Makir found himself holding the soft and fragrant handkerchief that his sister gave him. After that brief and memorable moment that he spent with his sister, the princess, a servant came looking for him and fetch him to return to his quarters. Although he was sad to go, the princess said that he could keep the handkerchief. It was the first thing that his sister gave him after arriving at this castle few weeks ago. He always wanted to see what the princess looked like but his mama said that it was not yet the right time to see her. And so, this little piece of cloth, though seemed insignificant to others, felt like treasure to him.
He always wanted a sister. And upon gazing her for the first time, he was amazed how beautiful her sister was. She was pretty like an angel to him.
It was already night time, and he was getting ready to sleep when his mama came in.
"Makir" She immediately hugged her little boy and kissed his forehead. "I heard that you went missing today, where did you went off to?"
"Mama, I was with the princess!" The young prince beamed happily. "Look, she even gave me this" he showed the handkerchief to his mama.
Disari was surprised by his son's words. The princess? Did he really met her? "Makir, did you really meet the princess today?"
"Yes! I was lost mama and she helped me. Then she offered me cookies and the she gave me this."
....
"The princess was really beautiful mama! She was really beautiful, she is the most beautifullest lady" He grinned widely while boasting about his beautiful sister.
"Beautifullest?" Disari was rather amused of his son.
I'm sure it's fine. The princess didn't sound wary to Makir.
In another part of the castle, Ariya was arranging the flowers she went to pick yesterday while listening to a servant's message. "Liyab Asani wishes that your highness will meet with her tomorrow without any delay"
"Is that what she said?" Ariya knew that Asani will be mad for her not showing up but what can she do, she had to baby sit her brother. The thought made her freeze. Brother? Did she come to accept that child after one meeting?
Really Ariya?
She quickly dismissed the servant and went on to her bed.
"Then, tell her I shall be there tomorrow morning." Meeting Asani and receiving her marital lessons would feel like a reality slap for Ariya. It would mean that she will very soon become a wife and everything that she has prepared for was gone to waste.
In Vashnara, all kingdoms had a rather upsetting tradition. Although women are regarded with the same respect as to that of men, once women of status marry, all of her duties are only limited to giving birth to an heir and taking care of children. Royal women are also given rights to sit on the throne, however the same thing will happen if they ever enter the sacred matrimony. The only exception happens when a woman is crowned Sultan or the Ruler.
This is why Ariya is upset of everything. She was brought up to sit on that throne. But now, everything is different. Now, she no longer is the only heir. And soon, she will become the wife of a King, whose kingdom is their enemy. She dismissed her thoughts. Now is not yet the time for her to dwell on these thoughts. After all, she still had 6 months to prepare. Soon enough, Ariya fell into a deep slumber.
The herbs that was hanging in the windowsill slowly swayed as the wind enters the room. The earthy and musky scent envelops the room. The kettle screamed a high pitch voice as the bubbles tried to escape the boiling water. An elderly woman, who was grinding different leaves and roots looked rather weary.
Why on earth was I tasked by the Sultan on such an important matter?
A deep sigh escaped her lips. Knowing the princess, she would definitely try to delay the lessons, especially when it is about a subject she despised.
I can't understand the Sultan at all. But alas, Liyab Asani believes that the reason why she was entrusted upon this task is because of the Sultan's failed marriage.
"I want you to teach her what a proper marriage life is, Asani, I believe only you in this kingdom is suited for this role" The Sultan's voice echoed in her old mind.
"Ayaaaaaaa, this is gonna be a disaster" suddenly a servant announced the arrival of the trouble that she just spoke.
"Let her in" She said.
After few seconds, the graceful and elegant princess, now at her front, greeted her.
"I greet the wise Liyab Asani" she sophistically bowed. The princess today looked stunning as always. She wore a deep red dress paired with golden bands along her arms and on her head, she wore a light golden headband, that adorned her like a chaplet.
"Your Highness, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this humble abode, please do take a seat" Asani gestured to the seat opposite to her. Ariya was confused as to why she is here, sitting at a kitchen's table, in front of Liyab Asani who's doing God knows what with all those leaves and roots.
"Right, so umm. We should start the lecture Liyab Asani, I am all ears" Although she said that, she was planning not to listen to her rambles at all. With the comment made by the Princess, Asani chuckled. "Forgive me for disappointing you, your highness, but this will be no ordinary lesson"
"Ahhh, is that so? Do enlighten me.' Asani was surprised with the princess's eagerness, though she knew that the princess is only saying such as a respect.
"Today, your highness, you shall learn how to make tea" Asani uttered with a soft smile in her face with a hine of excitement in her voice.
After a few hours of learning how to brew different kinds of tea, Ariya left after thanking Liyab Asani. She felt somewhat glad that the lesson was not just mere lecturing all hours. In fact, it didn't feel like she's taking marital lessons at all. She learned today that there are a lot of tea with different benefits for the body. It was merely a few hours with Liyab Asani in the kitchen, but it felt as if she was a little girl learning the process of tea-making, with her mother assisting her all the way through.
Mother.
Thinking about it, she doesn't remember her mother much nor have any painting of her face. She learned that her mother wasn't of high status and that she died of a certain disease when she was very little. Ariya have no one to ask about her mother. She didn't know what it feels like having a mother.
That is why she is scared. Scared knowing that if she will get married, she herself will potentially become a mother. Ariya halted in her tracks.
Me? Becoming a mother?
She never really thought of it much, but now that it has crossed her mind, would she become a good mother? But how? She doesn't know how.
"Princess, are you alright?!" Mirya, her personal servant asked.
Ariya arrived at her quarters. Now that she is preparing for her political marriage, her schedule became less and less, compared.. to before. Ariya felt like she is only lazing around and she wasn't used to this at all.
Now, what shall I do with my free time?
She thought while sitting comfortably in her couch. Should she explore the gardens? But it might be occupied with other people and she doesn't have any energy to meet noisy subjects.
She sighed.
"Tell me, Mirya, what shall I do to ease this boredom?"
"Hmm, let me see your highness, how about tend the flowers?" Mirya suggested.
"I already did last night." Before sleeping yesterday, Ariya went to tend her plants and even arranged the flowers.
"Oh right. How about visit the library your highness? I remember the time when you used to skip your lesson and spend all day in the library" The maid spoke as if recalling a fond memory. Yes, there were those times too. When the princess was as carefree and playful.
"I guess a visit, won't hurt."
The library was the place where Ariya used to spend her childhood a lot. She loves to read. Be it any book about history, biography or any topics that spikes her interest. She traced her fingers tips to a row of books. Scanning through the titles, searching for something. Just then, a title caught her attention.
"VAHRAM: THE KINGDOM OF THE EAST"
Just as she was about to grab the book, a voice halted her.