Forced to marry the enemy prince in her sister's place

Octavia walked through the streets of Erindros, billowing with pride. It felt good to be back home among her people.

She looked through the crowd, a wretched bunch of familiar faces. Waving and smiling as she passed, she threw coins and jewellery to the crowd in the rush of her excitement.

When she approached her father and the members of his councils, she knelt of one knew and bowed in reverence.

"Rise, Octavia," her father commanded.

She stood up to meet the approving nods of the senators and smiled. There was a smug smile on her father’s face; he knew the weight of her victory and revelled in delight. It was a boost to his image, no matter what was said; his daughter had led an army to war and achieved victories.

Her father drew her in for a hug, "You have done well, Octavia, you have done very well indeed," he said as he patted her back.

Her lips broke into a wide grin. She’d wished for nothing more than to prove that she was capable; now, the results of competence had taken root.

"It’s good to be back, Father. I missed everyone, truly."

"We missed you as well, daughter."

"And Adonis? Has he returned?"

Her father frowned slightly, but not for long. Octavia smirked, her eyes dancing with delight.

"Why don’t we head inside? I’m sure it must have been an arduous journey," her father said with a smile, taking her hand in his.

"Of course, father."

They headed back into the palace hand in hand, with the members of the council and soldiers trailing behind them.

"Prime minister," the king called as they walked on. The prime minister rushed to stand beside him. "There shall be a celebration in honor of my daughter’s return. Let the city drink and eat."

"Yes, your majesty."

The party sauntered into the palace, and the servants ran amok trying to prepare for her arrival.

"What’s all the noise about?" The king asked with a puzzled expression on his face when he saw the servants scurrying in and out of rooms.

"They’re trying to prepare a small feast for the princess, your majesty," Medo, the chief steward, said.

"Really?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Well..." the king shrugged, turned to Octavia, and smiled, "I’m happy that you are back with us, child. Rest and prepare yourself. All of this is in your honour."

"Thank you, father." Octavia bowed. He gently stroked her hair and patted her shoulders. Then she turned to the council members, "my lords," she said and half-bowed, and they bowed in return.

The king and his council left and went back to the meeting chamber while Octavia stayed back in the hallway, absorbing the praises she had received.

"You’re finally back, sister," Penelope said from behind.

Octavia turned and smiled at her, "Of course, I am, sister," Her said with a sly smile. "Did you miss me?"

Penelope scoffed. "How could I not? You’re the only thing father cares to talk about."

"Is that so? Well, that’s not something I can fix now, is it?"

Penelope rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

Octavia glanced at the woman beside her sister. She had her hands behind her back, and her face held a neutral expression. Octavia couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

"So what have you been up to in my absence? Asides for walking in my shadows, of course."

Penelope smirked, "You don’t need to concern yourself with my business, sister, just as I do not involve myself in yours."

"Is that right?" Octavia said and walked up to them. "And who is this new friend of your sister? Another pet to alleviate your loneliness?"

Penelope shook her head and smiled slightly.

"My name is Iris Giovanni, your majesty," Iris replied mechanically. She stared back into Octavia’s eye, refusing to back down from her imperious glare.

Octavia’s lips twitched, and her eyes danced in delight. There was so much to do now that she was back, and luckily for her, charming her sister’s new friend just entered the list.

"I’m off to my room, sister," Octavia feigned a yawn. "This hero is tired from her journey."

"Your majesty," Penelope replied with a tight smile and a nod.

Out of the corner of her eye, Iris saw Penelope shudder in disgust.

"Your sister..."

"Please, Iris, let’s not talk about her."

Iris turned to look at Penelope. The blood had drained from her face, and she looked like she’d aged a few years. "You look sick."

"That’s what happens when you have a sister that makes your skin crawl."

"That’s quite the exaggeration."

"It isn’t."

"Oh, but it is," Iris said, holding the small of her back and guided her up the stairs, "when has she ever been animal?"

"What?" Penelope was a little taken aback as she turned to look at Iris. Iris returned her gaze with a lopsided grin, and Penelope immediately shook her head and chuckled.

"Whatever it is you’re feeling," Iris said quietly after a while, "I’m right here for you, whenever you’re ready."

They reached the top of the stairs on the second floor, and Penelope turned to her. "I know, Iris, and I am grateful," she said and turned to leave, but stopped. "My sister, she’s going to test you in ways you’ve never imagined. I’m sorry to have brought you into this."

Iris stood, confusion written all over her face. "What do you mean by test me?"

"I cannot explain it right now, but she’ll test this friendship, she will test you, and when she doesn’t get the result that she wants, she’s going to do so much worse."

Iris crossed her arms, tapped her left foot, and shook her head. "I suppose this is some kind of sibling rivalry?"

There was a tight smile as she turned to look at Iris, "I suppose you could call it that," Penelope said, turned, and began walking up the second flight of stairs.

Every bone in her body was aware of Octavia. Her days of rest had come to an end, and she was about to meet with the devil.

Her feet tapped against the floor, and she went towards her room. She knew Octavia would hear her.

As she was about to open the door to her room, she could hear Octavia’s door creak open.

"Your majesty," a servant called, "your sister, she wants you."