The underground harem

1

The king lay in his bed,the love of his life Rheikha cuddling by his side, her head on his chest amidst the dozen pillows. His eldest son born by Rheikha sat on the window seat staring out in the garden though he saw nothing. Their daughter was on one of the lounge chairs in the room, her head on prince Roshan's lap. She was crying softly and he was trying to comfort her.
"My dear, that is enough! I have given you enough time to get your frustration out but now it is time for you to wipe your tears and act like the future queen of this kingdom "the king said in a stern yet at the same time gentle voice.
Rhehexa sat up and wiped her tears using the handkerchief that the prince offered her, taking time to compose herself. Before long she was transformed into a queen,her posture straight, her legs slightly crossed at the ankles as she had been taught, her head high, fierce determination in her eyes and a stubborn tilt of her chin. Gone was the crying,vulnerable girl, in her place was the future queen of Bazelia.
Her father sat up and nodded his head in approval. Yes he was proud for in his heart he knew she would be a great queen.
"Father I don't know what to do,"she said, a slight tremor in her voice,evidence that she wasn't as composed on the inside as she appeared to be on the outside.
"My jewel, have no fear, a solution will avail itself, "said the king, the thinking wheels turning in his head.
" I do, " said her brother, his voice as gentle as the evening breeze.
"Tell us my son. What do you think we should do?"
" For my plan to work, father has to die!"
His mother drew in a sharp intake of breath, while his sister's jaw gapped open in surprise however the king's face remained expressionless while prince Roshan's only show of surprise was the slight widening of his eyes.
"Wait! What? "
"What do you mean your father has to die? "his mother asked, her shock now overtaken by anger.
" What I mean is that Rhea has to take the throne soon if she is to escape from this situation unharmed and prevent a war. "
Prince Rhithrik, who was named after his grandfather went ahead to explain to them what his plan was,everyone silent it was almost as if he was the only living creature in the room.
When he finished, his father applauded, giving a mock bow from his position on the bed.
"Bravo Rhithrik, of all my children you are the smartest. Were it not for what those vipers did to you, you would definitely have succeeded me as king, "he turned his attention to Rhehexa addressing her using her nickname, "Rhea you will do well to learn from your brother and always take into account his advice. He will never lead you astray. "
"Your okay with this? With dying? " His queen asked incredulously
"Of course I am. It will save my country and my daughter and that is what a king is for, is it not? " He asked as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
" But father, what will happen to me and mother and Rhithrik if you are not king anymore? "
" You will be queen of course, " he replied with a chuckle
"Stop playing smart with me father, you know what I'm talking about, "
"You will be fine. Besides your mother ,your the bravest, smartest, kindest and caring princess I know. You'll be perfect for running this kingdom.
"I'm not a princess anymore, "Rheikha said wiping a tear away from her eyes, " and I can't survive without you by my side, "
"Yes, your not a princess anymore, your a queen, my queen, "he said wiping another tear from her face as it fell, with such tenderness it was heartbreaking.
"Rhithrik I can't let father sacrifice his life for me."
"Rhea, I am a parent and parents would do anything for their children, including dying for them, so what I'm about to do is nothing great compared to what others have done for their children. Your mother and I have made greater sacrifices in our lives compared to what I'm going to do. Roshan what do you think? "
"Your highness, I think it is a great idea despite what is at stake. "
"But father.. "
"Rhea, one of the great marks of any ruler is the sacrifices he or she is willing to make and one day you will have to make great sacrifices, for yourself, your children and your kingdom. "
"There has to be another way to solve this problem, "Rhea said with conviction
"If you believe that then I give you until tomorrow morning to come up with an idea much better than your brother's "
"Alright father "
"Rhea, you need to tread carefully,watch your back, " her mother said after a long period of silence.
"Yes mother. I will take my leave now."
"Me too, excuse us your highness." Roshan said as he rose to accompany Rhea.
"Goodnight my dear. "
Rhea and Roshan left the king's chambers in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts as they headed to Rhea's room.