TO LOVE AGAIN

Sophia! There came the solemn and beautiful voice of queen Ariel. You've not touched your food, what's wrong? She asked as she took a piece of finely sliced meat with the help of her golden fork into her mouth and began to chew gracefully as she stared into the face of Sophia who seemed to have been lost in her thought... What could be eating my little girl up? King Oscar Fernando started. A short silence fell on the atmosphere of the dinning tables, except for maids and wardens who were up and about their duties. C'mon! Go ahead and speak up, He urged her again as he quietly dropped his cutleries, reached for her soft little hands and began to caress them softly and warmly. Princess Sophia took a deep breathe and exhaled deeply, followed by a pale smile that appeared on her lips. Oh Father! You guys worry too much, she spoke at last. It's really nothing to be worried about. I just have one little request, she said as she clutched his hands tightly, looking up into his eyes, as her face grew pale with meekness and her eyes almost teary. Hmmmmm! King Oscar Fernando remarked! Strange, he said again as he looked into the face of his queen and turned back to look at Sophia. What could that be? He asked her finally pausing a bit from his meal to listen. Well; Sophia started rather shakily, giving a sudden pause. Go on dear we are listening, her mother urged. It's going to be my birthday few weeks from now, I'd be turning 18, and I was hoping to have a birthday ball party this year. I have never known what it means to mingle, a little mingling won't hurt. Sophia dropped in coordinated accent, looking into the faces of her parents. And that's not all, She quickly added as she cut her father short from giving a reply. Can I also have the privilege of seeing what outside of this walls looks like, for the first time in my life? No! That's not happening now and not even anytime soon. Her father retorted banging the tables angrily as the tone of his voice grew louder. But you said I could explore outside those walls when I come of age! Sophia replied with a sulk. And who told you that turning 18 means you've come of age? The king asked angrily. Why do you suddenly crave these things Sophia? Who have you been listening to or speaking with? I hope you haven't been chit chatting with those silly maids? Her mother asked looking worried sick. We give you all that you need, we shower you with every bit of love that you deserve, and you turn around to do the barest minimum? Her father queried again. Sophia bends her head in thoughts, trying to figure out if what she had asked for was enough to ignite the kind of fury that had taken over the room. The people of these kingdom are not good people. They have never wanted anything good for us even when I go out of my way to give them peace and loving rulership. That is why we have tried everything in our powers to keep you safe from their malicious lives. Asking to mingle, is like signing your death warrant with your own hands. You're not like them, you're royalty and they're commoners. You don't need friends, what you need to do is to concentrate on being the good girl you've always been, so that in due time, we'd get you married of to a noble prince, and you both will the ready to be king and queen of this great kingdom, and not some unnecessary chit chats and mingling jumbling! King Oscar dropped after his long uninterrupted speech. I can't seem to fathom the reasons behind these wants, but you should kill them, and that death has to happen between now and sunset! Now if you will excuse me, I have important stuffs to attend to. The king said with finality in his voice, drew his chair backwards, stood up and walked out furiously. Mom what did I do wrong? Sophia asked as her father's footsteps grew faint. Her mother held her hands as she stretched her hands across the table, for she was sitting directly opposite the girl. Sophia, I have told you countless of times, you don't start delicate and sensitive topic on the dinning table. You would have waited atleast until your father was done eating. Now you know he won't come back to that food, and that is not a good thing. But mother, why is it that anytime I bring up the topic of visiting outside the palace walls, father gets too furious? I could go with a host of guards, I won't talk to anyone, I just want to feel what the air outside this palace feels like. Anytime I put my hands out the window, and the fresh air touches my skin, I have this subtle conviction within me that it won't hurt. Sophia spoke at length convincingly Sophia you're a child and you don't understand the sacrifices we've made for your sake. We've been through so much to keep you this safe. I can't begin to list all that we have done for you. What is it that you really want? friend's? The queen asked rhetorically, c'mon that'd be shabby for a person of your kind and class.. The people of this kingdom are not good for the keeping. They seek to reap where they haven't sown. The only thing they've always wanted is to have your father killed and take over the throne. They have plotted severally to have you killed, because they want the life that you have. You're not going to make it so easy for them, are you?the queen asked looking directly into Sophia's eye balls... Sophia says nothing... Look sweetheart, the queen continued after a short silence. We've given you all that you want, you're not disadvantaged in any manner, trust me, there's nothing out there you want that we haven't given you and more. There's even nothing outside there, that can be compared to the life you have here, and that's the main reason they want you dead. The only thing we demand from you as your parents is your trust. You have to trust us every given time that we know what we're doing, and that we know what's best for you. We genuinely love you, too much. And this is the best way we can think of keeping you safe from the dangers out there. We've always enjoyed perfect peace and warmness in our home. Your father is the best king ever liveth, and his reign is the best ever told of. The way he brings himself so low to be there for us is admirable. Let's not use our hands to destroy the good life that we have. Now is that taken? She asked obviously demanding an answer from Sophia who had been quiet all through her long speech. Yes mother! Sophia mumbled. Now you will go to your father in due time, and apologize for being silly. And that's before the sun goes down. The queen commands with finality in her voice, as she stands to take her leave. I'm sorry I ruined family time! Sophia said with so much remorse in her voice. Just go to your father, you owe him more of that apology, the queen said as she walked away graciously. **************************** Sophia retreated into her room totally sorry for how she had ruined her father's mood over his meal. As she approached the neatly made bed in the room, she notices an envelope on the floor, just by her window side... She knew it wasn't there before she left. Huh! What this? She asked startled as she bent to pick it up. She looked out the window, it was as quiet as always. Her room was at the last floor of the high tower, even if she tried to look down, everyone outside seemed like little ants... She opened the sealed letter, it read with bold prints; " Happy birthday in advance, expect a mind blowing present!" She read loud and continued to stare at the red rose imprints at the bottom of the letter. Huh! Who sent this? Sophia expressed as she continued to stare into the thin air...