On planet Ohnah, discoveries are made through visions and dreams.
King Fizayer is busy ruling his kingdom and solving everyday disputes in his court. Sudden visions of past reveals to him his beautiful Aqeruh, soulmate. She has made him almost fera...
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After a brief but pleasant morning shared with my soon to be mother-in-law, I was missing Fizayer dearly. Even though the conversation with Domina circled more around the marriage that would soon take place, however, I was surprised that she already had a word with my parents.
What must they be thinking? This whole thing was unbelievable even to me. They were coming today. I was excited, scared, and wanted to share this news with Fizayer.
I was planning to wait for the court session to end but every news traveled here fast. From maids to guards, all kept each other abreast of what the king did today. This would be my life very soon. To be the talk of the day was disconcerting. I didn't know how I would manage that.
The outer area of the courtroom was empty compared to yesterday. I was worried. What must have happened to ensure such an abrupt closure? Still, when I stepped inside the courtroom in the hopes to catch Fizayer, I was surprised to see that he was still there.
Slowly, I went to him and encircled his waist. He was mad and distant. Feeling suddenly unwelcome and alienated, I ran and ran till I reached a water clearing in the partly dense forest.
I didn't know where I was but I was adamant to stay here until I got my emotions under control.
Were the guards keeping up with me?
I didn't know neither did I care. Sitting at the banks of the river, I dipped my bare toes into the rushing cold stream. It cooled me down instantly.
The water glimmered and sparkled. Mildly hypnotized by its glow, I didn't catch when the vision started incorporating into my reality.
The serene familiar face of the king greeted me. This time I was like a floating orb outside his window while he was looking up at the moon. I somehow felt light. So, I decided to test if I could move. Slowly, from left to right, I flew and was instantly taken aback by the debauchery. Women in the minimum clothing slept on the bed, some still drinking and calling out the king's name. Without thought, I flew into the room and out of the open door. Peeking in every room, I finally found the one I was searching for. Where the king's wife was sound asleep. The woman from the last vision was in her last trimester. A frown marred her otherwise smooth, beautiful face. I flew out of her window and resumed my earlier position. Fizayer still gazed at the moon but after a while, his blank gaze locked with me. Curiosity brimmed in those eyes. He asked one simple question, "Who are you?"
The transition was as smooth as dusk to night. The river came into focus while another troubling memory was carefully locked away into the deep vaults of my brain.
What the hell was going on?
Everything in that vision was disturbing. Many lines were already crossed and more were going to if the vision was anything to go by. I didn't want to believe it. But if I were to dismiss its legitimacy then what right did I have to call myself his Aqeruh?
I was lost. Truly lost. Overwhelmed by everything that was rapidly happening in my life and disconcerted by every vision. Fizayer, as I knew, would never commit to such acts. But what did I know? I never thought he would be rude to me for no reason.
It was like taking one step forward and two steps back.
After a while, I walked back to the tower and my room. Fizayer was waiting for me. He was on me the moment I stepped inside.
"Where were you?" He asked angrily.
The nerve!
"Somewhere," I replied curtly and extracted myself from his tight hold.
"You are not supposed to just go anywhere like this. There are many who are waiting for opportunities like this. You're a queen. Start behaving like one."
Stiffening, I retorted, "Whatever has lodged up your ass, you might want to take it out now. You're not enjoying it anymore."
His pursed lips were the only indication that I had gotten into him, "Imeeshi."
"Yes?"
He took a deep breath, "I apologize. I'm just not myself today."
"Funny, I don't see any difference."
He looked at me and came closer, "I'm sorry. But don't run away like that again."
"I'm a queen. I can do whatever I want," I replied.
He slowly smiled and kissed me gently.
I was surprised that I looked at him no differently than before. Maybe I was in denial.
"My parents are coming today," I told him after a moment.
We separated. "Is that why you came to the court?"
"Yes. But I won't again."
He huffed and hugged me again, "I can't wait to meet them."
"Me too," I whispered.
***
My parents looked at me like I had grown a second head. Fizayer was having a hard time keeping a straight face. We were in a guest room where they would stay until my marriage.
"So, how's new life, Imeeshi?" Leave it to my father to break the ice.
"It's good, father. I'm still in the learning phase."
I waited patiently for my mother who had yet to say a word.
I had to wait for a long time. My father and Fizayer excused themselves. Only then did she speak. A series of questions were dumped on me.
Why didn't you tell me before? For how long this has been going on? Is the king strict with you too? Are you happy? Do you like being here? Are they pressuring you? Why are you not saying anything?
Licking my lips, I answered them one by one.
"My life has been upended, yes, but I'm happy. Fizayer is not strict, rather playful. Nobody's pressuring me but my life from now on would have more pressing duties. As for how long it has been going on? Don't worry, mother, it's pretty new. I'm just as confused as you are."
The last line convinced her. We shared a similar nature. I knew she would find peace in knowing that I didn't have anything in control. She knew everything about me. I was a mess.
I hugged her tight suddenly. I was feeling emotional. Like a little girl needing her mother for every stupid thing, I needed her more than ever to be with me in such a big event.
And an event it would be. I always dreamt of a small marriage ceremony. I couldn't expect that now.
"It's going to be hard. But you'll be okay," my mother assured me.
I nodded and looked at her. Taking in her serene beauty, I realized one thing that compared to my mother-in-law's intimidating beauty, I found my mother's more peaceful and welcoming.
Her gentleness gave me strength and our long talks made me forget that I was anything but a simple girl.
