Was & Will

Maybe Things Are Not What They Seem...

"Mother, you wished to see me?" He entered the royal study. It was equally luxurious. His mother... Prince Willium’s mother, sat on a royal chair, behind a huge wooden table. There was a full wall wooden shelf. It contained scrolls and books. A bearded man in black coat and golden rimmed circular specs was standing beside her. He looked like her advisor. He was holding a board and papers in his hand. She was signing something. Maybe some royal work.

"Yes darling." She signaled the advisor to exit the room. He acknowledged Karna and moved out. Once he left she stood up and walked towards Karna and directed him to sit on the sofa. She sat beside him. She placed her warm palm over his cheek and asked, "how are you my son?"

"Fine." He nodded. His voice was trembling. It was not out of fear. The warrier was hardly scared. This was emotional. It was the turmoil of emotions that was affecting his speech. The question sounded different. As if the queen had striped off the cold diplomatic exterior. So this is how a mother talks to her birth child. It's full of warmth. It's different from Radha ma. Rather a little uncomfortable. Maybe because I never experienced this.

"I know, you and Cisa aren't too good with each other. Maybe political marriage was a bad idea. I am so sorry, my love, but, this was necessary. I hope you understand."

"Yes mother."

"I love you my son. Just a few more days then you'll be free to make any decision regarding your marriage. Your happiness is the most important thing to me."

He looked at her quizzically but did not say anything. He was hardly paying attention to her words. He was fully focused on her eyes. Her adoptive mother, Radha, had once said that the eyes never lie. He was searching in queens eyes how a birth mother’s love looks like. But he could not see much. Maybe I am incapable of seeing love.

The Queen smiled at him, "I wanted to speak to you. I think the time has come to announce the new king…"

~•~

When Nisha came back to her senses, Karna was already gone. She felt a pain in her head. Her hand moved to her forehead. She was sweating. She mentally took a hold of herself and carried her body to sit on the bed. The servants entered the room. Nisha asked for water. They followed the orders. The glass was expensive. She took a sip. Though from an expensive vessel the water had the same taste. She could feel the first sip go down her throat, sending cold shivers. She gulped it all. She felt better after a while.

Two ladies dressed in plain cotton gowns were standing in front of her. Their hair up done in a bun. A part of the sevent uniform. One of them looked anxious. Her fingers were playing with the fabric of her clothe. She was frequently looking at her feet. Maybe hoping to escape as soon as possible.

"Are you new?" Nish asked the anxious one. Good guess, she was.

"Yess, Princess." Her voice was soft and feared.

"What's your name?"

"Margaret"

"Tell me, who am I?" She asked.

Margaret got uncomfortable. She felt like being interviewed for the second time. She looked at the girl standing beside her for help. She signaled her to quitly follow the instructions. It would not be smart to enrage the Princess and the future Queen.

"You are Lady Cisa of House of Sandros, Princess."

"And where are we?"

"On Victoria Island, Princess. A part of Sandro group of islands. You have been married to Prince William. Soon you'll become the queen of the Island country of Victoria and Sandros."

Nisha looked at her with curiosity. The girl besides Margaret squeezed her hand signaling that she spoke much more than needed.

The guard standing over the door announced, “General Gustovph is entering.'' After a moment a man entered the room. He was well built, somebody in his thirties maybe. Tall and muscular. His thick hair tied in a bun. His face looked matured. Chiseled jaw and sharp features. A cut mark on his right cheek. He looks like a warrior. “Princes you…” he suddenly realized the presence of the maids. He stopped in his way. His mouth was shut but his eyes were shouting with concern.

"You may leave now." Nisha calmly ordered the maids to exit. They followed the orders.

As soon as they walked out. Gustovph ran towards her. She stood up, acknowledging him. He wanted to hold her in an embrace but he controlled himself. His eyes were soft and caring. He chose just the words to express his concern, any other physical gesture would be inappropriate, “Princess are you alright? Why didn't you tell me where you were going? It's my job to protect you. I was so concerned.”

She didn't know how to react. He seems genuinely concerned. Who is he? My boyfriend? Nope the Princess is married. But who said a married Princess can't have affairs. He looks older though. Maybe my bodyguard. But surely he is more concerned than a guard should be. Something is odd.

“I am fine…” what was his name? “...Gustovph. You don't have to worry.”

“But…”

“Henceforth I'll tell you wherever I go. I promise.”

He smiled. He suddenly realised something. “Ohh I am sorry. I guess I said much more than required.”

She just smiled.

“You should rest. I'll take your leave." his eyes were saying much more than his words. he looked at her with slight moist and glittery eyes. "Take care Cis... I mean take care Princess Cisa.” He exited the room.

Strange.

Situation confirmed. They were on some island country, Victoria, which was a part of the Group of islands of Sandros. Maybe in the royal library I can get some more information. I hope there exists a royal library. But whatever it is, I am not having a good feeling about this place.