In a forest to the East- far off from the palace grounds- a little cottage stood overlooking the mountains. Inside, a father held his daughter close and finished his tale:
"And they lived happily ever after"
The little girl bounced up and down in her seat, "Oh baba! Again, again, again!" she wailed.
"Now now Hana, it is way past your bedtime. I shall read you another story tomorrow."
The little girl pouted. "But baba! I'm not even tired; look!" and she widened her eyes and crossed her arms.
Her father couldn't help but laugh,
"If you truly are not sleepy then I shall leave you here, for I am exhausted. Goodnight dear Hana". He walked slowly towards his room waiting for her to say-
"Ok! I'm sleepy!" and she rushed off towards her room. Her father smiled to himself and followed her in.
"Baba" Hana spoke quietly
"Yes, my dear, what is it?"
"Am I a princess too?" she asked
"Of course you are! You are the dearest and most kind princess I have ever laid eyes on."
Upon hearing his words Hana smiled brightly,
"If I am a princess then you must be a king, right? And Mommy must have been the queen."
Her father flinched when she mentioned her mother. It was not too long ago that she had passed away from an incurable illness. Hana believed that she was sleeping and would awake; like the tale that had been told to her on the night of her mother's death.
Such innocence.
"Yes, indeed. We are a royal family Hana, and never forget that" and he leaned over to kiss her forehead.
"Goodnight, my sweet."
-10 years later -
"Father! Must you really be off now?" Hana carried her father's belongings onto his overflowing wooden cart. The carpets looked as if they would fall off by any sudden jostle.
"I am a merchant Hana, I must be off. Do not fear though, I shall return soon enough" her father reassured her.
He felt awful for having to leave his young daughter alone when business beckoned him away. but he could not refuse this offer. Since the rule of Kane, business for him had plummeted. No one would buy from a Muslim man. When Hana was younger, he could barely manage to provide for her. It was enough to make him stop practicing outwardly. He must understand. He still believes, but they do not. There was nothing else he could do,
"Remember Hana, lock the doors and do not stray towards the forest."
"Yes, father." she responded, holding back the tears that threatened to spill, "Return quickly and be safe."
"I shall," and he stirred his horse. He turned back to wave at his daughter. "Goodbye, my sweet! I shall return shortly!" he called.
"Goodbye, father" she whispered returning his wave. "I shall pray for your safety".
Hana sat in the garden planting yellow daffodils. Her garden bloomed vibrantly with the arrival or spring and Hana was pleased with herself. Now, if only her father would return.
Weeks had passed without a single letter, and Hana became wary. What if he got hurt? What if he got lost? Thousands of thoughts swam through her mind and it took much effort to control them. He is fine. I know he is.
