After exiting their chambers Aaleyah glances at Saan. The blood is all cleaned up, his hair is perfectly in place. The halls have been cleaned, no longer are there footsteps of dirt and blood. Behind her she can feel Helan's presence, but hears no sound.
Suddenly Aaleyah laughs. How has she not thought of it before? Saan's words to her. They are unable to be true. For if Saan was ever to be in danger Helan would protect him. How could she forget him? Saan has been with Helan almost all his life. He was trained by her brother, no one can get past him. His sole duty is to protect the high prince, even if it is from himself. Thinking this, she can feel the weight of the pressure of Saan's words leaving her shoulders. Sparing a glance at him she has to hold back her confident grin. No harm will come to Saan when she dies. As long as Helan is around there is nothing Saan will be able to do to follow in her death.
"Are the glances because I am so handsome?" Saan chuckles when Aaleyah sneaks another look at him.
Coughing, "No-"
"No?" Saan asks with his brow raised, "Am I not handsome?" he laughs when Aaleyah turns away to inspect the pillars for imaginary specs of dust.
"Helan." she mumbles reminding him of the guard less than 10 paces away from them.
Not concerned in the least, "If there is something you still wish to say you can. You need not think about if it is the right time, or how it will affect, or if I am in a good mood." he tells her, keeping the amused smile on his face, but there is a seriousness to his words, "whenever you wish to speak to me you can. There will never be doors closed to you."
Aaleyah moves away until their arms are stretched out because Saan refuses to release her hands. She can see the eyes of the guards and palace servants. Surely everyone will be talking of the High Prince holding hands and showing affection in front of others. Not to mention the shyness that she is unable to keep off her face. "Saan not now." she whispers in a shy voice. Trying to gather herself together, "It is urgent that we see the queen I will do nothing to further delay you. Your time has already been taken." she tells him, holding on to her mask of confidence she scans his face this time without any trace of shyness in her eyes.
Saan's arms leave her side,and he takes confident steps down the hall. His hands falling naturally at his sides, a shadow of a smile on his lips. His eyes darken as he glances at her, his lips parting slightly to exhale when she turns away. "We will speak inside." he tells her cooly. One would think he turned angry, but Aaleyah knows what he means.
As they walk to the queen's chambers both of their minds are thinking at the speed of a hummingbird's wings. It should be obvious to see it, if the queen is a target of the Stilits then it must be that the queen knows information that places the rebels on the losing side. Otherwise why not go after the king, the rock of the nation? Or if they truly wished to cause chaos, it would be wiser to go after Princess Hestia. Her position alone stabilizes the Nevalvn kingdom. The treaties that were being discussed earlier are due to the Nevalvn kingdom. If the Nevalvn kingdom loses their stand in princess then the kingdom would fall apart, and war would ensue. So why did the Stilits aim for the queen and not her?
The day the queen was attacked Princess Hestia was not anywhere near the queen. She is not the target, it is only the queen. The queen knows something, but the question is if she is withholding the information, or if she is unaware she has it?
Despite the thoughts in their minds, both royals walk with an aura of calm power. Saan's eyes scan his wife's face, her unwavering expression of strength almost covers the small shadow of fear in her eyes. Her thumb spins around her index finger, he can see her long thin fingers just under the long sleeve of her dress.
"High Princess Aaleyah." he calls her lowly, Helan can only barely hear it. He waits for her eyes to trail to his, "A wolf is only overcome by sheep when it loses its faith in the pack."
Aaleyah's heart warms hearing the familiar words of her elder brother. One can stand strong for the pack when it trusts the pack. Once the trust is gone, even sheep can become predators. "So I make this pack too strong for sheep to find a stand." she finishes.
Smiling at her words Saan reaches his hand out for hers, and this time Aaleyah places her small hand onto his. Her long fingers squeeze tightly, and she allows Saan to pull her to walk at his side. When her ear is just under his chin he leans and whispers, "Perhaps it is time for all in the pack to strengthen its teeth."
Safe by his side her smile comes before she can catch it. This wolf can bite quite well, she thinks to herself. "High Prince Saan," she spins the ring on his hand. Her desire to comfort him, but the fear of the future holds her back. It would not be wise to strengthen their relationship. If she is correct, her end is coming, and when it comes she hopes that he will feel no pain and follow her. "A wolf has a mate, but the rest of the pack needs the leader." You have me, but when I go, remember you have your family too, her heart whispers.
Saan shakes his head, and his braid rubs against Aaleyah's sleeve. He doesn't care, and that knowledge is ice in her chest. To go back to a time when the words high prince, and Aljehni were things they said but did not understand. To go back to a time where his trust and love in her did not rip her heart apart. To go back to a time where she desired to live as much as any other.
Spring was in the air, the early flowers blooming and some petals scattered in the cold wing. A mountain side was covered in snow, small circles of land not covered by trees revealed the green of spring, as it melted under the sun rays. The peace and serenity that the mountain side felt was trampled by the sound of horses, children, and fighting.
"Zale, you are a cheater! You knew my horse wasn't fast." a young Aaleyah complained as she raced behind the black stallion a few breaths ahead of her.
Zale turned, his hands tightly clutching his horse's reins, his golden eyes filled with mirth, "Losers need not speak." he teased in a mocking tone. The wind blew the small curls of his hair around his face, his body rising and falling with the horses movements.
Not at all affected by her twin's words, "Then where was your silence yesterday when Dharam beat you in archery?" she laughed cockily when Zale's anger distracted him and Aaleyah's horse took the lead. As she passed, "stay silent brother, a loser needs not speak." she teased.
From behind the twins a good 7 paces away, "What's the point of fighting! You are both winning anyway." Prince Saan yelled. His brown horse was very fast, one of the fastest in the palace, but the twins' horse riding skills always outmatched his own. After so many races he stopped caring, and instead stayed behind them to learn their skills and practice them before the next race.
Reaching the bottom of the mountain Aaleyah hopped off her horse and led it to the small pond to drink. Her hair was tied up in a bun, and the wind from the ride left stray strands to frame her small face.
Zale followed her lead, and both twins waited for Saan to finally catch up before they all sat under the tree to share their snacks.
The children moved seamlessly and with experience. Aaleyah's fruit was shared in three, Saan's cookies split, two portions going to Zale because Aaleyah hated them. Zale's sandwich portions going to Aaleyah, who picked off the vegetables the boys didn't like before passing them out. Then everyone sat quietly munching on their food.
Chewing quickly Zale wiped his mouth before asking, "Will you come by our place tomorrow?"
Chewing her fruit, "Yes, we are planning of surprising Asbed." she said with a scary grin.
"If by surprise you guys are attacking then I am not helping." Saan said with a shake of his head. "Last time I helped and he didn't talk to me for a week." he complained.
"Oh no how terrible." Zale sarcastically responded. "You were blessed. He spoke to us the entire week." he gazed at his twin.
Nodding her head, "Yep, complained every single day, and made mother and father punish us. We heard him whine every single time. Then we had to hear Chiara tell us we were wrong and made us apologize."
Finishing his food he rolled up his silk handkerchief, "Then why are we doing this again?"
Snickering, "You said we, that means you are coming." Zale pointed out.
Groaning, "I have no plans on bullying my friend." Saan said before whistling for his horse to come so he could pull out his water from its side.
"Relax Prince Saan." Aaleyah said in a mocking tone as she called him by his full title. "We will not do anything to ruin your friendship with our brother." tapping her chin, "But has it occurred to you that maybe your friend is…" she blew air in her cheeks before continuing, "the wise minded never seem to fall for our surprises."
Picking up on what his sister is saying, "Yes very true, the intelligent rarely fall." Zale said in a serious tone, seeming deep in thought.
Finishing up her fruit, "So with some repetition we will be able to strengthen the mind." she said with fake sincerity, then turning with a pout, "Do you not trust me Saan?"
Zale chuckled as he folded his silk handkerchief, knowing his friend would fall for his twin's charms once more.
Flustered by the question, Saan gulped down his water.
Moving closer to him, "Prince Saan, the Aljehni family has aided yours for generations, do you truly have no faith in me?" her big eyes seemed bigger, but not big enough for Saan to see the glint of manipulation in them.
"Of course I trust you." Saan blurted out. "Saan Dlumaeni will always trust you." he told her, his words rushed and his back pushed against the trunk of the tree.
Grinning mischievously, "Then I shall see you tomorrow Prince Saan." Aaleyah told him, moving away from him now that she got the answer she wanted. Passing her handkerchief to her brother to fold she stood up, "But we should go, father does not like us to miss evening lessons.
The children stood and retrieved their horses. Then they raced through the familiar trail home, without a care in the world.
Reaching the door to the queen's chambers Aaleyah forces herself to wear a calm smile. Keeping a cold expression will only worry the queen. She can feel pressure on her hand, her entire body feels tense. Taking a breath she forces the tension to go deep into her mind. A place where she can deal with it later. However, the pressure on her hand does not recede, and looking down she realizes Saan is squeezing her hand. Turning her head to him he opens his mouth to speak but the doors open, and the king steps out.
Aaleyah moves her hand from Saan's quickly and takes 2 steps away from him.
"I was going to have a guard notify you." His eyes scan his son's and then his daughter in law's, "Have you completed what I told you?"
Bowing, "Yes, your majesty."
The king nods, and then his eyes return to his son's, "come inside." He turns walking further inside the chamber, and Saan takes one step forward before stopping. Turning to Aaleyah he motions for her to go inside first. Then with one glance at Helan, Helan bows and stands across from the door.
Only when the door closes does Saan speak, "We have spoken, and while the king's concerns are always wise, this method of fixing the problem is too grave a consequence. It is best to use our military while the situation is not too grave." As Saan speaks he quickens his pace so he can see Aaleyah's face. For without reading her eyes he is not sure what she is thinking in that sacrificial mind of hers. Sure enough her stoic expression holds cloudy eyes.
They walk further into the chamber. The walls decorated with soft blues, intricate symbols drawn on the wall. The window above the bed is covered with stained glass, small pieces clear for the sun rays to shine through. Beneath the window the wall is carved into a small square where the bed comes out of. It is in that bed that the Queen lays sleeping. At her left side is Hestia who clutches the queen's hand, Hammun standing behind her.
The king motions for them to visit the queen. "The physician has seen her, and now she is sleeping." seeing Aaleyah's hesitation the king motions for her to sit at a table by the left hand wall, by the windows overlooking the gardens. The window in the middle is the length of the wall covered with Persian Jasmine, casting the chamber is a soft calming smell.
Saan pulls out Aaleyah's chair, before rushing to check his mother's condition.
The king sits across from Aaleyah, and the two sit in silence.
Keeping one hand on her lap, Aaleyah rolls her index finger over her thumb nail keeping her emotions in check. Had she not wanted to see the queen earlier? Yet, now that she is here, she finds herself unable to move. To use the stone, would the queen be for it or against it? For it, would mean the queen wishes to use the stone, to save the kingdom, to save herself; at the risk of her. But, is that not the way of a queen? To place the kingdom over anything else? Would that response ease the tightness in her chest, would it melt the ice slowly covering her heart? Or would the queen disagree? Would the queen take the same stance as Saan? Would she say that family is important, and what is the point of building a strong kingdom if one is unable to protect what they love? Love. How horrifying of a blade. To love is to give you a weapon to fight with, and a weapon to die on. Regardless of what the queen decides, both answers will relinquish no reprieve. And with the turmoil of thoughts in her mind Aaleyah finds herself rooted in her seat.
As if he is pulled by the dark emotion of Aaleyah's thoughts, Saan lifts his head to see her. Then with a kiss on his mother's forehead he returns to Aaleyah's side. Sitting in the seat next to hers he squeezes the hand on her lap. Her calm expression worries him, and if not for his father being here he would call her to look at him. Unable to speak he places his ringer finger in between her fingers so she can twirl the ring.
"Perhaps we should send trusted men undercover to infiltrate the Stilits." Saan says, already picking out guards in his mind. "But this would be incognito, the less that know the better."
Nodding in agreement, "Perhaps we could test the advisors, I have no doubt there are some working on the other side."
"To attack the queen, and know the ins and outs of the palace, as well as where the guards are, they must be killers with the masks of priests." Saan says bitterly. His eyes dart towards Aaleyah when she squeezes his hand.
"A conversation to have with Hammun I would assume." the king says. "He shares the same thoughts as you. With your strategic mind, and his political knowledge you will both be able to formulate a plan I am sure." the king nods deep in thought. He is unable to move as brightly as his children. For the king to outwardly pick sides, will cause the advisors to fight, and fighting will only lead to chaos. The king must be as neutral as possible, and slowly pick out the poisonous snakes within the garden.
Saan blinks and turns to study his brother on the other side of the room. "What brother would I be, to plan to keep the family safe without his involvement." His gaze returns to his father, but his thumb pats Aaleyah's hand twice to comfort her.
"The royal physician has already been in, I will hold you here no longer." The king motions to Aaleyah, "Hmm."
"What is it?" Saan asks.
Not moving his gaze off of Aaleyah, "She called for you." the king tells her.
The rims of her eyes grow warm.
"She must have been proud to know that her eldest son washed up before rushing to her side. It seems you have learned something from your Blue moons of study." The king tells his son, his eyes full of mirth.
Saan snorts as he rises from the chair to see his father out, his hand sliding out of Aaleyah's embrace. The two men walk to the door, the king standing tall, his height a few hairs above his son. His long black hair, void of any grey swaying youthfully behind him. His hands clasp behind his back calmly, unrushed and bothered, a sign that the queen mother must be out of harm's way.
Saan walks at his right, his hair longer than his father's, a sign of the peace that has remained in the kingdom these past Blue moons.
It was an outdated tradition, no one was forced to follow it any longer, but Saan had read in a book about how king's would only cut their hair when the kingdom was to enter war. Or when peace would end. Thus Saan has grown his hair out, refusing to cut it. When he was younger Dharam, and Zale Aljehni teased him about his hair. After telling his father, the crown prince at the time; his father vowed to grow his hair out along with his son's. The 2 pillars of the Dlumaeni line following in the almost forgotten tradition.
Aaleyah's eyes follow the men to the door, a wisp of a smile on her lips. The father son relationship is something that one could not help but feel warm at seeing. In the past moons Saan has been busy, and the moments of father and son being together in private are rare. How comforting to know that regardless of time that passes, relationships between family do not fall like leaves on a tree. Instead they continue to grow, its roots reaching deep into the earth making it harder and harder to rip apart.
Returning to the table, Saan motions for his mother who is sleeping.
Aaleyah rises from her chair and bows, "High Prince Saan-"
Saan groans and his hand wipes across his face. "Leyah please." Everytime she calls him by his full title he can feel his heart thud against his chest. Preparing for the worst.
Aaleyah jabs her thumbnail into the side of her index finger, "The queen is not in a good state, she is finally sleeping, I wish not to disturb her in this state." she tells him, praying her voice does not give away her fear. The queen lays in bed, seeing the pain she is in. What will Aaleyah do? Knowing she is in a position to help and isn't. How is it Saan is not affected by this fact?
"Aaleyah," he takes a step to her, but can only sigh when she takes a step away. "One as wise as you need not be told this is not your fault." he tells her in a pitch only she can hear. "Do you not trust me?" This time when he takes a step towards her he catches her hand before she can step away, "What can I say to stop you from feeling this way?" he gravely asks.
Aaleyah says nothing, her eyes studying the sleeping queen mother with Hestia at her side, and Hammun.
"Leyah," Saan massages the back of her hand, "I am worried about you." he honestly tells her.
Preparing herself to meet his gaze she steadies herself, and wraps her heart in steel. After a short time she moves her eyes from the queen to Saan and her heart melts.
Why must he look at her like this? Why must he look at her as if she is a baby fox in need of protection? His eyes look at her as if he would defy the heavens to keep her safe. His eyes are so similar to the eyes Dharam gave her when he told her to go. Arrows embedded in his body, blood on his lips, and her big brother looked at her the same way Saan looks at her now. Why is it the people she loves look at her like this?
Saan is so willful, she thinks. "Saan," she swallows down her emotions and speaks again in a plain voice, "This subject is afraid. This subject is so afraid that her head hurts, her body feeling dizzy from the strength of her fear." she tells him honestly. "This subject wishes to believe in what you say, but to see the pain that they can fix but wont-" she pulls her hand from his. "Please allow me to go." She closes her eyes scared to see the look of disappointment Saan must be feeling. Her body flinches when she feels his hand on her hair.
"Leyah," he calls her voice painfully, "I am sorry you are unwell." his hand slides from her hair to caress the side of her face, "I will join you to rest once I am done here." He taps her chin and when Aaleyah's eyes open she is greeted with an understanding smile. "Do not feel guilty." he urges her. "Thank you for trusting in me and speaking honestly to me." he tells her. Then he guides her to the door. When he opens it he makes eye contact with Helan, "Escort High Princess Aaleyah back to her chambers." he orders, then adds, "see that no one disturbs her without my," quickly scanning Aaleyah's face, "or her permission."
Helan places his right hand over the hilt of his sword, and his left hand over his chest, "You have my word." Helan bows to Aaleyah and takes his place behind her.
Saan nods and Aaleyah sets off with Helan on her behind her. He watches until she turns the hall before heading back inside.
Helan was training to be a bodyguard 4 Blue moons before the revolt. He was completing his training under the watchful eyes of the Aljehni family, known for their combat, their school trained the best. To be a graduate of their school meant you were of the highest level. After the revolt he became Saan's personal bodyguard, and he was trained in various styles of hand to hand combat. The Blue moons that he has been at Saan's side trained him to be quick in reading Saan's movements. As long as Helan was with Aaleyah then Saan could feel some sense of ease.
Aaleyah marches down the hall, her steps calm. Saan is no longer near her to read the turmoil in her eyes, and as long as she keeps her lips in a fine line then the servants and guards that she passes in the hall will think nothing of her movements.
She should have destroyed the stone when she had the chance. Or given it to the royals before it was up to her to make a decision. She was once tempted to use the stone in the past. To use her own blood and make a wish, a wish to destroy all those that had harmed her family. A wish that would bring destruction and bloodshed. If not for Hammun finding her those Blue moons ago, who knows where the kingdom would be today.
But to dwell on the past is to complain about a tree you never water. Useless, and a waste of time. Perhaps she is worrying too soon, the royal physician has gone to see the queen. The king seems to be unworried. It is possible that things are not reaching the burning flames she is imagining to be encircling her. Yet, the king, for the first time since the riot, has brought up the stone. There must be something he sees that is worrying him enough to think about it. Is it the queen's condition? The Stilits? Or something else that she is not aware of?
Either way, to stay in the chamber with the queen and see the pains of her condition, a condition that has happened most likely because of the Stilits… would it be unfilial of her to do all she can to help? However, filial piety is not a reason to utilize the stone. Her family would turn in their graves if they knew she was thinking of such a thing. Thus, it is best not to see the queen until her heart and mind are on the same wavelength.
Behind her are the soft steps of Helan a few feet behind her. She wishes she did not have to hear these steps at all. Wishes that she could walk alone in the halls, wishes that there were no eyes on her. For if no one was watching her, she would be able to drop her head, her eyes staying glued to the ground in front of her. 'Leyah you must study, the Aljehni name rests on your shoulders. Your brothers and sister can only assist the decisions you make.' She remembers her mother's words. Her family had taught a great many things. She was taught how to wield weapons, she was taught languages, she was taught philosophy, ethics, her history. Her foot catches on a table leg on the side of the hall and she can feel herself falling, her family never taught her how to be alone. Holding a hand out to prevent Helan from helping her she catches her balance, her hand leaning on the table as she steadies herself. She had to teach herself how to be alone.
The time after her family died she had to learn how to gain her own footing. She could not rely on her name any longer. Everything she was taught about the good of humanity, the beauty of peace; all of that faded when her family died. The world is filled with good and bad, and the angels and devils reside in the same hearts.
Continuing forward her heart races to her chambers, but her feet move slowly. Her hands interlace to stop herself from shaking them. One must not be filled with regrets, one who regrets only wallows with no plans on being better. Taking a slow steadying breath she focuses on the scenery in front of her. The silence of the night that slowly approaches. In the distance she can see the last colors of the sunset. The oranges, red and yellows, turning into a dark midnight blue. She can hear the insects of the night, the moon taking its place in the sun's stead.
Passing the fountain surrounded by crocus flowers they open in a calm everglow, the moonlight caressing its petals. When she first walked past this fountain this morning she never thought she would return with such confusion in her mind. The stone, the stone, to use it, not to use it. To save the queen, to let her die. To stop the Stilits, to trust Saan to use his military. To destroy the Stilits with the power of the stone, to wish them away. To make the first wish in her lifetime one for death and bloodshed. To alert the world that the stone still exists, and the Aljehni mythical blood has not disintegrated. To stay safe behind closed doors, to place herself in the position her family was always meant to be in.
Saan walks to stand at his brother's side, "Hammun, you left early from the hunt, did not enjoy it this time?" he asks, making light conversation before he bids his goodbye.
Hammun shakes his head with a smirk, "Yes this time I was unable to enjoy and left early." his gaze falls on his sleeping mother, "Which was a good thing this time."
Saan nods and walks close to the bed to kiss his mother's forehead.
"Mother would be happy to know you cleaned up. It seems Aaleyah is able to teach the old horse how to drink the water." Hammun teases. Their voices soft and quiet, to not awaken the queen.
Saan rolls his eyes at the comment, but everyone's attention returns to the queen when she awakens. "Mother," he calls her as if he is scared to speak, "Are you alright?"
Smiling, the queen makes no motion to sit up, keeping her head resting on the pillow, "I received medicine and Hestia," the queen notices Hestia standing behind Hammun. "You have returned?" she asks in confusion.
Hestia smiles warmly, I wished to check on you before making the tea." she tells her shyly. Then bowing to Saan, "I will leave now." gazing at the queen hopefully, "Wait for me, I will return as fast as I can." she announces before rushing out the door.
Everyone waits for the door to close before two pairs of eyes return to the queen.
Flustered by the looks of her son's, "I am alright." she tells them. "Hestia will return with her teas, and-"
No mother." Saan gently cuts her off, "I do not wish to know the vague facts. I want to know how you are." he urges, "Are you in pain? Is there anything we can do to ease any tension you could be feeling?" Motioning to himself, "What can I do? Just tell me what you need."
Hammun nods, "Me as well, whatever you need just say the word."
Shaking her head, "I require you to stop fretting over me." she chides her children gently. "I was just explaining to your brother that we do not know the type of poison I was attacked with." sharing glances between her eldest son to her youngest, "Thus it will take some time for me to be treated completely. The medicine I have needs some time, and in that time I would feel much better if my son's were not crawling after my beck and call." she sternly tells them. "Most importantly you both must keep your minds clear and calm. Do not make emotion filled decisions. There is a storm coming, and you must both be vigilant, not worried." she says before inhaling slowly to avoid the pain in her abdomen.
"And the storm we are addressing are the Stilits?" Hammun asks, glancing at his elder brother. "Or are we discussing the treaties father is trying to create between kingdoms. The more father pushes for peace, the more I wonder if he sees danger where I do not." Hammun shares his thoughts, and moves to sit on the edge of the bed.
"If the Stilits truly are returning to their former glory then we could begin slowly reaching out to other kingdoms." Sann says in deep thought.
When the Stilits first came into power they were backed by the king, his grandfather. The goal was to pick at the Aljehni family and slowly take away their power and allies. It was gradual, first their say in court began to weaken, then their students from the academy were falling into scandals and rumors. Other kingdoms began to feel nervous at all the gossip, and stopped sending their children to the academies. When that happened the king was able to push against the Aljehni family, forcing other families to abandon them. That was when the Stilits finally struck and attacked the family.
When the Aljehni family fell, some families refused to believe that the Aljehni's were guilty which resulted in arguments within the kingdoms. It grew so bad that Kingdom Nevalvn's people grew hateful of the aid that the royal family was sending. The royals continued to funnel money to try to get the Aljehni's out of harm's way. Eventually the Nevalvn royal family were killed by its own people who revolted claiming to side with the Stilits.
King Saamun at the time quickly took Nevalvn under its wing, and while pretending to help, funneled more and more Stilits until he was the one in control of the kingdom. After the king passed away, it took numerous meetings, peace talks, and extended grace to reach the peace between Nevalvn and Aidkjeen. Hence why Hestia became a princess engaged to the 2nd son of the Dlumaeni line.
If any of the Stilits who were personally hired under Saan's grandfather are part of this uprising then they will know the ends and outs of the palace. Including the secret rooms and passages. "The Stilits are knowledgeable, maybe a set of fresh eyes will help us see if there are any weaknesses in our security."
Shaking his head, "I disagree." Hammun tells his brother, "If we reach out to other kingdoms now and they are not needed we will owe them a debt. We just got the upper hand, to lower ourselves again would be dangerous. The Aidkjeen kingdom is at its most stable state since the revolt. It is amazing that Trivplah has not made moves to overpower us." Scratching the side of his head he shakes his thoughts away Hammun turns to his mother with a smile, "Though the peace, however shaky it is, is all thanks to you."
The queen is the cousin of the Trivplah royal line. As long as she is alive in Aidkjeen kingdom, then the Trivplah Kingdom swore to never attack.
"Or are they the backers behind the Stilits." Saan contemplates, "The attack is on you, because you are the only thing that stands in their way of attacking out front."
The queen shakes her head, "My family would not attack me." she says with conviction. It is not out of family love that she believes this. The original prisoner of Aidkjeen, a promise of peace between the kingdoms came with advantages for the Trivplah kingdom.
Triplah's were proud family rulers who were in power for many Red moons. It was 9 Red moons ago that the kingdom's name changed to honor the Trivplah family. However 2 Red moons ago their kingdom experienced an epidemic. The people were dying left and right. Not enough medicine, nor enough time. The epidemic started from the fish and spread. The fish was the heart of the kingdom's economy, without it the kingdom slowly began to fall, and thus the proud family had to call for help.
The Dlumaeni family had the money and medicine to help, but the Trivplah's regardless of lack of food, regardless or sickness, their navy was a force to be reckoned with. So the promise was that they had to cut their military by ⅓, and only then would the Dlumani family help. The Trivplah's were hesitant, and after agreeing they had attempted to fight after their epidemic passed, and only then did the Dlumaeni's require Trivplah blood to enter their walls before they agreed to peace.
Anahita came to the Aidkjeen kingdom as a prisoner. Both kingdoms were shocked when the high prince fell in love with her. The Trivplah's were quick to jump on board, urging a marriage to take them out of kneeling for the Dlumaeni's and returning to equal footing.
Eventually the prisoner or Aidkjeen kingdom became the queen, and the proud Trivplah's received numerous advantages. Money being one of them, the cost of exports through the channel was cheaper for them, and the alliance with Aidkjeen made them formidable opponents to other kingdoms. The Trivplah's still cannot strengthen their military, but with their blood as queen in Aidkjeen, they can always request aid.
With that information in mind, the queen knows that her family will not attempt to kill her. To do so would destroy all the peace that her kingdom bent a knee for.
Saan says nothing, but looking at history he does not think it is impossible to think the Trivplah's would do something so cruel and reckless. They had done so before, hence why his mother was forced to come here. And if the Trivplah's were secretly building their military under the guise of Stilits, then the queen dying would be the perfect opportunity for them to cry out unfairness and attack.
Hammun tilts his head in thought, "Looking at the relationships between kingdoms, with talks of treaties we are already pushing our luck." he explains.
Crossing his hands behind his back, "If a revolt occurred again between us and the Stilits, what royal families can be considered allies?" Saan asks.
Humming for a moment Hammun lifts his crown to sweep his hair back. He answers with tired eyes, "The treaty we have with Nevalvn Kingdom, and the Trivplah Kingdom is not solid." Holding his left hand up, "Nevalvn Kingdom; rich in resources, mines filled with riches. Their loyalty is to Aidjkeen. Unfortunately according to outside nations as well as inside kingdoms, there is no official royal family there. It has been Blue moons of us repeatedly convincing and reminding the Trivplah Kingdom that the Nevalvn land is not up for grabs. But the more we defend and protect Nevalvn, other kingdoms believe we are taking more power than is fair. Why do we get control of the mines? This question is what makes peace hard to gain. If the Stilits chose to fight for power, many kingdoms will see it as an opportunity to weaken us, and then take the mines." Hammun gazes at his mother and gently squeezes her hand, "If the Queen of Aidkjeen kingdom, cousin of Trivplah Kingdom dies, and the Stilits attack," his calm eyes move to his brother, and then back to his mother, "we can count on the Trivplah's fighting against us."
Saan turns his head to look at the window above his mother's bed. The intricate pattern covers the glass, preventing one from seeing the outside clearly. The small holes of moonlight shining through it, how could night be so peaceful despite all that has happened throughout the day? His gaze turns to the windows above the table he had sat at earlier zeroing on on the chair his wife sat at. He told his wife that she needs not to worry. Told her to trust him and to trust his military.
Holding a fist over his mouth, even with their power lowered, the Trivplah military is one of strong navy officers, boats made of the finest materials, they are the commanders of the sea. No force is stronger than them on water, "As far as the Trivplah Kingdom is concerned there are no complications within our kingdom. Nothing has happened that we can not easily deal with."
Understanding, "We will spread gossip that the queen is fine, and whatever spies they have within the kingdom will pass that information to them." Hammun finishes.
Smiling, "If they are behind this we will let them know they failed."
"And if they are not behind it, we will show them how formidable we are." Hammun brings his mother's hands to his lips to kiss it. "In the meantime we will discreetly search for the origin of the poison." rising from the bed, "Saan, we may be able to ask the Heahnian Kingdom for help." he says with more happiness in his voice. Heahnian has some of the best doctors in the world, a kingdom that does not lack in intelligence and wisdom.
Saan's head nods with thoughts he has agreed to but not yet voiced, "Yes, few know of the skills and talents of the Heahnian Kingdom." Saan monitors the curious gleam in his brother's eye, "Assassins." he explains. "The Heahnian Royal Family has cultivated some of the best, and it is only known to few of their skills." Tapping his side where his sword usually lies, his waist is empty, Aaleyah never gave it back to him. "If we can locate the base of the Stilits it may be possible that we can ask for assassins to help us infiltrate them."
Hammun is stunned, "You mean to kill them before they act? As of now we have no proof of their actions. How will we be certain we are killing the guilty?"
Saan's eyes go to their mother, the glance his obvious answer.
"We do not know for sure." Hammun points out.
"Then we will interrogate them." Saan says with a dark voice.
"Interrogate them, or torture them?"
The queen holds her hands up, "Now is not a time to argue." she tells them softly.
Shaking his hand, "We are not arguing, mother." Saan smiles then focuses on his brother with grave eyes, "Shall we wait for a family to be wiped out before we act?"
Hammun's eyes flash with shock, and then anger. "How dare you!" he grits, "I am trying to avoid repeats of the past." he coldly replies.
"As am I." Saan rubs the spot above his eyebrow, "You say we do not know if they are guilty? They still must pay for the crimes of the revolts before!"
"To do these actions how would we be any different than grandfather's rule? Punishing as we wish, attacking who we see fit. Eliminating those who do not follow our rule." shaking his head, "Once you start that path it will only grow worse. We need evidence before we do anything, the court must have evidence." Hammun says with his mind on the corrupt officials that are still within the King's court.
"I give my word I will not kill them, I assure you there are questions I want answers to. Blood will not pour like rain until I have those answers." Saan promises darkly. "I too, never want to see innocents harmed again."
Taking advantage of this break the queen speaks again, "Both of you should sit and talk of this away from me so I may sleep."
Both men turn in shock to look at their mother.
"I am sorry." Saan tells her.
Please rest." Hammun says.
Chuckling at her sons she shoos them to go sit at the table.
Hammun pulls out a chair when they reach the table, "I am not purposefully disagreeing with you. We just have to keep the court officials in mind when we make decisions." he explains to his older brother. Seated he pours a cup of tea and slides it to his brother as a peace offering.
Taking the tea cup he drinks it, "I know." he smiles. "We need to find a plan that allows me to do what I want and,"
"-strategizes around politics." Hammun finishes while pouring himself some tea. "We need a plan that will alert no one."
"A plan that will not reveal our weakness, but will reveal the enemies."
Hammun nods, "If possible we can set a foundation of a plan tonight, and finish the rest tomorrow."
Agreeing, "Yes, we will not talk long." Saan says remembering his promise to return to Aaleyah.