Dalia's eyes welled up with tears, uncontrollable and streaming down her cheeks after the shocking revelation. Why did her father decide to send her here knowing who the king truly was? All this time, she had believed it was the king who needed a bride.
"My queen," Adum approached her, squatting down and gently patting her head, her tone filled with concern. "What is troubling you?"
Since Adum was her confidante, much like her Keturah in this place, Dalia decided to open up to her. "I cannot marry the king. I need... I need..."
Her voice trailed off as she began to weep uncontrollably. Unsure of where she belonged, knowing her father would likely not welcome her back to the palace, perhaps seeing her sisters would provide some solace.
Adum turned to the maidens standing nearby, their heads bowed in respect. "You may leave. I will join later. The queen needs some time alone."
The maidens bowed and silently exited the room.
Turning back to the distressed queen, Adum continued to pat her head gently. "My queen, what is the matter?"
Dalia fought to hold back her tears, feeling a sense of shame for appearing so vulnerable in front of Adum. Yet, Adum had always been incredibly supportive. "It's my family who betrayed me," she confessed, her gaze shifting to the floor, tears still glistening in her eyes. "In truth, the king never desired this. He never wanted..."
"Hush, dear," Adum sighed reassuringly. "The king certainly wants you here. You just need to give him time to come around. It's a positive sign that he's interacting with you, as he rarely engages with anyone else. He talks to you, and that's a clear sign that he will warm up to you."
Dalia shook her head. "It doesn't matter. The king never wanted a bride to begin with," she said, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "I miss home. I must go back."
"Queen Dalia," Adum's voice held a note of panic as her eyes darted towards the door, "You're married now, dear. Don't let anyone hear you say that. They might think your marriage is troubled."
"Is this marriage truly well, Adum?" Dalia questioned, tilting her head. "Do you see this as a marriage?"
Adum's gaze dropped to the floor. "I'm sorry, my queen. I wish I could help you communicate with him, but the king... he has a fiery temper."
"It's good that you're aware of his temper," Dalia commented, sitting up in bed. She walked over the rose plant close to the window, squatted down and began running her fingers along the leaves that had sprouted, still no sign of any roses blooming except for tiny buds. "It's hard to understand what he's thinking, especially when I can't even read his expressions."
"Maybe you should stop trying to see his face behind the mask," Adum suggested, standing up with her gaze fixed on Dalia. "Perhaps you just need to focus on getting to know his character, on understanding him better."
"He has a temper, Adum," Dalia sighed without looking back, already tired from the entire journey of knowing him. "He clearly doesn't want to be known. We should give him that space."
"My queen, it is far too early to give up," Adum tried to convince her, but Dalia shook her head.
"It is fine, Adum. Thank you for your help," she stood up, facing the older maiden with a small smile. "I appreciate all you have done, but I think we should stop now. I am really tired from all of this."
Truly, she was exhausted, especially with the new revelation about what her father has done. She needed a moment to think this through, to accept her bitter reality. Although she wanted to escape, she knew it was futile. She was already married to him, already in his land. Whatever is meant to happen, let the gods take over.
"My queen, but..."
"I need some time alone, Adum," she nodded at the maiden, hoping she would understand without feeling offended. "Please."
Adum bowed, wondering why the queen was slowly beginning to give up so early. She understood the queen, but dealing with King Ditun was challenging. Having served in the palace for a long time, she knew well that this situation would be difficult for Queen Dalia, the king would never show his face to anyone.
"Very well, my queen," she bowed, leaving the queen to handle this herself.
Dalia dried the tears in her eyes. There was no need to cry. She had tried to escape, but it never worked out. She had attempted to seduce him, but the king remained closed off. She wondered what it was about his face that no one could look at.
☄️☄️☄️
Adum had led her to the rooftop once so it wasn't difficult to find her way.
A long staircase led up to it, spanning about eight floors. The stairs were so long that they could make one feel tired. However, as she walked up the stairs with no maidens or guards following behind, since she had instructed them not to, she realized that perhaps this was just what she needed. To walk through this long staircase, to help clear her mind and remind her of her reality, if only for a moment.
She was sweating by the time she reached the rooftop. The gentle evening breeze enveloped her, causing her satin clothing to cling to her body. She allowed the breeze to bathe her, letting its calmness soothe her racing heart.
The rooftop was spacious and elongated, with a small terrace in one corner covered by a satin roof. Numerous plants adorned all sides, and a long wooden bench made from a tree trunk stood there. She walked towards it, taking her seat on the bench, her gaze shifting to the moon casting its glow upon her.
There was something about the moon that brought a certain peace to her. It was hard to explain, but she had always been drawn to the moon since she was a little girl. She found herself fascinated by it, not just for its beauty, but as if she could connect with it in some way. Something she still couldn't explain.
"My life is in your hands," she whispered, still staring at the moon. "I will leave everything to you. Please bless this marriage, and if it is a curse, lift it so that the king may find joy and learn to treat me as his wife."