NOVEL NEXT chapter 53
Suddenly, my vision went pitch-black for a moment. Yet I couldn’t close my eyes or rub them; I just stared. Blurred shapes flickered before me. The attendants who surrounded us all stepped back and bowed, and she turned her body. Slowly, she approached where we stood. Steward squeezed my hand once, then straightened. I tried to rise to my feet behind him, but my knees buckled and I sank to the floor. Forcing my strength, I willed myself upright again. By then, she was already almost upon us.
“Princess—good day.”
Steward greeted her first with a bow, and I followed suit behind him. A faint, unfamiliar fragrance mingled with the gentle scent that filled the hall. The light, refreshing aroma wafting from the princess was intoxicating, lifting my spirits despite the weight in my chest. Even Steward’s voice sounded softer than usual. I guessed it was her perfume and fought to steady my emotions—if I let my guard slip, I would surely cry again.
“Good day, Steward. You seem well.”
Her kindly tone made my heart ache anew. As Steward straightened, I dared to lift my eyes—and for the first time truly saw the princess.
Ah.
I found my mouth hanging open as I stared at her. She wore no headdress—no hijab or other covering—but small gold earrings and a delicate necklace. Her long black hair and dark brown eyes complemented her olive skin, and she was taller than I was. The black kaftan that draped her from neck to ankle, embroidered with white flowers at the cuffs, only emphasized her height. From the level between Steward’s and my stature, she looked down at me. Her clear, striking features curved into a gentle smile, revealing pearly white teeth that suited her flawless skin.
“Is this the famous assistant?” she asked.
Steward glanced at me, then reluctantly introduced me.
“He is called Yohan. He will be leaving the palace soon, so…”
“Oh? Why is that? The palace not amusing enough?”
Her soft laugh hypnotized me. She was as sweet as sugar, and so effortlessly graceful that every movement seemed suffused with elegance.
Next to her, I felt utterly insignificant. I lowered my gaze, self-conscious, and Steward answered in my stead.
“Not at all, Your Highness. He has some business outside the palace.”
Princess Najima smiled, though her tone still held amusement.
“That needn’t be a secret. Everyone knows the palace is dull.”
“Ha ha…”
Steward laughed awkwardly, and she continued casually.
“When one is ill, one would visit a clinic or summon a physician. Holding a prayer ceremony instead is so old-fashioned, isn’t it? In an age where people travel to space, I feel this kingdom still lives in the Middle Ages. Don’t you agree, Yohan?”
She turned to me so suddenly that I raised my head in surprise. Our eyes met, and her compassionate smile made me too guilty to speak. Steward, noticing my silence, spoke again.
“Nevertheless, the Crown Prince is a progressive man, isn’t he? He studied in England, and once he formally ascends the throne, I believe much will change.”
Princess Najima nodded.
“Indeed. Were it not for him, I wouldn’t even be here for this ceremony. Things will improve when he reigns.”
“If he is allowed to ascend, that is.”
“Huh?”
I blurted the question, and Najima merely smiled. Steward looked puzzled, smiling wryly. I felt dizzy—had I heard correctly? At that moment, a maid approached and offered the princess a veil. As Najima donned it, Steward shifted the conversation.
“You arrived quite early, Your Highness. There’s still some time until the ceremony.”
She glanced as others entered, then replied,
“I came early on purpose. Better than being late.”
“Oh—your friend returned home alone, then?”
I spoke carelessly and both looked down at me. Flustered, I fell silent. Najima’s voice brimmed with playful curiosity.
“My friend went home long ago. How did you know, Yohan? Few know I invited a friend to stay.”
Steward looked to me in surprise as well; even he could not shield me. I felt guilty and stammered,
“Well, the Crown Prince… mentioned it in passing…”
Najima’s expression shifted—her smile unbroken, but her gaze thoughtful. She asked kindly,
“Have you met the Crown Prince personally, Yohan?”
“Ah…”
I struggled as a memory of Asgayl’s smile flared my chest with pain. I forced out,
“Yes—once.”
My voice quavered, and I stopped. Princess Najima cocked her head in mild perplexity. Steward swiftly interjected.
“By chance, briefly some nights ago.”
“Is that so? How?”
Her persistence made me swallow hard. In a low voice, I answered,
“I was out walking at night, and the Crown Prince—happened to encounter me. He asked if I were Lady Najima’s friend and offered to escort me home, but Steward arrived and recognized me as his assistant, so he departed. That is all.”
I trembled as I watched her. Najima studied my face as though seeking a lie. I dared not look away. After a pause, she smiled softly and spoke.
“He doesn’t like that type at all.”
“Not your taste? At all?”
Najima nodded, then explained,
“Yes—a pale, almost white complexion… and a stick-thin boy.”
She added a rueful laugh, but I was more discomfited than offended. I was no boy, and why did that remark sting?
Before I could ask, Najima continued mischievously,
“He often makes that mistake. What was it…? When he was very young, he once fell for a child…”
“Enough, Najima. Unnecessary remarks, please.”
A cool voice cut between us. Startled, I turned and froze in breathless shock.
Crown Prince Asgayl stood there in dazzling white court dress. The hem and cuffs of his tunic were trimmed in gold, and upon his chest gleamed the royal crest in layered gold and jewels. At his waist hung a long sword, its hilt also encrusted with gems.
But it was something else that stole my gaze. When I saw his cropped black hair, the bronze of his sun-darkened skin, and those desert-night violet eyes, a beloved sweetness of his scent enveloped me.
Kamar.
I longed to throw myself into his arms. Yet all I could do was clench the hand I had reflexively reached out, brace myself, and stand firm. He did not look at me—only frowned slightly as he regarded Princess Najima. She offered a faint smile and bowed.
“Forgive my rudeness, Your Highness.”
Then she gave Steward and me brief farewells and turned toward her seat. I watched Asgayl watch her leave. When I finally turned back, he was the Crown Prince in every respect.
“You have not left, it seems.”
His gaze fell on Steward, who replied calmly,
“This ceremony is important. He instructed that I stay to assist until its end. If it causes discomfort, I can withdraw.”
My heart pounded, but Asgayl ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) merely turned away. As he drifted back, his fragrance faded to a soft echo. Steward gently guided me to my seat. Looking around, I saw that every place was now filled. The ceremony was about to begin. I knelt in formal posture alongside the others, waiting. When the Crown Prince took his seat, the hall fell completely silent.
After a moment, Asgayl rose and stood before the altar. A chosen priest appeared, carrying a tray bearing a golden chalice. As a sign of commencement, the prince drank purified wine from the chalice. Normally, alcohol was forbidden, but this special rite allowed only wine for purification. The priest stepped back. Asgayl raised the goblet, brought it to his lips without sound, and drained it. He placed it back on the tray, then turned toward the altar. He raised both hands, and in the hush that followed, his calm voice rang out.
“Allahu Akbar.”
He pressed his left hand to his chest, then overlaid it with his right. I placed my own hand on my heart, praying for the king’s recovery. Asgayl continued the prayer.
“O Perfect Lord, worthy of praise. We offer You boundless thanks….”
Suddenly his voice wavered, then cut off. Alarmed, I lifted my head and saw a man standing not far away. He remained motionless, still with hands raised—but he no longer spoke the prayer. A ripple of confused murmurs spread through the hall. Then Asgayl opened his mouth. But what poured from it was not words.
“…!”
A rush of red gushed forth before my eyes. The white ceremonial robe that Asgayl wore turned crimson in an instant. He looked down, as if unsure what had spilled, frowning. He seemed to mutter something, though I could not hear it clearly. Then, very slowly, he collapsed.
“Kamar…!”
I cried out involuntarily as Steward darted forward. In that instant, the hall erupted into screams and shouts.