Mars Underneath The Sceptre of Eternity

Secret of the Alien

Oeilna was waiting eagerly for Ergonn's return; her younger cousins were providing her company. Her cousin Benesia was teasing her; she was describing how Oeilna would talk and walk after her marriage and she was imitating Aunt Zealeoness's speaking style. All the girls giggled. The oldest cousin Ava asked Benesia to stop mimicking the former queen. Benesia apologised, but Oeilna was getting fun. Her two other cousins Lily and Malti were asking her what she felt about Ergonn. The last question compelled her to think. She never thought about marrying Ergonn; she always thought about Synus and her aunt always loathed Ergonn.

"Do you know what your king likes and dislikes?" Malti, a four year old girl asked with immense curiosity. Malti always had a curiosity about married life and always dreamed of marrying a prince. Oeilna had become a role model to her. Oeilna touched her charcoal black hair and pulled her long braid softly, "Teasing me?" she smiled and the girl giggled by revealing her white teeth; some of her baby teeth were missing. Malti rubbed her pink cheek with her hand and again asked her the same question.

Benesia, a tomboyish girl with short black hair and thin body structure replied; "Ergonn too has no idea about Oeilna's tastes."

"Then you should know; after all he is the king and you have to please him." Ava advised. Ava was only a few months younger than Oeilna; they were always grown up as close as sisters. Ava also had a beautiful face with curly black hairs, almond shaped eyes; aquiline nose, high cheek bones and well defined pinkish lips. Today she was looking calmly in a simple grey frock. Oeilna remembered that the next three days were Black Days; days to mourn, and they could not wear colourful dresses and expensive jewelleries. Ava adjusted her front hairs and said, "We should know about Ergonn."

"But how?" Lily asked. Lily had an inquisitive nature; since the day she had come into the palace; she was roaming here and there to uncover mysteries.

"I don't know." Oeilna replied simply. She got up from the couch and went to the front balcony of her room. She sat on a golden canopied swing. Ava sat beside her and other girls followed her.

"I know the way. The Old Martes woman who calls herself nursemaid of the King, she can guide you."

"I hate her." Oeilna declared; "Don't ask me to talk to a thrall."

Ava touched her shoulder; "Don't like her; but manage the situation diplomatically. There is no harm of knowing about Ergonn from her. Once you'll win his heart; he will listen to you; only you. Did not you see how uncle Nachoa listened to Aunt Zealeoness?"

Oeilna did not like her advice initially, but Ava finally convinced her. Oeilna left her swing seat and sighed. "Let's see that woman."

Rurzda's quarter was previously located in the Outer Palace but now she was living in the Inner Palace, just next to the King's Apartment. Oeilna saw that a two storeyed red stone building with a separate entranceway was located next to the King's apartment. The building had a small garden in front of it, where Rurzda had cultivated some vegetables; tomatoes, radishes, sweet beets and many others.

"Palace inside the palace." Oeilna remarked satirically; Ava made a funny face. Her black almond shaped eyes reflected that she got fun.

The main door was opened; Rurzda was sweeping the floor with a soft broom. She surprised to see unexpected visitors in her house. She left the broom aside and stood straight. Oeilna did not smile; she could not smile to see that peculiar face; but was not dare to show it. Ava too detested these people since her childhood; but now the situation was different.

Rurzda was looking different in a black coloured full sleeved broadcloth; the borders of the dress had grey laces. An Old Martes woman was wearing dresses with lace even during the days of mourning. Oeilna quickly looked at her own dress; it was a simple floor length silk gown of silver grey colour; it was a cap sleeved high neck dress without embroidery and laces. She had chosen it as a sign of mourning; otherwise she was too fond of embroidery and laces especially the laces made in Sargoshi. She also noticed that Rurzda had a peculiar necklace on her neck; it was made up with some white things.