After mother left me alone at the table, I picked at the sweet fruits for a while, mumbling to myself and replaying our conversations. I hypothesize what she could have meant by the things she said. I spend more marks than I care to admit wondering what rules she has ever broken.
Anyone who has ever known my mother has always reported nothing but a spotless record. Even my father who loves his fair share of racy stories never has an ill thing to say about the Queen. At first maybe I thought it was because even though she was his wife, she was still queen but no. The woman under the crown and title, whose mother named her Amor has always stood straight and righteous under Goddess Sun. At least to my knowledge until today. I realize I worry my head over nothing. Her infractions are probably so minuscule that Goddess Sun had ignored them.
When I left the dining hall, I expected to see Suni waiting for me on the other side of the door. I found no such thing. I found nothing or no one at all. The castle seemed more hollow and empty than I can ever remember. In the distance I can faintly hear the war bells. The riots must still be carrying on. No matter. I have no business in the city today anyway. I have no business anywhere. My lessons and studies have been postponed for now in celebration of the Queen's return.
Maybe Suni is already in my chambers awaiting me. I will find her and I will mend whatever damage my mother bestowed upon the girl. I can not apologize but I can show sympathy where it is needed. But first, maybe I will stroll by the courtyard. I will only glance to see who is about the yard. If I happen to find Alexander than that it fine. If not, that is also fine.
As I arrive to the open air corridor I see him kneeling by the chest where he keeps his weapons and masks. He seems overly focused on the task at hand. At the very least now I know he was not too badly injured. Though how would I really know? Not a trace of skin is shown in his all white ensemble. And really such a thing is ridiculous under the heat of Goddess Sun. I will see his face today. I will ask. From what I know of him, he will decline. Then I will demand it so. He can not be so foolish he disobeys a direct order.
And if he does?
He will.
And what shall I do in return? Jail him? Sentence him to forty stripes of the back?
I start to move toward him but there is a hand over my mouth and arm around my torso. I try to scream but it is muffled. My heart begins to race and fear grips my soul. May Goddess Sun and Mother Earth protect me. I am rather forcefully pushed against a wall that feels like sky ash against my warm skin. In any other scenario I would welcome it's cool touch.
"Princess, it is me. Please do not scream."
I know that voice. I love that voice. I open my eyes and let them adjust to the shadows I was thrusted into. It is Lumi. "What are you doing here? My lessons-"
"I know but I missed you terribly. I could barely finish my morning meal of oats at the news I wouldn't see you." She reaches out and fixes my hair. Unlike Suni, Lumi has hair too. To lead lessons for any of the royals pays handsomely. Lumi has been my teacher for four summers now and has acquired an impressive amount of wealth and status amongst her class.
As happy as I am to see her, I am the only one who can do so. To be on royal grounds without reason or bond to someone here, is an offense. That also makes me wonder who Alexander is exactly. Though I can only think of that for half a mark. "My chambers."
We rush away from the courtyard and through the palace. It seems to take longer to find my door than usual. I take the servant's path where everyone keeps their head down and nose in their own business. Even if they did not, I am their beloved princess. They would not try to stop Lumi and myself. They wouldn't dare. The guards usually at watch by my door have more than likely been called to the watch tower. I've never been happier to be unprotected.
