The King and His Woman

Princess Avila stood looking up to the small window in her castle. Something she normally does whenever she's in thought, she had a feeling, a very weird one that something was going to happen today, something no one expected.

It is a very important day for the people of the Magadha kingdom, a day when a crown princess, the ruler of the kingdom, would be chosen. Being the first daughter of king Williams III, normally many would expect her to be the chosen one but the people of the kingdom didn't think so, she was born blind from birth, and not the people wanted a blind ruler.

The door of her room opened and her maid, Saria walked in.

"My princess...it is time," Saria said, watching her back. She carried with her a basket containing fine linen.

Avila slowly turned around, Saria dropped the basket on the floor and went to offer her a hand, and walked her to the mirror.

"I think it's not going to rain today, Saria," Avila stated as Saria's hand went around her shoulder pulling down her white dress.

Saria's eyes widened, "Rain? Don't say that to the hearing of your father, he will have my head." Saria spoke fearfully, wondering why she would predict such. She knew that whatever the princess says always comes to pass.

She made her sit in front of the mirror and began working on her hair, "The people wouldn't like to hear such either." Saria added.

Avila smiled and said, "I'm telling you what's going to happen, I'm not wishing the kingdom bad luck, I would say something was going to happen."

For two years, the kingdom had suffered a great drought, today everyone expected it to rain because lifting the staff of authority comes with many blessings. The people believed that the heaven would finally pity them and bless them with rain. They expected the keeper of the staff to help beg the gods of heaven.

"My princess, people had been deliberating on why it took so long to rain, some said the gods wanted it to be on this special day, while some said the crown princess would make it rain, but you're telling me it's never going to happen, my fears are the chaos that it will bring if it comes to past today."

Saria was still speaking when the door opened which made the both of them turn. Saria's heart skipped when the priestess walked in.

"Who's that, Saria?." Avila asked, feeling cold instantly. Before Saria could reply, the priestess began coming closer.

Saria bowed to her and stepped back.

"My princess." The priestess called and bowed.

Avila knew who it was without being answered, she struggled to stand but the priestess stopped her from doing so. Immediately her hand touched Avila, it was as if everything stopped, her silver eyes turned stoned as she felt herself slipping down to her vision.

"I can't see. The gods leave me no choice but to find a successor." The priestess said to her maid. Avila suddenly saw herself back to her room, with the priestess looking down at her.

"Give us a minute." The priestess ordered, Saria bowed and rushed out of the room.

There was silence.

The priestess cleared her throat and asked, "You saw it, didn't you?."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Avila looked away.

"I can see through you, princess. When you were born, I knew your gifts." Avila tilted her head back to her, she thought only her mother knew this, how does she know?

"I never visited all these years because it will arise suspicion, the king will get to know and you'll be in danger."

"Why are you here, priestess?." Avila asked impatiently.

"Because I want you to tell me what you've seen today. What is it that the gods can't show me?."

There was another silence between them. Avila was reluctant to say a word because any word she says right now will determine if the priestess was right about her visions.

"You have to help me, my princess." She held her tender hands, looking into her eyes.

"It will not rain today." Avila blurted.

"What?." A worried look went to the priestess's face.

"If it does not rain today, it only means that the successor of the throne can't be her." She thought outwardly forgetting that Avila was there.

"What do you mean by that? what do you mean that my sister can't become the crown princess?."

"I will be on my way." The priestess bowed and walked out.

Saria ran in, breathing heavily, "The event has started, my princess."

....

Princess Ivy is excited to be sworn in today. She had waited and anticipated today's event because she was next in line to rule the kingdom.

She smiled, looking at herself in the mirror as her maid caked her face up with makeup.

"You look very pretty, my princess." Her maid said to her, she kept batting her eyelashes as she licked her lips.

"Do you think anyone would be pleased?." Her maid asked again.

She frowned.

It's her inheritance, she doesn't care if anyone had a problem with that, after all her big sister is blind. She faked a smile instantly, "Of course. The people want me to rule, not some blind girl." She replied and chuckled, checking herself even when she wasn't sure. Avila is her elder sister, the people loved her very much. She has worn the hearts of many and Ivy suddenly disliked her.

Ivy hated her sister so much and anytime she's being reminded that her sister is much better, she would feel like killing her right away. But knowing well the people chose her to lead the kingdom, became her consolation.

She stood up and turned around, examining herself as she adjusted her dress, feeling proud that she looked dashing today. The door creaked open revealing Diana dressed in her silver gown.

Diana is her cousin and best friend. She had come to see Ivy before the event.

"Wow.Your Highness." Diana bowed and Ivy laughed, holding her hands.

"Your wish is already coming to pass. I'm so happy for you." Diana told her and she smirked and turned back to the mirror.

Diana went to her and held onto her shoulder, "Let's go. The king and the people must be waiting."

***

The women walked ahead while a guard followed up closely, as they chatted happily on the way, they met Avila walking from another corner, and they stopped to greet her.

They bowed before her, and Avila stood still.

"You look so beautiful, sister," Ivy told her, trying to hide her jealousy. Avila looks extremely appealing with her delicate skin, her makeup was moderate and her hair was crimped up revealing her neckline. A sapphire blue stone necklace was on her neck, it was a gift from her mother. Ivy eyed the necklace with anger, her hands shaking. Diana noticed and held her hand to calm her down.

"I know you're beautiful darling, today is your day, I'm so happy for you," Avila said to her, feeling uncomfortable that she could not bring herself up to tell her what was going to happen, and the last time they spoke was three years ago when her father scolded her for leaving the palace and strictly ordered the guards to watch her closely.

She smiled broadly, "Thank you, Avila. You're the best sister ever."

Avila's smiles were priceless, she wondered how Ivy looked, she wished to see her smiles, all she's ever seen all her life was darkness, she felt really sad and didn't want to ruin the day.

"Alright, I'll walk with you."

Her maid (Saria) led her to stand with Ivy and they began walking toward the throne hall.

There was silence as none of the sisters spoke, Avila rarely speaks, while Ivy didn't know how to start a conversation.

"And how have you been sister?." Avila asked, Ivy sighed and cleared her throat.

"I'm fine. I'm sorry that I couldn't come to see you, I've been busy with the affairs of the kingdom and father made sure I learned the etiquette of a princess," She boasted and laughed, rubbing her hand over her blond hair.

Avila knew it was to spite her, her father hated her so much and she never got to learn what a princess should, although Saria occasionally steals books from the royal library and reads it to her always.

"Here they are." A voice shouted, getting her attention.

"My princess.." The prime minister's son called, holding Avila's hand and ignoring Ivy. Ivy was filled with rage and jealousy.

"I've been hoping to see you." He said and kissed the back of her hand, everyone was looking at them now.

Avila chuckled nervously, "And you are?."

"Lord Ramus of the Rolfe Clan." He answered, still holding her hand.

Saria whispered in her ear, "He's the prime minister's son, the heir to Rolfe Clan." Avila quickly remembered this same man was the one asked to marry Ivy.

She quickly took her hand from his and smiled, "Oh, welcome." She replied and Saria led her away quickly. The people present began murmuring and Ivy was already dying of jealousy. She stomped her foot and walked out furiously. Diana followed quickly.

A hand grabbed Ramus from behind, he turned to find his father, "Why did you do that? Have you forgotten why you're here?."

"No. I'm here to see my true love, and princess Avila is the one I want to marry." He answered and his father's eyes went wide with shock.

The prime minister's eyes went wide with shock.

"What?." He shouted, and everyone looked at the father and son. He looked around and dragged Ramus away.

Princess Ivy reached outside and shouted, kicking the air and squeezing her hand as if she was holding onto Avila's neck.

"My princess.." Diana called, running down the stairs.

"I swear. I'm gonna kill her myself.." She seethed, and the guests who were walking up to the throne hall were staring at her.

Diana noticed this and rushed to stand with Ivy, "What're you doing? people are watching." She whispered to her and dragged her away quickly.

They stopped at the back of the building where no one was seen.

"What's going on? Why was Ramus greeting her and not me?." She queried.

Diana sighed, "You know your sister, she doesn't go unnoticed." She said suddenly and Ivy glared at her.

"I mean, she always wants to be noticed." Diana corrected, not wanting to get on her bad side.

"Anyway, what matters is that you're to be the crowned princess, and no man, I mean no noble would ever reject a crown princess, no?." Diana asked, holding her hand.

With that being said, her face lit up and she ran her hand over her hair, "I feel better." She stated and began walking back while Diana rolled her eyes and followed her.

...

The Prime minister pushed Ramus outside the palace corridor and threw a slap across his face.

"How dare you try to disgrace me?." He spat and raised his hand again which Ramus caught in the air.

"Don't even dare father." He warned with anger and pushed his hand away.

His father was surprised by this.

"Yes. I agreed to follow you because of her. She's the woman I love and there's nothing you or anyone will do."

"You're not ashamed of yourself, what will she offer? she's blind and useless."

"I'll make her useful. If you must know, I love her and that's final." He made to go and his father grabbed his arm again, Ramus looked at his hand and pushed it away, "Don't ever lay your hand on me again. I might not be friendly next time it happens." He glared at him and walked away, almost pushing down a maid who was walking towards them.

This was the first time Ramus acted this way towards his father all his life. He was beaten and bullied by his father. His father wanted much from him, he wanted him to take over him, after he could not take it anymore, he went away from home and hasn't returned since then.

He met Avila outside the palace when she visited the needy and supplied food to them, he fell in love with her and after three years, Avila couldn't go out anymore.

Hearing his father wanted him to marry the spoiled princess, he agreed to come to her coronation because he wanted to see Avila.

The maid stopped and bowed in front of the prime minister.

It was the head maid.

"The king wants to see you in his chamber." She relayed her message, turned, and left.

Rolfe, who looked flustered, breathed out, trying to look presentable before meeting the king.

....

The throne hall filled to the brim, it was suffocating and Avila turned to Saria.

"I need some fresh air." She said,

Saria nodded and began leading her away. As they walked, the people stared at her, the men admiring her beauty and meekness while the women could not stop feeling jealous.

Saria led her to the garden and sat her down.

"Saria.." She called in a low tone.

"Yes, princess.."

"How do you see me?." She asked.

Saria was surprised, she cleared her throat, "I see you as a role model, someone who's kind and pure. You're very beautiful that even the blind would notice, no matter the condition you are in, you still give your beautiful smiles, and you're still happy and welcoming. You don't care about class, you see everyone as equal. Princess, I see you as my big sister, and I'm happy to serve you to the end of my life."

Tears were rolling down her cheeks as she finished, Avila smiled.

"They are the most beautiful words anyone has ever said to me. I'm happy to find a sister in you, Saria." She told Saria and she sniffed, Avila noticed, "Are you crying?."

"No princess." She answered quickly, wiping her tears away.

"Go and get me water. Make sure you are happy before you come back."

Saria chuckled and bowed before leaving.

....

The prime minister entered the King's chamber, and the king's back was turned against him as the maids dressed him up. After they put the royal robe on him, he turned. All the maids walked out.

Rolfe bowed quickly, "My king."

The king shook his head and went to his table, he took a scroll from the table and threw it on the floor.

Rolfe bent down and picked it up, he rolled up the scroll and read the content of the scroll, and his eyes widened.

"That small boy is coming to my daughter's coronation. And for all I know now, we won't be receiving a friendly visitor."

"What do you suggest I do?." He asked Rolfe.

"My king, we have to act friendly, king Lucan isn't someone to deal with."

The king scoffed, "Isn't someone to deal with?." He repeated and began laughing.

The king frowned, and Rolfe began shivering with fear.

With every step he made towards him, his heart kept beating.

The king stopped in front of him, "Are you saying that little boy is stronger than us?."

Rolfe quickly went down, his face on the floor, "I'm sorry your highness. I didn't mean that."

"Then.." He looked down, "What do you mean that he isn't someone to deal with?."

"I'm sorry for this blasphemy. Forgive me, my king." He cried.

The king squatted in front of him and held his chin up.

"Blasphemy? Anyone who does that gets to beheaded. Do you feel special, Rolfe? What makes you think I won't behead you right now?."

"My king!!." He cried.

The king stood up and turned, "We'll let him in, if he tries any nonsense in my palace, I'll kill him, just like I killed his parents." He smirked and walked out.

***

Ramus entered the throne hall, searching for Avila but didn't find her, someone suddenly tapped him from behind and he turned, it was princess Ivy, she was smiling when he turned.

"Perhaps, are you looking for me, Ramus Rolfe?." She asked politely. Anyone would think she's kind with words, everyone feared the princess, and she's very rude and spoiled. Everyone knew she wasn't nice at all and today all eyes seemed to be on her, especially now she was going to be crowned.

"No. Why would I look for you, my princess?." He asked back with a raised brow.

She chuckled lightly, "I am your betrothed, I thought maybe you would like to speak to me today."

A frown blessed his face, he tried so hard not to say displeasing words to her, how can he marry someone like her?, "Excuse me, princess." He said quickly and went away.

Princess Ivy was shocked, her mouth opened as she stared at his back until he was out of sight.

A maid suddenly bumped into her. The maid saw that it was the princess and went down on her knees quickly, "I'm so sorry, my princess. I was..."

Before the maid could finish, a slap went across her face and everyone gasped.

"You dirty little thing! How dare you?." Ivy spat and slapped her twice on both of her cheeks, the maid was now whimpering as her cheeks burned and they were all red.

People began murmuring and the moment she looked up, they all clamped their lips shut.

"Guards!!." She shouted and two heavy looking guards in armor rushed out to her front.

"Take this worm out of my sight and starve her for two days."

"Yes, my princess." They both bowed and carried the maid away.

She felt better after that as she sighed, her eyes met her father looking at her from the door.

Ivy stood shocked as the king's eunuch shouted, "Here comes the king!."

Everyone quickly stepped aside as all heads went down on a low.

The king started walking towards Ivy, he stopped to look at her and walked ahead without speaking. Ivy smiled, knowing the king went his way without scolding her, she went to stand beside Diana.

"I feel so bad for the maid." Diana said to her, Ivy turned, "When did you start to feel something for those things?."

Diana looked at her, she was a person who became her friend because she wanted to be known as the princess's friend and everyone would respect her, she didn't like how she treats humans but she chose to keep quiet because she was a half-born, her mother was a slave before her father got her pregnant and gave birth to her. Her father was a prince, a half-brother to the king.

"I'm sorry, my princess." She gave a small smile and looked away.

"Now that all have gathered for the coronation, can we begin?." The king asked.

"We're waiting for the priestess." His eunuch said.

"She made the king wait?." The king asked again with a frown. Everyone kept mute.

"My king." It was the priestess, she stood at the entrance, with the divine maidens at her back.

"I'm sorry, I had to consult the heavens." The priestess stated and began walking forward. Her white gown looked divine, her face was beautified with white drawings, and her blonde hair was tied up.

Her divine maidens looked the same, after the royal household, comes the priestess, so everyone respected and adored her.

****

At the palace garden, Avila was lost in thought. She normally hummed whenever she starts to remember her mother, and how she lived before her mother died. She couldn't even see her corpse, she hadn't seen her mother since when she was born. She also remembered how the king used to beat her mother in her presence. She would sit in the dark and hear the silent painful moans her mother does whenever she doesn't want Avila to worry about her.

*Flashback*

"You still think he would save you? you still think of him?." The king asked her mother and grabbed her neck.

The woman began coughing so hard as he was choking the air out of her.

"I told you if I can't have you, no one will. You'll forever be my woman."

He grabbed her dress and rip it off her, and then he made his way into her, as she cried silently.

When he was done, he pushed her off him and stormed off. The woman gathered the blanket and covered her body, she rested her back on the headboard and cried.

Avila wondered who her father was referring to, but she wouldn't ask because it seemed to break her mother's heart even more than the beating, that was the time she wanted to be able to see.

End.

....

Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her and looked back quickly.

"Saria..." She called but no answer.

King Lucan knew he been caught, he had earlier entered the kingdom of Meghan and waited till the coronation started, while doing that, he began walking around the kingdom, remembering the old good days when his father was still a friend to the king.

And every time they visit, he would come to the garden to look at the beautiful blind girl who always sat alone to sing. Her voice was so pleasing to his ears that he grew fond of this place. He just came because he wanted to remember those days and didn't know he would still meet her. That was 11 years ago and she's still the same lady.

"I asked who you are." Avila suddenly became alert, it was a strange feeling, and quickly knew he was a stranger. She was so sensitive, even though she was blind, she can still know when a stranger approached her.

"Why are you in the dark and not at the ceremony?." The king asked in his deep voice.

"Oh, I was getting some fresh air. It's been long I visited this place." Avila replied to him, and relaxed a bit but was overly conscious.

Just as Lucan predicted, he thought she meant to say that it's been a long since she visited the palace.

"So who are you?." Avila asked.

Lucan began walking towards her and stopped in front of Avila.

"I'm Lucan of Seabean kingdom." He answered, not wanting to give out his identity as the king.

"Seabean? I hear your kingdom is the most feared around. I can't believe I'm meeting someone from there."

Lucan smiled, "You don't care about the rumors that we take lands and kill other people?."

"Actually, i was about to say that, your king kills innocent souls, and makes them slaves to their land. I don't really like that." She said frowning.

His smile deepened when he saw her frown, she's very beautiful, even if it was dark outside, you could see the moon shining all over her face. Even her frown was beautiful.

"My king has a reason for doing so." He defended himself.

"What reason would make a king kill people or make slaves? I don't even want to think of how those people suffered,"

Would she believe he had come here to declare war on them?

"You won't know until you hear from him directly." He said to her as he looked up to the moon.

"My..." His guard suddenly spoke and he quickly pressed his second finger to his lips to shut him up.

"Who's that?." Avila tensed up.

The king waited a few seconds to pass, he chuckled, "Oh. He's my friend, he came with me." He answered, smiling broadly.

Livin, the king's guard didn't look surprised, the king always does that to him.

"My friend, you have to come with me," Livin said.

The king stood up, he took her hand and she felt an electrifying tingle running through her arm, she felt it so relaxing and comforting.

He kissed the back of her hand, "I'll remember you." He told her.

Avila smelt in his scent as he left her completely. Livin saw that and his eyes rose, he knew what that meant, it was the culture of the Seabean kingdom that when their king kisses the back of the hand of a lady, it means the king had marked his woman.