“Leyah.” Young prince Saan exasperated and rubbed his head. His braid had come apart, the ribbon on the end tying it together had failed at its job. Across from him Aaleyah managed to keep her hair in perfect condition; something Chiara will definitely tease him about if he sees her.

  “I won, you said the winner has to carry the other person on their back.” Aaleyah brushes a falling petal off her sleeve.

  Crossing his arms he gives his most serious glare. “No, turn around,” he attempted to order.

  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 do you not?” 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 over. 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.”

  Raising his head, “Sounds to me like you admit to losing.”

  “How dreadful to think that the son of the Dlumaeni line unfairly races against a poor girl who loves to ride horses,” she says with a pout, her voice filled with disappointment.

  Saan rolled his eyes, laughing derisively “The Aljehni family is poor now? I had no idea. 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.

  Saan staggered forward from the sudden weight, his arms immediately grip 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.”

  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 and she leaned closer to kiss him on the cheek. “Never, it is good to keep it this way. 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 a soft breeze coming in, Saan holds Aaleyah close so he can whisper his question. “Are you able to have breakfast with the queen today? Or shall we eat alone?”

  Trailing her teeth along the inside of her lip she hesitates. Last night she felt too overstimulated to visit the queen. This morning her sensibility and control has returned, as well as new fears. How can you see someone in need of help and do nothing? Even in Nevalvn she sent men to safeguard the people.

  Somehow reading her mind, “I stand by what I said, we have military for a reason, you need not feel responsible, or at fault.”

  Her lips curl slightly in a soft smile at his words. If the queen wishes to see Saan, and she is to stay by his side then what choices does she have? “Is her majesty able to attend breakfast?”

  “We will eat in her chambers, she will not need to move too far. She asked for you, come and visit your mother with me.” He squeezes her hand whilst giving her an inquiring look.

  Her heart warms at his words. Nodding, she speaks her thoughts aloud. “I can warm the queen some honey water. Actually Princess Hestia will have something that will soothe the queen.”

  “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 loosens his hold on her hand.

  Hearing the hesitancy in his tone she immediately lifts her head from their clasped hands.

  “Is it that you do not wish to see her?” He asks, his brown eyes lacking the anger that should be there.

  Wishing to or not, is not what stalls her. The queen’s condition will affect the king’s desire to use the stone. Appearing before both of them is cruel. “Has the king given more orders?”

  “In regards to yesterday? There are no further orders that can be given.” He glances at Helan and he slows his steps to give them both a sense of privacy.

  Holding her breath, she steadies herself. Has he changed his mind about using the stone as well? Should she not feel happy, or relieved at this?

  “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. Please fear nothing.”

  Searching his eyes she cannot detect any nervousness. What he has said he truly believes, there is no trace of weakness. These words, he intends to stand by them. Knowing this her heart pounds. “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 exhales a laugh and wears a false smile. “Before the queen you will refer to yourself as Aaleyah, am I understood?”

  “I said I would carry it.”

  At the sound of Hestia’s voice Aaleyah turns her head to see her reaching for a tray in Hammun’s hands.

  “Return it to me.” The sound of her bracelets chime with every move of her hands.

  Hammun moves the tray away, an ivory jade tea pot of tea and a bottle atop of it.

  Hammun smirks, easily avoiding her hands with a perfectly timed step. “Save your strength for later, you do not need to carry. Be careful I may drop it while avoiding you.”

  “Then stop avoiding me,” she quips back.

  Walking closer the guards bow but Hammun and Hestia are too immersed to notice them approaching closer.

  “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?” Is your desire for me to get into trouble? The queen mother is sick, a scare is not good for health.”

  Almost bumping the tray Hestia’s response is halted as she finally notices Aaleyah and Saan. Bowing, “Good morning.”

  Aaleyah nods her head in silent greeting.

  “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. You must help me, Hammun refuses to listen,” Hestia complains walking in stride with Saan.

  Aaleyah slides her hand out of Saan’s.

  Lifting his now free hand Saan stares at it before dropping it to his side. “How has my brother given you grievances so early Hestia?”

  The smile Saan wears is too uncomfortable to look at and she makes eye contact with Hammun.

  He beckons her to his side with a tilt of his head. When she does not move, Hammun comes to her.

  “He stole my tray. I worked all night to get things ready and now that I am finally finished he stole it from me.” Hestia points at the tray in Hammun’s hand with a pout.

  As the four walk together Aaleyah glances at the guards who step back saying nothing. When it comes to Hestia they are used to her chaotix atmosphere.

  Saan glances at the tray in Hammun’s hand and his eyes linger on her before he turns back to Hestia, “You made golden milk? Is this for everyone?”

  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, her big brown eyes pleading, “They are just ignoring me. You understand me right?”

  From her left Hammun scoffs. “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 the skirt. Her hands smoothing the silk sashes, and organizing her 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?”

  Aaleyah glances at the nervous but equally expectant look on Hestia’s face, of course she will rush in first.

  Hestia leaves Saan’s side to rush in without a moment’s notice.

  Hammun smiles softly and leaves Aaleyah’s side to walk after her.

  Saan’s finger rubs against the back of her palm twice before he slowly takes her hand.

  Walking inside he motions for Helan to follow and guard inside.

  Inside Hestia must have been granted power from the blessed cat Kifbwe blessed with speed from Nevalvn Gods, for how else can she already be mid-story?

  “-then I also brewed tea that will help with pain and sleep. Rest is very important to the healing process. Just drink a bit, do not push yourself,” Hestia says, filling the chalice.

  Hammun places the tray on the table and kisses his mother on the cheek. “Good morning mother.”

  Aaleyah lingers back, and Saan, not letting go of her hand, takes one step forward, his large frame slightly covering her.

  “How lovely,” the queen says in response to Hestia.

  Aaleyah catches the queen exhaling her words. A trick to avoid pain, and Aaleyah subconsciously takes a step towards the queen, her hand gripping her robe.

  “As always I am forever grateful to you Hestia,” the queen compliments.

  Saan’s hand covers her own and Aaleyah realizes she was gripping his clothes. Swiftly releasing her hand she tries to pull away when he turns to face her.

  “Shall we sit?” He motions to the tea table.

  Yesterday she hid there, not today. She has to say something, thus she steps around Saan to bow before the queen.

  “High Princess Aaleyah greets her majesty.”

  “Childe Aaleyah, come.” The queen extends her arm and beckons Aaleyah forward.

  Aaleyah steps closer 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 will study her.

  The queen’s skin that channels beach sand is drained of color, her eyes slightly red from exhaustion.

  “You did not sleep well.” The queen runs her fingers lightly under Aaleyah’s eye.

  “This one apologizes for not seeing you.” Her eyes flicker to Saan knowing she addressed herself not according to his wishes.

  The queen squeezes Aaleyah’s hand tugging weakly for her to get off the floor and pats the chair next to her at the round table.

  Saan quickly pulls it out for her to sit and slides into the seat next to her.

  The queen never releases Aaleyah’s hand. “I must have scared you.”

  The queen reaches for Aaleyah’s shoulder but grimaces in pain, so Aaleyah moves closer sitting on the edge of her chair.

  “You have been so brave, I thank you for retrieving the king.”

  “Her majesty needed him.”

  Across from her, Hestia is silent, still holding the cup of warm liquid hesitantly in her hand.

  “She came to see you yesterday mother, since you were sleeping she refused to wake you.” Saan closes the gap Aaleyah made with his own chair.

  “I see. Yesterday must have been quite strenuous for you.” The queen’s eyes water and she squeezes Aaleyah’s hand. “Eat well childe. Then after go back to 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 with a calm smile.

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  “If you are also unwell you can come see me, I will make you something to help you rest,” Hestia tells Aaleyah with a look of worry.

  Aaleyah shakes her head not wishing to bother her.

  “Yes, that would be a great help.”

  At Saan’s words she restrains her instinctive glare.

  “Please make something to help Aaleyah have a dreamless sleep,” Saan tells Hestia in a cool tone.

  Aaleyah returns her gaze to the queen. “Your majesty, my apologies for causing worry. Please think of nothing but recovering. If there is anything that can be done this su- on-”

  Beside her, Saan coughs.

  “I promise to do so.” Aaleyah corrects herself, and reaches for the cup. “The kingdom as well as your family needs their queen to recover. 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 lightly taps her back and Aaleyah sits comfortably in her seat.

  Saan places the drink of milk before her. “Mother, shall fill her mind with nothing more than recovering. I will worry about Aaleyah.”

  Movement from the door catches her eye and Aaleyah sees Helan move to open it.

  “The King has arrived,” Helan announces.

  Everyone sans the queen rises to greet the king.

  Stepping into the chambers the top of his hair braided and pinned top of his head holding up his crown with a silver hair stick His black embroidered jacket is tied at his waist with a dark blue belt, a slim fit that allows him to quickly walk through the room straight to the queen.

  “Anahita,” he breathes her name and kisses her forehead.

  Aaleyah averts her gaze to give them a sense of privacy.

  “How are you this morning?” The king asks while waving his hand to notify everyone to sit back down.

  Saan pulls her chair closer to his and Aaleyah pauses before sitting, but Saan only gives her a smile and motions for her to drink.

  Hammun gives his seat to the king opting to take the chair across from Aaleyah.

  “This is good, it will help you sleep. How much have you had?” The king asks.

  “I have only just gotten it, not even a sip has been taken. I feel blessed knowing that the entire family can sit at a breakfast table together.” The queen looks at everyone and motions for them to drink.

  The entire family, at the words she recalls Dharam’s face. The bloody smile he forced himself to give so she would run. Crossing her legs Aaleyah just begins to shake her leg when Saan places his hand on her lap. Reaching for his ring she spins it around his finger and takes calm breaths.

  “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 jokes.

  Hestia bounces excitedly when the servants come to set the table with fruits and breads. Lifting a plate she piles it with fruit and hands it to the queen. “It has been some time since we all ate together. The last time was before your marriage to Aaleyah.”

  Aaleyah freezes her hands, dropping Saan’s. Calming her heart she plasters a soft smile on her face. “My apologies for not having more of a presence in the family meals.”

  Saan interlocks his hand in her and turns to Hestia. “There is no need for us to apologize. If we eat a meal with our Princess Hestia everyday, one will come to understand the phrase, ‘an ocean needs no more water.”

  The queen laughs and turns to Aaleyah. “Your apology is not necessary. 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. If I could make the meeting shorter I would, but with every word there are two 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 Saan’s direction. She debates pulling away but as if reading her mind Saan’s hand tightens.

  Hammun places a date on her 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.

  Hestia finishes her bite of toast, and adds fruit to Hammun’s plate “Yes, we will be picking out the grapes and smashing them today. The wine we created last moon was not sweet enough. I will be sure to bring Musinm so you do not worry.”

  “I was actually hoping to come with you.” Hammun glances at his father as he speaks.

  “You do not wish to come to court today? Today will be strenuous. If you are not there it may be difficult to avoid giving Aaleyah her punishment.” King Hammaan says whilst cutting fruit for the queen.

  Aaleyah shakes her foot, right the punishment. She had forgotten, a public punishment must happen to give the court satisfaction. However, speaking to Saan was a private punishment that nothing else can top.

  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, it was under my orders that she came. If anyone shall be punished let it be me.” The queen reaches over to squeeze Aaleyah’s hand, “must we give her more stress? Look at her eyes, she has not slept.”

  Aaleyah shifts away from the queen closer to Saan unconsciously. “Aidkjeen is 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 places fruit on Aaleyah’s plate and addresses Hammun and the king whilst sitting leisurely in his seat. “We are not punishing Aaleyah not publicly or otherwise. A king that does not care for his queen will not care for his kingdom.”

  Hammun nods in thought, already planning the best course of action. “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.”

  The lips of King Hammaan curl in amusement, but his dark gaze lands on her. “Thus attendance in court is necessary.”

  “There should still be a punishment of some sort. Going unpunished sets a precedent that anyone can invade the king’s court.” Aaleyah ignores Saan nudging her foot with his.

  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-”

  Hammun nods for her to continue speaking, “High Princess Aaleyah is an Aljehni.”

  Hearing the repeated statement Aaleyah’s chest tightens, her tongue pushes against the top row of her teeth. Aljehni, the hanging sword 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. Could we not say something like that?” Hestia turns her head back and forth between the king and Hammun.

  Aaleyah moves her chair back to its original place ignoring Saan. “I do not converse with any Gods. It would be a sin to lie about that.”

  “Aaleyah if we punish you we can please some kingdoms, but not all.” Hamun gazes at his fiancee for a moment before returning his attention to Aaleyah.

  Aaleyah wonders how long he can remain partial with things concerning the Nevalvn Kingdom.

  “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 name. 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 her father and followed his will to form an alliance with Aidkjeen.

  Saan snakes his foot around her leg and this time she allows him to pull it closer to him. His fingers tap on the table and his smile is gone, the dark glint in his eyes appearing. “We leave Aaleyah unpunished, then we sit and wait for the old reigns followers to retaliate. 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, turns to look at Saan’s hard expression. Is he incapable of seeing the flaws in his own logic?

  “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.”

  Catching her eyes the darkness in his expression lightens.”If need be you can stay at my side for half a moon. Wecan allow the world to see that as a punishment.”

  Aaleyah runs her finger over her nails. As the saying goes, ‘The words of the king are law.’

  The king’s eyes twinkle at Saan’s words. “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 our queen.”

  Saan takes Aaleyah’s hand and places the fork back in it. “Have some fruit.” He piles 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 government leaders for an hour now. With nothing to say he stays quietly in his seat, his expertise not needed. That is until Aaleyah steps into court.

  Her royal garb is now similar to his own opting for the red linen skirt, tying it at her waist with a golden sash and leaving the rest to flow to her ankles. Her black top is embroidered with intricate symbols threaded in gold, and she covers it with her long red overcoat that dances around her silhouette highlighting her ethereal beauty.

  Her beautiful hair is now decorated with braids. She has found use for the hair sticks he made for her. One golden hair stick holds up her hair, the red bead swinging from the flower with each step. The second locks her crown in place, as she walks the wide sleeves of her overcoat move and he catches the shine of her golden cuffs.

  Her cold expression contrasts her golden eyes and as all bow before her Saan feels his boredom fade away. The reason he has come to court is finally here, they will act out their plan and then he can leave to talk to Helan.

  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 bows before the king, “High Princess Aaleyah greets his majesty.”

  Her voice is loud enough for all to hear, and despite knowing her nervousness he does not hear it in her tone.

  “Rise.”

  Saan watches her stand, her eyes avoiding his, her dark expression similar to that of a general on a battlefield and on either side of the aisles the officials shift nervously.

  Saan spares Hammun a knowing glance. The court officials will show their hand now, some will try to punish Aaleyah, and some will try to gain favor. Both he and Hammun need to analyze every word and movement.

  Official Amon stands and bows deeply and waits for the king’s acknowledgement before speaking. “Your majesty, if I may, to allow a crime to go unpunished can have dire consequences. What if others seek out the same power you are allotting?”

  Saan admires Aaleyah’s coldness, a chilly sight that momentarily stumps the rambling minister from speaking.

  “T-the crime must be punished to give an example to the world that no one should insult the king.”

  Official Darius rises and points his finger and makes his way to stand before the babbling fool. “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!”

  Aaleyah looks up and Minister Amon takes a step back. “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 Amon’s response. Aaleyah was wise to recommend him a position in court.

  “And who is the reason behind that? Is it not the high princess you are pleading for the king to punish?” Official Darius asks.

  Minister Amon swallows and sneaks a peak at Aaleyah.

  Saan remembers the story, moons ago Aaleyah traveled with the commissioner to catch the culprit and save Amon’s son Akl from being framed. Thus saving the minister’s entire family from punishment. Saan had told Aaleyah not to help court officials, but she is unable to ignore cases with fabricated evidence.

  “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 will be forced to publicly disagree with the king. While the case with his family is solved, eyes remain on his family, and he must tread carefully.

  “Of course not. I only had concerns for the state of the kingdom’s peace. My humblest apologies,” Amon heads to his seat when Saan catches something.

  The coldness in Aaleyah’s mask flickers and he catches the sadness in her expression before she calms herself once more.

  “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.” Saan states 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!”

  Saan reaches 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 in confusion.

  “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.”

  Saan stands 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?”

  Amon stays nervously on the floor awaiting his punishment for speaking rudely.

  “Speak. Have you nothing to say?” Saan asks darkly.

  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.

  Saan feels the weight of Aaleyah’s dark eyes following him. Her words of disagreement will only create more discord.

  Instead Saan watches her give Hammun a look for assistance.

  Hammun rises with a diplomatic smile and scans the other officials who have been oddly silent.

  “As High Prince Saan said, the high princess will stay by his side, are there any other concerns regarding the matter?”

  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, a wide berth around Aaleyah and Saan as they leave whispering to each other.

  “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,”

  The hand Hammun places on his wrist to release Aaleyah is met with a glare. “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.”

  Saan moves Hammun’s hand and takes a step towards him. “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.