Chapter 21: The People
Khari padded softly down the hall in the stillness of the morning. An ominous quiet in the air made her stomach churn as she approached the dining room. She opened the door and found it empty. No one was there, but the smell of freshly cooked eggs lingered in the air. Something was wrong - she could feel it. She proceeded to wander around, her ears straining for any sign of life, but all she heard was the sound of her own breathing.
She was about to turn and head back to her room when a deep masculine voice called out from behind her, “There you are.”
Azim’s sudden appearance made her heart leap into her throat. “You scared me!” she exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest.
He crept forward, his footsteps barely audible on the polished floor. He slowly extended his hand, careful not to give her a fright. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He gently took her hand and led her toward the grand entrance of the palace.
The echoing of their footsteps bounced off the walls as she asked her question into the vast emptiness, “Where is everyone?” Not a single answer came back. The two of them were the only life in the palace, feeling the weight of the silence.
He didn’t quite answer her question but instead said, “You’ll see,” as they stepped out into the crisp morning air. The sun was just beginning to rise, and its golden rays peeked out from behind the clouds, casting a delicate shade across the grounds. Azim took her hand and led her down a winding path surrounded by lush gardens, fragrant flowers, and vibrant greenery.
As they walked down the cobblestone path winding around the palace, the whispers of a crowd grew louder and more distinct. Suddenly, a loud shrill pierced the air, and someone cried out, “There she is!” A hush fell over the crowd before they erupted into a raucous chorus of jeers and taunts.
She focused her attention on the source of the cacophony of voices, the group of people huddled together and their heads bent low with hushed words shared among them. She felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of people’s voices and could only catch snippets of their discussions. “What is happening?” she asked, desperately searching for an answer.
Azim turned towards the palace gates, and a collective murmur rippled through the people gathered there. He eyed the growing crowd with a hint of admiration and said, “It seems word has gotten out about you already.”
“Yes, it’s understandable,” The King slowly walked towards them, his royal robes billowing in the wind. He stopped and stared into the crowd, his brow furrowed. “Everyone wants to see the Atea. We must plan a kingdom visit this evening. Hopefully, that will calm everyone down.”
“Of Course,” Khari nodded her head thoughtfully. She had always had a deep affection for the people of the town, even though she was never able to stay long. She would sneak out at night when she could, walking along the dark and winding roads as the stars shone above her. As soon as she arrived, she was warmly welcomed. Everyone would gather around a fire while they cooked and chatted, stories shared in the starlit sky. Khari would stay up late, eating the delicious food and laughing along with everyone, but at the end of the night, it was always difficult to say goodbye.
The King set his piercing gaze on Azim, studying his profile for a long moment. “And as for you, my son,” he began in a low, authoritative tone. “Will you be able to handle security detail?” he paused, waiting for an answer.
Azim dropped his gaze to the ground and quickly lifted it back to the King, a sign of respect. “Of course, Father,” He gave a solemn nod before turning to Khari. His tone was laced with determination. “I will see to it that my men are stationed around town, and the perimeter is secure. They’ll make sure everyone remains peaceful and, most importantly, that you’re safe.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
The King’s eyes sparkled as he spoke. “I have arranged for the royal tailor to meet you this morning. We need you looking your very best when presented to the people.” He raised a finger and tapped at his chin in thought. “Let’s make sure no detail is overlooked!”
“Got it,” Khari’s heart raced as she returned to her room. Everything seemed to be happening so fast, and it was overwhelming. However, Azim’s presence had become an anchor in her life. Each day, he kept her feet firmly on the ground, comforting her, and his company was a welcomed change.
The royal tailor was already waiting in her room when she arrived. She was a petite woman with a kind, ageless face. She wore a blue-green kaftan, and her brown hair was tucked away under a pale headscarf. “You must be the Atea,” she said with a bow, her voice like honey poured over velvet.
“Yes,” Khari replied.
The tailor carefully opened the velvety cloth bag and withdrew a bolt of soft azure silk. “I’ve been instructed to make you a dress for the presentation tonight,” she said, her fingers running lightly over the fabric with practiced precision as she laid it out on the bed.
Khari’s eyes widened as she said, “You can do that on such short notice?” her voice rose in a mixture of amazement and disbelief.
The tailor smiled, her eyes crinkling in the corners. She pulled a metal measuring tape from the belt loop of her skirt, the silver eye of its case glinting in the morning sun. “Of course, my lady,” she said, confident and assured. “I’m the best in the kingdom.”
* * *
As the night sky darkened, the procession arrived in town, the rhythmic beat of drums followed by a wave of cheers and chants. Khari was brought into view, carried in a stunning palanquin with intricately-embroidered curtains. When the crowd beheld her, they gasped, their shouts of joy reverberating off the walls of the city’s narrow alleys. Khari stepped out of the palanquin, standing proud and radiant in the moonlight, and the crowd erupted into rapturous applause.
The townsfolk gasped in awe as she stepped onto the platform in the center of the town. The full moon illuminated her buttoned-up, navy-blue dress and highlighted her delicate, alabaster skin. Her black hair was skillfully piled atop her head, and her makeup was flawless, adding a sparkle to her captivating silver eyes.
She stepped forward to the platform’s edge, her gown rustling in the breeze. Raising her chin, she let her gaze sweep across the crowd gathered in the courtyard below. “People of the kingdom,” she began, her voice strong and sure, “I am so honored to finally meet you all.”
The crowd burst into a roar of cheers, some people embracing each other and others wiping away tears of joy. She held up her hands, and the roar gradually died down until her clear, confident voice was the only sound. “I swear upon my life to serve this kingdom and its people faithfully as your Atea. I promise to always listen to your concerns and prioritize the welfare of my people.”
Khari’s jubilant expression transfixed the townspeople, their eyes drawn to how her silver eyes seemed to glow brightly as the moon itself. A strange energy filled the space like a thread connecting each of them. In utter stillness, they all bowed in unison, accepting her power and grace as the next Atea.
Wren and Azim looked upon the crowd of people who were prostrating themselves before Khari. Every person was bent down deeply, their faces pressed against the ground, paying homage to her. Wren could barely contain his awe and whispered to himself as he watched, “She is all-powerful, and she will make the perfect queen,” his admiration for her was clear on his face.
Azim leaned in, the confidence in his voice almost palpable. “You mean my perfect queen,” he said, his pride swelling.
Wren set his jaw and narrowed his eyes. “I’m not giving up without a fight,” he said. His voice was low, verging on a growl, “Be ready.”
“I’m always ready,” Azim responded as he turned away from his brother. Just as he walked away, he stopped and smiled over his shoulder. “Oh, and you were right. The lingerie you had made for Khari was perfect.” His chuckle was deep as he left his brother standing there, steaming with embarrassment.
As Khari scanned the audience, she felt a sense of excitement coursing through her veins. She took in the moment as this was it. She was the Atea, the chosen one, and she had been anointed by the moon goddess herself. No longer was she an unwelcomed mistress; now, she was one of the most well-respected people in the kingdom. She could feel the gravity of her new title and its responsibility. Still, there was something inside her that welcomed it. The thought of making changes and giving a voice to those who didn’t have one excited her. With this new power guiding her, Khari knew anything was possible.