Empress Dosha

Chapter 54-II

Oops 🤫
Did I say two weeks 😎
Sorry, I meant two minutes
54-II is here too.

Read to your heart's content

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The harmattan wind grew still that night, as if hearing the confession made. Crickets chirped outside, but the inside was more quiet, even a silent drop of water can be heard.

An unknown fatigue hit Dosha after Rashid finished speaking, both of them went quiet; only their breathings echoed. Maybe it was the weight of what he said that struck her or the things he did after that, she had no idea.

"Sleep." Rashid rasped, kissing and stroking her now loose hair. It was as if he felt the tiredness that enveloped her, she should be thankful for his thinking in that state even though he needed the comfort more than her. She soon relaxed and her breath came out gently, landing softly on his chest, she was fast asleep within moments.

When next she opened her eyes, the room was dim lit and she didn't feel his presence, she froze. Her eyes quickly scanned the room for Rashid in the poor light, she found him sitting in prayer, hands raised up as he whispered. His voice vibrated inaudible words known only to his Creator, hoarse from crying out the burdens in his chest. She could only watch as she couldn't muster a single strength to move or say anything.

Dosha's heart ached for him, only God knows the amount of pain and sufferings he went through alone for ten years.

After concluding his prayers, fully aware that she was awake and was watching him, Rashid stood up and went to help her up, her feet and back hindered her movements. He massaged both feet and back till she felt better, aiding her to perform wudhu — it was time for morning prayers — and left for the congregation after making sure she was comfortable.

Dosha was half asleep when he came back, folding on the cold floor, her weakness adding, she felt no atom of strength in her. Rashid guided her back to the bed, getting some water for her to drink, she threw it up at the third gulp. Luckily there was a bowl nearby which she uses in case of emergency vomiting. Rashid was quick to get it for her as she threw up the contents of her stomach till she gagged.

"Sorry." Rashid placated, cleaning her chest which was wet. When he washed the contents away in the bathroom, he saw the difference, she hadn't eaten anything last night. He didn't know whether to be angry or sad, but he blamed himself. Dosha was in that state because of him.

"Hold my hand." Dosha mumbled, if he wasn't paying attention he would've missed what she said.

Rashid sat on the floor by the bed, stroking her hand, she smiled softly, her eyes drifting close — not in sleep. "I'm sorry," Rashid began. She shook her head slightly, eyes still closed, "I truly am. I dumped something really heavy on you, I'm sorry, my love." He added, kissing her palm.

It really pained Dosha that she had no strength to say anything, she couldn't even keep an eye open, she could only feel him through her hand which he held.

By first light, Rashid aided Dosha back to her chamber and within moments, her room was filled with women, ranging from Mairo, Magajiya, the Queen mother, her maid Kaltume, some physicians and her other personal maids. They began their routine check up, still surprised as to why they were summoned that early, though they did the routine check up everyday. Rashid stayed all through that particular one, normally he would've stayed a bit and left.

After making sure she was well bathed and had eaten enough, she was given her daily medicine and healthy food pills, Mairo's hand pressing softly on her bump — she pressed an ear too. Mairo was the head royal physician for a reason. By the time they were done with everything, Dosha was fast asleep. Watching her sleep soundly, Rashid felt so much relief and it even felt as if his problems were all solved till he heard a call of his name — he would have preferred watching his Queen sleep peacefully.