TRAPPED

WHO HAS THE POWER ?

"What are you trying to do?? Are you really that petty?You just wanted to piss her off " Hakeem had stormed into my room, I was sited untying my hair in front of the mirror.
"What's wrong?" I asked calmly, I guess Amina had gone to report that I had shot down her plan to replace the uniforms.
"Why are you trying to upset her?" He questioned me angrily
"That wasn't my intention, but if she's upset then that's a bonus" I said with a grin and Hakeem walked up to me, grabbed my hand then forcefully made me look at him, his grip very firm.
"Why did you turn it down?" he questioned
"Because it's a waste of money. Do you have any idea how much it will cost to buy new materials and have them sewn for every maid in this palace?? And all the costs are coming out of the royal account " I explained to him and he slowly let go of me.
"Why didn't you explain to her? "He asked more calmly
"That's not my duty... "I said stubbornly and turned back to the mirror.
"You don't have to be so stubborn. It's not her fault and you should not be taking it out on her " he said to me
"Who's fault is it? "I questioned him ,I didn't care if he was the prince, I wanted to be chased.
"It's your fault, your stupidity and naivety landed you in this situation "he said fiercely and walked out of my room, such an insensitive jerk, how did I even love him in the first place?.
Hakeem knew even if he was on Amina's side there was nothing he could so, I was in charge of the kitchen and the maids, the King and Prince couldn't intervene just like the women couldn't intervene in the political affairs of the kingdom.
Did my naivety really land me in my current situation?? Maybe he was right, I had been too trusting and that had turned me into a fool. During lunch Amina kept on glaring at me, she had told the chefs to prepare meat but I overruled her and fish was prepared instead. Prince Liam and the sister had left immediately after the meeting and everyone was waiting to hear the outcome of the meeting.
"Hakeem.. "The King spoke and everyone looked up "prince Liam's visit made me think clearly about you.. At his age he is ruling a kingdom, maybe it's high time you started attending all the important meetings, you've been away for so long and need to re-establish yourself " the king said and Amina smiled broadly, Hakeem just nodded in agreement.
"And to start, you'll go to the market place.. The selection ceremony is in two days "said the king.
The selection ceremony was when all farmers brought their first harvest to the market place for the king to pick the best crops, the owner of the farm would then be awarded and the King would buy crops from the top ten best farmers to be stored for trade or in case of famines, even the women brought vegetables and it was the queen's duty to select the best.
Hakeem knew all about the ceremony, he looked at Amina then at me.
"Which wife will you take? "His mother asked him and he nervously looked at Amina who was smiling
"Am so sorry dear but Kira would be more helpful in this matter but I promise once you're fully trained I'll be going with you "he said and I couldn't help smiling, at least he wasn't a complete fool and knew what was best for the kingdom.
"Am not a child Hakeem, I can't fail to see which head of cabbage looks better than the other "Amina retorted angrily, did she just address him by his name?? In front of everyone?? I guess someone wasn't paying attention to the lessons. The king looked at Hakeem with a raised eyebrow and he sighed then looked at Amina.
"You can't address me with such disrespect, am your husband and your prince "he said to her and her jaw dropped to the floor, she couldn't believe he had really said that to her, with glistening eyes she looked at the king
"May I be excused your majesty? "She asked in a choked up voice and the King just waved dismissively, Amina got up and rushed out of the room, Hakeem sighed and followed after her.
The rest of the dinner was silent and to me it was peaceful, if Amina wanted to be Queen then she should take her trainings seriously.
After lunch I went out to the gardens, it was my favorite part of the palace, ever so refreshing. I found Joshua training on his own with no shirt on, he was all sweaty and focused. Not wanting to disturb him I just stood watching until I felt a presence behind me.
"He's just a guard Kira, he's not worth your attention " He said to me and I stiffened then slowly turned only to come eye to eye with Hakeem.
"How may I help you husband? ".I said with a hint of sarcasm in my tone.
"Am taking Amina with me to the market... "He told me
"Is that so?. Wise decision my lord, am sure she'll do just fine " I said and turned back to Joshua . Hakeem grabbed my arm and yanked me back, making me crush into his chest
"Stop staring at him! "He spoke through clenched teeth, was that jealousy I detected?"And you're coming with me, you'll do the selecting but she'll be by my side" he informed me and I felt enraged, I was good enough to do the duties but not stand by his side.
"Forget it, am your wife not your tool.. If you want her to be by your side then let her do the selection herself ".I said with a frown and tried to move away but he held on tighter
"I am your husband and you shall obey me ".he said furiously
"Or else what? "I dared him and his eyes widened, he couldn't believe I had just said that but I didn't care, I wanted to get out of that trap of a marriage
"Don't tempt me Kira, do not tempt me " he warned just as Joshua cleared his throat
"is everything alright your majesties? "He asked and Hakeem let go of me and walked away.
I turned to Joshua with a smile
"Everything's fine Joshua" I assured him
"I know it's not in my place to say but if you won't do it for him then do it for the kingdom, do not let that foreigner select the crops ".he said to me, walls had ears in that damn palace and I knew Joshua was right, I was angry at Hakeem, not at the kingdom. If poor crops were selected it could affect not just the life shelf and food security but the trade as well.
So I walked inside and went for Hakeem's room, after two knocks he came out.
"What?! "He asked angrily
"I will attend the ceremony with you under one condition" I told him
"Which is?" He asked with a raised eyebrow
"I get to seat on your right hand side and you officially recognize me as your first wife" I demanded, I was tired of being the rejected bride.
"Forget it, he doesn't love you"said Amina who had suddenly emerged behind him.
"Fine, take her, fail in your first test as potential king, screwing up a simple selection ceremony. Am sure your brother will be glad to hear it, it's not unheard of for a king to skip the first son and give the crown to the second one, good luck "I said with a smile and turned to leave.
"Wait!"Hakeem spoke and I smiled but did not turn to look at him, I made him come out and follow me.