The Fifteen Gates - Prey

Location : Castle Sindarion , Hilmara Date : 17th of Sun's Peak , 354 - 3rd Era

" Lady Sedara the Representative from Mancar has arrived , he wishes to speak with you as soon as possible " a servant said as he entered the Grand Inquisitor's room, his head hung low in a perpetual bow towards her as if afraid to even gaze upon her face . 

" Welcome him into my study , and tell him to make himself at home , I'll be with him shortly " Anikka replied while tying her silk-woven gown , her skin was as pale as can be , a sign of high birth among the people of Hilmara , the closer you are to the Woven woman, the closer you are to godhood , or so they say 

" Mancar my lady ? those abolitionists that cause a ruckus anywhere they are ? " her handmaiden Serana asked while aligning her master's eyebrows with a dark tint pen , her hands moving ever so carefully to bring a perfect arch .

" A tool for success my dear , nothing more than a means to an end , Mancarri have only one goal , to end Magic as we know it , they pose no threat to the structure of Hilmara , let alone the power of House Sedara .... if you ever wish to be by my side when the Kalim kneel , then you should be able to pick up on these things , a simple strategy such as that should never go over your head " Anikka said before planting a deep kiss on her servant's lips .

" My Lady the door is open please..... " Serana looked away , the blush on her cheek turning more and more scarlet , a quirk that Anikka Sedara positively adored , Anikka smiled and traced her finger across Serana's chin .

" I'd be happy to open the window and show the world what we do when the door is shut ..... say the word and I'll make it happen , I am the Grand Inquisitor Serana, here in Hilmara I am untouchable , and by being with me , that makes you invincible , not a single whisper about you , not a single ill word about your character will get past me ..... do you understand ? " Anikka smiled , caressing Serana's face , adoring each and every moment . 

" My Lady , please , don't fill my mind with dreams of sitting by your side once you're empress , I am here to take care of your needs , every single one , and once you marry a fellow Noble , I will still be there to take care of your needs , even the needs of your future husband if need be.... " Before Serana could finish Anikka's palm slammed against her cheek sending her to her knees .

" I apologize for the violence Serana , but speak like that again and I will punish you further , you belong to me , as much as I belong to you , I will not let anyone taint what I have with you , I will take Meliodan , and I will have you , and only you by my side , if that is not what you want , you're free to leave , I'll grant you passage back to North Harbour , I'll arrange for a ship and a bundle of wealth for you to live off for the rest of your life , if you want to be just another w***e used by a Royal by all means leave , and we end it here , there are no slaves in Hilmara , you can choose to go back home , but if you wish to show your good for nothing parents what you're truly capable of , stay by my side , and I will make you a Queen " Anikka said as she looked down at Serana . 

" Don't take my words as offense my lady , I am merely stating a sentiment felt among the other kingdoms , Hilmara is accepting of such relations due to their belief in the Woven woman , but ... The Mancarri of Skyhaven ? , The Esserida of North Harbour ? , and even worse The Kalimitra of The Heartland merely tolerate the views that House Sedara has , to the rest of Arabesque , Hilmara is the home of depravity and blasphemers , I would only be a hindrance to your goals , please ..... reconsider your choices " Serana said as she stood up looking at Anikka not as a Servant but as someone who knows her in and out .

The two of them stood there at an impasse of sorts , both conflicting yet , both willing to sacrifice individual happiness to appease the other , however neither seem to be willing to apologize , one for violence , the other for lack of faith , while staring each other down neither noticed the man standing by the door , dressed in layers of silk and gold . 

" Please , don't take my Daughter's stubborn nature as a cue to leave , I know how hard it is to be in a precarious position , but understand Serana , Anikka doesn't just need you to be the warmth to her bed , you are her voice of reason , if not for you my daughter would have her head so far into the clouds not even the Drakes could reach her , you are the one who will guide Anikka through what may come , now please forgive my daughter for her heavy handed actions " The King of Hilmara said as he bowed towards the servant . 

" My lord please..... please don't do that .... " Serana said as he rushed to the Old King's side , The King nodded and looked at his daughter expecting her to say something to Serana .

" Dear.... I'm sorry for hitting you , it's just the thought of you being held by someone else , my actions were uncalled for and requires punishment .... " Anikka looked away 

" Do that again and I really will leave ...... I'll have your punishment ready after your meeting " Serana said with a smile , imperfect as she may be , this woman took her from what would have been a life in the arms of a different paying customer each and every night , saving her from the smell of sweat and saliva seeping into the pores of her skin , by her side , she is dressed in silk and given respect .

Anikka looked at Serana relieved with the forgiveness , she nodded while holding back tears , she wasn't going to waste Serana's hard work making her look perfect for the Mancarri representative to go to waste , she nodded and left with her father to head to the great hall .

Serana closed the door after they left and sighed , she looked out the window , staring at view from the Grand Inquisitor's room , an overlook of the entire city , stone , glass, steel , and Draconic Belerant was donned by each and every home , the City of Sindarion , impregnable and untouchable , just like Anikka , and being with her , the same can now be said about herself , she was safe , in the arms of a lover that will defend her from any and all adversity . 

" Untouchable ..... Queen ... " Serana smiled at the sentiment , and quickly shook her head , choosing to go back to her duties 

" This comfort will bring you pain beyond your wildest dreams , but pain is what you use to survive , in this and the past lives , you have chosen long ago whether you wanted to seek out your fate , I have respected your response , however ..... the other has awakened as well , do not falter in the face of adversity , your opponent is difficult , and you will need all the strength you can muster " 

" I hope you can withstand what you have decided to undertake my young Balenor "