Empress Dosha

Chapter 50

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The arrow traveled, creating a whooshing sound in the air, before hitting its target. Well, almost hitting its target. This was the third time in a row.

"This is bad," Dosha muttered in Warji, her hands dangling by her sides as she let the bow and arrows scatter on the ground.

She made her way to the room, greetings reaching her ears as she entered. Time seemed to slow down as she went through her morning routine, and she wished it could jump to the next day. Even her appetite had ran away, for the life of her, she managed a few morsels before gulping down water.

Finishing the last letter, she dropped the quill, letting the ink dry at the same time, and went out to the yard to see what the fuss was about. The cats had their sharp teeth and claws ready to attack, while both the messenger and hunter birds had their claws and wings ready for battle. They scampered off the moment they saw her.

This had been the case since the birds found their way there three weeks ago. At least she knew they would never hurt each other; they kept her company.

Dosha headed out, with Kaltume right on her trail, her mind already focused on what the meeting was all about.

She imagined every dagger eye on her, watching her every move, waiting for a flaw, a single slip-up to feast on her whole. They met Magajiya and Hafsatu on the way, with Magajiya giving her a firm pat on the shoulder and Hafsatu offering her a statement.

"Steel yourself, or risk being devoured," Hafsatu told her, walking ahead.

Dosha felt a weight press down on her chest, like a mountain bearing down on her. She'd already geared up, the missed shots and thin appetite were her thinking about other matters. The next moments went by slowly again, and she was seated, looking around for the last person to make an entrance.

It was a meeting of up to ten people, all family members from both sides of the family, the older uncles and aunts. The murmurs died down as the final person came in.

"Shall we begin?" Elder Sama'ila, the overseer, started.

"On behalf of the King, we all gather here to discuss an important topic, in favor of the King's wife," Sani, a middle-aged man, commenced. A salty tone was tasted in the air.

'King's wife.' Dosha replayed his last words, feeling the mockery behind them. The first word thrown at her, she should prepare for more. She maintained her composure, although her heart hammered in her chest. Warji or not, she was their Queen. Her title as Queen took precedence over rank.

"We believe it is beneficial for the King's wife to return to her kingdom and await the King's return. That is all. If anyone has a differing opinion, please speak up." Sani further said, his tone leaving no room for discussion. One could taste sourness in his words. Sani was known to be like that in nature; it wasn't new to them.

Dosha's eyes were on the man who just finished speaking. His statements made no sense to her at all. She read his moves and gestures as he replied to the people who spoke out.

They spoke as if she wasn't present, making decisions on her behalf, yet ultimately awaiting her response to every word. She has the final say. From the elders' words, she sensed the people who supported him and those who supported her, as well as those who simply didn't care.

'Why will I have to go to the Kingdom?' The question played in her head. Was there more to what the meeting was all about? Finding out what it is all about, she had to allow them to speak their opinions first.

"I still don't get why she has to go to her Kingdom. It has nothing to do with the King's departure." A woman named Maria said.

"Well, it has been over a moon since the King and his men marched out, and seeing as she's not with child yet, I see no reason why she wouldn't go to her home." Someone finally let the cat out of the bag.