Salma laid in her bed staring at the beautiful chandelier that hung from her ceiling, she has never been more bored. She looked at the clock that was placed beside her bed, time did not seem to be moving and minutes seemed to be hours.
She stood up from her bed which felt a little as a fuss because of how big it was. She remembered the first time she saw it and thought "who the hell is going to make that bed" thankfully she had help with that.
She walked over to her closet, bent down and drew out a small worn out box from inside a cabinet. Putting in the right combinations, she opened it. There were all sorts of valuables in it but there was just one which she treasured the most, a locket that was given to her by her mother before her death.
She took the locket and placed the box back, walked to the mirror and put the locket on. She stared at it for a while, smiling at the memories it brought back.
"The Queen Is here to see you." A guard announced.
Salma turned almost fracturing her ankle. Her room was a mess. Everything was every where. This was the fastest she has ever ran in her life as she threw everything that was out of place under her bed. Straightening her dress, she heard..
" The Queen is here to see you Miss Salma. Sounding more impatient this time.
She rushed to the door and opened it almost pulling the door from its hinges with the amount of force she used.
" I am sorry, I was asleep" she said in a bow.
The Queen calmly walked in, touched her shoulder and said, " it's okay we all sleep."
Salma felt relieved, she was ready to receive a very stern warning from the Queen. While closing the door, she rose her head to see the guards frowning at her, she eyed them and closed the door.
Turning to the Queen, Salma saw her already seated on the chair next to the window. Salma sat on the chair opposite her. The Queen stared out the window and stared into the blue skies that was turning dark from the looming rain.
" It's beautiful, isn't it?" The Queen asked turning to her.
" Ye.. yes it is very pretty" Salma replied quickly.
" How was your grandmother doing before you left? I understand, she was the one who took care of you after your mother's death."
"She was doing very well before I left."
" I am very sorry for the loss of your mother, I am sure it must have been very hard for you since it had not been long your father went missing."
Salma was quiet,this was a very sensitive topic for her and brought back memories that she did not want remembered.
The atmosphere became to heavy and uncomfortable, In a bid to lighten the mood, the Queen decided to change the topic.
" How are you doing, am sure you must be very bored being stuck in here all day but you have to understand that I cannot risk exposing you to the public before time."
" No, No I completely understand. She said and looked away from the Queen's burning stare hoping to hide her true emotions about being locked in here.
" I am happy you understand." The Queen said smiling.
" Of course, I have had a great deal of time to think and assess some things."
" Salma, can you do me a favour."
Salma tensed, she knew that for the Queen to ask for a favour it would not be an easy one.
"Salma, did you hear me."
" Sure, I would do anything for you."
" That's good to hear. Well, you have to get ready, you and the prince would be leaving the palace by night fall."
" Why, I don't understand...."
" Don't worry, it's for a good cause that the prince is embarking on and I want you to be there to support him."
" Fine" she said feeling very uneasy about this.
" Get your things ready" a guard would come and get you so be ready. Also, don't pack a lot." The Queen stood up and patted her hair gently " I have you in mind Salma, Don't worry".
Salma head kept spinning, she could not understand what was happening, was this the Queen's way of kicking her out of the palace since prince Alex did not like her.
Tarius walked into the room and saw Alex packing.
"You said you wanted to see me and why are you packing your things?"
" Tarius, I have to leave for a while and you would be my eyes and ears In the palace.okay?"
" I don't mind but why are you leaving and where are you heading to?"
" Like you said earlier, it would be difficult to investigate my father's death while I am in the palace, I put it into thought and decided on solving this from the outside. You know, a different point of view and don't worry about the chiefs."
" Have you informed the Queen about this and is she fine with you leaving alone."
" I have informed her already and she agrees with me, beside, I will not be leaving alone. I will be leaving with a guard and Salma.
" Okay... Wait, who is Salma?"
" Uhm, she is just a random person my mother trust to assist me." Alex was not ready to tell anyone who Salma actually was because he was not ready to believe it himself.
" I don't think the Queen will allow just any random person to escort you on a cause like this".
" Don't worry, I will tell you every thing at a later time". Alex said hoping that Tarius won't push further.
" Do you need help packing?" Tarius bent to help him.
" Don't worry, almost done."
Alex stood up and stretched out his hand to greet Tarius good bye. Tarius instead pulled him into a hug.
" Good bye my friend, stay safe and don't get killed."
" I will try Tarius, I will try".