My heart clenched painfully at the sight of her tears, a stark contrast to the strong and formidable facade she typically wore. It was the first time I had seen her truly vulnerable, and it left me feeling utterly helpless—something I hadn't experienced since ascending to the throne.
Anger simmered within me, directed at her family for abandoning her, yet guilt gnawed at my insides, knowing that I, too, played a part in her distress. All I wanted was to share the truth with her, but in doing so, I had inadvertently caused her pain.
Her tear-streaked face haunted my thoughts, each memory inflicting a tangible ache upon my soul. I longed to wrap her in my arms, to shield her from the world and assure her that everything would be alright.
"We're delighted you could join us for breakfast, Your Majesty," Queen Aziza's warm voice broke through my reverie as she took a sip from her cup. I returned her sentiment with a grateful smile, my gaze drifting to Rehema, who sat at the table, struggling to cut her food.
A maid, sensing her difficulty, moved to assist, but I halted her with a raised hand, signaling for her to pause. With a nod of understanding, she resumed her duties nearby. I grabbed Rehema's plate of food and helped cut the meat into small portions easily chewable for her.
"Thank you," her delicate voice resonated in the room, briefly lifting the weight from my concerned heart and replacing it with a fleeting sense of joy and relief.
"Rehema! You don't call the King by his name," The Queen scolded.
"Sorry, Mother," Rehema's voice lowered.
"It's fine, your Highness, no need to scold her," I reassured, offering a gentle smile to Rehema, whose face lit up in response.
Memories flooded back as I reflected on my initial indifference towards her birth, I felt the same way about Queen Aziza and unborn Rehema as I felt about my father, but when I held her in my hands for the first time, an overwhelming surge of love enveloped me, she was so tiny, her eyes, fingers, feet, and toe, fitting snugly into my hands. Who knew having a sister could fill one's heart with love.
"I've heard that Lady Agbé̩kẹ́ will be accompanying Lady Kissa for a trade mission outside the palace. I'd feel much more at ease if she had an escort. I've personally selected Khufu and a few other skilled soldiers to accompany them," I said.
The Queen smiled. "You need not ask,Your wish is my command.
I nodded in gratitude and returned my focus to my meal.
"You must truly care about her. Lady Agbé̩kẹ́ is a remarkable woman—strong, compassionate, and fierce. It's heartening to see your concern for her," the Queen remarked.
A pang of sadness flickered across my smile as I remembered Agbé̩kẹ́'s tearful expression. "I do care deeply for her," I admitted softly.
A fleeting moment of silence enveloped the room, breaking the silence like a delicate whisper, the Queen's voice pierced through the stillness.
"Rehema has been asking about the late King lately," she ventured, her tone gentle yet laden with significance. I braced myself, already anticipating the direction in which the conversation was veering.
"I do not wish to hear it," I interjected sharply,"Your Majesty, if you would just hear me out," the Queen implored, her voice soft and beseeching. "His final words were meant for you. It would bring him peace in the afterlife.
CITEȘTI
Entangled
Istorice"Do you have to only think about yourself? Do you even know how I feel being cramped up in this place? On second thought, you don't know, cause you have no heart. You took me away from my family, my loved ones, you ruined my life. Stripped me of my...
