THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER.9.2.

the soft light of the beautiful morning, an unexpected visitor arrived at Prince Zoe’s quarter. A maid from Prince Zemha’s residence, with an air of urgency, stepped forward. She addressed Naehi with a respectful bow. “Maid Naehi, the First Prince, Prince Zemha, has called for you.”

Naehi’s emotions were torn. She couldn't quite place whether her heart fluttered with excitement or clenched with apprehension. She knew she had to go, though, and so, she left her quarters. When she reached Prince Zemha's door, she opened it slowly, her steps careful. She entered, bowed deeply, and said, “Your Highness, Prince Zemha. You called for me, my lord. Is there anything you wish of me?”

Prince Zemha let out a soft laugh, a smile appearing on his face. “Naehi, the clever one. Please, have a seat.”

Naehi sat, folding her hands in her lap, waiting attentively. Prince Zemha continued, his voice steady but carrying a hint of gratitude. “Naehi, thank you so much for yesterday. I truly appreciate it.”

Naehi smiled, bowing again. “It is my pleasure, my lord.”

Prince Zemha’s gaze softened. “I’m sure it was my brother, Prince Zoe, who was behind all of this. I know he loves me dearly, but you need to be by his side. You are always beside him, and that is good, but now, you must be strong. You must face whatever comes your way.”

Naehi felt a twinge of confusion. “What do you mean, my lord?”

Prince Zemha sighed, his voice faltering, his emotions slipping through the cracks of his composed exterior. “I see the future clearly, Naehi. I know what is likely to happen tomorrow. And… who knows? Who knows if I’ll be here to see it?” His voice cracked, and with it, his composure fell apart.

Tears began to roll down his face. Naehi, startled, quickly moved to his side and grabbed his hand. “Prince Zemha, please, don’t cry. You are the only one who truly deserves your father’s throne.”

He shook his head. “That’s why I’m giving it to Zoe. He’s the one who should be king.”

Naehi’s heart sank as he suddenly burst into tears, his voice growing louder with emotion. He reached for a wrapped document and handed it over to Naehi. “I know my father. You must help Zoe. Please… help him. Memorize the words in this document. Help me make him king.”

Naehi nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of the prince’s plea. She gently took the document and tucked it under her arm, her resolve hardening.

Prince Zemha hugged her tightly, his face buried in her shoulder. “Please hold him, Naehi. Don’t leave him like I did. Like our mother did. Zoe deserves the love of the entire world. You have to promise me. You must make him king.”

Naehi’s eyes welled with tears as she whispered, “I promise, my lord.”

The door to the chamber creaked open, signaling the arrival of Maid Phei. Startled, Prince Zemha quickly pulled away from Naehi, pushing her hand away gently. “You may go now, Naehi. I will call for you when I need you again.”

Naehi nodded, still clutching the wrapped document. As she opened the door, she came face to face with Phei, who was holding a small vial of ointment.

“Lady Naehi,” Phei greeted, smiling warmly. “I’ve brought something for Prince Zemha. Queen Khieyan instructed me to deliver this ointment.”

Naehi, surprised to see Phei here, nodded. “Alright, then. Please go ahead.”

Phei didn’t question Naehi’s presence in the prince’s chambers. She simply nodded and made her way inside. But as she did, her eyes caught the sealed document in Naehi’s hands. The royal seal of Prince Zemha was unmistakable, and suspicion filled her mind. She made a note to report this to Queen Khieyan as soon as possible.

---

In Prince Zoe’s quarter, Naehi’s heart was heavy with worry. She could feel something was wrong in the palace, something she couldn’t quite understand. The weight of it was suffocating, and the love she shared with Prince Zoe, once a source of comfort, was beginning to feel like a burden.

She called for Prince Zoe, and when he arrived, she spoke with a sadness that seemed to hang in the air like an unspoken storm. “Prince Zoe… I don’t know what’s happening in the palace right now. I’m scared. I’m afraid of our love. I’m afraid of what might come.”

Prince Zoe, looking concerned, stepped closer to her. “What do you mean, Naehi?”

She took a deep breath before continuing, her voice shaking slightly. “Prince Zemha called for me today. He told me that he’s not capable of becoming the king. He said that you should be the king instead.” Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke. “He told me to do everything I can to make you king. He said it would be hard, but we must be strong and face it together.”

Prince Zoe’s expression turned to one of shock and disbelief. “My brother said that? Naehi… Are you sure?”

She nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “He said it, Zoe. He gave me this document. He wants me to help you, to make you the king.”

Prince Zoe, overwhelmed by the gravity of her words, wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t cry, Naehi. Everything will be fine. I promise, we will get through this together.”

She sobbed softly into his chest, feeling his warmth and his strength. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m so scared.”

“You’ve been through so much today, Naehi,” Prince Zoe said softly. “Please, go and rest for a while. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

As Naehi withdrew from his arms and walked away, her heart heavy, she didn’t notice the maid, Roan, lurking near the door. Roan had overheard the entire conversation between Naehi and Prince Zoe, and a dark plan began to form in her mind.

---

In a hidden corner of the palace, the maids had begun to hatch their plan. Roan, determined and calculating, had already set things in motion. She knew what she wanted, and she knew how to get it. With her allies among the palace staff, she had made a deal with Queen Ghoifaes to remove both Naehi and Prince Zoe from the palace once and for all.

She reported to Queen Ghoifaes, her voice low and conspiratorial. “My queen, I’m sure you want your son to be king, but do you think he can do that without our help?”

Queen Ghoifaes, furious at first, glared at Roan. “How dare you speak to me in such a manner?”

Roan, however, remained calm. “I apologize for my rudeness, my queen, but please hear me out. I’ve brought you something valuable.” Roan handed over a carefully prepared letter. “This is an invitation to the maids. If they’re tired of their lives as servants, if they seek freedom, they will join us to make Prince Zeofei the king. If they participate, I’ll ensure their positions are elevated.”

Queen Ghoifaes paused, her anger simmering beneath her cool exterior. The idea was tempting. She could not make her son king without eliminating certain obstacles. And that was where Roan’s plan came into play.

After a moment’s thought, Queen Ghoifaes agreed. “You’re right, Roan. I’ll join forces with you. But we must proceed with caution.”

They decided on a secret meeting, where the maids would come together to plot Prince Zeofei’s rise to the throne. The location was to be the Ganye Temple, and they were to wear masks to conceal their identities. The letter, a beautifully cryptic invitation, was sent out to the maids, instructing them to keep their allegiance a secret.

Roan carefully ensured that certain names were excluded from receiving the letter—among them, Phei. Phei’s loyalty to Queen Khieyan was too strong for Roan to risk. The guards, masked and anonymous, were instructed to deliver the letters without question.

As the letter spread, the palace maids knew they were standing at the edge of something dangerous. The shadows of rebellion were beginning to gather, and soon, nothing would be the same.

The game had begun.

Story continues.......