was being serious gasped slightly. “Destruction on such a scale?”

“And it only gets worse.” Lymee said a little bitterness in her voice. “The world powers are in a state known as mutually assured destruction. It’s when if either side attacks each other than both sides would be completely wiped out. The idea of a global apocalypse is a real possibility.”

“You must always live in a state of fear then. Always worried that one side will strike the other.”

“We were for a long time,” Lymee said thinking about some of the old duck and cover commercials that she had looked up on YouTube. “Though things have calmed down tremendously since I was born. Most of the most powerful countries have an alliance and try, and I emphasize try, to work together, in a kind of parliamentesk manner.”

“Sounds like how the Assembly used to be,” Alia said.

“What’s that?”

Alia nodded remembering that Lymee knew almost nothing about this world. “A little over 20 years ago all 7 Kingdoms met in an assembly. This assembly was to make decisions in regards to relations with other Kingdoms. Each kingdom agreed to honor the decisions made at this assembly and in return there would be free trade between each of the kingdoms.”

“So what happened?”

“The Long Drought happened,” Alia sighed. “The Assembly’s authority had always been tenuous, but when the Long Drought started three of the Kingdoms were on the verge of collapse. They requested aid from the other kingdoms. The Assembly agreed that the four kingdoms not affected by the drought should send provisional aid. However the other kingdoms feared that the drought would soon hit them as such they instead began hoarding all the food they could. Further diminished the supply of food being imported to the other kingdoms.

“This in turn made food prices rise even higher making things even more dire for the people. Then the riots started. Throughout the three kingdoms people took up arms assaulting storehouses just trying to get enough food to survive.”

“Order and civility are usually the first to go in times of crisis,” Lymee said.

“The kingdoms did not have the manpower to quell every rebellion,” Alia continued. “The Assembly then ordered the other kingdoms to send military aid to be temporarily put under the authority of the other kingdoms.”

“I take it they weren’t too thrilled about the idea of putting their soldier under someone else’s command,” Lymee said.

Alia nodded. “They refused. Feeling that the Assembly was pointless one of the kingdoms withdrew their representatives. Once that happened the rest were soon to follow and in less than a year the assembly had been dissolved.”

“People only have the authority that others allow them to have.”

Alia glanced at Lymee. “What do you mean?”

“Well if the kingdoms had really given the assembly the authority to act then that would have never happened. But the fact that none of the kingdoms truly gave this assembly any power, its authority existed in name only. The same can be said about any government.”

“But our rule is a right given to us by The Heavens,” Alia protested.

“You may have the right to rule,” Lymee said, “But if people don’t follow your orders all the right in the world won’t make a difference.”

Alia pondered on this for a moment.

“So what happened next?” Lymee asked. “I assume your story doesn’t end there.”

Alia shook her head. “No. Several kingdoms decided to take advantage of the weakened state of the other kingdoms and invaded. Before no kingdom would invade another kingdom because to do so would mean that all the other kingdoms would intervene. With the Assembly gone none of the other kingdoms wanted to act on behalf of the others. Instead they used the chaos to attack their rivals. In less than ten years every kingdom was at war with at least one other kingdom.”

“Which kingdom is winning?” Lymee asked.

“None of them,” Alia sighed with a shake of her head. “Every kingdom has a vested interest in making sure that no other kingdom gains an advantage so once one does, something always happens. Generals get assassinated, crops get burned, or ships get sunk. Nothing provable but everyone knows.”

“So the 7 Kingdoms have been at war with each other for over ten years now?”

“Twenty years,” Alia corrected. “And off and on. Now you know why I am so hopeful for you.” She flashed Lymee a smile. “I truly think that you can bring peace to this land. Neither of us may live to see it but I believe with all my heart and soul that it will be the actions that you make that will finally unite the 7 Kingdoms.”

“Not interested in being a martyr or religious figurehead,” Lymee said. “I don’t want to be worshiped or held as some kind of god.”

Alia smiled nodding in approval. “I think that is a good thing. That makes it less likely that you will become corrupt and abuse your power.”

“Power corrupts,” Lymee said. “And absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

“I always believed that power simply brings out the true nature of a person.”

“That may be true about money and wealth,” Lymee nodded. “When the person has free reign to live how they wish. But the responsibility of power is a completely different matter. Having to constantly make hard choices starts to affect a person. They then learn to become apathetic so they no longer feel the pain or guilt over their decisions. Once that happens all is lost.”

“And how would you correct this? Prevent that from happening?”

Lymee shook her head. “I don’t have a clue. There are many ideas. Never give all the power to a single person. Divide it amongst others so no one person has absolute authority over everything. Putting a limit on how long one can rule. But ultimately there is no way to keep the power hungry from attaining power and then abusing it.”

“A rather pessimistic view.”

“A pessimist is what an optimist calls a realist,” she smiled.

“Do you just have a bunch of these sayings memorized or something?”

Lymee shrugged playfully. “Eh, I read a lot.”

“Wait. You are literate?” Alia’s eyes shot wide as she turned in her saddle.

“Try not to sound too surprised,” Lymee laughed. “I can’t read your language. But I can read and write in my own.”

“Sorry, I meant no offense. And I know I should not be surprised.” She let go of the reins with one hand raising it in apology. “Understand that less than one percent of people know how to read and of those only a few can do it well.”

“My country believed in the enlightenment of its people. Or claimed to anyway. There was still a lot of indoctrination and false information going on. But the idea was that if people can make an informed decision they will naturally tend to make the right one.”

“We believe that people are not capable of making decisions for themselves,” Alia stated somewhat coldly, “thus it is up to the nobles to make the best decisions for them.”

“Honestly,” Lymee smiled at Alia. “I have seen what people do when they have all the information in the world at their disposal. For the most part making informed decisions is not one of them. So many people vote on leaders based on nothing more than honeyed words and false promises of personal wealth. And as Socrates once said; democracies fail when people think they can vote themselves wealth.”

“You lived in a democracy I take it.”

“Republic,” Lymee corrected casually. “Not that many people where I am from understood the difference.”

Alia stared at Lymee for a long moment not saying anything an amused look on her face. Lymee thought she would stop after a moment. When she did not she began to shift in the saddle uncomfortably continually shooting glances between Alia and the path ahead.

“Please stop,” Lymee pleaded. “You are starting to freak me out.”

She smiled shaking her head slightly. “I did not think it possible but I just fell more in love with you.”

Lymee did not want to feed into her comment with a response instead changed the subject. The two of them chatted for the rest of the day as they marched. Lymee told Alia about herself and Alia explained the world and the necessities of being royalty. It was clear that Lymee would need some serious schooling once this was over. She had never been one for politics and she knew that she would soon be entering that world feet first.

By the time they made camp for the night Lymee was exhausted and sore. She had no idea riding a horse could be so draining and her rear was probably bruised. Lymee was excited that she got her own tent however. It was fairly big and she did not have to help set it up. Inside it had a cot, a table, along with several other amenities.

Yunna had appeared soon after they stopped. Lymee was not sure where the woman had been hiding. The entire time as she had been riding Lymee had not seen her once. Yunna was now wearing a more casual outfit more suited for travel, though it was still a kind of dress. They shared a light meal before turning in for the night. Lymee did not bother changing her clothes. She was too exhausted and was so sore that she had to sleep on her stomach.

The next day was much of the same. They got up at dawn, ate a light meal, broke camp, and heading out. Still sore from the other days ride Lymee found it almost impossible to get comfortable while riding on her horse.

“Please let me dismount,” Lymee begged Alia. “I am not sure if I can make it. My butt is just not used to sitting on a horse.”

Alia shook her head. “I’m sorry. A noble walking would only hurt morale. You must seem to be proud as you march to meet your destiny. You are a symbol first and foremost.”

“Didn’t I say I didn’t want to be a figurehead?” Lymee groaned.

“A noble is expected to make sacrifices for her people,” Alia explained. “If that means ridding with a sore ass then you will do so.”

“But wouldn’t it be bad if I got saddle rash?” Lymee asked.

“That is from sweating too much. It has nothing to do with being sore,” Alia smiled apologetically.

“Dang,” Lymee sighed hanging her head in defeat.

“I would be more than happy to massage it for you once we stop,” Alia offered wagging her eyebrows.

Lymee did not turn her down immediately.

An hour before sunset they made camp. The mood was more intense than it was the night before. The soldiers knew that tomorrow they were likely to engage in battle.

After supper Alia had called all the generals into her tent for a war council. Lymee standing beside Alia the other three officers gathered around including Chee still dressed in her lack of clothes. Lymee wondered if she dressed like that in winter as well. If so then more power to her.

There was a large table set up in the center of the tent with the same map that Lymee had been using before spread out across the table. Lymee and Alia were both standing on one side while the other three stood across from them. Their source of light being the large lantern that hung from the top of the tent as well as the smaller one placed near the table’s edge.

“So if we are right.” Alia leaned on the table. “Then Dyn will try to bait us sometime between here and here.” She moved her finger down the path on the map. “She will then try and lead us into an ambush in these hills. Once we have engaged the enemy then we will signal General Gea and her cavalry using fireworks. She will then move in and flank Dyn.” She traced her finger across the map. “Once that happens General Chee” she looked up at the woman, “it will be up to you to take Dyn’s head.”

“I understand my lord,” Chee nodded excitedly.

“Once you kill Dyn then the army will rout.” Alia continued leaning forward on both hands. “Once they do I want General Tori to move your forces here and General Von will move her forces here cutting off their retreat.”

“Wait why?” Lymee interrupted. “Once the enemy is routed is there any reason to pursue them?”

“Of course there is,” Chee declared. “If you let the enemy live you simply have to deal with them later.”

“But once we rout their army they won’t have time to regroup before we reach the capital, correct?” Lymee looked at Alia for confirmation. “Once we take the Capital then we have won. The war is over. They have no reason to fight us anymore.”

“We cannot let an army of an enemy province remain,” Alia said. Her voice was stern but not condescending.

“But once we take the capital then they will be our army won’t they?” There was a brief silence in the room. “You have already lost so many and you will only lose more tomorrow. It will take time to rebuild your forces. Wouldn’t it be easier to simply integrate their forces into our own?”

“And what if they refuse to serve under me?” Alia crossed her arms turning to face Lymee.

“Then disband them,” Lymee pressed. “They will return to their families. They will work the fields. For every person you kill it will take another fifteen, twenty years before you can replace them. Moreover word will then spread about your mercy. Imagine armies that are willing to surrender before you ever engage in battle instead of fighting to the bitter end.”

“Victory without ever fighting.” Alia pondered it over.

“You can’t be considering this,” Chee growled digging her knuckles into the table. “I am sorry my lord, but I can’t follow this person into battle.” She pointed at Lymee.

“You do not have too,” Alia declared in a very authoritative voice. “You will be following me.”

“But you still made her a lord,” Chee protested. “I agreed to follow you. I never said anything about following her. I refuse to follow someone so soft.”

Alia was about to say something but Lymee stopped her. She wanted to try something first. “How can I prove otherwise?” Lymee asked calmly. “You are better than me in combat. I know that, so a trial by combat seems rather pointless. I don’t see us playing a game of strategy fixing anything. So what would you have me do?”

“I want you to show me your resolve,” Chee straightened her back to her full height.

“How?” Lymee stood rigid not backing down.

“You say you cannot beat me in weapon combat.” Chee crossed her arms glaring at Lymee. Her stare was one that Lymee could not look away from. To do so would be to show weakness and that was the one thing she could not do right then. “That shows wisdom on your part. However you previously stated that you were trained in empty hand combat.”

“I did,” Lymee nodded.

“Then that is how we shall fight,” she declared.

“Chee!” one of the other officers snapped. “You would really do this on the eve of combat? Against our own lord no less.”

“I swore no allegiance to this woman.” Chee snapped gesturing angrily at Lymee.

“No it’s fine,” Lymee said. “Just tell the men that this is a friendly competition to relieve tension and stress. I am sure they would enjoy watching their greatest warrior fight this no name person who became a noble in less than a day. It will be a good chance for me to show them what I am made of as well.”

Alia took Lymee’s arm taking her off to the side. “Lymee, you do not have to do this.”

“Sure I do,” Lymee smiled. “Sooner or later I would have to prove myself to these people. Might as well do it sooner rather than later.” Turning back to Chee. “As you are challenging me it is only fair that I set the rules.”

“So long as they are fair,” Chee said.

“Then set up an arena for us to fight in. With clear well lit boundaries. I will explain everything once it’s set up.” Lymee was trying her best to sound like Alia when she gave orders.

Chee sneered, backhanding the tent flap open as she stormed out. Alia motioned for the other two to leave as well. With a quick bow the two turned and left.

Lymee stood and watched them leave not moving an inch. As soon as they were gone her knees buckled and she fell forward catching herself on the table.

“Lymee. Are you alright?” Alia cried as she reached out a supporting hand.

“I’m fine,” she said taking in deep calming breaths. Her forehead pressed into the edge of the table. “That was just the most terrifying thing I have ever done.”

Alia rubbed her hand on Lymee’s back as she placed a hand on top of Lymee’s hand. “You were very brave in how you stood up to Chee. Not many would ever do that.”

“I think you mistake bravery for ignorance.” Lymee took a deep breath bringing her head back. “I am sure if I had ever seen her fight I wouldn’t have been so cocky.”

“Cocky?” Alia raised an eyebrow. “I’m afraid I don’t know the word. At least probably not in the meaning you intended it.”

“Over confident,” Lymee said with a smile. “Come on. Let’s see if I have the ability to back up my own words.” Lymee started moving to the tent exit. She tried her best to hide her shaking hand by making a fist.

Alia moved in besides her taking her arm. “I believe in you,” she assured Lymee.

“I fear I will need more than your belief.” Lymee sighed trying not to give into despair.

“Just know that win or lose I will still love you and I will still believe in you.” She stared at Lymee with a fierce gaze as they walked. “That being said, you are my sister now. When you look bad it makes me look bad as well. And I refuse to look bad so you had better win.”

Lymee held back a laugh. “And we definitely wouldn’t want you to look bad,” she smiled. “Not that I think you ever could.” She leaned her head in gently resting on Alia’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

“That’s what sisters are for.” She squeezed Lymee’s arm a little continuing to walk.

The troops had already gathered around by the time they arrived to the arena. They had already marked off the edges and had lined it with torches making it well lit like she had told them.

Chee was sitting on a stool on one end of the arena her arms crossed tapping her foot in anticipation. Her eyes were closed but she opened them as Lymee approached her gaze piercing deep.

“Are you ready?” Chee called out impatiently.

Lymee nodded moving to the center of the ring. Chee stood up and moved out to meet her. “Then state the rules of this match.”

“We will keep it simple,” Lymee said projecting her voice making sure that everyone around her could hear. “We have a battle to fight tomorrow so no maiming, no broken bones and no eye gouging.”

“Agreed,” Chee nodded. That was good. That meant despite her rage she was still able to think clearly and with reason.

“Victory will be determined by ring out, incapacitation or tap out,” Lymee continued. “To break any of these rules means immediate forfeit. And it goes without saying no weapons of any kind.”

“I find these terms expectable,” Chee said.

“Then return to your side.” Lymee gestured to the other side of the arena. “We will start in five minutes. My lord,” she looked too Alia who was still standing beside her, “would you do us the honor of starting the match?”

“It would be my pleasure.” Alia bowed respectfully.

Lymee took a few steps back before turning around and heading to her end. Alia following close behind her. Once there she took off her coat and started stretching out. She looked at Chee who was sitting on her stool drinking from a jug. Lymee doubted it was full of water.

“Listen,” Alia moved in close so her voice would not be overheard. “I know what I said before but remember you don’t have to win this.”

“Sure I do, Princess.” Lymee stretched her arm across her chest. “It just so happens that the conditions for victory are not solely reliant on me defeating my opponent.”

Alia let out a moan closing her eyes and biting her bottom lip while acting all turned on by what Lymee had just said. “I want you so bad right now.”

“Go,” Lymee pointed to the center of the arena. “Go be judge. You can masturbate to me later.”

“No idea what that word means.” Alia pursed her lips together as she walked off.

Lymee smiled watching her go as she continued to stretch herself out.

“My lord.” Yunna called out running up to her through the growing crowd of soldiers. “What is going on?”

“Just settling a dispute,” Lymee said calmly starching out her legs. “Nothing to worry about.”

“But you are fighting the strongest warrior in the entire army,” Yunna said. “She has never lost a fight.”

“Well then it is good that she is losing one now,” Lymee said bending over touching her fist to the ground. “One learns more from failure than from victory. And if you never know defeat you become overconfident.”

“But she could kill you,” Yunna said.

“I doubt it’ll go that far,” Lymee assured her. “Just make sure you have some cold water and a towel waiting for me when I get done,” she smiled cracking her back to loosen it up.

“Fighters!” Alia stood at the side of the ring holding her hand up. “Make ready.” Chee was standing at her end her shirt falling to the ground as she readied herself.

Lymee took a deep breath calming herself. She had fought in tournament fights before and had gone up against other black belts better than herself countless times but she knew this was completely different. There were no points in this bought so quick back knuckles to the head would not help her here. She had to remember that this time she could not pull her punches. She must strike through her opponent. She cycled through all the techniques that she had ever learned, the throws, the grabs, and the sweeps. She kept them fresh in her mind trusting that her body would be able to act instinctively.

“Begin!” Alia lowered her arm and the troops all started to cheer.

Lymee had hoped that maybe Chee would just charge on ahead letting Lymee sidestep her and watch as she ran out of the ring but no such luck. Not that she thought winning like that would actually be beneficial.

The two had to really go at it. She had to show Chee that she was someone to respect.

They both marched out to the center of the ring not taking their eyes off each other. If ground had been dirt Lymee might have been afraid that Chee would kick dirt into her eyes but she doubted that she would be able on the grassy ground.

They both dropped into their fighting stance Chee’s was a lot like a rock lowering her center and planting herself in place, but it was wide and full of gaps. If this had been point sparring Lymee was sure that she could get a kick in fast enough. But this was a real fight. The winner was the one who beat their opponent into submission not the one who landed the first blow.

Lymee lunged forward doing a bicycle kick snapping her feet at Chee’s stomach three times. Chee easily lowered her hands to block them, but on her fourth kick Lymee turned her hips in the air sending a round kick aimed at the side of Chee’s head. Due to the sudden change in direction of kicks Chee’s guard was too low. She was not able to bring her hand up fast enough.

Lymee had been aiming for the side of her head but she was not used to doing the kick with shoes on, added in her natural tendency to pull her kicks her kick was lower than intended striking the side of her shoulder instead. Chee rolled her shoulder absorbing the blow and staggering to the side.

Lymee landed on all fours. Leaning forward she spread her body out her face almost touching the ground. She spun on the ground swinging her leg striking Chee in the back of the knee with her heal. Chee buckled and she fell on one knee her hands planted in front of her. Lymee spun on her back raising her heel high into the air bringing it down at Chee’s back. Chee saw this and tucked her shoulder rolling out of the way. Lymee rolled backwards onto her feet. Lymee sprinted towards Chee intending to reach her before she could finished getting up.

Still slightly off balance Chee charged at Lymee raising a fist. Lyme sidestepped her punch sliding her hand down the side of Chee’s arm and driving her wrist into her throat. Using her forward momentum and Chee as an anchor she swung her body behind Chee wrapping her arm around her throat in a viper neck lock.

To better get a hold Lymee lifted her leg and dug her heel into the back Chee’s knee forcing her to her kneel. Chee used the momentum of her falling and reached over grabbing the back of Lymee’s head. Unable to lower her center fast enough Lymee was thrown over Chee’s shoulder landing on her back. Lymee exhaled just before hitting the ground stopping her from getting the wind knocked out of her. Her chin tucked as to not land on her head so the overall pain was minimal. But now Chee had her on the ground and swiftly buried a knee into Lymee’s throat while her arms were pinned against Chee’s thigh.

Lymee held her breath not letting Chee choke her out. Lymee used her incredible flexibility and launched her leg into the air striking Chee on the side of the face with the toe of her boot. Unable to use her hips the kick lacked power but it was enough to surprise her. Lymee kicked at her again and again forcing Chee to let go of Lymee with one of her hands to block. That was all Lymee needed to get her hand free.

Driving her palm into Chee’s groin Lymee lifted her up twisting her hips the best she could. Chee flew back and Lymee rolled to the side to get as much distance as possible. Lymee got to her feet as fast as she could coughing a few times a little light headed now that blood was rushing back to her head.

Chee laying on her back raised her arms putting her palms next to her head kicking her legs up and jumped to her feet. A trick Lymee had never been able to do despite working on it several times before class.

They stared each other down for a moment as they circled around the arena. Lymee could now sum up Chee’s fighting skills. Lymee was confident that she was better but Chee was still stronger, had more stamina and was more experienced, and they both knew that could make all the difference. Lymee could already feel her lungs screaming at her. If this fight did not end in the next few moves Lymee would be unable to continue.

Lymee stared Chee down trying to get a read on what her next move would be. From the way that she stared back it was obvious she was cooking something up. Lymee considered what she would try if she was in Chee’s place. With her strength she could easily soak several hits from Lymee. Enough for her to move in close and try and grapple her to the ground where her strength and stamina would give her the best advantage.

Lymee switched to her Jiu-Jitsu stance in preparation for Chee’s attack. She was never one for grappling believing that if she was ever taken to the ground she had already lost but that had not stopped her from practicing it every now and again. Besides she had no intention of letting Chee take her to the ground.

As expected Chee charged forward her arms raised to protect her face. Lymee had never actually tried this in combat and if she was one of her students she would scold her for being so reckless but Lymee did not think she just acted. Lymee let Chee move in close lowering her stance and tightening her stomach to absorb the blow that Chee was able to land. Lymee crossed her wrist and grabbed Chee by the only clothes she had on the wrapping around her chest and rolled back. As Chee was already moving forward she could not stop her momentum as she charged over Lymee who put both feet flat on Chee’s stomach. Bending knees she launched Chee over her.

Chee landed with a thud sliding a few feet then spun around to regain her balance. Lymee smiled proud of herself that it actually worked as she slowly got to her feet. Chee immediately jumped to her feet, frustration building in her face.

“Winner!” Alia shouted raising a hand in the air.

Chee froze unsure what was going on. She looked around her and noticed that as she had gotten up she had put her foot outside the arena.

There was a loud roar from the audience. Some of them were cheers while others were of disagreement. Chee straightened her back taking a deep breath. Lymee was not so stoic, her hands on her knees gasping for air. If Chee had not stepped out of the ring Lymee knew she would not have been able to continue.

Chee moved back to the center of the arena where Lymee was standing. Lymee stood up straight to greet her still gasping for breath but doing her best to keep it under control. Chee stopped a few feet in front of Lymee. Chee put her fist in her palm bowing her head.

“You fought well,” she said.

“As did you.” Lymee returned the bow.

Both rising Chee gave a confident smile. “Had this been a life and death fight I would have won.”

“Then I will count myself lucky that it wasn’t a life and death fight,” Lymee smiled. “But winning was not the purpose of this fight.”

“It wasn’t,” Chee agreed. “I wanted to test your determination and will. And I was able to do both.” Chee bent down on one knee lowering her head. “I see now why our lord has taken you on as her sister. I swear that I will serve you so long as I am in your service.”

“I accept your vow,” Lymee said. “But I only ask that you serve my sister faithfully and with loyalty, and honor her commands.”

Chee rose. “As you say, my lord.” Chee took a few steps back before turning and walking away.

Lymee watched as she walked to her side of the arena picking up her shirt and throwing it over her shoulder. Lymee unable to stand any longer her knees gave and she slumped to the ground.

“Are you alright, my lord?” Yunna rushed towards Lymee a water skin and towel in hand.

“I am going to be so sore tomorrow,” Lymee complained doing her best not to fall over completely.

“Serves you right,” Alia said standing beside her looking down at Lymee her hands on her hips.

Yunna crouched down beside Lymee wrapping her in the towel. Lymee reached out grabbing the end and started patting down her neck as she took the water skin with her other hand and poured it on her head cooling herself off.

“Shouldn’t you be congratulating your little sister?” Lymee asked after taking a long drink. She was being careful not to drink too fast else she make herself sick but it was hard to do. “After all I didn’t think I would actually win that fight.”

“Congratulations,” Alia said flatly.

“I’ll take it,” Lymee said as she continued to drink. Letting out a refresh sigh she leaned back putting a hand behind her in support.

Alia sat down beside her bumping her shoulder into Lymee’s. “I never thought for a second that you were going to lose.”

“It’s really hard to count it as a win.” Lymee said. “After all I didn’t beat her I simply knocked her out of the ring.”

Alia nodded stretching her legs out on the grass. “Maybe but it was clear to anyone watching that you had the greater skills,” she said. “Though it was clear to some of us that you were at your limit there at the end.”

“You know it.” Handing the water skin back to Yunna Lymee fell back laying out on the grass stretching herself out wide looking up at the night sky. “I always said I learned Karate so I would never have to fight. Never thought I would be using it like this.”

“Well I am very proud of you my little sister.” Alia patted Lymee on her leg. “Myu,” she looked over at Yunna. “I expect you to take extra care of her tonight. Is that understood?”

“Of course my lord.” Yunna moved to her knees placing her hands out in front of her finger tips touching, she bowed touching her head to the ground.

“Leave the girl alone.” Lymee hit Alia playfully with the back of her hand. “She is already doing a good enough job without you putting unwanted pressure on her.”

“I expect only the best for the ones that I love.” Alia laid on to her side putting a hand on the side of Lymee’s face. She moved her face in close and kissed her on the cheek. Lymee reached up putting her hand on the back of Alia head as Lymee leaned in putting her forehead to Alia’s. They stayed like that for several seconds before Alia got to her feet.

“I should get back to my tent,” she said brushing the grass off of her. “It would be improper if the men saw me laying in grass.”

“Cool.” Lymee stretched out her arm in a thumbs up. “If it’s cool with you I am just going to lay here for a bit.” her arm fell back down to her side. “Maybe take a nap.”

“Get back to your tent,” Alia ordered. “Myu make sure she gets plenty of rest. We have a big day tomorrow.” She turned and started walking towards the camp then stopped and turned back around. “Oh and Lymee.”

“Hum?” Lymee raised her head so she could look at Alia.

“I have already ordered my officers to take as many prisoners as possible and when the army flees tomorrow we will not pursue them.” She paused a smile creeping on the corner of her mouth. “They will after all be my people soon enough.”

Lymee smiled holding a thumbs up again resting her head back down on the ground. After a moment Lymee let out a deep tired breath. “Hey Yunna,”

“Yes my lord?” she moved in closer ready to be of assistance.

“Do you think you could help me up?” Lymee held her hands in the air.

“Of course my lord.” Yunna stood up taking Lymee’s hands and pulling her up.

“And its Lymee remember?” she reminded as Yunna helped walk her back to camp.

“I’m sorry, Lymee.” Yunna said letting Lymee put all her weight on her. “I think you were spectacular out there Lymee,” she said after a fashion.

“You flatter me,” Lymee smiled.

Lymee thought that once she had calmed down she would fall asleep fast enough but Alia had reminded her of the impending battle tomorrow. In all the excitement she had forgotten why they were actually there. Tomorrow they would be fighting and people would die. If she was wrong about what Dyn was planning or if the signal did not work, or the Cavalry didn’t make it in time. There were so many things floating around in her mind that she could not fall asleep.

The biggest thing keeping her awake over all the ‘what ifs’ was her fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of what might happen. Fear of the horror that she knew she would witness. But most of all the fear of death. While she would not be on the front there was still the high possibility that she would die tomorrow. And that scared her more than anything.

Unable to sleep Lymee threw off her covers and rolled off the cot exiting her tent. The guard stationed outside said nothing as she left only followed behind at a respectable distance. Lymee did not go far only a few tents over where Alia was sleeping. The guard outside Alia’s tent did nothing to stop her only casting her a glance as she approached.

Lymee opened the flap her guard taking up a spot on the other side of the entrance. She stopped halfway in and looked at the two guards. “If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I will have you both executed.”

The guards said nothing but they straightened up. Lymee took that as they understood and walked inside. The tent was dark and Lymee could hear the sound of someone sleeping. Her eyes were adjusted to the dark well enough that she was able to make her way to the cot without tripping over anything. Lymee reached out as she approached the bed intending on waking Alia.

Before she could the covers lifted revealing Alia in a sleeping position holding up the covers to welcome Lymee in.  “Come on,” she said sounding half asleep.

Lymee crawled into the cot. Alia letting the covers fall around them. Alia’s arm wrapped around Lymee bringing her in close forcing Lymee to press her head into Alia’s breasts. Lymee did not fight her instead snuggling her cheek in.

“I’m scared, Princess,” Lymee whispered.

“I’m scared to, Lynn,” Alia said running her fingers through Lymee’s hair with her other hand.

Lymee listened to Alia’s heartbeat as Alia stroked her hair like a pet. Breathing in Alia’s scent Lymee began to calm down as she slowly drifted off to sleep. To think she had only been in this world for four days. She had changed so much in such a short time. Maybe Keo had been right. Maybe this was the place she should make a place for herself.

It had occurred to Lymee just before sleep fully took her that this was the second time Alia had comforted her when she was too afraid to sleep.

CHAPTER 6

“My Lord!” The sound of Yunna rushing into the tent woke Lymee from her sleep. “It’s bad. I came to wake Lord Sun this morning but she wasn’t there and now I can’t find her.”

“Who’s Sun?” Lymee asked still mostly asleep burying her head deeper into Alia’s chest using her breasts to shield her eyes from the light.

“You are.” Alia patted Lymee’s shoulder.

“Oh. Well then I guess you had better go find me.” Lymee started to drift back off.

“I am sorry my lords.” Yunna yelped. “I did not know.”

“It’s alright,” Alia assured her. “Lymee you need to wake up. We will be leaving soon.” Alia slapped Lymee’s shoulder giving her a few good shakes.

“Five more hours.” Lymee tried to bury herself deeper into Alia.

Alia threw off the covers exposing Lymee to the cold air of the morning. “Get up.” Alia ordered sitting up.

Lymee rolled onto her back stretching out on the cot. She tried to extend her legs but her calves were too tight and swore. The good news was that the pain throughout the rest of her body was so bad she no longer felt sore in her rear.

“Lymee, I would like to give you something.” Alia said pushing on Lymee’s shoulder to get her attention. “Myu would you help me.”

“Of course my lord.”

Lymee opened one eye and looked towards Alia. She was standing by what looked to be a covered armor stand.

“I thought you might like to have some protection in the fight.” Alia pulled the cloth away revealing a black suit of armor with red designs imprinted on it.

It was a simple chest piece that left plenty of room to move her arms, along with simple shoulder pads that extended to the elbows. There was also leg and thigh guards that were meant to not limit mobility.

“When could you possibly have had time to commission that?” Lymee asked rolling out of bed onto her feet.

“I didn’t,” Alia admitted. “This is actually my old armor. I had it repainted for you the day that you arrived.” She smiled at Lymee. “Would you do me the honor of wearing it in today’s battle?”

“No need to twist my arm.” Lymee said. Smiling she walked over to Alia and gave her a hug. “Thank you.”

Alia returned the hug rubbing her back.

“Are we sure it will fit me though?” Lymee asked letting her go.

“I had it adjusted to you,” Alia assured her. “Myu would you help Lymee put this on.”

“Right away,” Yunna said walking towards the suit of armor.

“You will need to change your clothes as well.” Alia said holding up a matching black outfit. “And as much as I love your big breasts.” With her other hand she held up a roll of cloth. “They are going to be too big to fit in that.”

Lymee sighed grabbing the bottom of her shirt. “Any excuse to see my breasts, is that it?”

Alia fiendishly smiled as she walked over to Lymee. “As if I would ever need an excuse.”

***

They had marched most of the morning. It was hot out but the sun was hidden behind clouds and there was a strong cold wind that blew in their faces. It looked like it could rain any minute. Lymee was not sure if that would work to their advantage or not. They were deliberately taking it a slower than normal pace as to not tire out the troops. As the day dragged on Lymee became more and more anxious and she could feel the soldiers felt the same.

It was well into the afternoon when a scout reported sighting General Dyn’s banner up ahead. She had a small accompaniment of cavalry and were moving fast into the mountains. Much like they had caught her while she was trying to reposition some of her men.

Lymee let out a sigh of relief. So far things were going according to plan. Alia ordered the army to pursue but to stay in loose formation, reminding them that this was an ambush and to keep a sharp eye out.

The army began to move forward at a brisk pace. Their loose formation slowing them down a bit. When they entered the mountainous terrain Alia ordered the officers to form into an arrowhead formation.

Lymee was doing the best that she could to keep up with Alia. Her horse riding skills were already subpar but now encumbered by the armor that she had never worn she was less responsive than usual. At first Lymee thought the water dripping into her eyes’ was sweat from wearing the helmet, but when she looked around she could see that it was starting to rain.

When the enemy finally appeared it was on both of their sides like they expected. Alia ordered both flanks of her army to break off engaging the enemy.

The sounds of battle raged around Lymee. She did her best to stay far from the front, Alia doing everything to make sure she stayed safe. It was so chaotic that it was hard for Lymee to tell what was actually happening. When she would play strategy games she would always have a bird’s eye view and was not dependent of reports from runners for information on what was happening around her.

Alia did not hesitate. She would bark out orders placing men in places so they would be hindered less by the rain and the gradually worsening ground. They had been able to catch their enemies by surprise by already being in a formation to receive their ambush pushing their formation farther back than they had anticipated.

Lymee would have thought that the fighting was in to close of combat for the enemy archers to fire at risk of shooting into their own men. To her surprise and contrary to every movie she had ever watched the archers were fighting in the thick of the fight along with the rest of the soldiers. The same could be said for Alia’s archers as well but they had left most of them to defend the palace opting for light infantry instead.

“Alright!” Alia cried out. “We have them where we want them. Give General Uin the signal.” She ordered with a swipe of her sword. Uin was Gea’s common name. This was one of the first times Lymee had heard it since Alia always called her by her true name.

“My lord.” A runner ran up to Alia’s horse.

“What is wrong?” Alia asked pulling on the reins to keep her horse steady.

“The explosive powder.” The runner panted. “It has gotten wet due to the rain. It won’t ignite now.”

Alia cursed under her breath looking around her trying to figure out what she should do. Lymee was mentally kicking herself. She should have been getting ready for this possibility. It had been threatening to rain all day and not once had she considered that the fireworks might not work.

“There is nothing for it then,” Alia said surprisingly calm her voice almost drowned out by the wind. “We will just have to send a runner to General Uin and hold out until she gets here.”

“Wait.” Lymee took off the glove on her hand sticking her finger in her mouth then holding it up.

“Do you have an idea Lymee?” Alia asked gazing at her with an intense stare.

“Maybe,” Lymee smiled. “It’s a little crazy but it just might work.” Lymee dismounted her horse holding onto the reins. “However I am going to need you to strike one of your banners, and I am going to need a lot of string and some straight light branches.”

Alia frowned in confusion but she simply reached over to the horseman next to her grabbing a banner that was not being used and cut it off with her sword. “You heard Lord Sun,” she barked handing the banner to Lymee. “Lots of string and light straight branches.”

“Actually,” Lymee snapped her fingers. “Arrows. Arrows would work better.”

The battle raged while Lymee got to work. She was being as quick as possible as she cut out string and tied the arrows together in a diamond shape then cut the banner so it would fit around the frame that she had made. Alia stayed on her horse watching over Lymee as well as trying to figure out what she was planning. Taking the rest of the string she tied it to the center support and held it up showing it to Alia.

“It doesn’t have to fly for very long. Just long enough for Gea to see it.”

Alia smiled realizing what Lymee had made. “Given the circumstances and the desperate situation we are in,” she reached down taking it from Lymee. “This might just be the prettiest kite I have ever seen.”

Lymee stepped back holding onto the string with her hands as Alia from her elevated position raised the kite over her head. The first few times it fell to the ground but on the fourth or fifth try the kite caught the wind and lifted into the air the colorful pattern and streamers that Lymee had attached fluttering against the grey background of the clouds.

“My dad always told me.” Lymee tugged on the kite string trying to keep it as high as she could. “Never fly a kite in a storm. Because that story about Benjamin Franklin was total bull crap.” Lymee was able to keep it up for several minutes before the jury rigged kite fell to pieces from the rain and the wind.

“Let’s hope that did it,” Alia said.

Lymee was unsure what was happening in the battle around them but Alia seemed to be stressing. From her expression it looked like her lines were starting to waver. Their enemy still had the high ground and they had not been marching the entire day.

It was unclear how long they would be able to hold out in these conditions. The men might decide it was better to make a run for it than stay and fight. “Death Ground.” Lymee muttered. “Alia,” she called out. “We are fighting like this right now right?” she put her hands together in a spearhead position.

“That’s right?” Alia nodded.

“Move them into a position like this.” Keeping her fingertips touching she brought her palms together making a circle.

“If we do that then we will be surrounded,” Alia protested.

“I know,” Lymee said regretfully. “But it will cut off our troop’s way of escape the only way that any of them will live through this is if they fight. It’s called Death Ground. Soldiers fighting on it will fight harder and longer than you ever thought possible.”

Alia chewed on her lip looking at Lymee with uncertainty the rain beating down on her face. Lymee knew what she was asking was risky and could get them all killed but it was their only chance at victory.

“Princess,” Lymee pleaded with her. “You need to believe in me.”

“I do believe in you.” Alia pursed her lips together and nodded. Turning she started barking orders at her men.

Lymee watched as the soldiers started falling back allowing themselves to be encircled. Lymee held her breath. While she had acted all confident in front of Alia she had no idea if this would actually work. It was easy to say that it should but it was another factor completely to put it into practice.

To their relief they heard the distant sound of rolling thunder and this was not caused by the storm. Lymee let out a relieved sigh as she saw in the distance a cluster of red banners heading towards them. The banners then spread out as they clashed into the enemy’s flank.

Alia then waved a signal telling Chee to pursue General Dyn. Lymee saw a small force of spearmen break off from the main battle as they charged towards Dyn’s banner. Lymee then realized that it would be an interesting trick to not put the general by their banner. It might make issuing commands a little more difficult but you could lead the enemy into a trap during the chaos of fighting. It was something for her to think about at least but at a later time.

“I know this might be the wrong time to be asking this,” Lymee leaned in so Alia could hear her over the sound of the wind and the ensuing battle, “but are we sure Chee can win against Dyn?”

“I have no doubt,” Alia assured. “There are very few in the Kingdom that could stand up to Chee. And none of them are in Hu.”

Lymee wished she shared Alia’s faith. While Chee’s death would not mean the loss of the battle it would be a tremendous blow to moral. Dead or not so long as Dyn fled from the battle the army would break. If an army saw their general running they would be quick to follow.

“Sometimes you just need to have faith,” Alia said.

“I have never found faith that reliable,” Lymee mumbled.

“But without faith how can you have any hope?” Alia asked.

The question was a simple one but it caught Lymee off guard. She had never really believed in anything but she had never thought that was a bad thing. She thought that it cleared her mind up to the truth, but now that she thought about she had to wonder. Had she been living a hopeless existence?

A loud cheer erupted throughout the army. Lymee could not tell if it was their forces or the enemy that was cheering. She looked up and found she could no longer see Dyn’s banner. If that was the case then it meant that Chee had won.

Lymee felt her own heart race with excitement. Sure enough in just a few minutes she could see the enemy army starting to waver. A few short minutes later the army broke and began to rout. Their general dead and flanked by the enemy they had no reason to continue to fight.

As previously ordered the Su forces let them retreat not perusing them. Lymee saw Chee and her men marching towards Alia a triumphant smile on her face.

“My lord!” Chee shouted. “I bring you the head of the enemy general!” She held up the severed head of a woman a loud cheer erupting from the soldiers nearby.

Lymee felt her stomach lurch at the sight of the pained expression on the woman’s face. There was blood dripping from the neck and the bone was sticking out. Lymee had to look away to keep from throwing up.

“Very good, General Chee,” Alia called out to her. “You have brought us victory this day. Your rewards will be plenty and your glory great.”

There was a loud cheer from the army as the last of the enemy began to rout and quit the field. There was the sound of galloping hooves as a group of cavalry moved towards Alia.

“My lord.” Gea raised a hand as they approached.

“General Gea,” Alia greeted. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

“When it began to rain I became worried,” Gea said. “But then I saw the kite. May I inquire whose idea it was to use that?”

Alia shifted in her saddle and motioned towards Lymee who was holding the reigns of her horse.

Gea smiled nodding her head approvingly. “Then might I just say now in front of everyone that I think that your decision to make Sun your little sister was a wise one. For she truly is a great worrier and a wise strategist.”

“You do not need to tell me.” Alia looked at Lymee smiled warmly. “General Chee, while your combat prowess this day was exemplary, and General Gea your timing could not have been better. Still I think that today’s battle could not have been won without Lymee’s quick and clever thinking. Would you both not agree?”

“I agree with you my lord.” Gea tapped her fist to her breastplate.

“I too agree,” Chee nodded.

“Then today it is Lymee who has earned the mark of distinction. And let her from this day forth be known as Sun Su the Heavenly Fox. A wise and crafty creature that relies on wits not strength or claws to defeat her opponent. Truly a gift from The Heavens.”

“I am honored my lord.” Lymee bowed her head. “I shall bear this name with honor and pride.”

“Now then.” Alia tugged on the reigns of her horse. “We are not done here yet. Generals gather your forces and see to your wounded. We still have a long march to the capital.”

Lymee took that as her cue and mounted her horse again. Settled in she let out a relieved sigh. “Once we reach the capital what will happen?” she asked Alia as they began to form up with the army.

“More than likely Lord Suga will fight to the bitter end. It is unlikely she even has five hundred troops garrisoned there. The city will fall quickly and we will lose very few men.”

“Why won’t she surrender?”

“Why would she?” Alia laughed. “Once we take the city she will be stripped of her rank. If we do not execute her, then she will be nothing more than a commoner. Any noble would take death over such a fate.”

“Are you sure?” Lymee asked. “Isn’t a noble supposed to be willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of their subjects? If it would save her people more suffering and death would a good ruler not sacrifice herself in order to protect her people?”

Alia thought it over for a moment. “I am not sure,” she admitted.

“Well then let me ask you this. If the situation was reversed, and they told you they would spare your men including Sai and Keo if you surrender peacefully, would you?”

“Sai and Keo would hate it.” Alia let out a defeated breath. “But yes I would. Even if there was a small chance to save them and my people I would take it.”

“Then maybe they will do the same,” Lymee suggested. “There is no harm in asking. Unless they kill the messenger in which case the harm would be to him.”

Alia nodded. “You are right. If they will surrender peacefully then that would be best. After all, every one that we kill is only weakening us in the end.” Alia smiled at Lymee who in turn smiled back. “I will send a messenger on ahead to give our proposal.” She spurred her horse on heading off somewhere.

“Thank you,” Lymee called after her in gratitude.

“Oh and Lynn,” Alia tuned in her saddle to look back at Lymee. “You may not have faith in anything, but I have faith in you. And I always will. That alone gives me hope.”

Before Lymee could say anything Alia rode off.

CHAPTER 7

They arrived at the walled city of the capital around noon two days later. As their army stood outside the city they waited to see what the lord’s response would be. To their relief the city gates swung open as the banners around the wall began to lower.

There was loud cheering from the army at their victory over the city. A vanguard moved on ahead flanked by Alia and Lymee with Gea, Chee and the other two generals riding at their sides. They met no opposition as they marched through the city. The people did not come out to greet them but there was also nobody throwing food at them either.

When they reached the palace the gates were already open welcoming them in. As they crossed the courtyard there met by a small group of people waiting in front of the palace doors. The troops made way as the six trotted over to the group that was waiting to greet them.

“My Lord Hanna.” A young woman dressed in blue and gold robes placed her fist in her palm as she bowed her head. She had on a similar makeup style that Alia wore when she was at the palace only blue. “My Family name is Hu my common name is Syu and my true name is Rin and I am lord of this province. And I humbly throw myself and my people at your mercy. Do what you will with me but please let everyone else go free.”

“Lord Syu?” Alia sounded confused by the name. She moved her horse closer to Rin looking down at her from her seat. “I thought Lord Suga was Lord of these lands.”

“Lord Suga was my mother,” Rin said not raising her head. “She however refused to surrender the city to you. She said she would die before she surrendered to you. So I killed her and became lord in her stead.”

There was a bit of shock from everyone. “You murdered your own mother?” Alia asked.

“She was ready to die,” Rin said. “Her death however did not need to cause others. I heard how you let our army escape choosing not to chase them down. I hoped that you would show such compassion again.”

Alia turned on her horse looking back at Lymee in acknowledgement that it was Lymee suggestion that had allowed this to work. Alia dismounted her horse walking up to Rin who was still in a deep bow. “I accept your cities surrender,” Alia stated. “Do this and as promised I will do no harm to anyone so long as they do not resist.”

Rin let out a muffled gasp. Lymee could only see part of her face behind her hands but she looked like she was trying not to cry. She had obviously been scared that Alia’s offer had been a lie and that she had just doomed her people without a fight.

“Thank you my Lord.” Her voice cracked a little as she spoke.

Alia signaled for the men to disperse. They would secure the town and the palace. They knew not to cause any trouble. Alia had told them all the consequences for disobedience would be worse than death.

Alia signaled to the rest of them to dismount. “Please raise your head,” Alia said in a soft voice. Rin slowly raised her head straightening her back. Her eyes were red and misty. “Tell me who these people with you are.”

“My lord this is Commander Frya.” Rin gestured to a very young looking woman standing next to her in blue armor. “She is the commander of the guard here at the palace.”

“How long have you had that position Frya?” Alia enquired.

“Two days my lord.” Frya bowed her head.

“The previous commander did not take kindly to me killing her charge,” Rin explained. “It was a bloody transition.” The words hung in the air no one wishing for further elaboration. “And this little girl beside me is my little sister, PuLe true name Oun.” She put her hand on the back of a little girl no older than six. She looked scared not completely sure what was going on.

“Hello there.” Alia bent over so she was at eye level. “You know I have a little sister that looks just like you.” There was a short murmur of laughter from the Generals including Lymee.

Lymee moved forward crouching down on her toes and smiled at the girl. “Hi there,” Lymee smiled waving her hand. “My name is Sun. I’m her younger sister.” She bobbed her head at Alia. “Think we can be friends?”

Oun shook her head cowering behind her sister’s leg all the attention finally becoming too much for her. The others laughed teasing Lymee about how she had scared her.

“Please my lord.” Rin placed a hand on her little sister’s head. “Do what you will with me but my sister is innocent. She had no say in the invasion of your lands. Please let her live.”

“I will make my ruling later,” Alia said motioning to several of her soldiers. “Take these two to the Lord’s chambers and detain them there until I send for them.” The soldiers moved to the sides of Rin and Oun. “They are not to be harmed and are to be treated with dignity and respect. Is that understood?” She glared at them.

“Yes my lord.” They bowed in understanding one reaching out gently grabbing Rin’s elbow. “If you would?”

Rin bowed once more to Alia then turned and walked into the palace lead by the guards.

Lymee and Alia watched them as they were escorted into the palace until they had disappeared inside.

“What do you think?” Lymee asked.

“I think I would like to invite those two for dinner,” Alia said calmly as she turned around to the other four. “Chee, Gea, Tori, Von,” she looked at all four of her Generals. “The day is yours. Once the city is under our control. Take this time to rest and tend to your men. Find anyplace you need to treat the wounded.”

“Yes my lord.” They all bowed their head taking a few steps back before walking off. They all looked exhausted their clothing dirty and battered, but there steps were light and cheerful. They may be tired but they could not hide the pride and joy they were feeling at that moment.

***

Alia and Lymee were sitting on the top floor of the palace in an observatory like place. It was the highest floor in the palace. It had no walls or guard rail only the occasional pillar to support the roof. There were benches on all sides so people could sit and look out over the city. Lymee and Alia where facing west watching the sun set.

They had changed into more formal wear though nothing too fancy. Alia had on her beaded head jewelry and crown that tied up her hair showing off the back of her neck but lacked any of the bright makeup that she usually wore. They sat side by side on the bench using each other as supports leaning against each other’s shoulders. Their fingers were locked as their hands were pressed against the seat.

“I wish my mother could be here to see this,” Alia sighed wistfully.

“Well I didn’t want to say anything,” Lymee said, “but their palace and city is bigger than yours.”

Alia let out a surprised laugh. “No,” she reached up with her other hand playfully hitting Lymee. “I mean taking Hu’s capital. She obsessed with taking this city so much, her health became poor and she slowly wasted away locked in her chambers.”

“When did she die?”

“Four years ago this winter,” Alia said. “She was only forty two.”

“What about your father?” Lymee glanced down at Alia.

“Killed in one of the hundreds of skirmishes when our province broke away from the Kingdom.” Alia sighed. “Just one more casualty in an already forgotten battle. Both died before doing anything that will even be remembered by history.”

“I have seen things you people wouldn’t believe,” Lymee recited the scene from Blade Runner. “Attacked ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. But all these moments will be lost in time. Like tears in the rain. Time to die.”

“Was that a poem?” Alia looked up from Lymee shoulder so she could look at her.

“Sort of,” Lymee smiled rubbing the top of Alia’s hand with her thumb. “It was from a play. It was the last words of a man who spent the entirety of the play trying to extend his life and in the end failing. In his last moments he remarks on the fact that all the wondrous and glorious things that he had seen and done would eventually be forgotten to time.”

“You trying to say live in the here and now?”

Lymee shook her head. “No the future is a scary thing. Something worth worrying about. However you should never be concerned about how the future will think of your actions. Good or bad every single one will eventually be forgotten given enough time. They will be drowned out by everything else like a teardrop in the rain.”

“Are you just trying to sound poetic now?”

Lymee smiled and gave a casual shrug. “Maybe. To be honest I am too tired to try and come up with anything witty.”

“My lords?” Yunna’s voice interrupted.

The two turned their heads and looked at the woman standing behind them her head slightly bowed.

“Yes Yunna what is it?” Lymee asked.

“I was just wondering where you will be taking your meal.”

Alia and Lymee looked at each other. Lymee gave an apathetic shrug.

“We will be taking it in the dining hall,” Alia stated. “And be sure to invite Syu and her little sister as well.”

“Yes my Lords.” Yunna bowed her head shuffling backwards before departing.

“Why don’t you have a personal attendant?” Lymee asked once Yunna was gone.

“I do,” Alia said. “Had one ever since I was seven. You have even met her.”

“I did?” she frowned. “When?”

“Several times. Her name is Keo.” Alia smiled.

Lymee gasped in shock. “No. You’re kidding me.”

Alia shook her head. “I am not. I noticed early on that she was exceptional so I promoted her as my chief adviser as soon as I became Lord.”

“And what of Sai?”

Alia shook her head. “Just a young officer whom I fell in love with. Many have said they reached their positions because of our relationship. As such they have both spent a long time proving them wrong. As well, I think, as trying to prove to me that that they deserve the positions that they have. But I would not have given to them if I thought otherwise.”

The sun had almost fully set and the stars were starting to become visible. They sat in silence for several more minutes just enjoying the view. Lymee resting on Alia’s shoulder and Alia resting her head on top of Lymee’s head.

“I wish this peace would last,” Lymee whispered.

“I do as well. However I fear that this is only the beginning. With the capture of Hu, our province is now large enough to be considered a Dynasty. The other Dynasties will not like this.”

“How is the land divided?” Lymee asked. “Is it based on population, or income, amount of acreage?”

“It is based off of population mostly.” Alia explained. “Under a thousand and it is just considered a rural area. Under ten thousand and it is considered a small province. Under 50 thousand it is a normal province. Under a hundred and it is considered a large province. Any more than that and it is considered a Dynasty as the ruler no doubt has several large towns and cities under her rule. With this victory we should have close to 180 thousand people.” She paused for a moment. “That is after we account for how many people died in the past few weeks.”

“Have you considered opening up your borders?” Lymee asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Let any who are not criminals enter your lands and become citizens,” Lymee suggested. “You may find that people from all over the kingdom may wish to live here instead of where they are now.”

“But it would be easy to send spies in if I were to do that.”

“True,” Lymee nodded. “But you can screen them before allowing them in.” Lymee laughed it was not like they could do a background check on these people. “I don’t know. I just thought maybe there were others out there who would like to support you but can’t.”

“No I like the idea,” Alia assured. “I will just have to come up with a way to weed out the ones who would not be welcomed.”

Lymee tapped Alia on the side of the arm. “We should get going. We don’t want to keep our guest waiting.”

“Of course.” Alia slowly got up offering her hand to Lymee.

“Such a gentleman.” She smiled taking the offered hand.

“A what?”

“Never mind,” Lymee sighed shaking her head. “It was a complement, let’s just leave it at that.” Taking Alia’s hand the two of them walked down the stairs towards the dining room.

“My apologies for keep you waiting.” Alia said as they entered.

Rin and her little sister were already there waiting from them standing against the far wall. Rin was dressed in same outfit as before though it seemed a little more radiant now that Lymee was seeing it in the lamplight and had a chance to examine it better. The sleeves that hung at her side and the flaps around her legs gave a slight impression of a butterfly. Her makeup also seemed to be on a bit thicker. The shading of blue on her lips and around her eyes seemed darker.

“It was no trouble my lord.” Rin clasped her hands in front of her bowing her head respectfully. “We ourselves just arrived. You remember my little sister?” She gestured to the little girl standing next to her. Her dress was much more simple than her older sister’s and her hair was done up in pigtails unlike her sister’s long flowing hair that fell down her back reaching her hips.

“How could I forget such a beautiful girl?” Alia smiled leaning in towards Oun as she said it. Then straightening her back again. “Let me introduce my little sister. She is Sun Su the Heavenly Fox.”

“It is an honor to meet you again my Lord Sun.” Rin placed a hand in her palm and bowed towards Lymee.

“You as well.” Lymee bowed slightly. “Would you please share our meal with us?” She gestured to the table already covered in dishes.

“It would be our honor,” Rin said.

Lymee and Alia moved to their seats around the slightly elongated table. Lymee sat to the side of Alia Rin sitting directly across from Alia. Oun was then sitting across from Lymee. Once they sat down the food was brought out by Yunna along with a few other servants that Lymee did not recognize.

“I have been very pleased with the servants and the guards so far,” Alia said reaching for her chopsticks. “They have been most accommodating.”

“I told them that you were the new lords of this Palace now,” Rin stated waiting for Alia to start eating before she did. “I ordered them to treat you as they would me.”

“Well if their treatment of us is any indication of their feelings towards you then you surely have the love of your people.” Alia smiled starting eating her food.

“Thank you my lord. You do me a great honor by saying so.”

“And might I say that your little sister is quite the beautiful young girl,” Lymee said playfully smiling at Oun. The girl smiled back showing her teeth. She was missing several baby teeth which only made her look more adorable.

“I can say the same about you,” Rin nodded at Lymee. “Forgive me my lord Hanna, but I was unaware that you had a younger sister.”

“It is a new development.” Alia said swallowing a mouthful of food. “Her official adoption has not been completed yet but I plan to do it as soon as we can. Until then she is my sister in name only.”

“I see.” Rin nodded not pressing the matter any further. “And may I be so bold as to inquire what you intend to do with my sister and I, now that you have taken the city?”

Oun had been staring at Lymee for a while as if Lymee was some mesmerizing object. So Lymee decided that she would stare back and every once and a while she would make a silly face at the little girl. Every time she did the girl would giggle and hide under the table slightly kicking her feet in the air.

Alia paused from eating looking at the woman across from her. “I assume you have heard the tales of what my mother would do to all the nobles that did not submit to her.”

Rin grew quiet her expression tightening. “I have.”

Lymee gave a quick worried glance at Alia but she paid her no attention.

“The Hu family was our greatest enemy for many years,” Alia continued. “We often feared the day that you would send your armies to crush us. It was part of the reason my mother wished to expand as fast as she did. When you did send your armies it was only by The Heavens blessings that we survived. We received the first rainfall in nearly a decade and it was a monster of a storm. The previously dried riverbed flooded drowning over a third of your army in a single day.”

Lymee listened intently even as she played with Oun.

“My mother took this as a sign from The Heavens that she had their blessing and any who opposed her went against the will of The Heavens themselves. As such she would slaughter all that did not fall in line.” Lymee noticed that Alia was clenching her fist under the table. “She said that those who would stand against her did not deserve to live as they would only continue to oppose her down the line.” Alia paused. “I often wondered about the wisdom in such an opinion.”

The words brought a smile to Lymee’s face though she did her best to hide it by sticking her chopsticks into her mouth.

“As great of a ruler that my mother was,” Alia continued with an unblinking stare towards Rin, “I wonder what I would think if the Hu’s forces had not been destroyed that night. What I would have thought if you had treated us the same way that my mother treated other lords whom she conquered? Then I met my sister here.”

Alia gestured at Lymee who had just taken a bite of food. Her chopsticks still in her mouth she smiled playfully at Alia then at Rin.

“She said something interesting to me. That the people I was about to conquer would soon be my people. The more I inflicted damage on them the more I hurt myself.”

“It sounds better when she says it and not me, trust me,” Lymee joked.

“I will be honest with you Lord Syu,” Alia sat back in her seat putting on the most authoritative look she had. “If you had not killed your mother and surrendered the city we would not be having this conversation. I would have stormed this city and killed you along with your mother. But you showed not only great courage by what you did, you also showed your willingness to put the lives of your people above your own pride. You showed your love for your family when you begged for your sisters life. It showed great humility for you to beg me to spare her and not yourself. I may not have had a sister for very long but I already know they can be frustrating.”

“Hey,” Lymee said sounding offended.

“But your love for her is great,” Alia continued. “On top of all of this, since we have arrived you have shown us courtesy and respect. You have begged, you have pleaded, but not once have you groveled.”

Rin tensed fearing that maybe that had been bad thing.

Alia continued like she had not notice. “This shows me that despite everything else you have self-respect. Not as a lord but as a woman. You would never shame yourself to get what you want. That too is a most admirable trait.”

Rin sat in silence not saying a word. She was content with waiting until Alia was finished.

Alia moved some her food around her plate with her chopsticks some of the seriousness lifting from her shoulders. “I have no intention of making this city my new capital. Bigger that it may be, my city is growing faster and I know that soon enough it will surpass this one. As such,” Alia looked back up at Rin. “I would request that you become the provincial governor of this province, ruling over it as one of my vassals.”

Rin was so shocked by the offer the chopsticks fell out of her hands. “My lord are you sure. I am of the Hu family. Our families have been hostile towards each other for decades.”

“I am aware,” Alia nodded. “That is why I would like to make you and your sister apart of a branch family to the Su Clan. You would keep your lord standing and become part of my family. However you or your decadents will never be able to inherit the throne.”

Oun shifted a worried glance from Alia to her older sister. Lymee did not think Oun understood exactly what was going on but she did know that it was something important.

“Is that necessary?” Lymee asked. “Dooming her future generation to being looked down upon by other members of their own family.”

“It is,” Rin stated adamantly. “If Lord Hanna were to adopt me like she did you then it becomes possible for me or one of my descendants to one day rule over all of the Su Dynasty. That very fact alone could be considered a Hu victory. It also gives the impression that my surrender of this city was not actually unconditional even though it was. That I still had some kind of power play left or that Hanna is not as decisive as she should be.”

Alia gave a single solace nod. “By making her part of my branch family it insures loyalty to me but at the same time shows everyone that Syu has completely submitted to my authority and has given up all claim to ever opposing me.”

“My lord is this really alright?” Rin pressed.

“So long as you pledge your fealty to me and me alone, and you agree that my word is law and obey my commands.” Alia placed her hands in her lap. “You already have the people’s hearts, it will not take you much to win their support. You must adhere to our laws and our taxes, of which I believe would be less than what you have now. You will also open your markets to free trade from all the 7 Kingdoms.”

Rin nodded in understanding not saying a word until Alia was finished.

“I will also be withdrawing most of my forces,” Alia continued. “I fear war with Bengui is inevitable so it will be up to you to replace the army that was lost. I do not expect this to happen overnight nor do I think it would be wise to start a conscription at this time. I will be leaving one of my Generals with you, General Uin. She will become your new military adviser and leader of your army.”

“Uin was the scary general with the scar on her eye,” Lymee said trying her best to be humorous. She was not sure how well she succeeded.

“This General would also act as my observer no doubt,” Rin said.

“Correct.” Alia did not even try to deny it. “However as long as you do not act against me she will serve you loyally and faithfully. She is an outstanding General who has served me well and will do the same for you.”

Rin clasped her hands together putting her elbows on the table resting her forehead on her knuckles. Lymee saw her shoulder quiver a few times and she saw that she was crying.

“Rinrin?” Oun called out to her sister in a sweet innocent voice. “Are you alright?” She hopped out of her chair walking up to her sister,

“Yes Leelee.” Probably a play off her common name PuLe. Rin reached out a hand to her sister leaning in for an embrace. “I am fine. I am actually really happy.”

“Then why are you crying?” Oun asked.

“I am crying because I am so happy,” she explained.

Lymee looked at Alia with a proud look on her face. Lymee gave a single approving nod and Alia in return beamed with a smile.

“Then you will accept my offer then?” Alia asked already knowing the answer.

Rin took a breath collecting herself. “I Syu Hu hereby pledge myself to you my lord and your family. From this day forth my family and I will server yours as vassals and as a branch family.”

“I accept your oath. I Hanna Su swear that I shall lead and protect your family from this day forth.” Alia said. “We should have your adoption ceremony at the same time as Sun’s.” Alia smiled at Lymee. “We could do it next week.”

“I think we should give them some time to process, to take all of this in,” Lymee suggested. She glanced at Rin who held her sister close to her stroking her hair. Oun was still not sure what was happening but she hugged her sister tightly on the verge of crying herself.

“Quite right,” Alia agreed. “We can talk more about this in the morning.”

***

There was a soft click as Lymee’s door opened to her chambers. Unsure what was happening she shot up fully awake. She blinked a few times letting her eyes adjust to the darkness. She wished at that moment that she kept a dagger or some kind of weapon on her while she slept.

“My lord,” a soft voice whispered. Lymee recognized the voice as Rin’s.

“What are you doing here?” Lymee whispered back not sure why they were whispering. The guard outside must already know that she was in here.

“I came to speak with you my lord,” Rin said softly moving towards the bed.

Lymee reached over lighting the paper lantern next to her bed. It was a soft glow that only illuminated half the room but it was enough to see Rin standing before her. She was dressed in a simple night gown much like the one Lymee wore though she still had on her blue makeup.

“Is something wrong?” Lymee asked. “Did something happen?”

“No nothing is wrong my lord.” Rin shook her head. “I came to thank you.”

“Thank me?” Lymee almost laughed. “For what?”

“I spoke with Lord Hanna at length after our meal,” Rin said. “She told me that not only was it your advice to spare the soldiers it was also you who suggested to try and take the Palace peacefully instead of with force. So it is you that I have to thank not only for mine and my sister’s lives but for my people’s lives as well.”

“Don’t be silly,” Lymee said. “I didn’t do-”

“You did.” Rin cut her off. “While I have no doubt that Hanna would have tried to keep the looting and killing to a minimum the fact remains there still would have been some. Many people owe you their lives not just me.”

Rin moved in closer to the bed. There was something different about her steps. Almost like she had a bit of a swagger in them.

“Syu really I didn’t-”

“Please,” Rin pressed a finger to Lymee’s lips. “I feel as though I must give you something in return for what you have done. However I find that I have nothing to give. All the money I had is now yours. All of my wealth and land is now yours. Along with any treasure or anything else of value. But what I do have is myself.”

Rin reached up pushing on the shoulders of her gown. It fell to her ankles without resistance. She stood there in front of Lymee, her white skin glowing in the lamp light. Her body was freshly shaven with no trace of pubic hair. Along her sides and partly up her back were the outlines of blue butterfly tattoos that worked to accentuate her curves.

“So I request that you let me give myself to you as well,” Rin said crawling onto the bed. As she climbed on top of Lymee she took Lymee’s hand and placed it on her breast.

Lymee could feel her heart racing. Rin was beautiful that was no understatement but there was more to it than that. She was a wonderful person who thought of others first. Seeing her naked body and being so close that Lymee could smell her perfume. Lymee wanted her. She wanted Rin bad. She impulsively started to rub her legs together as a fire grew in her crotch.

Lymee gave her breast a slight squeeze with her fingers feeling their firmness as Rin let out a slight breath.

Looking into Rin’s eyes Lymee reached her other hand up to Rin’s face. There was no desire in Rin’s eyes. Her face was not one of pleasure. Lymee knew that she was doing this not because she wanted to be with Lymee but because she wanted to show Lymee her gratitude.

Hanging her head Lymee let out a deep sigh letting her hand drop from Rin’s breast.

“Is something wrong?” Rin looked worried. “Am I not desirable to you?”

Lymee shook her head climbing out of her bed. “No, that’s not it.” She reached over the edge of the bed picking the gown back up and used it as a curtain between them. “But I can tell that you don’t have any feelings for me.”

“My lord I-”

This time it was Lymee who cut Rin off by putting a finger to her lips. “It’s alright. It is. I think you are a very beautiful woman. But it would be wrong of me to accept this as a form of payment. For you see I did not do it for a reward. I did it because I knew it was the right thing to do. Nothing more.” As Lymee spoke Rin took the gown from Lymee and used it to cover herself. “To take this from you as payment would only serve to tarnish the very reason why I helped you in the first place.”

Lymee let out a sigh putting her hands on Rin’s shoulders. “As you said, you are all that you have. You should only give yourself to the one who will love and appreciate you and whom you love and appreciate in turn.”

“My Lord Sun,” Rin whispered. She was still sitting on Lymee’s legs covering herself with the nightgown. “Is it true what Lord Hanna says about you? That you are a gift from The Heavens themselves.”

“She thinks so.” Lymee gave half a smile. “I don’t think I am all that special to be honest.”

“I think you are,” Rin said in a soft but adamant voice. “I think I understand why Lord Hanna would chose you to be her sister. Even if it is only as a branch family I am truly honored to be part of the same family as you.”

“Thank you, Syu.”

“Please my lord, I wish you to call me by my true name.”

“Thank you Rin.” Lymee smiled cupping Rin’s cheek in her hand. “And I wish you to do the same. My true name is Lymee.”

“But my lord to give me your true name when I have done nothing to distinguish myself,” Rin started to object closing her eyes and moving her face away from Lymee’s hands as she looked away.

“You have done more than enough,” Lymee assured her. “I think you are not only a wonderful ruler, but a wonderful older sister, as well as a wonderful person.” Lymee reached out grabbing her chin forcing Rin to look up at Lymee. “I just think you are wonderful.” She leaned in kissing her on the lips. Rin was hesitant at first but did not resist.

After a moment Lymee broke the kiss rubbing her lips together savoring it. “Now you should return to your room and rest. If you don’t get enough sleep then you will not be able to rule your people properly.”

“As you say… Lymee.” Rin climbed off Lymee’s bed putting her gown back on. Finished she bowed her head deeply.

“Good night Rin,” Lymee said as she headed for the door.

“Good night Lymee,” Rin said looking over her shoulder before opening the door and walking out.

As the door closed Lymee reached over blowing out the lamp. She sat on her bed from a moment not moving. Then taking a deep breath. “Whelp, time to get to It.” She threw the covers on her as she undid her gown in the front exposing her breasts and sliding her fingers between her legs.

It was going to be a long night.

CHAPTER 8

Lymee leaned closer to the table trying to put the chopsticks in her mouth before the food fell back into the bowl. “Dang it,” she cursed as the food fell.

“Problem Lynn?” Alia asked as she mockingly stuck her chopsticks full of food into her mouth.

“I am terrible with chopsticks as it is,” Lymee grumbled trying to pick up a clump of rice. “But doing it with my left hand is near impossible.” The food dropped again. “Say Princess, mind if we switch seats?”

“Yes I do.” Alia leaned in moving her chopsticks towards Lymee’s mouth. “Say ahh.”

“How about no,” Lymee said as she leaned in opening her mouth taking the food.

“Good no?” Alia smiled squeezing Lymee’s hand that she had been holding.

Lymee was not sure how they had started holding hands. Both of them had sat down at the table at the same time and on the same side. The backs of their hands started to touch and from there the two intertwined their fingers together. Neither had said a word on the subject but since Lymee was sitting on the left side her right hand was the one being held.

Lymee opened her mouth again as Alia guided the chopsticks in. “You know that’s an indirect kiss?” Lymee said using her left hand to cover her mouth as she talked with her mouth full.

“What’s that?”

Lymee chewed a few more times than swallowed. “Where my lips touch something that your lips have just touched.”

Alia examined her chopsticks for a moment thinking about it. Then without grabbing any food she put the ends of the chopsticks in her mouth grinning happily.

“Knock it off.” Lymee rolled her eyes as she fidgeted with her chopsticks again.

“So I heard that Syu went into your room last night,” Alia said making no elaboration as to where she had heard that from. “Whatever could you two have had to talk about so late at night?”

“She offered herself to me as thanks for all that I had done, and I told her no.” Lymee did not even bother to deny it. “Then she cried a little and went back to bed.”

“You were not tempted even a little?”

“Sure I was.” The food dropped again and Lymee let out a sigh before trying again. “I even got to cop a feel before my better judgment kicked in. But it was obvious she did not have any feelings for me. She was just doing it out of some obligatory obligation.”

“You think so?” Alia asked offering her food again. “I think there was more to it than that.”

Lymee leaned back chewing her food. “I would have thought you would be a little more upset. I figured you would want my first time all to yourself.”

“I do.” Alia brought their entwined hands up she kissed Lymee’s palm before letting them drop back down. “I also think that maybe your reluctance has to do with the fact that you are still a virgin. So maybe if I can get you to do some kind of one night stand with someone then you will lose that reluctance.”

“But how do you know that I won’t fall madly in love with this person and then give myself to only them?” Lymee raised an eyebrow.

Alia thought about it for a moment her face losing some of its cheer. “Damn, I had never thought that,” she cursed.

“Thought of what?” Rin asked as she walked into the dining room.

“The best way for me to lose my virginity,” Lymee said casually as she watched Rin take her seat. “No PuLe this morning?”

“She is still asleep,” Rin said leaning back in her chair as food was placed in front of her. “I figured it was best for her to rest.”

“I understand that,” Lymee nodded. “Sleep seems so hard to come by these days.”

Alia extended her chopsticks towards Lymee who leaned over taking another bit.

Rin watched them. “Are you too-”

“We are just really close sisters.” Lymee said with a wink.

“Who would like nothing more than to fuck each other but Lymee is a prude.” Alia flared her nostrils on the last word glaring at Lymee. She then looked at Rin. “So I wish you the best of luck.”

Rin blushed her face turning beet red.

“Awe, she is you a week ago.” Alia elbowed Lymee jostling their arms.

The bump shook Lymee’s hand the food only inches from her mouth dropped back to her plate. “Flying,” Lymee grumbled the rest under her breath. “I could do this easy if I was using a fork,” she cried.

“What is a fork?” Alia asked offhandedly.

“You don’t know what a,” Lymee sighed shaking her head. “Well I guess I know what I am going to invent next.” She set the chopsticks down in frustration giving up on even trying. “That’s right all the medical advancements that I could offer and I am only concerned with…” She trailed off as a terrible realization hitting her.

“Lymee?” Alia voice was filled with worry seeing her sudden expression change. “Lymee, is something wrong?”

“I need to go,” Lymee said shooting out of her chair letting go of Alia’s hand. “Sorry there is something I just realized that I need to do.”

Both Rin and Alia had a worried look on their face as they watched Lymee in silence head for the door.

“Yunna.” Lymee called out.

“Yes my lord?” Yunna responded opening the door from the kitchen area.

Seeing that Yunna was on the other side of the room Lymee took a step back turning to face her. “Do you know where they are treating all the wounded from the battle?”

“Yes my lord.”

“Good. Would you show me to them?”

Yunna looked at Alia and Rin as if to get confirmation then remembering that her loyalty was first and foremost to Lymee she nodded. “Right this way my lord.” She wiped her hands on her apron and with a quick pace she set off for the door where Lymee was standing.

Without another word Lymee followed after leaving Alia and Rin behind still perplexed about her actions. She felt so ashamed of herself. How many people had died while she was busy taking baths and eating fancy food?

Those soldiers were wounded fighting for her. Why had it taken until now for her to remember that?

Yunna lead Lymee to a large building on the outskirts of the palace. Before they even neared it Lymee could smell death and blood coming from it. It had the pungent stench of something rotting. There was a pile of bloodied amputated body parts piled in front of the building.

Lymee took a deep breath trying to steal herself for what she was about to witness but the breath through her nose only made her more aware of the smell. She coughed a few times covering her face with her hand to try and filter out the stench.

“You there,” she called out to someone who was leaving the building. “Find someone to take these body parts away from here and have them burned at once,” she ordered.

The man looked confused not sure who this woman was or if he should do as she told him.

Lymee grew impatient lowering her hand she stood at her full height trying to give off the same intimidating presence that Chee had given before their fight. “I am Sun Su younger sister of Hanna Su. You will do as I say,” she boomed.

That was enough to put the fire under him. He nodded and ran back inside.

Lymee braced herself as she pushed aside the flap in the door and stepped inside. The front of the building was simply a narrow hallway that ran diagonally from the entrance. Straight ahead however was a large gymnasium size room filled with row after row of wounded soldiers. The smell alone almost floored Lymee her stomach turning.

“I want these windows opened,” Lymee barked at everyone. “We need to get this placed aired out.”

Several of the attendance glanced up at her not sure what was going on.

“Chop to it people.” Lymee clapped her hands together. Finding a woman who was tending to one of the injured Lymee walked over to her. “Hey you there,” she called out. The woman looked up unsure why Lymee was talking to her. “I know this may be difficult given the space, but these people are too close together. You need to spread them out more.” Lymee then got an idea. “Wait, Yunna.” She turned to her attendant. “Do you think you can get a bunch of blankets I don’t care what kind as long as they are clean? What I want to do is set up dividers by hanging the blankets around each patent.”

“Excuse me,” A female marched towards Lymee a furious look on her face. Lymee cringed at the sight of her. Her hands and clothes were covered in blood as well as her face where it looked like she had smeared blood from her hands. “I don’t know who you think you are but we are trying to help these people.”

“Do as she says,” an authoritative voice commanded. Lymee looked behind her and saw Alia standing at the entrance Rin a few feet behind her. They must have followed Lymee here. Not that she was surprised after how she had left. “This woman is a messenger from The Heavens and my younger sister. You will obey her commands.”

Recognizing their lord the woman bowed a bit of fear flashing on her face. “Of course my lord right away.”

Lyme gave a nod of thanks to Alia turning back to Yunna. “The sheets can you do it?”

“Yes my lord,” Yunna bowed making to turn and leave.

“Also,” Lymee stopped her. “I need as much clean water and alcohol brought her. The alcohol needs to be the strongest possible. I don’t care if it is drinkable or not. Also the water needs to be boiled for at least ten minutes then set aside to cool.”

“Yes my lord.” Yunna bowed again. Lymee patted her on the back sending her on her way.

“As for you.” She turned back to the blood covered woman. “You need to change your clothes and wash yourself off. Getting someone else’s blood in a wound could kill them as much as their wounds might.”

The woman looked down at her blood covered self. She did not seem to think it was a problem. “My lord I do not have any other clothes-”

“Then get some,” Lymee cut her off. “Go to the servants and tell them that you need clean simple clothes that can be ruined. And lots of them. Tell them Lord Sun sent you and get yourself and everyone else here changed. Use the kitchen aprons if you have too.”

The woman bowed reluctantly then headed for the exit.

Lymee took a calming breath looking around her. There was just so much for her to do it was hard for her to know where to start. She saw several people gathered around someone so Lymee figured that was as good of place as any.

“Stop!” She called out as one was about to ladle some water to the wounded man. “Don’t give him any water yet.”

“My lord he is thirsty,” the man said.

“I know but until the bleeding stops don’t give him any water,” Lymee explained. “If he is dehydrated then his body won’t be able to make blood making it easier for you to close the wound. If you give him water now he could bleed out.”

Lymee knelt down next to the man grabbing his hand. The doctor tore off his clothing as he dressed his wound. It had already turned yellow. The smell and the sight of the infected skin hit Lymee hard. She turned grabbing a pot by the bed and threw up regretting her large breakfast. Her stomach now empty she set the pot back down.

“And those need to be emptied on a regular basis.” She pointed at the pot.

“My lord we don’t have enough people to be constantly-”

“Then get more people.” Lymee snapped cutting him off. “I don’t care where you get them. Use the other soldiers. I am sure they will be more than willing to help out their comrades.”

“Yes my lord,” he nodded in capitulation then went back to sewing up the wound.

“Wait stop, don’t do anything yet.” Lymee held out a hand. “We need to clean out that infection first or none of this will matter.” She looked behind her to see if the wine and water had arrived yet. Seeing a person carrying what looked like a large jug she called out to him.

The man seeing Lymee waving her hand at him brought the jug over.

“What’s in there?” she asked as he approached.

“Wine my lord,” the man answered. “We were ordered to bring as much as we could here.

“Yes perfect.” She took the ladle from the man who had the bucket of water. Scooping up the wine she held it over the man’s wound. “I am sorry but this is going to hurt a lot.” As soon as she finished she poured the wine on the wound. The man screamed out in pain.

“You’re hurting him,” the doctor scolded.

“That is the alcohol cleaning his wound. The fact that it hurts is a good thing. That means the nerves in his body haven’t been killed by the infection.” Pouring a few more ladles full onto the wound she cleaned it with water. “This needs to be previously boiled water but we don’t have time at the moment. Now we need to get rid of the infected skin. I need hot metal to burn it off and cauterize the wound.”

“We don’t have any,” someone said.

“Then get me some! Now!” Lymee snapped. She was getting really tired of that excuse.

The attended shot to his feet and ran off.

“All of you hold out your hands to me.” Lymee snapped. Their hands were covered in blood some of it dry some of it fresh. Grabbing an empty judge she filled it up with the wine. “Wash your hands in this. Once all the blood is off rinse it off with water,” she ordered. “You can use a basin for the wine but fountain the water from a pitcher or something. You are to do this every time you finish attending to a patient is that understood.”

They nodded as they started to clean their hands.

“Also any and all surgical supplies need to be cleaned in boiling water before and after use. And I mean really boiling water. This includes sewing thread and needles. There should be someone coming with a change of clothes for all of you as well.”

“What good does any of that do?” the doctor asked.

Lymee sighed. How did she explain bacteria and germs to a person who had never seen or heard of them before?

“You know how there are really small bugs like fleas and ticks. Bugs that can barely even be seen.” She held up her hand pinching her finger and her thumb together. They all nodded. “Well there are even smaller bugs called germs and they are everywhere and on everything. Most of them are harmless some of them are even good for people but some are dangerous. It is these germs that make a person sick or infect a wound. One way to kill them is intense heat. That is what the boiling water is for. Another way is alcohol. If you kill as many of these things as you can then the people you are treating won’t die as easily.”

“How do you know all of this?”

Lymee pressed her lips together shaking her head. “Because I am a messenger from heaven.” She hated herself for saying it but she did not have time to try explaining to them. “You all just need to believe that what I am telling you is true. So be sure to clean the wounds as best you can before sewing them up. Now I don’t know what your burial tendencies are but after a person dies they either need to be burned or buried at least 6 feet. That’s” she got to her feet holding her hand up measuring out the approximate distance. “This deep. At the very least. And they need to be buried outside of town away from people. And it needs to be done as soon as possible. This will help lower the chance of us getting sick.”

They all seemed to agree with that last part probably meaning they already had similar practices in place.

An attendant came towards them with a hot metal poker in his hand. Lymee ducked her head back not wanting to get hit with it. “Now we need to hold him down,” Lymee stated. They all nodded knowing that this was definitely going to cause the man pain.

Lymee took the hot poker as the rest restrained the man. Lymee was glad that she had worn her jeans and shirt today. Though she suspected that she would be saying goodbye to these closes after this. Resting a hand on the man’s chest to steady her aim she pressed the hot metal on his wound. The man let out a shrill cry of pain. She only kept it on for a few seconds though it seemed like much longer before removing it. Taking the ladle she poured more wine on it then water.

“Now stitch him up.” Lymee said standing up. She handed the poker to the servant. “Be sure that wound stays clean and keep it covered to help keep out infection.”

She noticed two men carrying a wounded man in on a stretcher setting him down a doctor began to work on him. Then he called others to him to help out. Lymee rushed over seeing the state the man was in. Even not being a doctor herself she knew that it did not look good.

“Doctor.” Lymee called out. “I mean Philosopher,” she corrected. “How many people are in need of your aid right now?”

The man looked at Lymee with a confused look. “To many to count,” he answered.

“And of those men how many have a much better chance of living if given aid then this man?”

The doctor paused. “Most of them,” he said softly understanding what she was suggesting.

“Then you should attend to them and let this man be,” Lymee stated coldly.

“You would have me ignore this man?”

“No.” Lymee shook her head. “I would have you help as many people as you can and not worry about the ones you can’t.” The words were harsh and it felt terrible for her to even say them. “If you save two lives instead of failing to save one is that not better?”

The man reluctantly nodded shooing the others away.

Lymee bent down taking the wounded man’s hand. “Hey there,” she whispered. “Can you hear me?”

The man coughed as if he was choking on water but he nodded.

“Good.” Lymee smiled stroking his hair. Lymee crouched there not sure what she should do. She knew she should say something but had no clue as to what. What do you say to the man you just doomed to death? “Tell me about yourself. You got any family?”

The man nodded weakly as he focused his whole attention on her.

“Got any kids?” she asked.

“Four,” the man coughed giving a nod. His face was twisting in pain.

“Four?” Lymee tried to sound impressed. “How many of them are boys?”

“Three?” the man smiled.

“So many.” Lymee kept her voice low almost a whisper. “Your oldest know what he wants to be when he grows up?”

The man nodded again. “Soldier. Like his papa.” Blood started to pour out of the man’s mouth.

“A soldier. That’s wonderful. I am sure he will make an excellent soldier one day. He will make you proud,” she smiled.

The man nodded again then his eyes seemed to look off into a distance. His grip on Lymee’s hand became loose and Lymee set his hand down on his chest putting a rag over his face.

She stood up wiping away the tears that were running down her cheeks probably smearing blood all over them. “This person needs to be taken outside to make room for others,” Lymee called out. She put her palm to her mouth holding back the tears. She could not break down now. There was too much for her to do. Taking a breath she calmed herself.

She found a nearby wash bowl with wine in it. They had started to place them around the room. That was a good first step. She washed off her hands then poured water over them before drying them off on her shirt. They would need to put towels out as well. She looked around and saw Yunna along with several others setting up the sheets like Lymee had told them dividing off the people.

She spotted someone carrying a pile of bloody rags toward the entrance. “You there,” she called out to him. “What are you going to do with those?”

“They are to be washed,” he answered his voice full of worry thinking he was about to get yelled at.

“No.” Lymee shook her head. “Burn them.”

“Yes my lord.” The man bowed heading off.

Lymee did everything she could to help the others. Many started coming up to her asking for advice. She would answer the best that she could. Mostly she would reiterate what she had already told them. Yunna was invaluable during all of it. The second Lymee would request something she would rush off to get it. It was Yunna who made sure they stayed stocked on everything and that Lymee’s orders were being carried out.

Lymee would help empty the waste bins and change bandages when she did not see anything else that she could do. Yunna had gotten several others to help them with the medial work. Lymee was not sure if they were servants, soldiers, slaves or what but they all did what they were told and that was all that mattered for the time being. She started introducing the designations like orderly, nurse, doctor, so that when she started shouting for someone to help they knew who she was asking for. She introduced the concept like Triage, and sectioning out the building giving each area a designation of severity of injuries.

Every once and a while she would remember something else that would help and she would quickly start to relay the information to the others. When she became tired she would hide near the back and sit down curling up and catching a few hours of sleep before someone would wake her to get her advice on something.

She had once said that the loss of life in battle did not seem real to her. That was no longer the case. It all seemed very real to her now.

“Lynn,” a soft voice whispered as a hand gently shook her shoulder waking Lymee from her nap.

“Yes what do you need?” She snapped awake ready to get up.

“I think it is you who needs something,” Alia said. She was crouched down next to where Lymee was curled up against the wall.

Lymee then noticed the blanket that was draped around her back. Alia must have put it on her. She grabbed an end and wrapped herself in it.

“No, I’m good,” Lymee mumbled already drifting back to sleep. “Just need a quick nap.”

“You are exhausted,” Alia said. “You have been at this for almost three days straight. Please get some rest.”

“I’m fine. There are still those that need my help.”

“Lynn.” Alia put a hand on Lymee’s cheek. “You have done all that you can. Your teachings are being taught to all the other medical places and they are implementing them now. Let the Philosophers handle it from here. You will kill yourself if you do not take a break.”

Lymee knew that Alia was right. She was exhausted. She could barely stand anymore and when she was walking it was hard for her to stay focused.

Lymee nodded. “Alright. Yunna should get some rest too.” She looked around her as if she would find Yunna sitting next to her.

“I sent her to rest a while ago,” Alia assured. “She has gotten less sleep than you if that’s possible. She only agreed to go if I promised her to get you to rest as well.”

Lymee sighed. She would have to apologize to Yunna later. She had not meant to get her mixed up in this.

“Come on.” Alia took Lymee’s arm wrapping it around her neck. Placing a hand across her back under Lymee’s armpit Alia lifted her up. Lymee put all her weight on Alia her feet barely able to shuffle forward as they moved.

“I’m sorry,” Lymee whispered.

“About what?”

“I should’ve done something sooner,” she mumbled. “I could have helped so many more.”

“I think you have helped plenty,” Alia assured. “Come on let’s get you cleaned up and into bed. I have the bath all ready for you.”

Lymee let out a gasp as she thought about a hot bath. She was sure that she stank and she did not want to imagine what her face and hair looked like.

“How does that feel?” Alia asked as Lymee sank into the hot water in the bath house.

“Good.” Lymee let out a relieved breath her naked body loosening up in the heat of the water. She leaned her head back closing her eyes. She could feel herself starting to drift off already.

There was a splashing sound as Alia climbed into bath with Lymee.

“Just trying to see me naked,” Lymee mumbled. “Taking advantage of my weakened state.”

“The thought had crossed my mind,” Alia said jokingly. “I am just here to make sure you do not drown.”

“Hummm.” Was all Lymee could muster. “Hey Princess?”

“Yes Lynn?”

“I have decided that I don’t like war,” Lymee said in a half mumble.

Alia paused for a long moment before saying anything. “I do not care for it either. But I fear that this is only the beginning.”

Lymee sighed. She had thought the same thing. “I never even asked the man his name.”

“Whose?”

“A man on the first day.” Her voice was soft and weak. “I ordered the Doctors not to treat him because they shouldn’t waste their time. He died holding my hand and telling me about his family. I doomed him to death and I never even asked him his name.”

“Would it have made any difference?”

“It would have to me,” Lymee said softly. “I’ll do it.” Her words were almost a whisper.

“Do what?”

“I’ll teach you my technology.” Lymee said. “If I can save more lives with what I know then I should do it.”

Lymee could feel Alia wrapping her arms around her as her breasts pressed into Lymee’s side. Alia buried her face into Lymee’s shoulder. “Thank you,” Alia whispered. “I am so sorry that you had to go through all of this.” She kissed the top of Lymee’s bare shoulder. “But I am glad that you did. By you doing this so many people will now be saved.”

Tears formed in Lymee’s eyes as she saw all the faces of the people who died right in front of her including the man she had killed the first day she had arrived in this world. There were so many she could not even count them all.

“Just tell me this was all worth it,” Lymee begged. “Lie to me and I will believe you.”

“I do not need to lie.” Alia kissed her shoulder again. “I think it was all worth it.”

Lymee did not know how long they stayed like that. Alia holding her showering her with comforting kisses. The next thing Lymee clearly remembered was waking up in her room changed into fresh clothes. The sun was up though it was well past morning.

She lay in bed for a long time trying to forget all the things she had seen. But part of her did not want to forget. She wanted to burn the image into her mind. If ever she wavered in her determination all she would have to do is remember this moment.

CHAPTER 9

“Practicing your calligraphy?” Lymee asked as she sat down on one of the chairs in the administrator’s office.

Alia was gracefully holding her sleeve out of the way as she moved the paint brush on what looked like some sort of fabric. Seeing Lymee sit down Alia placed her paintbrush down in the ink dish turning towards Lymee.

“Not at all,” she smiled. She looked slightly out of breath and Lymee could see the beads of sweat on her neck and forehead. “It seems that no one here as the ability to make runes so I am making a few for the palace chamber guards.”

Lymee frowned. “Runes? Like some kind of protection runes or something?”

Alia slightly twitched an eye in thought. “Sort of. Though it is meant for my protection more than anything.” She let out a breath reaching out and grabbing one of the cloths that she had finished. “You want me to show you?”

Lymee shrugged. “Why not?”

“Guard,” Alia summoned.

The guard who had been standing outside the door immediately walked inside. “Yes my lord?” He stood at a ridged attention eyes looking straight ahead.

“Please hand me your helmet.” Alia held out her free hand palm up.

The guard obediently removed his helmet and handed it to Alia. Alia set the helm in her lap as she started to tuck the cloth into one of the folds on the top front. Once the cloth was in place it fall in front of the face opening the strange symbol at the center.

Lymee recognized it as the same symbol that she had seen on the guards back at the other palace. She had always wondered what they were there for.

Alia handed the helmet back to the guard. “Now put it back on.”

The guard did as he was told letting the flap fall in front of his face.

“You are now an empty vessel.” Alia’s voice seemed to almost reverberate around the room. The guard stood rigid.

“What did that do?” Lymee leaned over and whispered. She was transfixed on the guard thinking at any moment he would do something.

“Patience,” Alia said. “Guard my favorite color is pink. Nod if you understand.”

The guard nodded slightly not moving in any other way.

“The vessel has now been filled.” Alia boomed her voice again.

The guard seemed to loosen up a little.

“You may take your helmet off now,” Alia said. The guard did so handing it back to Alia setting it in her outstretched hands. “Now can you tell me what my favorite color is?

The guard frowned seeming to be a little confused by the question. “I am sorry my lord but I have never been told that.”

“Thank you.” Alia handed the helm back without the cloth attached to it. “You may return to your duties.”

The guard brought his heels together turned around and went back outside.

Alia wagged her eyebrows at Lymee. “What do you think?”

Lymee crossed her arms not sure what to make of what she had just seen. “You are telling me that, that cloth makes people what? Unable to remember things?”

“Sort of.” Alia placed the cloth back down on her desk and sat down on her chair. “They still retain their memories while they have the cloth on but once the enchantment is broken they forget everything they heard since it was activated. It keeps guards from overhearing things and then telling others accidentally or otherwise.”

“Loose lips sinks ships,” Lymee mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Lymee shook her head. “So how does it work? Does this have something to do with why I can understand your language?”

“I used the same energy to make these as I did to teach you our language yes.” She smiled turning in her chair so she was facing Lymee.

Her smile was so bright Lymee’s heart began to twinge. She was wearing a different kind of makeup today. There were red strips that started thin around her eyes and widened as they moved down her cheek. Her lips were so red and plump that Lymee could not help but fantasize about kissing them. She was in her usual dress with long sleeves though the front was loose so Lymee could see her large cleavage.

“You called it your spirit right?” Lymee asked trying her best not to stare at Alia’s breasts but when she looked at her face her eyes were drawn to her lips. She could feel her panties start to become wet and sticky. This was not good.

“You are correct.” Alia nodded arching her back slightly so it pushed her breasts forward. Was she doing this on purpose? Did she notice how Lymee was feeling and was trying to seduce her? “My spirit is the energy inside of me that I can then impart on things and people in different ways. My family has always had spiritual powers of some kind. My mother was quite powerful, at least that is what I have been told.”

“Didn’t she teach you how to use your powers?” Lymee asked focusing on the conversation and not on Alia’s breasts.

Alia shook her head. “She said she did not have the time. She was always so focused on things like next year’s harvest, military funding, and taxes. Most of what I learned I learned from books, or from traveling Mesmers.”

The door slammed open as a guard marched inside a little out of breath. “My lord.”

“What is it?” Alia stood up her face turning hard expecting some kind of trouble.

“One of our scouts reports seeing General Lye’s banner heading this way,” the guard reported.

Alia took a deep breath of anticipation. “Sai,” she whispered the word with a smile. “How long until she arrives?”

“She should be arriving within the hour,” the guard said.

Alia nodded. “Very good. Thank you.” Alia waved her hand dismissing the man.

The guard bowed and walked out of the room.

“What is Sai doing here?” Alia mumbled rubbing her lips. Her words were angry but her face was smiling. “I ordered her to stay at the Palace.”

“Most of our forces have returned.” Lymee watched Alia move over to a mirror fixing her hair. “Perhaps she thinks it safe for her to leave.”

“Safe or not she still should remain where she was.” Alia stood up straight readjusting her breasts making sure they stood out and did not sag.

Lymee frowned. “You sound angry yet you still are dolling yourself up.”

“I am angry,” Alia snapped. “But this is the first time I have seen Sai in almost a month. I want to look my best.”

“So are you excited to see her or not?”

“I am overjoyed to be seeing Sai again,” Alia said as if it was Lymee who was slow on the uptake. “It is going to take everything I have to keep myself from just throwing myself at her. That in no way means that I am not mad at her for disobeying my orders.”

“You seem to be having conflicting emotions on the matter,” Lymee said unconvinced.

“They only conflict if you do not understand them.” Alia satisfied with her appearance turned away from the mirror and looked at Lymee. “My love for Sai is unconditional. My anger at her does not affect that in any way.”

“If you say so.”

“Perhaps one day you will understand,” Alia smiled holding out her hand. “Let us be off. We would not want to keep Sai waiting now would we?” She tried her best to hide the grin on her face.

Lymee shook her head taking Alia’s offered hand. “You’re so strange.”

“But you still love me regardless.”

“That is true,” she admitted.

Hand in hand the two left the room heading to the front of the palace to great their guests.

When they arrived Guard Commander Frya already had a small honor guard standing in formation in front of the Palace. She no longer had on her blue armor that she had been wearing when they had first met now replaced with identical red armor. Lymee was not sure if Frya had gotten new armor or if they had just simply painted over her old one.

The gates to the palace courtyard slowly creaked open. Lymee stood next to Alia. Gea, and Rin stood not far behind them.

Once the gates were open enough Sai rode in on her horse followed by a dozen cavalry all surrounding a coach. This coach looked expensive with ornate decorations carved into the frame and a full pallet of colors painted on the wood. The dominate color being yellow.

Lymee cocked her head to the side as the coach drew closer. It was not hard to figure out that whoever was in there was the reason that Sai had come.

Sai pulled on the reigns stopping short of reaching the welcoming group. She quickly dismounted moving forward stopping only a few short feet from Alia dropping to a knee and bowing her head.

“My lord please forgive me for disobeying your orders,” Sai begged her head still lowered. “But I felt that this matter demanded your immediate attention and I could trust it to no one else.”

“Rise Sai.” Alia spoke softly crossing the gap between them. “I trust that you would never come here without a good reason.”

“Not what she was saying a moment ago,” Lymee smirked.

Sai rose to her feet still refusing to look Alia in the eye. Lymee had to wonder if Sai really was ashamed that she had come here. If she was then this matter must be of greater importance than Lymee first thought.

“Please my love.” Alia reached out grabbing Sai’s chin. “Look at me and tell me what is the matter.”

Sai glanced up at Alia then back down. “About four days ago an emissary from Bengui arrived at the capital.”

Alia narrowed her gaze instinctively looking at the coach behind Sai. “And what did they want?” Her voice now had a sharp soprano.

Sai let out a reluctant breath. “I think it best for them to tell you in person and not hear it from me.”

Alia chewed on the inside of her mouth for a moment her mind obviously racing. “I would meet with them in the Throne room,” she nodded. “Give us a moment to greet them.”

“Of course my lord.” Sai bowed her head.

Alia’s hands twitched at her sides. Lymee could tell that she badly wanted to embrace Sai. She wanted to kiss her, hold her, whisper in her ear. But proper noble educate forbid her from doing so.

Lymee put a reassuring hand on Alia’s shoulder. “Shall we go sister?”

“Yes,” Alia nodded.

They all turned and started walking back inside the palace Sai staying where she was for a moment before turning back and heading towards the coach.

***

Lymee shifted her weight on her feet as she tried to subdue her anxiety. This seemed different from all the other people she had met until now. While maybe not official yet Lymee was now a noble and the words that were said in the throne room could possibly cause or prevent another war.

Images of the soldiers crying out in pain as she could do nothing to help them flashed in her mind. Her stomach tightened just at the thought of it. Lymee wanted to do everything she could to make sure that she never had to see that ever again.

Lymee stood to the right of where Alia sat on her throne. It was a lot like the throne room at the other Palace in terms of design. The pillars were painted blue instead of red though Lymee figured that would not last very long. There were several guards stationed around the room and Lymee noticed Frya among them. To the left of Alia was Rin and Gea. All of them had a serious look on their face. Alia held in her hand the fan that she used on the very first day that Lymee had met her. It was closed and she had it clasped in her lap.

The door to the palace throne room slowly opened as several figures started approach. Leading the way was Sai still in her armor a hand on the hilt of her sword as she walked. Behind her were two others both dressed in matching yellow outfits. They looked to Lymee like Chinese nobles from the dynasty era.

The one in front was a young female who looked to be the same age as Lymee. She had long black hair that was tied into a tight braid. Behind her was a young looking man who looked to be in his twenties. Both had a very serious look about them.

“My lord.” Sai stopped at the bottom of the steps that lead to the throne. “My I present to you Lords Vix and Tren of Bengui.” Sai stepped to the side making room for the two behind her.

Lymee did not recognize the names but it was obvious that Alia had. She stiffened ever so slightly when she heard them but she did not seem tense if anything she seemed to relax a little.

“Greetings Mighty Lord.” The woman got to her knees bowing her head, the man following suit. “We are grateful that you would grant us this audience. Allow me to introduce myself. My family name is Bengui. My common name is Vix and my true name is Cia. And this man behind me is my older brother. His common name is Tren and his true name is Arn.”

“Greetings Lord Vix, and Lord Tren of the Bengui family,” Alia nodded formally. “Please stand and tell me what brings you before me today.”

Cia methodically rose to her feet but Arn only lifted his hands sitting on his knees his hands placed firmly on top his knees.

“Mighty Lord Hanna,” Cia started. Lymee held back a sigh. Her use of the word mighty was nothing more than trying to suck up to Alia. But why would she do that? Lymee wondered. Were not the Bengui more powerful than the Su? “I have come on behalf of my mother Lord Ele to offer you an alliance by marriage to my older brother.”

Everyone seemed to be shocked by this statement including Lymee. But not Alia, Lymee noticed. If anything she seemed to act like she was expecting the offer.

“The hostilities between our families is very well known,” Alia said tapping her chin with her fan. “Why would you suddenly wish to seek an alliance with me?”

Cia took a deep breath as if she was choosing her words very carefully. “We have heard of your great victory in the conquering of Hu province. More than that we have heard that The Heavens have sent their blessing upon you in the form of a Heavenly Fox.”

Lymee frowned not sure what Cia had meant by that last statement.

“And what have you heard of our Heavenly Fox?” Alia inquired.

“It is said that she comes from The Heavens themselves,” Cia said. “That she takes on the form of a beautiful woman and has granted upon you the higher knowledge of The Heavens themselves.”

Lymee stifled a laugh. It would seem that there had been some misunderstanding as to who she was. She was about to say something but Alia held out her hand cutting her off.

“What else do they say?” Alia pressed.

“That while leading your armies the Heavenly Fox has won you two major battles suffering minimal casualties. That she was easily able to best even your mightiest general in combat.” Easily would not have been the word that Lymee would have used. “She then used her charm and magic to seduce Lord Syu making her slay her own mother Lord Suga. Allowing you to take the city and the palace without any resistance.”

Lymee glanced at Rin, the implication that she had seduced her reminded Lymee of Rin’s naked body as she had offered herself to Lymee. By the slight reddening of Rin’s ears she might have been thinking the same thing.

But it would seem that Cia was not done yet. “Then the Heavenly Fox spent days using her magic to heal your wounded and teaching your Philosophers secret healing methods known only to The Heavens.”

Alia took a deep breath as she processed what she had just heard. “So as I have incurred such favor with The Heavens then you wish to incur favor with me. Is that it?”

Cia bowed her head slightly. “We have no wish to go to war with you Lord Hanna. We know that so long as you have this Fox from The Heavens we would not be able to stand against your might.”

“And this alliance,” Alia tilted her head to the side as she tapped her fan in her palm. “What kind of alliance would it be? One of equals or would you become vassals to me?”

“We would of course wish to keep our independence,” Cia said. “However there is no doubt that you are the mightier of our two lands. By marrying my brother you would entwine our families and destinies together.”

Alia thought it over for a long moment not saying a word, not even blinking. “I have heard your offer Lord Vix. Please excuse us while I confer with my advisers as to our reply.”

Cia bowed her head and her brother pressed his head to the floor before the two of them moved back out of the throne room. Lymee and the rest stood still watching them as they departed.

As soon as the doors closed Lymee tried her best to hold in her laughter but the more she tried the more it felt that it was going to burst out of her. Putting her hand to her stomach she bent over making slight snorting sound. That was all it took. Lymee, Alia and Rin all burst with laughter. Even Sai and Gea had on amused smiles on the verge of laughing themselves.

“Won’t they be disappointed when they find out that I am the Heavenly Fox?” Lymee said in between breaths. She had a hand on her gut as tears built up in her eyes.

“I doubt anyone would ever find you disappointing,” Alia leaned back in her throne having regained most of her composure. “However this turn of events is most pleasing to say the least.”

“My lord,” Rin spoke up. “Do you really intend to use this?”

“How could I not?” Alia placed the fan on the arm rest as she stood up and walked down the steps. “Though I must say this has caught me off guard.” As she got to the bottom of the steps she held her hands out to Sai palms down. Sai took her hands and the two pressed their foreheads tighter. “It would seem that the stories of Lymee have grown with each telling of them.”

“If we try to keep who I really am a secret it will only backfire on us in the end.” Lymee closed her eyes realizing that they would not know what backfiring meant. “Only make things worse in the end,” she corrected.

“You are right,” Alia agreed. Her eyes were closed as she rubbed her forehead against Sai’s. Her expression was one of pure bliss. “But that we can deal with in a moment. The question now is what we shall do about this proposed alliance.”

“This alliance could spare a lot of lives,” Rin said. She seemed to be ignoring the scene unfolding in front of her.

“Agreed,” Alia nodded slightly. “And you Sai. What do you think of Vix and her older brother? You have spent more time with them than any of us.”

“They seem sincere enough,” Sai answered squeezing Alia’s fingers. “However I do not know if they would be so quick to go through with this alliance once they find out that Lymee is an ordinary human. No matter how unique she may actually be.”

“I am actually against it,” Lymee sighed.

Alia and Sai both turned so they could look at Lymee. Rin turned to face her and Gea who had not said a word up until now crossed her arms waiting to hear what Lymee had to say.

“Why is that?” Alia asked. “Do you not want to see me get married to a handsome man like lord Tren?”

“That’s only a small part of it,” Lymee assured her. “But this alliance is one made out of fear.”

“That’s good,” Sai stated. “If they fear our strength then they will respect us as well.”

“Only to a point.” Lymee raised a finger for emphasis. “And fear is not the same as loyalty. If they are making this alliance solely out of fear then that means that as soon as they fear someone more than us they will turn on us and join them. Most likely at the most inconvenient time possible.”

Alia took a deep breath pursing her lips together as she thought it over. She let go of Sai’s hands straightening her back as she rubbed her mouth. “What would you suggest then?”

Lymee shook her head resting her hands on her hips giving a shrug. “I’m not sure. But what I do know is that a vassal to your Dynasty can always turn against you. Not to say allies are bad or we shouldn’t have them but what you really need right now is subjects. And the Bengui are already hostile towards us. Who is to say when they won’t try and turn on us?”

“I agree with Lord Sun my lord,” Gea spoke up for the first time. “This alliance of theirs is nothing more than a way to buy time. As soon as they find out that Lord Sun is a human they may very well attack. They still have a great advantage in numbers.”

“Keo did make mention of the fact that they sent both Vix and Tren to us,” Sai said.

“Very true.” Alia nodded deep in thought touching her chin.

They all acted as if that was significant in some way. “Sorry,” Lymee waved her hand in front of her body to get their attention. “Why is that important?”

“If they had only sent Tren and we decided to hold him hostage or kill him we would not be in much of a bargaining place,” Alia explained. “A cold way of thinking but their son politically speaking is fairly worthless in the grand scheme. To send both their children one of them being the heir to their family is a great sign of not only trust but respect.”

“That shows not only how scared they are but also how serious they truly are about this alliance,” Rin said. “But I do have to concede the point to Lord Sun in regards to how unstable this alliance may be. The fear that they have for us is based on great exaggerations regarding Lord Sun.”

“Suggestions?” Alia asked.

“I think we need more information,” Lymee said crossing her arms her mind racing with possibilities. “I think we need to find out more about not only them but the situation in Bengui. Its possible things are not going so well there.”

“How about we invite them to witness the adoption ceremony tomorrow,” Alia suggested. She moved in behind Sia reaching out and put an arm around Sai’s waist. “It gives me a suitable excuse to hold off on answering their question and gives us time to come up with an idea.”

There was agreement from everyone in the room as they silently watched as Alia started to undo the straps holding on Sai’s breast plate.

“Then Rin, Lymee inform our guest of the situation,” Alia ordered moving her hand between the folds of Sai’s undershirt grabbing one of her breast. “And make sure they are well taken care of.”

“Of course my lord.” Rin bowed her head. “In that regard how would you like us to handle any information regarding the Heavenly Fox and how it ties in with Lymee?”

Alia kept her eyes on Rin as she leaned over biting Sai’s earlobe. “Avoid telling them anything if possible but do not lie to them either.”

“Understood my lord.” Rin bowed again.

“If you would now excuse me for a while?” Alia had started to move her other hand in between Sai’s legs. “My General and I must do some catching up. Unless Lymee you would like to stay”

“I will leave you two alone.” Lymee bowed her head slightly.

The three of them walked down the steps and headed for the door giving Alia and Sai a wide birth. Lymee heard a thud as another piece of armor hit the ground as soft moans started emanating behind her. Lymee closed her eyes trying not to think about the scene that was unfolding behind her.

Despite her efforts she still felt a twinge of jealousy as her heart tightened and she started to feel a fire between her legs. The situation only reminded her why she could never be with Alia. In that moment she hated Sai. She hated her for being the one Alia was doing those things too and not her. Her hatred was petty she knew but she also knew it would not go away if Lymee got involved with Alia. If anything it would only get worse.

The doors closed behind her and she let out a long breath.

“Are you alright?” Rin asked.

“I’m fine,” Lymee assured her with a smile. “Or at least I will be. Come on,” she said changing the subject. “Let us go see to our guests.”

CHAPTER 10

“You are Lord Sun correct?” The soft voice broke Lymee’s concentration from the sketch she was working on.

Turning from her work station Lymee smiled at Cia still dressed in her elegant yellow dress. “That’s right.” Lymee gave a slight nod of the head. “Is there something I can help you with?”

It was later that day. Lymee’s stomach told her that it was nearing dinner time but without an actual clock she had a hard time keeping track of what time it actually was. Whatever had brought her to this world had fried her watch and cell phone.

“Might I inquire as to what you what you are doing?” Cia reached a hand out her fingertips touching the edge of one of the papers sliding it towards her. She pulled up a chair gingerly sitting down in front of the table.

“Oh I just found that some things are hard to explain so I thought it’d be better if I tried to draw them out. However,” she gave a half smile looking down at some of her work. “An artist I am not.”

“I am not familiar with any of these drawings.” She gracefully reached out her hand, her other hand holding back her sleeve, grabbing the bottom on one of the pieces of paper and held it to get a better look at it.

Lymee was not sure what she should say. Alia had said not to tell her anything they did not have to but also made it clear they were not to lie either.

Lymee shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “They are just some things from where I am from,” She said trying to be vague. “Thought they might be of use to Alia, I mean Lord Hanna.” She smiled trying to cover up her discomfort. She looked around not seeing any guards other than her own. She was a little surprised that Cia had not been given an escort of any kind. Or maybe she had. That thought put Lymee slightly on edge.

“And what is this?” she turned the paper so Lymee could see what she was referring to.

“That’s supposed to be a windmill.” Lymee chuckled scratching the back of her head. “It works like a water mill but instead of using the current from a river or stream it uses sails to catch the wind. It is not as reliable as a river’s current might be but this way you can build them anywhere.”

“I see,” Cia nodded seeming to understand the explanation. “And what of this?” She held up another paper.

“That’s a wheelchair,” Lymee said. “After my work with the wounded I thought it would be useful. It allows people who can’t walk to get around easier and faster.”

“It is such a simple concept to put wheels on chairs,” Cia commented examining the drawing more closely. “And yet so revolutionary at the same time. Truly amazing. It is almost as if you have been granted divine knowledge from The Heavens themselves.”

Lymee knew she was fishing now. She figured it was best not to confirm or deny anything at this point. “They are just some things that they have where I come from. Nothing more.”

“And where is it you come from?” Cia asked.

Lymee gave her an ear to ear grin. “Far away from here.”

Cia looked at Lymee as if she was trying to see deeper into her. She let the paper fall back to the table leaning in slightly. “Am I right in assuming that it is you who the ceremony is for tomorrow?”

“Partly,” Lymee nodded. “Syu and her younger sister are also to be adopted into the Su family.”

“Yes but they will become a branch family,” Cia stated a slight tilt to her head. “You will become Lord Hanna’s younger sister.”

Lymee smiled leaning back in her chair folding her arms. “You seem to know a lot.”

“Syu told me after I asked her,” Cia explained never relaxing her posture. “She was of course vague on the details. I asked some of the servants but despite their warm and welcoming nature they seemed to not want to talk to me.”

“I am sure it has nothing to do with you personally,” Lymee assured her.

Cia nodded in amusement. “I am sure that is the case.” She paused for a moment. “What do you think Lord Hanna will do with our alliance?”

Lymee shook her head. “It is not for me to say. I know she wants peace between us. I know she doesn’t want to go to war.” Lymee kept her smile but her eyes narrowed. “But I also know that she will not hesitate to do so. And if she does she will not hold back. She is after all one who does not like to lose.”

“Yes, I can imagine,” Cia nodded. Lymee was not sure if her intimidation tactic had worked but Cia did seem a little more cautious with her word choice. “And what of you?”

“What about me?” Lymee crossed her arms defensively.

“If this alliance does not go through and we must go to war what would you do?”

Lymee stared at the woman for a moment. Her face radiate in the sunlight from the window. Lymee looked at her actual features for the first time. She had the normal Asian look like everyone else. Her skin pale from lack of a tan. Her skin looked soft and well taken care of her lips were plump and red with a yellow stripe on the bottom lip. She wore just enough makeup to hide her blemishes and had a sun like yellow eye shadow around her eyes, with a dark yellow eye liner. While her dress hid any cleavage it did show side boob which Lymee always found more appealing.

“My Duty is to my sister,” Lymee said adamantly. “I will support her in what she decides is best, and I will help her any way that I can.”

“Why?” Cia asked leaning back a little. “What has Lord Hanna done to win your loyalty so? If it is adoption into a noble family I can arrange that easily enough. You could even marry my brother if that is your wish.”

Lymee smiled despite herself. This woman was really laying it on think. “If things had been a little different that might have been possible. But for better or for worse for the time being I have thrown my lot in with Hanna.”

“I see,” she nodded slowly. “There are so many rumors floating around about her,” Cia said as if to change the subject. “Would you mind dispelling a few of them for me?”

Lymee shook her head. “If you have questions about Hanna then you should ask her yourself.”

“Indulge me if you would,” she pressed. “You do not have to answer if you do not wish to.”

“If you intend on trying to goad me into anger by slandering her name I warn you, you will not like the outcome of such an act.” Lymee was trying to be as diplomatic as possible but the way Cia pressed it was starting to get under her skin.

“I promise you that is not my intent.” She raised a reassuring hand. “The biggest one is that Hanna does not enjoy the company of men but instead has relations with her Vassals.”

“I have been told that isn’t uncommon. Would it make any difference if that was true?” She decided to put it back in Cia’s court.

Cia flashed a quick look of reflection. “Well if that is indeed the case then I fear that my brother would make little temptation in this matter, and I would be forced to find an alternative.”

“And what would that be?” Lymee suspected she knew but she wanted to make sure.

“Myself of course.” Cia put a hand to her chest her palm resting on the top of her breast. “I would not be opposed to having a relation with her in order to secure peace for my people. In many ways it might be more beneficial.”

“You seem awfully quick to suggest that,” Lymee pointed out. “Could it be that you to share in such tastes?”

“I do as a matter of fact,” Cia said without a moment’s hesitation. “Can I assume the same is true for you as well?”

Lymee let out a breath as she nodded her head. There was no point in her denying it especially with how she had probably been leering this whole time.

“Then are you and Hanna by chance…?” she trailed off shooting Lymee a look.

“We are not,” Lymee said. “I think of her as my sister and I love her but I do not see it ever becoming more than that.”

Cia nodded leaning back in her chair. “Then perhaps I have more options than I originally thought.”

Lymee raised an eyebrow intrigued by the implication. “How so?”

“Well,” Cia smiled seductively. “I could offer myself to you instead.” She shifted her weight so the skin of her leg was showing. “My brother to Lord Hanna and myself to her younger sister.”

Lymee’s heart began to race. This was not the direction she had expected this conversation to go. She felt sweat starting to break out down her back.

Cia bit her lower lip as she looked Lymee over. “I would not mind becoming the lover to one of The Heavens’ spirits?”

Lymee let out an uncomfortable laugh. “I think you have me confused.”

“Not at all,” Cia assured placing her elbow on her knee leaning forward. “There are many tales about The Heavens’ messengers taking on the form of a human. It stands to reason that the Heavenly Fox could do so as well.” She stood up as she spoke moving around the table towards Lymee.

Lymee knew what she was about to do and knew she had to put a stop to it then and there. Or she could wait. Lymee toyed with the idea. Cia was beautiful and she could always justify her actions saying it was for their Dynasty or whatever. The thought about their lips meeting as their skin rubbed against each other. Lymee’s hand cupping Cia’s breasts as Cia moved her hand between her legs and inserted her finger into Lymee’s-.

Lymee dug the quill into the side of her leg the pain bringing her out of her fantasy. “How about I stop you right there.” Lymee held up her leg her foot keeping Cia at a distance. “Even if what you think about me is true, the fact of the matter is that I will only be with the woman I love and no one else.”

Cia took a deep breath, nodding in understanding. She stopped her approach and her body language lost its aggressive sex appeal. “Then I guess my only option is to make you fall in love with me.”

“I wish you the best of luck with that.” Lymee stood up fixing her dress. “Now if you'll excuse me. I find I am in need of some fresh air.” Lymee did not wait for her reply before walking out.

She did her best to slow her pace but she still reached her room in record time. She bolted the door behind her as she raised the bottom of her dress up above her waist straddling corner of the table. She slowly started to thrust her hips forward biting down on her lower lip as she worked.

The hand not holding up her dress grabbed her breasts through the cloth as she started to increase the speed of her thrusts. She let her dress fall as she used the hand to balance herself on the table and use it for leverage continuing to thrust harder and faster into the corner of the table.

Why was this happening to her? She had never had much of control problems before. She had masturbated to thoughts of a classmate or teacher but never more than once a week. But since she had arrived here it was becoming more and more common. Part of it she knew was the fact that very attractive women seemed to be throwing themselves at her but that could not be the only reason.

Several times when she was around Alia it was like her urges just seemed to go out of control. And just now with Cia it was like there was something drawing her in. She had felt that way before, like when she was talking to Alia just before Sai had shown up.

She let out a stifled moan as the climax began to build. She leaned forward putting both her hands on the table as she thrust even harder.

She knew she had to do something. Her urges were out of hand and it was only a matter of time before she lost all control and did something stupid.

She shot her head up as she climaxed letting out a cry of pleasure thrusting a few more times to get it fully out of her system. Finished her knees grew weak and she slumped to the floor her face resting on the edge of the table that she had just cum all over. It smelled funny though she thought that might just be her imagination.

Her breasts where pressed against the leg of the table and when she breathed they rubbed against it. She began moving her chest up and down as her breasts rubbed harder and harder.

How could she still not be satisfied? She grabbed her breasts with both her hands as she started to titty fuck the table leg though her clothes. It was so erotic that it turned her on. Then after a moment the shame of what she was doing sunk in and she collapsed again this time in tears.

She did not know what but she had to do something. She could not go on like this.

***

Lymee was not sure how long she had laid on the floor. It was long after her tears had dried up. She just could not bring herself to continue on. She had reached her limit. What was the point of her doing anything if she knew she was just slipping further and further into something she did not want? More over what kind of person was she that she was letting herself fall in the first place?

There was a soft knock on the door.

“Lady Sun,” a voice called out to her.

“Give me a moment.” Lymee forced herself to her feet avoiding the table instead using the bed as support for getting to her feet. She wiped her face and cheeks with her hands a few times trying to remove all traces of her tears. She readjusted her dress running her hand through her short hair taking a deep breath.

As dignified as possible she turned and walked to the door. Unlocking it she slid it open. She had thought that the person had been Yunna come to get her for dinner. Instead she was met by Sai. No longer dressed in her usual armor but instead a long red robe that covered several layers of clothing. It was the more common outfit of people just not the people that Lymee seemed to ever be involved with.

“Sai?” Lymee jumped in surprise.

“I did not mean to frighten you my lord.” Sai bowed her head in apology.

“No it’s fine I just wasn’t expecting you,” Lymee said. “Is there something I can do for you?”

“May I come in my lord?” Sai’s voice was respectful but Lymee could hear just underneath something else. Something more personal.

“Of course.” Lymee stepped to the side giving Sai room. “Would you like some tea?” Lymee moved pulling out a chair from the desk offering it to Sai to sit. “I am not really good at making it but Yunna makes wonderful tea.”

“I am fine my lord,” Sai nodded. “I shall be brief.”

Lymee sat down on the side of the bed. She looked at Sai but in the corner of her eye she could see the corner of the desk that she had just used to pleasure herself. It was as if it was taunting her. Lymee did her best to ignore it and focus only on Sai.

“This is the first time you have ever come to visit me,” Lymee said trying to make small talk. “Is there a problem?”

“I am not sure,” Sai seemed to be avoiding looking Lymee in the eyes. Was she nervous or maybe embarrassed? “That is why I am here. I need to ask you something.”

“Anything,” Lymee said instantly.

Sai took a deep breath looking Lymee in the eye for the first time. “Did you have sex with Alia?”

“No.” Lymee said the words as quickly as she could making sure not to break eye contact with Sai. She wondered when this talk would happen. Lymee had known it would come sooner or later. It was for this reason that Lymee knew polygamy would never work. It did not matter if one of them was fine with it. One of the people would always be jealous of another.

Sai let out a sigh. “I had thought as much.”

Lymee smiled relieved that she had believed her.

Sai straightened herself and peered at Lymee. “Would you please?”

Lymee blinked. “Would I what?”

“Have sex with her?” She said the words with a completely straight face.

Lymee rubbed her face with her hand trying to put all the words straight in her head. Finally she stood up walking to the desk and grabbing a small bell the rested on it. Lifting the bell up, she rang it a few time before sitting back down on her bed. She held up her hand motioning for Sai to wait a moment longer.

After what seemed like forever there was a knock on the door before it opened. “You summoned me Lord Sun,” Yunna said as she stood in the doorway.

“Yes,” Lymee smiled warmly at her. “It would seem that General Lye and I have much to discuss. Could you please make us some tea?”

“Of course my lord.” Yunna bowed hurrying off to go perform her assigned task closing the door as she left.

Lymee slowly turned to Sai looking at her for a moment. “How was your trip?” she asked filling the silence.

“It was hard,” Sai nodded. “But the weather was clear and we had no complications.”

“Good to hear.” Lymee nodded the silence filling the room again.

“Word reached us in the palace about how your actions won us the battle,” Sai stated.

Lymee shook her head. “To be honest I should have considered the possibility of rain before we even left. It was almost thanks to me that we were all nearly killed.”

“Lord Sun,”

Lymee lifted her hand cutting Sai off. “Please, call me Lymee. It is only fair as you have allowed me to use your true name.”

Sai let out a breath giving a slight nod in understanding. “Lord Lymee. No plan ever survives the battle field. While some are able to predict every possible scenario the best leaders are the ones who can quickly adjust to the situations presented to them.”

“I know that,” Lymee sighed, “but it was still a stupid mistake. One that I should’ve never made.”

“Tell me.” Sai rested her hands on her knees looking inquisitively at Lymee. “How many years of training and study have you had in battle and warfare?”

Lymee frowned narrowing her gaze a bit. “None.”

“Then is it not more impressive that despite the fact that you have had no formal training you were still able to come up with such a quick counter to the situation? You even kept the army from breaking. That is no small feat.”

“You didn’t see the wounded afterwards,” Lymee mumbled.

“No,” Sai agreed. “And I heard about your work in the infirmary. But do you really think that you are the only one of us to be horrified by the aftermath of a battle?”

Lymee hung her head in shame. “No I suppose not. Sorry, I spoke disrespectfully.”

Sai shook her head. “That’s quite alright. I think you have done a wonderful job considering your circumstances. It is not hard to see why so many, myself included, have become so taken with you.”

Lymee shot up glaring at the woman. Surely she had misheard that or had misunderstood what she had meant. Before she could ask for clarification there was a knock on the door.

Yunna slid the door open carrying a try with a pot of tea and two small cups on it. Sai and Lymee both smiled at her as she walked in setting the try down on the table. She gracefully picked up the pot and poured the water into the two cups. She handed each of them a cup bowing her head as she did so.

“Thank you Yunna.” Lymee took a calming sip of the tea. “Please let me know when dinner is ready.”

“Of course my lord.” Yunna bowed her head as she shuffled backwards out of the room.

“I see you are getting more used to the noble life,” Sai said taking a sip from her cup.

“I think of her more as an assistant, than a servant,” Lymee explained.

Sai frowned shaking her head. “I am not familiar with the title in this regard.”

“An assistant is more like an adviser but helps out with the medial things so the other person can focus on other matters.”

“I don’t fully understand,” Sai admitted. “But I think I understand enough. You do not see people as nobles and commoners.”

Lymee shook her head. “I don’t,” She let the half empty cup rest in her lap taking a deep steadying breath, “but we can talk about that another time. Please explain to me what this is about.”

Sai nodded setting her cup on the table behind her. “You love Alia do you not?” she asked once she had readjusted herself.

“I do.” Lymee nodded. She no reason to hide her feelings from Sai. “And before you say it, I know she says she loves me but I can’t believe it.”

“Because you say that there is only room in a person’s heart to love only one other person,” Sai finished.

Lymee shook her head. “No. I think that if you truly love someone then you wouldn’t want to love another. That you would want to spend all the time you have with the person you love why would you want to divide that time with others, regardless of how you may feel.”

Sai seemed to understand and accept that answer. “I tend to agree with you. I know that I feel that way towards Alia. I would spend every second I had with her if I could.”

“And you don’t feel jealous then when she chooses to spend time with Keo instead of you?”

“Of course I do.” Sai said it so quickly and confidently that it took Lymee by surprise. “But Keo makes Alia happy,” she continued. “So long as she is happy I could care less what happens to me. I would gladly be miserable for the rest of my life if it would bring Alia happiness. It is simply an added joy that being with me is something that also makes her happy.”

Lymee understood what she was saying but she did not completely agree with it. “But if she truly loved you wouldn’t she feel the same way? Wouldn’t she be willing to make herself miserable in order to make you happy?”

Sai took a quick breath nodding her head. “I see your point. And you are right. Which is why I think Alia is having such a hard time with you.” Sai took a deep breath. “She wants to make you happy. She wants to do whatever you say will make you happy but the same is also true for myself and for Keo. The trouble is that while just being able to be with Alia is enough to make us happy it is not enough for you.”

Lymee swallowed shifting a little uncomfortably. She took a sip from her tea cup hoping that the tea would help calm her nerves. This conversation was making her feel more uncomfortable than she had expected.

After taking a moment Sai continued. “She is torn between making us happy and making you happy, and it is tearing her apart.” She looked at Lymee with a bit of a glare. “If you truly loved her then you would sacrifice your happiness in order to make her happy. You would give up on your notion of love so that she could stop suffering.”

“But the reverse is also true,” Lymee pointed out. “If she loved me like she says she does, she would never accept me if it made me unhappy.” Lymee gave a half smile. “Someone once said that to love is to suffer.” Lymee stood up crossing the room putting the cup down on the table. Not looking at Sai she continued. “It hurts not to be with her.” She turned flashing Sai a smile. “But it would hurt more to be with her.”

There was a long silence between them. “Can I purpose a hypothetical question to you?” Sai asked turning in her seat so she was facing Lymee.

“So long as you are aware you will only get a hypothetical answer.”

“Fair enough.” Sai looked up at Lymee resting her arm on the back of the chair. “If you were to also fall in love with Keo and myself would that change anything?”

Lymee had never actually considered that a possibility. “I don’t know. Maybe. Or it could just make everything worse.” Lymee clenched her fist debating about saying anything more. “Is she really suffering so much because of me?”

Sai nodded. “She is.” She spoke so softly Lymee almost could not hear her. “She cried most of last night. All she could do was apologize that she was ruining our first night reunited together.”

“I’m sorry.” Lymee was not sure what else she could say.

“I don’t blame you.” Sai raised her hand palm out. “And I don’t blame her. I was actually happy that she felt that she could show such a vulnerable side of herself to me.” She smiled warmly at the memory glancing at the ground. “I know that might sound selfish of me.”

Lymee shook her head. “No I think I understand.” Lymee sighed sitting back down on the bed. “True love is seeing a person not just at their best but also at their worst, and still loving them nonetheless.” This was all too much. She leaned back falling on the bed her hands stretched out. She stared at the wooden bed covering. There were several intricate designs carved and painted into them that she had never been able to see in the dark of night.

Lymee could feel a presence beside her as Sai crawled on top of her. She was not being aggressive about it and Lymee did not flinch in protest. Sai was on her hands and knees their faces only a foot apart. Sai’s hair braid dangled down brushing the side of Lymee’s face. Lymee just stared into her brown eyes not moving.

They stayed that way for a long moment neither of them saying anything. After a time Sai seemed to find what she had been searching for and closed her eyes letting out a breath. She leaned down kissing Lymee on the forehead then climbed off her.

“Forgive me my lord for acting so informally around you,” Sai said straightening her clothing.

Without look up Lymee shook her head. “It’s fine. I hate when people act like if they say the wrong thing around me that I will execute them or something.” Lymee glanced at Sai by shifting her eyes. “You leaving?”

Sai nodded reading herself to go for the door. “I have gotten my answer. You are right. It would be worse for you to sleep with Alia out of obligation. You have to do it because you want to. That is the only way Alia will be happy.”

“If it’s any consolation.” Lymee moved her elbows lifting herself up so she could clearly look at Sai. “Despite what I say about polygamy, I do believe you all love each other. And the last thing I want is to make Alia unhappy.”

“I know that,” Sai said like it was obvious. “How could you not. Alia is wonderful.” She smiled bowing politely before leaving the room.

Lymee pushed her elbows out letting her fall back onto the bed. She laid on the bed unmoving her mind wandering until Yunna came to collect her.

“The evening meal is ready my lord. The others should be heading there now,” she said her voice soft.

“Do you think you could be in a sexual relationship with someone who is in several other sexual relationships?” Lymee asked still gazing up at the ceiling.

“If my lord asks it of me,” Yunna responded timidly.

Lymee sighed closing her eyes shaking her head. “I mean personally speaking.” Lymee reached out her hand as if she was trying to grab something.

“If I did not love the person then I would not care I suppose,” Yunna answered confused as to the meaning behind the question. “If I did love the person then it would depend.”

“On what?” Lymee let her hand drop her arm falling across her face.

“I do not know my lord. I have never been in love before.”

Lymee smiled despite herself. Chuckling a few times she reached out her hands beckoning with her fingers for Yunna to help her up. Taking Lymee’s hands Yunna pulled back raising Lymee to her feet. Not stopping her forward momentum Lymee leaned into Yunna wrapping her arms around her in a warm hug.

“Thank you.” She whispered in Yunna’s ear.

“My Lord?” Yunna sounded confused.

Lymee held her for a moment longer then took a step back. “It’s nothing. Just thank you for being my friend.”

Yunna looked shocked at her words tears building in her eyes. With a delighted smile she nodded.

CHAPTER 11

Lymee’s feet were killing her. It was bad enough that she had to stand for several hours but she also had to wear these strange wooden sandals with no padding. On top of all of that she was in the most uncomfortable outfit to date. It was wrapped in layers on top of layers of very fine and colorful fabric. The top layer was a bright red fabric with gold lace embroidering that felt more like a bed sheet with sleeves.

Her hair had been done up as much as possible given its short length though it had grown out a little since she had arrived. It was adorned with several pins and clips that stood out all the more against the deep blackness of her hair color. Her face felt five pounds heavier with all the makeup that she was wearing.

Her only consolation was that both Alia and Rin were just as dolled up as she was. Alia even more so having to wear her very intricate and heavy looking head piece that Lymee had concluded was a crown of some kind.

“Do you Lymee Sun,” Alia projected her voice so that all in the throne room could hear her. “Swear to uphold the Family name of the Su Clan? To do nothing to bring shame upon it and agree to submit yourself to the will of the Su Family head.”

“I Lymee Sun,” Lymee recited the words that she had memorized. “Hereby submit myself, my life and my soul to the Su family. I will treat its members like family and you as my older sister. I will submit myself to your will and agree to uphold the honor of our family. My actions will be to bring honor to our name and…” she trailed off starting to panic as she forgot the rest of the oath. She cleared her throat trying to buy some time but it was not enough.

She looked at Alia begging her for help with her gaze but Alia stood transfixed unmoving. Lymee realized that while everyone could see Alia and her reaction they could not see Lymee. Alia was acting like nothing was wrong to help cover up Lymee fumble.

Go for it. A voice in her mind told her.

“I swear to honor and cherish you for as long as I shall live.” Lymee finished her eyes wide open positive that her makeup was running with all the sweat that was running down her face.

“Then with your oath,” Alia dipped her thumb in some kind of red ink. Her other hand holding her sleeve out of the way she reached out pressing her thumb to Lymee’s forehead drawing some design that Lymee could not see. “I hereby acknowledge you as my Family and younger sister. From this day forth you are Lymee Sun Su.”

There was a loud gong sound cueing everyone to start applauding. Alia took a step forward Lymee turning around so they were shoulder to shoulder. Rin was holding Oun’s hand on the step below them representing that they were not as elevated as Lymee and Alia were.

In the front of the crowed was everyone else. Sai and Gea were dressed in a more ornamental armor, Cia in a very elegant yellow dress her brother standing next to her. Frya was standing off to the side with several other guards scanning the crowd looking for any sign of trouble.

Lymee tried to look stoic and posed like she had been told to. She was not to show happiness but she could not show displeasure either. She could not however suppress a slight flutter of excitement in her stomach.

Lymee felt someone grabbing her hand. She looked down and saw Alia gripping it tightly. Alia glanced at Lymee flashing her a momentary smile. It was there and gone so fast anyone would wonder if it was ever there at all. But Lymee knew. She squeezed Alia’s hand back her posture straightening ever so much more.

She was a part of Alia’s family now. They were now sisters in every aspect accept blood. This also officially made Lymee a lord of a Dynasty. The thought itself almost made her laugh. And once she was worried that she would never do anything with her life.

***

Things had quieted down after the ceremony. A day of celebration was called and the throne room had been turned into a banquet hall. The ceremony had been in the late morning and the celebrating had not stopped now that it was somewhere around 6. Lymee had stuck around for most of it, smiling and giving the queens wave, letting people congratulate her.

As soon as she had gotten the chance she has slipped out getting a breath of fresh air. The night was cool but not cold. It felt refreshing considering how hot she had become in her stuffy elegant attire. Her sandals hung from her fingers like a pair of painful high heels. Considering where she was walking she knew she would likely take hell for it later once Yunna had to wash her socks, but she would apologize then.

As she approached the balcony area of the palace she spotted someone leaning against the railing looking out at the city in front of them. They had not seemed to have noticed that Lymee was there yet. By their yellow attire Lymee guessed that it was either Cia or her brother Arn. As she drew closer she saw the broad shoulders and lack of any femininity. It would seem that it was Arn.

“Nice night,” Lymee said as she neared the man.

Noticing someone behind him Arn turned around to see who it was. Upon seeing Lymee he straightened his posture putting his hands in his sleeves and bowing deeply. “My lord Sun. Congratulations to you and many heavenly blessings be upon you and your family.”

“Thank you.” Lymee smiled. She had heard that phrase countless times today. “Mind if I join you for a moment?” Without waiting for his answer she moved forward. She crouched down setting her sandals on the floor before letting her hands rest on the railing.

“Not at all my lord.” Arn moved to the side giving her some room. “You would do me a great honor by gracing me with your presence and perhaps indulging me with some conversation.”

“Please stop that,” Lymee sighed hanging her head slightly. “I can’t stand it when people use such flowery language around me. It makes it harder to know what they are truly thinking.”

“How so?” Arn rested his hands on the railing staring at Lymee.

“It’s harder to lie with fewer words,” Lymee flashed the man a smile.

Arn smiled at the answer nodding in agreement. “I was always told that the more formal the language the more respect you show them.”

“Ever heard the adage actions speak louder than words?” Lymee leaned back as far as she could still holding on to the railing with her fingertips. She glanced at Arn who looked confused. “I would rather people show me respect through how they act and not by how they talk.”

“I see. That is very unique way of looking at things.”

“I doubt it,” Lymee said. “Just most people who think that aren’t in the position I’m now in.”

“Were you common born my lord?” Arn asked. “Sorry,” he immediately retracted. “I should not ask such things. You are a lord after all.”

“It’s fine.” Lymee leaned forward putting her weight on her elbows gazing out at the lights of the city. “Where I am from there really isn’t such a thing as nobility. There are the rich and there are poor, but there was no lineage that stated someone had to be rich or would always be poor. It was more of a meritocracy.”

“Might I inquire as to what standing you held in this place?”

“You can.” Lymee looked at him holding back a smile as she waited for him to ask her. After a moment she let out a laugh resting her cheek on her forearms looking up Arn. “I was born into a middle class family. My father was a navy man. Worked for the military. My mom was a woman he met in a port city.”

“You come from a military family then?” Arn asked trying to put it into a perspective that he understood.

Lymee shrugged indifferently. “I guess. I don’t know much about my mother’s lineage. She doesn’t like to talk about it. Said it wasn’t important to the here and now. But my great grandfather on my father’s side fought in World War…” Lymee caught herself covering her words with a cough, “a great war but he was conscripted. My grandfather never served. My dad enlisted as soon as he was old enough and never looked back.”

“And now you are the first in line to a powerful Dynasty.” Arn finished trying to sound encouraging.

“Well if this thing with you and my sister goes through then I would think pretty soon there will be others who will take that spot.”

Arn seemed to grow quiet as if debating what he should say. “Would that displease you?”

Lymee shook her head. “Not really. I never wanted to rule. Alia…” Lymee took a deep breath. “Sorry Hanna assured me that if I agreed to become part of her family I would never have to rule. That’s why I agreed to it in the first place.”

“Strange,” Arn said.

“What?”

He shrugged slightly. “It’s just most women I know want nothing more than to rule over others. I have seem families torn apart over it.”

“And what about you?” Lymee sat up. “Do you want to rule?”

“Ruling is not the place of a male,” he said diplomatically.

“That’s not what I asked,” Lymee pressed.

Arn took a deep breath mulling his thoughts over. “I guess I have never thought about it. There are things I think I would do differently if I was in charge, but then I think that I am a man and incapable of understanding the complexities that goes into ruling.”

Lymee let out a laugh. She laughed so hard and so long that her sides started to hurt and she became winded.

“What was so amusing my lord?” Arn seemed concerned as well as confused by her sudden outburst.

“Sorry,” Lymee calmed down enough to be able to speak. “Just hearing a man say that was something I never thought I would live to hear.” Her breath slowed and her laughter subsided. “Are you really alright with marrying my sister?” Lymee asked after a time.

“I have no feelings toward marrying her in particular. I do not mind having to marry her, or you if it comes down to it.” He looked down at Lymee looking her straight in the eye. There was no trace of deceit in them.

“I am not going to marry you,” Lymee said flatly. “No offence to you but that is just not going to happen.”

“I understand,” he nodded.

Lymee doubted he truly did but she would just let the matter be. “So you are okay with being married off to my family? To someone whom until a few days ago you had never met. And then spend the rest of your life with them.”

“Are you wondering if I would rather marry for love?” he smiled.

Lymee nodded a few times. “Yeah I kind of am.”

Arn paused for a moment while he collected his thoughts. “I am in the fortunate situation that I do not have someone whom I love. As such to marry anyone would be all the same to me. Maybe one day that will not be true but for now…” he trailed off with a shrug and a smile.

“That sounds like such a lonely life,” Lymee let out a depressed breath leaning against the railing letting one of her arms dangle off the edge.

“If this marriage can spare the lives of thousands of others then what is one life of unhappiness in the face of that?” he suggested.

“Greater good and all that?” Lymee sighed.

“Is that so wrong?” Arn asked genuinely.

“A lot of terrible things have been done in the name of the greater good,” Lymee said standing up so she was leaning on the railing with her hands. “We have no idea what the future will bring. So the only thing we can do is the most good in the here and now.”

“You are a strange one,” Arn said smiling but he was not trying to be belittling.

“There you are brother,” a voice called out to them.

Arn and Lymee turned around to see who had called out to them.

Cia was storming in their direction. Seeing Lymee next to him she came to an abrupt halt. “Lord Sun.” She bowed her head. “Sorry I did not mean to intrude.”

“It’s fine.” Lymee straightened her back letting her hands drop to her side. “Your brother was just keeping me company while I collected myself.”

“I hope that he was an adequate conversationalist then,” Cia said putting on a smile.

Lymee rolled her eyes looking at Arn. “This is what I was talking about in regards to words hiding one's true feelings.”

“My sister simply hopes to not offend you,” Arn explained.

“Arn,” Cia snapped. “How dare you take such a familiar tone with Lord Sun.?”

“It’s all right.” Lymee held up a hand. “We are on a true name basis after all.” She glanced up at Arn a smile on her face. She hoped he did not mind the little lie of familiarity. “Thank you Lord Arn. I shall be returning now.”

Taking the cue from Lymee he bowed respectfully raising his hands tucked in his sleeves up to his forehead. “As you say Lord Lymee.”

Lymee smiled then not changing her expression she looked at Cia. “See all friends here.” She pushed her sleeve back as she reached down to pick up her sandals not quite ready to put them back on. Standing up Lymee began to walk off giving a single nod to Cia as she passed.

Cia bowed her head in return waiting for her to pass before turning towards her brother. Lymee did not even try to listen to what they talked about. She was too tired and there was for too much left for her to do for her to worry about them.

***

“My lord Hanna.” Cia spoke up so her voice could be heard over the crowd of people.

They had only just started the evening meal. Lymee had returned just before she was missed and she saw Arn and Cia come in a few minutes later. Lymee was sure they did not want to be absent and make it seem as though they did not care about such a celebratory event.

“What is it Lord Vix.” As Alia responded some of the noise around them died down. Partly out of respect and party out of wanting to hear what was to be said.

Cia placed her chopsticks down in front of her signaling this was not idle conversation. “You told me the other day that you could not give us your reply until after the adoption ceremony. Well the adoption ceremony is has now concluded and I would beg for your answer.”

“Politics is not a proper topic for dinner conversation, Lord Vix,” Lymee stated. She leaned into and whispered to Alia. “It’s not right?”

Alia gave an affirmative nod and Lymee straightened back up like nothing had happened.

“I apologize my lords if I am being too abrupt.” Cia placed her hands on the table and bowed her head. “But I fear that I cannot wait any longer. My mother wishes an alliance with your Dynasty. We wish to prevent any bloodshed between our people. As a token of friendship and in the spirit of cooperation we are willing to join our families through marriage with my elder brother.” She gestured her hand to Arn sitting next to her. “Are these not expectable terms?”

Lymee frowned a bit. She knew Cia was trying to back Alia into a corner. By bringing this up now she was forcing a reply and by laying her demands out for all to hear. If Alia turned her down it would make it look like Alia was the war monger.

Alia though did not seem upset by this in the slightest. She casually wiped off her mouth with a table cloth before letting it rest in her lap. “No.”

A silence fell on the room as everyone in attendance waited for further clarification.

“No to what?” Cia pressed.

“I will not accept you alliance proposal.” Alia elaborated her voice in a firm soprano.

Lymee tightened up surprised by her utter rejection. What was she playing at?

“I will however” Alia continued, “accept your immediate and absolute surrender.”

Cia’s eyes went wide in shock. “You would have us surrender? We have taken a head count of your forces. You could barely muster 20 thousand if you tried. Our dynasty already has 50 thousand mobilized and ready for war.”

“Is that a threat?” Alia glared at Cia. Her voice was cold and sharp. “While I do not doubt the size of your army I think you realize that numbers are not everything in war. If they were then you would have invaded when we divided our forces. The fact of the matter is that we are a battle hardened Dynasty as where your soldiers have never fought in an actual battle. And while you may be able to field the numbers you cannot properly arm all of them, nor could you provide them with any kind of decent armor. You might as well be throwing angry farmers at us. They are just as likely to break and run at the sight of our soldiers as they are to surrender on the spot.”

Lymee did her best not to frown. Alia seemed to be speaking with a lot of bravado. She was not sure if Alia was actually so confident or if she was just bluffing.

“If you thought so little of us then why did you take on the much smaller and weaker Hu province first?” Cia was trying to regain control of the talks. By trying to force Alia’s hand Alia was now able to turn it around and force her own.

“Because they actually posed a threat.” Alia glanced at Rin who was sitting to her left flashing her a smile and wink. “Now that we have bested them we can now consolidate our forces before assaulting Bengui. You feared this yourselves did you not? That is why you came so desperately seeking an alliance with us.”

“We wish to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Cia defended.

“Your own blood you mean.” Alia’s voice became even more authoritative. “You showed us how desperate you were by sending both you and Lord Tren here.”

“It was a sign of trust,” Cia declared.

“It was a sign of desperation,” Alia corrected. “You probably thought you stood a chance if you just waited to see who won this little battle for the Hu province, let us wear each other out. But what you could not count on was that we would receive Divine support.”

Cia looked over at Lymee. Lymee tried her best to not show any kind of expression. She wanted nothing to do with this conversation. Obviously Alia had her own thing going and Lymee was not part of it. She did not like the idea of Alia using the misnomer about her to get a leg up in this conversation but she was not going to correct her in front of everyone either.

“I already know that there is no Heavenly Fox,” Cia scoffed brushing the statement aside. “Those were just rumors started by old men and gossiping wives. Your sister has already told me as much.”

Lymee shot a look at Alia to show her that she had never done any such thing, but Alia was focused solely on Cia.

“Oh but there is,” Alia declared a wicked smile creeping on her face. There was a slight murmur from the sudden statement. “She is right here.” She motioned to Lymee. “It was a title that I gave her after she planned and then lead our soldiers to victory against Hu.”

Cia looked at Lymee again not sure what to make of the statement. Lymee just smiled sheepishly back.

“And while she may not be an actual fox she is from another world than our own,” Alia continued. “A world where even a commoner like herself knows more about medicine and warfare than the greatest philosophers of our world.”

Lymee held her breath not having had wanted her coming out party to be like this. Up until this point Alia had never actually stated where Lymee had come from. She had often said she was a gift from the heavens but that could be interpreted in any number of different ways. There would be no way to deny it later now that Alia was announcing this in front of so many nobles. But Lymee wondered if that was not part of Alia’s plan.

“You have already seen some of her inventions have you not?” Alia asked her smug smile growing. “Simple yet innovative is what you said if I recall.”

Lymee frowned. When had Alia heard about that? It was not like Lymee had told her. She was going to but the opportunity had not arisen.

Cia looked down at the table biting her lower lip trying desperately to find a way out of this. She had hoped to use the crowd to her advantage but it was quickly turning into a detriment. Lymee could see the wheels turning in her mind.

“And even if she not a Heavenly Fox.” There was no hesitation in Alia’s words. “Do you think you could convince your men of this fact,” she paused. “Would it matter if you told them that the rumors were false? Would they believe you? That the beautiful woman that appeared in the middle of a battle and saved the Su leader from soldiers, then defeated the Su’s best general in one on one combat. Then while leading a battle she used her magic to signal our forces to advance. After words she negotiated the peaceful surrender of this city. Then used her magic again to cure the sick and wounded. You think you can convince them that these stories are not true and that she was not sent by providence?” Alia waited a beat letting her words sink into Cia mind. “I do not think you can. And I am willing to wager everything on it.”

There was a long silence throughout the room. Alia was not backing down peering at Cia who was still gazing down at the table. Lymee felt sorry for the woman. It must have felt like all her efforts were for nothing and that her world was crashing down around her. Though Lymee also knew that was when some people were the most dangerous. The moment they felt they had nothing left to lose was when they did something desperate.

Then Lymee saw it. A smile crept onto Cia’s face. She was going to do it. She was going to pull some last ditch card. Her mutually assured destruction option.

“Sister,” a male voice chimed up breaking the silence.

Cia snapped her head to her brother sitting beside her. He had reached out a comforting hand resting it on her own. “Arn, what are you-”

“Sister,” Arn repeated again. His voice was soft and soothing.

This little nudge seemed to calm Cia down.

Arn looked at Lymee. He gave her a friendly smile as he rose to his feet. “You are right my lord,” he declared in a loud voice. “We do not feel that we could win in a war with you. We accept your terms for surrender and throw ourselves at your mercy.” He placed his hands in his sleeves bowing his head.

There was a long moment while Cia just sat there. Arn did not move continuing his bow waiting for his sister. Cia closed her eyes standing to her feet. She slid her hands into her sleeves bowing her head to Alia.

Lymee looked at Alia who nodded slowly. “That is most brave of you. Both of you.” She stood up sliding her own hands into her sleeves. “Any fool can be stubborn and refuse to back down. However it takes a wise person to admit when they are beaten.” She bowed her head at the two showing a mutual respect for her fallen foes.

Lymee let out a breath that she did not realize that she had been holding. She was not sure going in how all of this would end but she did not for a second think that it would end with both sides bowing to each other.

Lymee stood up as well not sure if what she was doing was the right thing given the circumstance but she needed to show how she felt. She clasped her hands together, her sleeves covering them as she bowed her head to Cia and Arn.

Rin then followed suit. Standing and bowing to the two. That was all it took before every noble woman around the table was standing showing their respect. However in Lymee’s mind she was not bowing to both of them. In her mind she was only bowing to Arn. He was the one who had swallowed his pride and capitulated. Cia had only followed his example.

***

“So how do you intend to handle the Bengui family?” Lymee asked scrubbing her face with the washcloth making sure she had gotten the last of the makeup off.

Alia thought about it stopping her stroking of Sai’s bare arm. The three of them were in the bath. Lymee with her back to the entrance Alia and Sai taking up the side to her left.

Rin had said that she had already taken a bath with Oun and Yunna refused to bathe with them given the company. Lymee would have preferred to have another neutral party with her but she also thought that Sai would help her if Alia tried anything given their previous conversation.

“I do not think I can handle this like I did with Rin,” Alia stated returning to stroking Sai’s arm. “Leaving them in power would be just as bad as agreeing to their alliance. The chance of betrayal is too high.”

“You can’t make them into a branch family?” Lymee asked stretching her arms out to her sides resting on the ledge. The hot water would every once and a while bounce up and hit the bottom of her breasts.

Alia bent her head kissing the top of Sai’s head. Sai was silently laying on her back using the top of Alia’s breasts as a pillow her hair tied up in a bun to keep it from getting wet.

“I doubt it would do any good,” Alia closed her eyes reclining her head back. “There is nothing stopping them from seceding and forming their own family. It is what we did to them twenty years ago after all.”

“Is there anything stopping Rin?” Lymee asked.

“Sure,” Alia smiled. “She would never do such a thing.”

Lymee smiled nodding in agreement. Rin adored Alia that much was obvious. The fact that Alia had not only spared her and her sister but also accepted them into her family was more than enough to secure their eternal loyalty.

However Cia and her mother would not come around so easily.

“You aren’t going to say that you should execute them are you?” Lymee did not think that was likely but at the same time she could not be sure.

“That could work actually,” Sai said glancing up at Alia.

“No it could not,” Alia sighed leaning her cheek into the top of Sai’s head. “If they surrendered to us willingly before war was even declared and then we executed them anyway then no one would ever be willing to surrender to us again. Besides, after that display of respect earlier we would only lose face by taking such an action.”

“I hate to bring this up but I think I have too,” Lymee sunk further into the water letting it reach up to her neck. “But what if Vix’s mother, lord…”

“…Ele,” Sai said.

“Ele, thank you.” Lymee nodded at her. “What if Lord Ele doesn’t surrender despite Vix’s reassurances?”

Alia shook her head. “That will not happen. To send an emissary is to send someone to speak with all the authority of the lord that they serve. For Lord Ele to not accept the surrender would be to go against their own word. They would lose any and all support from other lords once it got out that their word could not be trusted. They would lose everything in the end anyway.”

“Still,” Sai absently was stroking Alia’s skin as she spoke. “I think it would be prudent to be on our guard. While it would be foolish to try anything now, we cannot discount the possibility.”

Alia nodded in agreement putting a second arm around Sai pressing her even tighter into her. Lymee silently watched them, Sai closing her eyes taking in the feeling of being embraced by Alia. Lymee had to reflect on how far she had come in such a short time.

The first time she had seen Alia and Sai kiss she had been filled with jealousy and betrayal. While Lymee did still feel a bit jealous her feelings were far more neutral on the matter. She could join them at any time Lymee knew that and that knowledge made dealing with them a bit easier. Though she did have to wonder if Alia did actually dump Sai and Keo for Lymee would that really make Lymee happy. It was obvious that they loved each other. To break that love seemed cruel.

While she still thought she was right to want to be in a monogamous relationship, and she really wanted to be with Alia she was not sure if being with Alia right now was what she wanted.

Lymee started to feel light headed. She leaned her forehead into her hand closing her eyes. “I think I am going to get out,” Lymee put her other hand on the ledge lifting herself out of the water.

Sai and Alia watched her as she stood up.

“We did not scare you off did we?” Alia asked fearing that her show of affection towards Sai had upset Lymee.

“No,” Lymee assured stepping out of the bath. “Just think I have been in too long.” The door opened and Yunna walked in wrapping Lymee with a towel. “Though I will leave you two alone.” She looked back at them with a knowing grin.

Lymee stood still as Yunna dressed her into her night outfit. It was a little less revealing than the one she had been wearing. After expressing her discomfort about wearing something so skimpy, Yunna brought her something that was apparently more common.

Lymee had to wonder if Alia had something to do with her previous outfit.

“Would you like me to bring you some tea or anything?” Yunna asked as they neared the door to Lymee’s room.

“Thank you Yunna but I’m fine,” she assured her. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight my lord,” Yunna bowed.

“Goodnight,” Lymee nodded. She glanced over at the guard standing next to the door. “Night George.” She nodded to the man opening the door and stepped inside her room. She doubted the man’s name was George but since they never said anything to her she just started making up random names for them. She did not know if they minded but she took their silence on the matter to mean they were fine with it.

It was dark in the room so Lymee lit a paper lamp on the table next to the door using it as a night light.

“Evening,” a voice called out from the darkness.

Lymee jumped surprised by the unexpected voice. She moved the lamp in front of her trying to get a view of the person who had spoken. The soft glow of the lamp revealed Rin laying under the sheets in Lymee’s bed.

Lymee check her surrounding double checking that she was in her room and not in Rin’s by accident.

“I thought we talked about this Rin.” Lymee sighed setting the lamp down on the nightstand.

“We did.” Rin sat up the sheets falling around her waist revealing her bare skin. The light seemed to catch on the blue butterfly tattoos down her sides causing them to sheen.

“Then why are you here?” Lymee sat down on the side of the bed twisting her hips a little so she was facing Rin.

“I thought about what you said.” Rin placed her hands in her lap looking down. “And you were right. I offered myself out of some obligatory sense of duty and that was wrong.”

Lymee did not say anything. She only stared at Rin waiting for her to find her words.

Rin looked up Lymee speaking with a little more confidence. “This time it is different. I love you.” She seemed embarrassed by what she had just said breaking eye contact.

Lymee smiled. Her breasts were so ripe and plump. They were not large but they were big enough to get a good hand full. She fought the compulsion to lean in and start sucking on one of the nipples.

Taking a calming breath Lymee looked back at Rin’s eyes. She could not let herself get distracted now.

“I think,” Rin fidgeted with her thumbs a little. “It happened when I watched you work in the infirmary. The way that you helped those people, that look in your eye of total determination. It was beautiful. Not only that. It is the way you play with Oun. The way you smile, the sound of your laugh. The way you treat everyone equally and with compassion. You do not look down on other. I love everything about you.”

Lymee could not say that she was not flattered by her words.

“So this time,” Rin continued. “I offer myself to you not because you saved me and my sister or any obligatory reason.” She looked up at Lymee opening herself up to her. “I want you because I love you and I want to be with you.”

Lymee reached out cupping the side of Rin’s face with her hand. Rin did not pull back instead nuzzled it a bit. She could see this time the love in her eyes that had not been there before. Lymee leaned in and pressed her forehead against Rin’s. It would be so easy. She was only inches from her lips. She could kiss her, once she did that she knew she would not be able to stop herself.

“Thank you Rin.” Lymee let out a breath. “But while you may love me…” she looked up so she was staring her in the eyes. “I do not have those feelings for you.”

Lymee could feel Rin’s body tense up. She grabbed the bed sheets in her lap closing her eyes to shut back the tears.

“Hey,” Lymee leaned back a little bringing her other hand up so both were cupping Rin’s face. “That doesn’t mean I can’t or won’t have those feelings for you,” she assured her. “Or that I don’t think you attractive and don’t want this.” She glanced over Rin’s naked body with a sense of longing. “I just don’t know you well enough to have developed those feelings yet.”

Rin’s eyes sparkled a little, hope flooding through her body.

“So what does that mean exactly?” Rin held her breath.

Lymee let go of Rin leaning back all the way. She smiled giving a playful shrug. “Well the point of dating someone is to get to know them better. To see if they have enough in common to take it further.”

“Dating?” Rin was unfamiliar with the word.

Lymee sighed trying to think of an appropriate substitute. “Courting I guess.” She scrunched her cheeks not sure that was what she was going for. “When two people are attracted to each other so they spend time together to see if it’s more than just friendship.”

Rin seemed to understand the explanation and nodded a smile creeping on her face. “Sounds good.” Suddenly she lunged forward wrapping her arms around Lymee’s neck. Her bare breasts pressed into Lymee’s chest her nipples rubbing through Lymee’s clothes into her own nipples.

“Rin you are a very beautiful woman and naked in my bed, my will power is at its limit,” Lymee begged fighting the urge to return the embrace. She knew if she felt her soft skin in her arms she would lose control.

“Sorry.” Rin let go of Lymee grabbing the bed sheets covering her body. “You are right this was unfair of me. I will return to my room now.” She threw the covers off as much as she could with Lymee still sitting on the bed. She brought her legs up to her chest spinning on the bed her feet moving around Lymee.

Lymee noticed that Rin was newly shaven. She probably shaved her body before coming here. She was also wearing light makeup. The blue eye shadow accentuated her eyes, her lipstick giving her lips just a hint of blue shade. She had gone to a lot of work to make herself look her best before coming here.

Lymee sighed shaking her head. “Hold on.” She could not believe she was going to say this. “If you put some clothes on, and promise not to do anything.” She glared at her on that last part. “I don’t see any reason you have to leave. This would give us a chance to talk after all.”

Rin’s face lit up as she tried to hold back a smile. “I promise.” She said failing to keep the excitement out of her voice. A shadow came over Rin’s face the excitement draining from her expression. “What about you and Alia? Will this be a problem?”

Lymee shook her head. “There is nothing going on between us.”

“But you both want there to be.” Her voice did not sound like it was a question but it did not sound too condescending either.

Lymee sighed. They both sat on the edge of the bed their feet hanging off the end. Though Lymee found it a little distracting having Rin completely nude. “It’s complicated,” she said finally, hating the words even as she said them. “But as things are now nothing will ever happen between us other than friendship. I will cherish her as a sister and that has to be enough.” Lymee looked at Rin thinking she understood the real unasked question. “I am not using you as some way of getting over her if that is what you are worried about.”

Rin blushed a little probably ashamed that it was true. “I just…”

“It’s fine,” Lymee cut her off. “My feelings towards will have nothing to do with my feelings for Alia.” Lymee smiled. “Now please put some clothes on.”

Rin leaned over putting a peck on Lymee’s cheek. Before Lymee could react Rin had stood up heading towards the changing area.

Lymee just sat there and watched her walk away absently rubbing the cheek Rin had kissed. Rin’s skin gleamed in soft lantern as she swayed her hips as she walked. Lymee honestly considered if she could rub one out before Rin came back.

CHAPTER 12

“Why do you have that?” Oun was clinging to Lymee’s dress as she whittled down the overly blunt and heavy edges of the yo-yo in her hands with a small knife.

“Because it’s a toy,” Lymee blew off some of the shavings.

“No it’s not,” Oun declared. “That’s what the guards use.”

“That’s true,” Lymee nodded. “But where I am from we use these as toys. Let me show you.” Lymee stood up from the edge of the porch winding the string around the yo-yo.

Letting it drop she put it into a sleeper then brought it back to her hand. She did this a few times getting a feel for the yo-yo and gauging the time she could keep it in the sleeper. Oun looked up at Lymee with amazement and wonder entranced by the show.

Lymee waggled her eyebrows doing a quick ‘walk the dog’ then ‘around the world’. Feeling confidant she put it in the sleeper again and did ‘rock the cradle’. Oun’s eyes lit up transfixed on the yo-yo as it spun around.

“That’s so amazing,” she clapped.

“I did not know you were such an expert with a yo-yo,” Rin said. She was standing a few feet back watching as Lymee and her little sister played together.

“I’m not,” Lymee said casually moving her wrist up and down. “My therapist gave me one as a way of working off stress and tension after…” Lymee pressed her lips together. She did not really want to tell anyone that she was almost rapped once. “Anyways. I played with the thing constantly for like three months. Never got past the basic tricks though.”

“Can I try? Can I try?” Oun reached up with her hands flexing her fingers as if grabbing at the air.

Lymee looked at Rin for approval. Rin shrugged as if to say why not.

“Alright,” Lymee knelt down slipping the string off her finger. “But it is hard to get at first,” she warned.

“That’s alright,” Oun declared though Lymee wondered how long that attitude would last.

She took Oun’s hand and slipped the sting onto her finger. Before Lymee could give her instructions Oun let the yo-yo fall staring intently at it. With a loud thud the yo-yo hit the floor rolling a few inches before reaching the end of the string.

Lymee held back a laugh the best that she could. Oun looked up at Lymee tears in her eyes on the verge of crying.

“It’s okay.” Lymee bent down putting a hand on the back of her head bringing her in tight to her chest. She looked up at Rin who was trying to hold back her laugh just as much as Lymee was. “We just need to shorten the string that’s all.”

“Making children cry?” Lymee recognized the voice as Alia’s.

Rin heard the voice and took a step back giving Alia room to walk passed her. “Good morning my lord,” Rin greeted lowering her gaze.

“Good morning Lord Rin.” Alia returned the greeting.

“Good morning Alia.” Lymee patted Oun on the back of her head. She looked around trying to think of a way to great Alia properly.

Alia shook her head telling Lymee not to worry about it so Lymee went back to soothing Oun.

“I just wanted to inform you that we will be heading back to Su province tomorrow,” Alia stated.

Lymee frowned slightly. “Already?”

Alia gave a single nod. “We need to be there to sign the surrender agreement. Lord Ele will be meeting us there.”

“They’re coming to us instead of us going to them?” Lymee asked.

“I figured then even if they are going to betray us it would be better for them to do it on our land and not theirs,” Alia explained. She turned slightly towards Rin. “I think you can handle things from here. We have already made you a new seal and I will leave General Uin here with you, as we had previously discussed.”

Rin shot a quick glance at Lymee. It was obvious that she was saddened over the fact that the two of them would be separated so soon but she recovered quickly. “Thank you my lord.” Rin bowed her head. “I will always be indebted to the kindness that you have shown us.”

“Rin.” Alia reached her hand out grabbing Rin’s chin lifting her gaze so they looked at each other. “When in private like now. There is no reason for you to lower your head to me. We are family after all. More than that I consider you a friend, and friends support each other not submit to them.”

Rin straightened her back smiling. “Of course Lord Alia.”

Alia smiled looking down at Lymee.

Oun had stopped crying now and looked up at Lymee new tears in her eyes. “Are you leaving us?”

“It seems that way,” Lymee smiled weakly stroking the top of Oun’s head.

“When will you be coming back?” her lip quivered.

“I don’t know,” Lymee said honestly. “Soon I hope.” She looked up at Alia for confirmation.

Oun let out a wail as she drove her face into Lymee’s chest unintentionally motor boating her breasts. “I don’t want you to go. Don’t leave me. Mommy left and now you.” Her tears were making Lymee’s top damp.

Lymee cringed not wanting to touch the subject of Oun’s mother and not wanting to say anything that would be considered insensitive.

“Leelee” Rin cooed reaching down grabbing her little sister under her armpits and lifting her up so she was carrying her on her chests. “Lymee will not be gone forever,” she soothed. “We will see her again. After all,” she looked over at Alia, “There will have to be some sort of annual political gathering.”

Alia looked like she had not thought of that before but nodded in agreement. “You are quite right.”

“Sorry,” Lymee waved a hand as she stood up.

“When one rules over more than a single province like we now do.”

Lymee raised her eyebrows internally asking another question.

“After the surrender five.” Alia answered. Lymee nodded in thanks. “It becomes necessary for the ruler to meet with government officials at some kind of gathering,” Alia continued. “It can be anything, an annual party or celebration, birthday, holiday, the point is to get all the officials together on a regular basis.”

“This helps promote unity between the different provinces as well as offer a platform to bring matters to the ruler,” Rin said.

Lymee nodded seeing the logic behind it. “Also gives a place for the ruler to enforce their rule if needed.”

“Precisely,” Alia nodded. “I have never held one before as we have never been big enough to have a need but now.” She took a deep breath a smile creeping on her face.

“You’re the ruler of a Dynasty.” Lymee finished.

Alia’s smile turned into a grin. The excitement looked so childish in nature. “Yes.”

“You never answered my question from last night,” Lymee stated folding her arms around her waist. “What do you intend to do with the Bengui family?”

Alia’s excitement faded from her face. Lymee was a little sad to see it go. Alia was extremely cute with that innocent pure joy that she just had. “I will remove them from their position, letting them keep their noble standing but without any title or power. They will become one of dozens of small noble houses that live in this land.”

Lymee did not say anything. It seemed reasonable and fair, though to be the leader of an entire Dynasty to then leader of nothing, noble standing or no that would be hard on anyone.

“Well I need to return to my duties.” Alia said after a short time. “Rin, Lymee.” She reached out a hand stroking Oun’s head. “Oun,” she smiled. “I will take my leave.”

Lymee waved instinctively as Alia walked back the way that she had come.

Rin let out a long sigh looking Lymee. “So much for getting to know each other.”

“I’m sorry,” Lymee sighed. “To be honest we should have thought about that before.”

Rin nodded in agreement. “You are right. We knew you would be returning sooner rather than later. I doubt you would have stayed much longer even if all of this with Bengui had never happened.”

Lymee walked over putting a hand on Oun’s head. Oun turned her head so she could look at Lymee.

“Why don’t you keep that?” Lymee pointed to the yo-yo clutched in Oun’s hand the string balled up around it. “When I see you next time you can show me how much better you’ve gotten.”

Oun looked like she might start crying again but just nodded with a sniffle. Lymee looked up at Rin. “We still have today,” she offered. “There is no reason we can’t enjoy ourselves.”

Rin shook her head. “I have work that I must do. If Lord Alia is to leave tomorrow then we must officially transfer power to me. I will probably be busy for the remainder of the day.” She had such a look of regret as she spoke.

“I could still keep you company,” Lymee offered.

A smile twitched on the corners of Rin’s mouth. “I would love that.”

***

“My lords.” Sai bowed her head respectfully as Lymee and Alia approached. She was dressed in full battle rabble her helmet tucked under her arm.

“Good morning General Sai,” Alia greeted. “Is everything ready for our departure?”

“It is my lord,” Sai answered keeping her gaze low. “We have you traveling in a separate carriage than Lord Vix and Lord Tren.” Sai gestured to the carriages that were waiting for them further down the cobbled courtyard.

One of them had a yellow color scheme and Lymee recognized it as the one that Arn and Cia had arrived in. Leaving the second one that had red paint and banners to be the one that Lymee and Alia would be riding in.

Lymee was not going to lie and say she was not looking forward to taking this trip in a carriage as opposed to on horseback, not to mention she would not be clad in armor marching to war this time around.

“My lords.” Came a voice from behind them.

Sai glanced over Lymee and Alia’s shoulder seeing who it was. Recognizing them she stood at a semi attention. “My lords,” she greeted.

Lymee and Alia turned around seeing Rin walking out of the palace towards them. She was holding the hand of Oun who still looked half asleep rubbing absently at her eye. They were flanked by Gea and Frya. Frya was wearing her guard armor where Gea was dressed more nobly, Frya looking the more comfortable out of the two.

“Good morning,” Alia greeted. “Here to see us off Lord Rin?”

“We are,” Rin nodded. “My sister would have never forgiven me if we missed it.” she looked down at her sister squeezing her small hand.

Lymee smiled at the sight of them. Then she turned to Frya and Gea. While she had not had much time to talk to Frya she had gotten to know her a little. She was going to miss them both.

“Safe journey my lord.” Gea bowed her head respectfully at Lymee.

“Here.” Lymee held out her hand. “Hold out your hand like this.”

Gea obliged holding out her hand. Lymee then grabbed her wrist squeezing it with a strong pump. “I was told that handshakes like waving started when two warriors would show respect and trust by showing that their weapon hand was empty.”

Gea looked down at their hands smiling at the gesture. “Thank you my lord.”

Lymee nodded moving to Frya. She offered her hand to the woman who hesitantly took it. “I am sorry we didn’t get to know each other more,” Lymee said regretfully. “If we ever see each other again I would like to rectify that.”

“As would I my lord.” Frya gave Lymee a solid pump with her hand.

Moving over to Rin and Oun Lymee crouched down so she was at eye level with Oun. Lymee was sure this was breaking all kinds of etiquette rules considering her attire but she did not care. She was the sister of the lord after all. She could do what she wanted. Oun was hiding herself slightly behind her big sister not out of fear but trying to hide her sadness.

“Do I get a hug?” Lymee asked holding her arms.

Oun hesitated then ran forward lunging into Lymee’s arms. With a bit of a grunt Lymee embraced the girl holding her tightly. After a moment she broke away Oun sniffling her eyes red and puffy.

“And I expect to see your yo-yo abilities next time okay?” Lymee smiled.

Oun sniffed again nodding her head. Lymee stood up so she was looking at Rin. She too looked like she was about to cry though she was doing a better job at hiding it.

“Do I get this handshake too?” Rin asked.

“No,” Lymee moved in wrapping her arms around her. “You get a hug.”

Rin returned the hug squeezing Lymee tightly. “Don’t fall in love with anyone else until you give me a chance at least,” she whispered in Lymee’s ear.

“No promises,” Lymee teased.

Rin made a fist and pounded Lymee in the back trying to laugh but it came out more as a cry. Lymee moved her hands up holding Rin on the sides of her head kissing her on the forehead.

“Remember this isn’t goodbye,” Lymee said. “It’s see you later.”

Rin smiled nodding weakly. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Lymee turned and saw Alia saying her goodbyes to Gea. Even Gea seemed to be breaking up a little as she talked to her. Lymee realized that she did not actually know what relationship Alia had with her generals. While she was sure she was not sleeping with any of them, other than Sai, Alia did seem like the kind of person to be close friends with each of them. Lymee realized that she should probably make an effort to do the same.

Having said all their goodbyes Alia and Lymee headed for their carriage. Sai opened the door for them standing to the side letting them climb in.

“Is Yunna not joining us?” Lymee asked as they started to climb in.

“She will be with the other servants further behind us,” Alia said moving in behind Lymee.

Lymee kind of wished that Yunna would be riding along with them. Though she supposed that could be considered inappropriate. She let the matter drop moving across the carriage.

“This is different,” Lymee said sitting down on the cushioned bench that ran the length of the cart.

“In what way?” Alia asked sitting across from Lymee. She nodded at Sai a look that held more than just a simple reassurance that they were ready.

“Well the only carriages that I am familiar with were European ones.” Lymee paused thinking how to explain what she had just said. “A continent that most technology is based from. Anyway, they all had doors on the sides not on the back meaning the seats went front and back not side and side.”

“I would think you would not be able to hold as many people that way,” Alia said as she casually reached down and grabbing the edge of the seat.

There was a slight lurch as the cart started to move. Lymee was jostled around from the sudden movement as where Alia held onto the seat edge and was fine.

“They can’t,” Lymee nodded. “But they had bigger windows that were easier to see out of.” She glanced out the small window behind Alia. “I didn’t say this was bad only different. After all this way I can do this.” Lymee spun on her seat laying on her back using her hands as a pillow. She could not stretch all the way out having to bend her knees slightly but it was still moderately comfortable.

“How long will it take to get to Su province?” Lymee turned her head so she was looking at Alia.

“We should arrive sometime late tomorrow,” She said. “With stops every once and a while to rest the horses.”

“Wish I had a book I could read,” Lymee said mostly to herself.

“I have some reading material with me.” Alia said pulling out a leather bound book. “Would you like to read it?”

Lymee smiled knowing that she had not mean anything by the gesture but still found it a little annoying. “Unless, Princess, you can kiss me and make me magically understand cuneiform I don’t think it will do me much good. Except for going to the bathroom.”

Alia blinked pausing for a moment as the words sunk in. she looked down at the book that she had offered drawing it back to her lap. “I’m sorry, Lynn,” she said. “I forget sometimes that all of this is new to you.”

“It’s fine.” Lymee waved it off like it was nothing then returned her hand back to support her head. “It’s my fault for wasting so much time and not learning how to read,” she let out a regretful sigh. “Just not looking forward doing it for a second time. It was hard enough the first time around.”

Alia frowned obviously wanting Lymee to elaborate.

Lymee sighed not seeing any reason not to tell her. Not like she had anything better to do while they sat in the carriage. “When I was young I had a hard time learning my letters. I would later self-diagnose myself with a mild case of dyslexia. A mental condition where you mix up numbers and words in your head.” Lymee gestured next to her head like a gear stuck.

Alia sat in silence focused on Lymee as she talked. Lymee was not sure if any of this was actually making sense but she continued anyway.

“It’s not bad enough to truly affect my life. Just makes me look stupid sometimes when I mix up one word for another when talking. Or when I am spelling something and I mix up the letters. Can’t tell you how many math test I failed in grade school because I wrote my 6 backwards.”

Alia shook her head telling her that Lymee was losing her.

“Anyway.” Lymee let out a breath. “It makes things harder for me to learn. I count myself lucky in the fact that it is so minor. I know people that can barely read they have it so bad.”

“Is there a cure for this sickness?” Alia asked.

“It’s not a sickness,” Lymee said. “It’s just that the brain is wired wrong.” She sighed at her choice of words. “Sorry um let me think of a better example,” she rolled her eyes up trying to find a good analogy. “It’s like a diamond that has been cut wrong. It’s not something that you can just polish out. You can cover it up or hope it goes unnoticed but it will never go away.”

“I think I understand.” Alia put a finger to her chin. “So this Dyslexia, is it common where you are from?”

“I bet it is common here as well.” Lymee raised her head up a bit before putting it back down. “It’s just you don’t have many people who can read and write so you don’t notice it. I don’t have the numbers but I am willing to bet it is somewhere around one in ten has it to some degree if not more.”

“And there is nothing that can be done for these people.” Alia sounded very concerned about it all. Lymee wondered if maybe she was misunderstanding her.

“There are tricks that people learn,” Lymee shrugged. “I find that it’s not a problem so long as I don’t rush what I am doing. It’s actually kind of helpful in the fact it forces me to review what I have done just to make sure I didn’t make any mistakes. Made my math teacher proud always going back and checking over my problems.”

“Are you skilled in mathematics then?” Alia asked the previous conversation seeming to be dropped.

Lymee shrugged. “Passed algebra 2 in high school. Never did anything complex like trigonometry or calculus.” Then Lymee remembered something. She sat up a determined look on her face. “What kind of numbers do you use?”

Alia looked confused. “The normal kind.”

“No,” Lymee shook her head. “Can you write some numbers for me so I can see them?”

Alia did not seem to see a problem with it and pulled out the ink and quill along with some other papers. She then started scratching at the paper drawing lines adding more and more lines each time. It was not the Roman numerals that Lymee was necessarily expecting but it was something similar.

“That’s what I thought.” Lymee nodded reaching out to take the quill and paper from Alia. “Prepare to have your mind blown. This is going to change your life.” Lymee then started writing out the numbers 0-9. “Now say any number. The first number that you can think of.”

“Eighty seven.” Alia called out.

“Oh that’s too easy.” Lymee wrote an 8 and 7 showing it to Alia. “Give me something bigger. In the millions.”

“Fine then eighty seven million.”

Lymee sighed adding the necessary zeros behind her previous numbers. “You are thinking to simple. Here,” Lymee just started putting random numbers down. Showing it to her she pointed to each number as she read it out. “Five million, eight hundred thirty six thousand and twenty one.”

“But that seems too small to fit so many different numbers.” Alia stated.

“Wait until I show you scientific notation.” Lymee waggled her eyebrows.

They then spent the next several hours Lymee giving Alia basic math lessons. She knew she would probably have to explain this all again to Keo later and then probably to a few other people. She did not mind this was easy and she understood that out of everything that she had taught them this could have more of an effect than anything.

***

Lymee felt something warm and wet on her lips. She was not sure what it was but it felt good. She stirred from her slumber to see Alia crouching over Lymee her hand holding back strands of her hair as Alia pressed her lips against Lymee’s.

Lymee’s eyes shot open as she sat up in the carriage. “What the hell, Princess!” Lymee used the back of her hand to wipe off her mouth.

“I’m sorry Lynn, but it was the nicest way I could think to wake you.” Alia smiled pleased with herself.

“Plugging my nose works fine.” Lymee looked out the window and saw the lights of the streets in front of the buildings. “Have we arrived?”

“We should reach the Palace in a few minutes.” She rubbed her knees and hands together. “I’m sorry but when I saw your sleeping face I just could not help but want to kiss it.”

Lymee glared at Alia. She was flattered by her complement but if Alia was going to start making out with her whenever she fell asleep she would have to start doing a better job of locking her door at night.

“I’ll forgive you on account that I am sure you are just excited to see Keo,” Lymee said snubbing her nose up. “But that was still going too far.”

Alia looked like she was blushing and started fidgeting even more. She bit down on her knuckle turning her face away.

Lymee gave an inquisitive look. “You just realized that you were about to see Keo?”

“No,” Alia snapped. “I simply was doing my best not to think about it. But now that you said it…”

Lymee shook her head. She was looking forward to her soft bed after a hot bath. If Alia wanted to spend tonight reuniting with her lover that was her problem.

Lymee stared out the window her hand resting in her chin her elbow on the window seal. She wondered what it would be like to have a lover waiting for her when she got back from a long trip. Having them run out to greet her as soon as she stepped out of the car, or carriage in this case. They would share a passionate kiss. Their hands maybe being a little ‘handsy’.

Closing her eyes she let out a sigh. She knew she would be masturbating before actually going to bed tonight.

***

“Hey Yunna?” Lymee was standing in the middle of her chamber looking around at the unfamiliar layout.

“Yes Lymee?” Yunna moved forward a bit ready to be of assistance.

Lymee turned to face her a serious look on her face. “Did I get a new room?”

“Yes my lord.” Yunna bowed her head slightly. “The chambers you were in before were simply the guest chambers. This is the wing of the palace that is for the noble family.”

“Does that mean Alia’s room is around here as well?”

“Yes. Lord Hanna’s room is just down the hall.” Yunna raised her hand pointing in a general direction. “You will also notice there are more guards stationed around here as well as the one outside your room.”

“And is it the same bath as last time?” Lymee asked.

“Of course, you have always used the royal bath,” She said.

Lymee nodded guessing that made sense when she thought about it.

“Would you like to use the bath now? I can have the servants light the fires if you like.”

“Its fine,” Lymee held up her hand. “I will take one after dinner like always.”

“I understand,” Yunna bowed.

Then a question occurred to Lymee. “Yunna if the place I was staying before was the guest area, why does Keo sleep there?”

“Because she is not a noble nor a military officer,” Yunna explained. “The only other place open to her is the barracks and the servants’ wing. And Lord Hanna would never allow her lover to sleep in such accommodations.”

“I see.” Lymee pondered it for a moment. She had never thought about it before but Keo was still a servant even if she was a royal adviser. She was still bound by the social requirements of her station. No matter how far she advance in the social hierarchy she would always be looked down upon by nobles.

“Yunna.” Lymee said softly.

“Yes Lymee?”

“Would you like to have tea with me?” she asked.

“My lord.” Yunna became flustered and a little frantic.

“Please,” Lymee smiled weakly. “It occurs to me that I call you friend but I know almost nothing about you. I would like to rectify that if I may. And you make such wonderful tea I would hate to drink it by myself.”

Yunna blushed a little in embarrassment. “I would be honored my Lord.” She bowed her head.

“Lymee,” Lymee corrected.

CHAPTER 13

“So what is this one?” The woman sitting across the table from Lymee asked. She pointed at one of the sketches that Lymee had drawn.

Lymee, Keo, and the royal blacksmith Nele were all sitting around the table in Keo’s study. They had been back from Hu province since yesterday and Lymee was now at work showing them the inventions she had sketched out.

Leaning over the table Lymee looked to see which one she was referring too. “Oh that’s an aqueduct.” She said. “It’s a way to transport water from one location to another over vast distances. You see,” Lymee held up her hand horizontal to the table. “You build it on a very slight slope almost unnoticeable and the water will naturally flow down to the aquifer at the other end.”

“What about evaporation?” Keo asked. She swiveled in her chair rolling it forward so she was closer to the table. At present time Keo was the only one who had such a chair but Lymee had been told that more were being manufactured.

“You will have some sure,” Lymee nodded. “Though if you cover it then there really shouldn’t be any. But all in all you should be moving enough water fast enough that there really shouldn’t be any problems anyway.”

“To think,” Keo clenched her jaw “if we had this during the Long Drought…” she trailed off.

“Well you’ll have one now,” Lymee smiled. “Though it is going to be a pain to build I’m sure.”

“And what is this writing here?” Nele asked pointing to the scribbles next to the line that had been drawn.

“Oh that’s just a little note to remind me of things. That one is referring to a key stone.” She put her elbows on the table touching her fingertips together forming an arch. “See when you build something if you use a dome or arch structure it will distribute the weight over a larger surface making it more structurally sound. That why,” she moved some of the papers out of the way until she found one of a bridge, “if you build bridges with that they will be able to withstand more traffic.”

“You know,” Keo leaned back in her chair folding her hands on her stomach “I tend to forget that you are literate since you still have trouble writing your own name.”

“I can write my name just fine.” Lymee said defensively. “I just don’t know how to write it in your language.”

“And this keystone?” Nele asked bringing them back on topic.

“That’s the point where arches meat. If you knock out the keystone the rest of the arch will crumble.”

The two nodded in understanding. Nele moved another paper lifting a drawing up. “So what is this?”

“Ah that.” Lymee took the drawing holding it in front of her. “This is one of those weapons that I was talking about. It’s called a crossbow.”

“This is what you use where you’re from?” Keo asked.

“No,” Lymee shook her head. “I’m still unsure about giving you that much, but this is more advance than anything that you are using. It allows you to use metal as the bow giving the arrow more force when launched. You have a mechanism that then locks the string in place. Then the trigger acts as a release lever so you are able to aim and fire it at will. You can even make a large one for siege purposes and that’s called a Ballista. I drew one here.” Lymee pulled out the drawing and showed it to Nele. “Along with a trebuchet.” She held up the other picture. “I drew a stick figure as a point of reference,” Lymee pointed to the picture standing near the trebuchet.

“Well Nele?” Keo leaned forward her breasts pressing into the table a smug smile on her face. “What do you think?”

Nele nodded in approval. “I think I’ll need Lord Sun to walk me through some of these to make sure I understand them correctly, but they seem doable and practical. Though,” she held up a picture of a water windmill. “You seemed to stop half way through this one.”

“Eh well I am not exactly sure how that actually works,” Lymee admitted scratching the back of her head. “All I know is that you use the windmill to pump water from a well. But that’s all I could actually remember.”

Nele nodded seeming to understand. “Well I can tinker with the idea. The concept of this windmill alone will probably prove revolutionary.”

“That was the hope,” Lymee smiled. “On the subject of writing though.” Lymee took a breath. “Keo do you think it possible to teach me how to read and write in your language?”

“I suppose it is necessary for our lord to be able to do such things.” She touched her chin and nodded. “I cannot be sure of how good of a teacher I will be however. I have never taken on a student before. But at the very least we should be able to find you a scholar.”

“Thank you.” Lymee bowed her head in thanks. She was not looking forward it though. She had almost been done with school back in her world. Now it looked like she was going to start all over again.

***

The loud crack of the practice staffs filled the Dojo as the two people moved across the floor beating down at each other’s guards. Chee moved her staff in a circle slipping past Lymee’s defense thwacking her hands. Lymee let out a cry of pain dropping the staff as her hand went numb.

“Better, but still too slow,” Chee said slamming the butt end of her staff on the hardwood surface. She was still dressed in her same attire her breasts wrapped wearing an open shirt and the lower half of a kendo outfit. Lymee was dressed in a loose fitting Gee much like the ones that she wore in Karate.

“I already figured as much.” Lymee blew on her hand trying to elevate the burning feeling.

“Why don’t we stop for the day?” Chee suggested as she bent down picking up Lymee’s staff.

“I would like to go on if we can,” Lymee said.

“There is no reason to push yourself.” Chee said as she moved to return the training staffs back to their stand. “Your body needs time to adjust. Overtaxing yourself will only hinder your progress. There is such a thing as training too much.”

“I know but,” Lymee made a fist. “I get the feeling that I will have to fight in battle again. When that time comes I don’t want to be defenseless.”

“I think you are underestimating your skills,” Chee said handing Lymee a towel to dry the sweat off with. “Even when we first started you had the basic stance and posture down. You were probably just as well off as any common soldier.”

“Then maybe we need to train our soldier more,” Lymee suggested wiping the back of her neck with the towel. She was going to take a nice long bath after this.

“I won’t disagree with you there,” Chee laughed. “But you have more training than most even if it wasn’t with weapons. That training has carried over very well in your sword and staff fighting. Your biggest setback is your stamina and we have been working on that.”

“Your training over already?” Alia called out as she entered the Dojo.

“My Lord.” Chee put her hands on her hips sticking out her elbows and gave a deep bow.

“We just finished for the day,” Lymee said.

“Darn and here I was hoping I would get to see you all hot, sweaty and out of breath.” Alia teased as she crossed the Dojo towards them.

“Not without giving me flowers first,” Lymee smiled.

“How is the student doing?” Alia asked Chee. “Not slowing you down too much I hope.”

“Not at all my Lord,” Chee assured lifting her head. “She is already quite skilled. In exchange for me teaching her weapon fighting she is instructing me on her hand combat.”

“Is that right?” Alia looked at Lymee. Lymee just flashed her a smile.

“If you will excuse me then.” Chee said walking over to the wall grabbing her actual spear before exiting the Dojo.

“Did you need me for something? Or did you really just come here to watch me get my fingers bruised?” Lymee asked Alia before Chee had even left.

“Thought you would like to know that I received word that Vix’s mother Lord Ele should be arriving sometime tomorrow.” Alia stated handing Lymee the bucket of water. “If all goes well their surrender should be signed by tomorrow night.”

“Good.” Lymee said grabbing the ladle and taking a drink. She had to admit the water tasted better after that they started filtering and boiling before consumption. There was even work being done to bring running water to the rest of the city as well as proper waste and sewage disposal based on several of Lymee’s concepts. Though that could take years to finish. “What will happen once that’s done?”

“A few things.” Alia started as Lymee put the water bucket back and the two of them started walking out of the Dojo. “I will have to leave for a while and travel to their capital to insure the transition of power goes smoothly. I will also have to see to the restructure of their army into our own. It’s weird to think but they will be making up the bulk of our forces even if I will probably disband half of them. I also have to choose an appropriate governor for their capital province at the very least and quite possibly the other two as well.”

“And what about the other Dynasties?” Lymee asked. “Are there any others that we have to worry about?”

“We will have to worry about all of them,” Alia sighed. “Barring the Empress declares all-out war on us than it is unlikely that they will make any direct move against us. At least for the time being. Most of the other Dynasties are still recovering from the Long Drought and their economies are still poor. They do not have the resources for a long drawn out war against us.”

“Good,” Lymee said. “I could go without more war for a while.”

“As could I.” Alia put an arm around Lymee giving her a one arm hug.

“Don’t. I stink.” Lymee whined like a child as she tried to shrug out of Alia’s hold.

Alia hummed as she wrapped her other arm around Lymee as they continued to walk. “I think you smell good.” She said taking a deep breath. “And I bet your pussy smells even better.”

“Gross.” Lymee pushed Alia away from her laughing all the while.

“Also.” Alia reaching inside her shirt pulling something out. “I thought you might like to have this.” She held out her hand holding a bronze statue with carvings and engravings in it. “It’s your official royal seal. By stamping this on any paper it carries your official approval.”

“Now I just need to learn what I reading so I can stamp them,” Lymee said taking the seal from Alia. It was heavy and was as large as her palm. She tested the weight a few times.

“Just be careful not lose that or give to anyone you do not trust,” Alia warned. “A lot of damage can be done if that ever falls into the wrong hands.”

“Honestly,” Lymee looked down at the seal, “I think it might be best if I just didn’t have one of these. I doubt there will ever be a reason for me to use it.”

“That is not only your seal but your signet as well,” Alia said. “That little statue proves that you really are you and not some imposter.”

“That’s true,” Lymee nodded. “Guess I just planned on staying by you forever so I wasn’t too worried about it.”

“Ah nobody likes a clingy sibling.” Alia shook her head.

“But I just can’t help it. Wuv you so much.” Lymee smiled quickly giving Alia a tight hug.

“Stop it you stink.” She whined, then her tone became serious again. “Sadly you will be using that a lot in the upcoming days so get ready.”

Lymee frowned looking up at her. “Why what’s happening that I will be doing a lot of stamping?”

“As I said before I will be gone once this surrender is over. That means you will have to run things while I’m away.

Lymee let go of Alia taking a step back. Alia kept walking a few paces before stopping. “Come again?”

“Oh you do not need to worry so much about it,” Alia assured her turning in place so they were facing each other. “It will be mostly administrative work on the daily going on of the city. You will not have to be dealing with anything major. I will still handle all that.”

“No.” Lymee shook her head. “No, no, no. You promised me that I wouldn’t have to rule. Why not just leave Keo in charge like you did before?”

“Because I need Keo with me,” Alia stated. “I need her to advise me on the situation in the Bengui province as well as help me pick out a new governor. And I need Sai to help me with the restructure of their military. Gea could have helped me with that but she is in Hu province working with Rin.”

Lymee folded her arms as she glared at the woman in front of her. She did not like how this was just being forced on her and she was supposed to act like this was nothing major. In her mind she was still a high school student and was in no way qualified to run a country.

Alia let out a sigh taking a few steps forward. “Look,” she gently reached out unfolding Lymee’s arms and taking her hands into her own. “The fact of the matter is that in less than a month I will have gone from ruling a single province to five. I simply do not have enough people that I trust and can rely on.” She looked up at Lymee her eyes pleading with her. “Please,” she dragged out the word like a child begging her parent.

Lymee could not help but laugh. “I think taking Keo and Sai with you is just so you don’t have to leave them again.”

“There is that,” Alia did not even try to deny it.

“Speaking of which, where is Sai? I haven’t seen her at all the past couple of days.”

“She is with her troops,” Alia said. “She spends most of her time in the Barracks or training her cavalry.”

“Doesn’t give you much time to be together then,” Lymee pointed out.

“Not during the day at least,” Alia smiled knowingly.

Lymee rolled her eyes pushing Alia’s face away as she started walking again. “So is there someone who is going to help me out with this or am I just going to have to wing it?”

“Wing it?”

“Make it up as I go,” Lymee corrected.

“Well I am sure there will be lots of that,” Alia said. “And the fact that you are still learning to read is going to be problematic.” Alia paused touching her thumb to her chin. “You know Lord Vix might make for a good adviser.”

Lymee honestly liked that idea. “She has been trained to rule a Dynasty after all.” Lymee pointed out. “And once the treaty is signed all her Lordly duties will be gone. I’ll talk to Cia about it when I get the chance.”

“Oh?” Alia raised an eyebrow at Lymee. “When did you two get on a true name basis?”

“Probably around the time she tried to seduce me,” Lymee stated.

“Tried being the optimal word in that sentence?” Alia narrowed her eyes. She actually sounded a bit jealous.

“Tried,” Lymee confirmed. “Starting to run out of people in this palace who haven’t tried to sleep with me.”

“Just goes to show how desirable you really are.” Alia smiled taking Lymee’s hand and pressing her shoulder into Lymee’s as they walked.

CHAPTER 14

“Hey Joe.” Lymee waved to the guard as she walked inside. She had almost reached the point where she had made up a name for every face, though she thought maybe Alia had a few guards that were assigned to guard her personally. Joe had never been her guard that she could remember.

“Lessons all done for the day?” Alia asked as Lymee walked into the room. She was sitting behind her desk wearing a matching outfit to Lymee’s though hers was a bit more extravagant and she had on her ornate head piece. She had her bare foot in her lap her hand massaging the soul.

“Just finished.” Lymee answered closing the door behind her. “Told Chee that I would skip martial training today. Don’t think it would be right to get all sweaty in this.” She held up her hands examining the fine outfit she was wearing. She was not particularly in love with the sleeves and how they dangled to the point Lymee just wanted to spin her arms and wrap them around her wrist. “I wouldn’t want to get my new clothes all dirty with company coming over.”

“I understand that.” Alia put her foot down sliding it back into the waiting sandal. “I have been sitting here for so long making sure everything is ready that my feet are falling asleep,” she groaned in frustration.

“Any guess on when Lord Ele will be arriving?” Lymee asked pulling up a nearby stool and sitting down next to Alia pressing her knees together like she had been taught.

“Should be here in the next hour or so.” Alia said focused on her work in front of her. “I am to be notified as soon as they reach the city gates.”

“So this is really happening then?” Lymee let out a tense breath. “They are just going to surrender and be done with it?”

Alia paused for a moment in her writing setting the brush down. “I hope so,” She said still not looking at Lymee. “I do not want to imagine how many people will die if she backs out now. We have long reached the point of avoiding war otherwise.”

“Why is that exactly?” Lymee asked. “I understand them wanting an alliance but why could you just not sign some kind of nonaggression pact or something?”

Alia shook her head before resting her chin in her palm. “Without expanding our borders we are a target for the surrounding Dynasties,” She explained. “Now that we have become large enough to be considered a threat we have to become large enough to defend ourselves. As it stands right now we are small enough that others might attack just because they can. Bengui has the most strategic position around us and is also the smallest. We cannot make much of a move against anyone until we conquer it.”

“You do realize we sound like the aggressors here?” Lymee pointed out only half joking.

“I know,” She nodded. “But the fact remains that we are not part of the Kingdom. That means that we are vulnerable not only to this Kingdom but other Kingdoms as well. Until we have a strong enough power base to deter others as well as give us enough clout to forge alliances, we are in grave danger.” She looked at Lymee out of the corner of her eye. “It was you who told me to turn down the alliance with the Bengui remember?”

Lymee pursed her lips together. She had forgotten that. It was easy to put all the blame on Alia as it was ultimately her choice but Lymee had been the one who said that an alliance was too dangerous. That the likelihood of betrayal was too high.

“Heavy lies the head that wears the crown,” Lymee mumbled.

Alia smiled and went back to her work. Lymee realized for the first time the burden that was on Alia’s shoulders. She always acted so warm and carefree it was easy to forget that she was actually the leader of thousands of people. All that pressure, how did she handle it? Whom did she turn too?

Lymee stood up and walked behind Alia putting her hands on her shoulders as she started to give her a massage. Alia let out a pleased moan as she rotated her shoulders in motion with Lymee. “I know it must be hard,” Lymee said. “And while I might not be able to bear your burden I would like to ease it if I can.”

“Could you ease the burden around the breasts area as well?” Alia spun her index finger around her chest in circles.

Not breaking rhythm Lymee slapped Alia on the cheek then went back to massaging her shoulders. Alia let out an ‘ouch’ then a laugh. Alia took hold of one of Lymee’s hand bringing it up to her lips kissing her palm.

“I know you do not believe it,” She whispered. “But I thank The Heavens everyday for sending you to me.” She kissed Lymee’s palm again.

Lymee let her other hand wrap around her neck as she rested her chin on Alia’s shoulder. She did not say anything not having the words to say. As such the two of them just sat there in silence not saying anything. Letting their feelings be heard.

***

Lymee had thought that they would greet Lord Nele at the gates like they had done in the past but this time was different. Alia sat upon her throne her fan in hand as she gazed at the unopened door. Lymee sat next to her on a much simpler chair to Alia’s right while Keo stood behind both of them off to the Alia’s left.

Lymee and Alia had both had their makeup done Alia sporting her normal long red eye liner that reached back to her temples. She also had three red lines dawn onto her forehead like little hash marks the middle one being the longest. Her lips a crimson red that seemed to burn with a fierce fire. Lymee’s was similar but toned down more so she stood out less. She only had the two short red marks on her forehead.

Finally the large doors thudded as they slowly opened. In walked four guards all drabbed in yellow who were taking up positions around Cia and a much older woman who Lymee assumed was Cia’s mother, Lord Ele. Lymee took a breath of anticipation at the sight of her. She was dressed elegantly and had on several ornate pieces of jewelry and a hairpiece that, like Alia’s, was crested in jewels. She had a very stern look on her face full of pride and self-confidence.

“Lord Hanna.” The woman stopped at the bottom of the steps clasping her hand in her palm and bowing deeply. “It is an honor to stand before you. I am Lord Ele of Bengui.”

“Greetings Lord Ele.” Keo returned the greeting with a bow of her own. She stepped forward indicating that she would speak on behalf of Alia. “I do wish that our first meeting would have been under more equitable circumstances.”

“Yes,” Ele raised her head her voice a firm soprano. “Imagine my surprise when after I sent my children to secure an alliance and they send word back stating that they have surrendered.” Ele glanced back at her daughter standing behind her.

There was a heavy tension in the air at her words. Lymee shifted in her chair uncomfortably.

“Are you saying you wish to withdraw your ambassador’s declaration?” Keo asked stepping forward.

“How can I?” Ele cringed. “If I were to attack the Su Province-”

“Dynasty” Alia interrupted. Everyone paused looking at her sudden outburst. “We are no longer Su Province but Su Dynasty,” She continued. “I would ask that you remember as much.”

“Of course,” Ele bowed respectfully. “And therein lies our distress. For us to launch an invasion of you without the backing of the Empress we would be on our own as well as leaving ourselves vulnerable to our rivals. However if we were to do nothing then you would no doubt rebuild your strength then launch your own invasion.”

Alia said nothing, though her silence acted as a confirmation not a refusal.

“Then it is your only option to be absorbed into the Su Dynasty,” Keo declared. “We swear to you that your lands will be treated well and with honor. We wish to bring nothing but wealth and prosperity to your people as well as new innovations that will improve the lives of all.”

“And what of my life?” Ele projected her voice over Keo’s. “Your Lordship I am by all rights your better. I have served longer. I rule a much larger Dynasty. Yet am I to be cast aside like worthless trash?”

Keo looked back at Alia looking for a clue as to what she should say next. Alia simply looked up at Keo and nodded.

Turning back to Ele, “What would you request instead? Remember we will not let you retain the position that you have now but we are not so closed minded to reject an alternative.”

“Make me the governor of Bengui province,” Ele said. “Allow me to keep my home and my land. You will have authority over us and all the others but I will still rule my own city. The city that my family built.”

Keo glanced back at Alia looking for confirmation. Alia shook her head. “I am sorry, but that is not possible,” Keo stated. “We are however willing to let your daughter become the governor of one of the minor provinces. It would be hers to grow and nurture as she sees fit and you would be allowed to live with and counsel her during her reign.”

Cia looked up in shock seemingly surprised by this declaration but her mother did not look so happy.

“I am thirty eight years old.” She clenched her teeth. “You would have me spend the next thirty years under the rule of my own daughter? In a land that I myself once ruled over? I am not a woman to be messed with!” She looked like she was starting to fall apart at the seams. The calm respectful voice she started with fraying around the edges.

Lymee looked over at Alia trying to get a feel for what she thought but Alia only sat there stoically, her gaze ever forward and cold.

“Lord Ele control your tone!” Keo boomed. “You forget yourself, and why you are here. Your life is dependent solely on our Lords good graces. Or have you forgotten that you are here to surrender?”

“Forget?” Ele chuckled. “How could I forget? After a decade of scraping just to keep my people alive that Bitch’s mother broke away from her rightful Lord. She killed my men and my sister in the battles that followed. She took advantage of the Kingdom’s weakened state for her own personal power. Then as if to rub our faces in it The Heavens decide to bless you. You! Of all people with a messenger. And with your divine blessing you conquer the Hu Province and declare yourself a Dynasty. What gives you the right?”

Alia did not even flinch during the rant. She only sat there and took the verbal abuse letting it slide off her. Then as if she was completely unmoved in any way she turned where she spotted a soldier who had come in and was waiting to be acknowledged.

“Pardon me for a moment,” Alia calmly said as she waved the soldier over.

The soldier seemed tired and out of breath and Lymee could see fresh dirt on him. He bowed deeply then marched over to Alia whispering something in her ear. Alia thanked the man and sent him away turning her attention back to Ele.

“You are right.” Alia said. Keo opened her mouth to interject but Alia held out her closed fan cutting her off. “You forget, the reason we broke away from Bengui was not out of spite or a lust for power but because of the food tax from the Kingdom and from nobles like you. You then proceeded to horde all the food for yourself while our people were dying from starvation. There were many days that I went without food and I know I had it better than anyone else in our province.”

“It is my heavenly right-” Ele started.

“Silence!” Alia yelled rising to her feet. “You abused your right that was given to you by The Heavens. You were to look after and guide your people not increase their suffering so you can keep your belly full. My mother swore that she would avenge the thousands of lives lost to the Long Drought. Revenge on the Hu Clan who turned us away when we begged them for aid and for a place under their rule. Revenge on you who drove us to the point of death. And even Revenge on the Empress herself who did nothing while her subjects died a slow painful death of starvation.”

Lymee had never seen Alia so worked up before. She was not angry at what Ele had said she was angry at something else and was venting. What had that soldier told her?

“I had hopped Lord Ele that you would be true to your word. That you would surrender to me peacefully. You were wrong if you thought I ever thought you would.”

Ele’s face froze as the blood drained from it. “Whatever do you mean?”

“You thought to sneak your army into my lands and attack while you offered me a hand of peace and friendship,” Alia stated pointing her fan at Ele. Lymee gasped at the revelation. What was Alia talking about? She had never said anything of the sort to her. “You were clever, you cut your banners and used the forest to hide your movements but I had already known that if you were to betray us that would be how you would do it.”

Ele set her jaw her expression turning sour. She did not deny what Alia was saying and that was enough to know it was the truth.

“I had my best men waiting in ambush for your soldiers,” Alia continued in her roaring voice. “And that soldier just now informed me that your soldiers have been routed and we have received minimal casualties.” Ele gasped staggering back in surprise not sure if she should believe what she was hearing. Alia snapped her wrist opening her fan hiding her face behind the intricate red pattern. “Oh how history will mock you Lord Ele,” she chided. “You who tried to double cross me. Me who has been blessed by The Heavens. Having your forces of over thirty thousand slaughtered by my force of five thousand.”

“Mother!” Cia cried out. “How could you? We had surrendered. There was no reason for there to be more death. We could have lived a comfortable life. Rebuilt our power. Why?”

“As if I would ever surrender to this traitor.” Ele snapped at her daughter her eyes burning with hatred. “I had hoped that she would accept our alliance giving me a better opportunity to strike at her when she was the most vulnerable, but she would have none of it.” She turned back to Alia the anger still in her eyes. “Where is she? Where is this Heavenly Fox that The Heavens supposedly saw fit to bestow upon you?” She leered at Lymee causing her blood to freeze. “You are no messenger from heaven,” she shot an accusatory finger at Lymee. “You are a fabrication made up to sow resentment and uncertainty in my people. To start the spread of the idea about wanting to become part of this fake Dynasty. A Dynasty that only speaks blasphemy.”

Alia closed her fan with a flick of her wrist motioning with it to the soldiers standing watch. They started to move forward weapons at the ready. Seeing their charge being threatened the four soldiers in yellow readied their weapons.

“Bengui soldiers,” Alia called out to them. “I respect your duty to your Lord but she does not respect her duty to you. She has violated her own word, and attacked us under the guise of surrender. Lay down your arms and I promise you that no harm shall befall you or your families.”

The Bengui guards looked at one another uncertain what they should do. Then one of them lowered his spear and placed it on the ground holding his hands up in surrender.

“What?” Ele raved. “Traitor! Men kill him at once.” But the other guards had already started to lay their weapons down and back away. “Traitors all of you! The Heavens shall spite you themselves.”

The Su guards moved in two of them grabbing Ele’s arms. Two more reached for Cia but she bolted forward before the guards could react. She threw herself down in front of Lymee and Alia her head pressed on the floor.

“I’m sorry,” She cried. “I am so sorry. I swear I did not know.”

Alia only gestured to the guards who reached down and picked her up. “Lock them away,” Alia ordered her voice cold. “Get them out of my sight.”

Ele was still thrashing about in anger as the guards dragged her out of the throne room while Cia still wept her apology. The doors thudded closed and silence filled the room. Alia sat back down on her throne her stare off in the distance.

Lymee just sat there transfixed on the closed doors. She had been unable to move as everything fell apart around. It all happened so fast that her mind was still catching up.

“Keo,” Alia whispered the name. “Could you give us a moment?”

“Of course my lord.” Keo bowed her head and walked out of the side door.

Alia lifted her hand swiping at the air with her fan. “All soldiers in this room are now empty vessels!” There was a slight tremor as the soldiers all seemed to readjust themselves. She then sunk into her chair letting out a deep breath. “You hate me now don’t you?”

Lymee did not say anything for a while. She was not sure what she was feeling. Had that vindictive bitter person really been Alia? The woman she thought she knew and understood. Yet the look in her eyes right then. It was like nothing Lymee had ever seen before. While Ele’s eyes were full of hate they were also lost to insanity. But what Lymee had seen in Alia was something completely different. It was almost evil.

“Why?” Lymee whispered like if she spoke too loudly she might break. “Why not tell me what you were planning? Did you not trust me?” Lymee thought back to her conversation earlier about where Sai was. “You lied to me. The words you said might have been true but you said them to deceive me? Why?”

Alia did not say anything. She only sat there her gaze off in the distance. Anger built inside of Lymee. Was she mocking her? The way she sat there not saying anything like Lymee was not even there at all.

She rose to her feet standing in front of Alia. Before Lymee even knew what she was doing she had struck her across the face. Alia did not get angry. She even held up her hand stopping the remaining guards from attacking. She only looked up at Lymee with eyes that seemed almost empty.

“Because I did not want you to come up with a better solution,” She said.

“What?” Lymee gasped. She could not believe what she was hearing. “You wanted it to happen this way?”

Alia nodded. “I was able to crush Bengui’s army and I will now execute the woman whose men killed my father and drove my mother insane with grief and hatred.” She clenched her fist. “I have been dreaming of this day all my life. Then you show up. You who never witnessed the travesties that the lords committed. You who can think of things like mercy and justice. It was as if The Heavens themselves were testing my resolve. But I had set myself on this path. I was not going to stop now. I decided that I would use you to achieve my ends no matter the cost.”

“So all of that, about having Cia rule a province, and becoming my adviser, that was what? A lie?”

“I meant every word that I said about that,” Alia assured. “Had Ele not betrayed me that is what I would have wanted. Even as I said those words however I knew there was no way it would ever be.”

Lymee raised her hand to strike her again this time in a fist. She just wanted to punch that smug little lying face of hers with all her might.

“If hitting me will make you feel better than please do,” Alia said. Her voice seemed drained like she had lost any will to fight. “Hit me as much as you like.”

Lymee brought her arm back then let out a breath and tried again. Alia just sat there unflinching her eyes devoid of anything. On her third try Lymee brought her fist down but it slowed then stopped before hitting Alia’s face. It opened and Lymee pressed her palm against Alia’s cheek as her knees gave. Lymee collapse to the floor her hand falling down from Alia’s face as Lymee buried her face in her lap.

Alia placed a comforting hand on the back of Lymee’s head bending forward pressing her forehead into Lymee’s back. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. She did not cry nor did she ask for Lymee to forgive her. The two of them just stayed there in silence.

***

Lymee sat on the floor of the dark dank room the only light came from the single torch that burned in the center of the wall in between two cells. She had her back resting against the wall looking off at nothing. She was sure that the floor was getting her dress dirty but she no longer cared. She just wanted to melt into the wall and disappear.

“There was no need for you to come down here to see us,” Cia said from behind the wooden bars. Lymee did not have the strength to turn and look at her. She did not think she could handle what she would see.

“Yes I did.” Lymee whispered the back of her head thudding against the wall.

“Do you know what is going to happen to us?” Arn asked pressing his face between the wooden bars of his own cell across from Cia’s.

“You will be executed in the morning,” Lymee said her voice flat lacking any emotion. “Alia, sorry my sister,” The word turned to ash in her mouth. “Lord Hanna won’t make it into a public spectacle. It will be done with only her as a witness and she promises the blade will be sharp.”

“That is more than we deserve,” Cia said.

An eerie quiet fell on the room.

“I don’t think I can save you,” Lymee apologized.

“I would not expect you too,” Cia sounded almost humorous. “What our mother did was wrong and now we will pay the price. To spare us now would undermined Lord Hanna’s rule and bring every decision she makes into question. She has no choice but to have us executed.”

“And what about you Arn?” Lymee rolled her head against the wall to look in the direction of the man. His features hidden behind shadows. “Do you curse my very name now?”

Arn simply shook his head. “No. While I do not wish to die. We will never be able to live with the shame that mother has brought on us. She tried to ambush another lord under the pretense of surrender. If it had worked I am sure she could have covered it up in some way but there is no escaping her sin now.”

“Her sins huh?” Lymee thought back to when she had first woke up in this world. Soldiers had surrounded Alia and Lymee had pretended to surrender in order for them to lower their guard. She took advantage of them and killed the soldier who tried to take her in. At the time she had not thought anything of it. It was simply a tactic she had used. It had gotten her what she had wanted she never once thought if it was the right thing to do.

“Did you guys really not know what she was planning?” Lymee asked after a while.

The question hung in the air for a long time. Arn shook his head indicating his lack of knowledge.

“Growing up,” Cia spoke in a tone just above a whisper, “I had been told so many stories about the Su Clan. How they were traitors. During the Long Drought they were one of the few provinces still managing to grow a surplus of food. Only barely but still a surplus. Mother said that it was our right as their ruler to take that surplus for ourselves. We who did not have enough food.”

Lymee listened to her story not saying a word or making a move of any kind.

“I grew up hating the Su Clan,” She continued. “I came to revile them with my very being. I cannot tell you how many times my mother told me that the reason the Su province was flourishing was due to them hoarding the wealth for themselves instead of spreading it to the needy.”

Cia paused and Lymee could hear her pressing her head against one of the bars. “When Mother told me to broker an alliance I knew she did not intend to honor it. I knew it was simply a way for her to stall for time.” She let out a deep breath. “But then I met Lord Hanna and you. I saw how happy everyone was. The people that you had just conquered had nothing but love and admiration for you. I came to understand that while not intentional it was the practices of the Empress and my mother that caused the suffering of our people. That maybe the world you strove for was in fact one worth having.”

There was another pause this time Lymee looked towards Cia out of the corner of her eye.

“I really do think that you were sent by The Heavens,” She stated. “Even if it is not The Heavens themselves that you come from. When I surrendered to you I thought to myself that in the end this might not be that bad of a thing. I thought that our mother would see this as well. That she would understand that this was for the best. But I knew better. Deep down in my heart I knew the truth about her. I had always known.”

“Cia,” Arn called out to her.

She ignored him her words starting to crack a little as she spoke. “I also think that part of me wanted her to keep fighting. To find a clever way out. I think that deep down I knew she would try something. I could simply tell myself anything I wanted to after it was done. Can’t change the past, what’s done is done, and all that. That is why…” she trailed off.

Lymee could feel a tear running down the side of her face. She had thought she had cried herself dry.

Lymee heard Cia sniffle a bit before continuing. “That’s why I deserve to die. I will not ask for forgiveness for the part I played. I do not deserve any. I am sorry Arn,” She called out to her brother. “You are truly innocent in all of this. You have been nothing but used by me and our mother since the day you were born.”

Arn shook his head in disagreement. “I let myself be used. I may not have known what mother was planning but I also did not bother to find out. I always assumed that if I simply did what I was told and not question anything that I would always be fine. Not once did I stand up to you or to our mother. Even when I knew that you were wrong. My inaction, my refusal to see the crime was me allowing it to happen.” He took a breath straightening his back. “It is comforting though, to know that people like you Lymee are in this world. I think I can leave it knowing that it is in good hands. I simply wish I could have lived long enough to help you bring it about.”

The room became quiet once more. None of them were looking at each other but Lymee knew what all their expressions held.

“Do you guys mind if I stay with you until morning?” Lymee asked.

She felt a hand fall on her shoulder. She looked over and saw Cia reaching out through the bars.

“I would be honored to spend my last night with you.” Cia retracted her arm gripping the bar. The two looked at each other for a while and for the first time they both smiled. Even if it was very brief.

CHAPTER 15

Lymee felt the warm air blow against her face as she stared out at the city from one of the palace terraces that circled the top floors of the Palace. The sun was starting to dip off into the distance but it was not low enough yet to change the color of the sky. She was absently whittling the edges of a yo-yo down with long rough strokes of her knife.

“You missed your lesson and your training,” Keo said walking up behind Lymee. Without asking for permission she stood next to her putting her hands on the railing looking out at the landscape.

“No point in going if I can’t pay attention,” Lymee said with very little energy in her voice giving the yo-yo a strong flick with the knife.

“Yunna tells me that you haven’t eaten anything.” Keo said casually.

“You on a true name basis with my servant?” Lymee asked not tearing her attention away from her work.

“I am on a true name basis with most the servants,” Keo stated. “I still am one after all. Despite my position as chief adviser I still clean Alia’s chambers, make her bed, and prepare her clothes. I know she would see me stop but I refuse.”

“Is there a reason you are telling me this? Or are you just making small talk?” Lymee bent over resting her cheek in her palm. With her other hand she absently played with the yo-yo over the edge of the railing.

“Have you spoken to her?” There was no reason to clarify who ‘she’ was. Lymee knew who Keo was talking about.

“I haven’t seen her to have the opportunity,” Lymee said watching the yo-yo going up and down. “Not that I have exactly gone looking for her.”

“That’s because she is giving you space,” Keo said. “She suspects that you are still angry with her and doesn’t want to force a confrontation.” She paused looking over at Lymee. “Are you still angry with Alia for not telling you what she was planning?”

“I feel betrayed.” Lymee muttered gripping the yo-yo in her hand. “I understand that she doesn’t tell me everything that she does, and I don’t want her too, to be honest but this…” she trailed off a bit. “Arn and Cia are dead. They were executed because of something they had no part in. Not to mention the thousands of people that were killed in a needless battle. And when I asked her why she didn’t tell me she said it was because she didn’t want me to come up with a better plan. She wanted it to end this way. How can I ever trust her after this?”

“It is true that we have asked you to take a lot of things on faith,” Keo nodded. “We have asked you to trust that we are doing the right thing. That we are not the evil tyrants that we are supposed to be fighting. But you have not seen this world. Not truly. You do not have the baggage that the rest of us carry. Most of all you do not have the hate.”

“I don’t see how me not having hate as a bad thing.”

Keo let out a chuckle. “I am not saying it is. I am saying you can never understand our reasons.” She let out a sigh pinching the bridge of her nose. “I cautioned Alia against what she did but I do understand why she did it.” She sat up straight turning to Lymee. “I want you to try and forgive her. Until you forgive her she will never be able to forgive herself.”

“I don’t know if I can do that.” Lymee pressed her chin into her forearms staring off into the distance. “Arn was a good man,” She mumbled. “He didn’t deserve to die. And Cia at least tried. I won’t say they were my friends because I didn’t know either of them enough. But they didn’t deserve to die.”

Keo let out a breath. “Do you hate her now?”

Lymee paused as she tried to figure out how she really did feel. “Yes, well maybe. I don’t think so. God,” she closed her eyes shaking her head. “Of course I don’t hate her. How could I?”

“Because you love her,” Keo said.

Lymee nodded with a sniffle. She used the back of her hand to wipe her nose.

“Then please go talk to her. Tell her that much at least.” Keo begged. “She is leaving for Bengui province tomorrow morning and it could be months before you see her again.”

Lymee closed her eyes propping her elbow on her stomach as she placed her forehead in her palm. She closed her eyes taking a deep breath. “Where is she?”

“In her study.”

***

“Hey Joe.” Lymee greeted the guard in front of the door. She lacked the usual bluster that she normally had when she greeted the guards to the point she was not even sure if it was the right person but they would just have to forgive her.

She slid the door open but did not step inside. Instead she knocked on the door frame. Alia looked up from under her work table noticing Lymee.

“Can I come in?” Lymee asked.

“Always,” Alia smiled weakly. She sat up from messing with her sandals putting her hands on top of her work table.

Lymee stepped inside closing the door behind her. She pulled up a stool and sat down next to Alia. “Keo told me that you are leaving tomorrow.”

“That is correct,” she nodded. “I think it is more important for me to be there in person now more than ever. Sai has already taken a vanguard force ahead to make sure there are no problems. Do not worry she is only to make sure there are no surprises. I have no intention of causing the people any problems.”

Lymee was about to say that she did think Alia would, but then she realized she truly did not know what Alia might do. She did not know how deep her hatred actually went. She might use Ele’s act of betrayal to justify wanted slaughter. “Good,” Lymee gave a single nod forcing a smile.

They stayed silent for a while after that. The silence filling the room.

“In the throne room,” Lymee started her hands fidgeting in her lap as she stared at her knees. “You said you were sorry.”

“Yes,” Alia nodded. While she did not look at Lymee her attention was still focused on her.

“What did you mean?”

“I was sorry that I made you cry,” She said. “I was sorry that I used you, that I betrayed you. That I lied to you, even if, like you said, I never said anything that was untrue, I still deceived you.”

“But you aren’t sorry for what you did?” Lymee was not surprised by her words. She had already figured as much beforehand but she still needed to her Alia say it.

Alia shook her head leaning back in her chair staring up at the ceiling. “You have no idea how good it felt. Standing there knowing that I had all the power over her. Having completely broken her like that. Then watching her scream and rave as they dragged her to the execution block. I came just from watching it.” She smiled slouching forward.

The silence returned and they both sat there unwilling or unable to move.

“I don’t hate you,” Lymee said finally. Alia choked a bit holding back her tears. “I have been thinking it over though. If you had told me your plan and I had come up with a better solution and you ignored me despite my protest. I might have come to hate you. I think that is why you wanted to keep it secret from me. At least that is what I would like to believe anyway.”

Alia did not say anything.

“I’m going to leave the Palace tomorrow,” Lymee declared.

Alia shot up turning to Lymee. “What?” She looked panicked. She was about to say something in protest but Lymee raised her hand cutting her off.

“Something Keo said to me earlier.” Lymee was still hunched over but she looked up at Alia. “She said I couldn’t understand why you did what you did because I didn’t know anything about this world. And she’s right. And the only way I will ever understand this world is by going out there and seeing it.”

“I see.” Alia seemed disheartened but she did not raise any protest. “Will you be coming back?”

Lymee smiled a tear welling in her eye. “Of course.”

“How long will you be gone?”

Lymee shook her head. “I don’t know. Until I find whatever it is that I am looking for I guess. The Aborigine called it Walkabout. The journey of self-discovery. But I will make this promise here and now.” Lymee slid off the stool getting to her knees taking Alia’s hands in her own. “I promise you that no matter what happens no matter what I find I will return. Hell I’ll probably come back and visit the first chance I get.”

“But,” Alia’s voice dropped. She squeezed Lymee’s hands looking down at the floor. “I will never be anything more than a sister to you.”

Lymee smiled weakly blinking the tears away. “I’m sorry it has nothing to do with Keo or Sai, or you being in multiple relationships anymore. I will never be able to forgive you. And I may never be able to trust you again. How can I be with someone that I can’t forgive or trust?”

“I think,” Alia said the words slowly as if she had to fight to get them out. “I think I knew this would be how it turned out between us. At least I think I have known for a while now. We are like two lovers embodied in the stars. We will forever chase each other but we will never actually touch.”

Lymee shook her head. “Sounds very poetic and romantic. You should write that down for posterity.”

Alia let out a laugh. It was good to see her smile. “I just might do that.” Then the laughter faded from her face. “You need to go incognito.”

Lymee nodded. She had already thought as much. “I will pose as a traveler. Maybe a sword for hire. Chee says I am pretty talented.”

“You should bring along some retainers,” Alia stated. “They will be able to act as guides as well as continue your lessons. I will have them meet you at the gates after I leave in the morning.”

Lymee had thought to go alone but she understood the wisdom of taking a few people with her. While she was leaving to find out about the world she still knew nothing about it. “Sounds good.”

“You should also bring Myu with you. She would probably die from worry if you do not.”

Lymee smiled nodding her head in agreement. Then she looked up at Alia squeezing her hands. “I love you, Princess.”

“And I love you.”

Lymee leaned forward kissing Alia on the lips. They stayed like that for a long time neither of them making any move to progress or stop. Then Lymee broke away standing up and moving towards the door.

“Lynn,” Alia called out after her.

“Yeah?” she stopped and looked back at Alia.

Alia looked up at her with a serious expression on her face. “Any chance for break up sex?”

Lymee burst out laughing. Once she started she could not stop. It was like all the tension, all the stress of the past two days suddenly came crashing down on her and the only thing she could do was just laugh in the face of it. Calming herself down enough she wiped a tear from her eye. “Maybe one day.” She waved and closed the door behind her.

CHAPTER 16

“I want you to take this.” Chee stated holding out her spear. “His name is White Fang.”

It was the following morning and Lymee was standing in front of the main gates of the Palace. Alia and her entourage had left about an hour before hand. Lymee had not seen them off but she had watched them from the palace terrace. She did not know if any of them had seen her but she wished them well.

Now she stood dressed in a plain grey traveler’s cloak and simple yet comfortable clothing. A large pack was on her back full of supplies and a sword attached to the side. Tucked away in her pack was her royal signet. As Alia had said, it was the only proof that she was who she said that she was. While she was posing as a commoner it still might be needed to be a noble at some point.

“That’s your favorite spear,” Lymee held up her hand, “I couldn’t take that from you.”

“It is a battle tested weapon,” Chee gestured with the spear. “It will serve you better than that piece of junk that you are carrying. Moreover,” Chee looked away not wanting to make direct eye contact. “This will allow me to watch over you even if indirectly.”

Lymee smiled her heart filling with warmth and admiration. “Thank you,” she said exchanging the spear she was holding for White Fang. “But I am simply borrowing this,” Lymee assured. “When I return I will give this back to you.”

“I will hold you to that,” Chee smile.

“My Lord.” Yunna called out as she brought around two horses. She was dressed much like Lymee was through her pack was larger and she carried no weapons.

“Yunna you are going to have to drop that,” Lymee scolded playfully. “Calling me that could get us both in a lot of trouble.”

“I’m sorry… Lymee.”

Lymee smiled. “Better. Are we all set?”

“Yes my- Lymee,” Yunna corrected.

“Good.” Lymee walked over to the horses Yunna handing her the reins to one of them. With greater ease than the first time she lifted herself up on the saddle and snuggled in. “The attendants that Alia picked out for us will meet us outside the gate.”

“Understood.” Yunna mounted her horse much faster and easier than Lymee had. Lymee’s eye twitched involuntarily not at Yunna but how clumsy and out of place she herself still must look.

“So long my lord.” Chee patted the neck of the horse. “I actually envy you. I long for the days that I traveled around honing my skills like you are about to.”

“So long General Chee.” Lymee nodded tightening her grip on her reins. “But remember I am no longer your lord, Lymee Sun Su the Heavenly Fox. I am in fact Lymee Sun Tzu the Wandering Traveler.”

“Isn’t that title a redundant?” Chee asked.

“Don’t spoil my moment, Chee.”

“Sorry.” Chee smiled. “And my Lord Sun my common name is Chee. I would ask if you could call me by my true name, Haru.”

Lymee frowned. “Are you sure? I was told that you didn’t even let Alia call you by your true name.”

“I only give my true name out to those who have not only earned my respect but also my friendship,” she stated.

Lymee smiled warmly. “I will only do so on one condition,” Lymee looked down at the woman. “You must also call me by my true name. We are friends after all.”

“It would bring me great joy Lord Lymee.” Haru patted the neck of Lymee’s horse before stepping back to give Lymee room. “Safe travels My Lord.” She waved as Lymee reared her horse forward.

Lymee waved back over her shoulder then turned her attention forward. Further down the path were two figures on horses dressed in similar outfits as Lymee. One looked to be a man and the other a woman. The male had a sword on one side of his saddle and a bow with a quiver of arrows on the other. The woman mirrored Lymee sporting a spear and a sword.

“Those must be our attendants.” Lymee said spurring her horse to a trot.

“Good morning Master.” The male called out to her as they approached. Lymee frowned. She recognized that voice.

“Good morning.” The female said waving a hand in greeting. “It is nice meeting you for the first time.”

“Arn? Cia?” Lymee was in total shock at the sight of the two. “I thought you were dead.”

“If you are talking about those two nobles from the Bengui Clan,” Cia said. “You are correct. They were killed in a private execution. Lord Hanna herself witnessed it.” She placed a hand on her chest. “My common name is Clea, true name Yoni. And this is my brother,” she gestured to Arn “common name Mal true name Voss. And we are your humble retainer’s mistress Tzu.” She bowed her head as low as she could on her horse her brother doing the same. “Though I do hear that we look a lot alike those two nobles you mentioned but I am sure that is a simple coincidence.”

“I am sure,” Lymee nodded. She knew she had a stupid grin on her face. She looked at Yunna behind her. She seemed just as surprised at the sight of them as Lymee was.

Lymee thought she understood the situation. For Alia to even mention what she had done would be to make it all meaningless. As far as the world was concerned Arn and Cia of Bengui had been executed. Lymee shook her head letting out a chuckle. She might have just fallen for Alia all over again. But that was a matter for another day.

“I see,” Lymee nodded letting it all sink in. “Well this is my friend and companion Myu true name Yunna.” She gestured to Yunna on the horse behind her. “And it seems you already know who I am.”

“Of course,” Cia or actually Yoni said. “After all we have been in your service for many years after you saved us and cleared our debt.”

“I see,” Lymee nodded. It was as good of a story as any she supposed. “Shall we be on our way then?” Lymee asked spurring her horse to move.

“As you say Sun,” Yoni said pulling on her reins.

“Please.” Lymee smiled at both of them. “We will be traveling together. Call me by my true name.”

“It would do us much happiness if you would do the same,” Voss said.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They all trotted down the road through the city. Lymee had a smile on her face the entire way. She was not sure what laid in store for her but she was ready to face it whatever it was. She looked back at the Palace only once just before they left the city.

“I’ll be back.” She whispered under her breath. “After all,” she sat forward in the saddle gripping the reins tightly, “there’s no place like home.”

END BOOK ONE

Word from the Author:

Thank you for reading ‘The Heavenly Fox’, book one in the Dynasty saga. I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I did writing it.

I started writing this story more as just something to do between my other works. I always like the idea of a person from present day getting sent back into ancient times and playing with the idea of expectations and how we perceive history as opposed to how it really was. I really did not want to deal with the headache that is time travel and the ensuing paradoxes so I decided on an alternate reality and being able to make the world run by hot lesbians was just a nice bonus.

Some may be reading this and think that Lymee was far too knowledgeable on so many different things that it was a good thing that the author was there with the internet and lots of books to reference from. While I do have a lot of books and the internet to fact check things the information that Lymee gives right or wrong was information I already had in my head. After I wrote it I would then check to see the accuracy of what was said so I would know the consequences of her information.

For instance using a hot poker to heal a wound was not a new idea but most people this was done too would die from infection from third degree burns. I did cheat however in the Blade Runner quote. While I love that movie I am not the kind of person who has those things memorized but I thought Lymee would be and it just sounded better that way,

The most interesting thing I learned while doing research into the era that this story takes place was about professional Archers. Not peasant archers that where just handed a bow and told to shoot, but soldiers that trained with a bow like other did with swords or spears. I always assumed that archers and bowmen were just people who stood behind the armies launching arrows at the enemy. When I actually did research on the subject I came to find out that most military archers would fight on the front lines much like Legolas in Lord of the Rings. That any trained archer should be able to fire three shots while moving in under two seconds and hit a moving target. This information will play a much bigger role in the next book.

While I always had an idea of where I wanted this story to end I never intended it to become a full fledge novel. Then as I finished what to me was the first chapter I realized that I had written over 200 pages worth of text. I felt that it would be wrong not to share this story with others so after several days of not eating I finally finished proofreading and made it presentable to the general public.

So please join Lymee in book two of Dynasty ‘The Wandering Traveler’ as Lymee finishes her journey of self-discovery and gets wrapped up once more in the political power plays between Dynasties.

I hope to see you then.