Chapter 3 #2
“Don’t worry, my dear. We can still take our time, and there are plenty of other suitors out there.” He says, but barely looks at Aza, remaining focused on appearances in front of the crowd of guests.
Aza knows how important it is to give off good impressions, especially at a time like this, but considering she hardly ever gets to see her father, especially when not at events or meetings, she misses and yearns for a little more attention from him.
Like when she was little and the center of his love and devotion.
Well, her and Mama. But that time is over now, and a new time has begun.
So she sticks to her perfect posture and regal smile.
Out of the corner of her eye, though, she sees a flash of purple.
She turns to her left, searching for what caught her eye.
They land on a purple napkin held by large male hands that clench it, bringing out all the perfectly bulging veins that continue to skate up golden-tan arms. Her gaze traveled upward and found him.
Jahar.
He’s leaning on the entryway to the kitchens, feet crossed, slanted, and shoulder pressed against the frame.
He was already watching her. A crooked smile, like he’s been there a while.
He takes the purple napkin in the hand of his free arm and begins spinning it above his head.
Aza quickly glances at her father and the room, but no one is paying any mind to him or her at the moment.
Most are caught up in conversations, drinks, or are finding seats for the meal about to be served.
Satisfied that only Jahar’s eyes were currently on her, she turns her head back to him and his ridiculous napkin dance.
She tries her best to suppress a smile as she shakes her head at him.
But this only fuels him more, and he starts imitating Prince Evander, mocking his bow and refusing to look Aza’s way.
Before she knew it, he’s dancing with an invisible version of her.
Aza can’t help it, and a laugh escapes her lips as she makes a shooing gesture with her hand.
King Nefir glanced over, “What was that?”
“Nothing, Baba, just a cough that snuck up on me.” Aza lies.
“Hmm.” That's all he says as he turns his attention back to the crowd.
Aza looks back over to Jahar, bowing as if he just performed the greatest show, and wide enough to stretch across the world plastered across his face.
Aza can’t help but return a smile just the same.
She also can’t help the growing longing she feels in her heart, mind, and soul, and maybe between her legs, too.
Aza blushes at that thought and stifles it down.
Jahar gets distracted when one of the servants exits the door behind him and taps him on the shoulder. They exchanged a few words, and then, to her surprise, he started walking toward her. When he reaches her, he stands in front of both her and the King and bows deeply to both of them.
“Your majesties, I bring word that dinner is ready and will be brought out as soon as you make the announcement,” Jahar says in his deep, silky voice.
“Thank you. Jahar. I will make it upon your leave. Have you thought more about our discussion?”
What discussion? Aza thinks to herself.
“Yes, Sire. I have an answer for you that I would kindly like to discuss after this celebration at your earliest convenience.” Jahar responded politely, dipping his head in respect.
“Very well. I will call for you. Thank you again. You are dismissed.”
Jahar once again bows, but his attention lingers on her a second too long. He gives Aza one last charming smile and then leaves for the kitchens.
What were they talking about? Aza can’t get the thought out of her mind.
King Nefir bellows his strong voice across the grand hall, “Attention please. If you would all kindly take a seat, dinner is to now be served,” he announces.
Guests began taking their seats at one of the three long tables.
Aza and the King make their way to the middle table.
The King sits proudly at the head of the table, while Aza sits to his right.
Four guards stand behind the King, while two make their way to stand behind Aza.
Prince Evander snaked his way through the crowd to sneak a seat a few down from Aza, but across the table so that he has a view of her and the King.
To the King’s left sits his most trusted advisor Philum.
Moments after everyone had found a seat, a bustle of servants filed out, all carrying trays that they brought to each guest and placed in front of them.
Aza saw Jahar come out with trays, and she found herself hoping he would come near her, maybe just brush her arm a bit as he set down her tray, but someone else steps in, and the moment is gone.
“Please let us know if you require anything, your majesty.” She said in a small, yet strong voice.
Aza managed a polite smile and nod, and the woman went away, but Aza couldn’t help but have her eyes follow Jahar, who was working his way up on the other side of her table.
Jahar stopped at Prince Evander’s seat, and she caught him eyeing her watching Jahar, but she tried to cover it up as just having a piqued interest in all the trays.
She caught it. Evander shifted just enough to block him. Jahar, however, having excellent reflexes, balanced the tray before setting it down without incident.
“Hey! Be more careful next time!” Prince Evander shouts a little too loudly at Jahar.
“My apologies,” is all Jahar replies with.
Aza tensed, ready to stand, to defend Jahar when King Nefir places his hand on her knee under the table and gives a small cough, subtly telling her to back down. This wasn’t princess behavior. Aza takes in a steadying breath and plays it off as she pulls in her chair further.
Aza didn’t see Jahar for the rest of dinner. She eats quietly, eyes down as conversations and drinks flow around.
After the King is finished eating, he invites everyone to finish their meals and then move to the dancing area as he and Aza retreat to their thrones.
Well, Aza sits on what was her mother’s throne.
She watches as guests join hands and spin around the floor, swaying to the music that the band is playing.
Her kingdom is said to have some of the most musically talented folk.
Something that Aza is very proud of. Some of the musicians in the royal band were once simple village folk but earned their way in.
That was something that made Aza very happy, and something she fought hard to preserve, considering how much music had meant to her mother; her mother being the one who started the tradition of allowing anyone the opportunity to be in the royal band, not just those of high class families, or ones that could afford to go to the top music schools around the world.
She used to say that sometimes the greatest music was found within, and it couldn’t be taught, only harnessed and strengthened if given the chance.
Even now, if you go into the villages, you can see many folk with open arms teaching young children how to harness their musical strengths free of charge.
Music was something that brought her people together, and she loved it.
She only wished she were dancing with someone else.
As if on cue, Prince Evander waltzes his way over to the thrones, bows, and asks, “May I have this dance?”
This is not who I meant, Aza thinks, angry at the universe or whoever was pulling this joke on her.
King Nefir simply nodded and gestured his hand towards Aza. Aza reluctantly stands and reaches out her hand, which Prince Evander promptly takes and squeezes harder than need be as he guides her to the dance floor. Aza can’t help but notice that his palms are sweaty and he seems a bit nervous.
Arrogant, yet nervous and unsure. Not a great combo, Aza thinks to herself.
“I don’t think it is a coincidence that I am the first person you have danced with tonight.” Prince Evander coos, breaking the silence as he places his hand on Aza’s waist, readying them to dance to the new song that is starting.
Aza settles herself and places her free hand on his shoulder as he begins to take the lead in steps, “Why do you say that, Prince Evander?”
"From the moment I saw you I knew that I wanted you. And I think that my being the first to be this eager to dance with you just shows my seriousness.”
“I see.” Aza tried to hold back an annoyed sigh. “Now seems like the perfect opportunity to tell me about yourself and your kingdom.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about that. I will discuss all of that with your father. All you have to do is look beautiful and enjoy the music and this dance.” He says with arrogant confidence, completely ignoring Aza’s right to know about her potential suitor and their kingdom.
She would definitely be having a word with her father, she is sure this prince right here is not a suitable match.
She’s only slightly nervous about the fact that even though her father is quite understanding and not so strict with her, it is still his decision in the end.
But that’s an issue and concern for another day.
Her father had already said they wouldn’t make any rash decisions.
Especially not on the first night of her availability and the first potential suitor they have met.
Although there were a few dignitaries and royal advisors who were sent on behalf of other potential suitors who might broaden their horizon a little tonight. But that was yet to be seen.
“How did you enjoy dinner?”
Aza didn’t want to answer any of his questions, especially since he outright refused to answer hers, but she still politely answered, “It was lovely. Our kitchen staff here is the best.”
“I’m sure mine would have been better if that fresh-on-the-job servant hadn’t almost spilled it on me.
But, yes, I can agree with you that the food did taste delicious.
The mix of meat, vegetables, and spices.
Very well done. My kingdom could benefit from your spices.
” Prince Evander complained before attempting to joke, getting a rise out of Aza, who ever so slightly squeezed the fabric of his jacket.
“Is he a friend of yours?” Prince Evander pries.
Aza carefully considered her response as she took a relaxing breath and answered, “I am proud to say that I am friends with most of the staff of my kingdom; we would have almost nothing without them. And yes, Chef Jaharis Almasir is fantastic and one of my close friends.”
Aza’s answer sinks in just how she planned it to, as his face is contorted with questions and disbelief.
“That man is Chef Almasir?” he asks with doubt in his voice.
The name was well-known throughout the kingdom. The name obviously started with Jahar’s father but got passed down to Jahar, who continued to keep it an esteemed name in the culinary arts.
“Yes, the head Chef Almasir actually. He designed the entire meal course and oversaw everything while also cooking and helping serve.”
He only replied with a humph as the song ends.
“Well, thank you so much for this dance and chat, Prince Evander, but I would like to rest for a little while. Heels, you know, can get very uncomfortable for a lady.”
Looking somewhat let down, he responds quickly with, “Let me walk you back. And I would very much enjoy another dance later in the evening.”
Aza replies with a quick but seemingly polite “Mhm.”
He walks her back to the throne and bows to the King as he walks away.
“Good dance?” King Nefir asks.
“Oh, invigorating. And the conversation? So enlightening,” Aza answers sarcastically.
“Great! So, I can draft up the marriage alliance tonight!” King Nefir says enthusiastically.
“Baba?!” Aza shouts with alarm.
“I am only kidding my child. I could tell from the first moment that he would not be a good fit for you, and I wouldn’t dream of you living so far away, across the sea.
But I must warn you that at some point we must pick a suitor, and he may not be as perfect as you hope.
But that day is not today, so put it out of your mind for now, child. ”
Aza takes in a relieved breath and smiles at her father, joking with her, even if it was a cruel joke. It felt like a long-lost memory to share a moment of laughter like this with her father. Maybe this whole suitor business would bring her and her father closer. She hoped it did.
For the remainder of the night, Aza and her father talked to a few other representatives of potential suitors, and Aza danced with a few other people.
Of course, Prince Evander wanted his second dance, but thankfully, this time, there was no real conversation, and after their dance, he returned her to her father and wished them both a good night.
She didn’t see Jahar again that night and feels it more than she should.
She decided that she would stop by the kitchens tomorrow morning and help with any leftover cleaning.
Eventually, her father announced to the guests that the evening and celebration was over, and he thanked all who were in attendance.
The room slowly emptied, and Aza and her father began to return to their rooms for the night, but that question still nagged at Aza.
“Baba? May I ask what you and Jahar were talking about earlier?”
King Nefir let out a little chuckle. “I wanted to surprise you, but I suppose I can now. I offered him a position as your royal guard. I know you guys are good friends, and he is of strong character and has helped you many times with your… episodes. I figured, with this new weight on your shoulders and having to be in the spotlight more, it would be beneficial and make you feel more comfortable having someone you trust and get along with by your side more often. I was close with his father, and he had confided in me before his death that his son had had a dream of becoming a guard. He’s been training for years.
He turned into quite a good man, someone I trust. So, I offered him the role. ”
Aza was beyond shocked and excited, but tried her best to mask it. “That was very thoughtful of you. Do tell me when you learn his response?” She tried to sound nonchalant.
“I will. Goodnight, my daughter. I love you.”
“I love you too, Baba. Good night. And… thank you for looking out for me.” Aza replied, with so many emotions lacing her voice, as she lifted herself onto her tiptoes, kissed her father on the cheek, and left for her room.