Meet the Characters: The Princess

She padded down the steps leading to the great hall. As she neared the bottom landing, she heard raised voices. Peering through the cracked door, she saw her brothers in the midst of a heated debate. The Roman ambassador was present.

“Why wasn't I consulted?” That was Etxarte, the man who had served as her guardian until her elder brother, Tierney, reached a suitable age to rule. “Surely I have a say in her future?”

“You are an advisor now,” Tierney reminded him. “We've made our decision. This will cement our alliance with Rome.”

Her body tensed. This doesn't bode well.

“Times are changing,” added Cahan, the youngest brother. “We no longer have the luxury of depending on Atlantis to police the world for us. We must rely on ourselves now. She knows that.”

Valens Petronius stroked his clean-shaven chin. He was young for his position as a senator and the representative of Rome to Ker-Ys; though already he had demonstrated a wisdom beyond his years on multiple occasions. “Agreed. Rome will sign the treaty.”

Etxarte crossed his arms. “What if she isn't ready for marriage?”

Marriage?

Petronius cleared his throat. “He makes a valid point. I assume she has given her consent? I won't force the girl.”

“Of course she has,” Tierney answered quickly.

Horror filled her heart. No I haven't! I'm not ready for marriage! And to Petronius? I hardly know the man. I want to marry for love! It's not fair...

Tears stung her eyes. She and Etxarte could plead until they grew blue in their faces, yet Tierney would never budge. He had decided. Her life was over, her dreams of happiness stolen away. In her anguish, she could think of only one thing to do.

Run.

*

For the time being, she's known simply as “the Princess of Ker-Ys.” That's because I don't want to reveal her true name before the book is published. What I will say at this time, is that she does end up marrying Valens Petronius (not to be confused with Gaius Petronius—you know, the guy who played Nero like a fiddle? ;-) ), but it won't be as bad as she thinks. Petronius is a good guy! Upon entering Roman society, she takes a Roman name, Varina, and that's the name most of the other characters know her as for the first half of the story.

Inspirations for her character include: Queen Guinevere from the Arthurian Legends; Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice; and Eowyn, from Lord of the Rings.

The city of Ker-Ys is the Breton take of the Atlantis legend. “The Destruction of Ker-Ys” was first recorded during the Middle Ages, though the tale itself is likely much older. Read more about this in one of my previous blog posts.

Picture source: Queen Eleanor

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