Saan's smile slowly fades and he seems to become lost in thought.
"Leyah," young prince Saan sighed and rubbed his head. His hair was a mess, the braid had come apart, the ribbon on the end tying it together had failed at its job. "I won, you said the winner has to carry the other person on their back." he crossed his arms and gave his most serious glare at Aaleyah. Tilting his head, "Turn around." he attempted to order.
Little Aaleyah cleared her throat and kicked at a small pebble on the dirt path. "Saan," she whined, crossing her arms behind her back, "I think it is a tie. You know it as well don't you?" she spoke as if she was teaching a child. You know what you have done wrong, and you are aware of how to fix the problem. Her convincing tone of voice was urging Saan to do the right thing and concede defeat to carry her on his back.
But she lost.
"Besides," she added, pointing a finger as if she just realized something, "We arrived simultaneously," she lied.
Saan fidgeted with the cuff of his sleeve, "Leyah you are not being fair. My horse was the fastest. It was not a tie at all. I beat you, I even dismounted the horse before you. The only thing simultaneous were the looks we gave each other when it was. The look of a victor and a loser."
Aaleyah filled her cheeks with air and slowly exhaled, "Herom said that the royal's horse breed is meant to be much faster." She shrugged her shoulders, "My Arabian will always be unable to race against such exotic breeds." She brushed her hair back into her bun, her yellow hair pin was loose from all the riding. That and the strand she just moved was blown back into her face from the wind.
Raising his head, "Sounds to me like you admit to losing."
Fixing the sleeves of her outer garments, "How dreadful to think that the son of the Dlumaeni line unfairly races against a poor girl who loves to ride horses," she says, her voice filled with disappointment.
Saan rolled his eyes, "The Aljehni family is poor now? I had no idea," he laughed derisively. "I did not cheat, but there is no point continuing this conversation. Besides you made no complaints about me using a Caspian horse before. Now that you lost you suddenly have grievances."
Aaleyah bowed, "Prince Saan please judge favorably over this situation. Despite my horse breed this humble subject kept up with you and strived to do their best. Should she be punished for the breed of her horse?" she asked, appalled.
Saan shook his head feeling cheated, "how humble is the subject if she requires I carry her?" Kneeling on the ground before her, "Hop on so we can eat."
Aaleyah smiled victoriously and hopped on his back having no fear of him dropping her.
Saan staggered forward from the sudden weight, his arms immediately gripping her legs around his waist, "Leyah! I have no desire to see the royal physician anymore. The last time he made me drink terrible medicine. Leave my back unscathed please." He felt her arms cross over his chest as she clung to him and he couldn't hold back his slight smile.
"My Akhal-Teke! Go!" She thrust her hand in the air cheering as Saan began moving. "Prince Saan, my winning steed, be sure not to drop me or I am telling my brother," she threatened.
Feeling slighted, "When have I ever dropped you?" he turned his head to face her, her hair tickling as it flew past his cheeks.
Her bright golden eyes shined, "Never it is good to keep it this way." then she kissed him on the cheek, "Go your majesty to the palace! Fast like how you did during the race."
Saan started to jog back, "Now you admit I won."
His response only got excited giggling in return.
Walking down the palace hall Saan held Aaleyah's hand closely in his. "Are you able to have breakfast with the queen today? Or shall we eat alone?"
Aware of her inability to visit the queen last night, now that her emotions are at a calmer state she does wish to see her. She always wanted to see the queen, but the fears haunt her.
Somehow reading her mind, "I stand by what I said," leaning close to whisper in her ear, "we have military for a reason, you need not feel responsible, or at fault."
Smiling softly at his words, "Is her majesty able to attend breakfast?"
"We will eat in her chambers, she will not need to move too far," he squeezes her hand. "She asked for you, come and visit your mother with me."
Her heart warms at his words, nodding, "We can warm her some honey water." Thinking more, "Actually Princess Hestia will have something that will soothe the queen."
Laughing, "Hammun spoke of going to visit her in the gardens after we parted last night. She may have spent the entire night concocting something."
The conversation lulls and they both silently continue walking.
"Is it," he starts catching Aaleyah's attention, "that you do not wish to see her?"
Halting her breaths, "Has the king given more orders?"
"In regards to yesterday? There are no further orders that can be given." He motions for Helan and the other guards to give them more space. "Aaleyah, there is nothing I want more than for those I love to be out of danger. No one will gamble with your life, no one will think to do so," his eyes narrow, "not even you. Do not fear anything."
Searching his eyes she cannot detect any nervousness. What he has said he truly believes, there is no trace of weakness. These are not words he says to comfort her in the moment, but he will stand by them; and knowing this Aaleyah is not sure if she feels better or worse. "This subject has been selfish thinking only of herself. She humbly apologizes, the high prince must be given undivided attention and the utmost respect and honesty. This subject accepts punishment for not doing so."
Saan seems somewhat angry at her words. "Before the queen you will refer to yourself as Aaleyah, am I understood?" he tells her with a slight scrowl.
"I said I would carry it." Hestia's voice is hear and Aaleyah can see her reaching for a tray in Hammun's hands. "Return it to me."
Hammun moves the tray away, a jade tea pot of tea and a bottle atop of it.
Hammun smirks, "Save your strength for later, you do not need to carry." He side steps her again when she attempts to grab the tray, "Be careful I may drop it while avoiding you," he teases.
"Then stop avoiding me," she quips back.
"What will my mother say?" Hammun uses his elbow to hold Hestia back from him while quoting his mother, "Is this the son I raised? Is this the prince of the kingdom? How can you allow your wife to lift a finger in front of you?" He turns to face Hestia and she almost bumps into the tray, "Is your desire for me to get into trouble? The queen mother is sick, a scare is not good for health.
Hestia's response is halted as she finally notices them. Bowing, "Good morning."
"Have you slept well Princess Hestia?" Saan asks.
Hammun smirks and makes eye contact with Aaleyah; motioning for her to come stand next to him.
"That is not the important matter we must discuss." Hestia pouts, "You must help me, Hammun refuses to listen," she complains walking in stride with Saan.
Smiling, "How has my brother given you grievances so early?"
When Aaleyah does not move from Saan's side Hammun goes to her.
Pointing at the tray in Hammun's hand, "He stole my tray." Hestia whines. "I worked all night to get things ready and now that I am finally finished he stole it from me."
The guards step back saying nothing. When it comes to Hestia the guards are used to this atmosphere she creates.
Saan glances at the tray in his brother's hand, "Ah you made golden milk? Is this for everyone?" he asks, ignoring the point of Hestia's words.
Hammun nods, "Yes, and it smells heavenly. I tried some earlier, it is very good."
"I quite enjoy Hestia's moon milk more," Saan says and Aaleyah silently agrees recalling the rich drink Hestia had made for them in the past.
Hammun's eyes brighten, "Yes, I have almost forgotten that."
Hestia huffs and peers around Saan at Aaleyah, "They are just ignoring me. You understand me right?" she asks Aaleyah with pleading eyes.
Hammun who is walking at Aaleyah's side, "Sun Sister, please tell Hestia I am only being helpful."
"We are almost there." Aaleyah says choosing no side in the fun argument.
Hestia grumbles but focuses on adjusting herself. Her hands smoothing the collar, and organizing the jewels and clips. Her fingers moving towards her neck to situate the necklace just right.
Hammun motions for the guards to open the door, "Hestia will you walk in first?" he asks knowing she will want to tell the queen that the tray he is holding is hers and not his.
Hestia leaves Saan's side to rush in without a moment's notice. Hammun smiles softly and walks after her.
Saan keeps a gentle but tight hold on Aaleyah's hand while he motions for Helan to follow and guard inside.
Inside Hestia must have been granted power from Simurgh to already be mid-story. "-then I also brewed you tea that will help with the pain and help you sleep. Rest is very important to the healing process." She picks up chalice and pours the golden milk inside. "Just drink a bit, do not push yourself."
Hammun places the tray on the table and kisses his mother on the cheek. "Good Morning."
The queen smiles, "How lovely," her words are spoken as she exhales to avoid the pain in her side, "as always I am forever grateful to you Hestia."
Hestis beams.
Saan releases her hand to pull out a chair for her to sit but Aaleyah refuses and bows in front of the queen.
Reaching her hand out, "Childe Aaleyah, come," she beckons and Aaleyah walks towards her and kneels at her feet.
Queen Anahita pats Aaleyah's head. "I have caused you worry, allow me to see your eyes."
Lifting her head Aaleyah studies the queen as much as the queen studies her. Her pale face and tired eyes.
"You did not sleep well," the queen points out.
"This one apologizes for not seeing you," she says, her eyes flickering to Saan knowing she addressed herself not according to his wishes.
The queen squeezes Aaleyah's tugging weakly for her to get off the floor. She pats the chair next to her at the round table; Saan quickly pulls it out for her to sit.
The queen never releases Aaleyah's hand, "You must have been so scared." Ignoring the pain in her side the queen moves her other hand to squeeze Aaleyah's shoulder. "You have been so brave, I thank you for retrieving the king."
"You needed him," is Aaleyah's small reply.
Hestia is silent still holding the cup of warm liquid in her hand, seeming unsure if she should interrupt or not.
Saan takes a seat next to Aaleyah, "She came to see you yesterday mother, since you were sleeping she refused to wake you."
The queen nods, "I see. Yesterday must have been quite strenuous for you," she gravely says, her eyes watering as she takes in Aaleyah's tired state.
Squeezing Aaleyah's hand, "You be sure to eat well, after you go back and rest. We do not need two women in the family unwell."
Hestia takes that moment to place the cup in front of the queen, and Hammun hands her the second cup to place in front of Aaleyah.
"If you are also unwell you can come see me, I will make you something to help you rest," Hestia worriedly says.
Aaleyah shakes her head not wishing to bother her.
"Yes, that would be a great help." Aaleyah can barely hold back her glare at Saan's words. "Please make something to help Aaleyah have a dreamless sleep," Saan tells Hestia, and smiles when she nods in agreement, promising to do so.
In an attempt to return the attention to the queen instead of her, "Your majesty, my apologies for causing you to worry. Please think of nothing but recovering. If there is anything that can be done this su- one promises to do so." Aaleyah corrects herself from saying subject when she hears Saan cough. "The kingdom as well as your family needs their queen to recover." Aaleyah replaces her hand with the cup, "Please drink."
"Yes I agree. Mother need not worry there is no one in this room that will not defend their family," Hammun vows.
Saan silently taps for Aaleyah to sit comfortably in her seat and to drink the milk as well. "Mother, shall fill her mind with nothing more than recovering. I will worry about Aaleyah," he vows.
Aaleyah turns her head, and from the corner of her eye sees Helan move to open the door,
"The King has arrived," he announces.
Everyone sans the queen rises to greet the king.
Stepping into the chambers the king's hair is braided into 7 braids at the top of his head tied up in a silver hair clip. The rest of his black silk hair falls down his strong back. His black jacket is embroidered with intricate symbols and designs to depict longevity and strength; it is tied at his waist with a dark blue belt. His black cuffs tie his sleeves down giving him a smooth fit.
He walks through the room straight to the queen, "Anahita," he breathes her name and kisses her forehead, having all present look away from the display of affection. "How are you this morning?" he asks while waving his hand to notify everyone to sit back down.
The queen smiles and Hammun vacates his seat so his father can sit next to her.
Sliding into the seat the King smiles at the drink in his wife's hand. "This is good, it will help you sleep. How much have you had?"
Grinning, "I have only just gotten it, not even a sip has been taken," she tells him with amusement.
Saan tugs on Aaleyah's elbow slowly leading her to her seat. Hiding her hands on her lap her fingers scratch at the skin by her nail.
"I feel lovely knowing that the entire family can sit at a breakfast table together," the queen looks at all of her children around the table with a loving smile.
Placing his hand in Aaleyah's so she can play with his ring, "Mother I came to eat with you last week. We ate and I let you tell me all about the flowers in the garden that are in bloom. I listened to every word with no complaint," Saan says jokingly.
Hestia bounces excitedly when the servants come to set the table with more fruits and breads. "It has been some time since we all ate together. The last time was before your marriage to Aaleyah," she says, picking up the queen's plate to give her some fruit.
Aaleyah freezes and looks up from Saan's ring to see everyone's eyes. "My apologies for not having more of a presence in the family meals," she calmly says, releasing Saan's hand but his fingers wrap around her tightly.
"There is no need to apologize," Saan tells her, then turns to Hestia. "If we eat a meal with you one may come to understand the phrase an ocean needs no more water," he jokes.
The queen nods her head, "Your apology is not necessary Aaleyah. A family meal is not just your responsibility, my sons have filled their lives with other engagements."
Hammun finishes a swing of his drink, "I would not say working in court is an engagement that I am choosing over meals." Scratching his nose, "If I could make the meeting shorter I would, but with every word there are 2 statements to decipher."
The king nods, "But enough of that, let us enjoy our meal."
The conversation stills and everyone picks up their utensils to eat.
Saan does not release her hand and Aaleyah, unable to bring herself to pull away eats with her left hand instead. Saan occasionally helps place food on her plate. At the action she catches Hammun scrutinizing gaze and knows he is planning something.
She watches as Hammun pretends to fix his pant leg to look under the table before rising in his seat with a playful smirk in his brother's direction. She wonders if she should pull away but as if reading her mind Saan's hand tightens.
Hammun places a date on Aaleyah's plate, "Have some Aaleyah, they are sweeter this season."
Nodding, Aaleyah lifts her fork and pauses. To eat a date one must use both hands, one to bite, and one to remove the pit.
Saan takes the date from Aaleyah's plate and bites into it. Once he can see the pit he pulls it out with his teeth. Tossing the pit on his plate he puts the rest of the date back on Aaleyah's plate. "Hestia today I hear you will make wine?"
Eating the date Aaleyah turns her attention along with Hammun to await Hestia's reply.
Finishing her bite of toast, "Yes, we will be picking out the grapes and smashing them today. The wine we created last moon was not sweet enough." She puts some fruit on Hammun's plate, "I will be sure to bring Musinm so you do not worry."
Hammun pushes his food around, "I was actually hoping to come with you," he glances at his father as he speaks.
"You do not wish to come to court today," King Hammaan chews his food. "Today will be strenuous. If you are not there it may be difficult to avoid giving Aaleyah her punishment.
Aaleyah's hand freezes, she had thought her punishment was already given. She had to tell Saan, and thus opened up her mind to the memories of the past. Was that not the punishment? Clearing her throat she places the fork back onto her plate, "When shall I enter court?" she asks, forcing herself to speak in a light voice, to prevent Saan from reading her nerves.
"Hammaan," the queen calls, "it was under my orders that she came. If anyone shall be punished let it be me." She reaches over to squeeze Aaleyah's hand, "must we give her more stress?" shaking her hand, "look at her eyes, she hasn't slept at all."
Aaleyah shifts away from the queen closer to Saan unconsciously, "I am quite well. We are currently in the process of building friendships with neighboring kingdoms, we must not make the state of the court seem weak. It is more beneficial for me to be punished publicly to show that no one is fit to disrupt the Dlumaeni line." Not even an Aljehni. She moves her hand away from the queen's and Saan's placing them both on her lap.
Saan pulls Aaleyah's chair closer to him, "We are not punishing Aaleyah not publicly or otherwise." Sitting back leisurely in his seat, "A king that does not care for his queen will not care for his kingdom."
Hammun nods in thought, "That is a good point. The king's loyalty knows no bounds. We could vow to be as loyal to our friends as we are our own family." He already seems to be planning the best courses of action.
The lips of King Hammaan curls, "Hence why it is important you come to court," he muses, his dark gaze focussing on Aaleyah.
"There should still be a punishment of some sort. If I go unpunished it sets a precedent that anyone can invade the king's court." Aaleyah ignores Saan tapping the edge of her chair.
Hestia usually does not join in conversations like this. Her mind is not able to follow the politics and human nature to what she would call betrayal. "But," next to her Hammun nods for her to continue speaking, "High Princess Aaleyah is an Aljehni."
Hearing the repeated statement Aaleyah's chest grows cold. Aljehni, the hanging sword over her head, tied by a jute rope. With each sway of the wind another part of it breaks, and she lives her life waiting for the killing blow.
"An Aljehni is more than just a princess, her family is blessed by the Gods. It is her blessing from them that has allowed us to get to the queen." Turning back and forth between the king and Saan, "Could we not say something like that?"
"I do not converse with any Gods." Aaleyah moves her chair back to its original place ignoring Saan, "It would be a sin to lie about that."
"Aaleyah if we punish you we can please some kingdoms," Hammun scratches above his eye, "but not all." He gazes at his fiancee for a moment before returning his attention to Aaleyah, "Other kingdoms may be insulted as well as outraged. Your family had many connections, and some of the friendships our kingdom has is solely due to your family. To punish you would anger them."
It is not stated outright but the kingdoms are obvious. The Heahnian kingdom is the most powerful one. Known for staying neutral, their peace does not equate to weakness. If angered they have the means to take over lands and build their own empire. Luckily the king and queen were close friends of Aljehni's and followed their will to form an alliance with Aidkjeen.
Saan snakes his foot around the leg of her chair, pulling her closer to him. His fingers tap on the table, "We leave Aaleyah unpunished," his eyes hold a dark glint, "then we sit and wait for the old reigns followers to retaliate." Looking at his father, "this is our chance to know who is truly on your side or not. The reason she goes unpunished is not because she is an Aljehni, but because she is my wife."
Aaleyah, no longer able to ignore him, turns to look at Saan's hard expression.
"If the future queen is punished it takes away her power. As far as the people in court need to know, the king gave Aaleyah this power, the queen gave her this power, and I gave her this power. To punish her is to punish the crown." Then with a smirk he adds, "Aaleyah will stay at my side for half a moon. If need be you can allow the world to see that as a punishment."
As the saying goes, 'The words of the king are law.'
The king's eyes twinkle at his son's blatant protection of his wife. "Yes, Aaleyah will stay at your side to be watched, she will be unable to stir more trouble. Enough discussion, let us enjoy the meal with Anahita."
Saan takes Aaleyah's hand and places the fork back in it, "Have some fruit," he tells her, piling her plate with grapes and plums.
Later Saan sits in his royal overcoat, a dark expression painted on his face, on the left of the king's throne. In front of him on either side of the aisle the court officials sit. He has been listening to the disagreements and whines of the children that claim to be court officials for an hour now. With nothing to say he stays quietly in his seat, his expertise not needed. That is until Aaleyah walks in, her outfit the same as this morning, her black curls tied up with pins, her crown atop her chilly expression.
On his father's right is Hammun, a brush in hand as he writes on the paper. The topic of funding for the academy and magistrates updates have finished, and Hammun organizes them while speaking to Advisor Shah.
Aaleyah stands in front of the king, in the middle of the two aisles. Her cold demeanor normally makes the officials nervous, but knowing this could be their only chance to punish her they ignore their fear to speak.
Official Amon stands and bows deeply, "Your majesty, if I may," he waits for the king's acknowledgement before speaking, "to allow a crime to go unpunished can have dire consequences. What if others seek out the same power you are allotting?" he turns his gaze to Aaleyah, who does not spare a glance in his direction. "The crime must be punished to give an example to the world that no one should insult the king."
Standing up on the opposite side, Official Darius pontins his fingers, "Others like you! Funds were given to the department of agriculture to aid the farmers. Some of those funds disappeared and the last to touch them was your son, correct? If anyone should know about seeking power they do not deserve it would be the department of agriculture."
"How dare you!" Amon walks to the front of the aisle, the only reason he does not cross it is due to Aaleyah's cold eyes that freeze him in his spot. "You dare to speak about my son? We were proven innocent."
Official Darius' smirk is all the proof Saan needs. He purposely brought up the topic knowing of the response he would get. "And who pray tell is the reason behind that? Is it not the high princess you are pleading for the king to punish?"
Minister Amon swallows and sneaks a peak at Aaleyah. If not for his wife's urging for evidence, Minister Amon's son would have been framed. Aaleyah personally came with the commissioner to help catch the culprit, saving Minister Amon's son as well as his entire family.
"One must not allow friendships to corrupt the sanctity of court," Minister Amon mutters.
Official Darius laughs and moves the back of his robe so he can sit back down, "I am so glad to hear you agree. Thus the king has given his order, for the sanctity of the court we as officials shall follow it. Unless there are those who claim to be more knowledgeable than the king."
Saan holds back his smirk as Minster Amon's teeth grind. To continue to fight with Official Darius he would be forced to publicly disagree with the king. While the case with his family was solved, he still has eyes on him and must tread carefully. Being forced to accept his defeat, "Of course not. I only had concerns for the state of the kingdom's peace." Bowing, "My humblest apologies," He turns to return to his seat but Saan notices Aaleyah's vacant expression and decides he has had enough.
"The one you should apologize to stands before you. Minister Amon, head of agriculture, you seem to hold knowledge of the safety of the kingdom, perhaps you are in the wrong position," he says darkly as he makes his way down the stairs. "If I was aware of your skillset I would have intervened earlier."
Hearing the threat in Saan's words Amon drops to the floor bowing deeply, "This subject does not deserve such praise. The High Prince needs not look at me!"
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, "You are a subject? Why do you kneel before me?"
Raising his head, "You are High Prince Saan, next in line for the throne, one must show you respect." Amon answers feeling confusion on the questions he is being asked.
"Your son Akl received honors from the academy, however there were other students who showed promise. Accepting him into the king's court was truly a gift." Saan says in a bored tone. "A gift that was only given because of my brother, the prince and the high princess's careful consideration. Minister Amon's family has climbed high enough to believe they can yell at the High Princess."
Minster Amon shakes his head, "I apologize-"
"Don't interrupt me. This court is fair, you have every right to disagree and state your opinions, but you will do so with respect." Walking past Amon in a nervous puddle on the floor, Saan eyes scan everyone in the court, "Without respect your words will be heard only after punishment for your insubordination."
Standing by Aaleayh's side, "The high princess of the kingdom will stay by my side. With me keeping an eye on her, who would dare say she is causing trouble?" he asks aloud.
Amon stays nervously on the floor awaiting his punishment for speaking rudely.
"Speak," Saan orders darkly, "Have you nothing to say?"
Amon turns on his knees and bows numerous times to Aaleyah, "High Princess Aalyah, this lowly subject apologizes for speaking loudly in your ear. This lowly subject had forgotten his place, and thanks High Prince Saan for reminding me. My loyalty is to the throne and therefore to you as well."
Saan's dark eyes lighten as he turns his attention to Aaleyah, "High Princess Aaleyah is kind and does not demand you to follow the rules and hierarchy. She humbles herself to be punished as if she is another citizen of the kingdom." He refrains himself from caressing her face and returns his dark eyes to Minister Amon, "I on the other hand am not. You will address the high princess the same way you address me. She is not your equal, and it is through her that you, Minister Amon will leave with a warning. For it is she that has once again saved your family."
With one motion of Saan's head Amon scrambles to get off his knees and return to his place.
Aaleyah's dark eyes follow Saan but she is unable to speak, her words of disagreement will only create more discord. Instead Saan watches her give Hammun a look for assistance.
Rising from his seat, "As High Prince Saan said, the High Princess will stay by his side, are there any other concerns regarding the matter?" Prince Hammun's calm brown eyes scan the other officials who have been oddly silent.
King Haamaan claps his hands, "Then allow us to adjourn, the sun is already moving towards the west."
Thus everyone bows and exits the court quickly, hoping to avoid High Prince Saan's wrath. All the while whispering about what they just saw.
"It has been some time since High Prince Saan attended court. Now I know why."
"He was so quiet the entire morning, one could almost believe he was not even listening before."
"It is good that the high princess was not punished severely, Lord of Heavens truly watches over the last Aljehni. If not for the high prince, she would never demand the respect she deserves."
When the doors close Saan takes Aaleyah's hand, "Must you insist on punishing yourself? Did you truly have no intention to stop him from disrespecting you?"
Hammun sets the brush down and makes his way down the stairs, "Saan, Aaleyah was only trying to avoid chaos. Do you not recall our conversation earlier? If she demands more power and respect it only lightens the candle of tension that an Aljehni takes too much," he explains to his brother, his hand on Saan's wrist to have him release Aaleyah's hand.
"I thought I made myself clear. She will not be punished, she will not apologize, she has done nothing wrong. I will not diminish the power she has to please the very men who sit in their chairs due to her kindness." He steps close to his brother, "To assume I will is foolish." He does not wait for Hammun to respond and takes his wife's hand to exit out the side doors.