Fatima: The Slave Princess

"Did something happen?"

"No…" she sniffled.

Whenever I find her in such a pitiful state, there is this strange feeling that always tightens in my chest. It makes me want to eliminate whatever is causing her distress. I've never felt this way about anyone before, not even Emilia whom I've spent my entire life with. Is this perhaps because she called me her friend the other day? When she said those words, my heart nearly stopped. I thought I was going to die at that moment.

"Sir Nate?" she suddenly called.

"Yes?"

"Are slaves allowed to join in the festivities?" she asked with her head slumped.

"No. However, the assistants are vital to the success of the festival, so you are likely going to be there."

Why is she so down in the dumps? I don't see any flog bruises on her.

"Are you upset because of Dimitriu, again? You said you were completely over him. Was that a lie?"

For reasons unknown, I'm suddenly getting angry at the thought that her dejected mood could be related to Dimitriu.

"That's not it!" she blurted loudly.

If I press any further, this conversation may turn into an argument. Her tone just now was a sign she was upset about something. If it's not related Dimitriu, then what could be making her so sad? Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to placate her for now until she feels better.

"Here, I bought you something." I extended a gift box over to her.

"What is it?"

She finally lifted her head. As I gazed upon her, I noticed a sadness I've never seen her wear before. Not even in her worst moments. Should I be worried?

"It's a surprise. Go wash yourself and be sure to wear everything inside the box. Okay? I shall await you at the side gate."

"Okay." she responded indifferently.

Why am I even doing this? The more I interact with her, the more of a stranger I become to myself. It's not like me to go this far for someone I barely know, let alone a slave. However, there's something rather intriguing about her. She strangely makes me want to do everything for her.

"Umm…Sir Nate?"

Good heavens! That startled me. That was quick. How did she manage to get ready in such a short time?

"Why are you hiding behind the gate?"

"You see… I um…P-please don't laugh…okay…" she fidgeted nervously.

Did I pick the wrong size? I bought everything based on memory alone, so it's highly possible they may not fit as they should.

"I won't laugh, you can come out with ease."

She stepped out of the gate, wearing a simple yet elegant light pink and white dress, along with its matching shoes. She styled her hair in a single braid and tied a pink ribbon at its tail, making it look nice and neat. Fati was almost unrecognizable, which nearly caused me to fall off my horse. Everything fit so perfectly, as though each piece was made with her in mind.

"H-how do I look, Sir Nate? Please give your honest opinion." she asked nervously.

"Your hair…is so long." I replied in a daze.

"Ah, yes. I've not cut it ever since I was born. Is my long hair a problem? I can tuck it if…"

"Wait, no. It's perfect! I-I mean it's fine, so don't worry. Long hair is…"

What is wrong with my speech? My face and ears were hot while I stood there prattling on about her long hair. However, seeing her face beaming as she giggled at my absurd behavior, I'd say it's all worth it. While escorting her on my horse, we engaged in a light yet pleasant conversation which made the trip seem rather short. Upon her arrival, she had immediate chores assigned to her, which saddened me. I kept looking for ways to steal her away, but Emilia kept intercepting my every attempt.

++++++

Something is strange about the way he treats that girl. I've been observing them for the past few weeks, and it seems to me that…

"Your highness, the young master has arrived."

"Oh! Darling! You're finally here. Which means the contests can now begin. The other judges have already arrived and are waiting for us on the podium. Come along, dearest."

"Apologies for my tardiness. I hope I did not cause you any inconvenience."

"Not at all, my love. I am very glad you could make it. You look as dashing as usual."

"As do you, my beautiful flower."

Goodness, what has gotten into him? My heart fluttered yet again.

"This way, your highness, my Lord." instructed one of our guards as they guided us to the stand.

"It's the princess! She's as beautiful as the rumors painted her to be."

The crowd rose into clamor as they marveled at the Princess' beauty while she was being escorted by her fiancé. They looked so happy together, which made my heart feel heavy. I thought I had gotten over it already, yet it seems I have a long way to go.

"Who's the girl next to that table over there? I've never seen her before."

The subject of their gossip has now shifted to me.

"She must be one of her highness' handmaidens."

A handmaiden huh?

"No, I heard she was a slave."

"Oh! Then, could she be a palace slave?"

I went from being a handmaiden to being a slave in mere seconds. Gossip is indeed a formidable foe. It seems these ladies would say anything just for the sake of conversation.

"The rumors must be true, then. The slaves in the capital are treated much kinder than the ones here."

"Are you openly criticizing the Kartier duchy now?"

"Have you seen their slaves?"

"I ran into one the other day and she was as filthy as an abandoned animal. She was a child too."

"Oh, my!"

The entire town was embellished with a multitude of bright colors. The facades of every merchant stall and building were adorned with floral decorations. Children were joyfully scampering around, playing with their friends. Young lads and maidens were secretly holding each other's hand while strolling across the roads. Even the sun appeared to be having a blast up there, yet these ladies chose to blabber their venomous gossip. I'm already in a bad mood, and this is making it worse. Their clamor suddenly became more intense as an imposing presence climbed the stage. My divinity mark was suddenly tingling. However, I had to maintain my composure. After all, the star of the show was surprisingly in attendance.

"We salute your imperial highness!" bellowed the audience.