Tales of Love and Power

Chapter 22

The music was loud, but it couldn't drown out the tension between the two women. Hazeda stared daggers at Anakaztia. Though the room was full of people, it was as if all she could see was her.

All she could see what the girl who took her husband, took her child, and her happiness. There was nothing but hated between the two. Everyone sensed the tension except for the young princess, who sat slightly bored.

As everyone's eyes remained focused on the group of dancing concubines, Anakaztia noticed the look of boredom on Princess Loreza's face.

She thought of an idea to ease the princess's boredom. She looked at the bowl of freshly cut fruits before picking up an orange slice and placing the slice in between her teeth. Princess Loreza looked around the room and stopped when she noticed Anakaztia looking at her. She gave her a polite smile and Anakaztia responded with a grin full of orange. The young princess burst into a fit of laughter, catching her mother's attention.

She quieted herself when her mother tapped her softly, catching her attention. "Loreza, what's got you so excited?"

"Nothing mother, just a funny thought." She said, returning her attention to her mother. She wore a smile for several minutes as she continued to sneak glances at Anakaztia, who would occasionally give her a wide smile.

Lady Dazya entered the grand room, making her way to the dowager. "The chefs are prepared to present the feast." She informed her.

The dowager gave her some instructions, and she returned to the kitchens. When she returned, she had a line of servants behind her carrying in the grand feast. Trays after trays arrived until they covered all the tables in food. Anakaztia's eyes remained focused on the food she had made hours before. As they brought the treat to the table where the royal women sat, she watched to see the princess's reaction. As she bit into the sweet treat, she smiled wider than she had all evening. The room of concubines then proceeded to eat as the dowager waved her hand, gesturing for them to eat. As expected, they cooked everything to perfection. They all dined as the music continued to play waiting for their king's arrival. While the festival was for princess Loreza, Abzalin was always the most anticipated guest.

He arrived soon after the feasting began. As the mass of women stood and curtsied to him, he scanned the room for his youngest sister. "Loreza, my dearest." He said, approaching her with his arms open. She smiled as she ran to her brother, hugging him tightly. "Blessed name day." He spoke to her before instructing everyone to rise from their curtsy. As he took his seat next to his family, he saw Anakaztia smiling at him softly. He smiled back, his eye focusing on her for a few moments. As everyone returned to their seats, the music resumed.

As the musicians played, the dowager would throw coins at their feet and each time a concubine would bless the princess, they'd receive a handful of gold. As concubines fawned over the royal family, hoping to be awarded, the young princess paid little attention to the women who came and went. She continued snacking on the small treats until they were almost done. "Chef Hazuko," she called to the chef, who quickly turned in her direction. "Bring me more of these."

As Chef Hazuko turned to one of his subordinates, Zahra approached him and whispered a few words to him. "Forgive me, your highness, but there was only one plate prepared."

The princess was clearly disappointed as she pouted. "Since you love this dessert so much, we'll just have the kitchens make some more tomorrow." The dowager suggested.

"Forgive me, your highness but the kitchen staff did not make the desert. It was prepared by one of the concubines." Chef Hazuko said.

This intrigued the dowager and quickly asked that they bring forward the concubine so that I may reward her. Chef Hazuko looked towards Zahra, nodding his head at her so that she may bring forth the concubine. Zahra made her way around the room to find Anakaztia, who sat across the room unaware that the royals were speaking about her. As Zahra approached her, she felt slightly nervous as she didn't know if Zahra was coming with good or bad news.