Stolen by colour

Broken

Before dusk, Johann had already retired to his room for the day and stepped into the bathtub for his evening bath. "Albert," he called out to one of his men.

"Yes, Your Highness," Albert answered, his eyes up, avoiding Johann's naked body.

"Is my wife in her room?"

"I am not quite sure? Shall I ask her personal maid, Bella?" Albert asked.

"No, I shall seek her myself," Johann stated clearly.

That even as Anna was being undressed by her maids to prepare for her bath when Johann unexpectedly walked in without a knock.

"AHH!" Anna ran to cover herself. The maid's eyes widened in shock. "What... do... do you not know how to knock?" Anna asked irritably, her voice raised in anger and annoyance.

"Leave us," his voice low as he spoke. The maids quickly left, creating privacy for the two couples. "Knock? Running to cover yourself? Let me ask you, what were you told while growing up? That you should cover yourself when your husband walks in on you?" The annoyance on his face was inevitable.

"I only discovered earlier today the true nature of the bond between a man and a woman—something I had previously understood only in the simplest terms. I never even realized I was betrothed to you until I turned one and seven years old. It’s no wonder I lived such a different life; my upbringing was so different from others, as I was taught a foreign language that nobody else in my kingdom understood. This preparation was meant for a future I had never chosen, one where I would remain here until the end of my days. This existence, forced upon me, is not what I wanted.” Anna's voice trembled with emotion as she fought to hold back her tears. The painful remembrance of her father's betrayal left her feeling isolated, and she found herself with no hope of ever learning to trust Johann.

"I understand how you feel, being lied to, given false hope that you were free. I understand it all. But what good is it to keep sulking and throwing tantrums or objections when it will land on deaf ears? Life has given unexpected taxes to pay. You are being forced to be a queen in a land so far away because of a trade between two ignorant men. And I... I was forced to bear the loss of my father at such a young age, which cost me my childhood, and most of all, my happiness. Life does not care, and it expects the same." Johann turned to leave, but paused at the door, "I will give you five days. Five days to get ready for the consummation of our marriage. Good night."

Anna sank into the bed, "I have to come to terms with this new life, for there is no escape for me." Anna said to herself as the tears she had held back a while ago began to roll down her cheeks.

Five days were not enough for Anna to prepare her mind. On the last night before the five days ended, she had no other option. She opened the door to her room, going to the meeting room where she and Lady Mia last spoke. She paced around the room a few times and called for Bella. "Send for Lady Mia, now."

Bella looked at Anna in shock, her mouth slightly ajar, then came the words, "Your Highness, it is rather too late," she pointed at the clock on the wall. "It is eight on the dot, Your Highness."

Anna looked at Bella as she tilted her head to the left. "At my command, anyone can come, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness, but-"

"No buts—do as I say," Anna said calmly but with added authority.

Minutes later, Lady Mia arrived, "My Queen, how are you?"

Anna turned, relieved to see her. "I am so sorry for bringing you here by this time of the day, but we spoke the day you left, and he gave me five days to prepare myself. Today is the last day. I am still not prepared. What do I do?"

Lady Mia smiled gently before speaking, "First of all, am I still allowed to be informal with you?" She asked hopefully.

"Yes, yes, you are."

Lady Mia gestured to the seats behind them, and as they both sat down, she began, "You’re feeling scared, right? You don’t know him, you’re in a foreign land, and most importantly, you have brown skin. But I want you to know that you are okay, and there is no need to be afraid. Whether or not you are Black, the people will still respect you because you are their queen. Regarding consummating your marriage, I need you to understand that it is essential. If you feel any pain, you should always feel comfortable talking to him about it. You see, King Johann and my husband get along well, and from how my husband speaks of him, I believe King Johann will never do anything to hurt you. So, you need to fulfill your duties as his wife. Trust me when I say that you will enjoy the bond you create, and your role as a queen will be highly regarded, especially among the Black community in our society."

"But you are white, why are you in support of blacks, and why do you have my back like this?" Anna asked, grateful, but with a hint of fear and doubt in her voice.

"Because, who am I not to be true and helpful to Our Queen?" Lady Mia smiled genuinely.

Tears rolled down Anna's cheeks. "Please be my friend, not as a queen, not as a princess, but as a woman to woman. I need guidance and help. I am currently alone in this big place, please?" Anna hoped that she would not be shut out.

Lady Mia looked at Anna in shock. For the first time in her life, had she never seen such trueness and desolation in someone's voice. "How could I possibly say no? Of course, I will," Anna hugged her tightly, afraid that moment was not real.

"I will be the queen I need to be, and a strong one." Anna spoke firmly as she wiped her tears away."

The morning sun streamed through the grand hall, heralding the coronation of Johann and Anna. Anna glimmered in a stunning white gown with delicate golden flower embroidery, enhanced by a sparkling diamond necklace that perfectly complemented her complexion. Her hair was styled flawlessly, adding to her regal aura.

Johann stood beside her in a perfectly tailored suit that echoed the elegance of Anna's attire. As the ceremony commenced, traditional words of power resonated in the air, and the crown—heavy with history—was placed upon their heads.

Feeling the weight press down, Anna swayed slightly, prompting Johann to instinctively draw her closer, wrapping his arm gently around her waist. His steady presence offered her reassurance, a promise that together, they would face their new responsibilities as one.

After the coronation, both were back at the palace. "Are you ready for tonight?" Johann faced Anna directly as he asked.

"Yes, but you better be gentle," Anna said boldly.

"That will not be a problem. I will be in the garden." He turned and left Anna standing alone.

"Bella, I need a bath." Anna called out to Bella.

"Yes, My queen," Bella said with her head lowered.

As hours passed, Anna paced around her room like a caged animal. A knock on her door, was it Johann? Is it time? These questions ran through her mind, but as she heard Bella's voice, she let out a sigh of relief. "Come in."

Bella entered her room with three other maids, one of whom carried a nightgown. Anna tilted her head in confusion and said, "I have already taken my bath and changed into my nightwear. So why are you here with another nightgown?"

Bella smiled, "The King is in the room waiting, and since it will be your first night, we are meant to dress you in sexy wear to attract his mood and attention to you."

Anna let out a cold, sharp laugh. "I will go like this, it is my beauty and body that will attract him, not mere clothes. Now, show me to his room."