The Griffian and her Unicorn

The next morning they were roused early which thankfully she was used to. They had the first meal and were swept off immediately after to learn how to speak as the little man called it. His name was Sebastian but in her mind he was just that wretched little man. She was a quick study but this language was so completely foreign to her it was a struggle. After the mid day meal it was dance and etiquette.

They had some time to themselves after dinner but the new concubines were forbidden to talk until they learned a whole new language. It was not wasted time however she observed the others and listened trying to pick out the words she had learned. Once this started to make her head hurt she explored the garden. It was a large garden to her but small compared to the rest of the palace grounds. As the days passed she fell into the routine of the Palace. Eat, study, eat, study, and relax.

At meal times she listened to the other women speak to learn the new language faster but after dinner she was usually out in the garden. One corner was an arrangement of tall bushes with a flowering tree. These hid a little space behind between the tree and the wall of the garden. She used this space to keep up with her training. As a new concubine she had no work yet only studies so took advantage of her free time. With no sword she focused on hand to hand techniques. She moved slowly so if she was caught she could pretend she was practicing the dance they were learnThe next morning they were roused early which thankfully she was used to. They had the first meal and were swept off immediately after to learn how to speak as the little man called it. His name was Sebastian but in her mind he was just that wretched little man. She was a quick study but this language was so completely foreign to her it was a struggle. After the mid day meal it was dance and etiquette. They had some time to themselves after dinner but the new concubines were forbidden to talk until they learned a whole new language. It was not wasted time however she observed the others and listened trying to pick out the words she had learned. Once this started to make her head hurt she explored the garden. It was a large garden to her but small compared to the rest of the palace grounds. As the days passed she fell into the routine of the Palace. Eat, study, eat, study, and relax. At meal times she listened to the other women speak to learn the new language faster but after dinner she was usually out in the garden. One corner was an arrangement of tall bushes with a flowering tree. These hid a little space behind between the tree and the wall of the garden. She used this space to keep up with her training. as a new concubine she had no work yet only studies so took advantage of her free time. With no sword she focused on hand to hand techniques. She moved slowly so if she was caught she could pretend she was practicing the dance they were learning.

This time alone saved her sanity. She had always had the freedom to roam at home but here she was in a cage gilded thou it was. She had mastered stitching and could cook and mend leather but she was a wild child always out playing with the boys. She was her father's darling and no amount of her mother's nagging would persuade Abir to curb her male pursuits.

Even after her brother was born he let her learn the sword and study the old ways of hand-to-hand fighting. But riding was her joy as soon as she could take a saddle she was off in the plains spending the day learning every inch of her father's land. Now being pent up day in and out drove her nuts. She longed to go out into the city to see its foreign sights and drink in its sounds.

Epona was not meant for this life and sometimes as a month tricked into two she regretted her decision to come here. It was oppressive on a level she had not imagined. Everything was ridged and timed save those few precious hours after dinner. More often this time was spent working with Lily Miriam and the others to practice the new imperial language which sadly cut into her training. But to have such friends was worth it.

She learned that Lily was a climber who would sneak over the garden wall and bring fruit from out in the grounds. That Olivia could weave like nobody else and that could throw a knife with unparalleled skill. Since they bonded so well they took it upon themselves to look after the other new concubines. Even those that did not want their help.

There were twelve new concubines including Epona, seven from Yeradith and five from far west of the empire. Some of them bonded others had an everyone for themselves attitude or were just that shy. Olivia and Miriam were known to her from her home but she had also made friends with Lilly as pale as her namesake and Ava who was almost too young to be there at all. They bonded fast through the training and the companionable silence of not being allowed to speak their native tongue. They guarded each other through the minor hazing offered to the new woman in the Harem.

The other women vied to be seen by the Emperor the more she gained a hold of the language the more she got bored of their subtle and not so subtle backstabbing and jockeying. All they seemed to talk about was who was sleeping with the man and how often so and so got called to his chambers. If one was called often she was tormented by the others. She found the whole thing distasteful.

Then one night the time had come the newest concubines mostly those sent as tribute with her were lined up for the den mother Isabella and Sebastian to look over. Each got a night with the Emperor they were told to ensure each had a chance to gain favor. It appeared their skill at speaking was enough to be sampled by the emperor. She thrilled with nerves suddenly wondering what she would actually do when the time came, could she go through with this? She was no virgin her sweet William had seen to that but this was a man she neither knew nor liked.

She took comfort that she would not be picked tonight. First; she was no proper beauty not like Mariam and second she was not doing anything to gain favor in the harem. Eventually her turn would come though... She had missed something shit they were all looking at her. She saw that Isabella was gesturing for her to follow her, oh shit on a stick it was her they wanted. She had to go to the emperor first.

She followed there was nothing else she could do. If she ran or disobeyed she would be beaten and locked up repeat as necessary. It seemed like a waist to her so she would submit or she would force them to kill her so there was no in-between in her mind. She had seen it when the last batch before them had been called like this a tall wild woman was among them she had fought it at every turn eventually when it was plain she could not be trained she had disappeared never to be spoken of again.

Epona assumed she was dead, they might have simply sent her out to do manual labor but with her pension for inflicting bodily harm on her captors she doubted it very much. That was not her way, she told herself, she volunteered she chose this. she might still choose to kill this emperor but she couldn't say what she would do in this moment. She was led into the bath and scrubbed from head to toe. Then her hair was done in the imperial way all wound and piled on her head. The gown she was given was sheer, making the lace one her mother had made for her down right modest.

She had seen these before but to actually wear next to nothing was another matter. In the mirror she hardly recognized herself not after the amount of makeup they had applied. This vision was of a tall slender woman of grace and poise the sheer dress was of green gossamer and every feature was visible through it. She slipped on the satin slippers laid out for her and turned ready, as she could ever be, to see the emperor.

She was given a gold robe for the long walk to the chambers of the Emperor and there were people about they could look at her and they did not too long it was improper to stair at a concubine of the emperor. Still she felt utterly exposed. When they reached the massive doors to the chamber one of the eunuchs knocked and apparently got a response as the two men guarding the doors opened them she swallowed and followed Isabella in.

The interior was sparsely lit, most of the light was by a large desk near the opposite wall where he sat in a short sleeved tunic and formless pants he did not even look up as they all entered. Isabella pointed to a spot in the middle of the room and Epona walked to it making not a sound "The girl from Yaridath your Grace" with that everyone left taking the gold robe with them. She was alone with this strange man who had every intention of having sex with her.

The room was sparsely furnished; there was the desk and a long table covered with the most magnificently carved painting. Only much of it was covered with carved figures and papers. She longed to look more closely but for the moment stayed put. There were a number of high backed chairs at this table each with a cushion. Huge tapestries covered the walls and these took her attention from the emperor. Each was a scene of conquest save on the wall to her right, which was of relaxation. Through the door on that wall she could see a bed and she shivered.

Emperor Adair had yet to look up from his writing and this bothered her. She was here to give herself to him a huge sacrifice and he couldn't be bothered. She moved now growing bolder as he ignored her. She knew she was supposed to go to him and attend his male needs but she was much more interested in the table. She got close and studied it wondering what it was a painting of. There were large swatches of blue where the table had been carved deep and green that tapered to gray and white as it peaked and made her think of tiny mountains. "What is this of?" the question was out before she could stop it.

There was a long pause as Adair stopped writing. He finally looked up his face unreadable and fixed her with a stern look. "What?" he asked.

Well there was no going back so she gestured at the table "What is this painted table of?"

He raised an eyebrow "You mean there are no maps in your country."

She shook her head no "What is a map?" She asked.

He pinched his nose in that moment he looked tired. "I.. Well a map is a drawing of land and sea. That is a map of the known world."

She stared at the table then over at him "You mean to tell me this knows where everything is and... where are we?" he just looked at her then back at his desk then after a moment's contemplation he got up and strolled lithely from his desk to the table. He stopped beside her and as she had surmised at their first meeting he was an imposing figure. She was tall a full six feet but he was still easily a head taller.

Adair moved some papers and pointed to the map "We are here. And before you ask you came from here" he pointed again and she shut her mouth having been ready to ask just that question. It was impossible she thought the points seemed too close together to represent the trip over land and the voyage by sea. But stopped herself from accusing him of lying.

She stared at the map and suddenly all the carved figures made sense "So all these" she gestured at the figures on the table "Are representations of your troops?"

His head snapped around in surprise "You figured that out already?"

She looked up at him "Well yes it just makes sense" he is staring at her appraising her again, she found it uncomfortable. She stared back, meeting his gaze steadily and held it. They stayed that way as the moments ticked by.

Finally without dropping his gaze he spoke "You are not one to back down are you?" His voice was low, almost admiring.

"No" she said matter of factually he stared a moment more and then he reached out and touched her hair. She tensed oh boy here we go she thought. He fiddled with a strand and then pulled it loose.

Adair huffed to himself and said, "Do something about that hair it doesn't suit you." It was off hand but there was no mistaking it for a suggestion. He stepped away from her breaking the staring contest as he did she was relieved. Slowly so as not to tangle her hair as she went Epona started to undo her hair letting pins and ribbon fall to the floor. When she was done and her hair fell about her shoulders he nodded in approval but he was still not entirely pleased however she could see it in his face.

Suddenly his hand went for her face. Instinct took over and in that moment she wanted to kill him all the injustices of his people to hers flooded her mind. By the time she realized what she was doing she had twisted away escaping his grasp easily. She was now facing him in a short fighting stance meant for close quarters combat. He instinctively took his own stance, eyes narrowed at her. "What is this?" he growled.

Her breathing was steady, every part of her ready to take him down. But she had not thought through resisting him. It had just happened a moment of surprise of rage and she had fucked up. "I.. you surprised me I didn't mean to... I meant to but..shit." He was ready for her to strike and she knew if she did it would be a hell of a fight, one she might not even win. She stepped up and held her hands passively at her side. It took every inch of willpower she had.

He was watching her intently and slowly asked "Did you just swear in my presence?"

She looked down making herself completely vulnerable "Yes" she said her voice was clear but not defiant. She felt him move in on her and forced herself to relax.

His hand gently engulfed her chin and tilted her head up so she could look him in the face. "And just then you thought what if I can take him. Did you not?"

She looked him in the eye a moment then "yes" a little defiance crept in that time she refused to be afraid of him or anyone.

His stony face cracked a little as a ghost of a smile flickered there. "Then take your stance. You get this fight. All that anger and frustration I see there below the surface take it out on me. But if you hold back even a little bit I will have you flogged." Her eyes widened had he really just said that? Was he serious? She felt the raw strength in his hand still gripping her face and knew if they got on her it was likely over unless she killed him. Could she really defeat him without injuring him?

She would damn well try. "I will not hold back." It was a promise. His eyes shone as he released her and stood back into his fighting stance. She wished she was in pants and a tunic like he was then a thought occurred to her and she shimmied out of her gauzy gown and threw it on the table and kicking off her slippers she faced him in a sort stance of her own. Adair looked surprised at her preparation but did not comment.

They faced off for what seemed like forever each sizing the other up. Then she moved with all her considerable speed and sent a low kick to the inside of his knee. Fast as she was he stepped back and jabbed at her face with the opposite arm. She followed her sideways momentum and using her back foot kicked behind her. He almost blocked but she got through and heard him exhale sharply as her heel connected with his solar plexus.

She spun around to kick him in the face but he was ready for her and blocked trying to catch her leg in the process. She recoiled in the nick of time and moved to strike his groin with her opposite hand as he countered with a jab to her face she tried to block but he connected. He wasn't holding back, wow, her vision blurred but her strike connected as well and he grunted giving her time to dance away.

Her vision cleared and he was on her his long leg snaking out to strike her head. She dropped into a low stance and brought a spear hand thrust into his floating rib. it snapped. He staggered back trying to adjust to this development. She pressed her advantage swiftly darting in and delivering a two-hand chop to either side of his neck. He staggered again but did not go down as intended. Instead he swung his arms around her with startling speed.

She tried to backup and block but he was a little too quick and caught her around the waist. Shit on a stick she thought, her only conclusion was he had not managed to catch her arms in the bear hug. Less consoling was the sensation of being lifted off the ground she kneed up and caught him in the groin he swore and threw her. She hit the ground hard and would have sworn herself if she had had the air for it.

She rolled and came painfully to her feet to see him barreling down on her. She took a longer stance ready for him. He looked pissed but who wouldn't be in his place. He was likely unaccustomed to women that could go toe to toe with him. This would be playful, pre copulation scuffle was costing him dearly. He reached for her but she dogged and kicked at his other rib this time however he redirected his arm and did catch her leg.

She cursed under her breath he had her and he pulled her in by that leg throwing it up at the same time to throw her off balance. She hoped forward, however getting close enough to punch him in the solar plexus this time he did not breath out in time and his breath left him in a rush. He dropped her leg but again he moved in and this time she was not quite fast enough to get her arms up, he had her now.

She immediately grabbed his trunk and turned her hip in an attempt to throw him. He grunted in pain as her arm made contact with his busted rib, however he did not budge. He was rooted like a tree and instead of him going down he picked her up again and this time he did not give her a chance to hit him again. He immediately threw her at his feet. She however controlled breath properly and kept her air for the moment.

He brought his heel down on her solar plexus and the air flew from her lungs and she doubled over involuntarily. She tried to get to her feet but it was no use he was on top of her in an instant pinning her to the floor. She heaved once against him but knew it was no use. He was astride then her his arms pinning her arms, it was over.

She gasped in air and went still "I submit" he looked at her, the adrenaline in him still up from the fight, his face bright with sweat.

Then he sat up releasing her hands "I won so you owe me a solemn promise" she stared at him that had not been part of the arrangement. Still she nodded not being in a place to argue with him.

"You are here by forbidden to put your hair up in that ridiculous fashion nor are you to wear makeup of any kind am I clear?" She stared at him with surprise clear on her face. He got up and held out a hand to her. She took it and got to her feet; he did not let go of her hand though. Instead he led her to the other room. the one with his bed.

She steadied herself; for sure it was time he would take her now right? Wrong he led her in and to a small table near the door. He let go and took the pitcher that was on the table and poured water from it into a large bowl sitting next to it. He then took a cloth and dipped it in, with this he turned and took her face in one hand and began to wash it with the other. She stood still not sure what to make of this.

When he was done he laid the cloth in the bowl and stepped back to study her this time he looked pleased with her appearance. "How did you learn to fight like that?"

She thought a moment before answering "Well I just took to it. I was young and my father was an indulgent man. He thought it was funny that his girl could beat the boys even the older ones."

He smiled then "And your mother had nothing to say to this?"

Epona grinned at him "Oh she had a lot to say but I wanted for nothing." She said this with pride hers was the most prosperous of the seven tribes. "But as I got older it was agreed that if I fell behind on my more womanly pursuits I could not train any longer. I stitch as well as anyone and cook, mend the lot I had to be the best for my mother to have what I wanted."