CHAPTER 6

Running was never Ayi's forte and sure enough they were out of breath in just minutes. The group of soldiers were still on their way to the bedroom and they were prepared from head to toe. Ayesha and Quetsiya ran to the other end of the corridor and took a hidden staircase route that led to the ground floor. The ladies being in long gowns didn't exactly have the upper hand in the situation. Quetsiya whispered to Ayesha at the end of the stairs;

"Let's go to Bertha's Quarters. I'm sure she'll let us in."

"Who's Bertha again? "

"She's the maid who made your meal. She's been in the family for a long time. We can trust her I think"

" Whatever you say, sister", Ayesha was already tired of the whole situation.

They made their way stealthily towards the maids quarters at the left wing. The maid that fed them, Bertha, was in the her room when the women came knocking on the door.

Bertha opened the door and just stared at the women. Ayesha without waiting for permission, quickly got in followed by Quetsiya.

Bertha closed the door and stood there silently. She was struggling to breathe and felt a big lump in her throat.

" We are sorry for barging in. We didn't quite have the choice you see" Quetsiya tried to reason and ease the tension. Suddenly Bertha pulled out a bucket from underneath the racks and started vomiting into it. Both the sisters ran over to help the maid.

"I am so sorry, your highnesses. I'm just a little shook from the scene... at the Queen's quarter... "

Quetsiya patted the maid's back gently, consoling her while Ayesha stood beside the door.

Ayi, in an attempt to clarify her suspicion asked her;

"Bertha, were you the first one to find the Queen dead? "

The question seemed blunt but nevertheless the maid nodded her head, sniffling and wiping her tears.

" Bertha, why are the soldiers marching towards my room" Ayesha was on edge.

Looking up, her eyes red with tears, the maid spoke with certainty;

" I reported the scene to Your Majesty and he... he was furious. He said it could have been Princess Roohi who brought ill fate to the Queen."

"But that doesn't make any sense! I don't even know how I got here in the first place and now they are already accusing me of murder!!! "

"You don't remember getting here..? " The maid looked confused.

" Yes!! I don't even know where or who I am! This is absolutely absurd." Ayesha started pacing around in circles, frustrated and furious at the events unfolding. The headache was returning and she could feel the temper grow through her entire body. She needed to vent.

Quetsiya almost quickly stopped Bertha from asking any more questions and got her a towel to clean up.

Quetsiya walked over to Ayi and touched her shoulder. Ayi turned around and her sister smiled ever so slightly, showing off her dimples on each sides. Ayi gazed into Quetsiya's eyes, looking for comfort. After all she was the only person Ayi could trust. Ayesha without a warning leaned in for a warm hug. Taken by surprise, Quetsiya stood incredibly still for a few moments. Ayesha hugged her sister tight and closed her eyes in relief. She felt safe near Quetsiya. The caretaker hugged her baby sister back and smiled wide. Even if they didn't know where they came from or who they were, they felt at home now more than ever.