I trace the marks on my collarbone and neck. The ancient symbols of our country that have been passed down from generation to generation of royalty. The blessing and curse that I now possess.

Roya, my handmaiden, knocks on the door. 

“Princess Tiyana? Have you finished your preparation for tonight?” I glare down at the silver dress I am expected to wear this evening. 

“Almost!” I call back. I can hear Roya’s footsteps as she gently walks away. She must know I am delaying on purpose. 

Again I turn my gaze to the dress. It has a high neckline, thankfully, but no sleeves, just silver bands for my arms. Another dress that proclaims I am a desirable young lady and should be known as such. 

It is far too long before I emerge from my quarters, bedecked in all my royal finery. Tonight is my eighteenth birthday, and as the only heir to the Diamond throne, it is not three months until I shall be crowned queen. 

And so there must be a celebration. A celebration for the Diamond Tiger princess. 

At the banquet I try to be as inconspicuous as possible, but it is indeed difficult. Everyone seems to be vying for my attention, and I am obligated to hand it out freely. It is my party, after all. 

However, it is only after a majority of the court leaves that I catch sight of the foreign woman in the back corner. She is speaking to my uncle, the king regent. I can immediately tell that she is not a Diamond citizen. Her skin is dark copper, shining in the evening lamplight. Her hair so black it seems almost blue. And as for her clothing….

“Tiyana! Come greet our guest, lady Arilda of the Ruby clan.” The Ruby clan? The kingdom we have been at war with for the past four hundred years? I nod politely, a pleasant smile plastered to my face. I want nothing to do with this woman who has likely been the cause of so much of the suffering of my subjects.  

“It is wonderful to meet you, Princess,” the woman says. Her voice is silky smooth, like warm honey on bread. Or like the scaly tongue of a viper. “I have heard so much about you. Indeed, I have an important matter to discuss with you and your uncle.” 

“The pleasure is all mine, lady Arilda. And yes, I will be very glad to arrange a meeting for us tomorrow,” I say, trying to sound dignified and wise. She smiles and nods, revealing perfect white teeth and a menacing glint in her eye. They both bow as I continue to wander through the crowd. 

The marks are becoming stronger, more defined. I have never seen the intricacies of the silver tiger stand so clearly against my skin. Every detail of the creature has become brighter, more daring. More dangerous.  Close my eyes and reach out to the power inside me. I feel it swell, cold and bright and dangerous. I gasp and my eyes fly open. I’ve never felt it like that. Never had it come so close to appearing.

The next day I am summoned to another dull council meeting. Much to my surprise, the Rubian woman is there as well. Her dark red garments clash strongly with the white, cream, and pale blue of my home. Several of the elders seem strongly offended by her presence and try to have her removed. My uncle intervenes and soon all is in order once more. 

Lady Arilda stands and spreads her hands out in an invasion of peace. However, it feels hostile here in my home. After all, it is her people who started this war. Her people caused the death of my brother. 

“Greetings, oh honorable elders of the DIamond court,” she begins in that silky voice. “I have traveled far from the Ruby Court to be here on this most memorable day. I bring an offer of peace.” I gasp along with everyone else in the room. A Rubian noble, here on terms of peace? Such a thing should not be possible. The Rubians are warlike and fierce. They crave battle, not peace.

“However wonderful that may sound,” my uncle says, “How can this raging war cease? Day by day your people’s soldiers wreak devastation on our common folk. How do you suppose that could be stopped?” He sounds tired beyond reason, as he should. For ten years he has been the sole ruler of our dwindling nation, in a time when simple surviving is a struggle. 

“True, centuries of hate cannot be undone by a piece of paper,” more grumbles and shifting in seats from the elders, “So another remedy must be found. To forge an alliance that cannot be broken, it must be forged in blood.”

My uncle stands. 

“What do you propose?” His expression is unreadable and stern. 

“An alliance. A marriage between my cousin, the Ruby Tiger Prince, and the Diamond Tiger Princess. Two ancient bloodlines to come together for peace.”

“Absolutely not! I would never force my niece to endure such a- “

“Uncle. Please, let her finish.” I keep my grey eyes to a single candle on the table. It’s flame wavers and shifts, twisting around and around. 

“Tiyana, certainly you can’t mean-”

“Just let her finish.”

“It would have to be soon, to stop as much destruction as possible. And in the Ruby kingdom, of course. “

“No.” My uncle says forcefully, his expression dark. “I will not allow the Diamond bloodline to be contaminated with such filth!”

“Then you are willing to put the lives of your subjects at stake simply for your pride?” Arilda says, raising her voice. 

“I am willing.” My voice is low, but I ensure that it carries well. No one can mistake my intention. “I am willing to marry the Ruby Prince to save my people.” Uncle looks my way, confusion, sadness, and desperation in his eyes. “I am willing to pay whatever price it takes to end this madness.”

“I’m not,” he whispers. “I’m not willing to pay that much.” Arilda ignores him and sighs with delight. 

“Wonderful. Arrangements must be made quickly, and of course, I shall have to inform his highness.”  

“Wait!” Endon, one of the oldest members of the council, rises and looks pointedly at me. “Princess, are you certain this is the path you wish to take? You may spare your subjects suffering at the expense of your own.” I take a deep breath I am trembling slightly, but my mind is strangely calm. 

“As I said, I am willing to pay whatever price is needed to end the pointless bloodshed in both our kingdoms.” Endon nods sadly, a lone tear dripping into his beard. 

Arilda marches over to be and seizes the edge of my sleeve. 

“Come, Princess. We have many preparations to begin.” 

I am forced to suffer through another day of servants and officials and documents when all I want to do is be alone with my thoughts. I have never even met the Ruby Prince, although there is not a soul in our kingdom who does not know who he is. A boy who was fed politics instead of milk after his mother died is sure to gain quite a legacy. 

It is only after many plans have been made that I am finally allowed to spend some time alone. I bury my face in my hands and sob. This foreign prince will be expecting to happily say I do in just two months’ time, one of which will be spent traveling to his palace! How have I gotten myself into this mess?

I stip away the heavy formal garment I am required to wear for meetings. Farewell to the soft blue and cream colors of my home. I hear that in the Ruby kingdom all they wear is blood red….. In its place, I don a pale green day dress, with a long train and flowing sleeves. This particular dress is one of my favorites, however, the neck is low and reveals the entirety of my markings. There is a soft knock on the door, three quick taps, then a pause, then three more. 

Eyedin! As usual, my personal guard doesn’t fail me. 

“Come in!” I call, feeling much better now. An almond brown-eyed boy with shaggy blond hair sticks his head inside my room. There is a sly grin and trouble written all over his face.  

“Princess? What’s this news I hear of marriage?” That slight accent never fails to make me smile. 

“It’s true, Eyedin.” His smile falters.

“I know. It doesn't surprise me, sounds just like the kind of noble thing you would do.” I nod sadly. “Hey, are you alright princess? That look doesn’t make me believe that you are happy with the choice you made.” He comes all the way in and stands beside me in front of my vanity.  

“I don’t know. I want peace, more than anything. But… I’m not sure how much peace should cost.” I turn towards him. “Please, Eyedin. Tell me, do you think I made the right choice?” He only holds my eyes for a second before looking at the floor once more, brow furrowed in concentration.

“I can’t answer you on that, Tya. All I know is that you are the only person who can control your destiny. Not me, nor lady Arilda nor your uncle. You have your own power. Do you understand?” He looks back up at me, another smile playing on his lips. Those chocolate eyes are full of something I can’t explain….

“I do. I understand.”

“Good.”

We depart the next morning with Lady Arilda. The journey will be long, but with Eyedin and his brother at my side, a dagger strapped to my leg, and the swiftest horses in our kingdom, I have confidence that we will arrive safely. 

“All hail the Diamond Tiger Princes!” a bugle sounds as we arrive at the gates of the city. I had hoped that we would be able to arrive quietly, but that is no longer an option. Kentra groans loudly and draws his horse nearer mine. My two guards are far too overprotective of me, but I don’t mind. It shows they care. “Make way!” we enter through the city’s main gate. Flocks of people surround our little caravan, staring in up in awe at Lady Arilda and myself. The rest of my entourage barely gets a second glance. 

The common folk here hardly seem common at all in their embroidered crimson and lavender robes, fine jewelry, and oddly colored hair. The children stare at the horses, the young ladies at my guards, and what few men there are at the lady and me. Eyedin seems confused. 

“Where are all the men?” he whispers. I give a slight shrug, but it is odd for there to be hardly a single man in all the crowds. 

I am desperate to meet the prince. It has been hours since we’ve arrived, and he hasn’t even inquired about me. About his bride-to-be. 

I have been assigned a trio of maids, three tittering girls who seem to do nothing but gossip and giggle. They are sweet, in an innocent way, but can tell me nothing about the prince other than how every girl in this city would pay their weight in gold just to take my place. Eyedin seems very upset about how the evening has gone, and so when all the commotion has settled down and it truly is time for me to meet the prince, he volunteers to walk with me, if only for a moment. 

“Don’t be nervous, Tya. Stay calm. You got this.” Eyedin’s final words to me at the door of the prince’s study ring through my head. Don’t be nervous, stay calm. Panic rises in my chest at even the thought of this foreign prince…

“You may enter.” A strong, raspy voice booms from behind a curtain. I take a deep breath and push it aside. 

He is tall. Tall, handsome, and terrifying. Prince Ashur stands in the middle of a large room, but my eyes see nothing but him. His figure is bold, his stance one of a man of power. A strong chest covered only by a thin dress shirt, lean legs by loose pants. 

Our eyes meet, my steely gray with his...bright gold. Shockingly bright gold eyes seem to shine from under his heavy brow, accented by his sharp nose. He is deathly handsome, it is true. But he also looks arrogant, and haughty. 

“Lady Tiyanna. It is an honor to meet with you at last.” He slightly inclines his head in my direction. I do the same.

“Prince- prince Ashur,” I stammer.  

“Princess Tiyanna.” Those eyes… “I’d like you to know that this marriage was not my choice.” He says, turning his back to me. “However, my advisors tell me it is for the best. Do not expect me to go out of my way for you. As far as I am concerned,” he turns ever so slightly to look at me once more, “This is a political alliance only. Nothing more.”

My heart is throbbing painfully in my ears. What did I expect? True love? Such a thing doesn't exist. 

“I understand. And I agree, this is merely political.” I blink away the prickles in my eyes.

“Good. Now get out of my room.” I bow in respect and exit quickly, desperately trying to hide how much the encounter has shaken me. Is this truly the man I shall be forced to share a bed with? We’ve barely spoken to each other and already he seems to have developed a strong disdain for me. I bite my lip, but keep my head high. It is not acceptable for the Diamond princess to show weakness, especially in the lair of the enemy. No, I correct myself. Not the enemy. This is to be my new home.

“I won’t leave your side, Lady princess.”

“What’s wrong, Eyedin? You haven’t called me lady princess in, let’s see, six years?”

“I know, I just thought you might want to be cheered up a little.” I smile, and Eyedin’s eyes crinkle a little bit as well. 

“Then thank you. That...that means a lot.” We arrive back at my room, and Eyedin takes his place outside the door. I hesitate a moment, standing next to him. “Eyedin?”

“Yes, milady?”

“Will you stay here? Please, don’t leave.” He smiles faintly, the sweetest little grin ever. His dark eyes blend into the shadows thrown across his face.

“I won’t leave, Tiyanna. I will protect you.” And I’m blushing. Why am I blushing? Eyedin and I grew up together, there’s no way he thinks we are more than friends. Is there? No, I’m engaged now. He knows that. I know that. Then why am I blushing? 

“Thank you. Goodnight.” I hastily sweep into my room.

The next morning I awaken before my servants come in to fetch me. I dress quickly, then carefully slip out the door. Eyedin is there of course, and only nods gently as I slip past him. He understands that some times I just need to get away. 

I sneak past several more guards, a few of which are asleep. When I am queen I shall put an end to that. When I am queen? What am I thinking? Has it truly taken only two days for me to begin thinking in that manner? I inwardly moan as I spin another corner, straight into the kitchen. There are four young maids in the spotlessly clean room, busily sweeping the shining floor and polishing the perfect tabletops. I duck back out. Hopefully, none of them saw me. A foreign princess wandering the halls alone is an unusual sight. 

“Princess Tiyanna?” I spin around, my eyes wide in shock as I take in the Ruby prince standing just behind me. “What are you doing in this wing of the palace?” He’s wearing his informal circlet of rose gold that sets off his dark hair. 

“I, I was only walking. I mean no harm, truly.” My face is flushed with shame and embarrassment.

“You shouldn’t be here.” His tone is firm, but there’s something behind it that makes the words feel only half hearted. 

“Why not?” I am startled at my own audacity. He blinks rapidly. 

“It isn’t safe.”

“Your own home is not safe for your bride to be?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“What did you mean?”

“Only that a woman as beautiful as yourself should not be alone at night like this. There are some in this palace that might try and take advantage of your ignorance to our customs. One of which is that ladies are never unaccompanied,” he says firmly. Now it is my turn to blink uncomfortably. He called me beautiful. My hand habitually comes to my collarbone and throat, tracing the marks on my skin. The prince’s eyes follow the movement as I am transported back to years ago, a long-gone conversation with my twin. 

Torin’s pants had ripped. The whole left leg had been torn away, and his mark was fully visible. He smiled cockily at me. 

“My markings are swell, sure Ty. But only yours are truly beautiful.”

“Princess?” 

“Oh, yes. I’m sorry, I must have a bit of a headache. Will you come with me as I return to my rooms?”

“Er, of course, milady.” The prince extends his gloved hand and arm to me. How strange to be wearing gloves at this time of year, when even the shadows are warm enough to bring a sweat to my face. I hesitate for only a moment before taking his arm, which is muscular and strong under my hands. I feel a flush creeping up my neck once more and am strangely comforted to see that he looks mildly uncomfortable as well. 

We walk back through corridor after corridor, and I am surprised to see how far I had come. Maybe Ashur is right, that I shouldn’t be walking here alone. Maybe. I know I won’t heed him.

He remains with me until we are just outside my rooms. Ashur glares at Eyedin, then takes him aside. I send a panicked look at my guard while I stand there at on doorstep awkwardly. 

“You are supposedly responsible for keeping my fiance safe, are you not?” Ashur hisses.

“I am.”

“Then tell me, why is she roaming the halls alone?”

“You mean to say your own palace is not safe for your bride?” 

“No, I am saying that you are not preforming your duties. I can have you dismissed.” There is an intense moment where they glare at each other, then Eyedin bows his head. 

“I understand. I shall do better.”

“Very well.” Ashur straightens and walks away. Eyedin continues to stand with his head hung low, not meeting my gaze. I feel his pain. This is not the first time that he has been scolded for his lax watch on me. And I know it can only get worse from here.

Koda, Eyedin’s brother, appears around the corner. The two could not look less alike, and even standing next to each other the semblance is very small indeed. Whereas Eyedin has pale skin and brown hair, Koda is an intense white-blond and tanned. Bright blue eyes shine in his copper face. 

“Eyedin, have you truly been here all night?” Koda asks sternly. There is none of his usual lighthearted humor in his tone, just stone cold business. Something is wrong. Koda rarely smiles, but is never serious. The longest nights and darkest days are always made brighter with his presence, but now something hangs in the air. 

Eyedin nods. “I sent someone to relieve your shift hours ago,” Koda continues. “Did he never arrive?”

“Apparently not.” Eyedin matches his brothers tone, taking on the formal, stern persona he adopts whenever a superior is around. The only problem is, Koda is less than a year older than his brother, and the two are closer than kin ought to be. What is happening?

“Hmpf. I’ll speak with the lad. You are dissmissed soldier.” Eyedin bows, first to him, then to me. A very formal bow. A very un-Eyedin-like bow. He departs.

“What was that?” I whirl around and step closer to Koda. “What’s going on between you two? I’ve never seen you be more foolish in your life, Koda!”

“It is a family matter, milady. Nothing for you to trouble yourself with.”

“No, you are not taking that path with me sir. I am your princess, no, more than that. We’ve grown up together! I am practically your sister! Do you truly expect me to be oblivious to all of… all of that?” Koda won’t meet my eyes. He continues staring at a spot on the far wall while I rage. 

“As I said, it is a family matter. None of your concern.” I exhale slowly. If that’s how he want’s to play it, then I’ll let him. Eyedin will tell me later anyway.

“Very well,” I say, although it isn't. “Please, wait here for a moment then show me the way to the courtroom. I have elders to meet and a kingdom to rule.” Koda nods his assent, and I re-enter my room. 

My first formal meeting with the Ruby court is set for this afternoon. I am expected to wear my most elaborate gown and jewelry, and to maintain a air of haughty superiority, while also earning their respect. This is all relayed to me by my maids, Iani, Tara, and Jade. 

“Milady, perhaps you would consider this dress?” Jade asks me. I am seated in front of the floor-length vanity mirror while Tara does my hair up in the elaborate curls and twists I gave up on long ago. 

“I suppose,” I say, not looking up from the book in my lap. The tiny piece of my brother I have left. 

“No, I think the neck is too high on this one. The sleeves too long. You must be wonderful this evening milady!” Jade throws the dress unto the bed and giddily reaches for another. Iani sighs as she fiddles with an ancient necklace. 

“Oh, to be a princess! To wear fine clothes and jewelry! To marry the prince!” Even stony-faced Tara smiles at little Iani’s words. 

“Yes, it is nice I suppose,” I say, forcing a smile. My hand goes to my throat again. “But there are drawbacks as well.”

How can I ever fit in at this place? All around me deeply tanned, dark-eyed people stare at my fair skin and hair. All around I hear whispers about me, remarks on my beauty and figure. I know I can never be one of these people, never truly feel like this is my home. Home is back in Diamond clan, back where everyone wore white and laughed like they meant it. Here I feel nothing but hostility, and I begin to understand why the prince must be the way he is, so cold and distant. Perhaps it is his way of handling himself amongst a sea of dogs ready to rip out his throat at any sign of weakness. 

Or perhaps the strange looks I have been getting are only making me paranoid. 

Oh, where is the prince? I don’t want to have to live through this day alone…. Koda places a steady hand on my back. 

“You’ll do fine, tigress. Just be yourself, and they won’t be able to resist you.” My smile falters even at the kind words. What is that supposed to mean?

“Thank you, Koda.” I know he is nodding behind me. “Here I go.”

I step out from behind the curtain, and all eyes are on me once more. I push my shoulders back, feeling more self-conscious of my exposed markings than ever before, but I conceal any doubts I have. From their perspective, I must show no sign of weakness. I hold my head high and walk quickly and with purpose to my seat on the elevated dais. My seat at Ashur’s left hand, although he has not arrived yet. I was told to be early if I wanted to make an impression, and it looks like I have. Thank goodness now for all their admiring looks as I struggle to keep my features gentle but still arrogant. 

“All rise for the Diamond Princess.” A soldier shouts. Everyone stands and gives the Ruby sign of respect; the right fist clenched and held a few inches away from the chest, then a bow. My face is flaming as I nod to them. 

They sit once more and the meeting begins. Without the prince....

“Um, well, today we need to...discuss...borders….” I stutter. I’m not supposed to be doing this alone. The elders cough and raise their eyebrows at each other. The old crones narrowing their beady black eyes at me, spelling hate with every blink. 

“Yes, borders between The Diamond and Ruby clans. Since the war is now over there is no longer the need for the, um, the border wall that stands in between our countries. I think that we can all agree that the soldiers who, to this day, patrol it should be decommissioned.” Fierce murmurs and muffled exclamations spread through the crowd. That has always been a coveted position for a soldier to attain, and the prospect of taking it away sounds scandalous to these elders, many of whose sons might be serving on that very wall. Still, it is no longer a necessity and I do not take back the suggestion. 

“Where is our Tiger Prince?” One ancient hag sneers at me. “He would not propose such things! Such evil! Such lies!”

https://picrew.me/image_maker/257476/complete?cd=EusFuLP2xV