Somewhere beyond the wall that protected the royal palace from the world at large the city of Labrad bustled busily, the vendors calling out to passerby, clapped their small cymbals or ringing small bells in order to attract customers. Everyone was scurrying about for one reason or another and completely oblivious to each other or the politics taking place in the world at large. Were they unfortunate or lucky? Ignorance is bliss for some until the knife of reality plunges itself into their back claiming their life while the last words to escape their dying lips are a cry to the world of "why me."

Nawra twitched uncomfortably as she stared out the large window willing her body and mind into a different realm of reality or if possible, out of the room and beyond the walls. Someplace to scream till her mind and lungs were numb would work just as well but that was impossible after the failed assassination attempt a few weeks ago. They had never been found and her parents spy master had been unable to turn up anything which was unusual, but not entirely unexpected considering the circumstances. It simply meant the assassin was no amateur in the business and all that had prevented her premature demise had been a lowly olive that had slipped from her fingers.

A twist of fate, an olive falls from the royal fingers and by bending over to pick it up rather than leave it to the servants had made all the difference as a mere fraction of an inch had caused it to pass her by. That tiny space was all that it took and while she lamented that it had narrowly missed Jubril as well the event had left her on edge. Somewhere out there the assassin was running free to try again.

"They must get lucky only once, I must be lucky for the rest of my life."

While it was a hazard of her position it in no way lessened the effect and for all they knew the fear that the event had caused was exactly what their enemy had wanted. Perhaps it was a silent warning that they could take their lives at any time they so desired and while the poisoned dart had missed, the next one would most likely not.

But, which was worse? Dying and being done with it or being doomed to her fate? Her mother and father would scoff at her pessimism but being sent to Alzamard to cozy up with Fareed was like being buried alive in a den of vipers. Any one of them could kill you and it only took one small bite but with Fareed it was never that easy, he would draw the agony out and pass it off somehow if so required. Maybe the assassin was his? Fareed did have much to gain from a conflict with Labrad: land and the rich fields on the far bank of the river that bore great quantities of food which would soon be in their prime. It was a fact Nawra knew he was not ignorant of.

As the princess shifted one of the seamstresses frowned a little. "Please do not move so much mistress, the seams must be straight."

Holding back a very unladylike like growl of frustration Nawra froze her form so the tailors could continue their work in silence. Time was running out and soon she was bound for transport to Alzamard and unto the care of his majesty the Sultan of Alzamard and his glorious sultanate. There was a considerable roll of papyrus rolled up tightly on her ornate table and glancing at it sickened her. Part of the requirement of going was memorizing proper decorum and etiquette when addressing Fareed which boiled down to seeing how much of an ass kisser one could be.

Her father's scribes had gone to great length and diligently written down every detail she had to memorize on how to greet Fareed just perfectly, not that she did not know. From a foal she had been trained religiously on how to dress, act, speak, walk, think and even how to move her body in accordance with royal custom and decorum. It was also well known to her from the moment that scroll had touched her hand what happened to those who failed to follow proper protocol in the court room of Alzamard.

Thing's in Labrad on the other hand were not so strict that one would be cut down in the throne room for simple mistakes, her father and mother left leeway for such things. Mistakes were expected but so long as the individual in question was honest and sincere their lack of decorum was overlooked. Fareed on the other hand was another matter. The very first two stanzas of the scroll described in no small detail what had happened to the last five visiting ambassadors and one prince when they slighted the sultan.

She had to admit Fareed could get very creative on making examples to others with ironic twists that proved as painful to read as they would be to see and gods forbid, receive. Sometimes he did not need to be creative though and when one had been snide, in private no less, they had been beheaded and the severed head returned to their country inside a basket of melons. Her own disgust with him had never once been hidden but now it would have to be bottled up, corked and sealed with a thick layer of wax for good measure. One slip and there was no doubt in her mind that Fareed would not seize the opportunity to take her hostage if she so much as made one little slip. Not that many of Labrad's other neighbors were any better when it came to taking advantage of such situations, it was perfectly legal after all.

Meeting him was a horrific prospect that could no longer be avoided and to make matters even worse the assassination attempt had brought about a new wave of changes. Originally she was to go by land and through Tuli before finally turning south towards Alzamard but that had been canceled almost immediately. Being the focus of the attack meant the princess had to be protected and her father had ordered the royal yacht prepared.

Nawra's eye twitched at remembering what had happened next. Not about to miss out on an opportunity her brother Jubril had seized on the opportunity to handle the security of the whole affair in good faith and indeed it was. One look at his eyes was all it took to know he was planning absolutely nothing against her, there was no plot, no plan and should an assassin slip aboard they would die quickly; courtesy of her "protective" brother. But why?

Was it because it provided him an excellent excuse to excuse himself if anything did happen? After all, his plan was impeccably prepared and approved by all including herself, he was quite sincere and that worried her more than anything. Perhaps he was hoping she would make some small slip while meeting with Fareed, that her tongue would let fall some detail or an antagonistic remark that would seal her fate. Kill her by proxy? Allow her to kill herself at the hands of Fareed? No, he would never kill her because that was preposterous, she was much too valuable alive.

Letting out an angry sigh Nawra's eyes traced down to the tailors as they scurried around her, Jubril was hoping she would get herself killed or ostracized and there was only one way to counter this: To do as her father wished and greet Fareed with her best fake smile, praise him as a god and then bend over and kiss his royal ass while swallowing her pride and dignity.

Jubril was toying with her again, antagonizing her.

"Finished mistress. How does it fit?"

Stepping forward and moving her arms around Nawra tested the new garment carefully and after going through a series of motions to test how it would catch or snag she nodded. Looking into the large mirror that had been provided at no small cost as a foreign import the Arabian princess looked herself over in the mirror carefully. Everything was exactly as it should be and the fit was perfect, every seam was perfect and the designs woven directly into the silk dress were masterfully done with further ascents hand embroidered onto the exterior. Once it was properly stitched up the silk dress would be a worthy addition to her collection but after using it to greet Fareed she would prefer to have it burned and the memory forgotten.

"It will have gold thread and the design-"

Tuning the master tailor out as they described the final details she stared with dead eyes into the mirror, this whole charade had been her mothers idea. In order to impress Fareed there was no better way than to wear nothing but the newest clothing all made by the best tailors in Labrad with imported silks. The expense of this little race to build a new and elegant wardrobe would feed a fair portion of the city for a week but if it made things go smoothy she would bite her tongue. Not a single trace of doubt had ever crossed her mind that this was not in some way required of her and that it was also quite important. While her aging parents may be somewhat senile when dealing with Jubril they were serious beyond reckoning when it came to making certain her visit with Fareed went smoothly.

"-Slip out of the dress so my tailors may finish the stitching. We need to check the next one and... It is not my place to chide you mistress but your mother would have my ears if I did not repeat what she said-"

"That it is your duty as princess and royal representative of the nation to do your duty." Nawra's eyes moved down to the zebra mare with a glare. "To wear the gown whether you like it or not and allow it to be fitted properly."

"Yes mistress..."

Watching the mare stand upright again before backing away Nawra lifted her arms and allowed the tailors to undress her quickly, the dress was folded as if it were a sacred relic and placed in a wooden box before a slip of paper was placed on top with last minute notes. Once sealed the most dreaded gown of all was brought out of hiding in its box and after it was delicately unraveled so all could see she felt like dying. Nawra glared at it hoping the elegant and well designed piece of cloth, if it could be considered that, would burst into flame and cease to exist.

"No expense shall be spared..."

Her fathers words burned in her mind like a raging inferno as she looked the garment over in complete disgust. It was ironic really, had this same gown been presented under different circumstances she would actually seriously consider accepting it because it was indeed a masterwork of art and form when worn if it were not for the other problems it had. However, its purpose was something else entirely. More of a last ditch attempt her parents had cooked up in their ailing minds to flatter Fareed so deeply that he would consider accepting the final, last ditch attempt to avert conflict: Betroth the heir apparent unto Fareed.

This gown's entire purpose was to sway the heart and mind of any stallion that dared to look upon her body. Giving in she reluctantly allowed the tailors to put the two part gown on her carefully so as to not tear it before standing aside while the servants gently adorned her with the jewelry that came with this rather embarrassing ensemble. It had been finished two days ago but she had fought tooth and nail over it refusing to put the finished product on under any circumstances because of what it meant. Of course, her mother had won out after chewing her ears off for hours on end in private on the importance of the meeting and he plan to marry her off. Nothing new had been repeated but the scorn that had been heaped upon her for refusing had grown till she had relented, even if it was to simply avoid spending another day held hostage by her irate mother.

"Now please stand still so I can make certain it is all in order..."

Freezing Nawra was forced to look at herself in the mirror as the mare checked the clothing over one stitch and gold link at a time. The clothing would no doubt work on just about any stallion that would look her way she admitted, it was so revealing but still royal enough that she could pull it off. The silk was so thin Nawra could nearly see through it and left little to nothing to the imagination, staring at her near naked form a mixture of embarrassment and indignity flashed across her face. While it was a masterpiece the catch that it was see through and the other rule that came with the dress was what made such a beautiful piece of clothing a nightmare.

"If I wear this in front of others beyond this room I will die of embarrassment or jump out a window."

"May I adjust your tail so I can check th-"

"Yes."

Her words were icy and the mares reflection in the mirror showed a visible flinch as she moved around the back to put the finishing touches on before checking the back and now that Nawra had an unobstructed view of herself... It made the dress all the worse. Every curve of her thin, elegant legs was on display along with her outstretched arms. What irritated her was that while she had clothing very much the same for wearing when it was especially hot, but only in private, there were sets of underclothes that went with them. This did not. Everything she did not want others seeing be it from the lips between her legs to her breasts and nipples was born for all to see and it was entirely on purpose.

"Please do not fidget, almost done..."

Sneering into the mirror Nawra waited, what made things even worse however was not that the silk was so thin that one could make our the color of her fur as if the cloth were not there, but that jewelry had been added on top of it all. This special set of clothing came with instructions unlike the others in that it had to be worn a specific way and with very exactly placed ornamentation. Her cannon's had been adorned with some of the most masterfully designed anklets and the jewelry was studded with gems matching the color of the royal marks on her flanks.

The same was true of the other pieces be it the gold chain link necklace that hung down from her neck and tucked the clothing in just right above her breasts so that it emphasized her bust even more. Catch was that because it pulled the thin sheet of silk in it caused rubbing across her nipples that she would have preferred did not happen because of certain other after effects that resulted in hardening. Moving in it was infuriating because of this slight shifting and when she had brought it up the tailors had looked away, her mother was behind this. Her obstinate attitude towards this whole plan meant the queen was taking her own measures to make certain she would own up to her responsibilities whether she or her body liked it or not.

Grinding her teeth as the clothing shifted she was asked to turn and Nawra felt the ticklish garment shifting across her body. It was like having someone tickle her with feathers in places she would gladly kill to stop someone, anyone, from touching. Looking sideways into the mirror revealed the silver chain and gems that were attached to the dock of her tail and then woven through the long hairs so they moved as one with her body. Thanking her luck that it was over she turned her back to the mirror as a servant held another up allowing her to look at the back of the gown. Everything was just as beautiful and hideous as she remembered it from the last time.

"Are we done then?"

"Please walk around the room so we can be certain, this must be precise."

"Very well."

Stepping off the short platform carefully her gilded hooves tapped the polished tile and marble floor of her bedchamber making a distinct clacking sound. Walking slowly while hoping to avoid any further embarrassment Nawra stepped carefully hoping to avoid any more of the ticklish chafing. Nothing worked however and now that she was moving her legs the gold, silver and gemstone adorned belt that hung from her waist and over the exterior of the gowns leggings caused chafing that was dangerously close to her nether regions. Practicing her steps to avoid this while silently cursing her mother for having somehow come up with this infernal contraption Nawra continued to move around her room.

With the flesh under the fur of her face reddening and the fur on her cheeks standing out a little more with every passing moment she finally froze and turned to the master tailor. Not daring to utter one word in case she said something uncouth the Arabian princess preferred to just glare quietly in silence. Understanding what she meant at once the zebra gave a quick wave to her accompanying tailors who raced to unadorn the princess from her thinly veiled cage. Piece by piece they removed the jewelry rapidly from her legs, wrists, neck and waist freeing up the chaffing and thus turning the dress back into a normal, regal night gown.

Each piece was placed delicately into its own box and locked before returning to a larger chest where it would again be locked up and as she watched, hopefully thrown into the river and sunk to the bottom for the rest of time. As the joyous thought crossed her mind however another part of her lamented it a little, the jewelry was indeed gorgeous to behold and matched her perfectly but the reason for its existence spoiled it.

Free from the garment at last Nawra sighed in relief as another dress was brought forth, this one she liked considerably more and the armband it came with was adorned with a jewel carved to match her own marking. Even if everything else were to be tossed out or sold to remove the bad taste in her mouth when this was all over this one piece would remain in her collection. It had not originally been a part of the set but her mother had gifted it to her personally after having watched one of the fittings, a suitable addition and indeed it was. Slipping it up her arm herself and into position Nawra looked into the mirror and smiled at the reflection.

"It does indeed suit you Nawra."

The princess nearly jumped out of her hide upon hearing her mothers voice while stifling a yelp of fear and panic. Facing her mother quickly she bowed low but was waved off.

"Stand upright so I may see you. Yes... I approve of this one, it fits you quite well." Walking around Nawra and examining her closely the queen stopped to poke or prod here and there before mumbling ascent and continuing. "Your wardrobe is befitting of your position and will do us justice when you attend the meeting in Alzamard."

"Thank you my queen."

"Good, you are remembering your etiquette. Alzamard is not the same as our own household and you will be quickly admonished for forgetting-"

Nawra listened as her mother droned on about proper etiquette during her lengthy stay in Alzamard, she had heard this all before till it nearly made her ears bleed to hear it all over again. Her mother continued to speak and after having waved permission to the tailors to continue their work quietly in the background Nawra's mind wandered far from the room and beyond. Feigning at paying attention Nawra stood attentive in body but not mind as the work continued but a lance of fear shot through her during a break in her mothers talking causing a visible flinch that all could see. All eyes were on her as she looked towards the culprit: a needle.

Pinging off the floor had made a sound somewhat similar to the dart that had missed her neck and the memory had flooded back in an instant causing an immediate reaction. Staring at her the queen looked at the fallen needle and then the tailor who had dropped it before shaking her head and ordering them to continue.

"You must get used to such things."

"I will."

"At least she did not scream like last time." Jubril let out a small chuckle as he looked around the doorway.

"I did not scream and you would do well to not spread lies brother! Why are you here!?"

Giving Jubril an admonishing look the queen shook her head. "He wished to see for himself and I allowed it."

"My queen some of the-" Nawra was cut off by her mother quickly.

"Which is why he agreed to wait outside."

Looking Nawra dead in the eyes Jubril smiled. "My dearest crown princess, I would not dare to intrude upon your private chambers without your expressed permission while you are changing. But, as the fate of our nation hangs on your shoulders I asked permission to see for myself some of your regal trappings that shall be worn to impress Fareed and the other dignitaries. May I enter?"

Nawra straightened upright. "No."

"As you wish but if I may be so bold as to speak freely..." Nawra tried to open her mouth to say no but Jubril continued quickly. "I would like to remind her to please, please do not start a war by openly her voicing the obvious discontent and hatred she has for his majest the Sultan of Alzamard. I would also like to say that your security is assured, you need not fear any needles from assaulting your scantily clad person. The guards are the finest and will protect you unto death from such tragedies."

There was a pause that hung in the air as Nawra and her mother looked towards the open doorway realizing he had stolen a peak at some point.

"Jubril, mind your manners and-" The queen stopped herself and let out an aggravated sigh before looking back at her daughter, Jubril was already long gone before she had even uttered his name openly. Clapping her hands loudly the servants and tailors took the hint and moved to the far side of the room to leave them in silence.

"I despise him." Nawra hissed.

The queen looked at her daughter tiredly. "Your brother or Fareed?"

"Both."

"Once I too had a brother but... He did not survive a war that is better left forgotten, much like you and Jubril we mocked each other and fought but-"

"Mother if I may... Jubril is different-"

"He is still your brother and I hope you take his immense precautions for your security to heart. Jubril has his own ways but he has never lain a finger upon anyone and tries his hardest to do what is right."

"For him..." Nawra stared at the doorway and made a swift motion of the hand to a servant who hurriedly closed it.

"I did not love my brother either but when he was taken from me it burned terribly and the two of you must stop fighting and bickering as it might one day tear the nation apart in a civil war."

"He is not nearly as sincere as you believe him to be mother."

"My son, your brother... Has never done one thing to cast doubt upon him."

"We have been over this before mother but-"

"No, you will cease your arguing and make peace. Are you okay though?"

Nawra looked into the concerned eyes of her mother as the older mare looked down and in the direction of what had disturbed her so much and waited.

"Yes, but Jubri-"

"Now then!" Clapping her hands the queen looked at the servants who hurried back to their tasks and the tailors began adjusting the newest dress while the queen was offered a plush seat to watch from. "We have more matters to discuss such as the gift you will be bringing to the sultan."

"Has it been finished?"

"It was brought in by the jeweler this very morning while you were being fitted for your journey."

"I understand the gems are arranged to match his mark and are set into a gold plate for wearing around the neck as a crest... Correct?"

"Yes but after some discussion with the jeweler and goldsmith it was decided to add greater details as befitting the sultan of Alzamard."

"He has never once graced us with a gift save an invasion that took Tuli from us."

"All the more reason to keep him happy hm? We have no interest in warring with him and we wish to keep it that way so all the more reason to make certain the gift is regal enough to please him."

"How many families could we have fed for the price of that one worthless object meant for a demon wrapped in fur?"

"Nawra! Watch your tongue!"

The queen's eyes scanned the various servants and tailors in the room, it was doubtful any were spies as their family lines were well known for their loyalty to the royal family. Still, it was always wise to be cautious because one never knew who might be listening or what price it would take to cause a betrayal. Even a minor one could wreak havoc on their plans if the right ears caught wind of their discontent or namely her own. Despite it and no matter how hard she tried though Nawra could not bring herself to fully accept the situation.

"Forgive me, I did not mean to offend."

"You are lucky for had to dared to say such in Alzamard I might have just lost my only daughter!"

"Fareed is a mon-... Different but he would not do such, I imagine he would ransom me or something more typical of the nobility."

"Despite what he has done to others?"

"Yes, he is still a mon- Unusual but he is also calculating in what he does and when. There is more to gain by keeping me alive than torturing or slaying me to set an example."

"Maybe so..." Narrowing her eyes the queen glared at her daughter. "Do not tempt fate Nawra. We would do anything to save you and get you back unharmed but consider what price might be demanded of us and what it would do to the people."

"I know my duties and will not disappoint you."

"Very good... Then show us that one."

"Please no mother, not that one."

In a vote between a queen and a princess the later lost and held back a whimper as the hated dress was removed and prepared for her once more. Staring at it in horror the princess did her best not to grind her teeth so loudly the queen could hear but the slight turn of an ear said otherwise. Looking at her carefully before motioning for the gown to be worn the queen watched and waited quietly from her seat before doing an inspection.

"This should work if you are sincere when you speak with him and ask for him to accept our proposition of marriage."

"I pray you are wrong mother."

Nawra looked up at the ceiling and closed her eyes hard and prayed as loudly as her mind would allow that things would not work out in favor of either Fareed nor her parents. That the status quo would remain and while war would be avoided so would the horrific prospect of becoming Fareed's queen.

"Please gods, dont abandon me to this fate."

Author's Notes:

Busy, busy but here you go. Hope you enjoy.