The Queen

4. The journey to Esparcia

"Good morning, Father. King James," Samira said, bowing her head as the guard opened the double doors to the grand dining room. She intentionally ignored her husband, who couldn't help but look her up and down.

King James noticed the princess's attitude and couldn't suppress a smirk. His son deserved this, and a woman who knew her worth was exactly what Philip needed to put him in his place. King James had no doubt that one day, Samira would win over Philip's heart and make a great queen for Esparcia.

Samira walked toward her seat next to her father, passing by Philip with her chin held high, not bothering to glance at him even for a second. The prince, stunned, watched as the spirited princess—now his wife—brushed past him.

The servants began bringing out the food.

"I hope our castle was to your liking, King James," Samira said, once again ignoring Philip with such grace that even she was impressed.

"It was. I'm very grateful for your hospitality," King James replied with a small bow.

"I'm pleased to hear that," Samira said, a smile forming on her lips.

Finally, for the first time, she directed her attention to Philip.

"Perhaps, my lord, next time you visit Kalon, you might instruct the castle staff of your preferences to allow them to accommodate you. That way, your stay will be more enjoyable. I apologize for the displeasing experience that forced Your Majesty to abandon the castle in such an abrupt manner."

King James and King Odo broke into hearty laughter, while Philip was left speechless, still reeling from the unexpected reprimand. He wanted to say something, but nothing came to mind. He had never been scolded by anyone other than his father, especially not with such elegance and poise.

At a loss for words, all he could manage was a bow, anger visible in his eyes.

The rest of breakfast passed in small talk, mostly from the two kings and Samira, while Philip kept quiet. He occasionally found himself staring at her, but each time he was caught, he quickly pretended to look somewhere else.

Later, King Odo was taking his morning walk in the garden when Samira approached him.

"My girl, I'm so proud of you. I know you'll do just fine in your new home," he said, his voice warm with love.

"Thank you, Father. Speaking of my new home, I wanted to let you know that I'll be taking Esma with me, if you agree, of course."

"Unfortunately, my dearest daughter, that isn't a decision I get to make anymore. Your husband should be the one to allow you to take your maid, not me."

"Father, I'm n—"

King Odo interrupted. "You need to talk to your husband. There's nothing I can do."

"You know he doesn't like me."

"I think it's quite the opposite. He just hasn't realized it yet. Let me give you a piece of advice that will help you, both as a wife and as a queen. You women have a special power, a talent. You will be able to get anything you want from your husband—just use the right words, and he'll put the world at your feet."

"I don't know how to do that, Father. I fear I don't have that talent in me."

"You do. All of you do. Now go and talk to your husband."

Samira knew she had no choice but to speak to Philip. Her father's words echoed in her mind. She arrived at the room where Philip was, took a deep breath, and knocked twice on the wooden door.

"Enter," came Philip's sharp voice from inside. Determined to hide how nervous she felt, Samira opened the door.

Philip was angrily packing his clothes for their departure, and he glanced at her with annoyance.

"What do you want?" he asked coldly, continuing his work.

"I have a request to make."

"Denied."

"What? How can you deny something when you haven't even heard it?"

Frustrated, Samira stepped into the room.

Philip rolled his eyes. "What is it? You've got one minute of my time."

"Esma, my maid. I want to take her with me."

"No."

"Why?"

"No is my answer. I don't owe you any explanation, and you better be ready. We leave in 20 minutes."

"I'm not going anywhere without Esma."

"Fine with me. Stay here then. You'll be doing us all a huge favor," Philip said as he walked toward the door to leave. Samira quickly grabbed his hand, halting him. A shiver ran down both of their spines at the brief touch, and their eyes locked.

"Please, she's all I'll have in a foreign land. Allow her to come." Samira's voice was low and breathy, delicate like silver bells.

Philip inhaled sharply, frustration rising as he realized the power she had over him.

"Fine. Take her. But with one condition: you stay away from me. Is that clear?"

"Yes."

"Good." With that, he stormed out of the room.

End of this chapter
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