THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER.10

Anne stood in Queen Ghoifaes' quarters, her ears burning with the weight of the conversation she had just overheard. The queen's plan for rebellion, aimed at overthrowing Prince Zemha's rightful claim to the throne, sent a shiver down Anne's spine.

"I can never betray her," Anne thought to herself, her heart heavy with emotion. "I can never betray Lady Naehi. I would never go against Lady Nahum's words for me. Never will I betray or hurt someone who loves me so much."

Lost in thought and extremely confused, Anne called out for Prince Zeofei, her love. The prince appeared beside her, his eyes filled with concern.

"My dear Anne, what worries you so much?" he asked, his voice gentle. "Your beautiful face looks boring."

Prince Zeofei moved closer to Anne, his hands caressing her body. But Anne stopped him, her voice firm. "My love, Prince Zeofei, I'm not in the mood. Besides, don't tell me you knew about Queen Ghoifaes' rebellion act."

Prince Zeofei nodded, his eyes locked onto Anne's. Anne continued, "I don't think I can be part of this, Prince Zeofei. No, never will I betray my friend. I love her so much."

Prince Zeofei sighed heavily and moved closer to Anne. "My dear Anne, please, you have to join hands with my mom to make me the king. As soon as I become the king, I'll announce our love. I will make you the mighty queen of this nation."

Anne's heart wavered, torn between her loyalty to Naehi and her love for Prince Zeofei. The prince's words were persuasive, but she knew that getting involved in the queen's plan would mean betraying Naehi's trust.

Prince Zeofei continued, "I love you so much, Anne. That's why I'm doing everything in my power to fight for more power, so that our love can be possible. Please, Anne, trust me. I'll make sure not to hurt your friend Naehi. I like her too, and I don't wish to hurt her."

Anne's resolve weakened, and she nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. Prince Zeofei moved closer to her, and the hugged became deep as Anne and Prince Zeofei's lips touched each other in a deep, affectionate kiss.

As the night wore on, the maids, including those from Prince Zoe's quarter, gathered at Ganye temple. The queen had prepared a secret letter, and the maids had received it, their interest piqued.

At 10 pm, during the hour of the Dog, the maids took off their maid robes and put on the masks provided by Queen Ghoifaes. They walked down to Ganye temple, their faces hidden behind the masks.

In total, 40 maids were present, every maid from Prince Zoe's quarter, excluding Naehi. They had made sure the secret letter did not reach anyone in the king's quarter.

The maids gathered, expecting Queen Ghoifaes to reveal her plan. Suddenly, the gates of Ganye temple hall closed without anyone noticing who had closed them.

Queen Ghoifaes walked in, putting on a mask and dressing in black, her hair covered tightly. None of the maids present knew it was her.

Queen Ghoifaes began her speech, using a voice that didn't belong to her. "I know many of you must be suspecting and aspiring to know who I am. While some of you may already know, trust me, I'll make sure everything you do to make Prince Zeofei the king will be rewarded."

The queen continued, "Please note, we're not setting up a rebellion. We're only fighting for our right, our next position. So, please, don't feel scared or regretful about fighting for your rights."

An information reached Queen Ghoifaes that Naehi, the maids from Prince Zoe's quarter, wanted to get rid of Naehi.

Queen Ghoifaes continued, her voice dripping with malice. "And besides getting rid of Naehi because of her misbehavior towards you maids, I heard she's working against Prince Zemha to make Prince Zoe the king, so she can be the queen. Impossible!"

The queen's emphasis on her words was palpable, and the members of the group leaned in, their concentration heightened.

Queen Ghoifaes continued, her voice calculated. "I'm sure that without eliminating Naehi, it will be very difficult for us to carry out our operations. And besides, I want to join hands with you to exact revenge. So, tomorrow morning, I've prepared a way to set her up, and trust me, it will definitely lead to her death. Then, we can handle everything with ease."

The queen's words sent a chill down the spines of the maids, but they remained silent, their faces hidden behind their masks.

Queen Ghoifaes concluded, "Please, I'm sorry, but I can't reveal my plan now in this secret cult. I don't know you all, and I can't guarantee that none of you will betray me. But trust me, I've prepared some people for the drought that will happen to the palace tomorrow. I'm sure the operation will be carried out successfully."

As the meeting drew to a close, Anne's mind was reeling. She had refused to attend the meeting, but she was still confused about what to do. Should she join hands with Queen Ghoifaes and betray Naehi to become the queen?

Anne's thoughts were interrupted by Prince Zeofei, who appeared beside her, a look of concern etched on his face. Anne turned to him, her eyes searching for answers.

"Prince Zeofei, you have to tell me the truth," Anne began, her voice urgent. "How did the meeting go? What was it all about? Who is your target?"

But Prince Zeofei remained silent, his eyes avoiding Anne's. Anne's frustration boiled over, and she began to cry.

"Please, Prince Zeofei, tell me," Anne begged, her voice shaking with emotion.

Prince Zeofei wiped Anne's tears away, his voice soft. "Anne, please don't cry. We just have to do this before the king's announcement. I can guarantee that we will not hurt your friend. Don't worry, we'll not hurt her. I've spoken with my mom, and she's promised to do everything in her power not to hurt Naehi."

Anne's sobs subsided, but her eyes still brimmed with tears. Prince Zeofei hugged her tightly, his voice reassuring.

"Anne, you'll be fine. It's just a little while longer, and you'll become the queen of this nation. You'll become the mother to my babies. Please, if all this must happen, you have to be strong and join hands with us."

But Anne shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't just want to hurt her."

Prince Zeofei's expression softened, and he pulled Anne closer. "You won't hurt her, please. You have to rest now. Please, go to your room."

As Anne walked away, her heart heavy with emotion, Prince Zeofei's words echoed in her mind. But she knew that she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach.

Story continues.......