CHAPTER 10

It has been seven moons since the departure of the great seer of Zamunda as the people all await the appointment of another in his stead. The King became ill and could not perform his duties as he should. Zay, his son took his place in the meantime also praying that the gods grant his father good health.

The whole village appeared busy with various obstreperous activities going on. Kim and his brothers sat under a shade in the market square discussing with their friends in low tones while others around went about their business ignoring the group.

"You mean to tell the Prince?" Rasmus, Kim's friend asked with wide eyes.

"Yes. The Prince will help us a whole lot to get rid of him" Markus spilled, gaining approval from his brothers.

"Let him suffer for all the chaos he has caused everyone" Garolt spewed in annoyance.

"I can't wait to see the look on his face when royalty despises him." Ramsey chipped in, amused.

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"I'm happy you are becoming yourself again" Lucas smiled, caressing her hair as they both sat under the huge tree in front of her hut.

"Thanks, brother. I know his departure was also a torture for you yet you pretended to be strong so that I could be" She answered back.

" I know how you were with him. Thanks to the gods for bringing Mother and you back to us. I never knew you both were so attached to him."

"Mother cherished father a lot though she could be ruthless sometimes"

"I see. Diadem also came. She may not be coming over again as she will be getting married to the Prince next moon." He revealed sadly.

"And you are sad about it?"

"I am, to be honest. She was the only one I could call a companion. I enjoy her company. I can't mess with the Prince now." He replied sadly.

"I smell his presence right now. Brother, the Prince is here" She revealed with her eyes closed.

Lucas was stunned as the Prince stepped into the compound with two guards following behind. Indeed his sister has been gifted by the gods. He smiled lightly then stood to acknowledge the presence of Zay.

"Greetings to the family of the late seer" He greeted approaching the duo with a smile.

"Welcome prince of Zamunda." Lucas greeted, smiling at him.

"I'm happy to see that the household of the seer is doing just fine. Gem, I presume you should be okay now since it's been seven moons since your father's departure." He dropped.

"Yes, my Prince. Thanks for your concern towards a lowly servant like me." She replied.

"I'm just happy seeing how well you are becoming," He said.

"My Prince, I will serve whatever you wish to take." Lucas presented with his head hung low.

"Trouble yourself not my friend. I just need alone time with your sister." He requested.

"Then I will take my leave now Your Highness," Lucas said, retreating from the duo after exchanging glances with Gem.

Prince Zay stared at her for some moments without uttering a word. Seeing how uncomfortable she suddenly became under his gaze, he thought to break the silence between them.

"How is your mother's health now?" He asked, staring directly towards her chamber.

"It's been seven moons and all she has been doing is recuperating slowly. Father's death was a big blow to her but I'm sure the gods will give her health" She replied.

"You look better than the last time I saw you. I thought you were going to do something drastic so I was worried but seeing how well you look now, I feel much more relaxed."

She stared at him, surprised at his outburst.

"How is the King doing?" She asked, hoping to change the topic.

"He is not doing well. I'm afraid that he may leave me soon. I dream of his death recently. Anytime I wake up, I cry my eyes out. Gem, I will be lonely if my father, the King joins his ancestors."

She stared at him with full pity because deep down, she knew the King had but a little more time to stay in the world of the mortals.

"I will be getting married soon. I wish you accepted me back then though I love this maiden so much and would love to spend the rest of my life with her. I just thought I should tell you."

"The maiden will bring you good fortune, my Prince. You are lucky to have found her."

"I thought you would be unhappy but you are not even fazed. Do you hate me this much?" He asked, holding onto her hands, and staring into her eyes which held nothing but emptiness.

"I don't hate you but we are not destined by the gods. She is for you and I am for another"

"But he died years ago. He wasn't meant for you."

"I will appreciate it if you don't bring him up again" She requested, standing abruptly.

"I'm so sorry for that. I will just take my leave now." He replied, heading towards the exit of the big compound with his bodyguards following behind.

As soon as he left, Gem landed on the floor tears threatening to brawl her eyes out as memories came flooding in"

***Flashback***

"You look too good for me. I feel you are too much and I don't worth you." He spilled sorrowfully.

"If not you Kaye then no one is worth me. I plead that you refrain from making those statements and accept this reality okay?" She replied, resting more in his embrace.

"An Orphan like me is not just worthy. I can't help but feel that way"

"Ssh!" She whispered, placing her index finger on his lips.

"I can see you both are having a good time together" Prince Zay interrupted, gaining the duo's sharp attention.

"Greetings Your Highness. I'm sorry that we didn't notice your presence" Kaye greeted, lying on his stomach while Gem just stared.

"I heard Gem would be here so I came to have a word. If you don't mind, excuse us now" He ordered, anger evident in his tone.

"I will Your Highness," Kaye responded hastily.

"Why did you order his dismissal? Let Kaye be. I can't marry you no matter what you do or try." Gem poured.

"My heart beats for only you. I can't just sit back and watch you and him get married. Gem, please consider your Prince." He begged.

A few days later

"Kaye, you cannot leave me behind in this world please." She pleaded, crying profusely.

"Gem, you made my stay here worthwhile even after my parents left me. I'm indebted to you. I guess what took my parents are here for me too and I must be done for." He said weakly.

"Stop those words. My father would do everything for you to stay alive Kaye just don't leave me please" She cried further.

"Stay alive my Gem. You must be happy. Forget about me and make sure you move on."

"Please stop speaking the language of them that travels beyond. You won't die." She uttered but got no response then it dawned on her that he was gone. She screamed as her father and Lucas rushed in bearing herbs.

"He is just sleeping right?" She asked her father whose head hung low.

"Gem, we must leave now. Kaye is no more" He dropped the bomb.

"He fell ill after eating the food I served him father" She dropped in pain before collapsing.

****Flashback ends****