Jewels of the Heart

7 Blue Moons ago

Aaleyah stood in front of the mirror making a face at her mother's reflection. Fidgeting with the sleeves of her dress, "Mother, you promise that this dress looks good enough for a banquet?" she asked with a questionable look on her face. 

Having watched her daughter wear numerous dresses in the past hour, "Aaleyah you look radiant. You have been to a banquet before, what is troubling you so?" Aminah asked standing from her seat to play a hand on her youngest daughter's shoulder. "Is there something you wish to say?" 

Aaleyah shook her head and twirled her hair.

"Ley Ley, how long must we sit here?" Zale asked from his place sprawled out on the chair. One of the dresses Aaleyah decided not to wear was bunched up and being used as a pillow for his head, his leg hung over the armchair and he ignored his mother's pointed look to sit correctly. "Besides I heard that yellow was someone's favorite color," he teased, snickering at his sister's rageful face. 

Pulling a dress from the pile Aaleyah threw it at her twin, "Do you ever stop talking! What is the point of having a brain if you refuse to use it!" She threw a scarf, and managed to grab a cuff bracelet before her mother stopped her. 

"Enough." her mother reprimanded with hidden amusement in her eyes. "Must you and your brother always result to violence?" she asked, picking up the dresses that Aaleyah threw at her twin. 

Zale stuck out his tongue and quickly morphed his face to a humiliated expression when his mother turned to him. "Exactly," he stated. "Did I not complement my sister?"

Catching her daughter's arm before she could move from her spot by the mirror and attack her twin, "I said enough," she sharply said and Aaleyah froze. Leaning down to her daughter's face, "Is there someone who has caught your eye? Is that why you are so nervous for tonight's banquet?" Aminah asked with a smile. What lucky boy could it be? The only boys other than family that she sees are- Aminah's smile fades and releases her daughter who runs away to yell at Zale. 

Ripping the dress away from Zale's head, his makeshift pillow disappears in the bink of an eye; his head clanking onto the back of the chair. 

"Ouch, Ley Ley you are so aggressive." Zale smirked, "Maybe he will not like you at all." 

Her hands balled into fists, "I do care about anyone's favorite color!" Aaleyah truly wished to kick her brother but her mother's presence was still felt behind her, "I also care less about anyone's perceptions of me!" she stomped her foot to reinstate her point.

Stupid Zale. Aaleyah slipped once and trusted her twin to keep a secret. Now she is forced to watch him use it as a weapon against her. 

Unaffected by his sister's anger, "Right where could I have gotten the idea?" he sarcastically asked with a scoff. Picking up his sister's skirt off the floor he rolled it up to make a pillow once more, "Regardless of your feeling and thoughts, the faster you get ready the sooner we can leave to see him." 

Covering her face with her hands Aaleyah silently yelled, "You are so infuriating!" Dropping her hands, "Zale stop talking. Why are you even in my room? I did not ask for you to be here! Must you talk so much?" turning to her mother with a helpless expression, "Mother!" she exclaimed all in one breath. 

"Relax." Zale placated his sister, "I am not teasing you." He wrapped his fingers on the side of the chair. "Is it not amazing that you have found someone? For Blue moons no one has ever caught your attention" Zale caught the dress before it could hit his face. 

"Mother, make him stop!" Aaleyah pleaded with a perturbed expression. 

Aminah rubbed the point between her brows, "Zale, do not tease your sister." she commanded.

Zale gave his mother a wink, "Alright Ley Ley. I am sorry." he said with a lopsided grin that took away the authenticity of the apology. "Can you forgive your brother?" He placed a hand over his chest, "We were born together, if there is anyone on your side it shall always be me in the end." Zale rose from his seat and made his way to Aaleyah, "Besides," he humor left his eyes as he seriously spoke, "you are as stunning in this dress as you were an hour ago. Anyone who does not notice does not deserve their eyes." Smoothing her hair, "The world must impress you, you have no obligation to impress the world, I will make sure of it." 

Aaleyah tried to hold on to her annoyance but her frown left at her brother's words. "I can protect myself." she mumbled. 

Zale agreed, "Of course you can. You are an Aljehni." he stated obviously. "The point is you do not have to. As long as I am here no one can hurt you. Now agree that this dress is beautiful and allow us to leave!" he desperately begged then grabbed his sister and forced her to leave her room.

Aminah watched her children run off with a prideful smile. Then she walked off to assist her other children in getting ready. 

Giggling Aaleyah followed Zale to his room. It seemed the yellow sleeved dress was going to be the one she wears. 

Reaching his room he stopped at the door, "Stay here you can not come in." he teased. 

Glaring at him, "You forgot something Zale." 

Confused, "What?" 

Kicking him in the shin, "Mother is no longer here." Aaleyah said stepping into her brother's room. 

Clutching his shin, Zale hopped on one foot, "That is not fair. I was not ready," he complained. 

Scoffing, "As if you ever were." Standing in the middle of the room, "Now why did you bring me in here?" 

Rubbing the pain away Zale walked to his wardrobe, "Some twin I have. So violent." he muttered. Pulling out one of his jackets, "Here, in case it is cold tonight you can wear this." 

It took 2 carriages to move the entire Aljehni family. The older siblings rode in the 2nd carriage behind. Inside the first carriage Havil eyed his youngest daughter, "Aaleyah." 

Aaleyah visibly shuddered hearing her full name from her father's mouth, "Yes father I understand. I will stay close to Zale," she promised. 

Zale nodded and held his twin's hand tightly. 

"No, I told you to-" Havil took a breath, "Aminah please," he asked his wife. 

Patting her husband's hand, "Aaleyah you are to stay close with Chiara and Asbed tonight." 

"Asbed!" both twins complained. 

Holding up a finger, "Enough." Silence filled the carriage and Aminah continued to speak. "When we sit at our table, stay close to them and do not stray." Aminah eyed her most mischievous children, "Am I understood?" 

Both twins wore the same pout on their face, "Yes mother." they answered together. 

Roset finally moved away from the amazing lights and people outside the carriage window, "Mother what about me?" his young voice asked. "Who do I stay next to?" 

Everyone smiled at the youngest Aljehni. Aaleyah pinched her little brother's cheek, "You get to stay next to mother and father tonight." 

"Do try not to get distracted by rocks again this time." Zale said in an exasperated tone. Rocked seemed to be Roset's latest obsession, to the point where he was missing for hours burying them. It did not matter that every member of the Aljehni family told him rocks did not grow, he insisted on planting them. 

The carriage arrived and everyone excited and stood to the side to wait for the others. 

Herom was the first to exit, his hand out to help Amenah. Followed by a bickering Chiara and Dharam and finally Asbed who stepped out with a scroll on his face. 

Havil eyed his children, "The ride was not that long. How did you manage to find something to argue about?"

Herom rubbed the space between his brows, "Father they managed to bicker before the carriage set off." 

Chiara spoke quickly to defend herself, "I said before we boarded that I wanted to sit by the window but Dharam would not budge." she complained. 

Arms crossed, "Correct." Dharam answered with no expression of remorse. His clothes followed the military fashion that was in rage with the youth those days. With vambraces on his wrist the Aljehni tattoo was visible on his wrist. His golden eyes held annoyance as he looked at his younger sister. "For someone only 1 Blue moon younger than me you certainly act the same as Roset." 

Chiara only made it one step before her eldest sister Amenah held out her hand to stop her. 

Amenah wore a calm smile, her golden eyes met her mother's brown ones, "Apologies mother." 

Roset pouted, "What is wrong with acting like me? Roset is awesome." he puffed out his small chest. 

Chiara rolled her eyes but smiled and lifted Roset from the ground to hug him, "You are absolutely right Roset. You are certainly amazing." she complimented hugging her baby brother tightly. 

Amenah tugged on her twin. Dharam caught the meaning and sighed, "I apologize. You can have the window on the way back." he relented. 

Asbed stood next to his mother, "Can we enter now, the guards are looking at us." he whispered. 

 With one glance from Aminah all the guards averted their gaze. "Pay them no mind Asbed." She moved the bang over her son's left eye, "You look lovely tonight." 

Asbed gave a confident smirk, "Of course I do, I am an Aljehni." he waltzed into the palace, the yellow ribbon in his hair blowing in the wind. 

Inside all the Ajehni children attempted to split up immediately. Herom wanted to go find Havil to see if he figured out a new move yet. Aminah and Chiara wished to go see what instruments were being played for the night. Asbed, Zale and Aaleyah wished to find the young princes, and Dharam. Dharam was secretly excited to find their table and sit down. He was finally of age and could drink the wine. 

Everyone moved and Aaleyah quickly followed in step with Zale, but her father held her back, "Aaleyah," he called in a knowing tone. 

Turning with a frown, "Father you said when we sit down to stick with Asbed and Chiara," she bounced on her feet with excited energy, "it is not time to eat yet. Please let me go. Please, please, please, please." she pleaded. Her father remained silent, his face in thought, so Aaleyah upped the ante. Grabbing her father's hand she twirled the ring on his father, "Asbed and Zale, I will not go anywhere without them. When the meal starts I vow to be good. Please?" 

Havil gave his wife a helpless look. Turning back to his youngest daughter he smiled. "You will play with your brothers and the princes?" 

Aaleyah nodded expectantly. 

"You will not cause mischief?" 

Aaleyah shook her head no, her hair piece was shining in the light. 

Havil sighed. His trust in the high prince was that of trust in a brother. His sons Hammun and Saan were trustworthy and would never cause harm. However the relationship between him and the king was tense, and he wondered if it was connected to his closeness with the high prince. 

Still, it would be unfair to allow Zale and Asbed to go, but force Aaleyah to stay. "Go ahead." 

Aaleyah jumped to kiss her father's cheek before running off. 

Hammun moved his long hair, "After my birthday I am going to cut it," he says with excitement. Hammun awaits the day he turns 1 Red and 7 Blue moons old. Then he will be an adult and he can choose to do whatever he pleases with his hair. He turned to Asbed, "Dharam's hair looks so cool." 

Asbed shrugged, "He says his head is lighter." He moved his hand through his high ponytail, "I like my hair though. I do not think I will cut it." 

Hammun waved his hands, "No, you think your hair is long now. You still have 2 Blue Moons left. Imagine how long it will grow then?" Hammun shuddered. 

Zale leaned against the wall, "I thought royal families kept their hair long to show status and prestige." Scratching his neck, "Or something similar." He could not really remember, but he knew one thing. In 4 Blue Moons he will cut his hair so that when he wears a ponytail it only touches his shoulders. Then it would not be so bothersome and heavy. 

Hammun laughed, "Luckily that is only for the eldest sons who will be king." running his hands through his long hair, "I have no such rules."

Saan gave up looking down the hall for Aaleyah and joined the conversation. "I am not going to be king for Red moons to come." Saan's long black hair fell to the middle of his back, "Besides there are many that prefer long hair."

Zale scoffed, "You mean my sister?" 

Saan pretended to scratch his eye. 

Moving off the wall, "See you do not even attempt to deny it. And even if you did," Zale wore a confident expression, "as her twin I would know. Nothing gets past this keen sense of mine."

Asbed wore a look of disgust, "You are fond of Aaleyah?" he complained.

"You act as if I said I hate horse riding or something." Saan defended.

Asbed gaze Zale a look, "You may as well have. You always complain that she bothers you. What is with this sudden admiration?" 

Zale frowns, "So this is only infatuation?" he asks with a glint in his eyes.

"Eh?" Saan's head moves back and forth between his friends and brother like a headless chicken, "I never said that." 

"So you do like her?" Asbed asked. 

Saan swallowed and rubbed his nose. 

Hammun stepped forward, "We are all friends right? Is it really a bad thing if my brother likes Aaleyah?" 

Asbed shrugged, "At a Red and 3 Blue moon, should you be liking anyone? Do you not have enough to study?" 

Saan and Zale said nothing, the two friends staring at each other; waiting for the other to speak first. 

Zale huffed, "I do not care who your heart opens up to. Just never hurt Aaleyah," he told him, his mind thinking of all the trials his sister holds on her shoulders. 

Saan nods his head, he had long since given up on denying his fondness of Aaleyah. 

"Zale, how could you leave me alone?" Aaleyah rolled her eyes as she approached her brothers. "You left me with father, what happened to staying together?" she pouted.

Zale laughed and held out an arm to lean on his sister, "I did leave you. Besides, the job to stay by your side was taken away and given to Chiara."

Pushing his arm off of her, "Whatever." 

Hammun radiates with excitement, "Chiara is here?" 

Asbed raised his brows, "Obviously, would the Aljehni family leave her at the manor?" 

Hammun pushes Asbed's shoulder, "The last time I met your sister she was very amazing. Did you know she is very funny?" he asked. Last time he met Chiara she was very funny to him. 

Asbed and Zale scoffed in unison. "Chiara argues every chance she gets, what humor did you hear from her?"

Saan glanced at Aaleyah, "You look beautiful." Most times he saw Aaleyah she wore pants, or dresses designed for riding. 

Unable to hold her grin, "Thank you." she quickly responded and turned to face her brothers, "Chiara and Amenah left to go look at instruments." she informed them. 

Zale shrugged, "Either way, you found me. So I did not leave you." 

Aaleyah rolled her eyes, "You speak but there is no logic in your words." 

The twins continued to bicker, but Saan's eyes stayed on Aaleyah. Tonight she was a walking star. Her dress sleeves stopped at her elbows, the rest of her arm was adorned with cuffs and bracelets. Her ears held golden jewelry that shook with every move of her head. Her golden eyes matched the necklace and hair clips. 

Saan found himself lifting slightly on his toes to reach Aaleyah's height. As his eyes traveled down, her feet were just barely seen below her dress. Her feet were painted with gold swirls, and a golden ankle bracelet was visible at times. 

Hammun cleared his throat and nudged his older brother's shoulder, "Dinner is going to start soon, so we should all probably return to our tables." Then with a teasing smile he moves to Aaleyah's side, "Aaleyah, care for an escort?" 

Aaleyah glanced at Hammun, then gave Zale a confused expression. "Hammun, what are you doing?" she asked as Hammun linked her arm around his.

"Ladies in beautiful dresses must not walk alone." Hammun replied in a teasing tone.

Aaleyah laughed, "Right, and my 2 brothers are unable to do the job."

Saan scowled, and his face filled with more anger when Zale laughed at him. "Too slow." he mouthed.

Asbed pushed Zale out of the way, "Come Saan, no need to kill your brother so soon. Leave that drama to me when he goes after Chiara."

"Ew." Zale followed Saan and Asbed with a look of disgust, "Is the Dlumaeni family obsessed with Aljehni women or something?" 

Saan rolled his eyes, "It's not like that, no one is obsessed." 

"Scholar Aljehni." High Prince Hammaan greeted his best friend with a wide smile and a one armed hug. 

"High Prince Hammaan." Havil responded and both friends smiled at the formalities they gave. Moving back from the hug, "How is everything?" he asked. The last they spoke, tensions were high in the palace. 

Hammaan's expression turned dark. "Havil, my brother," he led him to a quieter corner of the hall. "You are someone I would do anything for," he gravely told him. "Which is why I must tell you this. I must warn you."

Havil searched left and right to ensure no one was listening, "What is it?" 

Hammun leaned close to Havil's ear, "Take your family and leave."

Havil stepped back in shock. "What?" 

Hammaan shook his head, his eyes heavy with emotion, "There is nothing I can do. I feel powerless within these walls Havil. This is all I know to tell you. It is not safe here in the capital. Leave and tell no one where you will go. Not even me." 

"Hammaan, there are many things you may not be able to solve, but together we have failed at nothing." Havil patted Hammaan's shoulder, "Tell me what is happening. What has led you to give this kind of warning?" 

Hammaan shook his head, "I am unable to give you all the details tonight. But my father is wary. He grows more and more wary with each passing night. If you refuse to leave, the only other option I know is to-" He shook his head once more.

"To what?" 

"To send one of your children to live in the palace."

Havil closed his eyes and took a breath, "A prisoner." 

Hammaan nodded, "They will be free within the palace walls but unable to leave. My father fears your family's reputation. The prestige of the academy,"

"He told me to open an academy, it was not my decision." Havil defended.

"I know. The academy of Ahlin was supposed to fail, Havil." Hammaan's voice is grave. 

"Supposed to fail." Havil repeated in a whisper. If it did fail, surely his reputation would not be so high. When he first was tasked with opening the academy it really did seem like a losing battle. But with a few good scholars, the help of his wife, and friendships he had made throughout the kingdom; the academy became a success. A success that he was proud of, and excited to pass on to his son.

"My father wonders," Hammaan's voice dropped to a whisper, "If the people follow your commands more than his own."

Havil moved away in shock, "Of course not. That is impossible. I am loyal to the kingdom. I would never ask for the people's loyalty." 

"You do not have to." Hammaan argued back. "It is naturally granted to you. My father fears that with one opportunity you could-"

"I would never." 

"But you could."

"But I would never." Havil repeated. 

"Havil." Hammaan stared into his friend's golden eyes, "I do not know what to do." he told him.

Havil staggered back, "I am not entirely shocked," he admitted. Even high generals had their loyalty questioned. The more success one brings, the more distrust they radiate. "I must speak to Aminah about this." 

High Prince Hammaan nodded, "Yes, and if you have a plan," Hammaan smiled sadly, "There is nothing I would not do for you."

Havil returned the sad smile with one of his own. "Do you believe that if tensions are as high as you say, that sending my own blood here would be wise?" 

Hammaan and Havil slowly made their way back, "From a diplomatic standpoint it would ease the tension, if you did so and also sent Herom to marry outside of the capital." 

Havil grimaced, "Send my eldest away?" 

"And swear that he will never return. Then send a child here and vow you undying loyalty." Hammaan states. 

I would lose 2 children." Havil looked at the Aljehni table. His wife reprimands Dharam not to drink. Then he moved to stare at his daughter in awe of the musicians. 

"Speaking as a father, it is impossible. Your eldest has built a reputation of his own. He helps train the military, if not for his refusal he would be a captain already." Hammaan shook his head, "And if you sent a child here, they would forever walk with a blade at their neck."

"Aljehni's already live like this." Havil stated bitterly.

Hammaan gave Havil a questioning look, "What do you mean?" 

Shaking his head, "It does not matter, we will speak at a later date." 

Hammaan returned his attention to the people in the hall, "Yes. As you said you must speak to Aminah about this and see what she thinks." 

Havil bowed and the two men parted ways. 

Hammun walked with Aaleyah on his arm and passed his grandfather; his head titled slightly in acknowledgment. Aaleyah bowed at the waist and would have continued going if not for him speaking. 

"Aaleyah Aljehni, you have grown in the past Blue Moons. What a beautiful young lady you are growing to be." King Saamun complemented. 

Aaleyah stayed with her head bowed, "Thank you your majesty."

"Rise. Allow me to see your face," he ordered. 

Standing straight Aaleyah moved a step back before fidgeting with her brother's jacket sleeve nervously. Her eyes scanned the hall quickly scanning for any of her siblings. Was Zale not behind her with Saan?

"Tell me, young Aljehni tonight seems like a perfect opportunity to learn of your friendships with my grandsons." King Sammun motioned to the front, "Sit with us." Any plans Havil Aljehni had on strengthening partnerships and causing trouble will be limited if his youngest daughter is trapped at his table. Yes, having Aaleyah sit with him will remind Havil of his place. 

Aaleyah smiles nervously. What is she supposed to say in this situation? Her father will certainly break her legs if she does not return to the family. "King Saamun, such an honor, please allow me to tell my father about this," she spoke in the most respectful way she knew how. 

King Saamun concealed his anger, but his eyes shone with annoyance. A servant obsessed with noblemen's clothing. He chuckled to himself, "Sitting with the king is an honor, your father will understand." With a hand on her back he guided her in the opposite direction of her family. 

Hammun grinned, "Not to worry Aaleyah, I can tell a nearby servant to tell your father where you are." he comforted after seeing his friend so nervous. 

Aaleyah forced her feet to follow the king's footsteps. Now that she had no choice, fate decided to have all of her siblings suddenly appear. Chiara stood a few feet to the left with a confused expression on her face. She shook her head and nervously looked at the person who was behind her. 

Aaleyah turned behind her and saw Zale walking with Saan. She humphed to herself, so much for Zale sticking with her tonight. 

Chiara walked with an appearance of calm, but inside her heart was banging war drums. Her father was going to be furious when he found that Aaleyah had once again discovered mischief. 

Aaleyah gave a pleading look to her sister as she followed the king, when she gets home there will definitely be a punishment waiting for her. 

Chiara turned as Amenah was finishing up her conversation with one of the musicians. 

As Amenah approached Chiara, the wide eyes and the way she bit her top lip alerted Amenah to a problem, "What is it?" 

Laughing awkwardly Chiara then filled her cheeks with air.

"Chiara." Amenah called in warning. 

"Nothing," she answered quickly. "Whatever I say, everyone will just say it is my fault anyway." After all father told her as well that come meal time she was supposed to watch over Aaleyah. 

Amenah ran her thumb over her nails, "Heavens Chiara I asked what was wrong, just answer." she exasperated. 

"But I was with you the entire time." Chiara grabbed her older sister's hand, "You have to tell mother it was not my fault. I never left your side. How could I have stopped this from happening?" she defended herself. 

"I have the faintest idea of what you are saying. Speak clearly." 

"Leyah is sitting with the king for the meal." Chiara whispered. 

Amenah's sharp eyes immediately moved to the king's table. Sure enough sitting at the edge next to prince Hammun was her little sister. "And why do you think you will be blamed for this?" 

Chiara pouted, "Father said that I had to keep an eye on her, and Asbed is to watch Zale." Chiara played with a bracelet on her wrist, "But I did not, and mother is already disappointed in me." Her face filled with fury, "Is it my fault that Aaleyah always causes mischief? Must I truly be blamed?" 

"Shh." Amenah wraps an arm around Chiara, "No one will blame you. Mother is not disappointed in you-"

"Yes she is." Chiara interrupted. "I am not doing well in my studies." she confessed. "When I come of age I want to join the military like Herom anyway. Books will not matter there." 

Amenah shook her head, "What you learn from books will follow you wherever you go. Besides, mother wants more for us than military. Father hopes to have one of us take over the academy." 

"You can do it. Everyone says you are the moon of the Aljehni family." Chiara sassed. "Everything you do is always perfect, you never had to study, mother cherishes you," she complained. 

Sighing, "Chiara mother loves each and everyone one of us. Stop speaking as if your family is filled with turmoil." 

Chiara humphed, "It will be when father finds out where Aaleyah is." 

Amenah did not respond. Father will definitely not be happy. The friendship with King Saamun was noticeably strained. 

The 2 sisters reached their table and their father was in the midst of doing a head count. Seeing his eldest daughter he smiled in relief, "Amenah."

"Father." 

Havil was expecting Aaleyah to be with them when Zale and Asbed returned without her. Seeing only Amenah and Chiara he stress returned. "Where is Aaleyah?" 

Amenah placed her hand on Chiara's shoulder, "Aaleyah was invited to sit with the king." 

Herom stood from his seat, "Aaleyah? Only Aaleyah?" he asked in confusion, his eyes meeting his mother's strategic ones.

Aminah rose from patting a sleeping Roset, "Aaleyah is underage, she should not be anywhere without a chaperone." 

Havil shook his head, "We can not tell the king that," he forced out a stressed laugh. "Aminah." The look he gave his wife was one of worry. He had not had a moment to tell his wife of the conversation he had with the high prince. 

Squeezing her husband's hand, "It is one dinner. She excelled in her lessons, she knows her manners. For one meal we will trust in her intelligence."

Dharam opened his mouth to give a sarcastic comment but Herom's glare silenced him. 

Zale could feel the tension from his parents and elder sibling and did not understand, "Father Aaleyah is good friends with Saan and Hammun, as am I. If you would like I can ask to sit with her too. Then you do not have to fear her being alone." His offer was met with a hit to the back of his head by his father. 

"You are to address them correctly." If not for the many people in the hall Havil would have yelled at his son loudly. "They are princes. How dare you address them by name!"

Zale's eyes filled with shock and pain. His eyes trailed to Herom. 

Herom pulled Zale to stand close to him, "Father, Zale meant no harm. He was not being disrespectful, as a child he was addressing his friends." 

"Friends!" Havil shook his head, "There is no friendship! That is the royal family, we swear our loyalty to them. We honor them, we die for them. Friendship," he laughed, "must never come first."

The Aljehni children looked at their father in shock. Never had they been reprimanded in public by their father. 

Zale moved to stand behind his older brother too afraid to stand before his father. 

Chiara inched closer to Amenah. If father would hit Zale, surely he would hit her next. 

"Sit." Havil ordered his family. No sooner had the last letter of the word been sounded, had every Aljehni moved to their seats. Aminah stood next to her husband, "Havil, calm." 

Taking a deep breath, Havil sat with his wife. 

Herom placed a comforting hand on his father's arm.

Saan made his way to his seat and froze in shock when he saw Aaleyah. Staring at his brother he sat at the left of his father. While Hammun was able to sit wherever he wished, Saan had to follow protocol and sit by his father, which was far from Aaleyah. He could see her, but was unable to speak to her. "Father, why is Aaleyah here?" 

High Prince Hammaan frowned. He snuck a glance towards Havil's table, the quiet atmosphere coming from such a big family only meant that he was stressed. 

Hearing no answer Saan continued, "It is not fair that Hammun gets to sit with grandfather. Father should call for him to sit here." 

"Saan." Hammaan called his son in a commanding voice. 

Assuming he was going to be reprimanded, "I am sorry, I was acting childish." 

"Go sit with your brother." 

"Huh?" Saan turned to examine his father's expression. "Really?" 

"Ensure that Aaleyah Aljehni does not speak." he tells his oldest son. 

Saan's eyes scrunched in confusion, "What does that mean?"

Turning to his son with cold eyes, "Aaleyah is not to speak, if you can help it speak over her, interrupt her, answer for." he explained. "If I see that she is speaking too much I will call you back to sit here." he threatened. 

Back straight, Saan shook his head, "No father, I understand your orders. I swear to follow them." he vowed, excited to sit next to Aaleyah. 

"Go." High Prince Hammaan watched Saan rush over to his grandfather's table. He hopes that this can help prevent whatever plan his father has. 

As Saan approached the table King Saamun chuckled, "Prince Saan." he greeted.

Grinning widely Saan bowed, "King Saamun." he greeted with a smile, 'Grandfather today father has granted me permission to sit with you. I hope to learn everything you can teach me." he said excitedly. 

"Ah, is that so?" Saamun chuckled while glancing towards his only son. "Yes, Saan, come have a seat." He motioned for his grandson to sit next to him. 

Saan moved swiftly to sit next to his grandfather making sure to move his body to block Aaleyah from view. "Grandfather, I learned a new sword skill, will you please come to watch my lessons tomorrow morning?" 

Hammun laughed silently and angled his body towards Aaleyah, "Have you started your sword skill training?" 

Aaleyah shook her head, "I much prefer small blades. Or a staff, mother has her staff and leaves quite a strong impression." 

Hammun laughed, "A strong impression?" He whispered, "Your mother's staff is called the Blood's Wind. She has trained a plethora of pupils and none of them have achieved the skillset your mother has. Lady Aljehni is amazing."

"Yes, my mother is amazing." she agreed proudly. 

Hearing the laughter Saamun ceased his conversation with his grandson, "Little Aljehni, what is it that causes you to laugh so much?" 

Sitting at attention, "Prince Hammun spoke beautifully of my mother. It is an honor to hear such beautiful descriptions of her." he answered politely. 

"Oh?" Saamun raised his brow in curiosity, "What did he say about Lady Aljehni?" 

Before Aaleyah could open her mouth to speak, Saan spoke first. 

"It must be of Lady Aljehni's grace. I heard many guests tonight speak of the beauty of her dress." Smiling kindly at Aaleyah, "In fact all the Aljehni's dressed wonderfully tonight." he complimented. 

Saamun hummed at Saan's words. "Tell me little Aljehni, how is your father?"

Aaleyah hesitated, "My father?" Does the king not see him every day? Why ask her?

"Yes, on the weekends do you spend time with him?" King Saamun questioned. 

"On the weekends," she repeated to give herself time to answer.

Saan laughed, "How would Aaleyah know? On the weekends we go horse riding." 

Hammun snorted, "Is it called going if you spend your time catching up? Or maybe you are still kindly allowing her to win." he teased. 

Saan rolled his eyes, "What would you know you never come." he grumbled. 

"Aljehni." King Saamun called, enjoying the wide eyed confusion she showed. "Do you have any interest in attending your father's academy?" 

"My father's academy?" Sitting at the king's table is not as easy as she thought it would be. She has not gotten a chance to eat anything. She longingly stared at her uneaten food. Surely she will need nutrients for her punishment later on. "Attending academy is a strenuous task. One must pass a series of tests to enter."

"As an Aljehni surely you will be allowed access." King Saamun pushed. 

Aaleyah shook her hands, as an Aljehni the tests will be even harder. 

Hammun and Saan laughed. Hammun smiled at his grandfather, "The tests will be impossible. Grandfather, did you hear, Dharam failed the written exam."

Aaleyah frowned, "He did not fail." 

"But his score was barely passing." Hammun argued. 

"He received high marks in the other portions. And now after studying his writing skills are much better."

"Surely your other siblings are highly skilled?" King Saamun asked. 

"Chiara's calligraphy is very beautiful. Grandfather, can you recall the poem from last Blue Moon's contest? Her handwriting was phenomenal, some believe that the old gods left behind skills for the Aljehni family to pick up." Hammun bragged. 

"The old gods? Do the Aljehni's not worship the Lord of the Heavens?" King Saamun asked in annoyance. 

"Dharam if another sip of wine touches your tongue I will drag you to morning practice." Aminah threatens. 

Amenah kicks her twin's foot, "Get it together." she mouths. 

Dharam drops his eyes to his plate. Since the meal started no sibling had said a word. Sneaking a look at his father, the grimace on his face, and narrowed brows have not disappeared since the meal started. After father hit Zale no one dared to speak. Even Herom chose to eat in silence, and everyone followed suit. 

Zale sat so close to Herom that his brother had to lift Zale slightly each time he lifted food to his mouth. It was safe to say that he wanted to go home. His eyes drifted to his twin longingly. The two always consoled each other. 

King Saamun slammed the cup down, "Saan I did not ask you." he snarled. 

Saan gulped and dropped his head. 

"Aljehni!" King Saamun yelled, and repeated his question, "Your family is blessed with many blessings. Which gods do you think your family receives their abundance from?" 

Aaleyah was beginning to feel like she was invited to this seat to discuss her family. She snuck a glance towards her family and locked eyes with Zale. His sad expression made her nervous and she wished to go back as soon as possible. 

Maybe if she pretended to faint she could return to her family, but if she got caught she wpu;d be in more trouble. However her father told her that there were three things to never speak of in public: love, politics, and religion. "My apologies your majesty. This one lacks enough knowledge to say what the Lord chooses to do." 

King Saamun, "So you believe it was your Lord then? The so called Lord of the Heavens?" 

Saan and Hammun exchanged nervous glances. Unlike their grandfather they too believed in the Lord of the Heavens. Although they followed the customs and traditions of the past. 

Smiling nervously, "A god could never belong to me." she answered without thought. "Perhaps my father would be best to speak to, I am still not of age and lack the knowledge to answer such questions."

"So the king has made a mistake?" 

"Grandfather-" Saan's voice silences with one glare from the king. 

"Enough of you. Return to your father." King Saamun dismissed Saan from the table. 

Hearing the order, Saan's face blanched, he stood nervously on his feet, "My apologies your majesty." He bowed deeply, with one fleeting glance at Aaleyah he left to his father's table. 

Hammun snickered, his brother could not help himself. If he liked Aaleyah so much, why did he continuously prevent her from speaking?

Aaleyah moved from her seat and kneeled before the king, "This subject has made a grave mistake. She asks your forgiveness." 

King Saamun barely glanced at the girl bowed at his feet. Instead his attention went to Havil Aljehni who stood on the other side of the hall. His eyes filled with fear, but unable to enter the presence of the king uninvited. His glee faded upon hearing his grandson's words.

"You need not be so fearful, Aaleyah." Hammun comforted, "Our king is kind and just of course he understands. He is aware you have done no wrong intentionally."

Under the table King Saamun's hand tightened on his knee. He should have sent both of his grandsons away.

Aaleyah knew enough not to rise without the king's permission, and time moved slowly as she stayed knelt on the floor. 

High Prince Hammaan's eyes locked with Havil's, and he shook his head once. There is nothing he can do. He was not close enough to hear the conversation, thus he could not speak up for Aaleyah and claim she had said nothing wrong. Saan, after being yelled at, remained silent, not telling his father what happened. 

Hammun moved from his seat before his grandfather could stop him, "Come Aaleyah," he pulled at her arms to make her rise but she refused. "You do not need to stay kneeled on the floor like this." He huffed when Aaleyah refused to be moved. Turning to his grandfather then back to Aaleyah, "You have done nothing wrong. And even if you did due to your age it would not be you who is punished but your father," he laughed, because who would punish Scholar Havil Aljehni?

King Saamun grinned, "Yes Prince Hammun, you are correct." Waving his hand, "Rise young Aljehni, and return to your father. Tell him that we will speak in the morning." 

Aaleyah bowed and dug her nails in the palms of her hands to stop her from running to her father. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, her father will be punished and it will be all her fault. 

Hammun's face paled as he watched Aaleyah walk away. "Will you truly punish Lord Aljehni?" he asked his grandfather. 

King Saamun locked eyes with his son while answering Hammun, "That depends on your father." he answered. His smile was wide, tonight truly was a marvelous banquet.

Inside the carriage on the way back to the manor Aaleyah's mother and father patiently tried to figure out what happened. 

"Just tell us everything from the beginning." her father ordered. 

"Start with the king inviting you to eat with him." her mother commanded. 

"No, what was the reason you kneeled in apology on the floor? Start there." her father said. 

"What if that topic started from the beginning?" Aminah asked her husband. 

Havil scratched his neck, his wife had a point. Turning back to Aaleyah, "What happened that caused Prince Saan to return sad faced to his father?" 

"No, your father is right. Why did you end up on the floor?"

"Did the king question you? What did he ask you?" 

"What were his parting words to you?"

Zale squeezed his twin's hand. The sibling riding in the carriages changed, and Herom switched with Roset. Zale sat by the window, Aaleyah in the middle. Across from them were their parents and a silent Herom. 

"I told the king that he was wrong." Aaleyah answered in a meek voice. Her hand squeezed Zale's. "At least that is what the king said." She shook her head, "But I promise I did no such thing."

"Just start from the beginning." Havil ordered in frustration. 

"We do not have time for the beginning." Aminah responded. "Aaleyah!" Her loud voice caused her youngest daughter to jump. "What were you talking about before then?" 

Aaleyah played with stray strands on her dress, "We were talking about the gods and-" 

Holding his hand out towards his daughter, "I have told you numerous times not to speak of religion in public settings. Have you learned nothing?" Havil rubbed his head in stress. 

"I did listen, I-"

"You listened to your father's order not to speak of religion by speaking of religion?" Aminah asked. 

Aaleyah's eyes filled with tears and slowly fell down her cheeks.

Herom could not take it any longer, "Mother," he held his hand out for Aaleyah to sit with him. "Father, let me speak to Aaleyah." 

Zale released his twin and watched her find comfort in Herom's arms. 

"Ley Ley," Herom called in a calm voice, "Can you tell me what happened? Why did you return with tears in your eyes?" He ran his thumb over his baby sister's cheeks to wipe her tears away. 

Aaleyah sniffled, "The king asked me if I agreed that our family was blessed by the gods. And so I said I was not knowledgeable enough to know what the Lord does." Herom nodded, gently urging his sister to continue, "Then he asked if I believe it was the Lord of the Heavens who blessed us."

Havil sighed, his daughter could not have given an unproblematic response. Since High Prince Hammaan had chosen to follow the Lord of the Heavens the topic of religion became a stressful one. The king held on to old beliefs, but most men in the kingdom had long since let go of the old gods. 

"Prince Saan was told to leave because he continued to interrupt me." Aaleyeh continued. "Every question the king asked, Saan would speak first and the king became angry and sent him away."

"The king yelled at Prince Saan?" Aminah moved to pull her daughter towards her, but her eldest held a hand up to stop her. 

"Mother please." Herom rubbed Aaleyah's back gently. When his mother agreed Herom returned his attention to Aaleyah, "You said Prince Saan continued to interrupt you? What questions did he interrupt? Can you remember?" 

Aaleyah shook her head, hiding her face in her brother's chest.

"Can you try? It does not have to be all of the questions, just some." Herom coaxed. 

"He asked about the academy, and if I will attend." Aaleyah frowned, "Prince Hammun brought up Dharam's low writing scores. So I said that the exams to get into the academy are not easy, and that Dharam did well in all the other sections." Aaleyah sat back recalling more and more, "Then the king said as an Aljehni I would go, and Saan interrupted. Then the king asked if all my siblings were skilled."

Herom soothed Aaleyah's hair, "And what did you say?" 

"I said nothing. Prince Saan answered instead. He brought up Chiara's calligraphy and talked about how talented she was." Aaleyah spoke faster now, "Which led to someone saying that our family was blessed by the gods. The king asked if I agreed, but Saan interrupted, so he was told to sit with his father. Then the king asked me what gods do I believe are giving my family blessings. I said what happened." Aaleyah spared a look at her father, "I know your teaching not to speak about religion. I truly tried my best father. But somehow he asked me about the Lord of the Heavens, saying that he is my Lord." Her breathing got faster, "I said that the Lord does not belong to me, and that I am too inexperienced to talk about it, and that father would be best." Her eyes filled with tears once more and it took more coaxing from Herom to allow her to continue speaking. 

By that point her mother and father were ready to burst, their patience barely hanging on. 

"In the end," Aaleyah's fat tears fell onto her brother's arm that was wrapped around her. "The King thought I implied that he was wrong and asking the wrong person. So I apologized and knelt to ask for forgiveness. Hammun tried to get me to stop saying that the king will not punish me for my faults, and instead he would punish my parents." Aaleyah broke into sobs, "And that is when, that, that is when he allowed me to return." 

Aaleyah's parents sat in silence, the only sound heard within the carriage was the sound of Aaleyah's sobs. 

Zale opened his arms, "Ley Ley." he called for his twin with watery eyes. Aaleyah moved out of Herom's hold and the two twins embraced crying to each other. 

The carriages arrived at the Aljehni manor and Aminah ordered all her children to go straight to bed without a word. 

Days later Amenah tied her horse and made her way to Scholars Entrance. She smiled brightly to the guards and servants and waited outside the door, calmly watching the wind blow the flowers while waiting for the lesson inside to end. 

The lesson must have started a short while ago, but the options were to come later to deliver the meal to her father; or stay home and listen to her twin argue with Chiara once more. Thus the eldest female Aljehni did not hesitate to rush to her father's academy to deliver his meal. 

Coming from the main gate Kemal Adel, his hair that should have been tied up with a red string flew in the wind behind him. His red and black garments shimmered in the sunlight, and he scanned his brown eyes left and then right for his seniors; and seeing no one ran even faster straight for Amenah. 

Holding her father's meal securely in her hand Amenah spun on her feet to avoid the running student. The red string in his hair signified that he was in his last year. Most seniors were aware that they were examples for the younger pupils at the academy and acted accordingly. Amenah sighed and caught the student by the back of his collar before he crashed into the post she was originally standing in front of. "You must not run in Scholar's Sky." Seeing that the student stopped she released his collar and added, "As a red string you should be aware of the rules." 

Kemal's mouth opened in shock. Amenah! He bowed his respect, "2nd Lady Aljehni, I Kemal Adel sincerely apologizes." He rises, "I stopped to help a merchant and his ox and it took much longer than I expected it to. And now I am very late so…" he laughed nervously and glanced at the entrance to the door, "I have to go in." he said hoping she would understand. 

Amenah raised her eyebrows in astonishment, "Senior Kemal Adel, you have already broken the rule of time, why break another?" She chuckled to herself, "The class will be done shortly, you have already missed it." She shook her head, "Entering late will only worsen your punishment." 

Was this really Kemal Adel? Her father had spoken highly of him. Surely he did not mean that this late running male was the top scholar of the academy? Amenah could barely believe it, but the red string and his introduction could not be a lie. 

Kemal cursed himself, he had dreamt of the day he would meet Amenah Aljehni. He would bravely save her. Or catch her from falling somewhere. Sometimes he would even imagine that he would tell all of her siblings to give her a yellow flower throughout the day leaving her confused, and then he would appear with a bouquet professing his admiration for her. But no. He had to meet her on the day where he was late to his lessons, his hair not tied up and- His hair! He rushed to tie his hair properly. 

Amenah turned away from Kemal, must he wait right here next to her? Surely there were other places for scholars to go. 

Kemal finished tying his hair up, "2nd Lady Aljehni if possible may you please," he scratched his head. Please what? Forget she saw him? Forget this meeting? Not tell her father what happened? "Please do not be here when I am punished." he decided. Spare him his last strands of dignity he hoped sincerely. 

Amenah's lips curled into a smile and she tried to mask it. Tilting her head in confusion, "Senior Kemal Adel, you need not refer to me as 2nd Lady Aljehni, it is uncomfortable." she pursed her lips. A red string calling her so formally, he was most likely older than her by a few Blue moons. Quite possibly similar in age to Herom.

Kemal grinned, "Then what shall I call you 2nd Lady Aljehni?" he asked excitedly. 

Shifting her father's meal box to the other hand, "My name is fine. I am Amenah." 

Feeling mischievous, Kemal decided to tease her. Wearing his best expression of confusion, "Is that not the name of Lady Aljehni?" He took a moment to study her, his eyes filling with awe when he saw the sword at her waist. "You seem a bit young to be the lady of the house." He reached his hand out for the food box in her hands, "Allow me to assist you." 

Handing him the food box Amenah crossed her arms, "I seem a bit young?" she repeated with a wide smile. Breaking into giggles she flipped her dark curls behind her shoulder, "Am I to thank you for such a compliment?" 

Her laughter demanded Kemal to laugh with her, her joy called for his joy to accompany her. "My apologies 2nd Lad- Amenah." he said her name and the warmth of her golden eyes left him momentarily speechless.

"Yes?" she asked when Kemal did not continue. 

"I did not mean to imply that you seem young and childlike, I meant that you seem too young to have already been with a child." he explained. 

"Ah." Amenah pretended to understand. "I look too young to be a mother, but not young in general." she pouted and nodded her head as if she understood. "In other words I look unmarried." 

Kemal swiftly agreed, "yes you look like you are not married." then hearing the underlying insult in his words, "Not that you are not beautiful." he defended. "I have no doubt that you will be married soon. That is if you would like to be." he stammered. 

Amenah giggled, "I understand Senior Kemal-"

"Kemal. Please just call me Kemal." 

"Alright Kemal." Amenah covered her mouth to hold back her laughter. "You are correct, I am not Lady Aljehni. My mother is called Aminah, whereas I am Amenah." she gave emphasis on the vowels in the names. "They are quite similar, but I hope that you can hear the difference. It is key in identifying Lady Aljehni, or her first daughter." 

Kemal took advantage of the situation and said her name a couple times, finally able to say it out loud. The sounds rolled off his tongue, and seeing her standing before him made the situation all the more better. "It is nice to meet you, Lady Amenah." he chuckles at the slight eyes she makes when he says lady. "You are the first daughter of my teacher. Please allow me to pay you proper respect." 

Amenah crosses her arms behind her back while shaking her head, "Then I shall call you Scholar Adel." she bargains. 

Kemal's eyes widened in shock, "No no no no no, I am not a scholar yet, I am still a student. To call me a scholar before I have succeeded is bad luck." He peeks left and then right, "If I fail to become a scholar will you take the blame?" 

Amenah laughed, Dharam had told her of the superstitions that passed throughout Scholar's Sky, but hearing it from a real student was comical. Her twin did not believe in superstitions. How could they? The strictest teacher was their own father. "My apologies." 

Noise came from behind them as students slowly began to trickle out. "It seems my father has finished his class. Entering with me may help lower your punishment." she tells him and turns to walk in, leaving the food box in Kemal's hands. 

Kemal fixed his satchel and smoothed out the ribbon in his hair, "I sure hope so." he muttered to himself before following Amenah inside. 

When the heat from the sunlight is blocked with a shadow Havil spared a glance to his eldest daughter. Placing the scroll in his hand down he motioned for his daughter to come to him, "Amenah, what a lovely surprise." 

Amenah pointed to the nearby table for Kemal to put the box before stepping into her father's arms. "Father." she greeted. "Mother sent me to ensure you eat today." 

"There must be chaos at home that you are escaping." Havil mused. 

Amenah pouted and peered down at the scroll her father had sat down. "The scriptures of Peace?"

Havil smiled and turned to his late student, "Kemal, you can have a seat here." He pointed at a desk directly in front of him. Picking up his walking stick he pointed it at Kemal as he spoke, "What prevented your attendance this morning?" 

Kemal glanced at Amnah, he had hoped he would be reprimanded after she left. Holding his hands perfectly on the desk, the image of a studious student, "I went off to retrieve the Poems of Rahn." 

Havil's eyes twinkled in amusement, "Ah yes, the Poems of Rahn." he chuckled, "Am I correct to assume you believed having this collection of poems would help you pass the exams?" He tapped Kemal's satchel with his walking stick. "You must have spoken to graduates who fed you with hopes and secrets. They must have told you that these poems would be necessary to pass the final review." Havil extended his hand out for the scroll of poems. 

Kemal opened his satchel and pulled out the poems his seniors told him would be needed. It seemed like it was all a trap. 

Amenah recalled Kemal's plea for her not to be here when he was being punished, "Father, I should really be returning home." 

Havil shook his head, "Before you do," he placed the scroll in her hand, 'Please read poem 86, 'The Drive of Success.'" 

Amenah gave Kemal an apologetic glance and opened the scroll.

Kemal kept his face stoic, how could he show his embarrassment in front of Amenah? He had worked so hard to catch Lord Aljehni's eye in hopes to ask to approach Amenah, now she is here with front row seats to his stupidity. 

Amenah found the poem and tried to apologize with her eyes to Kemal, but he refused to make contact. Thus she began to read. 

The Drive of Success 

For life you must experience 

All flowers struggle to bloom 

To avoid the natural order 

Is to deny the caterpillar its cocoon

No shortcut for the sun to cross the earth

No slights on protecting the fire in the hearth

For success we must experience and we must fail

No shortcuts will be worth what you can avail

Rolling the scroll she followed her father's silent order to return it to Kemal. 

"Thank you for reading Amenah." Havil clasped his hands behind his back, "Kemal, perhaps you can explain what Rahn was implying when he wrote this." 

Kemal stood solemnly from his seat, "Rahn states that all flowers struggle to bloom. In life we all endorse struggles and should not try to avoid it. One cannot always radiate fame and even success. The sun itself must travel a great distance to warm the earth the same way." Kemal glanced at the scroll in his hand, "No shortcuts can be avoided, no infractions must be forgiven, this student was late to class, I ran within Scholar's sky, I purchased poems in hopes to get an edge on exams." Kemal sighed, "These infractions must not be forgiven. 

Havil smiled at his student's selfreflection, "Amenah, thank you for reading. Get home safely."

Seizing the moment to leave she bowed goodbye to her father, nodded to Kemal and excited the room swiftly. 

Kemal's brown eyes followed Amenah, cramming his neck to see her until she was no longer visible. Once she was gone he bowed to his teacher. "I sincerely apologize for my infractions. Please punish me so it stays in my memory."

Pacing behind his disciple's table, "Copy the Scriptures of Lein. The mannerisms and tops shall ensure you do not make the same mistake again." He pulled a scroll from the shelves on the wall then pulled a paper and ink to set on Kemal's desk. "You can leave when you finish." Havil gave his order and then picked up his meal and rushed to eat before his next lesson. 

Kemal bowed to his retreating form and sat down to begin his work. The Scriptures of Lein would take hours to complete, it is best he start as soon as possible. 

When Amenah rushed to leave she had forgotten about the chaos that would be waiting for her at home. So when she left her father she made her way to the academy library instead. Finding a scroll of battle strategies she sat by the window to read, the petals from a nearby tree blowing in the wind. 

When Havi walked past the library and saw a familiar face in the window he smiled and made his way toward her. Standing outside, "Amenah, you made it home safely." he teased. 

Setting the scroll down, "Father."

Havil glanced at the scroll, "Are you making preparations for battle?" He motioned for her to come, "I will walk you to the gate."

Grinning Amenah shook her head and closed the scroll, rising to set it back in its proper place. Reaching her father outside, the two walked together.

"Father, the senior that I met today is your favorite?" she asked with a teasing smile. 

Havil chuckled, "What gave you this impression?" 

Amenah tilted her head, "He introduced himself to me. I recall his name from father and Herom's words."

"Not Dharam's?" Havil asked, already aware of the answer. 

Amenah held back her scoff, "From the moment Dharam entered the academy he has been trying to achieve the top scores. In competitions all he does is complain about a certain someone with natural talents." She snickered, "Dharam would dare not mention his name."

Havil hummed, "And now that you have met him, what are your thoughts?" he questioned. 

"I think he is late."Amenah answered quickly with a frown. But thinking of their conversation, "He seems like someone father should be proud of." she complimented. "Father is an excellent scholar with excellent disciples."

"You heard the news?"

Amenah nodded, "The entire kingdom has heard the news, father. After the graduation ceremony Kemal Adel has chosen you to be his master." 

Havil's mouth wore a tight line, he spoke to Kemal privately about choosing a different master, but the young man was stubborn. However the tension in court was not getting worse, not getting better either. But Havil hopes that his new disciple would not be affected. 

The 2 reached the gate and Havil squeezed his daughter's shoulder, "Head home. No more stops in other places." he told her with knowing eyes. 

Kissing her father's cheek Amenah bowed and walked towards her horse. A brown male who greeted her happily.

Havil returned to the afternoon classes and as the sun was setting he went to check on Kemal. There was a candle on his desk now and he seemed just about finished. Making his way inside Kemal rose to greet him, and Havil waved his hand for him to return to his seat. "Have you finished?"

Kemal reached for a paper that was set to dry on the side to hand to Havil. 

Taking the paper, "This is the task I gave you?" He scanned the contents, "Then what are you writing now? Why have you not gone home?" 

Kemal cleared his throat, "This student missed morning classes," he shook his head, "if the morning class work is not done this student will fall behind." 

Havil smiled in approval, "Good, be sure to clean up when you leave. Come to morning classes on time." he told Kemal and returned the paper. 

Leaving the Academy grounds the students bowed as Havil walked past them. "Lord Aljehni." they greeted, waiting for Havil to nod them off with a smile. Once he had done so they raced off to meet with friends and to head home. 

Exiting the gates Havil saw a different brown horse tied to the same tree Amenah had chosen earlier. "Herom, have you caught anything today?" 

Herom gave his horse a light pat and headed towards his father, leaving his weapons behind. "Today the hunt did not go well," he reported, grabbing the food box from his father's hand, "This time we are only looking for the Blood Leopard. It has been spotted wreaking havoc on farmers and small homes. Luckily no one has been injured." Herom smiled at his troops as they rode down the path on their horses. 

Havil moved towards the stables that his children somehow failed to use and retrieved his horse. "Be careful, Herom. The rumors say that killing a female Blood Leopard will leave a mate who'll vow to destroy yours." 

Herom chuckled, "Luckily for me I have no mate." he answered walking back to the entrance and his horse. 

Havil frowns at that. Had no woman caught his eye? "The rumors say that killing one's mate could bring you bad luck, or death of one of your own." he added. 

Untying his horse, "Not to worry, our plan is to injure it just enough to move it away from the city. Besides, we are not sure if it is a female or a male." He shrugged, "Besides even if we do accidentally kill it with so many arrows, how will it know which one killed it?"

Father and son rode home together and under his father's watchful eye Herom put his horse in the stable.

"Do you not fear someone stealing the horse?" Havil asked, "You believe that you have the money to just buy another should something happen to it?" He and his wife, no matter how many times they repeated themselves, their children tied their horses to random trees; even if there was a perfectly good stable nearby. 

Herom grinned, and for a moment had the same expression as Roset. "It is easier to retrieve the horse when it is at the gate." he answered.

Havil did not respond and watched his youngest children ambush their older brother. 

Zale attacked Herom with his wooden sword Aaleyah right behind him. 

Herom blocked Zale's attacks, "You have to train better than that." he snickered. 

Havil smiled and walked into the manor in search of his wife.

Zale rammed his body into Herom, and Herom clutched his stomach, "Alright, I yield. I yield." he croaked. 

Zale grinning and crossed his arms victoriously, but his smile soon turned into shock. 

Catching his brother's ankle Herom tackled him to the ground. "Haha, never let your guard down." he shouted. 

Zale huffed and looked past Aaleyah who was climbing a tree, "Let Ley! What are you doing up there? Avenge me!" he yelled, kicking Herom's and rolling to the left.

"For the kingdom of Aidkjeen!" shouted Aaleyah hurtling herself out of the tree to attack her elder brother. 

Wide eyed Herom spun on his foot to catch Aaleyah. "Aaleyah!" he yelled once he safely caught her in his arms, "What were you thinking?" He turned to give Zale a warning look, "That is enough."

Zale lowered his weapon with a pout. 

Herom's voice was no longer filled with amusement and he set Aaleyah down to stand. Herom tapped the side of his head, "What were you thinking? You could have gotten hurt. Is it so fun to play that you throw away your own safety?" 

Zale and Aaleyah pouted and both of them played with the pebbles on the ground not responding. "Aaleyah, jumping out of a tree? You could have gotten hurt, if I had not moved away from Zale fast enough I would have failed to catch you." he told her in a soft voice.

"But you did catch her." Zale muttered as he stared at the ground. 

Turning away from Aaleyah, "Care to repeat that Zale?" he asked with a threatening tone. 

Unafraid of his brother's angry stare, "You always catch us. It is not like we could have gotten hurt next to you." Zale said in an obvious tone, then he nudged his sister, "Right Ley Ley?" 

Giving one affirmative nod, "Of course. We never have to worry that you will not catch us. You also said one had to expect the unexpected, you told us that our ambushes help you train." Aaleyah pouted, "Now you are mad at us? Are we being reprimanded because we trust you?" 

Herom shook his hands, "No one is reprimanding you." 

"I agree," Zale said ignoring Herom's words, "You do not get flustered or surprised when you hunt tigers,"

"Or leopards."

"Or criminals." 

"Or other scary creatures."

Zale and Aaleyah crossed their arms and spoke at the same time, "We have faith in our brother's abilities." they said with a confident smile. 

Zale held his tongue between his teeth, an action he must have copied from Dharam, and this combined with the ambush caused Herom to rub his temple in sudden exhaustion. These twins, he sighed and chose to drop the topic accepting his defeat, "Where is Amenah?" 

Zale shrugged, "Why would we know? We were planning our ambush." he responded, already bored again. 

"Are we going to be reprimanded for not knowing where they are too?" Aaleyah asked with a pout. 

Herom groaned and pushed Zale out of the way so he could finally enter the manor. "So you do not know where anyone is?"

Aaleyah scratched the corner of her eye, "We have not seen anyone." 

"Well…" Zale said, scrunching his face, "There was Asbed." 

Aaleyah crinkled her nose, "Right there was Asbed."

"He wanted to join the ambush, but that would have been too many people." Zale shook his head disapprovingly. 

Aaleyah placed her hands on her little waist, mimicking her older sisters, "That and he always likes to be in charge." she added, annoyed at the thought. 

Zale pointed to his chest, 'And we all know I am in charge." he declared. 

Aaleyah cleared her throat with a glare.

"I mean we, we are in charge. Both of us." Zale said, shifting nervously away from her. 

Herom rolled his eyes, "This conversation was no help. I am going to find your elder sister, go bother Dharam." 

"But Dharam does not always catch me." she whined to Herom's retreating form. 

Zale nodded, "Agreed, Dharam is less fun." The twins stood in silence for a beat before Zale turned to her excitedly. "How about we go find Asbed!" 

Aaleyah grinned, "Yes, he will not be expecting an ambush." 

Herom walked through the manor in search of his sister. Passing the library he peered inside, but only found Chiara. Stepping inside he ruffled her hair and sat next to her by the fire. "What are you reading this time, Chiara?"'

Chiara sat the book in her lap, leaving a blue lotus to mark her page. "The Aidkjeen history. When the Dlumaeni and the Aljehni families began to work together instead of apart." she replied. Her eyes trailed to the fire watching the sparks, "Herom, do you think it is strange the way our kingdom works?"

Crossing his ankle over his thigh, "What do you mean?" 

Moving her braid to rest on her shoulder Chiara set the book on the nearby table. "Most kingdoms do not have two powerful families. Most kingdoms can not even have two powerful princes." She turned to face her brother, "If by off chance two bright stars manage to shine in the same kingdom there are only a few options." 

Herom nodded, "Which are?"

Chiara held up her thumb "First option is to marry the families. The two powerful families become one." She held up her index finger, "The second option is for one of the families to leave. Settle elsewhere and lead a different area." She held up her middle finger, "Option c, and this is the most common of all." She took a breath, "One of the families is murdered." Dropping her hands to her lap, "The Dlumaeni Royal family has been in power for a long time, however our reputation continues to rise." Chiara raps her finger on her lap, "Our family is loyal, but is it not strange that within the Aidkjeen kingdom there are two highly favored and loved families? Some even argue that Aljehni power is equal to that of the royals." 

"How so?" Herom asked.

"Mother commands the leading forces of the military, thus the Aljehni family has power with the troops. Father runs one the top academies in the kingdoms, thus we have power in education. There is also you," Chiara taps her brother's foot with her own, "You are a commander of your own group of troops, you even train the guards. The guards you train are receiving positions within the palace, one could argue that you have eyes and ears in the palace. And if you have eyes and ears in the palace, then the Aljehni family does. 

Herom nodded, "Great analysis." 

Chiara laughed, "Are you quizzing me?"

Herom smiled, "So what do you think our family should do?" he asked. "Shall we move, shall we stop accepting positions? Shall we try to release our power? Or," he smirked, "do you suggest marriage?"

Chiara sucked her teeth and turned away from Herom "I was only making observations." she said while picking up the book she sat down. 

Herom nodded amused, "Right Chiara the Observer." He leaned back in his chair, "So we should think about this." He tapped his chin, "Who would have to accept this marriage?" Sparing his sister a look, "A sacrifice for the good of the kingdom of course. Very loyal sacrifice." he joked. 

Chiara scratched her arm embarrassed, why did she speak to Herom? 

"The princes are both so young compared to Amenah who is at a Red and 7 Blue moon old." Herom continued to tap his chin in deep thought. "Of course you are also 3 Blue moons older than them as well." He sighed dramatically, "I suppose this sacrificial duty would have to fall upon Aaleyah." He puffed his lips, "Unless a certain someone wished to volunteer, regardless of age." dropping his hands, "For the sake of the kingdom of course." he said smiling at Chiara's fidgeting. 

Chiara held the book close to her chest, "I am not that much older." she muttered. 

Grinning widely, "What was that? I could not hear you clearly." Herom teased. 

Rising from her seat, "Amenah is only 4 Blue moons older, it is not that much." Chiara said moving to put the book back in its place. 

Waving his finger, "Right for Amenah, of course. You are correct." Herom pretended to agree. 

"Besides, the other kingdoms do not have many princesses. Who will Prince Hammun marry?" Chiara shuddered in disgust. "The only princess in the kingdoms surrounding us is Princess Mauhna from the Trivplah Kingdom, and she is just," Chiara's deep breaths blew strands of her hair "awful." she explained with a grief stricken face. Waving her hands in denial, "Prince Hammun cannot marry her, he must not."

Herom snickered discreetly, using his fist to cover his mouth to do so. "Well according to customs the eldest should be married first. So it would be Prince Saan who would hypothetically marry Princess Mauhna." Herom rose from his seat, "But there is one thing you have not taken into account Chiara."

"What?" 

Herom ruffled Chiara's hair once more, "If you truly believe Prince Hammun has a liking towards you, then this research will not matter. You do not need to search the history of the kingdoms, and our families." 

Chiara's eyes widened ready to refute her brother but he continued. 

"Yo do not need historical excuses to like someone Chiara." he told her and then kissed her temple before heading out. 

Herom had made it to the door when Chiara's voice cried out, "I never said I liked anyone!"

In Havil's study he sat next to his wife. "Aminah," he trailed his fingers on her arm, "the tension is not easing." he told her. 

Aminah remained silent, allowing her husband to hold her close.

Havil pulled his wife to rest her back against his chest, "Hammaan was right." he told her referring to the past conversation of sending one of their children to the palace or leaving.

Aminah squeezed his hand, "Our family is strong. You are strong."

Havil rested his chin on her shoulder, "The king does not wish to hear my advice. I received a message from the king today." he confessed. 

"About our family?" 

"No, about the graduates of the academy." 

"What did it say?" 

"The king is not accepting new scholars at this time." 

"That is not so bad." Aminah told him.

"No, it is not. But within the king's court, his majesty refuses my advice as well as the advice of all the scholars I have taught or established a friendship with." he explained. 

"Are you certain this is intentional?" Aminah asked, tilting her head to look into her husband's gold eyes. 

"His majesty is trying to demote Leelin." Havil confessed. 

"Leelin?" Aminah sat up and turned to face her husband, "What has she done wrong?" 

"Nothing but be a close friend." Havil answered with a heavy heart. "I see it, when she agrees with my words and notions, his eyes darken when he looks at her. He gives her the most troublesome tasks, and when he has almost reached completion he gives her a harder task handing the almost complete one to another to reap the benefits."

Aminah frowned, "have you thought about asking to retire from your position?" she asked slowly. 

"Retire?" Havil released his wife, "I dare not." 

"Maybe if you remove yourself from the court the king will not see you as a threat." she reasoned. 

 "It would be quite the opposite. He would think I desired to be away from his watchful eyes and grow my own power to take over. He would think that I wished to aid you in the military, or branch out my power within the academy. He would assume I wished to rebel." 

Aminah rapped her fingers on the chair, "We may be past that." she gravely said. 

Walking past the weapons hall Herom finally spotted Amenah sitting on a stool working. "Amenah, I have searched the manor for you. Did you hear what happened outside?"

Amenah smirked, "The ambush?" she asked aware of the twins' plan to attack Herom the moment he returned home. 

Herom plopped onto the stool across from her, "Aaleyah flew out of a tree!" he complained.

Amenah giggled, "We are calling her Aaleyah now?" she teased. 

Herom glared, "Menah, she could have gotten hurt." 

"You never dropped her before." Amenah reasoned. She continued working on her blade peeking up periodically at Herom's pouting face. "Besides you never dropped me either." 

Herom rolled his eyes, "What is wrong with you lot? Sometimes I wonder if Chiara, Roset and I are the only normal ones." 

Amenah stuck out her tongue, "There is nothing wrong with being a twin," she looked up from her blade, "it makes ambushing all the more easier." she teased. 

Herom glared, "How lucky I am you and Dharam gave up on ambushes." 

Amenah held her tongue between her teeth as she smirked. "Right, we gave up." she said as if she heard this for the first time.

"Did you not?" 

Amenah shrugged, "Once we turned a Red and 5 Blue moons old we had too many things to study. Dharam had to go struggle at academy." 

Herom shook his head, "Of, I thought you struggled just as much." he teased. 

Amenah rolled her eyes, "I was not as noticeable as Dharam." 

Herom nodded in agreement, "Yes beautiful Menah passed all her exams, and quickly found her talents." 

Amenah beamed, "I am glad you agree, it did not take me long to learn of my passion for weapons. Forming blades, training with a sword. I am excited to follow mother's footsteps into the military."

Herom perched his elbow on the worktable so he could rest his head on his hand, "So we just have to wait for Aaleyah and Zale to find their passion so they can stop acting dangerously?" he asked his little sister with hope in his eyes. 

Amenah laughed, "Aaleyah already found her passion, the problem is that it is not the same as Zale's. She is unwilling to part with him." she told Herom with an understanding tone. 

Herom agreed, "Ley Ley likes knives and fighting." 

"And Zale is learning of his passion for music." Amenah finishes. "He is trying to deny it, but it seems Zale will take the path of a scholar and Aaleyah will walk the path of the military." She looked up from her blade to lock eyes with her brother, "Two different careers, once they accept the paths they will split up their education, they will rarely be together." she says sadly. 

Herom shook his head, "Leyah can not become a warrior. She must become the Aljehni head." 

Amenah sighed, "She knows, there is a fight waiting to happen and she is aware she will lose. Father will force her and she must accept. The Aljehni head is not a position anyone can have. Our blood chose her, she must accept."

"Father has already started her studies, he pulled her out of sword training." Herom reported. 

Amenah frowned, "It was easier for Dharam and I, we both choose military, and we do not have to wear the mantle of the Aljehni head."

"Poor Ley Leyh." Herom murmured. 

"Poor Zale."