Dine with the King.

After sunset, they marched back to the slave quarters. While in the cell, four guards arrived and ordered Hashim to stand on his feet. A guard entered the cell and put on shackles around his ankles, they took him on a chariot to a house in the city.

On their arrival, two guards stood behind while the other two took Hashim inside the house. He was unchained and left standing in the middle of a large empty room, painted white. Moments later, the doors in front of him came open. Two young women walked in; one dressed in a blue hooded cape and the other in green, he recognised them. They were Nabil’s sisters, and behind them was their older sister in her usual red silk cape.

“Hashim Khail.” Nabil said as she approached him, “Is that what you are called?”

“Yes,” he answered. “Who wants to know?”

Nabil’s tone resembled the voice that sounded in his head the day he was brought before King Yuri. Her two sisters stood behind her.

“Please be seated!” She said in a polite manner.

“Are you serious?” He said.

“Please,” she pled with him as she pointed at something behind him.

Hashim turned and saw a white wooden chair. He looked around and saw no one. He could not remember hearing any sound or footsteps earlier, and he was sure the chair wasn’t there when the guards brought him in.

“Ookay?” He emphasised, sighed and ignored her order, “How did you…”

“Please, sit!” She interposed.

Hashim crossed his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow.

“Alright, tough guy.” She said, “Shurriah!”

The one in blue dress came forward and stared at him. She raised her left arm and a vortex appeared behind him, and like the wind compelled Hashim to the chair.

“Vina!” Nabil Yelled.

The lady in green came forward and raised her left arm; roots from each handle sprouted and tied his hands. Two more roots pierced the floor and wrapped themselves around his ankles, and fastened his feet to the legs of the chair.

“Don’t fight it, warrior.” Nabil Whispered as she lowered her face and gazed into his eyes as though she wanted to read his mind, “It’ll get tighter. Stay calm.” She laid her hands on his forearm.

He was lost in her large green eyes as she was also ensnared by his. They stared into each other’s eyes. Nabil couldn’t talk anymore, she heaved as though he took her breath away; she held her lips together as best she could, then stood up right and took a step back without saying a word.

Shurriah and Vina looked at each other, then quietly left the room and shut the door behind them.

“How did they…do that?” He stuttered with a smirk, “And hey, did you just sneak into my…mind?”

She snorted and stared down at him as she suspired.

“Oh, I know.” He added, “You want to torture me, huh? I saw how you were staring me back at the farm.” He paused, “So uh…if I may ask, really, what are we doing here?”

The doors came open once more.

“Aha!” King Yuri yelled, “The great prince himself tied to our little magic chair.” He walked to them and shook his head.

Nabil bowed before the king and turned to walk away.

“Hey, beautiful eyes!” Hashim said, “How can three women tie me up to a chair and leave me with this…man?”

She looked at the king, then walked out of the room.

“Hey, I am talking to you!” Hashim yelled, “You didn’t tell me your name!”

“She’s a fine one, isn’t she?” Said the king, “Be careful with her eyes, and don’t say I didn’t warn you, my….”

“One day I’m going to have my hands wrapped around your neck!” Hashim interjected, “I’ll squeeze it and watch the life in you squeal out.”

“If I had a brother, I don’t think I’ll be this fond of him.” King Yuri said, “I have nothing to do with this zany accusations you lay.”

Hashim jerked his hands and tried to free himself from the roots that held him.

“Hmm!” King Yuri responded, “Anyway, I would’ve preferred a more, you know, gentlemen kind of meeting but the way you roared at me in the presence of my men the other day suggests caution be taken. Hence the magic chair.”

“What do you want from me?” He asked.

“Nothing, nothing really!” said the king, “I came to uh…well, it means I do really want something from you; I came to personally invite you to come dine with me and my queen later tonight!” He giggled, “That’s all.”

“That’s it?” Hashim said.

“Yes! That is all!” He answered, “However, you’ll need to get cleaned up. Some ladies are going to come back and give you a good warm bath. Mind you, my guards will come along with them just to make sure someone’s hand don’t reach out to any lass’ neck. You know what I mean, don’t you?” The king clapped.

Four young women walked in half naked, followed by six guards. Four of the men pushed in a big bathtub on small wheels filled with warm water. Two of the ladies had with them soaps and sponges.

“Off I go then.” Said the king, “See you in a jiffy, my friend. Oh! And uh…Enjoy yourself!” He tapped Hashim on the chest and walked away humming. The women and the guards bowed as he walked pass them.

The men then stationed the bathtub right next to Hashim.

Moments later, two guards brought Hashim before the king. He was dressed in a fine gentleman’s attire. The king was at the dining table with his queen by his side.

“Please, join us!” The king said, he stood to his feet as he chomped on a big leg of succulent roasted turkey.

Hashim walked to the table and bowed to the queen. She smiled.

The guards stepped back and stood by the entrance.