THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER.6.1.

That night, Naehi found it impossible to sleep. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of what the next day would bring. She wasn't worried about the pain of slave labor, but about leaving behind the love she had just discovered. As she lay in bed, she whispered to herself, "Prince Zoe, whatever tomorrow brings, if I'm forced to return to the Akua Slaves' camp, please be strong and forget me. I don't know why I love you so much."

In the adjacent room, Lady Nahum was lost in deep thought. She had observed Naehi's restlessness and couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. As she gazed at Naehi's sleeping form, tears welled up in her eyes. "My dear Naehi, please be happy," she whispered. "You have to be strong and accept whatever fate has in store for you. But I pray that your fate keeps you by my side, within these palace walls." Lady Nahum's tears flowed freely as she thought about Naehi's uncertain future.

Finally, Naehi drifted off to sleep, while Lady Nahum remained awake, lost in thought and prayer. But as the night wore on, Lady Nahum eventually succumbed to exhaustion, her tears drying on her cheeks.

As morning broke, Naehi woke up with a start, her mind immediately consumed by the weight of her impending fate. She sighed heavily, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. "God of my mother, I hope you help me today," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

As she sat up, Naehi noticed Lady Nahum still sleeping, her face streaked with dried tears. Naehi's heart went out to the woman who had become like a mother to her. She gently rose from bed and began to prepare for the day ahead. She gathered wood and boiled water for a bath, her movements quiet and deliberate.

As she worked, Naehi thought about how she could surprise Lady Nahum with a special goodbye gesture. She decided to prepare Lady Nahum's favorite Tiger nut leaf tea, carefully gathering the ingredients and brewing the tea with precision.

Once the tea was ready, Naehi gently woke Lady Nahum from her slumber. As Lady Nahum sat up, Naehi bowed her head in respect. "Good morning, my lady," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Lady Nahum looked at Naehi with a mixture of sadness and pity. Before she could speak, Naehi continued, her words pouring out in a rush. "My lady, I might not be able to see you again. We might not meet again, but I wanted to thank you for showing me motherly love, for hugging me always. My lady, I know it's not your fault. I'm so sorry."

Naehi's voice cracked as tears streamed down her face. Lady Nahum's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Naehi's heartfelt words. "My lady, I will miss you. I love you, mom," Naehi whispered, her body shaking with sobs.

Lady Nahum burst into tears, her body wracked with emotion. She stood up and enveloped Naehi in a tight hug. "My daughter, don't say that. Please don't lose hope. Please, I love you too, and I don't wish for you to return to s*****y. But if that's what fate has in store for you, please be strong, be happy, and move on with your life."

Naehi nodded, her tears slowly subsiding. She pulled back from Lady Nahum's embrace and headed to the kitchen to retrieve the Tiger nut leaf tea. As she returned with the steaming cup, she said, "My lady, this is my last act of kindness. Please be strong if I have to leave."

Lady Nahum's tears flowed anew as she took the cup from Naehi. "Naehiiiiii," she wailed, her voice echoing through the room.

After they had cried to their heart's content, Lady Nahum and Naehi composed themselves, dressing in silence. Naehi put on a simple yet elegant attire, her face radiant with a subtle application of cosmetics. Lady Nahum, too, dressed with care, her eyes red-rimmed from crying.

As they finished dressing, they closed the door behind them and proceeded to the palace, their hearts heavy with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

As they entered the palace, Naehi's eyes widened in awe. The grandeur of the palace was overwhelming, with its intricate architecture and lavish decorations. However, her wonder was short-lived, as the weight of her uncertain fate settled back upon her.

Lady Nahum led Naehi to the palace kitchen, where a flurry of activity was already underway. According to Lady Nahum, she had instructed Anne and Phei to oversee the palace's daily operations until her return. As they entered the kitchen, Lady Nahum's eyes scanned the room, taking in the bustling scene before her. A look of satisfaction crossed her face as she noted that everything was in order.

Anne, noticing Naehi's arrival, rushed to her side and enveloped her in a warm hug. "My lady, you look so beautiful," Anne exclaimed, her eyes shining with tears. As she pulled back, Anne's gaze fell upon Naehi's face, and her expression turned sympathetic. "My lady Naehi, you must be so sad. I can see the tears rimming your eyes, the hopelessness etched on your face. Your eyes are swollen from crying." Anne's voice cracked as she spoke, her own tears beginning to fall.

Naehi's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Anne's words. She reached out and gently wiped away Anne's tears. "Anne, my dear friend, please don't cry. I love you so much, and I will miss you too."

As they spoke, Phei approached the group, her eyes fixed on Naehi. Naehi's gaze met Phei's, and she was taken aback by the depth of emotion she saw there. Phei bowed low, her head dipped in respect. Naehi, following her usual practice, bowed in response, her movements gracious and dignified.

As Phei initiated a conversation, her voice was laced with genuine interest. "You must be Lady Naehi," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Naehi nodded affirmatively, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

"I've heard so much about you from Anne," Phei continued, "and I must say, I'm eager to make friends with you. I pray that your fate remains with us, and we can get to know each other better." Naehi's heart swelled with gratitude as she listened to Phei's words of encouragement.

As the afternoon wore on, a flurry of activity erupted outside. The palace guards and servants scurried about, preparing the grand field for the impending selection ceremony. The sound of hammering and chatter filled the air as they worked tirelessly to transform the field into a makeshift arena.

Before long, the palace field grand was abuzz with people. The ministers had taken their seats, while Lady Nahum stood poised beside the king. The palace maids, including Anne, Phei, and Roan, had gathered in a corner, their faces set with anticipation.

As the king's arrival was announced, a hush fell over the crowd. The king, resplendent in his majestic robe, strode into the arena, his presence commanding attention. He was accompanied by several maids, eunuchs, and guards, who took their positions around him.

As the king ascended to the podium, Queen Ghoifaes, the first queen of the Nighthy Kingdom of Adzeba, swept into the arena, her regal bearing and exquisite robes drawing admiring glances from the onlookers. She took her seat beside the king, while the four palace princes, summoned by the king, occupied their designated seats.

Once everyone was in place, Prime Minister Asah rose from his seat, his eyes scanning the assembly before coming to rest on the king. "Your Majesty, with your permission, shall we proceed with the selection ceremony?" he asked, his voice low and respectful.

The king nodded his assent, and Prime Minister Asah bowed before turning to face the field. "Please, guards, bring forth the tributes," he commanded, his voice ringing out across the arena.

As the guards led the tributes, including Naehi, into the arena, a murmur ran through the crowd. Anne, Lady Nahum, Phei, and Prince Zoe watched with bated breath, their hearts heavy with anxiety.

Prime Minister Asah began to explain the selection process, his voice dripping with an air of solemnity. "During the escape of the Akua Slaves to the palace, as a result of Damiwon's bang attack, there was a report that 70 of those slaves were successfully accomplished here. Now, we'll begin the selection. Four guards will bring forth the sacks containing colorful stones and slim black face covers."

As the guards brought forth the sacks, Prime Minister Asah continued, "In the sack bag containing slim black face covers, each of you will be covered with the cloth on your face randomly, and then you will pick a colorful stone from the sack. Among the 70 tribute women we're having here, 50 of you will be returning to the Akua Slave Camp, while 20 will stay in the palace."

Lady Nahum's thoughts were consumed by worry. "God, please let Naehi be one of the chosen ones. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her."

Anne's eyes were fixed on Naehi, her heart racing with anxiety. "Please, let Naehi be safe. I don't know what I'd do without her."

Phei's thoughts were different from the others. "My Lady Queen Khieyan, I hope everything goes well. Please, let Naehi's fate be kind to her."

Prince Zoe's eyes were fixed on Naehi, his heart pounding with worry. "My love, please don't leave me. I couldn't bear the thought of living without you."

As the selection process began, the tributes were led to the sacks, their faces covered with the black cloth. They reached into the sack and picked a colorful stone, their fate hanging in the balance.

The selection process seemed to drag on interminably, the tension building with each passing moment. Naehi's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with thoughts of the uncertain future.

Finally, the selection process came to an end, and Prime Minister Asah began to announce the results. "I will only declare the names of those who have successfully made it to the palace," he said, his voice dripping with drama.

As Prime Minister Asah announced the names, the tension in the arena grew. Lady Nahum's heart sank with each name, her anxiety escalating as the list drew to a close.

The first name announced was Afe , Adzie, Peniah, Yhoweh, followed by 14 other names. Naehi's heart skipped a beat as she waited for the final name to be announced.

The number 19 was Avenajjhi. Lady Nahum's heart beat heavily, her anxiety almost unbearable.

"And the last person who has successfully made it to the palace is... Nasafe," Prime Minister Asah declared, his voice ringing out across the arena.

Naehi's heart plummeted as she realized she was not the one selected. Tears streamed down her face as she gazed up at Prince Zoe, Lady Nahum, Phei, and Anne, their faces etched with shock, sorrow, and disappointment.

Prince Zoe's eyes met Naehi's, and he felt a pang of sorrow. "My love, please don't leave me," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lady Nahum's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Naehi. "God, please don't take her away from me," she prayed silently.

Anne's face was ashen, her eyes fixed on Naehi. "Please, don't take her away," she whispered.

Phei's eyes were downcast, her thoughts consumed by worry. "My Lady Queen Khieyan, please let Naehi's fate be kind to her."

As the reality of the situation sank in, Naehi's face crumpled. "My darling Zoe, please forget me forever," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm sorry for breaking your heart. My Lady Nahum, please forgive me for leaving you. Anne, my dear friend, I'll miss you."

Story continues......