#morgiah

Austere, the papers called their future queen. A strict and simple match for the King. Some said there could be no great love between the two, that the King sought this particular bride for reasons known only to himself. Certainly there was no fortune or title to speak of on her side to tempt him into the match. Others said it was the case of a noble suitor putting back together a heart broken by the Sharmat - a king among men to lift her above her sorrows (this was less common, but if asked about one's opinion on the romance by Helseth, one usually answered with this).

Sadara herself would not confirm or deny any of the stories, and seemed to dedicate herself almost wholly to Helseth's cause of abolition. 'A stain on the face of Morrowind,' she said, 'A stain that should long ago have been wiped away.'

The insults slung at Helseth were directed at her as well - that she was far too influenced by her birth and upbringing in Cyrodiil. But from what Barenziah could see, Sadara only smiled serenely and it seemed as though the words passed right through her. Even the honey-covered barbs Morgiah threw on her arrival seemed not to cause upset.

"You handle them very well," Barenziah said to her, as Sadara breathed a sigh of relief at dinner, "Almost as if you were born to it."

"It's not being born to it, it's practice. I've been called worse things."

"Perhaps it's also that you're the incarnate of Nerevar? I've heard that said too."

"Almalexia said as much when I saw her last," Sadara replied quietly, "She seems pleased with this match, and was sure you were too."

She paused.

"Are you?"

"Of course I am. Perhaps between the two of us we can direct Helseth's attention a little better."

Another pause.

"Was this your plan?" Sadara asked, "To find someone to rein in the King? I'm afraid you've chosen incorrectly if that's the case."

Always proper vocabulary now, but stiff, like a statue. Whatever Helseth had said or done, it had spooked her into behaving exactly as a noble should...or at least how he thought one should.

"You suit him, that is all." Barenziah said. But privately, she had other thoughts.

Rein him in? Oh, my dear girl, I intend much more than that.

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"Thank you," Nerevar said, "Really, you have no idea what you're doing for--"

"I'm not doing it for you, I'm doing it for me." Morgiah's arms uncrossed and her hands moved down to smooth out a wrinkle in her gown, "Honestly, I knew that Helseth would choose a woman from the Empire, but I didn't think he would follow the Emperor's own practice of marrying a woman who clearly despises him."

"Is it really that obvious?"

"As much as anything around here." There was a pause. "Strange, how the King should neglect to at least invite Saint Nerevar to the wedding. So long as you avoid Almalexia's notice you should be able to get in and out."

"And what do you get from this?" Nerevar asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Do you want the crown of Morrowind for yourself?"

Morgiah gave a harsh laugh. "Why should I want this ugly ash-blasted land when I have the beauty of Firsthold? Perhaps the land here suits you, but I would prefer nothing more than never to see it again."

"Again - what benefit do you derive? If you intend to slay me I promise it will not go well for you. Lord Dagoth will--"

"I want you both as allies," Morgiah said, "There are many who would love nothing more than to see me unseated from my throne, and while I am perfectly capable of retaining power...it always helps to have outside aid."

"You want an alliance?"

"Of course I do. Your dark future husband, he has many arts at his disposal...arts I would encourage to be used to keep certain troublesome forces in Firsthold at bay. As for my royal brother..."

(It was the first time, but certainly not the last, that Nerevar would think how much alike Morgiah and Almalexia were.)

"Well, at any rate..." there was a pause, "I'm certain his mouse of a fiancee will be pleased to be rid of him."

"Excuse me?" he was momentarily stunned, and about to retort - but Morgiah merely smiled and left before he could do it.

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Sadara was alone, as expected, looking into a mirror prior to getting started for the day - and she jumped in her seat when she saw the door open and Helseth step in.

"You really must learn to better hide your fears," he said with a slight laugh, "How can you expect to do well at my side if not?"

"You're...just the first person to..."

"...to truly frighten you? I'm flattered." Helseth had another small box with him, "I thought I might reward you for your compliance so far."

He set the box on the table before her, opened it, and drew out a gold chain with a black pearl at its center. One that seemed to match the one in the ring she'd been given.

"You refuse to open the wallet I've given you and spend anything to look more like the role I'm giving you, so you've forced me to do it myself."

"The people seem to like the idea of--"

"I don't particularly care what the people think." Helseth brought the chain up and around her neck, fastening it tightly. "You will look as you should."

Sadara looked into the mirror, and had the distinct impression of that necklace - that it was the collar to his leash.

Well, perhaps that was right. She was only Helseth's dog now.

"There now, you see? Far better than what those devils gave you."