The sound of wooden wheels glazing against the rough ground was soothing to Kleopatra's ears. She had very few thoughts during the early morning. Her eyes were scanning the area. Within the days that she had been traveling, she noticed many things. Firstly, she realized how the cruelty of the natural environment was similar to the materialistic, human condition. The gossip much like a wolf pack surrounding it's prey. The class system acting as the circle of life. The Emperor acting as an apex predator. How could she change the course of events? What could she use to make Niklaus' father intrigued?
She recalled a summary of the great Empire, it read, "A country of many territories and few crops. Due to its poor agricultural quality, the Empire was forced to expand and import the goods throughout the winter season and create many new funding opportunities for the importing regions. An Empire with very few enemies, but many helping hands."
Every three months, the Empire and its regional counterparts have a large banquet to celebrate peace and have any necessary political gatherings to keep the prosperity. However, with her ability, Kleopatra has seen much more than gatherings take place. She saw countries fall much like her own and be swallowed up. While some lands are not part of the treaty, they are on radar and closely monitored by the Empire's intelligence officers. There are multiple dispatched
small agencies acting as though they are small business owners in different countries. They keep eyes on everything and report to the Emperor.
She was shaken from her contemplation when the carriage came to a sudden stop. Kleopatra opened the door and stepped out and stood for a moment to regain control of her legs. Her body was increasingly sore as the days went by. She gave up shoes yesterday and now she's getting sick of her gown.
Kleopatra briefly went back to her carriage and grabbed a new attire. After getting dressed, she got dressed into a light weight gown. It was a dark blue dress with a white belt that wrapped around her waist. Her arms were fully exposed and her wide back was accentuated by the square cut of the neck. She contemplated on wearing her light covering and decided to carry it in her arms just in case.
It was still warm in the sunlight but winter was coming. There was a brisk smell in the air that warned the environment. Kleopatra had heard of the brutal cold of Tsaritsyn. Meaning "Empire of the Golden Throne," it is the largest country in the world and it's the coldest as well.
"Enjoying the ride?" A sarcastic voice asked close by and Kleopatra looked over at the Third Prince of Tsaritsyn, Niklaus Dragunov.
"Hardly, Your Highness," she responded back monotonously and kept her legs moving by walking around the campground.
He walked beside her and glanced down at her bare feet and started to chuckle, "Was it a Anemoessa custom to not wear shoes?"
"My feet are unbearably sore in those toe cages," She scoffed and kicked a pebble to his leather boots. Kleopatra was not that much shorter than Niklaus. Her forehead reached his chin and her curly hair made her seem taller than the average woman. Her eyes lingered on his features for a moment.
He was fair skinned and had slate grey eyes that only seemed to gleam during the night. In the sunlight, his eyes were pale and never ending. There was no light in them. His hair was pitch black and sleeked back. Niklaus was a very neatly groomed man. His muscular body fit tightly in his clothes and his attire was simple. He wore a cream colored shirt with black trousers and a blazer that was left behind. He didn't need to wear full military uniform when on the road.
They made brief eye contact and both looked at the sunset on the horizon. There was a rugged terrain and it foreshadowed their journey ahead. Kleopatra bit the inside of her cheek and started to walk away when Niklaus gripped her wrist lightly. When she turned towards him, he let go.
"We arrive in the capital tomorrow evening, there will be many people who will want to know what your purpose is," His voice was quiet and clear, she nodded and told him that they would talk as time got closer.
Kleopatra walked out of the campground very soon and found a small stream about fifty yards from the campsite. She put her feet in the cool water and noticed that the horses were near the water as well. She could see them from afar, drinking from the water and she decided to take a couple gulps of water for herself.
If she were introduced as a concubine, Kleopatra would hold little to no value to high society in Tsaritsyn. However, if she were to be introduced as Princess Consort, then there would be an uproar. Not even the Crown Prince has found a suitable candidate for Empress. Niklaus was clever in suggesting that title for her. Kleopatra stepped out of the water and towards the horses. She pondered on what Niklaus had said to her moments before. What would her purpose be? Should she be ruthless with her actions? Not likely. But she didn't want to play dumb and do everything from the sidelines, too many risks. She had to be careful of her role.
As her feet took her to the horses, she saw them and instantly smiled. Ever since Kleopatra was small, she had a love for animals of all kinds. They made her heart swell with love and affection. She put her hand out to the large Clydesdale horse and stroked its snout. It's eyes were deep and looming but gentle. Kleopatra wrapped her arms around its large neck and scratched it with her nails softly. She chuckled as it huffed in her ear.
Until dawn, Kleopatra was with the horses. Laying down with them and secretly going through the knights leftover vegetables and giving the horses something. She was even lucky enough to find an apple tree in the woods not too distant from the carriages. Kleopatra was like a little kid stealing candy from a shop. She made a blanket into a pouch and took as many apples as she could carry.
This sentiment of hers didn't go unnoticed by the Prince. He just happened to be outside when she heard small laughter coming from the horses. He watched quietly for a little while and was shocked at how innocent the woman looked when she was with a different species. His view of her changed ever so slightly and somehow he felt relieved. His heart was a little lighter than it was a few days ago and he couldn't understand why. Niklaus removed himself from the scene and went back into his carriage to sleep some more.
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Kleopatra awoke to the halting of the carriage. She groaned and sat up with a scowl painted on her face. She heard clacking and clanging and was even more angered. Ready to kick down the door and potentially commit treason, she was greeted with a hot cup of coffee. Grateful to the Gods above, she smiled gratefully at the young apprentice that brought her a cup. Unfortunately, she couldn't give him anything in thanks because nothing from her home country could hold any value to citizens in Tsaritsyn.
She opened the currtains and watched as she passed through towns and villages. The many people that Kleopatra observed seemed to be malnourished and slow moving. She noticed barren fields and dry lands. Oats and rye are the most common crops in Tsaritsyn and it is very hard to harvest and live off of. With little nutrients, how can the nobles think that their people can work? Kleopatra looked away and had to force herself to think of the present problem. As much as it pained her, she couldn't help them right now.
Her short lived bliss of last night was a fading memory as she saw a large city from afar. Tall buildings with brick walls were like mansions to the people in the villages. There homes were made of nothing but rotted wood. It angered her. Her dress was more expensive then these peoples homes. Kleopatra felt disgusted with herself as she closed the curtains. She was truly ashamed to be riding in prestigious conditions when these poor people have never even tasted meat. She rubbed her face with her hands and tried to prepare herself for the evening ahead of her.
She wouldn't let herself be distracted with the unjust treatment of commoners. To help them, she had to succeed with her mission. Kleopatra made an oath to herself that she would find a way to support them. Her hand gripped in determination and she silently prayed for the people.
Just hold on a little longer, be strong. I will help you all, I promise.
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