A Trophy wife for the prince

Ever since Zeep learned she would be the prince's wife, her pride had grown ten times bigger. Every word she spoke now included Prince Mayo's name, much to Asha's annoyance. Despite feeling uneasy about Zeep's impending marriage, Asha couldn't voice her concerns as family may see her as an enemy for not celebrating Zeep's triumph.

But was becoming part of the royal family truly a victory? She didn't think so. Zeep's excitement masked the reality – being a mere possession for Prince Mayo. That what she was going to be- a trophy wife. Though Zeep was thrilled now, she might regret being the Queen of Maribah in the years to come.

"What do you both think about me spending time this evening with the prince while we watch the game? I would really like to know if he truly feels the same way about me and that this isn't some arranged marriage? I don't really care but I would like to know what it feels like to be beside him before he marries me? Will my heart beat faster when he speaks to me like his beloved or even hold my hands in public?" Zeep asked, putting on some black eyeliner to highlight her eyes and applying some oil on her face. They were getting ready for the evening games where they often watched hefty slaves wrestle each other. The prince was always there and Zeep couldn't wait for him to see her in a new light as his bride-to-be. 

"Well, what do you think? Nena and…" she glanced at her younger sister, who had been quietly sitting on a stool for a while before finally speaking, "and you, Asha, what's your take? Should I approach him today?"

"I may not know much about relationships, but I believe everyone will start respecting you when they see the prince welcoming you today. So, you should go to him. Let everyone, especially Soma, know that you are the future queen," advised Nena.

"Or just Stay humble until the king officially announces you as his wife; it's just four days away. No need to come off as cheap or desperate," advised Asha.

"Oh, don't pay attention to Asha. When did you start listening to her? Imagine the look on Soma's face when she learns you've won. Remember what she said at the meeting?"

"I plan to talk to the prince today. Who knows, we might grow even closer before the wedding, like we were in love before, not just an arranged marriage!"

"But you claimed not to care either way. I don't understand why it's bothering you," replied Asha.

"I don't see why you're bitter when I haven't even told father about you and Prince Deanna."

"What were you going to tell him? That I did what? No one even wanted to hear me out! That brute was…"

"Was what? Cut it out, Asha! Everyone knows you're a bit of a flirt, never staying in one place. Well, what took you to the river? Tell me, what was a noble chief's daughter doing alone at the river?"

"I didn't go there to see Prince Denna; I was only helping the poor servant who was beaten!" Asha replied angrily, struggling to understand why everyone labeled her as a flirt just because she was carefree.

"I shouldn't have even included you in this conversation. You heard what father said about each of us behaving our best. So, do not even try to embarrass me or jeopardise my marriage to Prince Mayo with your loose behaviour."

"What have I done for you to think so low of me, even though I am your sister?"

"Come on, this is not the time, Asha and Zeep. We have a game to watch and a prince to talk to. Let's be quick before Soma and others get there ahead of us."

As Zeep sighed and applied extra oil to her lips and face, getting ready to impress the prince, Asha wished she could stay home and cry for having such an insensitive and rude sister. However, she had to join them since it was customary for every young person to be at the wrestling ground to socialize.

"Lighten up, Asha. Don't let Zeep get to you. Because if you do, imagine dealing with the gossip about you and Prince Denna from others. You know there'll be talk, right? Don't you? Will you go crying for everyone in Maribah"

"But I did…"

"No matter how many times you say it, no one will believe you. They all think they saw you two together. For now, just ignore it so it doesn't ruin Zeep's chance with Prince Mayo."

Asha bit her lips, frustrated that no one wanted to hear her side or understand that the prince had hurt her. Now she was bearing the consequences of their interaction when she wasn't even guilty.

But, as her sisters had mentioned, there were indeed rumors about her and Prince Denna, and she just couldn't fathom how idle the people of Maribah must be to spread lies. Even with all the whispering around as she walked in with her sisters, she bowed and said nothing in her defense.

Just within seconds of their arrival, Zeep had already spotted the prince and gradually made her way to him while many watched. From where she stood, Asha couldn't tell what they were talking about, but the prince looked genuinely happy with Zeep beside him. Perhaps he would eventually fall in love with her sister, Asha thought to herself, locking eyes with Soma, who was staring enviously at Zeep and the prince. She dragged her back to the fight to avoid Soma seeing her as an enemy. But she mostly did that because someone was whispering to Soma and pointing to her. When will it stop? This pointing of hands at her? She sighed, trying hard to keep her face blank. 

The entire wrestling match held no interest for Asha because she could see people occasionally pointing and staring at her, drawing disapproving glares from her older sister Zeep. Someone touched her lightly from behind, and she quickly turned to see Nemere carrying an empty keg, as if headed to the river. Nemere gestured for her to follow, and she did without wasting time.

"We must find a private place to speak. I have something to tell you," the servant girl said hurriedly, moving away from the crowd towards a quiet area. It was unusual for a maid and a chief's daughter to be friends or even seen together, but Asha didn't care.

"You said it was urgent? What is this about?"

"I must tell you what I saw yesterday morning. Not like it will happen, but I can't keep something that important from my friend."

"Tell me!" Asha said, watching the girl's long neck stretch out like that of an ostrich while she scanned the quiet area for any intruder.

"Well, I am not one to gossip. I hope you don't think less of me, but I have to tell you this and let this burden out of my mind."

"What is this burden about?"

"It is Prince Mayo and Soma. I know he acts like it is your sister he wants in public, but the other morning I saw him coming out of the river alone with Soma."

"What? You mean this? The same Soma who acts like she's better than everyone and the Prince? What could they possibly be doing together at such an early hour of the morning?" Asha asked, not too surprised to hear about the prince engaging in something immoral.

But as she stood there, asking questions, she had no idea that Prince Denna was already behind her. It wasn't until Nemere fell to her knees that she finally noticed, realizing it was too late—she now stood face-to-face with the devilish son of their king.