Sacrifice of the Septimus: Part 2 (Afterlife saga Book 7) (20 page)

“It’s an expression Ranka, we don’t actually do that.”

“Not unless it’s an ex-husband and that dude is a Grade A asshole!” Pip added trying no doubt to be helpful. Ranka just ended up looking even more confused and I waved a hand at her and said,

“Don’t worry about it, let’s just concentrate on what we all understand here and think of a way to get me…”

“Unfucked to get fucked?” Pip said jumping in there and coming right out with it in the only way Pip knew how…blunt and blunt. 

“Pretty much,” I agreed.

“The only chance you have left is at tonight’s Choosing…how is the dance coming along?” I heard Pip clear her throat and I turned around to see her pretending to shoot herself in the head.

“Well that’s a confidence booster right there,” I remarked with a groan.

“What does this mean?” Ranka asked mimicking Pip’s action.

“Oh right, guns haven’t been invented yet. Okay how about this…” Pip said now pretending to pull an arrow from behind her back to then fire it with an imaginary bow under her chin.

“Ah, I believe I understand your little friend now,” Ranka said to me and I rolled my eyes thinking this was getting us nowhere.

“Great, glad one of us does.”

“Oi! I heard that!” Pip complained which I ignored out of frustration.

“Can we get back to the plan now?”

“What plan?” Pip asked and I groaned again.

“Exactly! There is no bloody plan, which is why we need one!” I snapped losing my patience and angry at myself that I couldn’t just master this stupid dance.

“Alright, but let’s leave the blood out of it should we…right Warrior woman…?”

“Don’t call me that,” Ranka answered wryly.

“Whatever you want Miss Stabby Pants, the point is we need to know exactly what happens at these shindigs,” Pip snapped back and this time I translated for her,

“The Choosing.” Ranka quickly understood and continued to tell us what we needed to know. 

“First the women are presented to the King for him to eliminate any he sees fit. And then the ones remaining are all to dance for him one by one, then he chooses which one is to be named his next Head Concubine in front of the court. After this there is a great feast before he then takes his new Chosen to the royal bedchamber.”

“I’m so screwed.”

“You’re screwed.” Both Pip and I said at the same time once Ranka had finished her thorough walkthrough of tonight’s events.

“You cannot dance?”

“That depends what you mean by dance because if we are talking cheesy disco music after a few tequilas and a bottle of beer, then sure, I can shake it. But if we are talking crazy shit with scarves that are pointless and keep getting tangled between my legs, then no, I can’t dance,” I told her, wishing I had a few of those tequilas right now as I could have done with some liquid courage. Ranka looked to Pip who simply shook her head and said,

“That’s a no, Mohawk.” Ranka didn’t understand the reference to her hair but at least she got how hopeless our situation looked.

“What about an instrument? We once had a girl who played a Kamancheh and I believed the King enjoyed that greatly.”

“Think of a little round guitar with three strings that you play with a bow,” Pip informed me when I looked confused and I had to say, I was impressed.

“I asked for a book once on the history of sexual instruments but Adam missed out the ‘sexual’ bit as it was written on a used napkin that had guacamole over the word ‘sexual’,” she told me obviously reading my surprise.

“Turned out it made a good toilet book,” she added and all I could do in response was give her a fake nod when really what I wanted to do was weirdly ask what other books she had in her ‘Toilet Book’’ collection.

“Sorry, I never learned and I don’t do tapestries or sing either, so both are a no, no.”

“No, but you do paint!” Pip jumped up and shouted with one arm up in the air.

“You are a Master of Arts?” Ranka asked me in surprise, making me blush.

“I can draw and paint, but I wouldn’t call myself a master at it.” Pip came to stand next to me and bumped my hip with hers before putting her arm around my back and pulling me closer by the shoulder.

“Oh, would you listen to her, but she’s just being modest! Of course she is a Master of the Arts …so do you think that will impress him?” she asked leaning forward and waggling her eyebrows.

“Well it would certainly be different,” Ranka said and you could almost see the cogs turning around trying to picture it for herself.

“Leave it with me and I will see what I can do,” she said before walking towards the door, but there was one last question I wanted to ask her before she left.

“Ranka wait.”

“Yes, Electus?”

“I wanted to know, when you said that he takes them to his bedchamber and…” I didn’t have to finish my question.

“Ah, I thought you would wonder upon that. The bedchamber he takes them to is not his own but one staged as such. His real quarters are among his own people and to my knowledge, you are the first female he has ever taken to his bed there,” she told me with a grin and thankfully through time, it was one that was getting less unnerving to look at. 

“Oooh, that’s promising,” Pip said elbowing me.

“But when they are there…I don’t…I mean I just don’t see how…” Okay so my question wasn’t coming out the right way but again thankfully she knew what I was trying to say, if her smirk was anything to go by.

“The King is forbidden to bed any humans apart from one…His true Chosen One. His Electus named by the Gods and sent to him…”

“Yes, yes she knows this…now get to the good part,” Pip said urging her on. Ranka first gave Pip a raised eyebrow but then chose to ignore the interruption.

“But he is still King and like all Kings before him, there is a certain reputation to uphold. It would do no good if he were to have a harem of beauties without ever touching any of them.” I nodded biting my bottom lip waiting to hear the rest and finally have my jealous fears confirmed.

“I wouldn’t worry yourself over such matters Electus, for the King has dealt with…”

“Oh, just put her out of her misery woman, before she bites her lip off!” Pip snapped, making Ranka frown.

“They are human so he simply makes them believe they have spent a night with their King,” she said quickly and getting to the point. 

“Oh I just bet he does, Mr Lover, Lover,” Pip said, like that crap Shaggy song back in early 2000’s.

“Not now Pip,” I snapped.

“So there is no…uh…” I was trying to word the question when Pip jumped in and stuck two fingers in her fist making me roll my eyes once again.

“No! That would be forbidden,” Ranka said affronted and looking disgusted. Well at least that was one bit of good news for today’s crapathon.

“Now, I must be getting back to the King… and see what is left of my warriors,” she added not looking too pleased by the idea.

“Oh, but I nearly forgot,” she said opening the door and gesturing for some servants to bring something in.

“The King wanted you to have something.”

“Ooh, goodie a gift, I love gifts, I bet it sparkles!” Pip said clapping and jumping up and down next to me.

“Think again,” I told her as two servants carried in a large copper bath, followed by ten more servants carrying in urns of water, presumably enough to fill it. The last of the servants then carried in a wooden chest and layers and layers of folded silk, which was what I gathered was my outfit for tonight.

“The chest was sent from Parmida, seeing as although even she wasn’t trusted with your care for tonight, she still wanted to ensure you were perfect for the King.” This reminded me of something even more important that I wanted to ask her.

“Ranka, about what happened yesterday…” She quickly held up a hand to stop me and said,

“Now is not the time but we shall speak of these things later. Now you’d better start preparing yourself, for I will be sent back to get you once the sun has set.” And with that she was gone and with it my answers for what had happened with Farrin.

Pip had never been called for the ‘Persian culture experience’ which was code for ‘torture time’ and she had complained about it one way or another for most of the day. But I had to wonder, had Draven been informed yet but more importantly, after this morning…
would he still care?

Well we would soon find out as the day was quickly coming to an end and my night, well my night was only just about to begin.

Now all I had to do was…

Survive it.   

Chapter 55

Chosen Picture 

“I don’t think I can do this!” I said in a panic grabbing hold of Pip and pulling her closer. She looked around, no doubt looking for Ranka to come back and save the day before murmuring down at me,

“It will be fine.” This was when I knew to really panic because I had come to live by one fundamental rule when around Pip…if she ever looked concerned, then you should
really
panic!

Ranka had come to fetch us as she said she would when the sun had only just set. I had been bathed until my skin felt new and now smelled like a beautician’s wet dream. We had used oils I didn’t even know the name of but if they smelled nice then they went in. Thankfully the only thing we did recognise was soap, so at least I could wash my hair without it looking like it had simply been dipped in chip fat!

Once I was out and dried, I let Pip take over brushing my hair until it fell into the long waves it usually bounced back up into. Then she pinned it up to one side letting a long golden plait hang down over my shoulder. Once my hair was done she then added a long length of material to match my dress, securing it into my hair so that it trailed down my back and onto the floor like a cape.

The rest of the dress, I was surprised to say, was quite reserved and not as revealing as I would have thought. Not considering the whole point of this ‘event’ was to show as much skin as possible in order to entice the King into choosing them but maybe I was wrong.

The top was a long sleeved tunic style jacket that was tight across the breasts, so tight in fact I didn’t think it would close up at first. At one point I thought Pip was going to punch my breasts in it but thankfully with some tugging here and there we finally got it fastened.

The material was a beautiful peacock blue colour adorned with large golden leaves throughout and framed around the edges. The design was a thick border of smaller gold leaves tightly entwined in lines. This border was used to edge wide cuffs on the sleeves, the bottom part of the top and also the collar running down either side of where the top fastened in the middle. The trousers I wore, which Pip told me were called Shalvars, were in the same shade of blue as the top but were plain without the gold design.

These had a high waist, held by a thick gold belt that could be seen thanks to the high split in the front of the jacket, as it only fastened just under my breasts so that it could show off my belly.

“Shame this outfit didn’t come with any bling,” Pip commented after standing back and taking a look at her handy work, which on her part was mainly man handling my breasts.

“I doubt anyone else will have any and will all be dressed like this,” I said which soon became famous last words as the second we walked into the main hall, Pip turned to me and said,

“You were saying?” This was because not only was I the only person not wearing any jewels but also because all the other ‘contestants’ were all wearing red. As soon as I walked in the whole room fell quiet as though everyone already knew who I was.

“I guess gossip spreads quick in this town,” Pip whispered to me before I was ushered up through the centre and to the front.

When Ranka had come to get us the first thing I noticed was the lack of art supplies she had in her hand and when I asked her about it she just gave me a look I couldn’t decipher and shook her head. I didn’t know what this was supposed to mean and with the guards there I didn’t get the chance to ask.

This was pretty much when my panic started to kick in. And then this panic started to double when I first entered the room and saw that I was the only one out of the other girls who stood out like a sore thumb! Of course this was nothing compared to the triple, near passing out panic I had when being led down the centre of the massive hall, only to see a stern looking Draven sat on his throne waiting for me. I had to wonder if it hadn’t been planned having me coming in last just to double my humiliation.

I tried to hold my head up and not give in to temptation to lower my head in shame but one glance at the front and that was easier said than done. Draven sat looking disinterested and important on his golden throne, which was different from the one I had seen him sat in last night.

This one had a high pillared back with thick red material curtained down from the top two peaks and cascading on either side. Draven was currently drumming his fingers on top of one of the snarling lion heads that decorated the armrests, looking just as mean as the lions themselves. Well I guess that answered my unasked question as to whether, given the day to calm down, he would be in a better mood than how he left this morning. That was certainly a big fat ‘no’ then.

I had to wonder if that scowl had only just appeared once I entered the room or had it been there all day? I also had to wonder what the other girls thought about their King’s obvious displeasure at tonight’s Choosing?

The whispering seemed to get louder the closer I got to the front and I had to walk around the large round shaped pool in the middle of the room that was covered in brightly coloured glazed tiles. Flower petals floated in the water and bowls of fruit framed both it and the walkway that had been kept clear for our arrival.

Men and woman either stood or sat amongst piled cushions on both sides as they were ready for the show that would soon begin. Scantily dressed servants weaved in and out of the guests holding jugs of wine, bowls of nuts and large golden discs filled with what they called ‘sweetmeats’ for the guests to enjoy.

I couldn’t help but look at the wine being poured into goblets wishing I could steal the jug and drink the lot! I looked off to the other side to see Pip was walking parallel to me all the while keeping me in sight and nodding as if to give me encouragement. Ranka seemed to have quickly vanished after we first arrived, which didn’t give me much hope at all. 

Finally this first round of torture was over as I made it to the front and looking left and right saw that there was only one space left empty for me, which just so happened to be directly opposite the King.

I was just about to sit down in my desperation to get out of view when I noticed Pip from the side waving at me. I glanced her way to see her bowing like a mad woman, reminding me of royal etiquette. I then quickly bowed before the King but noticed that he too had just seen Pip reminding me of my actions…and once more, he didn’t look impressed.

“Sit,” he barked at me, making a few more people other than myself jump at the sound of his harsh tone. As I lowered myself to my assigned cushion the gossip doubled because of it and it was only when he stood that the room silenced. He was dressed in what I gathered was suitable attire for the occasion as was his sister who also sat in a smaller throne next to his. The one on his other side however, still remained empty which had me wondering where Vincent was.

Sophia wore a stunning purple dress that was made up of layer upon layer of the most delicate looking fabric. It was so fine that had she been only wearing one layer it would have been see-through. Draven wore the same striking purple colour but as a sash around his waist which was combined with leather straps that held an elaborate looking dagger to one side. This same colour continued in the open robe he wore that went down to his knees and the muscles on his bare torso looked hard enough to scrub clothes on…or better still, to lick and kiss all over.

“I invite you all here tonight, for the time has come for there to be another Choosing of my new Head Concubine. As is tradition the current chosen one, Stateira, can still hold claim to the title if she can still impress me as she once did in the past and yet again I choose her above any other.” Draven said this to the whole room but when he looked down at me I knew who he was really saying it all for.

I wanted to get up, stamp my feet and shout, ‘fine pick the murderous bitch, you’re welcome to her!’ but I knew that would have only been my anger talking. Besides I don’t think I would have got away with it quite so much as I would have done with the Draven in my time. So thankfully, I kept my mouth shut!

At least that had answered one of my questions for Ranka, as it was clear she hadn’t yet had chance to tell him of his precious Concubine’s crimes or I doubt very much she would be sat among us as she was now. All I could hope for tonight’s events was that at some point the evil poisonous smirk would be wiped off her face, preferably in the form of a slap from someone…please Lord let it be me, I thought to myself. 

“Let us begin!” he shouted clapping his hands and all the other girls stood up at the same time…all except me, as I had no clue this was what we were supposed to do. I scrambled up as quickly as I could and frowned when I heard the few sniggers directed my way. Draven gave me an amused look and I suddenly knew what this was…

This was his version of payback.

He walked down the line starting at the first girl furthest away from me. She was beautiful just like the others and like the rest was scantily clad in red. So not only did I stand out for being the only one in a different colour and mostly covered up but I was also the only blonde in the room. Brilliant, just brilliant I thought sarcastically!

Draven smiled down at her making me want to growl with jealousy and this was only the first girl. I could only hope that by the time he got to me I wasn’t so outraged that I just slapped him and stormed off! Now I knew how anyone felt knowing their husband was at a strip club for a night with their pick of beauties all lined up waiting to be chosen.

It was awful and I hated every damn minute of it, but wasn’t that the point he was trying to make? Because I had certainly seen for myself his own reaction to jealousy and this was obviously the perfect way of teaching me that lesson, one that I remember he had cruelly taught me once before back in Sophia’s playroom.

Draven reached one girl who looked too young and barely legal to be out at night, let alone be someone’s Concubine. Draven gave the girl’s cheek an affectionate stroke and whispered something in her ear. After that the girl looked as though she wanted to burst into tears as she left the line, obviously being told to sit back with the crowd.

His first elimination
.

Draven continued down the line of half-naked girls having dismissed another two, which now left only seven of us to try and seduce the King with our skills a
t
enticement. But first he had to cast his judgment over me, as I was the last one he faced. I didn’t want to look at him. I was so emotionally drained from the whole experience and it was only the beginning. He must have seen something in my face that told him this because the next words out of his mouth weren’t as harsh sounding as they had been or as I had been expecting.

“Look at me, Little Lamb.”
I did as I was told and slowly looked up at him, knowing I wouldn’t have been able to handle his disapproving eyes like I was dreading.

“Breathe, Pet,” he told me and I finally let out a held breath as his eyes softened as though he was finally taking pity on my fragile nerves.

“I have never done anything like this before,”
I whispered up at him, deciding to be honest. He gave me a small grin back, bent forward a little and whispered,

“I am happy to hear it.”
Then he put a thumb to my lip to pull it from my teeth and said,

“Now behave yourself.” After he let me go he clapped his hands obviously for the music to start. He walked up the few steps back to his throne and after flicking aside his robe he sat down, waiting for the first dance to begin, which unfortunately seemed to be me. Once again he looked amused at the clear terror on my face as he beckoned me to stand before him to begin.

The panic really started to take hold and it was becoming clear as the sniggering and whispers started back up at my expense. Draven’s stare was just as intimidating as the room full of people at my back. It was almost as though I was frozen to the spot. Even when he motioned me forward with his hand I didn’t want to move. Why did it feel like I was being asked to walk the plank?

He knew I didn’t want to do this, I could see it in his eyes and the way he gripped the lion’s head as though he was fighting with himself to come down and rescue me from myself.  

“Don’t keep him waiting.”
Even the girl next to me whispered a warning and I knew my choices were down to none. So with a pounding heart I stepped forward as though I was facing a firing squad. I looked to Pip to see her looking just as panicked but then she spotted someone coming through the crowd and I could only hope it was…it was…

“Ranka, oh thank God.”
I muttered when I saw her, hopefully coming to my rescue.

“If I may my Lord, I believe she wishes to do something different for your entertainment.” Ranka said coming to stand by my side. Draven looked intrigued and rubbed his beard with one hand as though he was taking his time thinking about it.

“This entertainment you speak of, explain it to me,” he demanded but just as Ranka was about to speak he held up a hand silencing her.

“Not from you, Ranka.” Then he nodded past her directly to me. Ranka looked back at me and motioned with her head for me to come forward and to go ahead and explain. I looked back at the room nervously and the second I saw bitch face laughing I knew this was where I was going to find my backbone. I straightened myself up and looked directly to the King, ready to seize the moment. For Pip had been right, I had something here that no one else was going to do and that in itself should be enough to find courage in and be proud of.