Chapter 7
998 Words
7
“CAN THIS DAY GET any worse?” she muttered.
“What’s wrong?” Jak and Ebere were trotting to catch up.
“You two go on ahead to the gymnasium. Ladi should be there. I need to take care of some family business,” Rasha said. Temi watched the group split and followed Rasha. He preferred to stay at her side when they were in the palace.
Rasha had been hungry all morning, but the sight of the dining room made her lose her appetite. The princesses being devoured here left a scar on her memory that wouldn’t heal. She had nightmares about it still. Of course, the room had been cleaned and painted, but it didn’t matter. She could smell the death and c*****e clinging to the walls. Temi didn’t like it in any more than she did. When she opened the doors, he entered reluctantly and sat down near the door.
“Ah, there she is! Good morning my little princess!” her father said. The King of Chilali was attired as usual in his royal blue cape, wearing his crown. He was seated at the head of the table as if Adalu was his own kingdom. His wife was resplendent, and sat on his left. She stood up and made to embrace her daughter, but stopped short when Temi growled.
Rasha didn’t correct him. She was annoyed and didn’t care if it showed. They’d come here to the palace far too many times since she’d been named incumbent. Their visits had long since grown tiresome. They were always looking for another tidbit. Something they could take back to Chilali and spread as palace-insider news. Rasha couldn’t contain her embarrassment at her parents, transparent pursuit of prominence.
“Sit down with us, darling.” Her mother gestured to the seat next to hers. “You look so pale, I’m sure you haven’t eaten.”
Rasha looked down at the spread of delicacies and had to swallow the bile that rose in her throat. She couldn’t understand how no one else could smell the blood spilled in this room. But she did as her mother bade her and sat. Her father continued beaming at her.
“This place suits you more than I could have ever imagined,” her father said, looking her over and nodding.
“You know I never intended to come here, so let’s not pretend this was something I wanted to do.”
“The Universal has blessed you. Accept it for what it is and enjoy it,” he advised in the tone you would use to speak to a child.
“I’m sorry, but the slaughter of eleven people to raise me to princess incumbent isn’t a blessing from the Universal. I stepped in because I was needed. Nothing more.” Rasha started to rise, but her mother stopped her with a gentle hand.
“Where’s your young prince? It’s not often we see you without him,” Her mother asked, trying to change the subject.
“Mother, please, don’t. We’ve already discussed this.”
“I can’t want the best for my child? Tell her, dear,” she said and looked expectantly at her husband.
“Your mother and I believe it’s in your best interest to come home. Our army can protect you,” He took a bite and, with his mouth full, continued, “and your friends, of course.”
Rasha’s jaw dropped. Then, as an enticement, her mother added, “We have all the best courtiers, you know. And the finest fabrics. We can make you something new, to your liking. It doesn’t have to be a dress.”
Rasha shook her head with disbelief.
“You expect me to leave the front, in the middle of a war, and hide under the bed?” She asked. “What would even make you think I’d consider it?”
“You’re the princess incumbent. You need to be protected for the sake of the people. You can’t do that playing solider at the front,” her father said with finality.
“Playing?” Rasha felt her face getting warm.
Her mother must have sensed the danger, because she rushed in to correct her husband’s mistake. “What your father means to say is that this war should by fought by soldiers, not princesses. You have diplomatic duties to attend to.”
“Diplomatic duties? Don’t forget, it’s the soldiers that keep you safe in your precious castle. Please show a little respect for those laying down their lives for you.” Rasha stood up. “Let me remind you of something. The reason you still have an ‘army’ is because you haven’t sent many men to the front. I am disgraced not because I fight, but because my own kingdom won’t help me end this war.”
Rasha stood up quickly. “If you’ll excuse me, I have diplomatic duties to attend to.” Her father sputtered, and her mother’s mouth opened and closed like a fish.
She stalked out of the dining room, and Temi followed her, looking smug.
When Rasha reached the gymnasium, she found her team practicing with weapons. Ebere was watching intently as Jak instructed Ladi in the longsword. The tip of the blade dragged on the ground as she as she tried to get familiar with it. Once she had a firm grip, she was able parry as he moved to attack. Jak had a beautiful grace that always caught her eye. It was for that reason she didn’t notice the other person there watching them. Her Aunt Sochi was waiting for her. A welcome sight after dealing with her parents.
“Aunt Sochi!” she exclaimed. They embraced and her aunt took her aside.
“When your parents decided to visit, I thought you might need a little extra support, so I came along. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, of course not. You’re always welcome here.” Rasha smiled.
“I can tell that something’s bothering you. What is it?” Sochi asked.
“I’m just a bit rattled.”
“You’ve always allowed them to affect you like that. Tell me, what else has you so upset?” Her aunt took her hand.
“Other than insulting me, just the usual. Why aren’t I married? I should give up playing soldier and come home where they can protect me and show me off to all of their friends at their royal parties and functions. Suitably dressed, of course.”
Her aunt sighed. “Rasha, listen. You’re a smart and strong young woman.” She turned Rasha toward her and looked straight into her eyes. “The best defense against that is to continue to be the person you are. They’ll come to accept it.”
Rasha nodded, feeling herself lift a little at her aunt’s words.
Sochi reached for a longsword and grinned wickedly.
“Now, let’s see if life in the palace has made you a soft little princess.”
- Writer
