Fatima: The Slave Princess

His expression turned glum after he inquired about my opinion on the crown prince. I tried to change the subject, but he was adamant about getting an answer from me, which explains why we are now in the middle of a heated argument. How did things escalate this quickly in such a short time?

"Get out! I cannot stand another second in the space with you!" he roared angrily.

"The feeling is mutual, Sir Nathaniel!" I retorted loudly while emphasizing his name.

He shouted for the knights to stop the carriage in order for me to exit, which I did in a rather undignified way.

"And cease your stomping at once!" he yelled with his head poked out of the window.

"For your information, I do as I please, Sir Nathaniel!"

"Should we intervene?" whispered one maid.

"I don't think we should. They both seem agitated for the moment." Whispered a knight.

I didn't mean to cause such a big scene, but his badgering was getting on my nerves. Everything I said was based on the gossips I overheard from the maids at the duchy. I don't understand why he suddenly got so angry. He kept asking me to take back what I said about the prince being a brute. It's not like I'm the one who started those rumors to begin with.

"I heard he assaulted his friends last year and, as a result, he was temporarily banished as punishment."

That one sentence sparked something in him, as he started to yell out of the blue. Ugh! My head feels like it's about to explode. I hope the crown prince did not catch wind of this. We made quite the commotion, after all.

"This way Miss Fatima." instructed the knight.

++++++

"My baby! My sweet Char! Why have you left us so early, dear?"

"Please come back to us princess!" cried the queen's court.

I'm beginning to grow sick and tired of this. It's been weeks since this fake corpse was brought in, and they have not ceased chanting her name. I can't take this anymore.

"Easy now princess, your expression is very telling right now." Whispered a familiar voice.

"Might I remind you that you are addressing a princess? In fact, who gave you permission to speak to me? Know your place, Raulin."

"My deepest apologies, your highness. I did not intend to insult you, princess."

"Walk with me." I commanded sternly.

"You had better be bringing me good news, Raulin. How are the preparations for the funeral coming along?"

"All is good and ready to go, your highness. Although, the princess' pendant is yet to be discovered. I believe it's safe to assume she took it with her when she fled."

"You incompetent fool!" she chided while clutching my collar.

"Do you even realize the gravity of our situation? If by some miracle she finds her way back here with or without that pendant in her hands, it'll be over for all of us! You must find and kill her, and make sure her body is not found by anyone of this kingdom."

"B-but your highness, we've looked everywhere, and nothing came up. Although our movements in Ipera are restricted, we searched every nook and cranny there and still we found nothing. At this rate, we may have to produce a replica, just as we succeeded in finding a fake corpse."

Her glare suddenly disappeared as she slowly released my collar. She pondered for a while, then drew a heavy sigh.

"You're not so useless after all. However, you must make it look exactly like the original. Understood?"

"Yes, your highness. I will get on it right away."

I saw my life flash before my eyes back there.

"Captain, are you alright? You're drenched in sweat…"

"Mind your business and gather the special forces in the usual spot."

"Yes, sir!"

++++++

The duchess has been sneaking into my father's study often as of late. What could she be looking for? Could it have been this small jewelry box? It was hidden at the very top of the bookshelves, a place where only the tallest person could reach, and it's locked.

"Damian…"

"Yes, your grace?"

"What is this box?" I asked firmly as I raised the object at my eye level.

"His grace has not informed me about it, my lord. However, from the shape of the lock, the key must be the size of a small nail."

As I shook the small box, a faint rattling sound could be heard echoing inside it. It was definitely not empty.

"Have the servants search for the key and notify me when you find it."

"As you wish, master."

"On another note, any luck with finding Fatima's slave deed?"

"Unfortunately, nothing has yet to come up, your grace."

A slave deed is a paper receipt that is usually obtained from an auction house after the purchase of a slave. Oddly enough, Fatima's is nowhere to be found. Father is not one to do anything illegal, so I doubt her purchase was the case. He even gave her a name, which is not very common. So, why can't I find any record of the sale?

"Turn this entire estate upside down until you find it."

"Yes, your grace!" replied Damian with a bow before quietly leaving my study.

++++++

"This is the key to part of the truth you are looking for. When you find the treasure, please return it to its rightful owner, your highness."

That's what he said when he handed me this tiny key before his departure. What am I supposed to do with something like this? He could've at least told me where the lock was. On account of the delegation, and Fatima's ill state, I had no time to search his study. I should probably get started upon my return.

"Your highness."

"What is it, Gabril?"

"Since the sun has already set, we're setting up camp in the forest for the night."

It must be because of the delay caused by our squabble earlier in the day. We should be able to reach Bolance village by tomorrow past noon, anyway. Besides, this forest is safe because of the frequent purification rituals being held here by the priests of Bolance. They are very diligent in matters related to their faith.

"Inform everyone that the crown prince will dine and rest in his carriage."

"Will you be alright, your highness?" he asked from behind the carriage's small window.

"What are you referring to, Gabril?"

"W-well, your highness feels discomfort in small spaces. I was wondering if…"

I completely forgot about my wretched impediment that very few are aware of. No wonder he kept peeking in from time to time after Fatima had left.

"You need not worry about me." I interrupted tersely.

After our quarrel, Fati had gone to ride with the maids. Even then, she continued to badmouth me until she eventually fell asleep. The maids and knights were all marveling at her cuteness, which somehow annoyed me.

"Miss Fati, come! I saved a seat for you."

"You mean I can sit with all of you?"

"Of course you can, you silly girl! Come here!"

"Everything she says is adorable!"

That idiot! I told her to behave in a way that doesn't give away her status as a slave. Why is she acting so stiff?

"Now, now, Miss Fati! Tell us how you met his high-ahem! Our commander?" pried one maid.

"Commander?"

"Yes, yes! He whose name shall not be mentioned. The gentleman you were quarreling with earlier. Is he perhaps…your love interest?" probed another maid.

"Oh, you mean Nathan?"

Everyone gasped in shock when she mentioned my name without a title.

"Absolutely not!" she blurted loudly.

"Oh my! You must still be upset about earlier."

"He's the worst! Have you seen his scowl? And the way he…"

She could have just said 'no'. *sigh* I should put an end to this charade before she says something she shouldn't.

"Your high-ahem! Commander, I thought you decided not to join us tonight, sir." said Gabril nervously.

"I found the booze!" yelled one maid as she came out of a tent holding up a bottle of liquor.

The rest of them who were sitting around the bonfire cheered in excitement as they readied their cups. Fatima was beside herself, laughing while enjoying their company. When our eyes awkwardly met, she quickly averted her gaze and continued to chatter with the others.

"Fetch some juice for miss Fati. She's far too young to drink liquor." Shouted one maid.

"Juice? I've been drinking juice the whole time. However, I must admit the taste is a little… different from what I'm used to. It's very spicy, but sweet at the same time." she said with a hiccup.

"Uh-oh…"