The young recruit nervously stepped into his new quarters, the major domo assuring him that he would be just fine and repeating the schedules he was supposed to follow the next day. Azio liked the major domo. The crotchety old man was humourous and good-natured.

He looked about his new surroundings, likely to be his home for the next few years, then dropped his duffel bag onto the floor next to the floor.

"Azio!" a voice called enthusiastically from behind him. "Come see! Come see!"

"See what, Leren?"

"It's herr, Azio! Her!"

Azio froze. Who was she? Many times the young man had heard of this mysterious her, but he never knew. She had been about wagging tongues since he was about sixteen, and everyone seemed to know something about her.

Azio, barely twenty, a young private from a rich family that would ascertain that he entered the Deriosn Army where he would mix only with the cream of the crop, felt painfully aware of his ignorance on the war he was supposed to be a part of. Though his father was very active in the politics and his uncle was the general in charge of his squadron, his entire life had been rather sheltered, with information on the war reaching him only occasionally.

Until now.

"Azio, come one!"

He started for the door. It was her. He ran to the hallway overlooking the courtyard where she was supposed to be making her way across.

"Where? Where?" he shoved himself into the crowd of men at the railing.

There was a horse at the gate, beside it, a figure in a cloak. The cloak was rich velvet emblazoned with - what? A Kenkeresion symbol! Azio was confused. If it was really her, why did everyone greet her as she was one of the enemy?

"That's a Kenkeresion cloak," Azio pointed out.

"Azio, don't you know anything??" his friend rolled his eyes. "She's a spy!!"

"Really? What's her name?"

His friend shrugged. "No one knows. King Merco would know, but he's not telling. People think she's his illegitimate daughter."

Azio opened his mouth to say something but his friend went on.

"But people in Kenkeres say that she is Minister Gerean's daughter, and no one knows the truth. She's so beautiful."

"Have you seen her?" Azio asked.

"No, never. But everyone says so."

Then Azio saw her. She had thrown back her hood and even from far, he could make out every single detail of her face. Her features were delicate, as if she were a chiseled glass sculpture and her skin� it was so fair, like porcelain. Her lips were like rosebuds, so soft, Azio ached for this woman as he had never before. The well-loved face was framed by lustrous brown curls pinned into the current fashion.

She swept he gaze around herself, and everyone gasped as her piercing eyes stared into theirs as if she were looking into their souls and knowing their lecherous ambitions concerning her. Azio himself drew a sharp breath when her eyes looked into his; for one electric moment, he thought that surely she loved him as much as he loved her. No one could put such an expression into their eyes as she could. The mixture of candour and artlessness and sensuality and innocence made Azio hate and love the war for bringing her into his life at such a tumultous time.

A man leant too far over the railing and fell to the ground with a crunch. Before he drew his last breath, he looked imploringly at her, holding out his hand to the lovely vision that was to be the thing he would ever see. Then his hand fell to the ground, his body limp as blood seeped from beneath him. She watched the spectacle with detachment before continuing on to the other side of the courtyard.

General Karsov stood at the door leading to the offices, a wide smile on his face as he greeted the angelic succubus with a certain intimacy that made Azio's stomach churn with jealousy.

"Bella donna, we have been pining in your absence," General Karsov's greeting could be heard across the courtyard. He looked at the dead soldier. "I see you have added another to list of casualties who died of heartbreak. Your beauty beyond compare, darling."

She curtsied with infinite grace.

"Please, my dear, do come inside," General Karsov invited. "May I suggest a glass of wine? You've been on a long journey�"

"She's so beautiful," Azio's friend breathed. Azio turned to see tears running down the cheeks so many soldiers.

"That's disgusting. Crying over a woman!" Azio sneered.

His friend glared at him. "Look who's talking. You're crying yourself."

And it was true. Azio licked his lips to taste salty tears from her beauty. He swore silently. It could not be. She was too beautiful to be true.

"Pinch me, compadre, and tell me I'm dreaming," he told his friend.

"You're not, Azio. She's real. As real as you and me."

Suddenly, the major domo can up to him. "Pardon, young master Azio. Your uncle bids you to join him in the sitting-room."

Azio took a deep breath, hardly believing his ears.

"Azio! Go! And tell her about us!" his friend whispered urgently.

Azio began to follow the major domo's steps. His pace quickened when he heard jeers and requests.

"Azio! Tell her about me! Azio! Don't keep her all to yourself! You stupid youth, as if she would ever notice you! Hey! Remember we want a piece of her time too!"

Azio ignored them all. He could feel his heart thumping against his chest with all youthful fervor. Finally he began running, the major domo hobbling after him. "That door! Wait! I'll announce you!" called the old man.

He stopped. The wooden door, small and cozy looking, was the door to his heart's love.

The major domo opened the door.

"Quickly, old man, quickly," Azio pleaded.

The door opened. "General," the major domo said in crisp tones. "Your nephew."

Azio went in nervously. General Karsov was sitting on a sofa. Beside him, she sat, eyes directly gazing at him. He could see the colour of her eyes. They were a strange deep maroon colour. Azio had never seen such eyes before.

Suddenly, her eyes softened and he gasped as they distinctly turned powder blue. General Karsov rose, amused by his nephew's reaction. "Azio, lad. Meet the subject upon many lips, the Courtesan. She is our greatest spy and very, very, ah, shall we say� invigorating company."

Azio bowed awkwardly. "Lady."

The Courtesan rose and curtsied low. "Private Azio." Her head bowed, she looked at him through cloud-like eyelashes. He knew she was assessing him and he felt awkward. It was not that he was not handsome. He had inherited an appealing face from his mother's side of his family, whereas his hair was the reddish brown of his father's. He prayed that his looks would be favourable to her.

"We were discussing the latest attack patterns that our Prime minister was planning to tell us all, but somehow the information had leaked out to the enemy base before he could tell us and using these plans, they had efficiently annexed Sector 114," General Karsov said, his voice all business as he addressed Azio.

"Is that so?" Azio found himself saying to his uncle.

General Karsov waved his hand. "Sit. I'll tell you all about it."

"So when is the next attack on our part due?" Azio asked. "Leren was saying something about growing mold because of inaction."

"Inactive duty for the time being. If worse comes to worst, we will have to defend this sector as the Kenkeresion Division 36 is headed for another of our fronts that would give them easy access here. Azio, I want you to go about the men and make friends with all of them. I suspect we have spies in our squadron and I intend to flush them out."

"I'm a spy, too, remember, General," the Courtesan stated, sipping red wine from a slender glass. She looked at the General from behind the rim of her glass. "Were you planning to flush me out?" she asked, her voice low and challenging.

General Karsov looked at her, something in his eyes that made a furious emotion rise in Azio's mind. The young man knew his uncle wanted to sleep with his beloved tonight.

"No, my darling," General Karsov said softly. "Even if I wanted to, I could not."

"Good," she said, standing up. "Because I have had a bad day. And I wish to retire."

"Ah�" General Karsov began.

"Was there something?" she asked pointedly.

"No� no, no, no, nothing important. Enjoy your rest."

She walked out, ignoring his last words to her as if she were a queen and the general a mere scullery boy. Azio watched as this lovely woman left the room, mouth parched and dry with longing.

"What's wrong, uncle?" he asked, forcing his attention to the more serious matters.

General Karsov sighed. "Nothing. This war is wearing on these old nerves."

"You're only forty-eight, uncle Karsov. You've got a couple of decades left in you."

"Thank you, Azio, lad." Then the General sat up. "About those spies," he said in a hushed voice. "I don't want anyone knowing what I just told you. The Courtesan is an exception, she garners information for us across enemy lines and whatever we don't know, she will know."

"How are the Sectors close to Sector 114? If 114 was annexed, wouldn't the Kenkeresions try another of those weakened fronts?"

"Sectors 113, 112, 115, 116, 117 and 118 are sure to hold their position. You don't have to worry. Reinforcements are being sent to Sectors 111 down to 106. Sector 105 is too enclosed to worry about any immediate attack."

"How are the politics in Parliament?"

Ah, the politics," General Karsov sighed, rubbing a weary hand over his eyes. "Apparently, King Merco is still wrangling with Minister Gerean over their personal matter and has no desire to hand over the reins of his rule over to his government as Gerean has advised, despite the fact that he has no heir. I wish Gerean would keep his nose where it belonged. Those Kenkeresion bastards are such bloody revolutionists."

"What happened to the Crown Prince, actually?" Azio asked curiously.

"Oh, he got shot in the early part of the war due to a rather silly affair."

Crown Prince Hersn was an imbecile anyway, were the unspoken words. He would hardly have been man enough to take over the country after his father died. The common people scorned his weakness and the aristocracy had been ashamed to admit that this was the man who would lead them after King Merco.

"Get some sleep, Azio. Tomorrow, I want you here so you can see just how we make plans," General Karsov ordered his nephew, leaning over and clapping the young man on the shoulder. "Your papa wants to be proud of you."

"Yes, uncle Karsov," Azio replied automatically. He got up and left the room.

There was a surprise waiting for him as soon as he entered his quarters. Unlike many of the other recruits, he didn't have to share his room, being the son of a powerful duke.

She lounged in his chair, as if everything in his room belonged to her. They now did, Azio supposed, himself included.

"What did you learn from you uncle, Azio?" she asked, voice was low and sensual. Azio drew a sharp breath when she shifted her position.

A thrall to her charms, he told her everything his uncle had disclosed to him. Then he continued to tell her exactly what he thought of the latest developments in the war. She listened, nodding every now and then. She did not chatter endlessly like the young women back at home, he noticed. Her eyes changed several shades of colours while he spoke, and he could see whether she was agreeing or disagreeing with him.

He stopped talking. There was silence in the room for a while. Until she spoke.

"The Kenkeresions are planning an attack on the northern front, close to Sector 28 and 29. They plan to capture the forests for the lumber in Sector 30 till 35. They will be bringing pikemen with them, and two hundred armoured crasades. Your country only has a hundred, and they have not been well trained. I suggest you tell this to your uncle. They also have wizards."

"Wizards? But wizards don't involve themselves in this open warfare."

"Prime Minister Gerean has a diplomatic tongue. He has promised half the spoils from this country to fund the projects the wizards have set aside for this war."

"That's quite an offer."

"Have you only just noticed?"

He kept quiet. Her eyes were mild, expression amused. After a long moment, he laughed ruefully. Her face broke into a smile, making her look more angelic than he could ever imagine a woman to be. When she held out her arms to him, he stopped laughing, unsure of what to do. She looked puzzled, as if she had fully expected him to go to her.

The colours in her eyes were a swirl of rich and deep colours. She whispered his name.

Helplessly, he gave in.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Azio and Leren marched side by side in the training formation line. Out of the side of his mouth, Leren whispered, "What happened? When the General called you?"

"De Feur! No talking!" roared the inspector.

"I'll tell you later, in the mess hall," Azio whispered back.

He didn't get to talk to his friend because his uncle wanted him in the officers room to let him hear the discussion on the next attack plan that his squadron would have an active part in. He rued not being able to tell Leren. He could trust Leren and tell someone how great his night had been.

"Ah, Azio, there you are," his uncle greeted when Azio entered the room. "Gentlemen," he addressed the other senior officers in the room, "this is my nephew, Azio."

The Courtesan was in the room as well, sitting indolently on a chair in the corner watching the proceedings.

An elderly man in full regalia stood up and made his careful way over to the young man. Azio felt like a fool as the old man inspected him closely. He knew he had everything perfect. His uniform was neat and starched out and he was clean shaven, unlike many of his fellow recruits. His hair had been hurriedly combed before he entered.

Satisfied with his appearance, the officer nodded to his compatriots and went back to his seat. He waved a hand, indicating an empty chair at the corner of the table where Azio could sit.

"We were just about to begin discussing the next attack patterns that are about to be implemented, but�" General Karsov turned to the Courtesan. "Do you have any additional information?"

"I have already told you about the Kenkeresion wizards," she replied, filing her nails. "They're formidable in open warfare but quite helpless in close combat. Unless you could get a few men close to them, which would be no easy feat, you'll have no chance against them."

"We have wizards of our own," Azio supplied. "My professor is a wizard."

Everyone turned to look at him. Azio remembered at the last moment that he was not supposed to speak. Still, he continued.

"It takes a lot to buy a wizard's services, but we're richer than the Kenkeresions. Everyone knows that the Palace was built on a gold mine."

General Karsov beamed. "What did I tell you, gentlemen? Doesn't he show promise?"

There were nods of assent.

"This is an expensive idea, young Private," one of the colonels said. "The wizards have always had their own agenda. Even if we were to win the war, our own resources will run out merely because of a few pottering alchemy and chemistry fanatics."

Azio smiled faintly. "I was under the impression that money could buy a lot. The idea of the war is to win, not worry about pieces of yellow stone."

"A wise opinion," the Courtesan murmured.

"Even if our wizards cannot match up to the enemy, we could fall back on mercenary wizards to help," Azio went on, growing more confident with her approval. "If possible, we could even bribe some of the Kenkeresion wizards." His eyes met hers, and warmed by the thought of last night's shared discretion, he asked, "How much would it take to bribe the Kenkeresion wizards?"

Everyone turned to look at her as they waited for her answer. "I could find out. As I have told you gentlemen, the reason why the wizards are in this war is mainly for the rewards they are promised should Kenkeres win. If we were to offer them something even more, they could be induced to join our side."

"This is ridiculous, now you are thinking of throwing in a bunch of old men into this war just because they use sleight of hand tricks to confuse other people," the colonel who had spoken before protested. "Are you thinking of paying them in gold just because they know how to throw a few fireballs, which could be illusions for all you know, and risk their lives when they're hopeless in close combat?"

A fireball shot across the room onto the colonel's papers. They burnt up in a split second, the fire flaring up in front of the colonel's ashen face. Almost as quickly as it flared up, it died, leaving ashes where there were documents before.

The Courtesan drew back her outstretched hand. "Give some thought to the crasades, Daryev, if you don't appreciate the private's idea."

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the colonel to reply. The Courtesan's gaze was on the colonel, piercing, waiting for his answer.

"Yes�" the colonel half-whispered. "Of course, Lady Donna, the crasades� yes, yes�"

"They're formidable. Gerean has enough smithies to keep them wearing armour all the time. Apparently, he picks his crasades from the tribes in the north," she said calmly, as if she hadn't just frightened the wits out of a man. "They've got rigid discipline, and it'll be tough defeating them."

"What do you suggest, bella donna?" General Karsov asked. "You've also told us about the Division 36 which will be trying to capture our forests."

"The pikemen will be easy to defeat," Azio pointed out. "What if the pikemen are just fodder? Shouldn't we just concentrate on defeating the crasades? It seems kind of ridiculous wasting men fighting a bunch of chainmailed stick holders."

"Underestimation, lad? We can't afford it," General Karsov answered. "We're due for active duty there soon, and we shouldn't think that we can forget about those toothpicks."

Azio rubbed his hands excitedly. "Why don't a few of us try to infiltrate those pikemen? Then we can see if they're really worth all this. We're all itching for a bit of action, uncle."

The general turned to look at the Courtesan.

"And I'm sure we can save the lady some trouble by just doing this ourselves," Azio rushed on. "We could even burn up their camp while we're at it. What do you think?"

"The boy is right, Karsov," another senior officer said. "We might as well take offensive while we still can, and this is quite a good idea. It sound under-handed, but it's better than just trying to defend this front when we can just get rid of the problem."

"And who is going to tell them where Division 36 is camped?" Colonel Daryev interjected.

"You're also forgetting the fact that we're not well equipped with enough information to go on," another lieutenant followed up. "What if we were to send half our men to destroy that camp, but lost them all due to unforeseen difficulties?"

"Like what?" yet another officer asked.

"I dunno. Who knows what diseases those Kenkeresion dogs might carry." And with that everyone launched into a multitude of discussions that was confusing to follow.

"Gerean is too fastidious for that." This said scornfully. "Would you believe he stocks every camp with soap and has a rule stating that everyone has to wash their hands before doing anything?"

"But what if someone were to tell them we're sending some of our own troops? The Kenkeresions also have spies, and that's why we've been tied for so many years."

"Point being, if we sent those men, they might have a chance at least of destroying that particular division and we would have less to worry about. In addition, our 66th Regiment could also use a bit of information concerning the crasades the Kenkeresions have."

The only one not participating in the discussion was the Courtesan, who watched through lazily half-closed eyes while leaning back in her chair. She looked magnificent that way, Azio thought to himself, still arguing with Colonel Daryev. Of course, nothing could be more magnificent than the sight of her last night.

She left the room quietly, everyone still in hot debate over this latest plan. It was a few minutes before everyone had winded down enough to notice she was gone.

"Oh, she's gone," someone said in disappointment. Everyone chuckled, but generally felt the same way.

"We're having the mission?" Azio asked, the only one unconcerned about the Courtesan's absence.

"We'll need time to think it over," Major Ostya said gruffly. "I'm heading for a siesta now, you fellas."

Everyone gave various excuses one after the other and left the room. Azio and General Karsov were the only ones left.

"You handled yourself very well, lad," General Karsov congratulated his nephew. "Your papa will be proud once he hears of this. Do you really think we could get some volunteers for this mission?"

"Oh, yes, uncle. Definitely. If we don't get something moving fast, the men will drop dead from boredom."

General Karsov laughed. "Division 36 had better watch out. I'll send word to the officials in charge for their approval. What would you say to your being in charge?"

"Why, uncle, that's awfully nice of you." Azio grinned.

Then the general sobered and his eyes turned flinty. "About the Courtesan, Azio."

Azio felt the hairs on his neck rise a little.

"Everyone loves her, she's been around since the war went boom. Don't do anything stupid around her. The other men will fight, even kill for her favours. I don't want you hurt."

Nor do I want to hurt you, Azio could hear in his uncle's serious tone. The young man nodded, suddenly feeling very small.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. You may leave now, Azio."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"He warned you."

Azio had been sitting on his bed, leaning froward with his elbows on his knees, as if sunken in deep thoughts. He looked up at the exquisite creature standing in his doorway. Her voice was whisper soft, husky, almost making him cry in remembrance of his uncle's words.

"He does not know."

Azio shook his head, trying to deny that she was here. "No, he doesn't. But he suspects. Isn't that bad enough?"

She sat next to him, leaning on him, laying a hand on his chest. "I lied to your about the crasades."

He swung to face her. She kissed him. When she finished, he said, voice strangled, "You lied to me?"

Her eyes turned mischievious. "Just to catch your attention."

"No," he said flatly. "It's not funny. Did you, or did you not lie to me about the crasades?"

"Why would you want to know?" she asked with a toss of her head. Her hair smelled of lavender scents and rose oils. "It cannot benefit you in any way."

"It will benefit the country."

"The country," she repeated scornfully. "As if the country will care about what you do for it."

"Aren't you Deriosn?" he asked her.

"I don't know," she replied flippantly. "Maybe I am. Who knows?" She turned to him, eyes suddenly unreadable. "Who cares? As long as I sleep with the men and keep them happy, why would they care?"

"Because you are important to them," Azio said earnestly, believing his sincere words.

She responded with a mocking laugh. "What is important to them," she declared, hands going to her front buttons, "is this."

Azio turned away. "No," he whispered. When he looked back at her, she had closed the front of her dress. "That's not true. You bring information to them, help them. How can they not notice?"

"Do you notice the servants in your home? Do you ever question how the cook makes your favourite cake? Do you care whether the maids who dust the shelves, mop the floor, wash the clothes ever get enough pay to feed their families?"

Azio could not reply.

"You see," she said triumphantly.

They were silent for a while.

"Couldn't you at least tell me something about yourself?" Azio begged.

Her eyes were steely gray on hearing that question. She walked over to the window, staring out for a long time.

"Once," she began. "There were two best friends. They did everything together, they hunted, fished, even went whoring together. They often shared whatever they had, even women." She paused for a moment. "One day, they met a beautiful woman. She was a prostitute. Each paid half the fare for her hourly favours and one of them fell in love with her."

Azio wondered what this had to do with her.

"A few weeks later, the prostitute told the other one of them that she was carrying his child. The first one was crushed, but he loved his best friend enough to let him marry her, that he might have his child. But the other could not do that do this friend, and refused to marry her, claiming she was too far beneath his rank for him to marry." Her tone became bitter. "The woman was incensed that neither would marry her, for she had fallen in love with the father of her child but would also settle for his best friend."

Her voice was low and furious. "Instead, they gave her enough money to buy herself property, allow her to live as she pleased. Azio, my love, she didn't want the money. She only wanted a father for her child." She turned to him, eyes so sad, they tore at his heart. "But they both refused her, wishing only to maintain their friendship, and not long later, she knew they had both forgotten about her and the babe that was yet to be born."

Azio stood up. He didn't understand her story, but she seemed very hurt by the sound of it.

"So what happened to the woman?" he asked softly.

"She's dead. What else is there to say?"

Again, Azio found himself silent and unable to reply.

She burst into tears and ran to him. Azio couldn't do anything but hold her, saying those useless words men used to comfort women, but failed. Finally, when her crying slowed down, he whispered, "I love you."

And she started crying again.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

"Azio, I heard you're leading the mission to spy on Division 36! Can I come along?" Leren half-shouted into Azio's ear as he brought his food over to the table in the mess hall. He was very excited by the latest news.

"My uncle is looking for volunteers," Azio answered, grinning. "Are you game for a spying mission? But you can't bubble over with too much excitement on the trip."

Leren laughed. "Of course, of course. Do you mind, Azio?" he asked, indicating the bench. Azio obligingly moved over. "About her," Leren said in a hushed voice. "Exactly what happened? Just now, too."

"About last night?"

Leren cupped his ear and leant towards Azio.

Azio sighed. "I can't even begin about it."

"Sure you can. Try," Leren urged.

"It was way too incredible. I can't tell."

"You're being an absolutely selfish brute, Azio," Leren said in disappointment. "Fine, then. What's her name?"

Azio's eyebrows furrowed. "Do you know," he said slowly. "I haven't the faintest idea."

"Azio! You spent the whole night with her! What do you mean, you don't know?"

"I really don't know, Leren. Everyone calls her Lady Donna, or bella donna, or darling, but I've never heard her real name."

"Lady Donna?"

"It's another of her pet names. If you want to sound respectful to her, you call her that. Otherwise, all the other officers call her darling, or sweetheart, or bella and all that."

Leren looked rather crestfallen. "Oh, fine," he said disgruntledly. "Just tell me about the mission."

Azio spoke in a confidential whisper, his friend nodding every so often. They discussed the politics for a while. Azio was surprised when Leren said, "One of these days we should get rid of King Merco and Prime Minister Gerean. Then Kenkeres and Derios could become one kingdom and we could choose our own leader. Kenkeres democracy is now ruined because of Minister Gerean. He's become a damned dictator."

To that, Azio asked mildly, "And just who would we put on the throne?"

Leren surprised him again. "Why, you and I could take over for a bit while the people decide. It'll probably take a few years for them to make up their minds, but I'm sure they'll make a choice."

"This is a bit too ambitious, Leren. You and I?"

"I don't see why not. Look, you're the son of a duke, and your uncle's a general. My father's a marquis. Your duchy's bigger than the King's lands. Why not? After all, after my father dies, I'll become the next Marquis De Feur, and together, we've got it made."

Azio rolled his eyes. "Leren, where did you get this idea from?"

Leren's eyes shifted uneasily. "The Courtesan," he whispered.

Azio sucked in his breath. "What?" he nearly shouted.

Leren backed away hastily, wincing in chagrin. "She was doing her rounds, don't you know, so she came over to my place and, well, we, erm, discussed for a while and she came up with this suggestion."

Azio's eyes had narrowed.

"Oh, come now, Azio, you know how she is."

Jealousy knotted his guts, a hollow feeling of having been betrayed filled his heart. She wouldn't, he thought, yet deeper down inside, he knew that she was so.

"You're all right, aren't you, Azio? About that?" Leren asked hesitantly.

Azio kept silent. "I need a drink," he said brusquely, rising from his seat. "Care to join me?"

"Come on, Azio, she sleeps with everybody."

"Do you want a drink?"

Leren sighed. "Oh, all right, but you still haven't told me about your opinion on a revolution."

"Revolutions are for Kenkeresions."

"Maybe it would do good for us too," Leren was insistent.

"Why don't we talk this over a drink?" Azio suggested. "You can exhort to me your views, and I get a drink myself. That way, we're both happy."

They were both sitting at the bar when the Courtesan walked in, on the arm of General Karsov. "Recruits," General Karsov announced grandly. "May I introduce to you the Courtesan."

Everyone stood up immediately, mindful of her beauty.

"Good evening gentlemen," she said, curtsying low. "I have been given the honour of telling you that we need volunteers for an important mission. This mission will need men of stealth, and courage-"

Everyone raised their hands. Leren was trying to raise his as high as he could. Azio continued to just stand, eyes on his beloved, feeling so utterly betrayed by her indiscretions. How could she?? he wondered. He felt disillusioned, that the love he bore for the the night they had spent together had been nonexistent at all.

She smiled blindingly and a few of the men wept. "I believe you have your answer, General," she told General Karsov. "The men would gladly go."

"Azio!" General Karsov called, pleased. "Pick the best men, and meet me in my office later."

Azio nodded and mumbled something beneath his breath.

In the next second, he was beseiged by men who were all asking, no, imploring him to take them on his team for the mission. He selected a few, not really caring who he had chosen and without really thinking, he ordered them. "Come with me."

Leren's pace was jaunty beside Azio's brisk one. "What's wrong, Azio? Apparently, she's put in a good word for you," Leren said cheerfully. "If we get her attention enough, we could even get her opinion on how to start up our part."

Azio knew well enough what 'our part' meant. The revolution he could arouse came unbidden into his mind. He could have Derios and Kenkeres in one blow. He did have the influence, and the money.

What the hell was wrong with him?

He was a mere private, a rich brat and worse still, a uninformed young man who had no business trying to overthrow his King. What would his uncle think? And his father?

He had no time to ponder those questions as he entered his uncle's lavish office. Two banners of the Royal Deriosn Army hung on either side of the room as he entered, and the redwood table faced him. Behind it was General Karsov, leaning back into his large cushioned chair and smiling broadly. He seemed absolutely satisfied with something.

"Azio, lad, so good of you to bring the volunteers in. The bella donna told me you were among the best to lead them. Is that true, boys?"

There was a chorus of agreement behind him.

"They're just being supportive of your plan, uncle," Azio said, flushing. He had no doubt the reaction had been induced by the Courtesan's obvious support of him.

"So modest, Azio?" Leren teased. "When do we leave, General?"

"As soon as possible. Now, listen closely. You're going to the border close to Sector 27. Apparently, they're camped there."

"But they're still moving into Sector 28 and 29, right?" Azio asked.

"Naturally. A clever ploy, trying to make us think they don't want the lumber."

"We didn't know until she told us, either."

"Well, that doesn't matter. The camp is about two hundred strong with crasades and they've got a few hundred more pikemen. Don't do anything funny there. The crasades are well-trained, but we're trying to determine the strength of the pikemen as an army. Azio has suggested that the pikemen are just fodder for the crasades but I want you all to be careful. If possible, destroy their camp. Don't risk your lives unnecessarily and do something stupid like taking on the entire Division yourself."

"Yes, sir," replied the men.

"But if we are able?" Azio asked. There was only a slight pause before he continued, "We'll just take them out ourselves, then, General."

"Good. Prepare for the mission, men. Seeing your high spirits, you can probably start off tomorrow."

The men made a crisp salute and turned to leave.

"Azio," General Karsov called.

Azio stopped halfway to the door. He turned about slowly. "Yes, uncle?" His voice was devoid of emotion. He did not feel as enthusiastic as his comrades did.

"I am trusting you to keep those men alive."

"Yes, uncle."

He entered his room with heavy wooden steps. She was not there. Irrationally, he wondered if he had expected her to be there, then shook his head. It didn't matter. She wouldn't be there anyway. She probably had ten more men with lay with on her roster. He then wondered what number he was.

He fell into a weary sleep that night, his mind haunted by eyes filled with swirling rich colours.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

"Azio! Wake up!" Leren whispered urgently.

Azio shot out of bed in a split second. "What?"

"We're going now, Azio. The major domo just woke me up. We're leaving in five minutes. General Karsov let you sleep because he figured you needed more rest than the rest of us since you're the one with additional worries and all."

"How kind of him," Azio said dryly. "I know I can count on my uncle to do such a thing. This makes me look bad, doesn't it?"

"Well, I thought it was pretty good reasoning."

Azio grabbed his uniform and hurriedly put it on. "Has my uncle done anything yet?"

"No. The Courtesan left early last night on business on the other side of the country, or so I heard."

The title gave him pause. "Please, Leren," he said softly. "Call her anything but that."

He stuffed a bag with a few of his things and the two young men went out of the room down to the courtyard where several horses and their riders were already waiting.

"General Karsov," Azio saluted his uncle. "We'll be off now."

"Gods' blessings with you, Azio, lad." The tone was rather flat for a man wishing his nephew good luck.

"Thank you, Uncle Karsov." Azio mounted his horse. "Let's go," he ordered his men.

"For Derios!" Karsov called after them.

"Derios!" the men responded with spirit.

Azio ignored the campaign cry. To him, it was merely the beginning of a nightmare of a mission. As he rode with the cool wind in his face, he cursed his uncle, cursed his comrades, cursed Leren for sleeping with the woman he loved so. He cursed her for being so cheap, so free with her charms. Most of all, he cursed himself for falling into her sugar-coated trap of love.

"Azio! Wait up!" Leren called. "What is wrong with you?" he demanded his best friend.

"Nothing," Azio snapped.

"Give it up, Azio."

And he did. Leren was the one who knew him well. They had grown up together running on the same sunny fields of their governess' property. Now they were riding together on this windy, cold early morning on a mission to help their country get rid of a problem.

"We'll reach Sector 27 by tomorrow morning if we keep this pace," Azio said neutrally.

"Screw the pace. I know how you feel about her."

Azio kept on riding, leaning forward in his saddle, as if trying to get away from Leren's words. He knew what was coming.

"She's the Courtesan, Azio. You know her place in the war. She's a spy, and a powerful political figure."

Azio kept on riding.

"Even if she is a prostitute and non-existent in court, everyone knows her. They know what she is. They understand what she is. They know she has a use."

Azio kept on riding.

"Do you understand, Azio? If you fall in love with her, you're not the only one. Not the first, not the second, not the last, either. And if she were to return your love, she'd be jeopardizing her position. Spies can be tortured, but she can't. No one knows her weakness, so don't give her one."

Azio kept on riding.

For the rest of the day, the two young men leading the small little contingent kept a steady pace, stopping occasionally to refresh themselves and their horses. Azio was quiet during those times while Leren amused himself with talk among the others.

As Azio had predicted, they reached the camp where Division 36 had stationed themselves by the next morning. He had taken careful note of the scales in the map and had personally asked the major domo to prepare the best horses in the stables.

"There it is, men," Leren breathed out. "What do we do next?"

Azio jerked his head to the mountain next to it. "There's some flat ground there. We'll make our camp there and watch them. The Kenkeresions don't know how to use mountains."

The men did as they were told. The men gloated as they watched the enemy camp from up above. Leren looked as if the spyglass was glued to his eye and he couldn't take it off. "This is a damned good idea, Azio. You oughta take over General Karsov one day."

"I plan to," had been Azio's quiet reply. "How many pikemen?" he asked.

Leren peered down.

"Stop that!" Azio snapped at two men who had been arguing.

"About three hundred pikemen. They look kind of scrawny to me. Oh, ye gods, will you look at those crasades? They're so goddamn huge. How do they wear all that armour?"

"Do the pikemen appear to have a separate camp?"

"Hmmm�. Let's see� that's one of them going that way� the other going that�"

"Leren�" Azio began warningly.

"Appears to me, Azio� the crasades are camped smack in the middle, the pikemen surrounding them. What do you suggest?"

"I hope you men are good archers," Azio turned and told his men. "One of you go down to the town and get as many arrows as possible. Use this." He tossed a bag of coins to the ground. "With those arrows at hand, we'll set fire to that camp. Leren, where do they keep the armour for their crasades?"

"Don't see any special place for it. They probably sleep with it."

"Oh, well, looks like we get to burn down the crasades too."

A few of the men cheered.

"Can you imagine how those men would feel if their camp started to burn in the middle of the night?" Azio murmured to Leren. "You could probably taste their fear." He then addressed his men. "Tonight, right after that camp starts burning merrily, everyone leave. We'll be back at our squadron by the day after tomorrow. We don't want the Kenkeresions suspecting these mountains."

"Yes, sir."

"Four hundred damned men in that camp," Azio said softly. "And they're going to burn to hell. Can you imagine that, Leren?"

"Yes, Azio. But then again, we're fighting a war."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Arrows ready?"

The men nodded.

Leren smiled, giving his friend encouragement. "We're set and ready."

"Take aim," Azio ordered. "Dormez, have you prepared the fire?"

"Yes, sir."

"Leren, the camp looks quiet, doesn't it?"

"Yes."

"Hurry up and set fire to those arrows, Dormez. We don't have all day."

"Si, si, sir. Sir, this is a very clever ploy."

"Thank you, Dormez. Shoot now."

In the cloudy night, streaks of fire shot whistled through the air with the roar of flames aiming for the camp below.

"Another round, Dormez. Take aim once again, men."

"Yes, sir."

"The tents are beginning to burn, Azio."

"Take aim for the men coming out, then, men. Fire at will."

More and more fiery arrows shot through the night.

"Now let's go!" Azio roared.

The men obediently ran to their horses, trusting their leader's judgement. "Quickly, quickly! Dormez, what the hell is wrong with you??"

"I'm coming, sir!"

"Go! Go!"

Away on the other side of the mountain from the burning enemy camp, a small group of horses sped to the relative safety of a town.

Dormez fell.

"Haaalllp!"

Azio stopped his horse and spun around. He went to the fallen soldier and got off.

"But, sir, there is room for only one!"

"On the horse, Dormez. I'll catch up with you. Don't keep dinner for me, though."

Azio watched the horse bearing one of his men leave. There was no way he could get to the nearest town without the horse, without rations. And his map.

Damn.

He froze for a second.Weren't there horses at the Kenkeresion camp? Surely some of them would have bolted, and he could easily take one. He began running before he had formulated a plan. He hadn't counted on the smoke. It was early spring, the woods still moist. Wet wood created plenty of smoke.

This is it, he thought. His vision became blurred as he coughed uncontrollably. He would choke to death. Even turning back seemed hopeless to a weakened and blinded man, however fit and strong he was before.

A horse seemed to stop by his side. Through teary eyes, he thought he saw an angel.

And this angel bore him to safety.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Azio looked about himself. He was on a bed in a fair sized room, sunlight streaming in through great windows. The room was simply designed, yet tasteful. The gracefully carved headboard, arching doorway, gold coloured gilt chairs. His first thought was, a woman must have designed this. No man would have liked a room so delicately furnished.

A servant came in. She looked about forty, with a disapproving frown on her face as she regarded the young man. She had a tray of food in her hands which she laid on a table next to a window.

Azio studied this woman as she poured out the tea and opened the covers of the dishes on the tray. Her curls were dark brown, eyes sunken into her face. She did not look beautiful enough to be the Courtesan's mother, though she looked old enough.

"Your breakfast, young master," she announced. "Do enjoy.'"

Azio was not interested in food. "Where is she?"

The servant looked affronted. "She is not here, young master. She left quite early in the morning to send word of your condition to your people. She says that you have the freedom to go about this house as you please."

"This is her house? How did she get it?"

"It was her mother's house."

Keyword 'was', Azio thought. "When will she be back?"

"Soon." The servant's lips thinned and she said, "Your breakfast is ready, young master."

Realizing that he would not get anymore answers from her, he got out of the bed and reached for a robe nearby. He studied the robe carefully, realizing that the royal symbol had been sewn onto a pocket. He sat down at the table. Looking out, he saw a sprawling green garden edged with bushes. The little crocuses had already begun to peek through the ground.

He ate quietly, feeling the servant's eyes on him. He finally turned. "Thank you," he said politely.

Her eyes grew hard. She merely left the room without replying.

Azio sighed and continued eating. After his breakfast, he saw no reason to confine himself in the room and went about looking for something to wear. A quick search about the room yielded no results, the cupboard was empty, a closet next to it had only garments for sleeping. He remembered the Courtesan's prime occupation and sighed again.

He espied a bellrope next to the door. Would it be polite to pull it and ask for some clothes to wear? Surely it couldn't hurt to try. After all, he was a guest, not a prisoner.

The same woman who had brought his breakfast entered. "You rang, young master?"

"Err, yes, I did, I was wondering if you could, erm, get me some clothes."

"What for?" she asked, her tone ever so mildly curious, yet he could tell by her eyes that she was surprised by his request.

"It would hardly seem proper for me to wear this about the house," he indicated the robe he wore. "I'd just like some decent clothes, please."

She left with an expression of slight puzzlement on her face. Azio wondered why she would ask such a question. What did she expect? That he would confine himself to this room alone?

She came back a while later with a simple pair of trousers and a clean white linen shirt. A young boy behind her brought a pair of stockings and boots for him. Azio took the clothing gratefully, thanking the two of them.

Later, he walked out of the room, feeling apprehensive about exploring the house. It seemed a nice place, sunny and airy, with graceful ornaments. It was not opulent as he expected the house of a courtesan to be, but a simple abode. Sure, it was large yet the simplicity of the surroundings tugged at Azio's heartstrings for some reason. He smiled, feeling his faith in the Courtesan reaffirmed. No one who loved the promiscuous life would live like this, so privately, so simply.

Along a hallway, he saw a portrait. It was not as large as portraits of rich people tended to be, only large enough for all details of its subjects. A beautiful woman sat on a gilt chair next to a window. The woman had delicate features, and her lustrous brown hair seemed to float about her shoulders.

Azio froze. The Courtesan herself? he wondered. It couldn't be. He looked again. There was a small girl about four sitting on the woman's lap. The woman and the little girl were looking at the artist, who must have taken great pains with this painting, for their eyes were filled with bright, gay colours which the artist must have added one upon another, giving the eyes depth and feelings of love and affection. But the woman's eyes had something reserved in them, as if there was an insurmountable sadness in her which had not been erased for years.

The little girl was sweet, innocent, her face nearly a tiny imitation of her mother save for the darling little smile of a happy childhood. The realization struck Azio. This little girl who smiled so gently was what the Courtesan used to be. He quickly looked away, not wishing to dwell on those sort of thoughts and moved on. There were more portraits, some with the older woman, age lines becoming more deeper, some with the little girl at all stages of childhood and some with both. He stopped. This picture must have been the last to be drawn. The Courtesan who must have been about fifteen then, leant on a wheelchair her mother sat upon from behind. The mother's hair was streaked with white, face lined. Most striking of all were her eyes. They looked triumphant and proud.

Azio fell hopelessly in love with the expression of his beloved as she looked at her mother, so tender, so loving. True, she had her sensuality captured in the picture as well, but most apparent of all was the filial love she bore for her mother.

"I drew those pictures," a quiet voice said from behind him. "Mam Fione employed me not long after she bought this house. She wished to grace it with portraits of herself and her child."

Azio turned. The man was of slight stature, with lime green eyes and a sixty-year-old face. He did not look very remarkable and had hands that Azio knew had held many paintbrushes. "You knew the mother?"

The artist's face softened. "I loved Mam Fione. I would have given everything to marry her."

"Why didn't you?"

"She did not feel we would make a good match. Also, she thought there was no need to, since my being here would ensure little Donna would have a father figure to grow up with. It was delightful merely being here anyway."

Azio pounced. "Donna? Is that her real name?"

"That is what Mam Fione always called her. I don't know her legal name. I don't think she has a legal name."

"So you are the house artist? Never left?"

"Occasionally I sell paintings in town. I married Donna's nursemaid, the servant who brought you your breakfast just now."

"She doesn't like me, does she?"

"Babare's just being protective of Donna. She knows many men sleep with Donna and she doesn't want her hurt. She knows you are special to her."

"What kind of privilege is that? It makes me feel like a prized hamster."

The old man smiled. "Exactly that. You are special to her, yet you do not act like you are. You are different from all the other young men. I see you have luck, young master, and give you points. Donna told me you once resisted her charms. She was very surprised."

Azio flushed. "I love her very much," he said sincerely.

"I see you do. Come, young master. I'll show you about the house."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

She came home in the evening. Azio was having dinner with Mehik - he had finally managed to pry the name out of the old man - and his family, Babare the servant and their little son, Bazek. The table was small, enough seating for at the most six.

Azio stood up immediately upon her entrance. "Lady Donna."

She smiled, walking over to embrace him. "Good evening, Azio," she whispered against his lips, kissing him.

He returned her kiss. "You have a lovely house here, Donna."

"It was my mother's."

"So I heard. We're having dinner now."

"Your young man's a blooming genius, Donna," Mehik called from the table. "Come join us. Bazek, move closer to Mama and make room for Miss Donna."

"Hello, Bazek," Donna bent to the little boy's level and cooed. "Where's my hug?"

Bazek responded by running out of his seat and throwing his arms about her neck. He gave her a child's peck-like kiss on the cheek and said, "Miss Donna."

Satisfied, she went to the table with Azio and Bazek. Azio felt peculiar inside, as if he was part of a cozy little family. It was a simple feeling that told him in no unclear tones, you're home, Azio.

Azio spoke with Mehik on the politics of Derios. Mehik had very strong views about the King, sounding quite forceful for an old man.

"Old Merco is getting old, but he just won't budge. He knows he's losing power and popularity, but he just keeps on going with the war. He can't stop."

"How do you suppose the people are going to get rid of Merco?" Azio asked, cutting his steak. "Imagine, the King and his aristocracy. I'm part of that aristocracy, but as far as I know, as long as the aristocracy are exempted from military duties, they're fine with the whole war."

"I have already given a suggestion to Leren," Donna suddenly said. "Didn't he tell you?"

Azio stopped chewing. He looked down at his plate. Sensing her error, she put a gentle hand on his arm. "He was the best man to speak to you concerning such a sensitive issue."

"You could have told me yourself," he retorted. "You know it wouldn't have made much difference hearing it from you or Leren."

"In any case, you still heard it. You do have the potential, Azio. Why won't you just work on it?"

"Am I missing something here?" Mehik asked curiously.

"Azio will inherit the duchy of Kloern when his father dies. Mehik, you know that duchy is far larger than King Merco's land."

Mehik snorted. "Would you like to know that the First Duke of Kloern was a king's brother? The royal siblings used to sit around and wait for the others to die without heir just so they could swoop in and get the land. Terrible, terrible thing it was. Kloern's actually so large due to marriages."

"Then why mention it to Leren?" Azio wanted to know.

"Would you have taken it from me?" Donna replied.

He probably wouldn't have. Then again, why not? He looked about the table, taking in the simple scene, as if Babare and Mehik were really her parents, little Bazek small enough to be regarded as a son. And she at his side like this. It was all he really wanted, and he wished to arrest this sight in his memory forever.

"Azio, are you listening? King Merco's on the edge of dotage. He has no heir, not mattering that that fool would have made a good king anyway. Minister Gerean's an autocrat now. Are you going to let them get away with that? Don't you care about your country?" Her voice pierced his consciouness.

"That would generally depend, I guess," he mumbled, remembering her slicing words in his room back at his squadron. She had mocked his innocent nationalist views, and was now questioning them.

"Forget all those old men, Azio," she urged. "They don't care so long as they get their glory and pay. Think about all those innocent people who would benefit from a good leader, one who would bring them prosperity."

"Kenkeres is falling apart, as far as I heard," Mehik supplied. "It's a damn shame when you see the man whom you thought would be a good ruler becoming a power hungry dictator."

"A revolution would be hard to undertake without any way of bringing the people together. Also, we might as well overthrow both leaders in one swoop. Derios alone could control the Kingdoms Four surrounding Kenkeres and Derios."

"The Kingdoms Four!" Mehik chortled. "Oh, yes, they used to be part of Kenkeres and Derios about a thousand years before. It's a good idea, Azio, lad. Their resources are still plentiful, except for Inida. They're trying to catch up with the rest of the world, and being wasteful at it. Have you seen Inida, Azio? It's a terrible place. Their rivers are black and their sky's full of smoke."

"Resn is controlled by a small political party, almost a dictatorship," Donna told him.

"We could involve Inida and Foeln. Resn is happy enough in their little world, since everyone's got a job and no matter what, everyone gets the same thing," Azio said. An idea was forming in his mind. "Mehik, I could use your help."

"All this sounds wonderful, doesn't it?" Donna asked, smiling sweetly at him. Azio thought of the rewards and agreed.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"But what about Junon? It's got rich resources."

"Exactly why we're going to leave it alone, Leren," Azio patiently explained to his best friend. He had returned a few days earlier and was supposed to be resting. Instead, he had invited Leren to his room for a long talk. "We might need its resources, but we could think of it as a savings deposit. It's not safe trying to invest everything at one go when you don't know how it'll all turn out. The Junons are fine where they are. They won't turn about and try to get us out. Some of them don't even know what's on the other side of the hill."

Leren grinned. "So you're going to keep them ignorant of their own trading power? Derios is a good enough place, I guess, but Inida's right smack in the middle of the Kingdoms Four, Kenkeres and Derios. Why not put a capital there?"

"Who needs a capital there when all we need are the resources and its manpower? The Inidans want to grow up into the rest of the world, and by merging them into this country, we'll have a whole bunch of people waiting to do our bidding just to develop their country."

"Wasteful creatures," Leren murmured.

"To our profit, of course. Are you ready, Leren? We're going to fight a political war, not this stupid one which is manned by those old dotards. The Freni Dynasty has come to an end."

"Not quite, Azio. Your family's distantly tied to the Frenis."

"But the family name is Kloern. Leren, promise me you won't blurt this out to any of our superiors. They don't need to hear this. I'm visiting my father tomorrow, and I'll be paying a visit to court as well. You are taking leave as well, right?"

"Naturally. I went for the mission too. I hear it was a complete success. Sector 27, 28, 29, and 30 have been backed up with forces from the Palace, so there is more room in the Military Compound to train more of our own crasades. General Karsov has already made a suggestion to the Palace to involve the wizards, so they're in the middle of negotiations with those old men-"

"Who won't be amenable to the idea. Deriosn wizards mainly comprise of old members of the aristocracy, so they can draw from their own vaults anytime. Kenkeresions don't have an aristocracy and the wizards have to fund their own projects."

"Then why didn't you tell your uncle that?"

Azio slyly tapped his forehead. "My uncle would only take the suggestion and say it was his own, so it will be worthwhile making a fool out of him, even for a few seconds. Do you see?"

An understanding light shone in Leren's eyes. "That was frighteningly clever of you, Azio. You make a shrewd leader."

"We'll make the best political team on the continent, Leren. Mark my words, my leadership, your diplomacy skills and Mehik's knowledge of the people, we'll take this whole six countries by storm."

"This marks the beginning of an ambition, Azio."

"Yes, Leren," Azio said softly. "I certainly agree."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"I was worried when I heard you had been lost in the scouting mission, son," Alfonso, Duke of Kloern said gravely as he poured himself some wine from a decanter. "What on earth had possessed you to start burning that camp? You knew the risks, didn't you?"

"It had been a good idea at that time, and it would have taken off without a hitch," Azio answered, taking a glass from his father. "One of my men fell so I lent him my horse," he offered by way of explanation. "I forgot about the possibility of smoke, is all."

"Brave of you, but foolish as well. You were the leader. One man less would hardly have made a difference, but good leaders, as you have proved yourself to be, are hard to come by."

Azio shrugged. "I did survive."

"Reminds me to ask you, exactly how did you?" his father asked curiously.

"Oh, the Courtesan found me." It wasn't exactly a lie. "I was dragging myself on the ground of the forest when she came riding by." Then he began lying. "It was sheer coincidence, you know. Anyway, she took me to the nearest town and left me in a doctor's care there. After a while, I was well enough to get back on my own."

"Ah, the Courtesan. I remember the time she came to court once. She was a charming little chit, and extremely beautiful. She should be your age by now. I hear she's living up to her name."

"She is, Father."

His father looked at him. "Is she now? It must have been fantastic for you."

Azio smirked. Then he sighed. "It's a terrible war, Father."

"But she's damned good, isn't she?"

"Sorry?"

"You said she was a terrible whore. She is, actually. She could control us all if she wanted to. But she's damned good in bed."

"I said it's a terrible war."

"Oh."

Azio said no more. He knew that despite being married to his mother, his father was far from faithful. Filthy rich, he could afford any woman's price and frequently enjoyed the favours of young innocents in court. Azio didn't give a damn about those young women, but the knowledge that his own father had touched Donna gnawed at his gut.

Later, after his obligatory visit to his mother, Azio sat on his bed in his chamber, taking comfort in the familiar surroundings. All the richness in his room made him feel small and incomplete. He close his eyes and thought of the simple house he had spent a few happy days in, the absolute bliss of a family life that was devoid of all intrigue and complications. After leaving, he had strangely regretted not sharing the same bed as Donna. Nor had she insisted that he do so, since he felt so guilty about imposing on her.

Now he had embroiled himself in a war he wasn't sure he could handle. Tomorrow, he would go to court. There, he and Leren would incite the rest of the aristocracy against the King. Being the closest relative to the King, his family was the logical one to turn to in ruling the country, but Azio intended to wait. His mind seethed with thoughts of retribution of all those older men who had ever touched Donna when she was barely of a marriageable age, his father included. The younger generation would support him in court, and he would wait until his father was too weak to wear the Crown before he struck.

Azio lay in his bed feeling restless. Donna would not have him unless he had showed her he had the capability of rising to power. She would accept him, he vowed to himself.

As he sank into sleep, he heard her angelic voice urging him on, and his resolve firmed.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The delicate clinks of glasses, the cultured conversation, the glitter of jewels upon each and every person, all these Azio was used to, though his heart was more inclined to the simple life of a peasant. The men were civilized, the women beautiful, preening on the arms of their husbands or lovers.

Leren was quietly discussing with a group of older men. Azio had expressed some concern at the beginning, but Leren was a competent socializer. The older men seemed absorbed by the young man's views and offered advice and opinion every now and then. Azio had also insinuated himself into the discussion during one instance. He and Leren had set silent tongues wagging.

"I've begun to spread word about your competence, you know, Azio, old boy," Leren told him. "When they talk of revolution, soon they're be talking about you."

Azio groaned. "Leren, couldn't you have added in your name?"

"Oh, it wouldn't have been the same. You're actually the best in all the aristocracy to head this scheme. You're full of ideas. I'm only along as lieutenant."

"Leren, you are a partner."

Leren shook his head. "I'm not good enough to control one whole country. Besides, we've seen what happens when two equals try to rule a country together. They make a muck out of the whole thing. It's not to say I don't have ambition for this, Azio, my friend. If I thought myself as capable as you, I'd be hating your guts right now."

Azio's eyes softened. He nearly choked, hearing the sincerity in his best friend's voice. "I'm glad, Leren, to have you as a friend, and thankful that you haven't turned against me."

"And I never will. Can we get this show on stage? We've still got that old dodger Tinneres to talk to, and that old biddy Lady Badda. You know how she is. She knows how to be indiscreet and discreet at the same time."

Lady Badda was one of those few women who was keenly interested in politics. She could be involved in any politcal intrigue or spread word of several in one day. She always had a story to tell the men and actually kept track of all scandals and gossip. She knew exactly who wanted to know what and how to broach even the most delicate subject. Leren had chosen the right woman to approach. Within a few days, Azio and Leren would be famous, their names upon the lips of every aristocrat remotely interested in change. Lady Badda was well loved by those who loved political gossip. She kept things lively.

Leren loved Lady Badda too, even though he referred to her as 'that old biddy'. Leren was a sociable person, a smooth-talker who knew how to relate to people. Azio knew that under that refined persona, Leren was deeply troubled by the poor economy that affected the commoners.

"Lady Badda, it is so wonderful seeing your friendly face after looking at all those bull-faced superiors in the Army," Leren right away began.

"Sucker-up," Azio mumbled to Leren.

"Thank you," Leren murmured in reply. The two of them grinned as Leren continued to deliver compliments about Lady Badda's vivacity and blooming health. It went on and on until all the other men were disgusted by it and left.

"You can stop that now, m'dear and tell me all about it," Lady Badda told him at last, smiling. All her smile lines showed and she looked so friendly and motherly the two young men felt like hugging her. "You're fishing for something, Leren De Fuer. Out with it!"

The insidious influence on Lady Badda was actually consternating to even Leren himself, who never thought she would be so enthusiatic about this plan. She was even more impressed when she heard about the slow and steady speed they intended to take. Her advice was very limited, since they had original ideas that she'd never encountered before.

"Are you sure taking in Inida is such a good idea?" she asked, a little skeptical. "They seem a little over enthusiastic about development to me. Heavens know what they might do."

"Oh, Lady Badda, we're going to be just fine. Inida will listen to anyone who'll tell them exactly how to live more easily and we're going to do that. It's actually quite simple. We have a few contacts in Inida and they're spread the word. Eventually, we'll get them to sign a treaty that says they're commoners of this land and we have more manpower to rev up the economy. Trade agreements will spring forth from this with Resn. Foeln will be amenable to the idea as well. Democracy doesn't work too well in their country. What we will be having is a democratic monarchy who cares for the people and protects the interest of commoners and aristocracy alike. Isn't that the point of a revolution in the first place, Lady Badda? Oh, please, Lady Badda, don't say it's a bad idea," Leren said with the look of a nervous child waiting for a parent's approval.

Leren spoke quickly and with ease. While Azio too could have prepared a speech that ran along the same lines, he did not feel very at ease with many people, preferring administration and planning. Leren would set the ball rolling. Where the ball rolled was the interesting part. Azio and Leren had done this many times in the past, instigating fights among the older students and patching up the same problems they caused. Azio had never meant to hurt any feelings doing all that and had felt uncomfortable causing all that friction.

But this was different now, Azio told himself. He was trying to win love with power. Donna was right. He had the potential. A silent voice within him told him that he was being cold-hearted in the ruthless political manipulation. He ignored it. He was doing it out of love.

For a prostitute? the silent voice asked.

Azio's fist clenched involuntarily. He and Leren moved on to the next group of people.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"That was absolutely amazing, if I do say so myself," Leren declared as soon as the party was over. The two young men were headed towards their carriage.

"That was an absolutely fantastic job, Leren." Azio, too was quite satisfied with the way things had worked out.

"We're going to be famous!" Leren went on enthusiastically. He swung open the carriage door. "Everything's going just great!" They went into their carriage. "They were asking when to strike, though. Everyone wants it to be soon."

Azio's stomach nearly dropped. "Soon?"

Leren nodded. "They're getting tired of King Merco on the throne. Azio, I told them of you, and somehow it didn't wait until tomorrow. Half the diplomats want to meet you."

"Leren, I don't want my father to know," Azio said worriedly.

"Azio, this could only make your father proud of-"

"It will turn him against me!" Azio's voice was so harsh Leren backed in surprise. "My father thinks I'm like my mother, who won't ever speak against him. Knowing I'm having a strong influence on the aristocracy can only make him nervous. He is the duke, Leren. He should be the one having the power, not me."

Leren considered the words for a while. "This is what we're going to do," he said finally. "We'll have our own supporters, and I'll tell Lady Badda about your insecurities. She'll know what to do. Then all we have to do is select an appropriate time to strike."

"Not so fast, Leren. We need the support of the commoners as well. I'm going to engage Dormez as my personal servant."

"That's a sound idea. Dormez is from the middle-income class. He was singing your praises when we came back. Have you seen him yet?"

"No. I'm afraid when I got back to the squadron, I was confined to solitary rest and he took leave and went home."

"Yes, Dormez as a personal servant is good. He's got friends and family all over the place. You ould even make speeches," Leren suggested. "You know, in taverns and bars. There're always a lot of people making conversation there."

Azio kept silent for a few moments. "No," he said finally. "Not public speeches. Discussions, to make them feel part of it."

Leren rolled his eyes. "Why are you being so picky about details?"

"The little details make the big picture count, Leren."

Leren sighed. "You the man, Azio. My father's health is declining. I'm wondering how to delegate responsibilities to my servants. Some of them have been complaining about their wages."

"You know what's best for your people, Leren. You're the one concerned about their well-being. Why don't you have a talk with your steward about it? He should know. I wish my father's health would decline."

"Azio!"

"All right, I'm sorry," Azio grumbled. "Still�"

Leren chuckled. "So we just lie in wait for the right time to strike?"

"Yes. That's the game plan. I'm thinking of some grand time to take over, though. Say, if my uncle receives an award or something." Azio sneaked a quick look at Leren's shocked expression. "Imagine just striding up to the King and saying, you're not in charge anymore. And everyone won't say a word because they're on our side."

"That's terrible!" Leren exclaimed. He stopped and said thoughtfully, "Sounds good, though."

They laughed. Then Azio sobered. "I'm serious, Leren. I really want this to be my glory, not my father's."

"Why all this urgency, Azio? I mean, you always want everything so spotless and flawless but this is getting ridiculous."

Azio did not reply. He merely looked out the window.

Leren sighed. "It's her, isn't it? Azio, kindly bear in mind that she is a courtesan, no, she is The Courtesan. You do realize that she could cause trouble for you?"

"She already is trouble, Leren."

"Then?"

"I'm a stubborn person, remember?"

"Stubborn!" Leren sat upright. "This is madness! Azio, you are doing this on the whims of a woman?"

Azio leant back and took a deep breath. "Yes, I guess I am."

"Azio�"

"Leren, I love her. I'm doing this for her."

"This is not a matter of love. It's a matter of politics. Sure, it's noble and all to do all this for love, but if people should find out that she manipulated you into doing this, what's going to make your bid for the throne-"

"Leren, everyone will think it's a noble reason for this, and everyone will be right behind Donna as soon as they find out she's pregnant with my child."

"She's what???"

"Well," Azio amended. "Not yet, at least. But she will be," he added brightly.

Leren slapped his forehead in frustration. "What do you mean, your child? Do you really expect that whatever child she bears will be yours?"

Azio's light gray eyes had a certain steel in them. "Yes, Leren. As a matter of fact, I do."

"Yes, and the next Crown Prince will be the son of a prostitute."

"It doesn't matter," Azio growled.

Leren decided at that moment to keep quiet. Azio had a phenomenal silent strength that no one could match. If he said this Donna was going to have his baby, she would. "Azio, please remember your limits," he said quietly when the carriage stopped. He looked out the window and frowned. "This isn't your house."

"It's not?" Azio asked, caught by surprise. He looked out. "Damn, you're right, Leren." He began banging on the top of the carriage. "Driver! Driver!"

The carriage door opened. Azio and Leren braced themselves, ready to make a run.

"Good evening, gentlemen," Mehik said cheerily. "I gave your driver a gold pence and told him that I needed talk to you. He was rather amenable to it after I exhorted all your good ideas and dreams for the country."

"Oh, gods, Mehik," Azio sighed heavily, relaxing. "Mehik, what are you doing here?"

"I thought I'd drop by and tell you boys the good job I've done in Kenkeres." The two young men looked at him sharply. "I stirred up some bad sentiments against Minister Gerean, I'm afraid. And I was supported. Would you know? They're planning a great revolution the other side of the border too, just that they don't have a competent leader for it." The old man grinned. "Isn't that lucky for us?"

"Errm, forgive me if I sound dense, Azio, but who is this old man, again?" Leren asked.

"Leren, this is the old codger I was telling you about, Mehik. Mehik, this is my best friend, the gossip I once told you about."

"Azio!" Leren sounded hurt.

Mehik laughed. "Azio told me about your social skills, young man."

"Oh, gods," Leren groaned. "I'm becoming no better than Lady Badda."

"But everyone loves Lady Badda," Azio offered.

Leren sighed mournfully.

"Now, back to the discussion at hand?" Mehik asked pointedly.

"We've got the aristocracy netted," Leren said rather smugly.

"Mostly Leren's contriving," Azio murmured. "We need the support of the commoners. Mehik, what do you have on the Deriosn commoners?"

"You're on your own there. You Deriosns are sort of suspicious of foreigners, particularly during this time of war. By the by, I paid a visit to Inida as well. They love you boys. Foeln hasn't entered my itinery yet, but it will as soon as you've got your positions firmly fixed here."

"They will be. We're going back to the Forces tomorrow."

"Oh, really?" Mehik had a sly look on his face. "You know, Azio, I hear tell that they're going to present you with a medal, and a rank, too, no less for your valour in the Division 66 mission."

"The joys of being born in the right family," Leren replied.

"I'm sure," Mehik answered. "While I, a humble painter am creating general chaos on my part. I'm going to do another painting and I need you two to pose as my subjects. Leisure time for me after all my hard work."

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Dearest Donna," the letter began. "You may like to know that we've garnered supporters from the aristocracy already and are working on the commoners."

Azio put down his pen and sighed. He gingerly touched the new badge on his uniform, feeling strange with it on.

"Capitan! Here are the towels you asked for, and Signor Mehik says that he would like to talk to you soon," Dormez's voice broke into his thoughts. Dormez had been so proud at being told that Azio wished him to be his personal servant that he bragged to everyone in the squadron about it. Everyone had been impressed with the new Captain Azio, who spoke about serving the Deriosn Army passionately and who discussed with them the prospects of a revolution just as strongly. "Oh, and the lovely signorina is here to see you," Dormez said in a hushed tone.

"Let her in," Azio said absently, still composing his message to her. He hadn't really heard Dormez.

She came in quietly, without being noticed and slipped behind Azio, looking over his shoulder at the note addressed to her. Dormez opened his mouth to announce her, but she motioned for him to be silent. She peeped at the letter, her smile hidden behind her hand.

Azio was writing down the most fatous adjectives he could think of to describe her and was about to sign the message when she slipped her hands over his eyes. "Guess who."

Azio yelped and leaped out of his seat. "Oh, Donna, it's you!" he gasped. He turned to Dormez. "Why didn't you tell me she was here?" he demanded.

Dormez rolled his eyes. Donna laughed at Azio. "He did, but you were so preoccupied with your letter you didn't notice. Isn't it addressed to me?" she asked teasingly.

Azio mumbled something to himself as he handed the letter to her. She took it and read it, smiling mischieviously. "Oh, this is an absolute darling letter, Azio!" she declared. "I don't think I've read anything as nice."

"I'm glad you like it. Dormez, can you get Signorina Donna a glass of juice?"

"What kind of juice, sir?"

"Apple."

Her eyes warmed. "You remember. Most men won't."

He held her in his arms for a few moments. "Of course I remember. Why are you here?"

"I heard about your promotion, so I came to congratulate you."

"Liar," he said, kissing her. "You set up that promotion, didn't you? I know you can, donna mia."

"That's the funny part," she giggled. "The fact is, I didn't. General Karsov did it all on his own. I think he just wants to show his magnanimity."

"Anything else?"

"Oh, nothing much. I was just making my rounds. No one's really concentrated on the war effort much because I told King Merco and Minister Gerean that a deadlock between the forces are on and there's no point sending out more troops."

"Is that all? Donna, I know you do much much more than that."

She took a deep breath, laying her head against his chest. "I missed you," she said simply. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with swirls of deep, rich colours. When Azio didn't reply for about a few minutes, she asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Making you pregnant, Azio's cheeky thought replied. But instead he answered, "About the next move we're going to make. I want everyone to know at the same time we're taking over."

"Stop thinking about it for a while and think of me instead."

"With an audience?" Azio asked, grinning. He turned. "Dormez, you may leave now."

"Si, si, capitan," Dormez replied hastily. "Capitan, will you be needing anything else tonight?"

"No, Dormez. Thank you."

"No interruptions, please, Dormez," Donna said sweetly.

"Si, Signorina Donna. Have a pleasant evening, capitan." Dormez bowed as he left the room.

"Cheeky bugger," Azio mumbled.

Donna laughed and he forgot about everything else.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When Azio entered the canteen the next day, he heard snickers and saw smirks coming his way. At first he ignored them, until he sat down at his usual place. Leren came right up and plonked on the seat next to him. Everyone started to gather around, ostensibly to make more room for other recruits.

"What?" Azio demanded.

"Well?" Leren nudged Azio.

"Well what?"

"You know what I'm talking about, Azio," Leren nisisted.

"The plans for revolution?" Azio asked obtusely.

Leren rolled his eyes. "No, you dummy, the Courtesan, Azio, the Courtesan. Everyone knows she went to see you last night. She didn't even stop by General Karsov's place for a visit."

"Oh� that."

"Everyone knows the Courtesan actually likes you," Leren went on teasing. "Now, that's something worth a victory drink, eh, Captain? How about you treating all of us to a drink?"

"Oh, all right," Azio grouched. "But you've got to tell me about the latest news going on since last night."

"Is she pregnant?" Leren wouldn't stop.

"Leren!"

"Okay, okay, okay. If you're going to be that way about it�"

But Azio did treat them to a drink. They told him very little, which left him quite disgruntled since he had expected more news. Leren sidled up to Azio while the latter was mulling over a drink. "By the by, I know something about General Karsov."

"What?"

"But you've got to buy me another drink first," Leren slyly added.

"Leren, I heard you've had two. Don't you think it's enough?"

Leren sighed. "You're a rotten sport. All right, then. I hear tell that General Karsov is to receive an award for that mission on Division 36."

"What??"

"That's what I heard. General Karsov was bragging about it, too. He mentioned something about owing you one, and that's how you got your promotion."

Azio stood up suddenly, gray eyes flashing in anger. "If he thinks that one lousy promotion is enough�"

"Calm down, Azio," Leren told him. "If it makes you feel any better, everyone thought so too."

"I'm glad to hear it," Azio replied acidly.

"Now, since you've it all made for you, all you have to do is to make your move."

Azio sat down, simmering. It was just as well he was going to strike soon! The nerve of that old man! Claiming his victory! Hah! Just he wait!

"Azio?" came Leren's hesistant question.

"What?" Azio snapped.

The men want to know when you are going to strike."

"When the entire country's ready," came the sullen reply. "I know the troops in this squadron are ready, but we have to wait for the others, too."

"You're so patient."

"Patience is a key to success."

Leren kept quiet. "General Karsov's award will be presented to him by the King himself next month during the equinox festivities. I think we'll be able to have many supporting us then. We may not have all of the citizens of Derios on our side, but it'll be enough for us to go on with. As for Kenkeres, I think a visit to their taverns is due."

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"So?" Mehik asked as soon as they entered Azio's room. "How was Kenkeres?"

"We had some problems at the borders," Azio grumbled. "And the most unfavourable responses."

"At the beginning, of course. Azio is just trying to cover up. You see, what happened was that," Leren began. "He was challenged. They were all huffy over making a bad choice and they went like, 'we just made a choice and it turned out bad, now you want us to choose again??' but Azio suddenly got affronted and he started ranting and raving and speeching about-"

"Speeching about?" Mehik interrupted.

"Making those big speeches. And by the time he was done and horribly annoyed, everyone cheered him and went on with all those hurrahs and we got about ten free drinks."

"I'm still annoyed," Azio snapped. "One of them called me an ass! Can you believe that? I was trying to help and they call me names!"

"But it's all smoothed out now," Mehik said calmly.

Azio continued to fume to Mehik. He went on and on even when Leren tried to catch his attention. Finally he realized the loud snickers from outside his room coming from the other men. "All right, it does sound funny," he shouted at the door to no one in particular.

Then he heard feminine laughter. Donna was at his door? He groaned. It wasn't. Girls were at his door, lovely young females calling his name flirtatiously. "Captain, Captain Azio�"

"Can't keep the ladies waiting, Azio," Leren added with a nasty grin.

"Shut up, Leren."

"Be nice, Azio."

"Shut up, Leren."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Azio woke up with a splitting headache from his bed. What had he been doing?

The question stuck in his head as he sat up, trying to recall details. He remembered a lot of drinks, and girls, many girls seemed to float about his head. The first giggle told him that there really were girls clustered about him. He felt about ten hands on him, caressing him.

Feeling miserably bad and rather crabby at the moment, he yelled, "Dormez!" then winced at his own tone. The girls around him giggled again. They began teasing him about his headache, how many drinks he had the night before.

In the midst of it all walked in Donna. She took in the scene; one grouchy looking young man surrounded by giggling girls and she started laughing.

Azio groaned, the lovely laughter piercing his brain and making it ache. "Donna, please," he whispered.

She went up to the bed and the girls moved aside for her; she was obviously their superior. Their faces soured in jealousy, Azio had not paid them much attention in the night and they were disgruntled that she should take total command of it now. She ignored them and kissed his cheek.

"Did you enjoy your night?" she asked softly, against his lips.

"Yes� no� I don't know," Azio grunted. "I don't remember enough to give you an answer."

Dormez came in bearing towels and morning coffee for the young captain. "Good day, capitan," he said cheerfully. He prepared the clothes and shooed the girls out of the room. Some of them went reluctantly, turning to look back at Azio, still pouting because they had had little fun with such a handsome man.

"You're quite popular in the tavernas," she noted. She ran her hands over his chest. "Do you have time enough for me?"

He kissed her lips, his headache almost gone. "For you, my dear, always."

Dormez's nervous cough brought him back to the real world. He scowled at reality for a bit and got up.

"Dormez, was there anything?" he asked.

"No, capitan, only your uncle wondered where you and some of the other men had gone, so I told him you went over to the brothel with the other drunk ones."

"I was very surprised," Donna murmured. "But then again, men do silly things when they're drunk. Now, turning to business�"

Azio stared at her, not believing that she wasn't slightly jealous of his spending an entire night with a bevy of girls. Didn't she care? Then again, maybe she didn't, because that would make her a hypocrite when she herself spent nights with other men as well. He became angry.

"Where did you spend the night?" he demanded.

She was in the middle of telling him what Mehik had planned on doing that day when he had asked her that question. She stared at him uncomprehendingly. "What?"

"Where did you spend the night?" he repeated.

"Where else? I was sleeping. I had ridden all the way from Dorress so I could tell Mehik that little Bazek learnt Math and is quite good at it." Then her eyes widened in realization. "You can't be jealous!" she gasped incredulously.

"Believe it sweetheart," he growled back in reply. He grabbed her shoulders. "From now on," he announced, a bit dramatically, "You're not allowed to sleep around."

"I beg your pardon??"

Dormez covered his mouth in a feeble attempt to hide his laugh.

"You aren't going to sleep around anymore," Azio said adamantly.

"Look who's talking! The very man who took off to a brothel!"

"I was drunk," Azio insisted.

"It means the same damned thing."

"What is going on?" Mehik asked in concern, poking his head in.

"He just went out and slept around with a bunch of girls, and now he's telling me I can't sleep around!" Donna threw her hands into the air. "And I thought all men were the same!"

"Sorry?" Mehik's face went blank in confusion.

"I'm going to wait until you reach a more rational state of mind," Donna announced, getting up. "Then maybe you'd see how ridiculous your proclamation is."

"You're not leaving yet," Azio stubbornly told her.

"Don't you dare give me orders!" she nearly shrieked at him.

"Dammit, I dare to do whatever I damn well dare to do! I dared to take up your ridiculous political idea, didn't I?" He turned to Dormez and Mehik. "Could you please! - " he snapped at them.

She swung to them. "No, you don't have to go, Mehik! Dormez! Come back here!"

He went after them and slammed the door behind them.

Leren came up to Mehik and Dormez, the latter two extremely baffled. "Mehik! What's up? How's Azio? He drank quite heavily last night."

Out came a din of an argument. "You arbitrary bastard! What the hell is wrong with you??" "We are going to finish our argument, so listen here!" "Our argumentte is finito!" "The hell it is!"

Leren blinked. "What?"

"I think they are having what is known as a 'lover's spat'," Mehik said delicately. "All right, you two children! Argue to your heart's content!" he called into the room. "Now, my dear Leren, I have to speak to you concerning Azio's most erratic behaviour these past few nights. What have you been doing??"

"Drinking," Leren blurted.

"I knew it," Mehik said triumphantly. "I'm banning you from getting drunk."

"You're not serious."

"Oh, but I am. You two are too important to go about imbibing and all that. In fact, if I hadn't kept tabs on you the past few nights, you might've blurted something, something very wrong," Mehik said ominously.

"Well, don't tell me, tell Azio. He's the one with all the girls."

"I hope he was too drunk to enjoy himself."

"As a matter of fact, I heard he was."

"Good. I'm forbidding him from girls, too."

"Me-hik!!!"

"Remember your duty, Leren. Now, on to business. Azio already knows that Inida's ready, but what I want to know is how you two are going to have trade agreements drawn up when those two hot-shots are sitting tight in their ruling positions."

Leren touched the side of his nose slyly. "Azio's taking care of that. We've drawn up an agreement contract between him and Inida, that Inida will support Azio at this tumultous time, and when we have our revolution, the Inidan Government has promised to send troops to back us up."

"I see."

"So, you see, Mehik, you don't really have anything to worry about."

There came a crashing of something in the room they were standing nearby and a woman's scream of frustration, possibly at a man who just made her angry.

"Except, perhaps, for that," Leren sighed. "What's with Donna now?"

"She and Azio having an argument, possibly over his indiscretion� last night."

"Women are funny."

"Yes," Mehik agreed. "They can be."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Are you so sure of this plan? This revolution to take place so soon?" Donna asked. They'd finally calmed down enough, and Azio was lying on the bed, Donna curled up at his side, feeling smug and satisfied with Donna so close at hand.

"Donna mia," he smiled lazily, "You must learn to trust this Azio of yours. He is, after all, a genius. Besides, how else can I make this victory of mine worth so much?"

"Then I want to be a part of it," she said, a strange light in her eyes. "Please, Azio, this overthrowing of King Merco would mean so much to me."

Azio was taken aback. "Why?"

She leant against him. "Remember the story I once told you? About the beautiful lady and the two best friends?"

"Yes. One of them sired a child, correct?"

"The child was I, Azio. I was the baby."

Azio blinked once, twice, in disbelief. "You were the baby? Then� who is your father?"

"King Merco, of course. And Minister Gerean the one who loved my mother. Why else do you think I've been in the Secret Service all these years?"

"No, I cannot believe it, Donna, how is it that you are King Merco's child? Why wouldn't he have sought you out when the Crown Prince died?"

"Why would he? My mother was just an ordinary prostitute, and anyway, King Merco entire reign was a giant mistake. He was weak, and was ravaged by a strange disease which he passed on to his son."

"Why wasn't it passed on to you, then?"

"My mother knew about his disease, so she took a drug which kept it away from me. She spent the rest of her life depending on that drug. Please, Azio, allow me a part with which to avenge my mother."

"You even want to overthrow Minister Gerean?"

"Naturally. He shouldn't have cared so much about Merco having sired me, and just married my mother. Instead, he forgot about her." She laid her hand on his chest, rubbing sensually. "Please, Azio� I've always been good, haven't I? I'll do anything you ask of me, please�"

"Well�"

She looked up at him, her eyes an innocent sky-blue.

"Oh, all right. Who could resist that?"

"I could mention a few times you did," she replied, slightly peevish.

Azio decided not to answer that one.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Days passed. Azio was nervous with anticipation of the big day. He simply couldn't believe it� the revolution would take place. Every night, with Donna in his arms, he prayed that it would all work out.

After the coup, then what? he wondered. Rule the kingdom? He wrung his hands in the dark, the tightness in his stomach gnawing at him. Would he be able to be a good ruler? Was he even capable of pulling this off? Had he chewed off more than he could bite this time?

"What is it?" Donna asked softly, having woken up. "What's wrong, my love?"

"I was just thinking," Azio said truthfully. And worrying, as well, he added mentally.

"What about?"

Azio shrugged. "Whether this is such a great idea, after all. Donna, do you honestly believe I can do all this?"

"Leren thinks so," Donna pointed out. "Mehik is there to help you. He's a political genius, you know. The aristocracy is behind you. Kindly remember that King Merco and Minister Gerean are no longer fit to rule, so you have the Kenkeresions behind you as well. You already visited them, haven't you?"

"Several times," Azio sighed.

"And they greeted you with warm welcomes each time."

"Just because they greet me nicely doesn't mean they like me, or think I'm capable."

Donna sighed. "You know, that's a great attitude to take," she said sarcastically. "Now go to sleep and forget about it. Whether you can or not doesn't matter for the moment. You can always choose someone else after we're all done."

Azio closed his eyes.

"I love you, Azio. And I believe in you," Donna said softly.

His smile remained even in his sleep.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Leren De Feur was trying very hard not to yawn. He had already begun to sway where he was standing, but King Merco seemed to go on and on and on. He glanced to his leader, Azio. Azio seemed to be bearing up quite well, Leren thought, until he noticed the glazed look Azio had.

"How long more?" Leren whispered.

"When General Karsov enters the room and receives his medal. I think the King is wasting time since my dearest uncle isn't here yet."

"Shameful," someone murmured from behind them.

"Gods, Azio, you let Donna into this as well?" Leren blinked, seeing that Donna was wearing a hood to prevent people from recognizing her. Only the lower half of her face was revealed, and her cloak had been thrown over her shoulders. Leren gulped, looking from the ruby red lips to the almost totally exposed bosom of the Courtesan.

"Leren�" Azio began warningly.

"What?" Leren asked, before belatedly remembering that Donna was Azio's lover. "Oh, sorry."

Donna laughed a little. "General Karsov has been delayed a little. A bit of a bad stomach," she said, winking.

"Donna, you didn't!"

"You underestimate him, Leren. Karsov is still a strong man, and Azio, I have something to confess�"

Azio sighed wearily. "No, confess later. He's coming already."

After another hour of ceremony, Lady Badda slowly made her way to the two young men and whispered furiously, "If you two don't do anything, I'll be sure to spank you boys!"

"Lady Badda, you wouldn't!" Leren feigned alarm.

"Just get to it, boys," another conspiritor laughed.

Azio and Leren grinned as they left the hall with quite a few of the other conspiritors trailing behind them. Everyone was on their side. It seemed too pat for Azio, but he wasn't about to question their loyalty, not during this critical period. Besides, the majority of the aristocracy didn't care one way or the other so long as they retained their status.

Azio smiled when he heard King Merco announcing what great service General Karsov had been to the country, figuring that he wouldn't have much more chances at these ridiculous stints any longer. Donna, as the rightful heir of the throne, would have to make her move soon.

"I speak against this hypocrisy," her clear voice now sounded loud.

King Merco looked affronted. "Who are you to speak that way??" he nearly shrieked.

Donna strode to the front of the throne, where King and general stood bog-eyed. "I do. As your daughter."

Everyone gasped. No one had heard of this part of the plan. Was she really King Merco's daughter? Impossible. The king was too much of an imbecile! No one in the court did not know Donna.

"Donna?"

Donna looked hurt as she approached the throne. "You named me Donatella Eugenia Victoriousa. Don't tell me you don't remember. I think it's time to get my own back, Father."

Azio casually walked in.

"Kloern?" King Merco demanded Azio's father harshly. "Are you in this?"

"No, he isn't," Azio said evenly. "Donna?"

"Family Kloern is taking over now, Merco," Donna told the ousted king with dead coldness. "Azio will be replacing you and Minister Gerean."

"Minister Gerean loved your mother!" King Merco's voice was getting shrill. "How could you do this to him?"

"He didn't marry her!" Donna threw back at him, in front of the entire court. "But you didn't want to take me in as your legal heir either! Well, I'll tell you what else, old man," she raged on, tears spilling forth. "I killed Hersn! He was unfit to rule, a shame to the country! I chose the Kloern heir to replace you! I was the one who managed to get all the politics under my belt at the age of sixteen! You thought I was nothing more than a toy! How could you?? How could you let men sleep with your own daughter? How could you dare force me to give myself to men I hate? How dare you??"

Everyone was stunned into silence for a long while. Even Azio, who wasn't sure what on earth to do. Finally, Leren clapped his hands, grinning stupidly in praise of Donna. Azio followed suit. He was so proud of her. She had released herself, her eyes filled with shining tears as she relived all those terrible memories. Azio had always guessed she never liked being termed the Courtesan. Now his assumptions had been proved right, and he couldn't feel more better in his life.

The entire court seemed with with roars of applause. Men came forward to offer their apologies, women to embrace Donna.

Standing before the king after baring her own secrets, Donna was just a young woman wronged by the unfortunate circumstances of her life. Her eyes were a miserable blue and she was hunched as she turned away.

Azio drew her into his arms. "Arrest the king," he ordered. "Until he agrees to sign over the country to me, he stays in prison."

"Why� Azio, m'boy, why didn't you tell me?" the Duke of Kloern was astonished.

Azio ignored him and walked out.

"Didn't quite go the way we planned, did it?" Leren murmured, walking next to Azio.

"I think it turned out better than we'd planned," Azio replied. "All right, darling?" he asked Donna gently.

She looked up with a small smile. "Thank you."

"For what? You did it all yourself."

She embraced him lovingly. "For loving me the way I am."

Azio hugged her back. "You're welcome."

"Now what? Embracing as if it were the end of the story? Come now, we have things to do!" Mehik exclaimed, coming up to them.

"Need to be filled in on the details?" Leren asked the old man.

"No need. I think it was fantastic! You've really done it, Donna!"

Neither Donna nor Azio were listening. Azio knew there were still loose ends to be tied, but he figured those could be resolved easily. He knew it wasn't quite over yet. He knew that there were still those loyal to the previous leaders to be disposed of.

But he also knew he was in love with a woman who loved him back and decided to attend to that matter first.

Authour's Note : YES! I've finished it!! I'm rather proud of all the details in this one. One day, perhaps I'll rewrite it and throw in more stuff. For now, I'm extremely pleased with how all the bit-sh!t politics turned out. I like to things things simple, so the complexities I was working out may not have turned out so good, but insofar, I'm glad I finally finished it!!

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