their liberty. Even Annatrice, so independent and steadfast in her opinions regarding the joys of freedom began to lose sight of her loss. The comforts of wealth and the companionship of like-minded souls slowly softened the hardened heart of an orphaned child and it took the occasional but savage attack from her King to remind her why she was there, dowsed in such sweet finery.
Marianne’s children lived a separate life, a closeted and confined existence which shut out the everyday horrors of the world outside. It was for the most part, an idyllic life for a growing child. Even the abhorrent behaviour of the King was an occasional trauma which seemed to become less frequent as time passed and his enthusiasm dwindled. The girls fantasised of far away kingdoms and stories of legend that Marianne eloquently read aloud in the evening, each day brought something new, life was never dull or repetitive and for the most part, it was a happiness and fulfilment that Annatrice had never felt before but things were about to change..
As time passed, Annatrice began to better understand the baffling powers that she had exhibited at times since her life had changed so drastically. At first, the bombardment of mental maelstroms was an unwanted and potentially embarrassing issue which often led to unfortunate revelations. Understanding and interpreting the sudden intrusions into her mind was one thing, controlling these episodic abilities was quite another. Annatrice could not turn on and off her powers like the lamp that lit her beside, it at first seemed a random thing, a feeling that overcame her in times of anxiety or discomfort. Her eager friends often amused themselves at Annatrice's expense, playing games, trying to coax her into pulling the thoughts from their minds, but it did not work that way. The one thing that was apparent however was that with her developing body and intellect, the intensity of these insights grew. Invariably, Tragian's perverted attacks drew greater and more intense mental reactions as the months passed. For Annatrice, the physical discomfort and repulsion became less significant as she fought tirelessly to block out the images in her mind and most of all the pleasure that Tragian derived from his depraved act. For Annatrice, the warped feelings of gratification she received of her own rape was sickening and revolting. She cursed her 'affliction' in these instances, it was truly a curse that could not be lifted or fathomed. She began to revile herself for feeling these appalling thoughts and as each attack took place, herself loathing deepened.
The seasons flew by and Annatrice blossomed from a child to a young woman of formidable beauty and intellect. The affairs of the Kingdom began to grow turbulent as Annatrice approached the fifteenth year of her life. Despite being sheltered from the politics of the land, Annatrice often heard members of the castle staff gossip about the growing tensions between the land of Araman and their westerly neighbours, Suleyman. The history of the southern half of the Protathaian Isles was replete with conflict and aggressive diplomacy. Once a great unified nation, Araman was the product of a great war of Kings, not of the people. It seemed that the ambitious and noxious Tragian had been once again teasing the leashed dog. The opposing ruler of Suleyman, Deo Canthi, would only tolerate so much prodding before he slipped his bonds and snapped at his tormentor.
In this year of uncertainty, Araman also saw the Tharsi Plague, a debilitating disease originating in the northern borders of East Corustyn and a mighty and prolonged storm which maimed and killed many, destroying homes and businesses in the process. It was a depressing period for the people of Araman and the pressure was telling on the monarchy and all those who held power across the land.
In the days that followed Annatrice's birthday, the eldest of Marianne's girls left abruptly and without so much as a farewell.
Marianne’s children lived a separate life, a closeted and confined existence which shut out the everyday horrors of the world outside. It was for the most part, an idyllic life for a growing child. Even the abhorrent behaviour of the King was an occasional trauma which seemed to become less frequent as time passed and his enthusiasm dwindled. The girls fantasised of far away kingdoms and stories of legend that Marianne eloquently read aloud in the evening, each day brought something new, life was never dull or repetitive and for the most part, it was a happiness and fulfilment that Annatrice had never felt before but things were about to change..
As time passed, Annatrice began to better understand the baffling powers that she had exhibited at times since her life had changed so drastically. At first, the bombardment of mental maelstroms was an unwanted and potentially embarrassing issue which often led to unfortunate revelations. Understanding and interpreting the sudden intrusions into her mind was one thing, controlling these episodic abilities was quite another. Annatrice could not turn on and off her powers like the lamp that lit her beside, it at first seemed a random thing, a feeling that overcame her in times of anxiety or discomfort. Her eager friends often amused themselves at Annatrice's expense, playing games, trying to coax her into pulling the thoughts from their minds, but it did not work that way. The one thing that was apparent however was that with her developing body and intellect, the intensity of these insights grew. Invariably, Tragian's perverted attacks drew greater and more intense mental reactions as the months passed. For Annatrice, the physical discomfort and repulsion became less significant as she fought tirelessly to block out the images in her mind and most of all the pleasure that Tragian derived from his depraved act. For Annatrice, the warped feelings of gratification she received of her own rape was sickening and revolting. She cursed her 'affliction' in these instances, it was truly a curse that could not be lifted or fathomed. She began to revile herself for feeling these appalling thoughts and as each attack took place, herself loathing deepened.
The seasons flew by and Annatrice blossomed from a child to a young woman of formidable beauty and intellect. The affairs of the Kingdom began to grow turbulent as Annatrice approached the fifteenth year of her life. Despite being sheltered from the politics of the land, Annatrice often heard members of the castle staff gossip about the growing tensions between the land of Araman and their westerly neighbours, Suleyman. The history of the southern half of the Protathaian Isles was replete with conflict and aggressive diplomacy. Once a great unified nation, Araman was the product of a great war of Kings, not of the people. It seemed that the ambitious and noxious Tragian had been once again teasing the leashed dog. The opposing ruler of Suleyman, Deo Canthi, would only tolerate so much prodding before he slipped his bonds and snapped at his tormentor.
In this year of uncertainty, Araman also saw the Tharsi Plague, a debilitating disease originating in the northern borders of East Corustyn and a mighty and prolonged storm which maimed and killed many, destroying homes and businesses in the process. It was a depressing period for the people of Araman and the pressure was telling on the monarchy and all those who held power across the land.
In the days that followed Annatrice's birthday, the eldest of Marianne's girls left abruptly and without so much as a farewell.
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