The wind danced with the white airy curtains. There were no walls around—just an intense white light. Barefoot, she walked as waves of fresh air played with her white chiffon dress. Her long hair flowed freely in the breeze, following its rhythm. A peaceful silence surrounded her, almost as overwhelming as the feeling of joy itself.
"Time heals everything," an oddly familiar female voice echoed.
From the radiant white sun rays, a silhouette appeared. A tear slipped from Samira's eye as she realized who stood before her.
"Mother? Is it really you?" she asked.
"Yes, my dear child. The gods have sent me. You must go back."
"I'd rather not, Mother. Please, take me with you."
"Now is not the time. The future of two nations depends on you. I know it hasn't been easy, and I must tell you it will get harder—but I assure you, light will come. One day, your womb will carry the heir destined to unite two kingdoms, and a powerful new nation will rise under his reign."
"I can't go back, Mother," Samira whimpered.
"It is your destiny, my brave girl. The gods chose you because they see your heart. They know how much you can endure, and they will never abandon you... never."
And just like that, the image of her mother vanished. The wind ceased, and the brightness of the sun faded. She felt lost and shut her eyes in fear as distant voices began to draw closer.
A sudden, intense light stung her eyes as she slowly opened them.
"Oh my god!" a girl folding linen exclaimed. "Master! Master! Master!" she cried as she ran out.
Samira tried to adjust her eyes to the brightness. The room around her was unfamiliar yet pleasant. A red rose rested beside her on the bed, welcoming her awakening. An old man with a long white beard rushed into the room, followed by the young maid from before.
"Shall I tell the king?" the maid asked.
"Not yet," the old man replied, his eyes fixed on Samira.
"Who are you? Where am I?" Samira asked.
"Your Highness, I am most pleased to see you awake. I am the healer of the Esparcian court," the man said with a bow. "And this is Margaret, my helper." The young maid bowed as well.
"Oh... I see." Samira sounded disappointed.
"I must examine you now. Please, tell me your most recent memory."
"Falling from my horse... as the palace guards chased me."
The healer let out a relieved breath. "Do you feel any pain? Your head, perhaps?"
"Yes, my head hurts. A lot."
"That's normal after your accident. You must rest now. Margaret will bring you a calming tea to help you sleep. I shall inform the king of your recovery, but only after you've rested. Once I've observed your progress for a few more hours, you may return to your own chambers—if Your Majesty agrees."
"That's fine. Please, do what you must," Samira replied.
✶✶✶
"I thought I wasn't going to see you again! Thank the gods you're safe!" Esma ran to Samira and embraced her tightly.
"You know I had plans to send someone for you. I wasn't going to leave you here," Samira replied, returning the hug.
"My lady, I feared for your life. What you did was dangerous."
YOU ARE READING
The Queen
RomantikaCOMPLETE She was never meant to be queen. She was never meant to fall in love with the king. And she was never meant to survive the price of both. In a kingdom where loyalty is dangerous and love is a liability, Queen Samira finds herself tangled in...
