Chapter 11
A fter bathing, Aza finds her dress case that the servants placed in her room. She chooses a mint-green dress with a halter top, a cinched waist, and a flared bottom.
She exits her room to find Jahar and Bennu chatting quietly. They go still at the sight of her, straightening.
“Ready, Princess?” Bennu asks.
“Yes, please lead the way.”
“Very well. I spoke with the Basharian guards. If you are alright with it, they will stand guard for you tonight while we rest and recover, but rest assured, we will be available at a moment’s notice if you need us,” Bennu informs her.
“I agree with that plan, all will be well.”
Bennu nods his head. Aza notices that Jahar has kept pretty silent since she entered their presence, but she catches something unspoken in his gaze. She gives him the most delicate smile and feels a thrill run through her when heat flickers in his eyes, his jaw tightens, and he has to look away.
Bennu brings them to a set of guards that had been waiting for their arrival.
They show them the remainder of the way to the dining room.
As they enter the room, a small table is set for them.
Prince Malik and Prince Zain are seated at the table, but seem to be bickering as usual.
At the sight of Aza entering the room, they both jump up to their feet.
The twins are striking. Dark curls, mischievous eyes, olive skin, and brilliant smiles. Nearly identical, though Malik stands just a touch taller.
“Princess!” They both welcome in unison, elbows knocking as they compete for her attention with each other.
They walk over quickly, each trying to jump in front of the other. Prince Malik snagged the front spot as they found themselves standing right in front of Aza. He bows, then straightens too quickly when Zain jabs him.
“It is truly great to see you two,” Aza says honestly. They always make her smile with their goofiness.
“May I?” Malik asks with his arms opening wide.
Aza meets him in his embrace, and Zain pulls her into another embrace.
“We were very sorry to hear about your encounter today on your way to us. Please rest assured, we will push for more forces to track down these wild bandits and bring their whole operation to justice.” Zain assures, a rare tone of somberness leaking into his voice.
“I very much appreciate that. I am just thankful we all made it out.”
“Yes, and we will take great care of your injuries. In the meantime, wherever you choose to travel next, we will provide extra guards to ensure your safe travels.” Malik chimes in.
“Thank you.”
“Now please, please take a seat. We have taken the liberty of asking our kitchens to prepare a fine meal for you to enjoy. Please, you may have a seat as well.” Zain gestures for Aza and her guards to sit.
Aza is surprised by the invitations for her guards, as it is beyond rare for guards to sit at a table and eat with royalty, but Aza appreciates the kind gesture. The twins have always been caring for as long as she’s known them.
They all sit. The kitchen staff brings out appetizers for them, and Aza finally realizes how hungry she is, so she digs in.
Malik eats quickly and tries to steal more food from Zain's plate, but Zain beats Malik’s wandering fork away with his own.
The staff brings out more appetizers for Malik, and he mockingly sticks out his tongue at Zain, who rolls his eyes at Aza.
She covers a giggle and swears she sees Jahar’s hand clench tighter around his fork.
“So, dear Aza, tell us, how have you been? And don’t worry about formality, we are asking merely as friends.” Zain announces.
Aza lets out a breath, “It’s been a busy year of traveling and meeting potential suitors. The different lands have been unique and beautiful, but” Aza pauses, trying to find her words.
“But the men, not so much.” Zain butts in, and Aza tries to hide an embarrassed smile.
“Well, of course. There’s no way anyone would be able to compare after you’ve already met me.” Malik teases.
“Please, you’re one of the ones she’s referring to. The only reason she likes our kingdom is because of me.” Zain mocks.
Aza can’t help but laugh at the two of them.
She wonders what it would be like to share a bond like that with a sibling.
The teasing, the ease between them, and the support they truly share.
She always wanted a sibling while growing up, but it was not to be.
Aza asked her mom many times, but her mom always responded that Aza was enough for her.
“So, are you still going to meet the fabled King Abasi of the Amunis Empire?” Zain pokes.
“Why do you say it like that? Should I be concerned?”
“It’s just that he seems to run a tight ship, not participating in much trade or travel. Or…” Zain stops abruptly. She’s pretty sure Malik has kicked him under the table, and he is definitely slightly shaking his head.
“What is it? Please, friends, if there is something I must know, tell me now.” Aza persuades.
“It is nothing you need worry about, Princess. We do not want to persuade your perspective of him before you meet with mere rumors and gossip of an empire we know little about.” Malik interjects, though Aza feels that he might be keeping something important from her, given Zain’s suddenly blank face.
“Alright.”
She finishes dinner between bursts of laughter.
The twins tell stories about their mischief since the last time they met.
After many mugs of ale, they both start dancing in the middle of the room.
At some point, someone carrying a musical horn enters the room and begins playing music for the twins to dance to.
They invite Aza to join, and she happily accepts.
Malik, despite being drunk, is very conscious of his hand placement, placing one hand on her upper back and holding her hand in his other.
He rocks them back and forth, missing more than a few steps, as they move across the floor.
Aza’s heart swells as she feels like she’s dancing in the dining hall with her parents again.
Malik spins her quickly, releasing her to Zain, who holds onto both her hands with his.
He spins both of them around at arm's length. Her hair flies wildly behind her, and she can’t stop laughing.
Zain spins her outward, and Malik grabs ahold of her free hand.
Both men come closer to her side, slipping their arms under hers, and begin some sort of tap dance with their feet.
It takes her a moment, but she finally figures out the rhythm and joins their dance.
“We hear your kingdom is going to be having a ball soon,” Zain announces.
“Oh, yeah?” Aza teases, despite, of course, knowing this.
“Oh, yes. Father told us. We’d love to teach you and your citizens our amazing dance moves, so that you can have one hell of a dance party.” Malik offers.
“Is that right? I’ll have to discuss it with the committee.” Aza jests.
“Oh, you are most gracious, Princess.” Malik quips.
“Do save us dances when the time comes.” Zain encourages.
“But of course.”
Aza has to cover an unexpected yawn.
“Princess, you should get some rest,” Jahar says from across the room. He hasn’t taken his eyes off her all night and his stance is tight and unwavering.
“Ah, yes. Please, let us escort you to your room.” Zain says, turning to a guard, and telling them to send the night team up to Aza’s room.
“Here, take some water.” Malik hands her a glass, nearly spilling it as he grins sheepishly.
The twins are a little unsteady as they make their way to Aza’s room.
They’ve clearly had too much to drink, but at least they are fun when they’re drunk.
Aza had seen plenty of men who weren’t. The twins continue to dance and sing on their walk, and Aza feels bad for anyone who has tried to turn in for the night, for these two are not quiet in the least. But eventually they reach her room.
Each of them places a gentle kiss on her hand, wishing her a good night, and offering to provide her with anything she needs. She thanks them and bids them adieu.
She is then left standing face-to-face with Jahar, while Bennu stands to the side.
“You should get some sleep; it’ll be a long journey back home,” Jahar says.
“Oh no, I will be continuing to the Amunis Empire. We have already made it this far, and if we go back, we’d have to reschedule, and I do not wish to do that. We will have extra support on our journey, everything will be alright.”
“Are you sure, Princess?” Jahar sounds uncertain.
“Yes.”
“Very well. I will continue to watch over you tonight.”
“No, Jahar, I need you to rest. It will be fine. The twins have offered their guards, and I trust them.”
“I’m still going to send one of our guards out here, too, end of discussion. Too much has happened today for us to leave you without someone who is solely here for your protection.”
“Fine. It will be alright,” Aza assures him, seeing the slight anger in his voice for what it really is: fear.
As if on cue, two Basharian guards appear. They say their hellos and introduce themselves. Bennu goes to grab Colby. When they return, Bennu wishes Aza a good night, and Aza returns the wish.
Aza can see the hesitation in Jahar, but she gives him a soft smile and says, “Good night, Sir Jahar. I hope you get some rest.”
He cleared his throat, “You as well, Princess. I will see you in the morning.” He bows before leaving reluctantly.
Aza enters her chambers, changes into her nightdress, and goes to bed.
Morning light wakes Aza. She gets up, quickly bathes again, and does her hair. She chooses a yellow dress that’s fitted at the waist but soft and flowing below.
A knock sounds at the door. Aza goes to open it and finds the twins front and center with Jahar behind them, accompanied by Colby and the night guards.
“Good morning, Princess.” They say in unison, “Breakfast will be brought shortly, and these gentlemen behind us will finish their duties by packing your luggage into your carriage, if you are ready for that.” Zain explains.
“That sounds lovely, thank you.” Aza smiles.
“We wanted to see if there was anything else we could assist you with before your departure. Your guards explained that you lost some of your food and supplies. Your supplies have been replenished. Two guards are fit to travel, and one will remain here to recover. We’ll send three of ours with you. Does that sound alright?” Zain asks.
“That sounds great. Thank you for all of your help. I’m grateful.”
“Ah, what are friends for, dear Aza?” Malik coos.
“How can I repay your generosity?” Aza asks.
“There is no need for repayment; it is our pleasure,” Malik assures.
Aza smiles and hugs each twin.
“Safe travels.” They bow and leave her.
The guards gather her belongings and leave. Breakfast is brought to her room shortly. After finishing, she exits her room to announce she is ready to go. She is informed that her remaining guards are waiting with their carriage and horses, so they make their way there.
“Will you be riding in the carriage with me again, Sir Jahar?” Aza asks.
“I’m afraid, my dear Princess, that I cannot today. I will be leading today to ensure your safety. Plus, Colby deserves to rest in the carriage, if that is alright with you.” Jahar advises.
“Oh, um, yes, of course Colby can rest in the carriage,” Aza says, hiding her disappointment.
“Thank you, Princess,” Colby says with a dip of his head, and she returns a small smile to him.
“Would someone be able to grab one of my books from my luggage for me to read on the journey?”
“Of course.”
After gathering what she asked for and securing everything onto the carriage, Aza gets comfortable in the carriage, and Colby sits on the opposite side of her, closing his eyes and gently drifting off to sleep.
Out of the window, Aza can see Jahar directing the guards on what to do.
Eventually, they leave. She pulls out her book and begins reading.
Aza was informed ahead of time that this journey may be bumpy, as they need to go through the Berdosa mountain passes, but she wasn’t prepared for just how bumpy it would be.
The ride genuinely terrified her, and she wished Jahar were in here with her.
But, in an effort to pass the time more quickly, Aza lies down to sleep, struggling due to the rough terrain.