The Queen

6. Rivality Begins

Philip never came into the chambers that night. Samira wondered where he could have been, but at the same time, she felt a strange relief. After their most recent encounter, things would surely be awkward between them.

The next morning, Esma entered with Samira's breakfast and helped her get dressed for the day. Esma tied her corset in silence until Samira finally broke the quiet.

"Have you seen Prince Philip this morning?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease.

Esma paused before responding. "No, milady, I haven't. Is everything alright?"

Samira hesitated, her stomach twisting with anxiety. "I don't know. I haven't seen him since yesterday afternoon."

Esma gave her a cautious look but said nothing. She understood what Samira was feeling—something wasn't right with the prince, but she wasn't about to say anything that might make their delicate situation worse.

"You shouldn't worry about that, milady," Esma said dismissively, tying off the last knot. "You know how men are."

Samira turned to face her, confusion and frustration clouding her features. "How are men? I'm not going to make things easy for him. I'm not going to be a submissive wife."

Esma gently held Samira's hands and sat her on the edge of the bed. "Samira, you should not interfere in your husband's affairs. We have to be patient. It's only been one day."

"I feel like I was thrown into this life," Samira confessed, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. "I don't know what to expect, or what's expected of me. All I know, Esma, is I won't settle for anything I'm not comfortable with."

Esma sighed, brushing a lock of hair from Samira's face. "Let's hope things settle. But for now, why don't we take a walk? I heard the gardens here are magnificent."

Samira managed a small smile. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."

The two women strolled through the sunlit gardens, enjoying the tranquility. The vibrant colors of the flowers surrounded them, and for a moment, Samira allowed herself to forget the tension in the castle walls.

"Your gardens are stunning, Prince Henry," Samira heard a voice call from behind her. She turned to find Prince Henry approaching, a charming smile on his face.

"Prince Henry," she acknowledged, nodding slightly. Esma bowed, ever respectful.

"I hope you're not getting bored in this vast stone castle," Henry said, stepping closer. "I would hate for you to feel confined."

"Not at all, your highness. The accommodations and hospitality have been excellent," Samira replied politely, trying to mask her unease.

"I'm glad to hear that. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll gladly help," Henry offered, his eyes lingering on her.

Samira hesitated, then spoke softly. "Thank you."

"Taking a walk, are we? Perhaps I could accompany you?" Henry suggested, his gaze never leaving hers.

Samira didn't want to be rude but was cautious. "Oh, no, your majesty. I wouldn't want to trouble you. Esma is excellent company, and I'm sure you have other matters to attend to."

Henry's smile didn't falter. "Actually, I have nothing pressing. You married my brother; I think we should get to know each other better."

After a moment of deliberation, Samira sighed. "Very well, Your Highness. Let's take a walk, then."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, Esma staying a few steps behind. Henry's curiosity got the better of him.

"How is Philip treating you?" he asked suddenly, his voice unusually direct.