“Wise words,” Saan says, walking up to him and Hestia with Aaleyah in tow.

  Hammun turns to give his brother an apologetic look. “There were many tasks to deal with, I forgot to tell you ahead of time that the king and queen of Trivplah were not coming. Instead they were sending their children.”

  “Yes those words would have been nice to hear before, but as Aaleyah told me, we are able to deal with others.” Saan squeezes Aaleyah’s hand. “Especially if we are together.”

  Hammun averts his attention from Saan to Aaleyah and bows. “As your brother it was my duty to warn you,” he pretends to tell her.

  Aaleyah’s eyes are sharp, and when she speaks he suppresses the urge to shrink away. “Tonight it seems the subject of duty is prevalent.”

  “My wife means to say that there is nothing to apologize for in her mind.”

  Hammune chuckles at Saan’s words.

  “To me however, having the guest list would have been nice.” Saan keeps his tone light, but Hammun hears the anger below the surface and catches eyes with Aaleyah. There is only the dinner and music left, if Aaleyah cannot perform well, he will be unable to face Hestia with the truth about her kingdom.

  “My dear brother has been a difficult person to track down these few nights, anything I should know about that?” Hammun asks.

  Reaching the tables Aaleyah pours a cup of freshly made sage tea and sets a cup on Hestia’s table to the left of her.

  Hestia lifts it to sniff. “Sage? Why?”

  “You may have some nerves about tonight, Sage tea will be helpful for you,” Saan answers.

  Hammun studies Aaleyah’s face, her golden eyes are calculating, she does not seem nervous, but he doubts Saan would prepare tea for Hestia. He shakes his head, it is too late to alter the plan now; Aaleyah must go through with it. She promised.

  Setting the tea cup down Hestia beams. “Thank you, this youthful princess never thought someone could reach for tea before herself.”

  The four laugh and Hammun scans his brother over. “I selfishly ask my brother to help me ensure tonight goes well.”

  “What an audacious request.”

  Hammun knows it is. If not for the eyes watching every move they make, Saan would make him plead a bit, and hopefully get a promise for a favour out of it. Considering what he plans to do, maybe he should grant him a favour.

  Saan pulls him from his thoughts. “I will only move the way you wish for my playing piece to. For tonight you are the game master.”

  He and Aaleyah scan the room in sync, their eyes landing on a group of men and women. Their cloaks are decorated with lights representing stars, the dark blue of their fabrics painting a night sky as they move throughout the candle lit room.

  Guards of the Trivplah royals also take notice of them, body tensing and hands clenching on swords they do not have to pull out.

  Slowly they seem to head towards each other and Hammun coughs.

  Aaleyah understands and rises from her seat to intercept them. Saan reaches out for her but she moves quickly.

  As Hammun walks towards Tribal Leader Abjal he catches the way Saan’s face darkens when Aaleyah walks silently in Prince Kian’s direction.

  Prince Kian's blue eyes sparkle in delight as Aaleyah appears before him. “Aaleyah,” he breathes her name, his eyes frowning at her skin that is covered by Saan’s black scarf. “Rarely do you come to me,” he tells her, speaking in a louder tone to gather the attention of the nearby people.

  Aaleyah forces her body to relax. “For tonight’s celebration-”

  Princess Mauhna steps in front of her brother. “Whatever it is you wish to say you shall say it to me,” she commands snidefully. “Unless these are words only my brother can hear.”

  Prince Kian rolls his eyes and forces his sister out of the way and Aaleyah chooses then to smile. She swallows her nerves and imagines it is Hestia standing before her and drops the scarf from her right shoulder drawing his attention.

  “Of course the princess shall hear these words as well,” Aaleyah responds politely. “It is actually the princess that shall hear these words the most.”

  Frowning, Princess Mauhna lowers her hand that she had held out to prevent her brother from stepping forward. “What is it?”

  Aaleyah turns towards the musicians, but also allows her eyes to scan where Leader Abjal and Hammun are. Before she can find them she meets Saan’s cold eyes.

  She turns her attention back to Kian, rubbing her thumb over her nails. “I have heard that you have taken an interest in woodwinds. Tonight there is a very talented flutist, shall I introduce you, Princess Mauhna?”

  Princess Mauhna’s eyes lighten with excitement but her face maintains a hotty attitude. “Why?”

  Aaleyah finally spots Leader Abjal and his men safely seated at their tables far away from any direction the Trivplah royals and guards will need to go. Hammun is already making his way back to the table. Digging her nail into her palm she gathers her emotions first, then drops her bangle from her wrist.

  Prince Kian bends to pick it up and Aaleyah times it so their hands meet.

  She shrinks her hand back and forces herself to keep a warm smile on her face. “Thank you Prince Kian for your assistance, but there is no need.” Picking up the bangle she slides it back onto her wrist and turns to Mauhna to close this conversation. “Princess it seems I have overstepped in assuming you cared for music. My apologies then. Enjoy your meal.” Aaleyah leaves but not before noticing Mauhna’s crestfallen eyes.

  Princess Mauhna calls after her in a reluctant tone. “High Princess Aaleyah, please, it would be an honor.”

  Now her full name is called since she has something. She sneaks a glance at Kian before diverting her attention to his sister. “Then would Princess Mauhna like to go before hearing her play? Or would you like to listen first and then decide to meet her?”

  Not used to anyone giving only her attention Mauhna is no longer cautious and steps towards Aaleyah to bows slightly. “High Princess Aaleyah I would love to meet the flutist after hearing her play. Thank you.”

  Bowing only her head, Aaleyah brightens her smile. “Perfect, we will go together. After the meal this high princess will come find you.”

  “High princess will come with me?”

  A hand lifts her scarf covering her shoulder and then that warm presence covers her back and she holds herself back from stepping into his arms. Of course he can not allow her to stay in Prince Kian’s presence for too long without him, that is the point.

  “Do you not wish for me to go?” Aaleyah pretends to ask, ignoring Saan behind her.

  “Fic!” Mauhna yells out. in Susakin before catching herself. “No, of course not. Please High Princess, we shall go together.”

  “Anrilumey, I understand.” Aaleyah motions to the tables allowing her eyes to linger on Kian’s. “Enjoy the music,” she says, ending the conversation.

  As she planned, Prince Kian is not one to be ignored for too long. “Our language sounds beautiful on your tongue.”

  Saan's monstrous aura behind her is noted and Prince Kian adds, “High Princess Aaleyah, I hope you speak more of it in my presence.”

  Hearing her brother’s words Mauhna’s expectant eyes turn angry.

  At his words Aaleyah subconsciously steps back into Saan’s arms. Her hand shakes and she hides it under his scarf. “Enjoy the meal.” She forces herself to say with a bright smile.

  Saan takes her shaking hand in his and silently pulls her away from Kian. Reaching their table, Saan helps her sit, fixing the skirt of her dress and pouring her a new warm cup of tea he hands it to her.

  He is angry, and as she glances at Hammun, he is angry too. She miscalculated, acting in front of Saan is more difficult than she thought. Drinking her tea she closes her eyes, she will have to try again, and this time she cannot falter.

  Hestia watches the silent couple but Hammun shakes his head for her not to speak of it but she is unable to refrain herself and silence is uncomfortable for her.

  “Psst,” she calls to Aaleyah.

  Hestia swallows at the angry brown eyes Saan greets her with and focuses on the stoic golden ones of Aaleyah’s instead.

  “Why did you go and speak to them?” Was there something that she did not see? As far as Hestia knows everyone within her small royal family is not a fan of the Trivplah royals, including the king. Surely there must be a reason why Aaleyah voluntarily sought to speak to them.

  “She chose to play the role of mediator alone,” Saan’s words come out so coldly that Hestia does not register what he has said until after she flinches away.

  “Thus peace continues,” Aaleyah tells him, unfazed by his dark demeanor, and meeting his cold tone with one of her own.

  “Would it not have continued if you had spoken to me first?” Saan challenges.

  “There was no time.”

  “Taking my hand would have sufficed,” Saan tells her, his gaze locked on hers.

  Hestia fidgets with her headpiece getting a feeling that she has stirred up trouble. Laughing nervously she turns to Hammun who shakes his head and pours a chalice of wine.

  “High Princess Aaleyah,” she calls again, and receives calm golden eyes focussing in her direction. “I am not sure how you are feeling, but this is my first event as a Nevalvn Princess. I am quite nervous.” She reaches across the table to hold onto a piece of Aaleyah’s black scarf.

  Three pairs of eyes are now focussed on Hestia. Hammun reaches for Hestia’s hand and squeezes it. Saan’s cold eyes warm slightly hearing her worry.

  “Tonight you will never walk alone. One of us will always be with you,” Aaleyah tells Hestia in encouragement.

  Saan scoffs and the warmth leaves his eyes once more so Hestia jumps to continue speaking. “How is tonight for you? You both wear matching garbs, and look quite lovely.” She pulls lightly on Aaleyah’s scarf forcing Aaleyah to move towards her.

  “Do you have any more pointers? When you walk, everyone is in awe, they bow to you and are so happy to speak to you. You even have the Trivplah royals treating you with respect. How do I make myself seem like a princess?”

  As Aaleyah pats her hand the servants come out with big trays of food for the dinner to begin. “Do not seem, just be,” she tells her, then pulls her scarf out of Hestia’s grasp and moves back to sit up straight.

  Hestia picks up her cup of tea as she deliberates Aaleyah’s words. Yes, she needs to stop telling herself to look like a princess. She does not need to seem to be anything. She is a princess. If in her mind she feels she is only pretending then who will believe her?

  She watches Hammun move the food onto her plate and smiles. In Hammun’s mind it is doubtful that he tells himself to look like a prince. He is already one, whether he wears red or even green; he will always be a prince.

  Hammun cuts another piece of meat and places it on her plate. “Please eat, do not allow stress to leave you hungry in the dead of the night.”

  Hestia obeys and chews the tender meat, the juices and flavours dancing on her tongue with each chew. She watches Hammun scrape off the spice before placing another piece on her plate. “Why do you take it off?”

  “You will not like the spice, it is too strong for you.”

  Not believing him, Hestia takes a bite of meat he has not touched yet and eats it. With each chew the spice seems to travel through her airways, her eyes water and as she opens her mouth to breathe the flavour is even stronger.

  Sighing Hammun pours another cup of tea. “Drink slowly, I told you you would not like it. Why force yourself?”

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Tears fall from Hestia’s eyes and she gulps the tea, the liquid burning her tongue.

  Eyes widening Hammun calls a servant over and orders a cup of water. “I said to drink slowly. Now you have injured yourself, Kitten,” he chastises. Placing the cup of cold water in her hand he tirelessly calls out to her, “Do trust me, Hestia.”

  Hestia shakes her head silently drinking the water holding the cold liquid on her burned tongue. Her leg shakes and she sneaks a peak at Aaleyah’s table. While her table is coated in a cloud of embarrassment, Aaleyah’s table has the frost of winter. Aaleyah and Saan stay silent, refusing to speak their cold winds keep the servants from lingering.

  High Princess Aaleyah is always strong and independent, she never falls, and especially never makes mistakes in the presence of men. Never has Hestia seen High Princess Aaleyah be so stubborn.

  The meal finishes and the desserts come out filling the hall with a sweet honey scent. Hestia is too nervous to attempt to speak to them anymore and with a pleading look towards Hammun he sighs and nods.

  “High Princess Aaleyah,” he calls her attention.

  Hestia watches Aaleyah take the ladle for the wine away from Saan and places it on her side of the table before turning to them.

  “The banquet you have put together reminds me of the past, were you feeling inspired? From the seating arrangements, to the scheduling, to the arrangement of candles it is very similar to the banquets of our childhood.”

  Aaleyah studies Hammun, not sure why he is saying this, it is his way of somehow returning to the plan.

  Still she looks around the hall. Her eyes scan the politicians, the Lord and Ladies, the ministers and officials. Some of them are in the same positions they were in when she was a girl. Some of them have elevated status, and sit higher, backs straighter. Aaleyah recognizes all of their faces, remembering each of their loyalty. Some loyal to their own pockets, some loyal to weapons, and the few who were loyal to the king. She forces a smile. “One cannot easily forget whence they came.”

  Hearing those words Saan squeezes her hand.

  Yells sound a few tables down, and Prince Kian rises wobbly on his feet. His face red with heat from the wine.

  “You dare speak to me like this!” He points his finger at Lord Fukayna, his body swaying. “You think because my father welcomed you into the palace that you can speak to me in any way? You dare to threaten me!”

  Lord Fukayna bows, eyes wide in fear. “Your highness I meant no harm. This one only wished to remind you that-”

  “You- you are a servant, you are below me, you remind me nothing. I am the one who shall remind you.” Prince Kian sneers.

  Hammun coughs lightly before rising from the table with a calm expression.

  Aaleyah closes her eyes momentarily, slowing her breaths.

  “Prince Kian, Lord Fukayna. Tonight is a blessed night, surely there is no grievance that cannot be fixed,” Hammun’ soothing tone calms the whispers that fill the room.

  Lord Fukayna rises from the floor and rushes to Hammun. “Prince Hammun please understand I meant no harm. It was a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding.”

  “Prince Kian,” Hammun says with a joyful smile on his face, “this wine has aged well over three Red moons. It is an honor to know that you enjoyed it.”

  Prince Kian rests on a pillar, his eyes staring at his empty basin, and Aaleyah sneaks a glance at Saan’s dark expression. After this she silently vows not to leave his side for the rest of the night.

  “Yes it was quite good. Very soothing. Smoothly went down my throat the taste it left behind was sweet enough to have you longing for more,” Kian slurs. “I have not forgotten though,” he says, pushing his sister away from him.

  Princess Mauhna is not affected by her brother pushing her and turns to Hammun. “Prince Hammun please ignore my brother, the alcohol has gotten to him is all.”

  She pulls on her brother’s sleeve and calls him. “Tamdon!”

  Aaleyah watches how Kian holds onto the drape around the pillar, waving his finger at Lord Fukayna indignantly. “He dared tell me that I cannot enter the mines. Threatened that I would be breaking the treaty to do so. How dare he?”

  Hammun covers his mouth to cough and Aaleyah drops Saan’s scarf off her shoulders as she lifts the tea cup.

  When intoxicated Prince Kian has trouble holding his false mannerisms. The Trivplah’s signed the treaty and agreed not to no longer touch the mines in the Nevalvn kingdom. Thus, undoing all of the work he has been doing this past Blue moon.

  With the alcohol in his system Prince Kian can hold his grievance any longer.

  Prince Kian must have made a passing comment about entering the mines to collect iron ore for weapons. Lord Fukayna in passing must have reminded him of the treaty and thus led to the outburst that Hammun heard.

  “Prince Kian, talk of weapons are not necessary for tonight. I have quite the collection of wine, shall I show it to you?” Hammun offers and catches Aaleyah’s eyes.

  Prince Kian chuckles and waves his knuckle. By this point all eyes in the hall are on them including the king who was in the middle of a deep discussion with King Ion.

  “Prince Hammun. The Nevalvn people owe my father. More than their iron ore, their salt was protected by us in the past.” One of his arms clutches the pillar and the other waves to the people in the room. “And now they claim they cannot be touched? Claim that we can have nothing? They owe us before their royals died, and they will continue to until the debt is paid.”

  He motions to Lord Fukayna. “That makeshift lord can say what he wants, but unless Nevalvn people honor the past agreements I do not have to honor the present one.”

  Hestia rises, pain and anger etching her features, and Aaleyah catches her hand, guiding her back to her seat. “Speaking now will only harm the Nevalvn name.”

  Aaleyah watches Hammun for the signal.

  “Prince Kian, surely a man of your prestige will not allow anyone to force you into a spoiled light. Why not enjoy good wine with me? No need to discuss politics and promises,” Hammun states.

  Hestia frowns and turns to Aaleyah, anger filling her eyes. “He is not defending my people.”

  Aaleyah shakes her head. “Silence can allow the guilty to admit their sins.”

  Prince Kian scoffs. “Wine, yes, you can tell me what crime you have done to deserve the punishment of marrying vamot like her,” he sneers motioning to Hestia. “Because of her pretty face you forced a strong kingdom to bow down to a kingless one.”

  All eyes in the hall turn their attention to Hestia who forces herself to sit straight and hide her angry tears.

  Hammun remains calm, his polite smile never leaving his face. “Prince Kian there are many acts that are forgivable, insulting a princess of the Dlumaeni line is not one of them. Laws differ here and Aidkjeen has a history of following through on their promises as well as punishments, such a shame we can not say the same for you. Thus is this peace treaty not a perfect opportunity to show the loyalty and truth behind a Trivplah’s words? Is now not a valuable opportunity to shine?”

  Finally Hammun rubs his nose once and Aaleyah stands quickly knowing if hse is any slower Saan will stop her. She makes her way to the monster, the lack of Saan’s scarf giving her no way of hiding, and she momentarily holds her tongue tightly between her teeth; using the pain to steady her.

  “Prince Kian,” she calls, keeping her voice light..

  His blue eyes turn to her and she swallows her disdain.

  Prince Kian loses his anger and leaves the pillar to walk towards her when Hammun steps in front. “Prince Kian, if we may-”

  “Prince Hammun?” Aaleyah stands behind Hammun and bowing her head slightly.

  Hammun takes a step back and allows her to face Kian head on.

  His eyes take her in from top to bottom, his gaze lingering on the sliver of skin not covered by and it takes everything she has not to cross her arms. “Prince Kian, Prince Hammun truly has a wonderful collection of wine. It could only be beneficial to try it out.

  Prince Kian mumbles to himself in Susakin, she is only to catch a couple words, and seeing Hammun’s pointed look she moves her hair off her neck and takes a step closer.

  “Prine Kian, honor is a lovely thing, why not share it tonight?”

  “Aaleyah.”

  The flirtation in his voice is easily heard and she bites down on her tongue to suppress her shiver. It is almost over. Just one insult is all it will take. Heavenly Lord, please help this to be over.

  “If given the iron ore I will make a beautiful collar for you. Then you would never leave my side.”

  At his words Aaleyah can finally breathe. It is done, now all that is left is Saan.

  His words cause outrage throughout the hall. Guards step forward to defend their insulted high princess.

  The pillar that Prince Kian was leaning on now becomes the one he is slammed against. Saan’s forearm pushes against his windpipe making every attempt to breathe a battle that he barely passes.

  Saan’s dark laughter is deafening, all sound in the hall stops as it reaches the people’s ears. “Your blood will match the cloth you lean against,” he promises him in a calm rage. His hand moves to grip Kian’s chin. “Your white bones will find their place on the floor below my feet. Your blond hair will wave beautifully as the wind blows past your stoked head.” As Saan speaks his anger grows more and more and his grip on Kian’s face tightens and Kian yelps in pain.

  Princess Mauhna, turns to Aaleyah in desperation. “High Princess Aaleyah please. My brother is drunk and the alcohol has gotten to him. We Trivplah’s do not have high tolerance, please have mercy.”

  Hammun takes a step towards his brother but Saan’s glare halts him.

  Saan releases his arm that was crushing Kian’s wind pipe and locks eyes with Aaleyah. “Insulting a Dlumaeni princess is a capital offense. Insulting you, is an offense that no punishment is grave enough. No one shall do so and live.”

  By this point everyone in the hall is holding their breath, their hearts beating with horror alone.

  Hammun’s smiles wavers and he turns to Aaleyah before speaking once more to Saan. “Supreme General, perhaps we can hear the high princess’ words first.”

  Aaleyah’s steps are slow, the guards that had surrounded her part, making a path. As she reaches Saan the veins in Saan’s hands are noticeable and she places her hand over his forearm.

  “This is a night for peace and we shall allow that night to finish.” At her words Saan visibly shakes in rage. Even Helan’s hand tightens on the hilt of his sword.

  Be it grace, or the Heavenly Lord, San still listens to her, and Kian’s neck is not broken.

  “Nonetheless some crimes must not be overlooked, I am willing to let this transgression go in exchange for his paying for the crimes against the Nevalvn people.”

  Princess Mauhna’s face fills with rage, “My brother, other than tonight, has done no crimes!” She moves to step forward but a guard blocks her from touching Aaleyah.

  Aaleyah internally marvels at Mauhna’s lack of knowledge of her brother’s actions. For moons he had been enslaving the Nevalvn people, he had burned down their temples, burning worshippers alive. All for iron ore. The very iron ore he has insulted her with.

  The peace between kingdoms is vital, and to punish Prince Kian earlier was impossible. For insulting Nevalvn is hard to punish with the lack of Nevalvn strength. Prince Kian needed an unforgivable act. She and Hammun have planned this plan in as much detail as possible. A crime punishable by death. Death that for the sake of Hestia and her kingdom, will be negotiated for something else.

  Prince Kian flew head first into the fire’s eye. The trap that Hammun and her spent moons creating for him. All she must do is convince Saan to let him go.

  “Salt. Iron ore,” Aaleyah starts in a commanding tone attracting the ears of everyone, “is not what the Trivplah Kingdom is after. Attacking Nevalvn temples, stealing men from their homes to force them into lives of servitude has nothing to do with the mines.”

  She turns away from the people to speak to Saan. “Prince Kian is a man of power and burning temples of the gods is an insult to the heavens. The women and children who were trapped in the temples who died were families of the mine workers. Prince Kian forced them to give resources, and when the Nevalvn people did not he killed them. And now he has attacked me.”

  Turning away from Saan she faces the people in the room. “We all know the punishment, but I ask for mercy. Instead I ask that he be placed in the dungeons and pay for the crimes he has caused the Nevalvn people instead.”

  The muttering in the room grows louder the moment Aaleyah finishes speaking.

  “Was Prince Kian truly so treacherous?”

  “How kind the high princess is, to place the people’s grievances over her own. To defend the Nevalvn people over herself.”

  “Truly the high princess is sent from the heavens. How has Saan lived in his past life to deserve such an angelic wife?”

  Some people still hope to take this moment to point out the strength that the Aidkjeen kingdom seems to continuously obtain.

  “The crimes that Prince Kian is claimed to have down are truly evil, but the mines were seen to many as untouched land. Now the Nevalvn Kingdom is marrying into Aidkjeen the power is unbalanced,” Official Marken says. He rose to fame from nothing, the merchant grew to become the richest landowner and also the owner of the most slaves. He attempted to buy the mines but was unable to. “Would the Aidkjeen Kingdom not seem greedy to own the iron ore, and the salt mines?” He asks, turning his head left and right to gather support.

  Some men agree. “The treaty signed addresses the point of violence. No one is to attack or harm the Nevalvn kingdom or forcefully take the mines. But who do the mines belong to?”

  Hestia frowns but remains standing by the table.

  Saan releases Prince Kian’s chin and the blonde prince crumbles to the ground. “Take him to the cells,” he orders.

  Aaleyah motions for Hammun to take charge and moves to calm Saan’s unsettled anger.

  Hammun clasps his hands together. “We have spent moons reaching a peace, now that we have it, it shall be natural for us to move to these discussions. However important, discussions after drinking wine are not wise. Why not discuss this at a later date?”

  The men and women seem to agree. Some of the officials drank so much they can barely stand. The representatives of kingdoms and tribes are also not all present and accounted for to discuss such serious topics. Thus everyone slowly returns to their seats.

  Aaleyah glances back in time to catch Hammun’s smile of accomplishment. ‘We did it.’ he silently tells her.

  Aaleyah does not return his smile, instead she claps and the musicians who somehow are already seated begin playing music. After the music starts Aaleyah walks with Saan back to their table.

  “Thank you.” She knows more than anyone that if not for her stopping him Saan would have killed Kian, undoing all that she and Hammun hoped to accomplish. She pours him a chalice of wine.

  “You did not tell me about this plan,” Saan says.

  “You would not have allowed it,” she tells him, refilling his chalice.

  His chalice lands on the table with balanced restraint. “Of course not, the plan was for you to parade in front of Kian’s gaze.”

  Aaleyah drops her hands in her lap, her finger running over her nail. “Not exactly.”

  “That is exactly what it was. You toyed with him, Hammun set up the strong liquor. I wondered why tonight this wine was chosen, surely there are lighter ones. I should have questioned it.” His anger fades and his sad eyes bore into Aaleyah’s. “I try so hard to get you to believe that I can protect you, that I will stand at your side. Just for you to take it and use it against me. I am not sure what cuts more, you using my heart against me, or knowing that you have the power to do it again.”

  “Saan-” her heart chills when Saan shakes his head and forces a painful smile.

  “Aaleyah, can I ever be your confidant? Will you ever trust me?”

  While everyone focuses on the music, Aaleyah wonders if she has begun walking the path. The path that Saan will not forgive her for. “No.”