Fatima: The Slave Princess

~The Next Day

"Bettie, how is she feeling?" I asked while flipping through the pages of the newspaper.

"Much better, your highness. In fact, her recovery was remarkably fast. It's as if she was never sick to begin with."

While she was filling me in on the events that followed Fatima's miraculous recuperation, Bettie's face was beaming with excitement. It was the first time she had praised anyone so genuinely, which came as a shock to me.

Betteline Porche, the ex-wife of count Dalliance, owner of the biggest hotel chains in our empire. His business acumen is said to be the first of its kind for managing to establish several resorts in almost every territory of Alkaraz. However, when he found out his wife couldn't bear any children, he quickly divorced her and remarried within a month of their separation.

Bettie and my late mother were close acquaintances at the time. Therefore, when she caught wind of her situation, she extended a peculiar offer. She was to become my exclusive nanny, to which she declined several times, until I was born. Bettie, who was aiding my mother during her childbirth, was one of the first people to welcome me and my sister into this world.

"…and she even offered to polish the knight's armors. Can you believe it, your highness? I've never seen anyone so enthusiastic about work before…"

Bettie, who's always apprehensive of anyone who so much as extends me a greeting, was praising someone she knew nothing of. Interesting…

"My apologies, your highness. I believe I got carried away for a moment." She said as she cleared her throat and composed herself.

"Have a seat, Bettie." I replied calmly, while placing the papers on the tea table.

"I'm sure you are dying to know who she is, and why she's tagging along on an official trip to Ecchelon. You have my permission to ask." I said as I reclined on the chair and folded my legs.

"There is nothing for me to ask, your highness. On another note, your breakfast should be arriving any moment now. I shall call on the maids to prepare your bath, my prince." She bowed before quietly leaving the room.

What a spectacular sunrise this is!

+++++

"Is this the last of the saddles, Sir Gabril?"

"Indeed, miss Fati. Thanks to your help, we finished saddling the horses earlier than planned."

"We thank you for the help, little miss."

I merely offered my help since I needed the exercise in order to keep my mind off the issue at hand. Ecchelon…

"As a token of our gratitude, we invite you to join us in our repast at the canteen. How does that sound, Miss Fati?"

Free food!

"Well, since you insist, I'll have to accept. After all, who says no to free food?"

"I heard it was the courtesy of the king himself." added one knight.

"How very exciting!" I replied cheerfully.

The knights' facial expressions suddenly changed, as they gazed in one direction, awkwardly clearing their throats. A tall, and slender woman holding an unfolded pink fan in front of her face, was standing there staring at us. Next to her was a servant, carrying a flower-patterned parasol over her head. She was being closely followed by her knights, who looked as though they would slay anyone who'd dare to approach her. The young woman's luscious pink hair fluttered in the wind as she gracefully walked towards Sir Gabril. Her dress was adorned with jewels and flowers of various kinds, and the color of her hat coordinated with her shoes. She was the perfect depiction of wealth and beauty.

"Her ladyship would like to know the room in which the crown prince is currently staying." said her servant to Sir Gabril.

When she suddenly leaned over to her ear, I merely thought she was making a private remark. To think she was just relaying a message…

I've only ever witnessed my sister display such despicable behavior. I never thought I would see this here as well. They are self-centered nobles who find it insulting to address someone of a lower rank directly, hence they use a messenger to relay their words. Which means this girl is either a princess, or the daughter of a high-ranking noble.

"Apologies, my lady. I regret to inform you that I am not at liberty to reveal his highness' suite number at the moment." bowed Sir Gabril.

To his response, she scoffed loudly behind her fancy fan, and proceeded to stride towards the entrance of the hotel.

"What was that all about?" I whispered to Sir Gabril.

"Her name is lady Lillith Briar, the sole daughter of Duke Leon, the king's younger brother. She and his highness met briefly three years ago, and she has not stopped writing to him ever since."

"Oh! So, she's his love interest."

"Not quite. His highness finds her advances annoying, which is why he always avoids her."

That's why he refused to tell her his suite number. I wonder what sort of man the crown prince is…

++++++

"What is she up to now, Bettie?" I asked as I straightened my garment while she continued to spruce me up.

"Last I heard, she was heading to the lounge to have breakfast with the knights, your highness."

"She's my guest, for goodness' sake. Why is she out eating with them and not me?"

"Well…" she paused as she let out a deep sigh and nudged up her round spectacles.

"For starters, your highness did not invite the said guest for breakfast this morning. Hence, I find it fair that she accepted their invitation. The poor girl just managed to recover from a high fever, and she needs her nutrients."

"Pardon the intrusion, your highness. Lady Lillith is requesting an audience in the hotel's public sitting room."

Bettie and I let out a deep sigh as we glanced at each other. No words were spoken, but our expressions conveyed our exact thoughts.

"Inform my lady that I'll be at the canteen in a moment. She can either join me there for tea or return home."

"Right away, your highness." Responded the maid.

"Your guest will be very surprised, your highness." She sighed as she tidied my shoulder cape.

I decided to reveal my true identity to her in the most charismatic way since she seems to be the type to become angry easily. Now that it's time to put my plan in motion, I'm not so sure this was a great idea. For the first time in my life, I'm getting cold feet just thinking about her reaction.

"You look quite ravishing today, my prince. I'm sure his majesty is very proud of you right now."

"Enough with the trivial remarks, Bettie, and let us get a move on. We haven't the time to dally today." I responded as I rushed out of the room.

+++++++

I was expecting an average breakfast when I walked in, not an entire feast. All sorts of delicacies filled the long table, and the aroma permeated the air as steam rose from each dish. How many eggs did the chef scramble to make this piece of art? Everything looks so delicious!

"Before we eat, I would like Miss Fati to guide us in prayer."

Uh-oh… I only know of the Ecchelon's way of blessing the meal. I'm not familiar with theirs. Should I imitate the pagans' way? No, that wouldn't be right. If they bless their meals before eating, that means they are God's faithful followers. What to do?

"Enter his imperial highness, crown prince Kazein Nathaniel Von Alkaraz. All hail the small sun of our great empire!" bellowed a knight.