Variana walked down the cold stone halls. When she arrived at the Grand Duke's throne room, she was announced promptly and shown in by an unctuous, oily man.

"Grand Duke, the Princess is here to see you," he said as he bowed low.

"Let her enter."

As Variana walked up the long, red carpet she stared around the room. Guards stood at every door. It was a menacing sight.

"You have so many men at arms in your throne room?" she said.

Agro nodded. "I do for your protection."

"Am I in danger?" she asked.

"It seems obvious, from the events on the road, that your life is in danger. I thought it best to take proper precautions."

She nodded. She was nervous. This would be the hardest part. Telling the Grand Duke that she would not marry the Prince of the North. His lands were closest to the North and would take the brunt of the ensuing attacks.

"Your Highness," Agro stood and bowed to her. "Please tell me, have you decided?"

"I have," she said in a clear, steady voice.

"Well, don't keep us waiting, Variana. Tell us what you have decided."

"I shall not marry the Prince of the North. He is unkind and cruel. I refuse to be wed to him, as is my privilege."

Agro nodded, as if he had expected exactly this decision.

"Will you arrange an escort for me to return to my father?" she asked Agro.

Agro shook his head slowly. "I will not."

"Excuse me?"

"I will not."

"I heard you clearly the first time, Agro. It is not your place to refuse your Princess anything."

Agro laughed gently. "That is good then."

"What is good about it?" asked Variana.

"That you are not my Princess. Instead, you are now my prisoner. I shall have suitable arrangements made until I decide what to do with you."

Variana's bodyguard pulled his sword. He put the tip of it right on Agro's neck. Then he looked at the Princess, "At your command."

"Why do you betray me?" she asked Agro.

"It is not I who betray. You have betrayed your people by not doing what is best for them. Instead, you look to your own petty needs and wants. You are not royal. No, you are nothing but a brat," answered Agro.

Princess Variana gasped at the venom in his voice. "In that case, dispose of this refuse," she commanded her bodyguard.

As the words left her mouth, several crossbows twanged and three bolts struck her bodyguard dead before he had the chance to fulfill her command.

Four armed guards stepped forward and boxed her in.

"Take her to the dungeon," said Agro.

The Black Oak Sword

Chapter 1: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Chapter 2: Part 1 , Part 2
Chapter 3: Part 1 , Part 2,Part 3
Chapter 4:Part 1,Part 2
Chapter 5: Part 1
Chapter 6: Part 1, Part 2
Chapter 7: Part 1, Part 2
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14:Part 1
Chapter 14:Part 2
Chapter 15:Part 1
Chapter 15:Part 2
Chapter 16:Part 1
Chapter 16:Part 2
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19:Part 1
Chapter 19:Part 2
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22:Part 1
Chapter 22:Part 2
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38

**AUTHOR'S NOTE: You may notice I just substituted Ailith for Aella--I finally made the leap because I think the name fits her background and cultural heritage better.

© 2017, Stone Golem Publishing, All rights reserved--no part of this may be used without express written consent.

**All pictures used are labeled for reuse. They come from Pixabay

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