Entangled

AGBÉ̩KẸ́

I felt my heart drop to my stomach, and a  flurry of emotions engulfed me like a tempest. Fear, excitement, uncertainty – they all danced a chaotic waltz, leaving me breathless in their wake when I received the news that the King requested my audience. It was a sensation I had not experienced before, one that left me feeling both exhilarated and unnerved. Whenever he crosses my mind, or I catch a glimpse of him from afar, my body mirrors this emotional surge. It's been weeks since I last saw him, marked by a somewhat awkward moment.

"I don't want to lose you," his words echoed in the recesses of my mind, their weight heavy upon my soul. The memory of his touch lingered, a fleeting caress that left a trail of longing. What did it all mean? I pondered, my thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a storm.

He never asked to see me; honestly, I didn't feel there was a need to see him either. Most of my time was spent with the Queen, understanding the intricacies of the palace life and the culture of Egypt and getting to know her better. Back in my hometown, I knew my stepmother was involved in a lot of planning and detailing regarding the palace, but most of the duties were carried out by other women in the court.

On the other hand, Queen Aziza has a larger scale of involvement in the palace affairs. The palace networking is astonishingly complex, allowing me to understand how it runs smoothly and seamlessly.

Each department operates independently, whether the kitchen, clothing, cleaning, or others, intertwining to form a web of networks. Watching her manage all this for the past few weeks earned her a sage amount of respect from me.

I suspect what she enjoys most from our encounter is the simple pleasure of having someone to share her day with. She seemed more excellent and more laid back than I had expected, and even with a larger room, an upgraded wardrobe, more time at my disposal, and a little taste of freedom, I still find it hard to trust her. 'oju lalá kàn fi ñsóri' meaning to be always watchful of my surroundings to avoid danger.

Ultimately, I'm just a girl trying to survive in a foreign land, and trusting people isn't exactly a forte I thrive in.

Standing outside the King's chamber door, I paused to steady my nerves, inhaling deeply as I smoothed the delicate fabric of my dress. The gown, a pristine white cascade of silk, hugged my frame elegantly, its neckline dipping gracefully to reveal just a hint of skin.

My hair, swept back in a simple bun, lent an air of sophistication to my appearance, while the glimmer of gold jewelry adorned my ears and wrist added a touch of opulence to the ensemble.

As I glanced down at the red bead encircling my wrist, a quiet reminder of my roots, a sense of reassurance washed over me. Embracing the customs and traditions of others did not mean forsaking my own heritage; rather, it was a testament to the richness and diversity of my identity.

With each step forward, I carried with me the echoes of my past, a silent tribute to the land and culture that shaped me into the person I had become.

As I entered the King's chamber, his figure came into view, framed against the backdrop of towering bookshelves. Despite his casual attire, there was an undeniable magnetism to his presence, an aura that seemed to command attention without effort. I felt his gaze sweep over me, a silent appraisal that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Why did you wish to see me, Your Majesty?" I inquired, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves within me. The King turned to face me, a book forgotten in his hands, his expression unreadable.

"How have you been finding your time with the queen dowager?" he asked, his tone casual yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.

"Interesting," I replied, choosing my words carefully as I tried to decipher the meaning behind his question. A pregnant pause filled the room, tension simmering beneath the surface as we stood locked in a silent exchange.