king of my heart ( chronicles of kush)

CHAPTER 2 Before the parade

As the spaceship hatch opens, we wait patiently as it creaks, causing a lot of dust to blow out. Eagerness runs through my veins as the queen and General Green emerge from the craft. I stand feet planted firmly on the ground, flanked by members of the council behind me and Salam next to me.

'Welcome back,

Your Royal Highness

,' Salam said, 'Congratulations to you, General Green and Kush.'

The queen smiled and replied, 'Thank you, Salam.'

I took the opportunity to look at my mom. She seemed very tired, but I could see the excitement all over her. She adjusted her stance as her eyes made an appraisal of my appearance;

her nose scrunched upward, a familiar habit of hers that I know all too well, indicating once again that she does not approve of my appearance before her. My mom was very beautiful by Kush standards, if not probably one of the prettiest. She had white hair that was neatly Trimmed to surround her full cheeks, oval face, and height that matches her personality, unlike me, that was the opposite at 5.2 feet. I seem to take after my father in most things; he was a stocky built man whose genes, when inherited by me, transformed to being overly curvy. My relationship with her has never been better since my father died. During their marriage, I often wondered how my dad coped with her coldness even after not seeing me for weeks now. Her only display of emotions I can read is her disapproving stare about my appearance.

The award of the coldest mother in the galaxies goes to her.

Princess Sirona's general green voice made me turn my attention to her. 'It’s good to see you again,' she said as she approached and hugged me tightly.

'I am happy you are home, Green,' I replied

'We did it finally,' I said. '

Yes, we did,' she smiled, her pearly white teeth showing. Green is the most affectionate general I have ever known. She hasn’t been appointed for long.As a general, she rose quickly up the ranks due to her exceptional leadership skills, unwavering dedication, and remarkable tactical prowess on the battlefield. But I love her most because she is one of the most affectionate being; her love for me was the closest thing I got to a mother’s genuine love, and she is not afraid to show it.

The council and the queen were deep in conversation, but it seems to be drowned out by the troops celebrating all around us

. Where are the captives?

They are still inside the space shuttle," Green said.

"I must visit my family, then we must discuss what happened in Lumina." "What is there to discuss?

You have conquered it," I said.

"Doesn't feel like it," Green replies. "Something seems amiss; it was too easy - and deserted, almost as if..."

"As if what?" I said.

"As if they were expecting us," she replies. "But that was what we were hoping for. You knew we were no match for them," I continue.

"Yes, and we were ready to give up our lives "To make sure one ship of Lit returned home at least with the queen depending on the threat we encountered, but for Kovka to leave the planet of Lumina unattended, I don’t know, Sirona, it’s just too suspicious.

According to the intelligence we gathered, she continues Lumina was the second stronghold to them apart from their main home and contributed greatly to their wealth. Not taking into account the fact that they found women there who could breed with them, as rare as that was.

I adjusted my stance and said,

'Is the queen aware of your concerns?' 'Yes,' she replies.

'But you know how your mother can be.' 'One of the captives we have in our craft, Sirona, he doesn’t seem like just the ordinary Kovka.' 'What do you mean?' I replied. 'Well,' Green continues, then paused and continues, 'Sirona, I would want you to see him for yourself. Then you can judge. But for now, please permit me to come to your quarters to continue this conversation, as other concerns must be discussed.

It’s alright, Green.

I am happy you are home.

Me too, Your Highness, me too.

I watched General Green make her way from the touch base until she disappeared from sight. The aftermath of our conversation lingers, leaving behind a bitter taste in my mouth. Green having concerns is not a good sign that all is well. She seems to have a good instinct that has saved us many times during training when I joined her team. The mission was supposed to be me and General Green in charge, but my mother refused for reasons unknown to me. I suspected two reasons, but the main one was that she wanted the glory and praise that would come from being the one to save Kush if they succeeded. The galaxies forbid that it came to her daughter, who she regards as nothing but just an heir. At least, I am the heir; my father made sure of that before he died.

I inhale, close my eyes briefly.. I still miss him so much it still hurts ..I opened my eyes to see Salam staring at me.

'Your majesty, I must retire for the day,' he says.

'Really,' I said. '

You, Salam, retire so early? No celebration for you,' I said, smiling. He chuckled lightly.

'Well, there will be. The queen has ordered a one-week-long celebration for all of Kush.' '

Really,' I said. '

Yes,' he replies, 'but I must be with my family tonight. It’s been a long time.'

'Yes, it has,' I said. '

We’ve been in the combat situation room for weeks now, trying to find out how to contact the queen and General Green. Salam never left my side throughout.' 'Well done, Salam. You can go.

' 'Thank you, your highness.'

Back in my quarters as I lay in my bed, my mind reflects on the conversation with General Green. She is yet to visit me to finish the conversation as earlier stated. A firm knock sounded on the door, disturbing my concentration.

"Who is it?" I said.

"Sirona, let me in," my mother’s voice came through the door.

For my mother to be at my door at this ungodly hour means something urgent must have happened; she must have a good reason to be here.

"Mother," I said as I swung the door open

. "What is wrong?

Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn’t I be?" she replies as she brushed past me and entered the room. Using her eyes to sweep the entire room, she turned to face me and said, "You seem to have a better taste in decorating your own quarters than dressing up for public appearances, don’t you?" she continues

Oh, that was why she was here - the fact that I wore a combat uniform to greet her at the touchdown base. "You are welcome to my quarters, mother," I said, ignoring her remarks. I thought something urgent and very important came up. It's so unlike you to visit me in my quarters at this hour.

So, are you saying your appearance in public doesn’t matter? I mean, what were you thinking, welcoming us in a combat uniform? You will be queen one day. Lord knows it wasn’t my choice. She continues: your father made sure of that. You weren’t my choice, and he knew it. And if he had just allowed me to pick Alina...

Mother, I said, as anger seeps through my vein at the mention of Alina.

Alina was my mother’s adopted daughter; we grew up together. She was adopted the day I was born. She was exactly like my mother: the same height, hair color, even attitude. They could have practically been mistaken for twins, but the fact that my mother is older would have been the only reason why others would have caught on. She was, of course, my mother’s favorite. Alina could disappear for months on end and appear again, and she would still be everything to my mother. She could never do no wrong growing up

I always wonder why

I mean…I worked harder,I was at the top of my class at the royal academy school. then went into the military school of kush and came out also with honors. I worked ten times harder to make my mother proud of me and show me real love but it was never enough

my father was the only one who made me feel loved during those times. he is the only reason I am half a decent human being

Alina, would never be queen and

you know that ..

…And to answer your question I wasn’t thinking of anything else.. we were all caught by surprise by your arrival that there was no time to change to a more glamorous attire I continue sarcastically where was your so called Alina to welcome you back at least I was there Even though you have been treating me bad I have always been there. What did I ever do to you mother

I asked

Alina is on…

on vacation and you know that ..she answers obliviously ignoring my question

Vacation for weeks now when the whole of Kush was on trying times I thought inside my head …but didn’t voice it out there was no need.my mother will never change her opinion of me or of Alina

Mother

I said

I would really like to retire for the night the fact that you came here to scold me due to my appearance is noted.

I’ll try to do better I said

That is what you always tell me

she returns

If this happens again she continues I’ll have no choice but to make sure you give up your position as the crowed heir to the throne of kush

Don’t be ridiculous,mother

I fired back

you would remove me as the crowned princess over dressing appearance

Yes I would.. don’t test me

And who would you replace me with I asked ..as bile rises inside my mouth

Alina.

she replies not even pausing for a second you and I know she is better suited for the position of the next queen

I know of not such a thing I stated

inhaling calmly trying to rein in the

anger which I seem to be losing the battle over..

You would do no such thing mother I continue

and besides If you dare… it wouldn’t work. father made sure of it

did he ?she second drawing closer to me

Remember your father is dead and …I have the ears of the council now ……

Do not test me Sirona…. And remember things can change ..you just have to know what to do to change it…I am not playing with you try me one more time and that’s it she said

she storms out of my quarters closing the door harshly behind her

• As the heavy door closed behind my mother, I felt a surge of anger and disappointment welling up inside of me . In a fit of rage, I hurled a delicate vase across the room, shattering it into pieces. Tears stung my eyes as i realized the futility of my outburst. Collapsing onto my ornate bed, I buried my face in my hands, grappling with the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me a sound of heavy sobbing touched my ears I listened ..then realized that I was the one

I woke up to the gentle rays of the morning sun filtering through the curtains of my quarters. Stretching my hands over my head, I yawned and blinked away the remnants of sleep from my eyes. With my mission done here at the base, there was really no need to stay here for any longer. I needed to return to the palace and start attending other important duties. I sat up in my bed adorned with silk sheets and plush pillows, taking a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the morning. Although I had a not so nice conversation with my mother last night, I chose not to dwell on it. As I rose from my bed, my mind began to fill with anticipation for the day ahead. Today was the start of the week-long celebration of our victory, and I also needed to see General Green. We are yet to continue our conversation based on the Kovka warriors. we talked about

Stepping gracefully onto the polished marble floor,

I start my morning ritual, ready to face whatever challenges the day may bring.

I stood before the full-length mirror in my quarters. I couldn’t help but admire the gown adorning my body. 'It’s like wearing stardust spun into fabric. The sequins catch the light like tiny constellations shimmering with every movement.' I ran my fingers lightly over the beadwork adorning the bodice, marveling at the craftsmanship.

Victoria, the royal tailor, seems to know what she was doing. Her handiwork was always stunning. As beautiful as it was, I would have loved something simpler, but not today, I guess. I would rather avoid my mother’s attention for now, though I would be sitting closer to her today for the celebration

"Left for me, I would love to sit this one out, but with our conversation yesterday and as the crown princess, and with all those threats hanging over my head, my heart felt it wise to lay low for now at least.

But one thing was clear from yesterday: with or without my cooperation, Mother would try to give the throne to Alina. I saw it in her eyes... The motion might have already started. And for the first time in her life,

Mother would see a side of me that she has never seen before.

Alina, I vowed,

will never replace me.

The queen has lost her mind,"general Green said, approaching as Salam and I were about to enter the coliseum, her usually calm and composed manner taken over by anxiety. "

What’s wrong?" I said. "Why would you say that?"

"She is doing the forbidden," she replies. "She is about to parade the Kovka captive."

"What?" I said.

"That is impossible. She knows the rules," I returned. "It is forbidden to do that." "

I told her that," Green continues. "This morning I was about to come talk to you, then I decided to speak to her one more time. I relayed my concerns to her again - that the captives should be watched more closely, interrogated to see what they know, and the space surrounding the barrier should be watched. She refused to listen and said that the matter is closed, that she plans to humiliate them further by parading them naked. 'Oh my galaxies,'

I said. 'Where is she?

She is in her coliseum chamber

. I must speak to her at once,' I said as I hurriedly made my way to the chambers, determined to stop this nonsense. 'Sirona, she is not alone,' Green's voice stopped me in my tracks.

'Who is she with?' I asked.

princess 'Alina.'

'Double f**k.

Just what I need when a disaster needs to be averted - my obnoxious sister around to further worsen the situation.

' 'Mother, I must speak with you,' I said as ...As I pushed the doors to her chamber open, I saw her sitting at her reading desk with documents scattered all over the table. My eyes glanced around the room, searching for Alina, whom I didn’t see.

'Not now, Sirona. I am very busy,'

Mother I began, ignoring her words about being busy. '

What is it I hear about you parading the captives? You know that is forbidden.'

'So.. Green ran to tell you, did she? She is such a busybody,' she answered. ' well...To answer you.. she continues . hours from now, they will be paraded in the coliseum for all of Kush to see how the mighty Kovka has fallen.'

'Fallen?' I asked with indignation

. 'You only took down one of their strongholds.

' 'We took down the strongest of their strongholds,' she fires back

. 'But not their home,' I replied. 'They are at their strongest in their own home. What we took down was just the tip of the iceberg as far as Kovka is concerned, and those captives mean nothing to them... .. We know nothing about them other than the fact that they started the war for breeding purposes.

The men you left in Lumina, when was the last time you spoke to them? I asked. Do you know if they are still holding on to it? That should be our concern right now, mother, not breaking the rules of Kush.

Communication with them fluently will take at least a month. Before we left, they were setting up communication poles, she replied And I am not breaking any rules, Sirona.

You are, mother, I said, raising my voice. She doesn’t seem to be listening to me. The originals of Kush made us swear an oath to never parade prisoners, especially in the coliseum or there would be consequences we would disturb the balance of kush. You know how sacred that place was to them, and the rules have been kept for generations.

Only because we have been locked up for centuries, she seconds, standing up from where she has been sitting down. Sirona,

she continues

, it is high time we are out with the old traditions and replace them with new. Besides, all the originals are dead now, and the galaxy has changed since then, so we all need to embrace those changes

.' 'Why do I have the feeling, Mother,' I began, 'that you are not solely talking about parading the Kovka warrior I asked?'

'You can think and feel what you like, Sirona; that’s your problem.' '

You will destroy the balance of Kush if you do this... Mother.

'Sirona,

this conversation is over; I will see you at the coliseum for the parade.

' 'You are excused.'

'Don’t make me repeat myself…

' She turned and sat down on her chair, facing her document.

I stormed angrily out of her chambers. I must see the council at once; no way will I allow this to take place. I walked hurriedly towards where they were supposed to be seated

The sound of light laughed reached my ears. As I drew closer, my eyes

saw familiar white hair so long that it touched the waist of the figure of a girl my age Her black flowing sequin dress was a work of art in itself, stunning from the back. Her face seemed to be hidden from view as she laughed at something Councilman Drakon was saying. But even without her turning, I knew who she was:

Alina.

She turned, her eyes meeting mine, the smile on her face instantly disappearing as I came to a halt exactly where they were.

I addressed the councilmen, Zanderis, and Drakon Alwrix. 'I would love to have a word with you,' I said, ignoring Alina

'Why no hello to your favorite sister

whom you haven’t seen for a long time?' Alina interrupted me.

Honestly, at this moment, I chose to ignore Alina. Talking with her would bring me more harm than good.

'Ignoring me now, are we?

' she continued.

''Well, they can’t discuss with you now as you can clearly see we are deep in conversation.

It is very important I speak with all of you,' I said again, addressing the council. 'It’s about the parading of the...

We can’t do anything about that,' Drakon said, cutting me off. 'The queen has made up her mind about it and it has been signed and sealed.

Why would you all allow it to take place

I asked?'

'Do you all know what you are doing?' '

We do,'

Alina replies

. 'In fact, I told my Mother to do it and she saw the reason to.'

'You b***h!'

I scream, losing it. '

Bitch?' Alina repeated, giving me a devilish grin. 'Not a very nice name to call your sister, is it?'

'I’ll call her whatever name I wish to, especially when she is acting like one,' I replied

'Do you understand the gravity?' I repeated, moving closer to her. 'Of what you all are involved in… Do you?' I asked.

'We are just about to find out,' she replies, a sly grin tugging at the corner of her lip as she turned from me, presenting her back to me they all walked to their seat leaving me behind

as a sinking feeling settled in my chest it wasn’t a nice feeling being left behind like that and dismissed like an afterthought

with my jaw clenched and brow furrowed I matched to my seat frustration showing with each step

As I sat my hands tightened into fists—a clear indication of my silent protest against the dehumanizing spectacle that was about to unfold and the dire consequences that might follow.