A Tale Of Queens

Replacing the Bride

Alti, most times, beauty is not everything.

Alti recalled her eight year old self hating the answer her mother had given her.

But she had been right all along, she realised.

Today, it was certainly not her beauty that had gotten her to this point.

It was her determination. Her will to come out on top.

Whether she was considered a dirty player or not didn't bother Alti in the least. Fate had long decided to be cruel to her and it had taken twenty years to understand this game.

Her destiny was hers to create and she pitied others who relied on circumstances created by people and fate.

Others like Ifika.

There was pandemonium everywhere.

The bride of the Prince was missing. By noon, Alti had been drowned in questions.

Did you have any idea that she was planning this?

No.

What was the last thing she told you about?

Feeling overwhelmed.

Where do you think she went?

I don't know.

Rinse and repeat.

Alti was surprised about how cool she was being. How unflinching.

She consoled her mother whose cries were reduced to only sniffles now, nodded in solemnity at her father. She even shed a few tears of her own – where everyone could see of course. But still tried as much as possible to comport herself.

The people around Alti felt admiration for her in their hearts. To them, it appeared as though she was trying to stay strong for the sake of her family.

+*+*+*+*

She met with the Queen in the evening and quietly suggested for her to send guards to search for Ifika.

“No!” the older woman disagreed immediately.

That girl did not deserve to be part of their family. She had taken their blessings and spat on it. Her son would never marry her. Not while she was alive.

Alti watched the facial expressions of the Queen. They were clear as day. She knew that if Ifika dared come back, she would be severely dealt with.

She fought the urge to smile.

Suddenly, eyes were on her, searching, scrutinizing. Alti was a little disturbed. The Queen was an extremely suspicious person. One needed to be that way to rule a kingdom. Had she been found out?

Queen Kalansa had something entirely different in mind. Looking at it her way, Alti would make a good queen. A better wife for her son. She was not foolish. She'd observed the looks Alti gave her son. No doubt that if they married, she would be fully devoted to him. She held enough sway to convince her husband. Alti would not be a problem. Phelon, however was very stubborn. She was his mother but he did not always listen to her. She was hopeful that this time, he would.

Paying close attention to Alti, she asked her question slowly.

“How would you like to be the next Queen of Khelet?”

Alti’s eyes widened.

Even with Ifika gone, she'd thought that her chances of being queen were still far fetched. Now, here it was, presented before her on a golden platter. And she was frozen like a fool.

Noticing the apprehensive look in her eyes, the older woman took her hands.

“My dear, I like you. I like you a lot. You would be perfect as my successor and as my son's wife. I see the longing you have for him. I know about your feelings. What is the problem then?”

“What will the people say?” Alti knew to not act so eager.

Queen Kalansa laughed.

“They will say that you are a proactive young woman who has raised her family from disgrace. Can you not see it, Alti? You are popular among the King's people ; the people that matter. Will you consider this? For my sake?”

Alti was shaking.

This was going better than she could have ever dreamed. Why in the world was she still hesitating?

“Yes my Queen. But only if the Prince would have me.”

Oh, he would, Queen Kalansa thought.

She would make sure of it.