Princess and warlord

[kimbra_ailis]

It felt like a slap in the face when he addressed her as the "Former princess Cleo". It was hard not to react. At least he had not called her a slave, yet. Although she was currently a prisoner of war. Or at least that was what she thought of herself. Cleo was aware with this deal she was sealing her own fate as she gave her parents a choice.
"Kong Ming I accept and offer my word of honor that once it is done I will give you the rest of the treasurey as agreed upon." The fact that he went through so much trouble helped ease her mind and fear that he was simply going to lie. That before all these witnesses he planned to make good on his word. They were not all just his men and soldiers. That gave her hope that this would really happen.
Cleo tried to look as confident and regal as she could, but this had been a long and stressful day and it had taken it toll on her. Tried to make her parents proud. To go from princess to nothing was mind blowing. Not to speak of what she had to witness happen to her parents. At the moment all she could think about was crawling up in her bed for a few days. But that probably was not hers anymore either.
Once the formal work was finished she was escorted to the bay to say her last good byes. Of course her parents did not understand what was going on or why she was not coming with them. Cleo maanged to stay strong at least till the ship was out of sight. Her heart was heavy as she prepared to keep up her end of the bargin.
"There is a secret room in the dungeon. Beneath the stone flooring is a small cellar, it is where the last of the treasure is. Once we get back, I can show you how to access it.... " That was it. Cleo did not look at Kong as she said it.

[Chuckdom19]

After Cleo gave her word before the court, we rode together to the bay. Tama and Jing were in a cart, in a fresh bed of hay, covered with silk blankets against the cold. We transferred them to a room aboard the ship.

"Cleo my dear, I wish you to note that I am sending the court physician with them, to help heal the wounds and bring them back to health. This is in accord with keeping my word to you." She smiled in approval, and thanked me for my concern and care for them. She also told me of the secret room in the dungeon where the treasure was hidden.

Once the ship was over the horizon, we rode back to the castle. I gave her privacy during the ride as she would certainly miss her parents. When we arrived, I had one of my assistants take her to her old chambers for the night, as we all were quite tired and in need of sleep. Guards were posted at her door to assure her privacy.

"Tomorrow morning, Cleo, we will find the treasure together. And our business will be concluded. Rest well!"