Inside Hestia’s chambers she listens to Hammun speaking through the door. Her hand on the other side, hovering over the handle.
“Everything was a success today, Kitten. The king wishes to celebrate. You will get to help Aaleyah plan a celebration.”
She hears him step away and sit on the steps. “I know I have wronged you Hestia, I am truly sorry for hurting you. You once told me that there are many things about being a royal that confuses you. The truth is, being a royal is a blessing to the people. We are blessed to provide for them To hear them and grant their needs and desires. We are blessed to ensure that our people can walk a path of happiness.”
Hestia leans on the door, peeking through the small window. She stayed in her chambers the entire day. The red ribbon no longer holds her hair up, instead it falls loosely over her shoulders. Her blue gown is not tied at the waist, giving an image of a married woman preparing for bed. It would go against protocol to allow him in.
“We give blessings, but rarely do we receive them. With so many lives at one’s fingertips one must learn to deal with pressure and stress.” Hammun looks towards the closed door and she ducks.
“That is usually something we learn to do alone. We learn to lean on our own knowledge, we learn to strengthen our own mind. We learn that the best way to have something done is to mold what you desire with your own hands. Hestia, I did not wish for you to feel my stress, my fears, nor did I wish for you to worry. I thought if I could solve the problem I could go to you with happy news. I did not wish to be in a position to tell you that-” He stops to glance at the door once more.
Hestia’s heart warms at Hammun’s words. If what he is saying is true, then he never intended to hurt her?
No. He lied! He kept secrets.
Rising Hammun stands in front of the door. “I was scared,” he weakly admits. “I was scared you would ask me what to do, and I would have to admit that I did not know, I did could not tell you that I too am at a loss. The decisions I make, the political stances I take, the good of the people often harms the good of my heart,” he whispers.
Hearing such a confession Hestia can ignore him no longer and opens the door ignoring protocol. Opening her hand towards him. “Come in please.”
In her chambers Aaleyah plays the lyre, her fingers gracefully moving over the strings.
Saan lays over the cushions, a table of fruits before him, his focus solely on her. His hand moves blindly searching for the bowl of grapes, pausing mid-search when Aaleyah’s eyes make contact with his and he recalls a memory.
“My sister has been really upset recently.” Asbed told Saan as they made their way through the trees.
Saan frowned. “Aaleyah?” he asked unsure. Usually when Asbed spoke of Aaleyah his voice was filled with annoyance and frustration. This time however it was filled with worry.
Asbed nodded. “Yes, she got in a fight with Zale, and they have not spoken to each other for a week.”
Aaleyah and Zale were as close as twins could get. Usually they could not go an hour without speaking to each other. The two even studied together.
“What happened? Those two never fight.”
Asbed stretched his arms and worked the kinks out of his neck. “Well Zale told Aaleyah he will learn the lyre. Which seems very simple, you learn to play an instrument, I mean almost all of us know how to play something.”
Saan nodded agreeing with Asbed’s words. “It does not seem like anything big. Are you sure that is why Aaleyah is angry at him?” Saan sighed, if he did not leave Cabimal for training with his father he would have been home and able to stop his friends from arguing.
Asbed shook his head. “Yes and no. It is about the instrument but not really. This is the last Blue moon Aaleyah has before her studies separate from Zale’s. Next Blue moon Aaleyah will have to go under strict classes with father to learn Aljehni history. One person out of every generation has to do it, and this generation is Aaleyah. But she hopes to continue the class on concealed weaponry.”
Saan shook at the words. Aaleyah excelled in martial classes, her skill with the dagger completely terrifying.
“But from Zale’s perspective he will be forced to take more combat courses later on, and this is his last year to choose simple things; like-”
“Music,” Saan finished Asbed’s sentence. “So Aaleyah wishes to spend her last moons studying with Zale, but Zale is separating his courses from her early.”
“Our house has been strange since. No one knows what will set them off. Zale went with Amenah to buy a lyre and when Aaleyah saw it she exploded. She swore that if she heard so much as one string from such a stupid instrument she would break it.”
Saan shook his head. “And how did Zale respond?” he asked knowing that Zale would never back down to his twin.
“He said if she breaks his instrument he will write her secret down and post it on the bulletins throughout the entire city so everywhere she goes she will feel embarrassed, then he will become talented in his instrument to write a song to sing about his sister’s humiliation.”
Saan was following along with the story but hearing about a secret his curiosity grew. “Wait what secret?”
Asbed smirked. “Don’t ask me. Those chaos makers are finally not focused on me, I am not going to ask the sun to shine my way.”
Saan nudged him. “So you know the secret?”
An evil glint shown in Asbed’s eyes. “I know that Aaleyah will forever remember Zale’s threat everytime she hears a lyre string.”
Saan recalls the memories as Aaleyah finishes the song and places the lyre away. Very rarely does she play it, the emotions and heartache have no place to hide when she plucks the strings.
Saan opens his arms for Aaleyah to sit next to him, beaming with joy when she does without a fight. “Thank you for your music, my wife is the most talented in the land.” His arms wrap around her holding her close.
Aaleyah says nothing, her fingers seek out the ring on his and she spins it.
Hoping to ease her thoughts, “Even though you only chose to play for me to help Helan I am still happy.” He catches the way her hand pauses. “Once again you treat me differently for another man. You yelled at me yesterday for Helan. Now you play for me to help him. Anyone with a brain would think you cared for Helan more than I?”
Moving her angry eyes turn to Saan. “That is not true,” she states firmly.
“Which part?” he asks quickly. Now that she is flustered she will speak without thought.
“I care for Helan but it is not more than you.” Hearing her words she backs away covering her mouth with her hand and coughs. “The high prince is always cared for more,” she says in a calmer tone, attempting to alter the emotions she had in the first statement, and hide her embarrassment.
“I do not wish to be cared for more.” He holds her in a tight embrace. “I only wish to be the man you care for most.”
She moves out of his hold and he lets her, watching as she pours two cups of tea.
He leans close to her ear. “Thank you for playing tonight. The music was almost as beautiful as you.”
Far away in a town by the sea a young girl walks past the fabric store and a strange sign catches her attention. Most people ignore the sign not understanding the language it is written in. However the words written causes her feet to slow, she never knew there were others who knew the same language and she rushes home to prepare a response.
Thw next day Aaleyah stands in the banquet hall shaking her head at Hestia last minute touches.
“You have done enough,” Aaleyah tells Hestia who is still wandering around the main hall making last minute fixes on what is perfect. “Go get ready, return to celebrate your hard work in two hours time.”
Hestia checks the colors of the tablecloths once more. “You placed me in charge of the tableware as well as the cutlery there must not be a mistake.” She takes a step back to see if the candleholders clash with the plates.
Taking Hestia’s hand, Aaleyah gives her two comforting pats. “Nerves are normal to feel, but if you show them others will pick up on it. All emotions have a time and place, you can go to your chambers and take a comforting bath.”
“How can I possibly feel calm?”
Aaleyah chooses a different approach and releases Hestia’s hand. “Alright, does Princess Hestia believe there is a problem that I will be unable to solve?”
“Of course not, nothing can go wrong if you are here. Aaleyah, you hosted numerous banquets in the past; always being better than the one before.” Hestia pouts hearing Aaleyah’s point. “I understand now, High Princess Aaleyah, I will go now. But if anything happens-”
Waving her hand, “Musinm,” Aaleyah calls and the young guard enters the door.
“Take Princess Hestia back to her chambers,” she orders him, holding back her smile at Hestia’s childlike expression.
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Aaleyah then finishes speaking to the musicians explaining the music that should be played and when it should be played. She also helps set up the instruments before leaving to prepare for the entrance with Saan later.
Stepping out of the hall Helan bows to her. “High princess, may I walk you to your chambers?” He catches Aaleyah’s straying eyes and adds, “High Prince Saan sent me from the training rooms.”
“Thank you Helan, will we walk to him then?”
“High prince Saan asked me to ensure you relax before the banquet. I have orders to walk you to your chambers. He promises to meet you there after he gets ready.”
Clasping her hands together as she walks, Aaleyah acknowledges the bows from the servants they pass. She muses, just moments before she was telling Hestia to calm and go get ready. It seems Saan thinks the same of her.
Reaching her chambers Aaleyah turns to thank Helan. “Helan, will you return to High Prince Saan now?”
“Is there something high princess wishes for me to do? If needed I will remain.”
“If you wait a moment, I have prepared something for you.” When Helan bows, Aaleyah opens and closes the door to her chamber to grab the linen bundle that was delivered to her earlier in the morning. Stepping back out she hands the bundle to Helan.
Accepting it in confusion, Helan inspects the yellow linen that is tied closed into a bag to hold something very light.
“Tonight’s banquet is a very special occasion. You are a captain, and a man well respected within the palace. I hope the clothes suit you well.”
Holding the bundle in his hands Helan graces Aaleyah with a rare warm smile. “High princess is always so thoughtful.”
Aaleyah smiles and enters her chambers.
As the sun begins to make its descent to the west Hestia makes her way down the stairs to Hammun. Her azure blue gown blends with red fabrics in decorative spirals. The reds make a design of rose red vines dancing over the blues of the ocean. At her waist she wears a string of beads. The night may be cold so she holds a matching long scarf over her arms that also hides her shaking hands.
“You look radiant,” Hammun praises. He extends his hand to help her down the last few steps.
“Thank you for noticing,” she teases. Scanning him she puffs her cheeks like a fish to hide her blushing face.
Hammun’s shoulder length curls are held back by his crown. His clothes have a high collar left unclasped, the top of his chest shown. For the banquet he chose to wear all blue, the blue fabric wraps around his waist falling to his feet before looping up again. The edge of the cloth is clipped with a red stone.
“Prince Hammun has been very busy these past weeks. After our discussion time ago I had hoped to see you more,” she flatly tells him.
“My kitten, I am sorry, the scholars and I will be opening the doors to accept new students and I was giving them my thoughts.” Lifting her hand to his lips to kiss. “But this one will not be too busy to notice your beauty.”
Hestia’s smile brightens before fading as she voices her current thoughts. “You time is not occupied with the qu-”
“I will not lie to you,” Hammun cuts her off, his voice dropping to a whisper so no one else can hear. “I hold no secrets about her condition. She is still in a fragile state. Her injury is eating at her life energy, but I am still looking for Lakia, so there will be nothing to fret,” he confidently tells her.
Hestia studies the dark patches under Hammun’s eyes. “Alright, tonight do try not to drink too much, I care greatly for your health as well.”
Hammun touches his cheek. “Do I really seem that pale?” he jokes.
“Yes.”
Coughing, “Oh.”
A few breaths pass and he extends his arm, “Shall we?”
Smiling, she accepts it.
Hammun squeezes her shaking hand. “There is nothing to worry for. You are Princess Hestia, you are the power of Nevalvn, and you are my princess. There is no official who can take away the strength and beauty you represent. Hestia if at any moment you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to come to my side.”
“Does this mean you had plans of me not being at your side tonight?”
“Of course not,” he promises her warmly. “However, there will be many important figures tonight, and you may hear information you were not aware of. May I ask for you to ask your questions when the night is over and not during?”
Hestia nods, tonight’s banquet must be perfect. Aaleyah guided her as best she could. The king placed his trust in her. And the queen. The queen must not hear or experience any worry. Her health is of utmost importance.
Hestia may not understand politics to the extent Hammun does, but she is smart enough to stay silent tonight. Lest she make a fool of herself and harm the Nevalvn name.
The other kingdoms must not see this as a time to strike. Aidkjeen Kingdom must exude strength, only then can her kingdom be safe. After this banquet Hestia promises herself that she will become a princess that can defend her home.
Outside his chambers, Saan crosses the small bridge to reach Aaleyah’s chambers and knocks on the door.
A young servant opens it and bows. “The high princess welcomes you.”
Saan nods and makes his way inside. “Aaleyah?”
Earlier he saw the new clothes that Helan was wearing and he now has every intention of teasing her about it.
Helan trained under the instruction of her eldest brother, when the family was killed Helan followed Saan’s order to find Aaleyah, not just as a guard, but as a man who too wished to do everything in his power to help his senior’s sister. Thus the two are very close.
Entering the room Aaleyah is in, the other servants bow deeply to him before exiting to give them space. Aaleyah turns away from the mirror holding two different gowns in her hands. “Saan?” The shock is evident in her tone. “Is there something the matter?”
Saan shakes his head, his eyes assessing her beauty. Two small braids sit at the top of her head, small hairs falling to frame her face. The rest of the waves fall down her back mimicking ripples of water. Rarely does she wear her hair down in public settings. Leelin usually pulls her hair up with hair sticks, twists, and buns. “Did you do your hair this time?”
Subconsciously she reaches up to touch the small braids, one of the gowns sliding off her arm and he rushes to catch it.
Placing the gown on the back of the chair he turns her to face the mirror. “Choosing between blue or red? There is plenty of time, I came to ask a favor of you..”
Her eyes with his through the mirror. “This one will obey.”
Snapping his fingers, he walks towards her wardrobe. “I am wise for knowing your words before you say them,” he arrogantly states. “Lucky for you, you are not dressed for the evening just yet, my timing truly is perfect.”
Aaleyah stands in astonishment as he goes through her clothes. “Shall I call for Leelin?”
Saan moves a blue dress out of his way. He saw it the last time he was in here, now that he needs it it disappears. “No need, I know what I am looking for.”
“What is the favor you wish to tell me?” Aaleyah asks, taking a step towards him.
His eyes light up and he turns his face towards Aaleyah. “First, what do you think of my clothing for tonight's banquet?”
He motions to his red thawb embroidered with the shapes of elephants, the black matching scarf drapes over his shoulder. He purposefully takes a step so she can see his matching red pants as well as his feet that are decorated with red paint.
“High Prince’s clothing matches perfectly with tonight’s event,” she candidly tells him.
Tonight is an important night, and I would love to match with you.” He pulls out the dress and presents it to her. “I am aware that this is a dress meant for warmer temperatures, but if you grow cold tonight you can wear my scarf over your arms. Surely I will grow hot.”
Aaleyah glances at the red dress in her hand. “There are warmer dresses that match as well.”
Saan scratches his nose lightly. Her words could not be further from the truth. Nothing matches the significance of this dress.
Aaleyah was gone from the capital for a long time, it took years to find her. Helan finally located her in the outskirts of a town. When he brought her back- when she chose to return to the capital, she did not see him right away. Saan had to wait for what felt like a millennium.
Then one night he returned from hunting and there she was. Black hair blowing a protective blanket around her face. A simple hair clip lifted her hair off her neck. She wore this red dress, the skirt decorated with elephants and a black belt emphasized her thin waist. The red sleeves of the thin robe made her black hair darker.
Saan can vividly recall the moment the moonlight broke through the clouds. That was the moment he swore to keep her safe, promising the Lord that as long as she could smile then his life would be worth it. Holding the soft dress in his hands, he wonders how it will look on his wife. Will his heart beat faster at the sight?
Tilting her head down, her hair does not hide her soft smile, and he grins when she turns to face the window before turning back with a neutral expression. “It is an honor to match with the high prince.
Hearing her acceptance he moves towards her kissing her cheek. He lingers by her ear to whisper, his words dripping in honey. “The dress has many ties, shall I assist you?”
“If I need assistance I can call for Leelin.” She tells him, and for every step back she takes he steps forward.
Saan smirks, only when she is flustered does she address herself correctly. “You will call for your ladies when your husband is here?”
“High Prince Saan.” She lifts the dress to cover her face.
“Alright, I will not tease.” He tilts his head in the direction of the folding screen.
Taking the dress in her hands Aaleyah walks off calling out for Leelin.
Kissing his fist Saan extends it to the sky. Thank you Lord of the Heavens, truly one can give all wishes to you. He slaps his thigh in glee.
“High Prince Saan, is there something the matter?” One of the ladies ask. They all followed Leelin back into Aaleyah’s chambers moments ago.
“Everything is fine, thank you. Please bring tea.” He soothes his expression and walks to the tea table to wait for Aaleyah.
Saan tries to ignore the shadows of Leelin assisting Aaleyah into the dress. Ignores the wrapping the long fabric around her waist as it is tightened. The tea is placed before him and he holds it tightly. Perhaps asking her to wear this was a bad idea, just the shadows of her silhouette is intoxicating.
“There, tonight our high princess is a lioness.” Leelin’s voice is heard, and Saan can feel his excitement grow.
“Shall I fetch a warm scarf?” Leelin asks.
“If my high princess is cold I will catch the stars to warm her.”
Leelin chuckles and with one motherly pat on her hip urges Aaleyah to step out.
Saan rises and extends his hand to her, aware of the nervous tension in her shoulders. “My elegant wife, shall we? Your favorite guard Helan will be happy to see you.”
Sure enough her face darkens and her eyes lose their controlled look. “The relationship with Helan is not like that.”
Laughing, he pulls her close and kisses her cheek before she can move away.
She turns away her hand covering her cheek. “Must you keep-”
“You will not allow me to do so at the banquet, accept it now.” Seeing her shoulders relax he smiles and hand in hand they walk out.
