Fatima: The Slave Princess

The flower competition takes center stage among the four segments of the spring festival. This year's winner will receive a gold-plated flower wreath, and a tax cut on their business for two consecutive years. The culinary showdown will start soon after, and following that is the drinking competition, and finally the fireworks show which will happen towards the end.

"And the winner of this year's flower competition is Madam Fortfilia of Little Houseplant! Come on up, madam!" shouted the host excitedly.

The crowd roared in joyful chants and claps as they congratulated her. It seems she's a rather popular florist around here. Though she was old in age, her gait was ever so elegant to the point it seemed rehearsed.

My duty is to hand over the trophies to the princess as she passed them out to the winners. She could have asked a maid to complete this task, which would have been more fitting, yet she chose me, a slave. I thought she was merely using me to provoke the mistress, but she's been so nice to me lately that it's scaring me. Even her attendants became cordial with me.

"Miss Fati, how about a quick break? We can take over from here."

"I've brought you some water. I'm sure you must be thirsty from standing under the sun for so long."

"Thank you very much!"

"You can go sit underneath our tent over there."

Being her personal handmaidens and all, I suppose it's natural they would want to assist her directly but, what if she thinks I'm slacking? She specifically asked me to carry out this task. I raised my head in search of her gaze. However, it seemed she was already looking at me with those intimidating amber eyes of hers. With a slight nod and a faint smile, she cued me to leave my post.

"Thank you so much for taking care of me."

"Oh my! You will break your neck bowing like that. Haha"

"She's so adorable."

I went to sit underneath the tent they had suggested to me. I awkwardly looked around only to lock eyes with the mistress, who seemed as though she was planning my murder inside her head. What a terrifying woman she is. One glare from her and I'm trembling like a little leaf.

The crown prince, however, was quietly sitting there with his legs crossed and his arms folded across his chest. He appeared uninterested in the event ever since his arrival; however, I'm grateful his attention has not yet strayed towards me. Though behind that black mask of his, it was hard to know what he was actually looking at.

Meanwhile…

A few young men were stealing glances at her. Meanwhile, her gaze focused on every aspect of the events that were unfolding before her. Occasionally, the wind would blow a few strands of her hair on her face, and she'd gracefully tuck her long bangs behind her ears. There was so much happening around us, yet she was the only person in this entire crowd who captivated my attention. I want to run up to her, grab her tiny and delicate hand and run just for the fun of it.

Fatima…why am I so taken with you? Who in the world are you to me?

+++++

The festival was a success, which filled me with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I helped to make it possible. We set the price of the strawberry preserves at two silver gouds per person, and we provided the participants of the contests with theirs for free. It was the princess' way of thanking everyone who took the time out of their busy day to come and celebrate together. Though I'm a little sad I didn't receive one myself. I heard it was good when eaten with fresh bread.

"Curse the fate of the slave." I sulked while kicking a small rock.

"Who are we cursing?"

"Aah! That scared me!"

Good heavens! I nearly fell.

"Why are you so jumpy all of a sudden?"

"You suddenly popped out of nowhere!" I shouted.

"Oh, my poor heart…"

She seems to be in a better mood now.

"The fireworks show is about to begin. I know a perfect spot with the best view, do you wish to come?"

"Fireworks?" she responded excitedly.

"Have you ever seen a fireworks show before Fati?"

"Of course I have! Back in Ecchelon I used to go with… oops!" she gasped loudly as she covered her mouth.

It seems she accidentally let out something she shouldn't have.

"Is that your homeland?"

Ecchelon, huh…there lies my first clue.

"Huh? Uh…y-yeah. I grew up…in…in a humble home n-near the slums…haha…"

It's obvious she's lying. Which means there is more to her being a citizen of Ecchelon than she's letting on. Hm…should I keep probing?

"I was wondering why your accent sounded so familiar. I knew I heard it somewhere; I just couldn't remember where exactly."

"I-I have an accent?" she asked with a blank stare.

Was she not aware?

"Either way, please keep this a secret from everyone, Sir Nate. I beg of you. Please?"

I could use this situation to bargain for the truth, however that is not the image of me I want to paint in her head. I don't want her to think I'm some deviant who took advantage of her weakness. I'm sure there is another way to find out the truth.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. By the way, the princess asked me to give this to you."

She let out a loud gasp as she quickly snatched the jar from my grasp. She was squealing and twirling around while holding it in the air like some sort of precious treasure. I saw how she was drooling while watching the people enjoy it with their families, so I stole one for her. However, if I tell her that, she will refuse it out of the fear of being accused of thieving. 

"Her highness is a saint. She's not only beautiful on the surface, but truly kindhearted as well. I must thank her properly tomorrow. How wonderful!"

Emilia? A saint?

"Thank you, Sir Nate. I will enjoy it wholeheartedly." she exclaimed as she suddenly pounced on me.

Her flimsy arms wrapped around my waist felt like they would break if I so much as moved. My heart was thumping loudly, and my face felt as though it was on fire. What's happening to me right now?

"Are you alright Sir Nate? Are you not feeling well? Why are you covering your face like that?" she fretted as she looked up at me.

"Uh-huh…" I mumbled nervously.

There was nothing else I could say at that moment, for I was too stunned to even speak properly.

"Oh no! We should hurry back to the estate immediately. I'll brew some herbal tea for you."

When she separated herself from me, I could finally breathe. Though I felt a little disappointed.

"How are you feeling? Is something hurting? Where does it hurt?"

She's acting strange…

"I'm perfectly fine. There's no need to worry."

The sudden loud bangs of the fireworks pervaded the air which startled us. She was gaping at the twinkling lights that were dancing in midair with a big smile on her face. She looked happy.

"Sir Nate, we may not have known each other for a long time, but for the past few months, you've shown me more kindness than anyone I've ever known. Hence, I want to believe you are a good person. No…I know you're a kind man. Which is why I want you by my side always. Don't leave me alone, and don't go to strange places without me, because more than anything, I hate being lonely."

She clutched my shirt as she cried her eyes out, hiding her face behind her unraveled hair. The whole time she was murmuring those heartfelt words, she never once glanced at me. She was probably under the impression I couldn't possibly hear what she was saying because of the noise. However, the sincerity of her words flowed into me like a raging river.

"Happy Spring Festival Fati." I said as I embraced her.

Forgive me, for I do not know the first thing about consoling anyone. This is the best I can do for now.