The carriage ride to Genovia was without trial, sleet and snow lined the copper brown roads so that was a mess within itself but strangely enough, the venture was somewhat calming. I soon realize that every mile I traveled was a mile away from the land I once called home....
Emotions of fear and excitement fill my spirits as my eyes glance upon the rocky mountains that signified the kingdom; it was the land I would soon call home.
Genovia
"Stop here" I tapped the roof, signaling the driver to pull over to the riverside beside the perimeter of the kingdom line. I pulled my scarf around my neck, tightening it into a loop; the chilly air made made sure to caress the warmth of my skin.
What a chilly night it was.
Despite the cold, I couldn't resist but smile, taking a moment to breathe it all in. My journey of uncertainty was soon coming to an end and I would be wife and empress to the man I was ready to blossom a love with; I was ready.
——-
I stand at full attention, waiting eagerly to meet the Emperor.
It was strange, but when I arrived at the palace, there was no sign of celebration or jubilee for my arrival. Two guards simply grabbed me by my arm and pulled me into this unfamiliar room which I assumed to be the throne room. It was still magnificent and pristine nonetheless but I found my greeting a little strange.
The doors burst open and in comes a man in an elegant golden crown and an ornate red robe. He looked like he held importance against the basicness of the room, strolling in past the long chandeliers that decorated each corner. A group of men lined up behind him, giving him space so he could approach me.
He stopped where I stood and looked into my eyes, calmly walking around me to take in my figure, sizing me up and down then circling around me again.
I couldn't help my gaze as it lingered among his features. He wore a loose silk blouse under the elegant robe paired with tight black trousers. His short chocolate hair was tousled messily against the crown he adorned. He had strong arched brows and eyelashes so thick, it should have been illegal.
His eyes....well they were mysterious and sort of catastrophic; both of them shot up and down, raking me in with no embarrassment. He had distinct cheekbones and an angular jaw, his medium tan skin made him look devilishly handsome.
(I already KNOW y'all will think he's cute cause I find him OOOGGGGLLLY 🗣🗣)
He continued like this for a few minutes until the silence of the room became awkward, so awkward, that one of his men had to clear their throat to break the tension.
He realized his actions then frowned, looking to take me in once again before opening his mouth.
"She's FUCKING BLACK!!" he said rather blatantly. The men stared at me with no surprise or shame. Perhaps his men had not informed the emperor of my tone? Still, the priest said Genovia was more advanced in their thinking.
"Men? Why was I not informed of this insight?" he groans waiting for them to answer. Of course each man stayed silent.
"She was...chosen by God, your highness? My vision with her name in the sand—-" the priest who I recognized from my house began to speak.
"And you're visions are always so accurate?" the man teased walking over to him in rage. I looked at the priest but he only glared at me spitefully before trying to calm him down. "Emperor Leo, you must---"
"Send her back and get me a WHITE one!" he snaps before pacing to leave the room. I was absolutely speechless at his display but before I could even process what happened the young emperor turned back to me and burst into a fit of laughter. I tried to understand the humor in his actions but could not paint a smile to my lips.
"You should have seen your face?" he chortles, "I was only teasing" he bragged again standing in my direct line of vision, turning to his men as they forced their laughter.
"Good one Leo!"
"Oh how you jest!"
I couldn't help but laugh along with him and his men. Although I didn't find his words funny per se, I knew it would look strange if I was the only one not laughing. He immediately lifted his hand and everyone stopped laughing then his vision cemented onto me, gently observing my features.
"So... you are meant to give me my heir? Like the Virgin Mary?" he frowned. I knew nothing about giving him an heir but I guess my stupidness did not matter.
I curtsied earnestly, trying to steer the conversation to a less complicated one. I dig into my dress and pulled out a small shell I had grabbed from the coast near the perimeter of Genovia. "Emperor Leonardo of Genovia. I have brought a seashell covered in the virgin sand of your rivers. May this one gift show you my humble interest in this arrangement. Our lives may be like the changing tides, rocky and scared we may be, but together we will grow stronger in love" I smiled.
He pulled the shell from my hand and stared at me, rolling his eyes to the ceiling. "Great! Where did you find this one Ystev! I told you I did not want a deranged woman this time!!" he yelled, turning back to shove the priest.
"Oh... I am not a loon. I am the sanest of minds Emperor" I explained through a smile. He tilted his head to the side, doubtful of my words but nodded.
Without warning, he spun me around, running his palm against my backside then grabbing each tender breast. A flush of heat consumes my body as he felt each crevice and curve.
"Your body is thin but your ass is fat. Perfect for childbearing" he announces openly, still observing me with indifference. "You don't look like the other girls I've encountered," he said plainly.
I bit the bottom of my lip, looking down at his ringed fingers. He forcibly grabbed my jaw, pulling my face closer to his to see me clearer. "I suppose you will do" he scoffed before turning around to face his men. "Proceed with the wedding arrangements then. Make sure she is...untouched Ystov." he announces to the priest before shifting again to peer at me.
"Now if you excuse me, I have to go to my whores"
"Pardon?" I asked again, making sure he clarified his words.
"I mean... my..horses! Yes, my horse!" he announced again before storming out the room, ultimately leaving me alone.
—
I find myself being escorted through the opulent halls of the palace. Ystev walks beside me, making sure I matched his stride. I couldn't help but pause to look at every ornate tapestry and beautiful painting.
"This is really my home?" I sighed, looking to Ystev as he hastened his strides.
"It really is!" he says somewhat maliciously.
Despite his lack of enthusiasm, I was excited to start my new life here. Everything was just so...luxurious!
"And how is your relationship with God?" he asked me.
"It seems to be okay? I mean he made my name appear in your vision. I would say we are the best of friends. Wouldn't you agree?" I teased him. He forced a smile upon his lips before ushering me into a small room. A younger-looking servant girl stood in the corner, bowing her head with respect as I entered.
"What room is this?" I ask, carefully taking in the scenery. It was a dark room with only one candlelit and a thin bed in the middle.
"You heard the Emperor. I must confirm your walls are intact"
"Does a woman's word mean nothing in this kingdom?" I frowned, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Not in Genovia" he mutters before lubricating his fingers with his saliva and signaling me for me to lay on the bed. Reluctantly, I stroll to the bed and sit. "Is there not a female that can do this? Why can't she do this?" I pointed, refusing to lay down as he waited.
"A female priest? How absurd!" the priest laughed, pushing me down and forcefully lifting my dress. "Next you will be crying for a female cook and a female court member" he scoffed, before lifting over my dress and sticking two fingers in. I cringed in pain bit knew it best to limit my cries of protest as he explored beneath my folds, checking for my chastity.
The woman in the room simply stared to the ground, focusing on the intricate detailing of the carpeted floors until he finished.
"Everything seems to be intact," he says, wiping his fingers clean on the handkerchief from his pocket. I rolled my eyes as he stood from the chair, whispering something to the lady in the corner.
"Elise will be escorting you to your chambers. You are in good hands Empress" he nodded before opening the door to leave.
I was left in silence, looking to the woman as she finally looked to meet my eyes. "If you will follow me Empress" she says before leading me out the tiny room and back into the hallway.
Author Note:
Emperor Leo seems....well I guess we'll wait and see.