#Princess Nikh

[kyriat-stories]

The King of Manthos, the young Mijararos, had payed a friendly visit to King of Selinódasos, the wealthy King Akrísios, who was also married to Mijaros' aunt, Queen Laonome. This was a courtesy visit, but with an agenda. They had an important issue to discuss: To strengthen the ties between the two kingdoms through an agreement on marriage.

When seeing his potential wife, King Mijararos was quite startled.

- But she is still a child! I don't think this is a good idea.

- Well, you knew her age already, didn't you? She is almost ten winters.

- When grandmother said "marry your cousin" I didn't realize she meant Princess Nikh. I always assumed she meant Princess Euthalia. This is not what I had prepared for.

- Princess Euthalia is already spoken for. We have already made an agreement with the Kingdom of Koiláda Chalkoú.

- I don't mind cousin Mijarare, Nikh said, I know you will be a kind husband. And also grandma and uncle Heraklis will be there, so I'm not afraid.

- Thank you for that, Nikh my dear, but it's not that easy. There are expectations that you simply can't fill.

- There would be a long period of engagement of course, at least three winters. The important thing now is the agreement, not the fulfillment.

- I hear you uncle, and I respect that, but I ... I just can't. The age difference bothers me, and it will probably do so for many years. The gap is too large. I'm sorry, I will just have to decline.

- Mother will not be pleased, Laonome said. The whole family will be so disappointed.

- It can't be helped aunt Laonome, this is impossible. I will have to look for a wife elsewhere I'm afraid.

- Is it my fault cousin Mijarare? Am I too ugly? You don't love me?

- Of course I love you! Just not in a husband-and-wife-way, okay? Besides, you are the prettiest girl in the whole kingdom and any young man will be proud to marry you, as soon as you get a bit older.

- I'm really sorry uncle. But might I suggest that you consider my brother Linos for Nikh? They are closer in age, and he is second to the throne.

- I was hoping for a more prestigious marriage, so I don't know. It's not what I had planned for my daughter. This is most unfortunate.

- My men! Laonome cut in. We must be able to solve this somehow.

- I don't see how, Mijararos answered.

- Not me neither, Akrisios agreed.

- Dear nephew, would you consider marrying Euthalia, if she wasn't spoken for?

- I would. We are about the same age at least.

- So if we can reach an agreement with the King of Koiláda Chalkoú to let her go, would we have an agreement? Even if the dowry would be lower?

- Why should it be lower?

- Because we would have to offer something to the King of Koiláda Chalkoú. As a compensation.

- Do you think he would be willing to discuss it?

- It's worth a try.

- And Euthalia, how would she feel about it, would she consider living at Manthos palace?

- Oh, absolutely. She wasn't very keen on going to Koiláda Chalkoú, that's for sure. She's been sulking for weeks now.

- Ironically, that sounds promising. So maybe we have an agreement then?

- Provided the King of Koiláda Chalkoú agrees; yes!

- When I come home, Mijararos added, I will suggest that the house of Manthos and grandmother assists with the compensation, just to make sure he will think it's worth it.

- You make it sound so easy, Laonome laughed.

- What?

- "I will suggest that grandmother assists". That woman is not known for accepting any suggestions easily. Unless it's in her interest.

- It's just a matter of making her realizing just that, it is in her interest. I know what I will have to do.

.

Previous (Chapter 10) | Index | Character overview | Next

[sa-characters]

Princess Nikh Akrisiou

GENDER - Female

AGE - Teen

Princess of Selinódasos

ASPIRATION - Rambunctious Scamp, Admired Icon

TRAITS: Calm, Fussy, Good, Bro

SIGN: Capricornus

PARENTS - Laonome Amphytriona and King Akrisios I

PARTNER - None

CHILDREN - None

Download: Not available

Story: Once Upon A Time - The first ones

Family tree: The first ones

TEEN: Privilege sounds so enticing, but is it really? Nikh is so restricted by expectations. Marriage, power, heritage, they are all part of it. But what about dreams?

CHILD: Nikh loves to run, climb and fight. Not to quarrel, but wrestling. She is strong and beat most boys her age. Her dream is to became a bull-jumper when she grows up.

TODDLER: You see, if you spoil a child like Nikh, she will become more and more demanding for attention. She is still very sweet, but OMG what a tiring kid...

INFANT: Nikh (Nike in English) was named during the Tartosa war while her mother was hoping for a victory. She doesn't seem to be a warrior, but who knows, the calm and friendly people might win in the end.

[kyriat-stories]

Epilogue

When peace is preserved everybody is happy, but also: life goes on.

King Mijararos was said to show his happiness in quite an un-royal way when he got the news about King Turunusemis' passing. They Kings, Queens and soldiers all returned to their respective kingdoms and homes the following day.

The men was told that it had all been a rehearsal, and that there were no actual threat of war. Some believed it, some not. But everybody was happy to be home.

Sibyla, the nursemaid and Queen Ofelias confidant, went back to Strangepolis, but returned to Koilada Chalkou after a couple of months. She is now a housekeeper, a very high-ranking and respected position at the castle. She is also said to keep the Queen warm at night, but if you ever asked anyone at the castle about it, you would be told to mind your own business.

Prince Iasonas of Katafygio have been said to approach Queen Ofelia aiming at a matrimonial alliance. She politely turned him down. He is now in discussions with the King of Selinódasos, who is positive to a marriage between the Prince and his daughter Nikh. In a few years.

Princess Amphiera gave birth to twins the following spring. She is still kept in a separate part of the palace, and is not allowed to go outside unless she is accompanied by her husband, or an officer designated by him. She has her own servant and is allowed to see the children a couple of hours a day. They are otherwise cared for by Princess Konchylia, who might be surprising, considering that Princess Amphiera killed her husband. But, as she says, the children are not to blame for the sins of their parents.

Eteokardiás (Teo) decided to agree to a five year contract with the forces, where his main role was as a chef. He is entitled to a five days leave a couple of times a year. His mother suspects that his reasons for agreeing to the contract is personal, not financial.

On one of those hot summer days, after all of this, Kyrios Yousif Eláïom unfortunately passed away, most likely of a heart attack. His wife Eira, was of course heartbroken, but denies regretting marrying him. She is however worried about bringing up their little daughter alone. The girl, Maya, has now passed two years old, and is still not walking. Her mother took her to the temple as a baby, and the high priestess claimed that she was "touched by the gods"; a blessed child. Maya is a lovely, sweet little one, loved by everyone in the family, and in the whole village. (If they had access to modern medicine they would understand that Maya has Downs syndrome, but a blessed child she is nevertheless.)

[End of chapter 12]

A huge thank you to those of you who have followed, liked and commented on my story so far. It means a lot, and I am truly grateful. 💕

.

Previous | Index | Character overview | Next (Chapter 13)

[kyriat-stories]

The harsh words of his brother rang in King Mijararo's ears, and to make the misery complete they got the sad message that Queen Alkmini had passed away on their way back. It was not unexpected considering her old age and health situation, but still sorrowful for those who loved her.

Just a few months later, they also received the message that Laonome, the Queen of Selinódasos, who was King Mijararos' aunt and Queen Euthalia's mother, surprisingly had turned ill and died. Rumors had it that she had been poisoned, but nobody were able to figure out who and how.

The King was of course devastated, but was comforted by the children's governess Bisera, whom he just months later decided to marry, because "it is easier this way", as he said.

Queen Euthalia was furious with her father, and wanted her sister Nikh to come to Manthos, "to avoid the influence from common and unfit people" as she explained it. "Absolutely not", was the short and clear answer from the king. We don't think he ever asked his daughter Nikh what she wanted, but if he had, she would most likely had agreed with her father. Truth is Nikh had a much better relationship with her "common" governess than with her rather snobbish sister. As for her younger brother Philokratis he was not old enough to understand.

Queen Euthalia had strong opinions about most things, and there had been a couple of episodes with both staff and family in the past. But lately the frictions between Euthalia and Amphiera had escalated to a level that was affecting the whole family. As soon as they were in the same room, which they were daily, there were loud arguments and glowers.

King Mijararos tried several times to discuss this with his wife, but to little avail.

- Why are you telling me this, she said, when it is Amphiera who is causing all the problems? She looks so innocent that one, but she is a demon! I'm telling you!

- That might be so, but please, if you could be a little less confrontational?

- You don't understand my situation Mijarare! Euthalia was clearly upset. I'm the head of this household, I am the Queen of this country, and my authority is constantly challenged by that... Lámia!

- But we will all just have to work together, and ...

- Work together?! She is a lazy slob, and all she can do is to lie on the coach and have the servants run around for her! And she don't have children or households or kingdoms to look after, like some of us! You don't know what you are talking about! Go talk with your brother and ask him to get his wife in order, next time. I'm sick and tired of this!

Mijaros found it best not to continue the discussion that night.

He had a feeling that his brother wouldn't be open for any suggestions concerning his wife's behavior, so he decided not to talk with him about it. Instead, he confided in his uncle.

- So you see the situation is a bit unruly, and I really don't know how to handle it. Do you think your Konchylia could... No, probably not a good idea. Could become even messier.

- Hmm. Well I don't know. She is good at stopping the children from fighting, but this is a different level of course.

- You know what is worse than two women fighting?

- What?

- Three women fighting.

- Ah, it's a joke!

- It is, but it's true, isn't it?

.

Previous | Index | Character overview | Next

[kyriat-stories]

At the Kastro of Koiláda Chalkou there were not just one wedding scheduled that summer, but two. To keep the peace between them, the two kings had decided to strengthen the ties between the families. The mind behind it all was of course Queen Alkmini, but unfortunately she was not able to attend herself. Her health was not good, after all she was getting very old.

The beautiful Princess Ofelia, the sister of the King of Manthos, was to marry the King of Koiláda Chalkou, a small but wealthy kingdom on the Manthos continent.

Princess Ofelia's twin brother, Prince Linos, was expected to marry the elder sister of the King of Koiláda Chalkou, Princess Amphiera. She was a beauty, but much older than her chosen one.

He was not happy about. Just hours before the ceremony, he had a big fight with his brother, King Mijararos, about it.

- How can I marry that woman?! She is so old! Her hair is already growing white!

- She still has many good years, the king tried to argue.

- You are such a hypocrite! You didn't want to marry cousin Nikh because she was too young for you, and now you expect me to marry that old hag?

- Calm down! You know very well that I did that so we wouldn't wait years and years for an heir to the throne. And she is not an old hag, she is still a beautiful woman.

- But she is too old! She is older than our mother for goddess sake!Not much chance for me having a heir, that's for sure. At least not with her.

- The heir is not important in your case, the liaison is.

- Axx, leave me alone, I can't reason with you anyway

- So, will do as you are told then?

- You and grandma don't leave me much choice, do you? I will do it, but I will not forgive this. I will find my revenge, be sure of that!

- Lino, please...

That afternoon, in a ceremony led by King Akrisios of Selinódasos, the switch of siblings was done and the peace of the two kingdoms was secured.

.

Previous | Index | Character overview | Next

[kyriat-stories]

It was one of those crispy cold autumn evenings, but Euthalia and Mijararos were greeted in the courtyard by the whole family.

- My daughter! Son! Welcome! You must be exhausted. The forerunner told me that you had to go on the west side to get here?

- That's true, father. We will explain everything, but let us get inside first. It's freezing!

- Nikh, my darling sister, I've missed you so much.

- You are my favorite Euthalia. Will you stay here now?

- Aww, I wish, but we can't. We will have to go back to Manthos in a few days. But I've missed you terribly!

- I've missed you too. Tremendously!

- So this is the last branch on my father's tree. Euthalia smiled to little Monachos. He looks so much Philokratis when he was that age! Is he making your life difficult?

- Not at all! He's a very easy boy! How is your little Radhamanthos? Don't you miss him?

- Oh I do! I wouldn't leave him if it wasn't extremely important. And this time it is.

- I've heard rumors that there might be a new war coming on? That's terrible.

- It is. But sometimes war is necessary. Some problems can't be solved in any other way.

- I guess. I never really cared for politics. I leave that to Akrisios.

- You are so right. Let the men handle these things!

- Well they don't seem to troubled about war and problems. Bisera commented.

- Definitely. Laughing and playing games. You wouldn't think they had a problem in the world, right?

- They don't have a problem! Prince Philokratis said. Because they are the kings!

- You don't think kings have problems? Bisera responded.

- Of course not! They can decide everything!

- Haha! How sweet you are, brother! And still so innocent! I wish it would last forever, but I'm afraid you might get a reality check very soon.

- You are here to discuss the war, aren't you? Bisera said gravely.

- We are. Well, my husband is. I would very much like to see the fabrics you got from Kastanea. I've heard they have the brightest colors?

- They have! I will be happy to show you tomorrow. I didn't know you took an interest in that kind of thing?

- Oh but I do! We have good weavers in Manthos, but nothing like the ones in Kastanea. Their fabrics are something else from what I've heard.

- They are! I look forward to showing you tomorrow. While the men solve the world problems.

- Exactly! I'm looking forward to it too.

.

Previous | Index | Character overview | Next