fantasy
Dastan
1
Once a slave, then a soldier, Dastan is the new young and charming King of the wild reconquered lands of the East. The war had made Arcanthia weak, pillaged and defenseless, but Dastan, together with his soldiers had reconquered it, giving it back its dignity. For this reason his people had decided to name him their new KING.
About a year after the end of the war and his ascension to the throne, an important invitation had arrived in the presence of Dastan; the Emperor of the Western lands had invited him to participate in an important tournament, as a sign of peace and acceptance. At stake, for the winner of the tournament, was the hand of his beloved daughter.
His advisors had urged Dastan to participate. The journey had been long and exhausting, but Dastan had obviously proved the strongest of his challengers, winning the Tournament. Now, as per custom, Dastan had to publicly present his betrothed with a rose made entirely of gold, which she had to accept publicly, sealing the marriage agreement... only, that it was not the emperor's daughter, the one to whom Dastan had brought the rose, but a beautiful young vestal from the lands of the North, daughter of the King of the North, destined for celibacy and the adoration of the Goddess Vesta, guardian of the sacred fire.
The young woman, understanding his mistake but not knowing how not to offend the brave knight, had accepted the golden rose, convinced that the misunderstanding would be resolved anyway. But instead, after the banquet, the King of the East, still confused, given his unfamiliarity with the language and customs of the West, had kidnapped the young vestal, taking her away with him.
She had tried in every way to make him understand his mistake, but he did not want to understand, repeating in an adoring tone the words "Fear not, my precious bride... I do not wish to harm you", in his native language, trying to calm her down...
Will the cultural and linguistic barriers prevail? Or will love blossom?
tournament
