Fatima: The Slave Princess

"It has been too long my dear sister, or should I say duchess Kartier. This place looks rather glum today. Did someone die? *gasp* Don't tell me…did the old man finally kick the bucket? Oh! How sad! How very very sad! My sincere condolences, dear sister!" he sobbed mockingly.

"Shut your much Dietrich."

Dietrich Harris, the youngest child in our family whom our elder brother had disowned right after our father's passing. However, thanks to my help, he came upon the title of count when he became my husband's subordinate. Despite the second chance given to him, he continued on to live the same debaucherous life that caused him to lose his place in the family. His dreadful habits have been growing worse lately, which means he's here for money yet again.

"*sigh* Were you the one behind the changes in my plans?"

"Correction dear sister, it was our plan to get rid of the duke and I have as much right to make changes as I see fit."

I ought to wipe that wretched smirk off his face…

"Do you realize what you've done, you incompetent fool?" I roared as I struck his face.

If only this idiot didn't come across my private affairs, I would not have to deal with his buffoonery right now. I could have him killed, but it would be too great of a loss for me. Since he lives a life devoid of any attachments, I can't even threaten him. All I can do is bribe him in order to keep his mouth shut.

"Oh sister, sister, sister…you must be going through quite the ordeal. Your husband's funeral is right around the corner, isn't it? Oh, by the way, how is my niece faring?"

His incessant cackling is grating my nerves. He must not be aware of the duke's miraculous recovery. The only reason there aren't any guards escorting us to prison right now is because they lack concrete evidence to detain us. His presence here is doing us more harm than good.

"Well, dear brother…thanks to you, our plan failed rather miserably for the duke somehow survived." I smirked as I reclined in my seat with my legs folded.

As I continued to explain the situation to him, his proud expression had instantly vanished, and his countenance had now turned pale. He quickly slumped on his knees in front of me and started begging for my help.

++++++

She's been sleeping ever since we left Sir Hayden's facility. The only time she would wake up was to eat. Contrary to what he told me, there doesn't seem to be any improvement in her condition yet. Why is it taking so long for her to recuperate?

"Your mind seems to be elsewhere, your highness."

He travels to Chilsela every single day to see her, even after I advised him not to bother. His reaction when she collapsed so suddenly has been troubling me quite a bit.

"I thought I told you not to come here anymore, Dimitriu."

"A letter has arrived from the imperial palace." He said as he extended a small envelope with the emperor's personal seal on it.

This must be about what Duke Kartier mentioned before he departed for Lithiar.

"Tell me duke Kartier, what are you hiding from me about this girl?"

"I understand your highness' concerns, however, I'm not at liberty to disclose such classified information to you. What I can tell you is that your answer lies in Ecchelon. Though you did not hear that from me."

He was extremely careful with his words, which confirmed my suspicions that my father was likely to be involved. As it stands, Ecchelon is technically our enemy, so why are we trading slaves with them? When their crown princess went missing over a year ago, they suspended the diplomatic negotiations for the alliance indefinitely. Something is amiss here…

"Is something the matter, your highness? Your expression changed rather drastically as you read the letter."

"It seems I must set off on a journey." I responded with a loud sigh.

"A journey?"

"Indeed, I must represent Alkaraz in the kingdom of Ecchelon, per his majesty's command."

+++++

Where…am I?

"She's finally awake!"

Who are they? I've never seen these faces before, are they new? The expression on their faces was unfamiliar, not the scornful glares I am used to at the Kartier duchy.

"My lady, are you alright? How are you feeling? Are you hurting anywhere?"

"Slow down Cassie, she merely just woke up. Give her some time."

"Where am I?" I asked nervously.

From the room alone, I could tell this place was not the Kartier duchy. The fresh scent of summer came rolling in through the large, opened window. Pastel colored wallpaper decorated the room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Even the flower arrangements looked like they came straight out of a brochure.

"You are in Chilsela, my lady."

Chilsela?

"Our master brought you here to recuperate."

"That's right!"

"Quit pushing, ladies! I wish to say something too!"

"Gigi, you are stepping on my foot! Ow! Quit stepping on my foot! Argh!" yelled one maid.

What a lively bunch they are.

"Ah! My lady must be starving!"

Why do they keep referring to me as 'my lady'?

"I shall fetch her ladyship's meal at once."

"Paulette, be sure to pick out my lady's outfit for the evening."

"Yes, madam!"

It seems Paulette is the head maid. She doesn't sound like Edith at all.

"Has anyone seen the rose soap the master brought in a while ago?" asked one maid while frantically scouring the room.

"I believe his high-I mean the master left it in the bathhouse."

So many movements around me, my head is spinning.

++++

"Y-your highness? Are you…chuckling?"

The sudden change in his demeanor worries me quite a bit. I can't read him at all. A while ago, he looked as if he would race to the capital to confront the emperor. Now he is grinning like a child. Whatever he's plotting in his head, I want no part in it. Come to think of it, this is the very first time I'm witnessing a smile on his face.

"Your highness, as I was saying. Please allow me to escort Fatima back home. She is after all, an employee of the Kartier duchy."

"Why are you so intent on having her close to you, Dimitriu? Have you come to realize your feelings for her? Are you going to profess your undying love to her?" He asked with the most unpleasant frown on his face.

"It's nothing like that, your highness. I merely wish to thank her for what she did. She sacrificed her life to save my father's. No one in the world would do something like that for free. When I think about the way she was treated before then, I feel terribly sorry for her."

"Fatima does not need your pity." he interrupted sternly.

"Your highness that isn't at all what I mean. I merely wish to compensate her for…"

"If that's the case, then why not just set her free?"

"Y-your highness, that isn't as easy as you are making it sound."

His icy glare is making me feel uncomfortable.

"Are you not now the new duke Kartier?"

"Y-yes…however that is not yet official-"

"Don't tell me you're planning on exploiting her talent."

"Your highness I would never do such-"

"Then, what do you intend to do with Fatima?"

He's making me feel like a cornered prey. As if every word uttered, questions raised, is a trap. Why is he suddenly getting upset?

"Pardon our interruption, young masters. We have brought her ladyship."