Prisoner of Time

Chapter 11: Princess Griselda of the Hittite Empire

"What is your family name"

I was practically trembling at the fact that I was being called out by this literal princess. I could see that Asisu was staring at me with such precision that I knew I only had one chance or else they might make good on their threats. Griselda on the other hand looked mildly entertained, like either way she could get a rise out of my very unfortunate situation.

So I pulled together all the information I had on surrounding family names and took a shallow breath. Squaring my shoulders, I tried to look like the very respectable noble woman that I was.

"Your highness, it would bring much honor to my family if you had heard of the Stark household."

As the words left my mouth I knew it was the right call. I had heard through my lectures at school of a wealthy family that had many family members spread throughout the lands in Hittite's empire and chances were, Princess Griselda had heard of them but not met every fake family member I had.

Looking at me appraisingly I could feel the Pharaoh's stare as well as General Mendes' but it was Asisu I kept my eyes trained on. It looked like she was two seconds away from losing her sh*t.

"I suppose your father is Lord Harambe?"

Uh yeah sure lets go with that!

I bowed lowly and spoke gently, "It is an honor for your highness to remember my family so well."

Memphis reached out to grab my arm and I was startled at his so blatant regard of attention for me.

"Well this has been a lovely time but I would like to-"

Asisu hurriedly cut Memphis off and threw as much sass as she could in my direction. With venom in her eyes she asked me,

"But what of your family now? Surely you did not wish to swim all the way home to Hittite? Memphis has told me that he found you in the water and General Mendes here tells me that you were attacked and that's how you ended up here. Would it not be easy for you to call upon one of my servants to take you back to your beloved family?"

While Asisu talked she placed a territorial hand gently on Memphis' other arm which made things a little heated between this weird triangle that was now forming. I soooo wanted to be anywhere but here right now.

I heard General Méndes cough awkwardly and I could see Griselda's eyes shine with excitement at this revelation of my attacker. I took a deep breath before semi-explaining the truth to these people. 

"I was on my way to a party with my family to a Babylonian city when a strange man attacked my family. I was separated and I know that a few people from my entourage were killed. I managed to escape but it was honestly a miracle from the gods. Somehow I ended up near the Nile when my attacker found me and tried to drown me there. I was saved by some local slaves and to that I am forever grateful to the Egyptian people. But I wish to remain inconspicuous as my attacker could be here somewhere waiting for me."

I knew it was a lot to take in but most of it was true and I let my emotions show so that they could see how close to death I was if not completely submerged into it. General Mendes was the first one to respond.

"The first day you arrived at the palace, you were frightened of a man you claim to have seen. Was it him?"

I nodded gravely and it seemed I had succeeded in making these people believe my story, except for Asisu but I figured I could never truly get her to be on team Leylila.

Griselda seemed to be the one most affected by my sad story as she sniffled lightly.