BEFORE THE WEDDING (1)

Hiro comforted Denaire who refused to talk to him and just kept crying. The servants finished cleaning Denaire up and so they were both lying on Hiro's bed with him hugging the crying girl.

After some time, Denaire raised her head and said, "Hiro, I'm sorry."

Hiro smiled, "Silly, it's alright. I know you were afraid and you wanted to let your frustrations out. It's alright. I understand."

Denaire wiped the remaining tears in her face and faced Hiro. "Thank you. Thank you for always being there for me."

Hiro hugged the girl tightly. "For you Denaire, I will do everything. So, don't worry anymore."

Denaire hugged him back, contented on what she was feeling at the moment.

"Hiro, can you be with me when I sleep? I promise I'll tell you everything tomorrow."

Hiro kissed Denaire's forehead and replied, "Okay. Now sleep tight. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

And together they slept soundly.

***

As Denaire descended the stairs towards the kitchen, she was met by a worrying Emong. "Denaire! Are you alright? What did that evil King do to you? I swear I will kill that guy!"

Denaire laughed, "I'm alright Emong. Don't worry, I'll tell you all later. But for now, I'd like to eat."

Emong's face reddened in embarrassment. "But of course Denaire. Sorry for being so eager."

Denaire smiled, "It's okay, no worries."

They then ate in silence. The two gentlemen were waiting for Denaire to break the silence. They were a little afraid of Denaire's reaction if they asked out of turn.

When they finished, and after the servants cleared the table, Denaire called Hiro.

"Hiro."

Hiro looked at her inquiringly.

"Hiro, what do the Exoshans think of having a Queen?"

"Well, after Queen Lydia, many Exoshans hoped to have a Queen who has empathy, one who is peace-loving. The case of Queen Alexa, King Andrew's mother, proved that. When Queen Alexa spoke about making peace with the neighboring kingdoms, many people supported her. They wanted to end the war, because they do not want to lose so many lives anymore.

"But King Drogo, King Andrew's father, didn't like that. He ordered for the capture of the people who supported the Queen. And he ordered the Queen to stop speaking about it in public events.

"But the Queen didn't stop. She even pointed out the cruelty the King has been showing in controlling those who oppose him. She rallied so much people in her cause. She helped the poor from nobles' and royals' oppression.

"The King became mad at her and charged her with treason. She was publicly executed by stone-throwing. And the one who threw the stones was the King. It was then that the people realized how warped and psychotic the mind of their King is. But they couldn't do anything about it yet, because the one who was at most equal to the King was killed.

"Then the King never married again and settled for concubines for fear that his Queen would still be the same. And now King Andrew has decided to follow his father, no Queen.

"But if ever a Queen is decided, the people would anticipate her views. If she opposes, the people shall support her. But if she is with the King, then there will be no hope for Exosha anymore.

"Why Denaire? What are you planning?"

Denaire smiled. "The King has asked for my hand in marriage and become his Queen."

There was a moment of silence and then both men stood up in protest.

"NO!" they both stood up.

Emong cursed loudly while Hiro went near her and said, "You can't do that Denaire! You're walking into the mouth of a dragon. He is a dangerous man!"

"We have planned everything Denaire. In a week's time, we are ready to take him down!" Emong added.

Denaire casually replied, "But that's the problem. The wedding is set the day after tomorrow."

There was another silence and then Hiro punched the table, "WHAT?! You can't be serious! The King has never announced about it!"

"He will announce it on the day. I have been fit with the wedding gown I'm supposed to wear and the crown for me is being molded as we speak."

Emong slumped down in a chair, unable to talk, his face blank. Hiro was still shaking from anger. Denaire approached Hiro and hugged him.

"Hiro, I know you're mad, but I have to do this. This is a golden opportunity."

"But it is very dangerous! What if everything goes haywire?" Hiro rebutted.

"Then the plan that we have been planning should take effect. And I'd trust that you'd save me."

"Denaire, I-I –"

"Ssshhh. It will be alright."

"What if he'd touch you? What if he'd hurt you? I can't bear to think about it!"

"Let's talk about that later okay? We have to talk about how to let the people support me."

Hiro searched Denaire's eyes for any trace of fear. Yes, she was very afraid. But she steeled her heart and let Hiro see for the time being how sure she was of this.

Hiro sighed and called Emong to get near.

"Emong, let's talk here."

Emong looked at the both of them, seeing they have arrived in a decision. The three of them sat down. Hiro looked at Denaire for the last time, but he still saw the resolve in her eyes.

And so he prayed to the gods that this plan will bear fruit.