She had ordered I be brought to the private hall, used for our private meetings and family gatherings, it was a much smaller hall compared to other halls like the gallery or throne halls. Its soaring ceilings were supported by intricately designed columns. The floor was made of Mable, the walls had decorative moldings, they were also adorned with elaborate frescoes, murals and gilded panels.
The hall was illuminated by large windows with stained glass, allowing colorful light to filter through and create a dramatic ambiance. Chandeliers, candelabras, and wall sconces made of precious metals and adorned with jewels provided additional lighting. The chamber bore the weight of centuries in its stone walls.
She sat on the upholstery adorned with silk tapestries and drank from her favorite porcelain cup which had engravings that were made by her, as pottery was one of her favorite activities during her leisure time; the silence caused my imagination to run wild with only footsteps audible, I walked slowly towards her, each step promising the worst. She banged on the intricately carved wooden stool, catching my attention as she said
"Leave us" She roared, her voice cut through the air like a whip, the hall echoed sending shivers down my spine. I knew what my mother was capable of, so I had reasons to be afraid. Her words reverberated, and I could feel the rapid rhythm of my heart beat, a thunderous drumming in my chest that seemed to drown out all other sounds. Each beat echoed in my ears, my eyes involuntarily closed and opened, twitching with nerves, unable to maintain steady contact with my mother's piercing gaze. The guards who had held me at both hands took their hands off me and hastily exited the room, practically dashing out. I placed a trembling hand on my chest feeling the chaos within; it was as though my body mirrored the chaos and uncertainty swirling within me.
Despite her age, there was an aura of power and allure that surrounded her, drawing others in even as they sense the danger, her presence commanded attention. Her regal stature was enhanced by the elegant gowns she often wore, each one meticulously designed to reflect her status and authority.
My mother circled me as she looked at me intensely; I finally found the courage to look her in the eye.
I was confronted by her piercing hazel eyes that seemed to burn with intensity, her brown hair cascaded in silky waves framing her face like a crown of darkness. Her beauty was both captivating and unsettling, her age did not compromise her extraordinary beauty, most times the servants found themselves arguing who was prettier between I and my mother.
"mother, I just.." I said as a heavy slap threw my face to the other corner, my eyes widened and my mouth flew open, I shivered as I clenched my hands not sure of how to react.
"I wonder what mother would do to me" I thought
"Do you know why I sent the guards out, it's because I wanted to save what little dignity you have left" she hissed, she clenched her teeth, her sharp jawline and high cheekbones highlighted. I darted my eyes at her then lowering them. I knew beyond anything she valued the reputation of the royal family above anything.
"you're the future heir of this empire, yet you climbed down your room with an intention of mingling with mere low-born like a stray cat eating from a waste heap, you even reek of them now, and worst off, you are wearing an attire that was popular four seasons ago, even the nobles do not wear such outdated apparels, yet you a royal!" she exclaimed, scoffing out of disbelieve, her perfectly sculpted lips twist into a menacing sneer. Disgust and disappointment apparent on her face. Anger burned hot in my chest, a knot tightening in my stomach as I disapproved of her views.
"Mother these so called low-born are your subjects, why do you refer to them in such a distasteful manner" I choked out, her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as her face quickly changed to a smile and a loud cackling laughter came next and back to a frown, I was startled with such change in expression.
"Exactly, subject! That is why their leader must set an example" she spouted, I frowned, it was obvious I couldn't reason with her.
"You have greatly disappointed me" she stated scoffing, shaking her head, her words ringing in my ears.
"Nevertheless, you must be punished for your careless attitude" she continued. I swallowed.
"Punished? What will she do to me, who will save me! Father will save me!" I thought.
I tried to control my hands, but it shook. She knew exactly what effect she had on me.
"Mother!" I just wanted to see how other people celebrated, I wanted a break from this suffocating palace" I attempted to defend myself and hope for her understanding, she glared at me, she opened her mouth to speak when the door was thrown open, my Father the king walked in, my legs caved in as I staggered and fell to the ground holding my face, majorly out of relieve and secondly to put up an act to save myself.
"Rheda, What's the matter" my father rush to me as he shouted for someone to bring water, a familiar maid ran in as she filled a cup of water and handed it to my father, I watched as she ran out like she was escaping from the royal drama.
"Diane did you hit her" He blurted
"As she deserved your Majesty, I was teaching her to behave, you always play into her antics that is why she dares to be this daring and naughty" she pointed to emphasize, my father sighed as he massaged his temple.
"Why did you do this Rheda, what if something terrible happened to you?" he muttered, I looked into his glistening brown eyes.
"What could have happened father, other girls walk freely, they are not afraid of what might happen to them, why should I always be afraid of some possible danger" I dared to speak
"You are not other girls" he roared, his eyes widening. Tears welled in my eyes, threatening to spill over as I struggled to hold back my emotions.
"Why don't they understand? I just wanted to experience something different." I thought
"Am sorry Father but I couldn't watch from my windows anymore, I feel so locked up in here and so restricted" I muttered, vibrating as the tears I tried withholding trailed my face slowly.
"you are so naïve, you don't know that there are people waiting to take advantage of your weaknesses if you present them, And you princess are a weakness to our kingdom, what do you think would happen if an enemy lay a hold of you" He said ignoring my emotional drama.
"His words stung—am I really that naïve? Am I a weakness? Weakness?" I thought
"father am I a weakness, not a strength, is it because I am a daughter not a son, would you have said the same thing if I were to be a Son" I said quietly almost whispering.
"Unfortunately you are a daughter" he said as I felt my chest tighten.
"You know father I too can achieve great things" my tears flowed unrestrained
"Enough, from now on, no tea, books or flowers, not even your friends will be able to visit till you come to your senses" his voice echoed in an attempt to make himself clear as he stood to his feet.
"Father, you can't do this to me, that's so callous, at least allow me my friends." I screeched
"How dare you shout at your father, he is the leader of our kingdom before he is your father, you will not speak to him in this manner" My mother snapped, causing me to flinch.
"You should be glad your father intervened, if I had to punish you myself, oh you can't imagine" her hazel eyes against the rays of light, I looked to my father to help me out but he didn't spare me a glance.
"You might have escaped with a light punishment, but don't deceive yourself in thinking it ends there" She smirked
"What did she mean? It doesn't end here?, Why? Why? Why was mother the one who never tried to understand me, she should be taking my side or at least try to see my point."
"Maids ? Escort princess Rheda to her chambers at once" she commanded, as two maids walked in with their heads bowed.
"No! No! Father! Father! Listen to me" I wailed, I gestured to him attempting to go to him, but he turned his back at me, they held me at both hands, because of mother now even the maids would drag me anywhere. I whished my hands out of theirs, as I exited the room angrily with them following behind. My head pounded, my heart quaked within me, my father was seeing my actions as immature and foolish, a mere tantrum of a child. But what hurt the most was his inability to see my strengths and capabilities. He did not even trust in his teachings, neither could he understand who I had become.
"But I can't back down; I have to stand up for what I believe in." I thought
i was exhausted from the dancing, running ,shouting and everything that occurred. I laid on my large canopy bed as my mind wandered, A tempest of tears threatened to breach mine eyes. I stared at the silk curtains that draped from its carved wooden frame a testament to craftsmanship, it stood elegantly.
My mind wandered as I recalled how I tried to evade the palace guards but they soon recognized me, they didn't think twice before chasing me like a thief that stole meat, unfortunately they caught up with me and they dared to lay their hands on me and dragged me back to the palace, supposedly "the kings orders", maybe I was over dressed as the man I met insinuated but my Mother felt otherwise she believed I dressed below my status, if I had worn something of less shine, they would have probably passed by without seeing me.
"why do I feel like I forgot something important" I mumbled to myself as i forced myself up, I stood up to feel the soft blue plush rugs that covered the floor, I paced around as a realization hit me.
"Oh, I didn't ask the man for his name, the gods, what was I thinking!" I sighed as I threw myself back down on the bed.
I reminisced about my day; it was a short encounter but I Fantasized about the many possibilities. I yawned very sleepy; I didn't realize it when I slowly slipped into the world of dreams.