Thread: The royal harem of Rhodesia (DaveTheHuman x Poppy)

David Circe Map Atop his horse, the newly crowned David rode slowly toward the harem. His eyes looked up at the multi-story stone structure and noticed it had not changed the slightest since he had departed over a decade ago. The man had started his life with only his mother. She was a seamstress and money was always scarce. However, she had just enough to bribe the stablemaster of the harem to get her son an apprenticeship. It was a high position for someone of his birth, but unfortunately it wouldn't last long. David had brushed the horses, mucked the stables, and did all manner of chores for nearly a year until the king demanded his removal. The stablemaster had come to trust his apprentice, so he confided in his what he thought the reason for his dismissal was. My best guess is his Grace don't want a young buck around all his does. It would be wise to leave quietly, lad. From there, David did the only thing he could do. He kissed his mother goodbye and joined the Rhodesian army. He was just a young teen, but they signed him on nonetheless. His skill with horses funneled him into cavalry, but when they found he could shoot a bow, he was immediately sent into the mounted archers unit. The training was grueling and it never ended, even when he had been accepted by the unit. However, he excelled in the ability to steady a bow while a horse galloped full speed. Despite Rhodesia being a peaceful country, the youth learned a great deal about leading and fighting. But he also learned of the discontent toward the recent Rinali line. Proud soldiers could not stand the thought of serving a king who had no love or respect for his people. At first it was just talk and speculation, but then it became true. During a time of drought, the king ordered the army to secure the delivery routes for food to be sold to the Silvian Empire. With so many suffering the famine that drought brought, it was a shaking moment for David and the men. The grievances then escalated to the point where if only a fraction were true, the king was not worthy of the crown. It had been hard, cunning work, but in the end the rebellion was organized. There were no ranks of ragged farmers fighting in the war. It was between the two halves of the army. The devastation was immeasurable and the hatred burned like a fire over oil. But when the final battle came to the city of Calais, just miles away, the reckoning had come. David led his men against the loyalist in the open field as one people united under a single cause. It had been bloody and costly, but when the sun set over the field, the tyranny was over. For the first week, the uncertainty hung heavy in the air. With no leader, they were vulnerable to the two neighboring empires. Court was held among the rebels as to who would lead, and how it would be done. Lords threw their own names into the mix, but it was not the will of the people. They did not trust noble blood. Then the nomination came out, David could be king. A young, baseborn, strong man who was a natural soldier and leader. He could unite Rhodesia and stand firm in the eyes of Silvia and Trussaley. The idea seemed ludicrous to the mounted archer, but the support soon burned hotter. On the second week after the decisive battle, David was crowned King of Rhodesia. As he stepped into the harem, servants, guards, and the women bowed. There was silence. David looked around at the place and the faces of all who stood before him. He had guessed lords would remove their daughters the first chance they got, and he could not blame them for it. He had thought long on what the fate of the harem would be. The subject was sensitive. After a long while, he spoke. My name is King David. By rights, this harem is mine... He paused looking again at the faces of the many. Those of you who wish to leave the harem need only speak with my treasurer. David motioned to an older man who stood off to the side. He will arrange your travel wherever you call home. No one moved, but David suspected it was not because of their desire for him, but for the respect of waiting until he was finished. I understand the need for the harem, so it will not be dissolved. However, things will be changing once I understand it more fully. But the thing that will not change is if anyone wishes to leave, they will not be stopped. David expected the women to line up in front of the treasurer right there. He had finished speaking and the choice was theirs. The man had never imagined owning a harem. A month ago, the thought of having a wife had touched his thoughts. He had known a woman who was close to the mounted archer's unit. She had designed and made the arrows unique to their short bows, and at times she would send volleys with the infantry archers. Her name was Ella and they had been close. Being in a rebellion changed the way a person thought. Turning one's back on a long line of kings was no different than forfeiting one's life. Because of this, the two had become intimate, relieving the stress of imminent mortality. David did not know if he loved her, or if she loved him. However, they were close nonetheless and got along well. But it was during the battled of Calais when he lost her. Her loss tore at him, bittering the victory they had wanted for so long. Had she been alive, the harem would have been dissolved. As David stood there in front of the many beautiful women, awaiting their choice, his eyes caught hers. She had light hair and purple iris'. Was this the same woman he had spoken with often in the stables? It couldn't be. That was so long ago.