The preparation
1631 Words
*** Anon's POV ***
I had done justice to the food Brady served me but I still derived no satisfaction. Besides, I didn’t know why I felt so hungry that early. It doesn’t normally happen to me. I guessed it happened because I had been awake for a very long time. Well, I wasn’t sure. It was true that it was a special day in the palace but nothing seemed different. To me, the day was ordinary but, when I remember what Brady had told me, the tendency to take the day serious grew.
I knew quite well that the Queen put me under the rugs on anything related to the court— how it was run, national matters, the welfare of our people, you name it. Even some simple palace work, I didn't get to do any of them—not like I didn't want to—but I was purposely kept wingless. It was a nice tactic, I must commend her. She was being wickedly careful with me. She hated competitions and she didn't want me to come close to competing with her son, Nightwinder.
I pushed the stool I kept my empty plates to the side. I gently stood up from the bed. If I had removed the shorts I was putting on, I would have been stacked naked. I couldn't even remember exactly where I had flung my shirt too. I briskly walked up to my bathroom where hot water had already been poured in my large tub. I saw it. Brady did a good job— I wouldn't have told him that though if he was there.
When I was done with my bath, I quickly rushed to my wardrobe to pick a fine outfit that would match the day event. I finally changed my mind.
Yes! “I had to go,” I said to myself, convincingly.
The Queen and her subjects needed to start seeing me often, I thought. I picked a pure white long sleeve and matched it with pure black trousers. It was a colour match I thought would be good for the day. I also grabbed my royal red long robe that covered my back but stopped at my feet, leaving the front uncovered. The knot on the robe was a little bit tightened at my neck so I loosened it. The knot was the only thing serving as a button on the red garment. If there had been a strong breeze, then my robe would be flying up like a wing. Though a flying royal robe had significance in Zahrin. A flying red robe of a royal-born signifies something majestic. Power. I wanted to be sure that my appearance spoke well of my status this time so I went close to my mirror which was on top of my desk behind my wardrobe.
Going close to the mirror was a decision I didn’t regret—I saw my hair styled in a rough marsh.
Goodness! It needed a brush, I thought.
I quickly rushed to use the comb but finding it became a very difficult task. I couldn't believe that I wished Brady was around, he usually takes care of these things. But since he was not around and he might probably be busy somewhere because of the busy day, I had to search harder.
I found the comb after a few more searches just right on top of the headboard of my mattress. I didn't believe it had been there all the while I was searching for it. I quickly ran a careful and smooth brush stroke on my hair. I tried styling my hair together so I braided it in a style that was unique to people living in Livinas.
As I looked in the mirror again to know how I looked, memories of my mother stared at me right there. I felt frightened as I saw my mum smiling at me in the mirror with her hair styled in the exact way I styled mine. At first, I thought it wasn't real but it was. There was this sudden feeling of a jolt down my stomach. My body quivered for a moment. Though it was nothing new, my mum had always appeared to me crying or with a sad face but smiling at me now? That was a blessing, I thought.
‘Why would I be afraid of my mother?’ I mumbled to myself. I looked again but the image was gone.
I smiled.
I stood up and headed for the door. I wanted to stroll around the palace before going to the reception. What would going there early show? I mean, why would I need to be there earlier than expected?? That would be demeaning to my kind of person. I needed to be very late for the event, at least that would keep my integrity In high stakes, I thought.
I stood on my feet, walked close to my door. I touched the door handle and wanted to get it open, I felt the knot again in my stomach. But this time, it wasn’t because of my mother. Then what is if not her? I felt like I couldn't stand my feet again. It was as though my body was heavier than my legs. I needed support so I quickly went back to the stool opposite the mirror. I wanted to get hold of myself before leaving my quarters.
‘Veronica!’ I called out, unknowingly. I couldn’t understand why there was a quick jolt down my spine as I called her name out slowly.
‘Am I afraid of her to this level that I would shiver at the thought of the queen?’ I asked myself curiously. I looked at myself again in the mirror, completely dazzled with the expression I saw on my long face.
I couldn’t just understand it. I tried to encourage myself. I tried to tell myself that the feeling I had were normal. I could feel my intestines twitching and my heart trembling. I could hear a gentle thud hitting my heart, repeatedly.
My breathing pattern changed, it was as though I was gasping for air. I wished someone was there with me. I wished Brady was there at least. I just needed someone who would stay with me at that moment. I became so scared. My room became so lonely and a moment of darkness surrounded everywhere.
I closed my eyes for a moment and took in a deep breath.
I still sagged down on the chair, unable to move.
‘It was fear after all’ I had to agree. I knew the more I tried to deny the fact that I had nothing to fear the more I feel scared, insecure. I had to agree that something was wrong.
Yes! Something was wrong. Someone like me that had a few allies against someone who had a whole kingdom, kings, and Queens of many kingdoms on her side. Of course, there was no way I could easily defeat an enemy that large. It would only take me a huge grace and a little share of luck and I prayed for both. I starred at the mirror helplessly while my expression looked gloomy, my face worn out. Was it going to meet the Queen and her children like this? I knew I was beyond depressed. The last time I felt this way was when I was in Livinas. I haven’t felt like this since I came back so I figured that it happened to me because I have finally taken the decision which I have refused to take for a very long time.
I stood up and decided to move out. I faked a smile, at least to brighten my mood. Agreeing that I was scared brought some kind of relief. I felt a little better.
“Your Highness!” a cold, quiet, smooth female voice startled me.
I looked immediately to see who it was. I saw a female servant, her head bowed,, standing just very close to my door at the right-hand side. I didn’t know how long she had been standing there. It is not like I had personal soldiers that guard my door or someone who announces when a visitor visits me. So it might be possible that she had stood there longer than I imagined. Besides, I left my door wide open before I came to relax on the stool.
“How may I help you?” I asked, looking at her with a serious face. I don't think I have seen her before. But even if I had, would I have recognized her? I don't think so.
“Good morning your highness." She bowed again. "The Queen requires your presence at her quarters!” she answered clenching both hands together in a manner that says ‘please, come with me.’
“The Queen? Re … requires my presence?” I looked at her intently, dimming my eyes.
“Yes! She asked me to summon you!”
“She asked you to summon me this early?"
"Yes."
"Anyway, go tell her that I am busy for now and I will come and see her later!” I said and I tried to walk out from her.
“Please, your Highness! If—if you don’t follow me now, I might be in a very big problem,” she said, releasing her clenched fist. “ The Queen mi. . .might. . . she might,” she paused.
“She might do what exactly?” I asked. I was intrigued by what she wanted to say. Everything Queen Veronica intrigues me anyway.
I was expecting her to say something, but she remained speechless.
“I asked you a question. What will she do?” I reiterated anxiously.
- Writer
