Queen Maleeka

Chapter 2

Whirling around the combat area, he lunged at his opponent and tackled him to the ground. His muscles flex as he throws a punch to the jaw and another to the side of the head. But his opponent had refused to tap out. They had started with swords but it was long gone in the middle of the harmless combat.

His tight-fitted pants had ripped at his side from the knee downwards, stating it was inappropriate for duelling. But that did not disrupt him from the vehement display of his fine skills.

Sweat trickled down his face, and just then, his friend freed himself and did a backflip. Before his opponent could land on both feet, he gave a kick to his leg making him fall flat on the ground.

“It is not fair to knock me down like that,” his friend cried out, now in a sitting position. His breathing laboured from the fiasco.

“It was a fair fight,” he replied, stretching his hand to help his friend up. He was tired from the fight but he liked winning more. His muscled chest heaved as he breathed.

His friend gripped his hand to stand and dust the sand off his body. This particular zone was filled with sand, much to the taste of the King.

“Come on, a fight with you is not fair.” He groaned

“Says the General commander.” He chuckled at his whining.

“Where are we going next?” The commander inquired bluntly, anticipating something big, they had always discussed important issues before taking any action. They walked out of the training ground taking the halls that led straight to their chambers.

“What is the latest you have?”

“King Erimos of Sarmatia died last week, succeeded by his daughter, a beautiful damsel she is,” he reckoned, smiling.

"There may be a revolt against her leadership. The council is also considering the brother of the late King. From what we’ve gathered, she will lose the throne to her Uncle.”

Hunting down those trotting behind is always easier. Hurting the weak was not their concern: only filling the already full jar. There the benefit lies and Sarmatia is the bounty

“We have our next target”

--------------

The sun shining in the bright sky and birds chirping in delight ignite the feeling of a wonderful day. Maleeka wished she could be like the birds who had nothing to worry about as they sang and fluttered their feathers by the lake.

She had woken up earlier than usual, for she could not sleep. Her heart was troubled. She has another meeting with the council today, and the majority has agreed for her to wed her Uncle. She just hoped that whatever plan up her sleeves would work in her favour.

The last two days were spent sending letters to three kingdoms. This she did discreetly, using different means, messengers and even message birds.

They were trusted and loyal subjects who had aided her in this. Godric was oblivious to all her schemes as he was busy gaining the support of the council members.

She sat silently in the garden, praying that at least one of the kingdoms would send a reply to her message. She needs evidence to show the council and a reply with a royal seal is all she needs. Even if it didn’t save her, it would buy her time to think of what to do.

Perhaps, Godric’s weakness would do the trick.

The cool breeze brushed her hair about; the bright weather was becoming dull, much like her mood. Her eyes glaze at the dark cloud passing over, revealing the sun again. The side of her lips twitched up to a smile. She prayed earnestly for her worries to be pushed away like the wind did to the dark cloud.

She stood and headed back to her chambers, she had to prepare for the day. Just then, Dalia half ran towards her, breathing heavily.

“Your Majesty, I was looking for you” She steadied her breath, placing a hand on her chest.

“I wanted to take a walk, Dalia. Besides, I was not alone”, she gestured to the guard by her side. The Queen could not move without a guard and her servants, so she took Lucius with her as he was one of her trusted guards.

“But you could have taken me along; you gave this old lady a fright,” she frowned, expressing her concern for her safety.

“You are not that old” she giggled in response.

“I beg your pardon, your Majesty, I was around your age when you were born. I am an old lady”, she clarified, looking playfully annoyed.

Maleeka’s laughed out staring at her bewildered. Many will not agree to their age as they grow old, but here is Dalia claiming old age when she is only twenty-three years older than her.

“You are not that old, you look like an older Sister to me, still very pretty.” She wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.

Dalia was happy to see her smile like she always did before her father’s passing. Maleeka had a beautiful smile that was enchanting, she was the mischievous Princess of the Palace.

But now she is stoic, her once joyful gaze is now stern and grim, all playfulness gone.

----------

Anxiousness filled the room as they awaited the Queen. The doors opened, and they all stood to acknowledge her presence. She sat and motioned for the Council to join her.

Elder Maximus cleared his throat drawing all attention to himself as he began, “Today, we are gathered to discuss the future of our kingdom. With the Queen’s permission, the council will lay out their decisions.”

Maleeka raised her right hand, giving the go-ahead. She kept her face steady devoid of emotions.

“From our previous meeting, Her Highness agreed to wed for the sake of the kingdom. But we are yet to agree on a suitor worthy of our Queen. However, before we proceed, let me say that this is not just the future of Sarmatia but also that of our Queen Maleeka.”

His eyes fell on Maleeka. He holds pity for her and has decided to be on neutral ground. Along with Elder Maximus are a few who feel torn between the welfare of the Kingdom and Maleeka. Although it was common for alliances to be made between families, it was unheard of to be married off to one’s uncle.

Maleeka knew this was a ploy but could not grasp what it exactly was. But she was ready to fight tooth and nail before that happened. She was at least grateful that Elder Maximus cared for her well-being.

“The decision of the council begins” The head orator Alias announced

“Godric Sasson has aired his desire to join the Queen to protect the status of Sarmatia, this union is for the sake of the Kingdom and…”

As the head orator continued, Maleeka didn’t know at what point she zoomed out. She didn’t want to listen to how Godric could support her through marriage. It was absurd.

“The Queen is presented, Godric, a man who is a leader and will be a good husband. He will be the strength in her weakness…”

A good Husband?

Godric could not be good, he is a cunning man. It was so infuriating that Maleeka let out her anger

“Marry your daughter to him then, if he is good, then ally with him.”

“Your Majesty, what is so bad about Godric? Many kings had gotten married for duty, why is this a problem?” he asked frustrated

“Godric is not an option—”

“If you are unwilling to listen to the council, you must step down from the throne as well” Godric’s voice cuts her off

“Maleeka is young and does not understand the weight of the throne. Perhaps it will be better to pass it on to someone more experienced and willing to listen to the wise advice of the council. If I were the ruler of this great Kingdom, I would sacrifice myself to protect it” His words seemed to appeal to the council, some already sighed in relief.

Maleeka’s heart began to throb in fear; she could not lose the throne her father had protected to Godric.

Most of the council had agreed to his suggestion again! She knew of his meetings, but what she didn’t know was his real plan. She only had a hunch.

The marriage was a distraction, now she knows

He wants the throne.