chapter 14
Safia was done thinking for the day, she had spent 2 whole hours in the sunset room just thinking, trying to figure anything out, but Alas, it only confused her more
to her delight, When she went down to have her breakfast sir Anthony wasn't there, and since it's Saturday she has no lessons, so she decides to head to the library, but while on her way she changed her mind and instead start towards her fathers office
upon reaching there she heard her father speaking in a tired tune, * we need another source very soon, they are growing restless, birds are not enough...* finding the conversation interesting safia slowed her steps to listen more
she heard another voice replying * Only birds are available, your majesty..* her father cuts * that's can't be, black moon is bless with all kinds of livestock * the voice came again, sounding a little nervous this time * ..yes your majesty....but...most of them belong to the people and the palace ones are also..* * also what! general...listen carefully, get me lots of livestock, from the palace farm or from the people? I don't care, early tomorrow before the sunrises I want my study filled with LIVING livestock...do you understand general *
* y yes your majesty, I understand...*
safia wasn't yet out of her shock state when the door sprang open revealing one of blackmoons front line general, covered in sweet and forehead laced with blood, without acknowledging her he walk away hurriedly
safia gingerly enters the office to find her father pacing back and forth, hands covered in blood, she guessed its the general's, noticing her present king Travis turn to look at his daughter with a smile, instantly calming down he spoke happily
* safia dear, I'm glad you're here come sit * *you are...* safia let's out surprised, * of course I am, come here * king Travis lead her to sit opposite him, only the big office table separating them
he stares at her eagerly like he's expecting something, she knows exactly what, but instead she ask * Father, what were you and the general discussing about? Who's growing restless and needs lots of living livestock? *
and like usual king Travis dismiss the question * it's nothing don't worry about it * safia insist * Maybe I can help?...* sighing the king finally took a napkin and started wiping the blood from his hands, after taking his sweet time he replies * dear...I know you want to be involved in the kingdoms politics, but this is bigger than anything, just leave it to me * but father..* safia started but was cut short
* you can do one thing though..* eyes brimming with hope safia nods, the king continue * I've concluded, holy mansi came all the way here to talk to you, it has to be about one thing....*
now feeling nervous safia ask *....what is it?..* king Travis smiles trumpamthyly * marriage obviously!..* * marriage! father no that's..* she stops midway, her father already concluded so if she denies it now, she will have to tell him the truth....or something close to the truth, isn't it easier to just follow along?
safia's sudden outburst and stopping mid sentence confirm king Travis conclusion, he continues * he said I won't be king for long, then ask to talk to you in private, what could he possibly talk to you about if not marriage
its only through your marriage that I'll have an heir, a son in law to take over, and remember I said we'll talk about your marriage only after the werewolves are gone, so mansi bringing it up must mean one thing, that I've finally defeated the wolves!
wait you're awfully quiet, isn't that what he said?...safia?... hellooo! * snapping out of her thoughts, safia sighs and agree * yes father...that's exactly what holy mansi talked about to me...* * yes! I knew it! * standing up happily he went around and hug safia, surprising her
kissing her forehead in fatherly love he sat at the chair right next to her, facing her completely, looking so excited and happy
safia couldn't remember when last she saw her father this excited or happy, he's always in a tired or angry state, she smiles, knowing her father is happy because of her, even though the reason is entirely the opposite of the truth, still she likes to see him happy
* safia dear?..* the kings voice stopped her deep thinking, she answers * yes father..* he continues * Royal weddings take long times to be finalized...so let's start planning now *
* now...but its too early now, father..* safia protests but the king cuts her saying * yes now, if not now then when...listen dear I understand, marriage is a Scarry thing for girls your age, but look, we have no groom yet, and it'll take time to get him too, so calm down, and tell me...do you have anyone in mind? *
safia thought " yes I do, hunter...but can I really talk about hunter to father, there's a possibility he might be related to the werewolves, what if father uses him to get to them? can father even accept hunter as a son in law?..." and on she continues thinking
seeing the slightly panic look on his daughter's face king Travis smiles sadly, he tap safia's shoulder to get her attention
then spoke * by someone in mind, I meant someone important, not those typical poor romeos you young girls like to fall in love with, I mean someone who is in a good position to take care of you and this kingdom, someone with a royal or high status background, and with an important position in the society... Do you have someone like that in mind?
and keep this with you, you are a princess, not just any princess, but the one and only princess of black moon kingdom, king Travis dear daughter, you can't be with someone less, but only someone that can compliment you well, of equal or higher position than us, do you understand my dear? *
safia closed her eyes and nodded, of course her father won't even acknowledge hunter, and she doesn't want her father to even know about hunter because he might hurt him.
alright then, someone important could also benefit her, she could use their power to secure her future as a queen, not to his kingdom, but her kingdom, her beloved black moon, there's nothing safia wants more than to be given a chance to lead her people, she knows she will do good, and she is willing to sacrifice anything for the people, safia believes, its not the land, position or fancy buildings that makes a kingdom, its the people, they are the kingdom
opening her eyes safia spoke * you're right father, I will think Like a princess then, I don't have anyone in mind, but I have someone in heart who I'm pretty sure, you wont accept, you describe him as...poor romeos, even though I don't know whether he's poor or not, but whatever it is he is, I don't really care, its him I want not he's position..*
king Travis has a bored expression on his face, he raised a brow and urge * go on...* safia continue * father...I suggest we hold a ball inviting princes and.... important people like you call them, then we'll choose among them one that will benefit our kingdom most *
king Travis clap his hands in delight * excellent my dear excellent, for a moment there I thought you're rebelling because of some stupid love, but no, you are your fathers daughter after all, I'm so proud of you my dear safia * safia could only smile and nod
king Travis stood and went around the table, he press a little button and soon a servant knocked then step in, he bows and remain like that, bend
the king spoke * go tell Thomas ( he's the one in charge of sending and receiving messages in and out of the palace ) tell him to send a formal invitation to all our neighboring kingdoms and cities, inviting the princes, generals, dukes, captains and anyone of significance
to attend a royal formal ball that is to happen in blackmoon kingdom within the next one month, where a suitor will be chosen to wed the one and only princess of black moon kingdom, princess safia Travis of black moon kingdom *
copying the message in his head, the servant quickly left to relay it to Thomas, and right after Anthony poke his head in, upon seeing him the king gestures for him to come in
king Travis spoke * Anthony...I hereby appoint you as princess safia's personal bodyguard, you are to....* safia cuts him * father!!...no no no you can't do this to me father please no! *
confused, king Travis ask * why what's wrong? * safia sighs and reply * father...since when I was little I never had my very own personal bodyguard, not one that trails behind me in every moment of my life.
which is why, I don't want one, ever...father please understand, I truly do not need one, and besides, sir Anthony is a very busy man, I'm sure he has something better to do *
king Travis sighs * oh you children are so...complicated these days..alright fine, no personal bodyguard for you, but whenever you are to go out, you must take royal guards with you *
safia happily accepts * yes father I will * sir Anthony, who has been standing there finally spoke up and ask to confirm what he heard
* your majesty...forgive me your majesty but I couldn't help...I heard you sending a formal invitation to all neighboring kingdoms and cities, to.....is our princess...to be engaged soon your majesty...*
* oh don't worry about it Anthony, you heard right, safia is to be engaged soon, oh and you don't have to follow her around anymore she's no longer grounded *
Anthony gritted his teeth and spoke * it's an honor to protect the princess your majesty, I shall go and see to it Thomas handle his duties well, if you'll allow me...your majesty *
king Travis wave him away dismissively * yes yes go on...* Anthony bow and left, as he walk away Anthony thought " a ball..for safia to choose some lousy prince to rule black moon, no, never!...my father lost his life serving this kingdom and I'm doing the same here!...only I deserve to rule blackmoon, I and no one else!.."
king travis turn to safia and spoke * you heard me, you're no longer grounded, you can go explore the city all you want now * safia ask * inside the kingdom..I don't need to take royal guards, right father? * * yes you don't, they're everywhere in the kingdom already *
safia nods and stood to leave, when she reached the door about to step out her father called * safia?..* she stops * yes father * he continues * it's best you forget the one in your heart, you're a princess, you're beyond his standards, it'll be a humiliation to our kingdom....do you understand? *
safia smiles weakly * yes father.....I understand * he nods, proud.
not feeling like exploring her kingdom again, safia head to the palace garden, and was happy to see lulu and leo ( the bunnies) not sad anymore, she had her lunch there and spent the rest of the day with her bunny's and the garden people, who are very much use to seeing the princess running around The garden barefooted and playing with bunnies
which if the king knows, wouldn't be happy about it, but he doesn't, and he won't.
After jumping around all day, safia was tired, she came back in and had her dinner alone, happy sir Anthony isn't there anymore to disturb her
she retired to her room, and waited for her father to come bid goodnight like usual, but when he came he didn't, instead he spoke * Congratulations my dear, tonight we are studying your favorite subject again, history!..*
confused safia ask * we're studying history....tonight? * king Travis reply * yes, with all the other kingdoms coming, I need you to know which one you'll be paying more attention to *
safia protest * father but I..I..need to sleep.. and...* * nonsense, since when do you youngsters value bedtime * he climbed on safia's bed and open what could only be described as a giant book
safia's heart sank deep, she's so sad her face showed it, this is the first time she'll miss her secret meeting with hunter, she wonders...will he wait till late night for her? she hope he doesn't, knowing her father he probably won't leave till morning, or till she collapse
sighing safia sat crossed leg facing her father on her bed, she smiles. trying so hard not to look disappointed.
_Hunter
He wait and waited, but still there was no sign of safia, feeling very worried he starts to wonder out loud * Is she in trouble? Did her family catch her sneaking out again and ground her for life? did she forget and fall asleep?
oh I truly hope she forgot and fell asleep, I shouldn't be the reason she gets in so much trouble...*
looking at the small heart shaped box in his hand, hunter sighs and whispers * some other time then...* He puts it back into his pockets and starts to slowly walk back to his shelter, hoping that safia would suddenly pop up and he'll be close by to run back to her.
She didn't.