The Skin Thief

Chapter 40

Kiora

Kiora feels horribly cold as she enters the palace. If she hadn't seen the wives, perhaps she would have marvelled in the creamy marble floors and great walls of smooth, sandy-coloured stone. Instead, she has to ball her hands into fists to keep them from trembling.

"Come," he says, noticing Kiora slacking.

"Where are we going?" she asks.

"To the Alathor Court."

"Alathor Court?"

"It is the part of the palace where my wives and concubines live," he explains.

"Oh," Kiora gulps.

They walk through a maze of grand corridors until they reach a large set of double mahogany doors.

Two guards outside open the doors for them. Beyond, is a large hall.

It is beautiful, with cream marble floors and pillars. Deep red velvet curtains hang over large windows. Chandeliers made from diamonds sparkle and vibrant green plants sit in pretty porcelain pots.

In a line on the right-hand side, are women. They all wear delicate red dresses. Though the dresses are made from the same materials, they are all slightly different shapes. All the women are beautiful and there are wide smiles on their faces as they see the emperor.

On their heads, are simple silver headdresses, decorated in rubies. Kiora deduces that these women must be the concubines.

Standing around the edges of the hall, are various maids and male staff members. The maids wear the same, loose, flowy purple dresses as those who dressed Kiora. The men wear smart purple tunics.

Their faces are all blank as Kiora and the emperor walks in.

At the end of the hall, is another set of doors. They open and five women walk out. They are led by a woman in a plain, dark purple dress. It covers her completely. In fact, the only thing visible is her face and hands. Kiora's eyes widen as she looks at the tight black material wrapped around her head and the large horns that sit on her head.

Kiora and the emperor come to a stop before her.

"Kiora, this is my sister, Princess Alethia. She is the house mother and in charge of my harem."

Kiora smiles and curtseys politely, bowing her head. "It is an honour to meet you, Princess," she says. As she straightens, the woman regards her with a cold, unimpressed stare.

Kiora tries not to look intimidated as her dragon-like eyes pierce into hers.

She lifts up the cane she was leaning on. She brings the tip of the cane up to Kiora's chin and tilts her head.

Princess Alethia's eyes narrow and she moves Kiora's head to the side. Kiora tries her best to look calm and relaxed despite her stomach churning with fear and humiliation.

"Hmmm, she's certainly a beauty, brother." Princess Alethia finally says and she drops the cane. "What is she?"

"She certainly is," he agrees. "I'll let Kiora explain what she is."

Kiora smiles. "I am a Winter Priestess, Princess."

The Princess doesn't look impressed. She sneers and lets out a sharp breath.

"You were a Winter Priestess. Now, you are Emperor Nikias's wife."

Kiora forces the smile not to fall from her face as anger surges through her, making her feel strangely hot.

As if a vow made beneath gods I don't believe in could rid my devotion and love for Winter. The arrogance of these people.

The emperor's hand on her shoulder reminds her of where she is and the argument that she was about to make dies.