Morning light filtered through the tall palace windows, painting pale gold across the polished floor of the royal family chamber.
Eight chairs circled the great table at its center.
Only two were occupied.
Prince Avana sat stiffly beside his mother, Lady Gema. His fingers tapped lightly against the table, betraying the nervousness he tried so hard to conceal.
"Do you know what this meeting is about?" he asked quietly.
Lady Gema smiled knowingly. "Of course I do." She leaned closer, "It's about you."
Avana sighed. "I suspected as much."
"Your bride arrives in two days," Gema continued. "The king simply wants reassurance that everything will proceed smoothly."
Avana was not happy, "Does Father not trust me?"
Gema chuckled softly, "Honey, he's done this with every one of his sons. It's tradition." Her tone turned teasing."You have nothing to worry about. Just remember—confidence matters. We may prepare everything perfectly, but your energy will determine whether the girl stays until the wedding."
Avana nodded obediently, "Yes, Mother."
The chamber doors opened.
Lady Erini, the king's first concubine, entered. She walked first, her steps confident and deliberate. Her beauty was sharper than Gema's—dark hair, dark eyes, and a smile that always seemed slightly mocking.
Beside her walked Prince Antivo, her son. At twenty-two he carried himself with the relaxed arrogance of someone born into privilege.
They took their seats without greeting anyone. The relationship between the two concubines was almost funny. One day they're friends, next they're enemies. The foundation of their friendship was based mainly on their hatred towards the queen. They wanted her spot, but how? Gossip was the only food for their imagination.
An awkward silence settled over the room.
Then Erini spoke. "Royal blood does run in his veins after all."
Gema ignored her.
Erini continued, smiling faintly, "I remember how shocked I was when your belly swelled so quickly." She tilted her head, "And there was that merchant's son who had already paid your dowry."
Gema slammed her hand on the table, "How dare you!"
Erini shrugged lazily, "I simply meant it was reassuring when the gods confirmed the child truly belonged to the king."
Gema's eyes blazed. "And do you think I don't know what goes on in your chambers?"
Erini's smile vanished, "Are you accusing me of something?"
Before the argument could escalate further, the doors opened again.
Queen Omuro entered.
Every person in the room immediately stood.
She was a striking woman in her early forties, tall and composed, with deep intelligent eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Her robes were simple compared to the others—pure green silk, trimmed only with gold.
Beside her walked Prince Noro, her eldest son. At twenty-seven, he carried the calm presence of someone long accustomed to power.
Every concubine and prince immediately stood and bowed.
When the queen and crown prince took their seats, the rest followed.
Two chairs remained empty.
The king's throne.
And the seat beside the queen. For the princess.
Omuro leaned toward her son.
"Where is your sister?" she whispered.
Noro shrugged, "I have no idea. Should I fetch her?"
"No." Omuro sighed softly, "Let us hope she arrives before the king."
Lady Erini leaned forward with a pleasant smile.
"How was your evening, Your Majesty? I hope you enjoyed the scented candles I gifted you. I was told you like jasmine, so I had them specially made for you."
Omuro folded her hands calmly. "The royal inspectors are still examining them."
Erini blinked, offended, "Examining them?"
"Yes. Once they confirm they are safe, I will accept the gift."
Lady Erini's smile faltered. "I would never attempt to harm you, my queen. My brother and nephew made those candles. Our family business—"
"I am aware." Omuro's voice remained cool. "The palace purchases most of its candles from them."
"Then why—"
"It is protocol," Omuro said firmly. "Everything that comes near the royal family is inspected. Food. Fabrics. Cosmetics. And yes—candles."
Lady Erini sat back, very offended.
Lady Gema spoke next.
"I notice Princess Arasinta is still absent."
The queen said nothing.
Gema leaned forward again.
"Your Majesty, I feel compelled to mention several complaints about the princess."
Omuro's expression remained unreadable.
"She has been extremely cruel toward her ladies-in-waiting," Gema continued, "The punishments she delivers are severe—even for the smallest mistakes."
Her voice lowered. "They are human beings. If the king were to learn his only daughter behaves like a tyrant…" She shook her head, "I cannot imagine how disappointed he would be."
Still, Omuro said nothing.
Then the doors burst open. His Majesty had arrived!
Everyone rose instantly.
King Bazi strode into the chamber and took his seat. As he did, his eyes immediately found the empty chair.
His daughter's chair.
His expression darkened.
Everyone sat.
"Where are we in the preparations?" the king asked.
Lady Gema answered quickly. "Sirene's chambers are prepared. Her family will stay in the South Residence. We have limited visits to reduce pressure."
She leaned closer.
"There is still concern regarding her sister. She remains skeptical about the marriage. If they spend too much time together, she might convince Sirene to leave." Gema added.
Bazi nodded. "Very well." He turned toward Avana. "Prince Avana."
"Yes, Father."
"Remember this." The king's voice became stern. "She must remain a virgin. No matter how attractive she is, you must not touch her."
Avana nodded respectfully, "I understand."
Suddenly—
The chamber doors slammed open.
Princess Arasinta entered.
She avoided everyone's gaze as she walked slowly to her seat.
King Bazi's patience snapped, "And where have you been? Were you not informed of this meeting?"
Arasinta sat calmly, "What did I miss?"
"My entrance." King Bazi angrily stated.
"I'm sure it was glorious," Arasinta replied dryly.
Bazi's face reddened. "You behave this way because of your title. I gave you that title. And I can take it away just as easily."
Arasinta met his stare, "Then let us hope you do not snap, Father."
"Princess Arasinta!" Omuro snapped. "Apologize."
Arasinta sighed. She could anger her father more, or obey her mother. She chose the latter.
"I apologize for my late arrival." Her tone was hollow, "It will never happen again."
But no one believed her. She didn't mean it at all.
Bazi stood abruptly.
"This meeting is concluded."
He left the room.
The others followed quickly.
Soon only the queen and her daughter remained.
Omuro turned toward Arasinta. "What have I told you about provoking your father?"
"I did nothing of the sort." Truly, she was unbothered.
"Why were you late?" Omuro pressed, "You know he hates that."
Arasinta shrugged. "Did my absence truly disrupt the meeting?"
"You are the only princess. Your absence is always noticed."
Arasinta looked away.
"Mother… was Father happy when I was born?"
Omuro's face fell.
Arasinta continued quietly. "I know the truth. If someone had placed a dagger in his hand that day… he would have driven it through my heart."
"Do not say such things," Omuro whispered.
"But it is true." Her voice hardened. "When he looks at me, he sees a mistake. He believes this title is my entire life." She shook her head slowly, "But I am more than that."
Omuro reached for her. "I know you are. But try not to provoke him. Knowing your strength should be enough. You need not to argue with him every time you're in the same room, especially in front of everybody."
Arasinta's bitterness spilled out. "Is this what marriage means? Standing beside your husband even when he is wrong? If so, I will gladly remain unmarried."
She stood.
"These men worship their mothers. They die for them. And yet they treat their daughters like curses." Her voice trembled with fury, "They flood brothels with gold, but recoil in disgust when their wives give birth to girls. So much hypocrisy."
Omuro listened quietly.
"You may remain unmarried if you wish," she said gently, "It does not trouble me. As long as you are happy."
She stepped closer.
"But when you create scenes like this… you humiliate me." Her voice softened. "I am the queen of this nation. A mother to its people. But you…" She touched Arasinta's cheek. "You are my mirror. I know what happens in your chambers. I say nothing. So please… protect my reputation as your mother the way I protect yours."
Arasinta looked at her silently.
She understood. But she said nothing. She loved her mother greatly. But it was the same love that made her mother's chest transparent. She could see her mother's heart, how she was wounded by the king's endless shenanigans. She wished her mother shared some of her bravery. Or maybe she did. How she exercised it was perhaps what infuriated the princess the most.
***