THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

Chapte 2.2.The Morning Awakening ||

The palace's daily routines had begun, and with them, the rowdy activities that often accompanied the royal family's morning rituals. In the King's quarter, a strict adherence to tradition prevailed. According to the customs of the Adzeba kingdom, the king was expected to reside in a separate quarter from the queens, allowing him to focus on the affairs of state without distraction.

Lady Nahum, ever diligent, had taken it upon herself to oversee the king's quarter, ensuring that every detail met with his satisfaction. Despite her lofty position, she preferred to handle many tasks personally, knowing that she was the only one who could meet the king's exacting standards. The precise temperature of his bathwater, the delicate balance of his tea's flavor and aroma – all these nuances were known only to Lady Nahum.

The king's reliance on Lady Nahum had fostered a deep affection between them, one that rivaled his feelings for his own queens. She attended to every aspect of his daily routine, from the intricate styling of his hair to the application of his cosmetics. Her devotion had earned her a special place in the king's heart.

As the morning progressed, Lady Nahum and Anne made their way to the king's quarter, where they prepared his warm bath in the swimming pool. Once he had bathed, Lady Nahum assisted him in dressing, carefully styling his hair and applying his cosmetics. With these rituals complete, the king joined the rest of the royal family for breakfast.

Meanwhile, in Prince Zoe's quarter, Roan attended to the prince's wife, navigating the challenges posed by the prince's notoriously difficult temperament. Prince Zoe was known for his exacting demands and frequent outbursts, making him a formidable taskmaster for the maids and eunuchs assigned to his service.

In contrast, Prince Zemha's quarter was a more tranquil domain, thanks in large part to the capable ministrations of Maid Anta. Anta's permanent assignment to Prince Zemha's service was a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication. As the morning meal was delivered by Anne, the palace's inhabitants began their daily routines, and the sounds of laughter, conversation, and gentle chaos filled the air.

As soon as the palace maids were dismissed for their morning break, they were served a warm breakfast. Lady Nahum retreated to her quarters, where she sat down to eat. She instructed Anne, one of the maids, to prepare her wheat pap with honey. Additionally, she requested that Anne prepare the same dish for Naehi, but with a twist - it was to be served with honeymilk, accompanied by baked bread and grilled fish.

Anne carefully followed Lady Nahum's instructions, packaging the food neatly in a basket. She then discreetly exited the palace, making her way to Naehi's quarters. Upon arrival, Anne found Naehi resting on her bed, seemingly lost in thought. Anne gently tapped on the doorframe to announce her presence.

Naehi's eyes fluttered open, and she was taken aback by Anne's unexpected visit. Anne bowed respectfully, greeting Naehi with a gentle smile. Naehi, though initially surprised, reciprocated the gesture, rising from her bed to bow in response. She then beckoned Anne to sit beside her on the mattress.

Anne hesitated, feeling a sense of unease about sitting in such close proximity to Naehi. She quickly recovered, producing the carefully prepared meal from the basket. With precise movements, Anne served the wheat pap, pouring a generous amount of honeymilk into the bowl. She then presented the toasted fish, garnished with delicate herbs.

As Anne finished serving the meal, she stepped back, bowing her head in respect, as was customary in the palace. Naehi's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she rose from her seat, gently taking Anne's hand. "Please, join me," Naehi requested, her voice laced with a hint of persuasion.

Anne's eyes widened in surprise, and she politely declined, citing the impropriety of sharing a meal with someone of Naehi's stature. Naehi's expression turned slightly chilly, and she suggested that Anne take the food back to the palace, as she would not eat alone.

Anne's gaze faltered, and Naehi detected a glimmer of softness in her eyes. Seizing the opportunity, Naehi guided Anne back to the mattress, and they sat down together. The initial awkwardness dissipated as they began to eat, the silence between them gradually giving way to a sense of tentative companionship.

As they ate, they found themselves growing increasingly uncomfortable with the arrangement. The food, once neatly arranged on the bed, was now scattered, and the atmosphere felt stifling. Without a word, they rose, placing the food on a low table on the floor. Seated on the floor, they continued their meal, the intimacy of the setting slowly giving way to a sense of mutual understandings.

As they finished their meal, Naehi and Anne shared a tender moment, their eyes locking in a gentle gaze. The warmth of the setting sun cast a golden glow on their faces, illuminating the deep connection they had formed. They smiled at each other, and Anne's eyes sparkled with a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in years.

But as the reality of her situation set in, Anne's smile faltered. She remembered she wasn't in the palace, and Lady Nahum might be worried about her. A pang of anxiety shot through her chest, and she stood up abruptly, her movements betraying her turmoil.

"Lady Naehi, I...I should go," Anne stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Lady Nahum will be worried about me."

Naehi rose from her seat, her expression a reflection of Anne's distress. She reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Anne's ear, her touch sending shivers down Anne's spine.

"Anne, my dear, you're welcome to stay," Naehi whispered, her voice husky with emotion. "But I know you must return to the palace. Duty calls, and I won't keep you from it."

As they walked hand in hand towards the palace, the air was heavy with unspoken emotions. The setting sun cast long shadows behind them, a poignant reminder of the secrets they shared. When they reached the palace gates, Anne turned to Naehi, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Lady Naehi, I...I don't know how to thank you," Anne whispered, her voice cracking. "You've shown me love and kindness, and it's brought back memories of my mother. I thought I'd lost that feeling forever, but you've reminded me of what it's like to be loved, to be valued."

Tears streamed down Anne's face as she spoke, and Naehi's eyes mirrored her sorrow. Naehi pulled Anne into a tight hug, holding her as if she'd never let her go. They stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, as the world around them melted away.

"I'm so grateful for you, Lady Naehi," Anne whispered, her voice muffled against Naehi's shoulder. "You've given me hope, reminded me that I'm not alone."

Naehi's grip on Anne tightened, her own tears falling onto Anne's hair. "You're not alone, Anne," Naehi whispered back. "You have me, and I'll always be here for you."

As they held each other, Naehi's thoughts drifted back to her childhood, to the memories of her brother, who had taught her the value of kindness and compassion. She remembered the way he would smile, the way he would make her feel seen and loved.

"My brother used to take me to the market in our village," Naehi whispered, her voice barely audible. "He would buy me sweets and toys, and we would spend hours playing together. But he also taught me to look beyond our own happiness, to see the struggles of those around us , not until when we ended up been a slave who serves with rigours.

Naehi's voice cracked as she spoke, and Anne held her closer, offering what little comfort she could.

"He taught me to put smiles on the faces of those who needed it most," Naehi continued, her tears falling like rain. "He said that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, always a chance to make a difference. I've tried to live by those words, Anne, but it's hard when the pain feels so overwhelming." I lost him unfortunately during my escape here .

Anne's heart broke for Naehi, for the pain she had endured, for the love she had lost. She held Naehi closer, offering her own tears as a testament to their shared sorrow.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, a celestial reminder of the connection they shared. Finally, Naehi gently pushed Anne away, her eyes red-rimmed from crying.

"You should go, Anne," Naehi whispered, her voice barely audible. "Lady Nahum will be worried about you. But know that you're not alone, that you have me, and I'll always be here for you."

Anne nodded, her eyes still streaming with tears. She took one last look at Naehi, then turned and disappeared into the palace, leaving Naehi standing alone, her heart heavy with sorrow. The palace gates creaked shut behind Anne, a poignant reminder of the secrets they shared, and the love that had blossomed between them.