Ch. 85: Backstory

Baymun's head tilted slightly as he sized me up. After a few minutes of careful observation, he came to whatever conclusion he was looking for as he pursed his lips, "I'm not sure if you're aware but it is imperative that I marry within the next three months. Exceeding that date would disqualify me from obtaining the throne as I'll become thirty years old. Out-dated rules, I know, however the counsel is still standing therefore I must abide by their customs."

He clenched his jaw as he continued, "I could very well refuse to take the throne, but it's been made clear to me that the change needed to heal this Empire will probably never come about if I do not take action. My brothers are in no position to lead and quite frankly they lack the vision required to make our future a success. What I seek is the same as you - A thriving future filled with peace and countless possibilities. Allowing the Empire to remain on its current course of objectifying women, enforcing slavery and mindless war will one day cause our destruction. Whether you believe this or not, I have actually seen it with my own eyes . . . I won't allow the blood, sweat and tears of countless generations to waste away. Even though my ideals are far from the goals and traditions of Bodach's past, I'm quite certain that these new goals can come to fruition with enough coaxing. It's time for Bodach to experience a change."

Was this the same man who killed thousands? He wanted to stop the mayhem to create an Empire of peace? He looked so passionately serious, it was almost hard to not give in and accept that a man could change so drastically.

Almost.

"Then why me? Why choose a woman who couldn't possibly hate you more? Is this just some sick, twisted fantasy of yours to have a woman who despises you under your control?" I know I shouldn't speak to him like this since Richie's life was on the line, but seriously - Come on! Why does this stuff keep happening to me?

Baymun's eyes drew into slits and I felt him instantly turn colder, "Woman, I've been more than reasonable with you today - Do not test my tolerance. I'm empathetic to your past grievances and understand that I caused most of them, but I'm not some sycophant who enjoys controlling women for the fun of it. Also, you've laid a charge at my feet unjustifiably, one that I myself am having a hard time wrapping my head around. I did NOT cause your women to lose their ability to create life - That entire assumption is quite . . . Troublesome albeit interesting to say the least. Honestly I'd very much like to delve into that particular subject further . . . Nonetheless I'm sure you've got your own reasons to label me as the culprit. But know this, I will NOT be falsely accused or insulted."

After finishing his tirade of 'self-defense' he continued a little less vehemently, "Now, concerning your reasonable question of choosing you, the answer is complicated. I need someone by my side that I consider equal; Not necessarily in status or wealth but rather a woman who won't be bullied into submission. If Bodach is to understand that things will change then I must proceed carefully, calculatively and patiently. Forceful change can only be met with rebellion, which is something I'm trying to avoid at all costs. If I instead align myself with a strong, independent woman who already has a reputation of being so, this would subtly make it clear that I'm opening the door to change. I don't need a weak, timid lamb that hangs off my arm like an accessory - I need someone who has the same passion and desire to create a better future. A partner who I can respect that will compliment my strengths and assist in overcoming any weaknesses. Upon careful consideration, you fit all of these requirements . . . That is why I need you."

You could say I was more than a little shocked by his declaration.

He had the audacity to compliment my otherwise 'undesirable' qualities - To validate all that I'd been working toward. His entire speech made the whole proposition seem less absurd and more advantageous.

Did this mean I was going insane to actually consider his offer without feeling like all hope was lost?

For the mere price of marrying my enemy I could actually see my goals come to fruition . . . The offer was definitely not without merit. Also, the fact that he was interested in finding out more about the 'barren' situation was something I hadn't bargained for. Since he was so adamant that he wasn't previously aware of this information it kind of had me second-guessing my accusation. If he were the culprit, he'd simply come out and say it like he had admitted to leading the attack on my people. Instead he was actually offended to be charged with this particular offense. I suppose the one way to find out for sure would be to see if he's willing to assist in rectifying this blight upon my people.

Taking in a breath to steady my thoughts I asked, "So if I were to accept, and I'm not saying I will, what steps would be taken to find a cure for my people?"

Baymun's eyes turned softer, "I'd need more details on the matter before making a definite plan."

Ugh, so now I had to give him a backstory? This could be tricky but honestly was there anything to lose at this point?

Coming to a quick decision, I began, "Very well. Within weeks following the invasion our plant life began to wither away. At first we accounted it for the fire and ash left over from the war, however months went by and crops wouldn't grow, trees refused to yield fruit and our streams became desolate with lifeless bodies of fish. The Grand Mothers said our land was cursed, dying due to our past transgressions. Then the deaths started . . ."

I stood up from the seat since this always made me uncomfortable and closed my eyes while inhaling deeply to stave off the nightmares of the past. Keeping the feelings repressed deep within me, I continued, "We thought it was a plague though it only targeted the young girls who hadn't begun their cycles yet. It seemed that whatever this curse was caused life to just wither away . . . Each of the girls died from ovarian combustion. They literally burned from the inside out. Within six months all the remaining children died, even our expectant mothers underwent gruesome miscarriages. I'm actually the youngest remaining female of my people."

I turned away to look over the peaceful garden instead of seeing my nemesis face. What I was about to say was forbidden but I trudged on. If he wanted to ruin our race further then he was welcome to try it; There weren't many of us left anyway and it's not like we currently had a chance for a future.

Hugging my arms I quietly continued, "I may have been young but even I knew better than to think it was mere coincidence that our 'curse' began when we were defeated by your army. What you may or may not realize is our WOMEN retain the bloodline - We don't necessarily require our own race of males to carry on. Eurosian women are well-known for being seductive and beautiful, but we are so much more than that. We are stronger, faster and more cunning than that of our men - Granted we're not quite on the same playing field as males from other races, but we definitely succeed in putting our own men to shame. Our women are immune to poison, have the ability of regeneration and retain useful qualities from our blood. My mothers and sisters could very well have fought back during the invasion however our women chose not to participate so that the bloodline could live on . . . My brothers and fathers sacrificed themselves to have your army leave quickly. You might be pleased to know that the plan backfired - Your glorious Bodach Empire won and we can't carry on the bloodline anymore."