Jewels caught the early morning light as it slowly lowered into the valley. Despite the early hour the murmur of quiet conversations was almost deafening. Some had left their homes in the middle of the night. All had heard the army returned a few days prior but no word had come of the results. Every soldier who lined the square hadn’t taken part in the fighting so could only answer honestly that they knew nothing.
More light descended and the glittering gems flashed above the square. Then, the gems shifted and their almost blinding glare silenced all. A headdress adorned in bright metals and gems shone from above.
Approaching the dias overlooking the square, the King raised his arms. Explaining his victory over the Goddess, the King was soaked in adulation. Then, he stepped to the side to reveal the new Queen.
Decorated in brilliant cuffs and a similar headdress, the Goddess saw countless beings cheering her captivity. Though only a few days had passed since her capture, she knew it was pointless to do anything here. Her people were under watchful eyes and bows.
So, the Queen waved and greeted her new servants.
The King was not seen for the rest of that day. Many hushed whispers came about him ‘furthering the bloodline’.
Thus began the King’s joy. ‘Twas not long till a child was confirmed. Not wanting to be far from the Queen, the King named several servants to take care of the outer regions, including the home of the Queen. Many of the conflicts in his audience chamber became easier to handle and he focused on preparing what would be needed for his own child as his parents had done for him.
Unsurprisingly, there came a request for assistance with the Queen’s homeland. Many refused to believe or follow their new ruler’s orders. Even at the threat of bow point. So, the King and Queen made their way there.
Seeing the Queen left all awestruck. Not only because of the number of soldiers in her escort, but the fact she was obviously pregnant. Meeting her family, the Queen was given her old smithing tools, the pretense for her visit.
Upon their return to the tower, the Queen was sequestered. Her private chambers would act as prison and fortress against any potential machinations against the King’s child. And before long, a daughter was born.
Despite giving birth, the Queen was not permitted out of her chambers. Her incarceration began due to the King’s absence. His orders left her in the tower as he went on his expeditions.
The reason for his departure were the trusted allies he’d sent to watch over his land had raised forces in rebellion. Claiming their own divine rights, each sought to bring others into their lands.
So, the King began new wars, going far afield to retain what his ancestors had built. When one was cowed by might or cunning, another would resist. Months stretched into years. And though the emotional daggers became a multitude in the King’s back, he did not complain. Instead, he would visit his Priest and offer ablutions to the needs of his people.
In her long captivity, the Queen’s jailers became complacent. Allowing her to roam and eventually she managed to gather enough to create a forge. Like her own childhood, due to the King’s absence and lack of influence on their child, the Queen’s daughter spent it watching the creation of tools.
Days in and out, the Queen made only tools that had no malicious intent. Dining Ware, vents for air, replacement limbs and other mundanities. A simple life that greatly resembled her old one. The only difference was the occasional intrusion of the King.
Emotionally exhausted, he’d stumble in. Too tired despite his intentions to sire another heir. Instead, the Queen would watch over him as he slept, feeding him when he stayed long to try and impart some lessons on their daughter. Eventually she was gathered up by his assembled tutors to rule one day.
It was during this time that a great battle took place. In a valley adjacent to the Tower’s the united forces of the outlying regions managed to push so far into the heart of the King’s domain.
Days of fighting came and went. Trenches and walls rose and were torn down. Stones rained in some places and soft earth gave way to angry pits of jagged spikes in others. Yet, none could strike a decisive blow. Though along, the King’s fervor drove his soldiers onward until they couldn’t move.
So came the worst affront in the King’s life.
He was forced to declare a truce with his enemies.