---
"Your highness"
These were the distant words that drove Awin out of his nightmare. In a daze, he looked around his office, he had dozed off. It was just eleven in the morning.
"What is the matter?" He said after clearing his throat.
"Her highness has called for an impromptu meeting"
All feelings of grogginess immediately left him and he stood up "why?" He moved to wear his coat and arrange his ruffled hair
"She failed to mention it, but everyone is gathered"
Awin briskly made his way to the meeting room. Why does it feel like now I'm just sitting on my arms waiting for her to strike? I have never been so weak, I've never felt thisweak. Awin genuinely hated this feeling, it crushed him and made him feel like a speck of dust. Inconsequential, unworthy.
He wasn't supposed to feel this way. He was the great Awin of the chosen Royal line, his grand father had great hopes and dreams for him. His potential was infinite, so why did he feel so small.
But today was not the day to be weak,there was never a day like that for Awin so he put on a brace face and went head on.
In the meeting room, everyone looked confused and disgruntled, safe for Mahalia and Mirabel who was standing dejectedly in bounds.
"What is this nonsense?" Awin asked as he settled in his seat
"I admit it does look like nonsense but Mirabel Constance here, has proven that she is not fit to be one of us" Mahalia answered looking every bit like someone who was sad about revealing the sad truth, when she did not in fact have the sentiment.
"To explain why I gathered you here, I'll have to start from the beginning: why performing my queenly duties, I had noticed an staggering number of children getting scholarships and opportunities abroad, but yet there was no feedback, so I sent a trusted friend of mine" she said pointing to Kafka who bowed "to investigate the matter"
Now there were murmurings but Mahalia was quick to hush them "the investigation led us to a place called Pure Children's home, a facility owned and managed by none other than Mirabel Constance, here"
Awin rolled his eyes "is that supposed to be news? We all know that she is in charge of welfare and also a philanthropist"
"That's what she wants you to think. She had been engaging these children in ruthless labour and even going as far as selling these children off"
There were new murmurings and gasps and it was Awin's turn to shut them up. "Those allegations are quite daring, do you have proof"
Mahalia smiled, circling around the dejected accused "your Majesty, notice how she hasn't said anything, she knows she's been caught so she doesn't even try to defend herself, that's enough proof"
Awin subtly flinched
"However" Mahalia continued "I do have evidence"
Now like one big orchestrated play, the doors opened and a young blonde girl limped in, she was using crutches and her right leg seemed to be infected.
"This is Clara, I'm not sure if we still remember her but a few years ago, Mirabel Constance had made headlines by sending our kingdom's very own genius, Clara here, to the academic nation of Siera. That day Clara left this nation intact, with her two legs working but she was not sent to Siera. In fact she never actually left Easteford, she was working in a dilapidated mill, where she was tortured and eventually got her injury."
Clara immediately bawled into tears, all the ministers stared daggers at Mirabel, she truly was a vile woman.
"To think we used to call her a virtuous woman" one spat
"That only tells you that because someone swears an oat of celibacy doesn't mean they can't do evil things"
Mahalia snickered "Mirabel is not a celibate, it's not like this piece of information is mandatory but I should just put it out there"
"There is a man known as the Lord in the children's home, he was once a young boy taken in, when the facility was new, he was abused by Mirabel and ended up being her lover"
That was how all of Mirabel's crimes were exposed. Mahalia also moved that Mirabel be replaced by Kafka because the other woman was the one who truly knew the extent of the damage caused and could solve the problems with her indepth knowledge, Awin was not satisfied with this but with how the new spread to the people through the press that Mahalia had cleverly and stealthily brought in, he would have to follow Mahalia's suggestion so that public opinion would not go against him especially because perpetrator was a core member of his sect, he would have to make reinforcements immediately.
This was what Awin was mulling over at lunch.
He absentmindedly ate his food thinking about how to end his losing streak and a tempting thought of disposing of Mahalia came to his mind, did he really need her? surely not to this extent of allowing to continually disrupt his plans.
Speaking of the devil, Mahalia walked in, a triumphant smirk on her face.
"What are you doing here?" He asked in a venomous voice
Mahalia smiled, once again they were alone the staff were waiting just outside but that was enough leeway for her to pull her move.
"Normally, you would be the one seeking me, now you're annoyed by my presence?"
She tsked and shook her head
"So all my toiling to prepare your meal was for naught"
Awin paused "you what?"
"Your food, I made it. Why? Are you...scared? Maybe you think I've come to have my revenge for what you did to me"
Awin suddenly felt his throat tightening, the spoon fell from his hands and he held his neck.
"But you see, Awin, I don't do disgusting things like drugging people, I go straight for—" she made a swipe across her neck to signify death
Awin tumbled over, causing the dishes to crash in the floor, then break and scatter, his tongue had gone numb and he broke out in a cold sweat.
Why did he never consider this? Maybe he thought she was too much of a responsible person to attempt treason but maybe he didn't truly know the depth of her hatred for him. And he had also been stupid, he gave her too much power.
All of a sudden, she broke into laughter relishing the pathetic sight before her.
"Not yet, Awin. I only kept a numbing agent in the food, you'll leave to see the next day" she said her countenance morphing into disgust.
"When you're done with your performance, get up." She muttered coldly and left the room
Awin let out a sigh of relief, though he was thoroughly embarrassed, he heard Mahalia talking to the guards, her voice was muffled by the walls but he was sure she said something about an allergy, then the guards came rushing in.
He let out another sigh, he really did give her too much power.
A week Later
Kafka had newly been appointed as the new chancellor of social affairs, much to everyone's delight and a small ball was held in her favour to laud her for her accomplishments.
The party was in full swing when the celebrant pulled Mahalia aside.
"What's the matter?" Mahalia asked as they got to a somewhat abandoned corridor.
"I am grateful for what you have done for me; you saved my life and gave me a second chance"
"It's really nothing"
"No, let me be grateful" she muttered and parsed through her gown pockets, fishing out a set of worn out pamphlets fastened together. "This was my father's manuscript, it details all that he knows about the mythic twins"
Mahalia watched in awe and breathlessness as the book was handed over to her, this was a huge moment and she wasn't sure if she was ready but she would try her best, she had come this far after all.
"I will continue to be loyal to you and your cause, your highness, no matter what it may be" she muttered and her eyes showed sincere determination.
Mahalia smiled and took Kafka's hands in hers, squeezing it
"Thank you, I appreciate it"
---
Mahalia returned to the party feeling giddy with this news, she mingled with more guests and after a while went to the table where he family along with Rivan Ceria was seating.
"Your highness" they said the word like it was a greeting and she smiled at them.
Mahalia still hated the fact that she was Awin's wife but she did not deny that she enjoyed being queen regardless and it felt like her calling. At some point what was revenge for her became something that had to do for the good of her people.
"Thank you for your help" she whispered to Jaslin and Rivan who just smiled and nodded
"Have you met with Sir Milton?" Jaslin asked
Mahalia looked at the group of couples dancing to the waltz thoughtfully, Milton had come to Easteford around the time Zachary and the delegates came, she had updated him about her plan and he had let her know that Ragnabor was ready for war.
She made this known to Jaslin and Rivan who nodded thoughtfully.
"By the way, I've not seen Zachary since he returned" Jaslin noted as she sipped her drink
"That's Prince Zachary to you" Rivan joked with Jaslin who just rolled her eyes.
"And here he comes" he pointed in the direction of the entrance
They turned to look. There, Zachary was standing looking indifferent and annoyed which Mahalia found strange
His hair is longer, I hadn't noticed the last time we met, she thought to herself
"Who is that?"
It was only after Jaslin had asked that question that Mahalia had noticed that he was not alone, Zachary was accompanied by a stunning woman and she seemed quite enamoured with him. Mahalia felt a lump in her throat
"I don't know, but she's probably from Occident Coast" Mahalia answered trying to be nonchalant
"Well, we can just ask them" Rivan said as he waved them over.
Zachary came over, a smile on his face. He greeted everyone
"It's been ages, since we last saw" he noted
They laughed in agreement and engaged in a chaotic small talk before the curious Jaslin finally addressed the lady in the room.
"And who's the fine young lady?"
"I'm Eileen, the only daughter of the Grand Duke of Occident Coast" she answered not bothering to let Zachary speak
"Nice to meet you" they all greeted her
Mahalia gulped down her wine and asked the question that was troubling her since "so you're Zach's date?" She turned to face Zachary who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Jaslin raised her eyebrows and shared a curious look with Rivan.
They were quiet for a while, Eileen just looked at Mahalia with a surprised look that turned into a knowing look "doesn't it seem that way?" She asked in a nervous laughter
Jaslin stepped in "well, we didn't want to assume things, hence why we asked for clarification"
Eileen let out a sigh of relief, but Zachary spoke up "she's here in a directive from my mother, the queen. There is no affection between us"
Eileen looked stunned for a moment but then she let out another laughter "that is true but it's also true that I followed you here with the intention of getting to know you, well enough to be your bride"
"Really?" This was Mahalia
"Do you think I'm joking?" Eileen asked "I don't reckon this is a joking matter, there's no other person qualified than me, you can ask your father, he is from Occident Coast after all, he'll tell you. My family is not to be joked with, we practically feed your father"
"Eileen, you will not speak to Mahalia that way!" Zachary looked livid
"Is it because she's the queen of Easteford... I don't think so–"
"No, it's disrespectful nevertheless and untrue, it is true that the Duke is of immense influence but he and Dylan Mariale do not run in the same circles, so I'm asking you not to taint Mahalia's ears with lies"
Eileen scoffed and walked away leaving the four of them and allowing Jaslin to giggle. Mahalia looked at the retreating figure of the lady.
"Mahalia–" Zachary started
"She's beautiful" Mahalia said in an almost whisper but they could still hear.
"Maha–" he tried again but she beat him to it
"Your highness, I'm grateful that you were kind enough to grace us with your presence"
"It is nothing"
They looked at each other unsure what to say and Rivan and Jaslin just watched unsure what to make of the situation.
It was only until a servant brought it to Mahalia's attention that she was needed, did she excuse herself and leave.
"See you later" she said mustering a smile
"See you soon" Zachary said solemnly as the others waved
To be continued