The Queen

2. No Choice

"Never!!!"
King Odo slammed his fists onto the table, his voice echoing so loudly it could be heard down the hallway.

"My king, we understand your concern. We all treasure Princess Samira," Neoh said, his voice calm despite the tension in the room. "But it seems King James isn't as open to negotiation as we had hoped."

"I said no!" the King shouted again, even louder. "And that is my final word. That old man wants war? Then we'll give him war. I'd rather die than see my only daughter in their hands."

"My lord—"

"I will do it."

The voice was soft but clear—feminine and strong, like sunlight breaking through clouds. Everyone turned to the throne room doors.

Princess Samira stood there, her green eyes steady with quiet determination.

The Wise Men dropped to one knee in unison, bowing their heads.
"Your Highness."

Samira walked gracefully toward her father.

"My little girl... you don't know what you're saying," King Odo whispered. His anger faded, replaced by tenderness. He reached out, kissed her forehead, and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"Father, I'm not a little girl anymore." Her voice was gentle but firm. "My duty is to the people of Kalon. If peace lies in my hands, I will not hesitate. You raised me with this principle. Have you forgotten why we rule?"

A long silence filled the throne room. Even the wind seemed to quiet.

Samira had left her father—and the wisest, oldest men in the kingdom—speechless.

"My lord," Neoh finally said, his voice reverent, "we have a great future queen before us."

King Odo turned to his daughter, taking both her hands in his.

"Samira... are you sure? Once we send our reply, there's no turning back."

He searched her eyes for even a flicker of fear—something that would give him reason to say no. But there was none. Only resolve. The kind he had only seen in the bravest warriors on the battlefield.

"Yes, Father. I've always known this day would come."
Her voice was calm, soft, yet full of certainty and strength.

"Your Highness," Neoh interjected, "we must consult the gods before any decision is made."

King Odo nodded. "Very well, gentlemen. Consult the gods. If they approve—and if my daughter still agrees—then by tomorrow evening... there will be a wedding in this castle."

The Wise Men bowed again and exited the room one by one, their long white robes trailing behind them.

-----------------------------

"You did what??!!" Esma shouted in surprise after Samira shared with her what just happened in the throne room.

"I had to, what other choice there is?"

Esma knew Samira was right, it was wedding or certain death, she glared at her friend and pitied her, being a princess wasn't all glitz and glam, it was commitment, sometimes your life did not belong to you, but to your people and your nation.

"I'm so proud of you." Esma ran towards Samira and keeled in front of her, her hands held her friend's who was sitting on the bed. "But I will miss you so much when you leave."

"What are you talking about? You're coming with me."

Esma's face lit up.

"Is that so my lady?"