A Tale Of Queens

Running from the Crown

The preparations for the wedding began.

It was going to be a big one, as was expected of all royal weddings. The buzz that one of the daughters of Halelloken would be marrying the Prince, and therefore be crowned Queen was everywhere. Their family had made a slow but definite climb to the top – without any sons – so it was only normal that they became the envy of all.

Following her sister's advice, Ifika had long stopped voicing her objection about the whole arrangement. Infact, she seemed to be coming around to the idea.

Her parents heaved a sigh of relief. They had a hunch that their older daughter had talked sense into her; the two were seemingly bonding over this. Alti had finally gotten over her childish jealousy. And they were pleased with this development.

There is a saying in Khelet that if salt and pepper decide oneday to mix, then there must be a broth brewing.

During the day, Alti helped her sister plan the wedding; the colors, the jewelry, the material that would best suit the ceremonial dress. They would meet with the Queen to discuss these things. It was clear that while she had no problem with Ifika, Alti was her favorite of the two young women. They shared the same sharp tongue and the older woman found the habit of telling Alti to wait behind while her sister went back home. She enjoyed her company immensely and loved those eyes of hers. It was a pity that they would not be passed down to her grand children.

Ifika, dismissed by the Queen would often cross paths with the Prince, Phelon, on her way out of the palace. In an attempt to woo her, he would ask about her. The things she liked. The things she didn't. Ifika answered coldly in short words. The girl simply would not warm up to him. With the little that he squeezed from her, he found sadly that they didn't have much in common. It would not matter, he assured himself. A marriage did not solely depend on that. Perhaps, he thought slyly, children would be what they had in common.

At night, Alti would make her way to Ifika's room and they would stay awake making arrangements for what was to really happen. They would discuss all loopholes and find ways to cover them smoothly.

The wedding day was drawing nearer. Both preparations became even more frantic; the public one and the one discussed in a dark bedroom.

Alti was pleased with herself. It was all working out. Ifika trusted her. Her parents were warming up to her – though she couldn't care less about that. The Queen was obviously fond of her. Even Phelon was getting closer to her, to help him convince her sister of course but what did it matter? He saw her as his ally and that was the most important part.

**+*+*+*

The sky was a bright blue on the morning of the wedding. All was quiet and peaceful. Alti had not slept a wink the previous night. She was restless.

What a beautiful day to get married, she thought ruefully as she looked outside her window.

A piercing scream disrupted the quiet atmosphere, forcing every sleeping person in the compound awake. It was her mother's. They rushed out to find the hysterical woman in her younger daughter's room.

Everything was in place but for said daughter.

Ifika had simply vanished into thin air.