"Your highness, prince Makir, wishes to see you" Mirya, who was unsure whether to wake up the princess from her slumber or send the young prince away, decided to muster all her courage and wake her master.
Ariya woke up rather late. She dreamt something dreadful but somehow she couldn't remember what it was at all, instead a throbbing head woke her, remnant images of bloodstained gown flashed to her mind. Feeling tired, she sat up from her bed.
"It is almost noon your highness"
"Oh, then let him in" Ariya replied while yawning.
Though she was not dressed, her hair not brushed, she doesn't want to move just yet. Whatever this boy is gonna say, she would get over it quickly. The door opened and the young prince marched inside the lady's quarters.
"Good morning sister!" As always, Makir beamed like the sun at his sister's presence. He took notice of his sister's appearance and find her beautiful even in her sleeping garments. Her soft curls tumbles over her shoulders and frames her face. She showed no sign of despise or irritation in the prince's eyes. She was accepting him, he thought.
"Your calling me sister now?" She asked then gets up to sit at her sofa. She called for Mirya for some breakfast. The little boy followed her around like a puppy, seeking attention from his master.
"Oh, I'm sorry your highness, I...I got ahead of myself" the young prince sulk. Seeing him down-spirited, Ariya regret her words. Perhaps she doesn't need to be so uptight with her now brother, after all he was innocent from all of this. She shouldn't let her anger affect the child.
Makir's mother, Dinasari, came from the house of Vala. They were a well-respected family of merchants. Owning numbers of merchant ships and has vast network of businesses in Vashnara. They call them the Golden Sail of South. They were rich, undeniably. However, this family, no matter how influential they were, tried to remain neutral when it comes to politics. The patriarch, Johannes, was a man of dignity and principles. When Ariya was 13, she heard of rumors that her father was trying to woo the lady of house Vala in order to force them to take part in politics. She was skeptical to believe such words and thus she brushed them off. But now, everything became real. Here she is, sitting face to face with the fruit from the whispers of the people. One cannot argue the legitimacy of such child as he was the spitting image of Anbaya. Unlike Ariya who was faired skin and striking silver-grey eyes, this little man was so much like her father. Naturally tan and forest green eyes. Traits which was passed down to the Valentius from generations to generations. Traits which made Ariya even more insecure. It wasn't just the color of her eyes of the complexity of her skin, but the way how the nobles easily accepted Makir as their prince while she had to shed blood, sweat and tears to gain their recognition, to gain their respect, and become worthy of a princess.
"No, its fine. You may call me however you want" her words made the boy grin.
"Why did you seek my audience?" Ariya asked.
"I just want to thank you for the other day, and also I want to spend time with my sister" the boy answered with confidence.
"Really?" Ariya playfully asked. Thinking about it, having the company of a child was not as displeasing as she thought. For unlike grown man, a child's words aren't a sweet-coated poison. She decided to bring him along with her as she went to find Asani.
"What's this?" Asani who was taken aback by the situation in front of her. The young prince was cutely grinning as he held hands with her big sister. "I greet the young prince and your highness, princess" she lowered her head in front of the two royals.
"Liyab Asani" the princess replied with a slight curtsy.
Asani let out a small chuckle. "The young prince seems to like you a lot your highness", she said as she pinched the cheeks of Makir. She smiled and looked at the two lovingly. They seemed like a lost treasure in her dull abode.
"Well then, let us proceed with the lesson today, princess. I'm sure the young prince would like to play outside with the other children."
"Oh, I'll have Kiriam watch over him" Ariya said and looked at the boy who was holding her left hand.
"Would you be alright if you go out to play for a while?" she asked.
"Can't I just stay here with you?" The young prince pleaded with his cute round eyes.
"Me and Asani will be discussing about...adult things. Don't worry, it won't take long."
"Okay... then I'll just play outside" the prince sadly smiled at his sister and then went with Kiriam outside.
"It seems that you have grown close." Asani remarked.
"It's not bad, being with him."
"I was informed of your wedding. Come sit," She motioned to the chair in her dining table.
"Yes, unfortunately it was to take place earlier than expected." The princess replied. It was evident in her face the worry she is feeling. Asani pounder for a while.
"I'm scared Asani, I...I'm not ready yet. I don't know if this union will ever work. I am aware of the importance behind it, but..."
"Now now, your highness. There's no need to suppress your feelings." She took the princess' hand and slowly patted them with her calloused and wrinkly hands. "Marriage is not something one can treat negligibly. Trust me, I was also at your place when I was your age." Asani's eyes held more truth than the words that came out of her mouth. Looking directly at the princess, it seems to speak reassuringly to her.
"Marriage is all about trust, Ariya. All relationship does. But trust takes time, and the both of you need to put a lot of effort to it. There will be ridges that may come in between, but the most important thing is that you will understand each other, and you will learn how to forgive each other's mistake."
Outside Asani's cottage, Makir was playing pretend with Kiriam. Somehow, he was able to convince Kiriam to play with him as no other children was in sight. The young prince was laughing to his heart's content as he rode on Kiriam's back, while the poor knight was crawling on the ground, pretending to be a horse.
Men's voices echoed through every corner of the hallway. Everyone was having their own pit, not caring or listening what others are trying to say. The Sultan, who's head was already throbbing tried his best to rub his temples. To say that they were educated and wise men of his kingdom. Truly, a disappointment. His voice roared in the council room,
"Silence!"
He was having no more of this. His kingdom was at stake, and here he is, dealing with these idiots who's allowing their fear and greed take over.
"The west is a dangerous kingdom to play with. We cannot just barge into their door step offering whatever treasure we have, and expect them to welcome us with great soiree!"
"But Your Majesty! Siding with east means waging war with west. Consequences with befall in our country once the delegates of the east arrives" Sekar, a member of the cabinet spoke.
"Are you questioning my decision?"
"Absolutely not you majesty! I am merely implying that we must be guarded and prepared of what might happen."
And loud bang was heard as the door swang open. Akim came rushing inside looking frantic.
"Akim, you are late" The king remarked.
"Your Majesty, it is horror news I bring. A spy from the west was caught just this morning!"
All men in the room was silent. Fear was evident into their faces. They know what is coming.
"Where is the spy now?"
"The general took him to the prison. Your presence is utmost needed. Immediately" Akim answered with a trembling voice.
Shocked with the news that was brought up, the king immediately stood and warned his cabinet.
"No body is to tell anyone about what you heard in this room. If words reach my ear, none of you will be left alive." He sharply warned his men. With the upcoming festivities, he cannot risk scaring his people, crushing their happiness. It is best to keep this a secret until everything is under his control.