THE SHIELD THAT HURTS

CHAPTER 3.1

CHAPTER 3*

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Naehi's anxiety grew. She knew Lady Nahum would soon return from the palace, and she was determined to make her mistress's homecoming as pleasant as possible. With a sense of urgency, Naehi busied herself tidying up the house, ensuring every item was in its rightful place.

As she worked, Naehi's mind wandered to the surprise she had in store for Lady Nahum. She had been racking her brain for the perfect way to put a smile on her mistress's face, and suddenly, it hit her - the Tiger Nut Leaf Tea her brother used to make for her when she was a child. Naehi's eyes lit up at the memory, and she quickly set to work gathering the necessary ingredients.

She made her way to the small herb garden she had tended to with such care, the scent of fresh earth and greenery filling her lungs. Naehi's hands moved with precision as she selected the finest leaves, her fingers tracing the delicate veins that ran through them. She added a few cloves of garlic, some sliced ginger, and a handful of tiger nuts to the mixture, the aroma of the ingredients blending together in a harmonious union.

With the ingredients gathered, Naehi returned to the kitchen, her heart beating with excitement. She carefully blended the leaves, garlic, ginger, nut milk, tiger nut, and scented leaf, her hands moving with a quiet confidence. The mixture simmered on the hot firewood, the aroma wafting from the pot growing more enticing, filling the air with a sweet, earthy scent.

As the tea brewed, Naehi's thoughts turned to Lady Nahum, and she wondered what her mistress would say when she tasted the tea. Would she like it? Would she appreciate the effort Naehi had put into making it? The questions swirled in her mind like the steam rising from the tea.

Just as Naehi was pouring the steaming tea into a hot jug, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly finished pouring the tea, her hands trembling with excitement. She took a deep breath, smoothing her apron, and made her way to the entrance.

"Lady Nahum, welcome," Naehi said, bowing her head in respect. "I've prepared a warm bath for you. Please, go and wash away the stress of the day."

Lady Nahum's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze taking in Naehi's flushed cheeks and the faint scent of tea lingering on her skin. "Thank you, Naehi," she said, her voice measured. "I would love a bath."

As Lady Nahum disappeared into the bathroom, Naehi's anxiety grew. Had she overstepped? Would Lady Nahum appreciate the surprise she had in store? The questions swirled in her mind like the steam rising from the tea.

Finally, Lady Nahum emerged from the bathroom, her skin glowing with a warm, golden light. She walked into the parlour, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on the steaming jug of tea. A look of surprise crossed her face, followed by a hint of curiosity.

"Naehi, what's this?" Lady Nahum asked, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

Naehi's heart skipped a beat as she presented the tea to Lady Nahum. "I made it especially for you, my lady," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's a special blend, one that will give you strength and vitality."

Lady Nahum's eyes locked onto Naehi's, a searching gaze that made Naehi's heart flutter. For a moment, the two women simply stared at each other, the air thick with tension.

Then, Lady Nahum smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made Naehi's heart soar. "Thank you, Naehi," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I would love to try it."

As Lady Nahum took a sip of the tea, her eyes widened in surprise. "This is incredible," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "What's in it?"

Naehi smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "It's a secret blend, my lady," she said, her voice teasing. "But I can tell you that it's made with the finest ingredients, ones that will nourish your body and soul."

Lady Nahum laughed, a warm, throaty sound that made Naehi's heart skip a beat. "You're a clever girl, Naehi," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "I'm glad you're looking out for me."

As they sat there, the only sound the gentle hum of the fire and the occasional clink of the tea cups, Naehi felt a sense of peace settle over her. She had done something to make Lady Nahum happy, and that was all that mattered.

Lady Nahum took another sip of the tea, her eyes closing in appreciation. "This is truly delicious, Naehi," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You have a gift for making teas."

Naehi smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Thank you, my lady," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lady Nahum opened her eyes, a thoughtful look on her face. "I brought you something, Naehi," she said, her voice soft. "A small token of my appreciation for all that you do."

Naehi's heart skipped a beat as Lady Nahum pulled out a small basket from behind her chair. Inside, Naehi saw a steaming hot bowl of pepperish goat meat pepper soup, accompanied by a few boiled plantains.

Naehi's eyes widened in surprise, her stomach growling with anticipation. "Oh, my lady," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "You didn't have to do that."

Lady Nahum smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I wanted to," she said, her voice soft. "You deserve it, Naehi. You've been working so hard, taking care of me and the household."

Naehi felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Lady Nahum, her heart filled with emotion. She knew that she was lucky to have a mistress like Lady Nahum, who appreciated her and took care of her.

As Naehi took a bite of the pepperish goat meat pepper soup, she closed her eyes, savoring the flavors. It was delicious, the spices and herbs blending together in perfect harmony.

Lady Nahum watched her, a smile on her face. "I'm glad you like it," she said, her voice soft.

Naehi opened her eyes, looking at Lady Nahum with gratitude. "Thank you, my lady," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they sat there, eating and drinking together, Naehi felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be, serving Lady Nahum and taking care of her.

But as the night wore on, Naehi couldn't shake the feeling that she was hiding something. That there was more to the tea than she was letting on. And as she glanced at Lady Nahum, she wondered if her mistress had noticed the faint scent of deception lingering in the air.

Lady Nahum's eyes met Naehi's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, Lady Nahum smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made Naehi's heart skip a beat.

"Thank you again, Naehi," Lady Nahum said, her voice filled with gratitude. "This has been a wonderful evening."

Naehi smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "You're welcome, my lady," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As Naehi savored the pepperish goat meat pepper soup, Lady Nahum delighted in her tea. But as they sat together, Naehi noticed a sudden sheen of sweat on Lady Nahum's face.

"My lady, you must need some air," Naehi said, concern etched on her face.

Lady Nahum nodded, her eyes locking onto Naehi's. "I was about to say the same," she replied, her voice low and husky.

Naehi quickly rose from her seat and gently lifted Lady Nahum from hers. Together, they stepped out into the night air, the stars twinkling above them like diamonds. The cool breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and Naehi felt a sense of peace wash over her.

As they sat down on a nearby bench, Lady Nahum turned to Naehi with a curious expression. "My dear, Anne explained everything to me about how your day went. I'm sure you must have enjoyed her company."

Naehi nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, my lady. I liked Anne. She's gentle and soft-spoken. I wish we could be friends, but I worry that we won't be able to see each other every day."

Lady Nahum's smile faltered, and Naehi detected a hint of sadness in her eyes. "She told me about your past, Naehi," Lady Nahum said, her voice barely above a whisper. "About how you lost all your siblings, including your beloved brother."

Naehi's eyes welled up with tears as memories of her brother flooded her mind. "Yes, my lady. My brother was the only one who showed me what love means. Before I became a slave at the age of six, he was always there for me, making me smile even when we had nothing."

Naehi's voice cracked as she struggled to hold back tears. "He was lazy, but he never gave up on me. I miss him so much, and I wish he were here with me."

Lady Nahum's eyes turned red-rimmed, and she seemed to be fighting back tears. "My dear Naehi, it's not his fault that he's not here. I'm sure he would have wanted to stay with you, but fate had other plans."

Naehi's tears spilled over, and she sobbed uncontrollably. Lady Nahum's face contorted in anguish, and she too burst into tears.

As they wept together, Naehi sensed that something was amiss. Lady Nahum's words seemed laced with a hidden meaning, and Naehi's instincts told her that her mistress was hiding something.

Just as Naehi was about to ask Lady Nahum what was wrong, her mistress composed herself and spoke in a trembling voice.

"Naehi, my plan has been turned upside down. In the royal inner court today, the king called for a meeting with the ministers and ambassadors about the struggle of the palace work. They brought up the case of the Akua slaves that were accomplished here, and the ministers objected to the slaves being freed."

Naehi's heart sank as Lady Nahum's words hung in the air. "They want to divide the slaves, making some of them palace maids while others will be sent to the slave camp. There have been complaints about the scarcity of food, and...and I'm afraid I have some bad news."

Naehi's eyes locked onto Lady Nahum's, her heart racing with anticipation. "What is it, my lady?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Story continues......

Check out for the chapter 3.2