After exiting their wing Aaleyah sneaks glances at Saan. The halls now void of the footsteps from before. Behind her she can feel Helan’s presence, vigilantly following behind.
Remembering Helan she breathlessly laughs. How had 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? Helan has been with Saan for many Blue moons and was trained by her eldest 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 and smiles because I am 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 as she turns away to inspect the pillars for imaginary specs of dust.
“Helan-” she mumbles, reminding him of the guard less than ten 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. “High Prince Saan not now,” she whispers. 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, as he takes confident steps down the hall. His hands falling naturally at his sides, a shadow of a smile graces 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 her mind races at the speed of a hummingbird’s wings.
Saan will be thinking from a martial standpoint. 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?
If Stilits truly wished to cause chaos, it would be easier to go after Princess Hestia. For her position alone stabilizes the Nevalvn kingdom. The treaties that were being discussed earlier are due to her 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?
Going after the queen greatly affects their peace with the Trivplah kingdom, whose prince is already committing crimes against humanity.
The day the queen was attacked Princess Hestia was nowhere near the queen. She was not the target. The queen must know something. Is she withholding the information, or if she is unaware she has it?
Walking Saan’s eyes scans her face and it takes all her strength to keep it an unwavering expression of calm. Her thumb spins around her index finger, and she turns away when she sees Saan’s gaze fall there.
“High Princess Aaleyah,” he calls her lowly so Helan will not 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 her brother once said. 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 without reluctance. Her long fingers squeezing tightly, allowing Saan to pull her to walk at his side. When her ear is just under his chin he leans down and whispers, “Perhaps it is time for all in the pack to resharpen 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 present, 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 have no reason to 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. Her stone grants wishes, if she could wish for anything it would be to go back. 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.
A mountain side was covered in purple wisterias, small circles of land not covered by trees revealed the green grass of spring, as it shimmered under the sun rays. Spring was in the air, the early flowers blooming and some petals scattered in the wind. The peace and serenity that the mountain side felt was trampled by the sound of horses and fighting.
“Zale, you are a cheater! You knew my horse was not 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 her horse took the lead. As she passed she giggled her witty response. “Stay silent brother, a loser needs not speak.”
From behind the twins a good seven 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 youthful face.
Zale followed her lead, and both twins waited for Saan to finally catch up before they all sat under the sycamore 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 estate tomorrow?”
Chewing her fruit, Aaleyah’s eyes glinted with mischief. “Yes, we are planning on surprising Asbed.”
“If by surprise you guys are attacking then I am not helping. Last time I helped he refused to speak to me for a week,” Saan complained with a shake of head.
“Oh no how terrible. You were blessed. He spoke to us the entire week.” Zale sarcastically responded sparing his twin a knowing glance.
Nodding her head, “Yes, complained every single day, and made mother and father punish us to study. We heard him whine every single time. Then we had to hear Chiara tell us we were wrong and made us apologize again.”
Finishing his food Saan rolled up his linen 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 name. “We will not do anything to ruin your friendship with our brother. Although, 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.”
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Picking up on what his sister is saying, “Yes very true. The intelligent rarely fall,” Zale said, 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 linen handkerchief whilst muttering, “Here we go again.”
Flustered by the question, Saan gulped down his water.
Aaleyah moved closer to him, “Prince Saan, the Aljehni family has aided yours for generations, do you truly have no faith in me?” Her golden eyes entrapped him, and Saan was unable to recognize the glint of manipulation in them.
“Of course I trust you, Saan Dlumaeni will always trust you,” he vowed, his words rushed as he pushed himself against the trunk of the tree.
Grinning mischievously, “Then I shall see you tomorrow Prince Saan Dlumaeni,” Aaleyah told him, moving to pass her handkerchief to her brother to fold before she stood up, “We should go, father does not like us to miss evening lessons.”
The children stood and retrieved their horses before racing 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 weighed down by sand. Taking a breath she forces the tension to go deep into her mind, a place where she can deal with it later.
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 stepping away from him to bow.
“I was going to have a guard notify you.” His eyes scan their expressions, “Have you completed what I told you?”
They both bow, “Yes, your majesty.”
The king nods, and then his gaze falls on Saan. “Come inside.” He turns walking further inside the chamber, and Saan takes one step forward and then pauses, turning to her he motions for her to go inside first.
Walking inside she catches his silent command for Helan to wait outside..
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 sparing a glance at Aaleyah’s face.
Walking further into the chamber the walls are decorated with soft browns, 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 there 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 come closer to the queen. “The physician has seen her, and now she is sleeping,” somehow aware of Aaleyah’s hesitation the king motions for her to sit at a table by the left wall overlooking the gardens. The middle window is covered with Persian Jasmine, permeating the chamber in 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? So why is it now she finds herself unable to move?
What would the queen say about using the stone? Stilts are dangerous rebels, after the riot many believed they had all been wiped out by the previous king. Leading a rebellion, if they have returned, their leader would be wise to make an alliance with the Trivplah Kingdom. It would tie AIdkjeen’s hands, unable to attack due to previous promises, the Trivplah’s would be able to lay waste through the Stilits.
The Stilits provide a loophole for the Trivplah’s vengeful acts, could the queen even make a decision to harm the kingdom that was once her family? The queen has an obligation to the Trivplah’s as their family, such a hard decision, using the stone may relieve her of her pain. The queen could make a wish without the Trivplah’s tying her to it. At the risk of her, the queen could save the kingdom and keep the peace.
A queen’s job is to maintain the stability of the kingdom, Aaleyah is not truly her family, she would have no argument if the queen chose to discard her for peace. Would that decision ease the tightness in her chest, would it melt the ice slowly covering her heart at being proven right?
Or would the queen disagree and take the same stance as Saan? Would the queen say that family is important, and mock the idea of building a powerful kingdom, yet being too weak to protect what they love? Would being told she is loved, would being proven wrong aid or harm her even more?
Love. How horrifying of a blade. To love is to forge 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 glances in her direction. Then with a kiss on his mother’s forehead he returns to her side. Sitting in the seat next to hers he squeezes the hand on her lap.
Unable to speak, she subconsciously reaches out for his hand to twirl his ring.
“Perhaps we should send trusted men undercover to follow the questionable high ranking families. That may help us locate and infiltrate the Stilits. But this would be incognito, the less they know the better.” Since his father took the throne, they have been trying to clean up the corrupted officials in the court. Without evidence pointing to serious crimes it has been a tiring, long affair. Saan glances at his brother, Hammun walks the line in court daily. He must be smart enough to garner respect, but smart enough to stand out; less the officials cry out favouritism.
His father nods in agreement, “Perhaps we could test the officials first, I have no doubt there are some working on the other side.”
“To attack the queen, and know the ins and outs of the palance, as well as the guard posts-” He takes a calming breath, he does not need to say it for his father to know, there is a traitor. “Whoever aided them are 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 shifts his gaze to Aaleyah. “Your thoughts would also be beneficial,” he gently tells her.
Her hand tightens around his own and Saan watches her nod to his father.
“Hammun shares the same thoughts as you. With your strategic mind, and Hammun and Aaleyah’s political knowledge you will all be able to formulate a plan I am sure,” the king nods deep in thought.
King Hammaan is unable to move freely. For the king to outwardly pick sides, will disrupt the carefully placed balance within the court which will only lead to chaos. A king must be as neutral as possible, and slowly pick out the poisonous snakes within the garden.
Keeping his hand in Aaleyah’s he 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 frowns at Aaleyah.
“What is it?” Saan asks, drawing her closer to him.
Not moving his gaze off of Aaleyah, “She called for you,” the king tells her.
The rims of Aaleyah’s eyes grow warm and she turns her gaze to the queen.
“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 years 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 Saan. His long black hair, void of any grey swaying youthfully behind him.
Saan walks at his right, his hair shorter than his father's due to his act of protest Blue moons ago. Still the hair that cascades down his back is a sign of the peace that has grown over the recent Blue moons.
The father son relationship is vastly different from the one a generation ago. How comforting to know that regardless of time that passes, relationships between family will not fall like leaves on a tree. To know that dead seasons do not continue into the next, roots may reach deep into the earth but it can also evolve, a past not doomed to repeat.
Returning to the table, Saan motions to his sleeping mother, preparing to suggest seeing her when Aaleyah abruptly rises from her seat and bows.
“High Prince Saan-”
Saan groans and his hand wipes across his face. “Leyah please.” Every time she calls him by his full title he can feel his heart thud against his chest, preparing for the worst.
“The queen is not in a good state, she is finally sleeping, I wish not to disturb her.”
Saan catches the worry for the queen in Aaleyah’s eyes. Is she unaware of her longing looks in mother’s direction?
“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. 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.
Does she truly wish to use the stone and risk her life? Must she insist that her life is expendable? As a child he always wished to grow strong so he could stand at her side, but he should have been faster. Now she refuses to stand, and the strength he desperately wanted only seems to pull them apart.
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.
Two steel eyes meet his gaze and Saan watches as the iron melts away, a flicker of pain appearing in the gold.
Why must she pull away so much? If he could, he would fight all her demons. He would fight Ab-bois himself to protect her, so why?
“Saan, this subject is afraid. This subject is so afraid that her head hurts, her body feels 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, blocking his window to her heart.
“Leyah,” he calls her name 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. Please feel no guilt,” he urges her knowing that asking it does not make it any easier, but unable to do anything else.
“Thank you for trusting in me and speaking honestly with 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.”
