sending off the troupe

It was finally the day to set off to war; Zyran was mounted on his horse along with eighty thousand men prepared to go to war.

Beside him sat Duke Ezekiel who was also leading the troupe to war.

They awaited the king's order; Amira stood at the side along with Novalie, Danielle, Katia, and William with some of the royal servants.

They were sending off their men to war.

Zyran gazed lovingly at Amira from his imposing steed, and she reciprocated with a warm smile, though a hint of concern lingered in her eyes.

"Wait for me, okay?" he said, seeking assurance.

"I will be waiting. Return safely, Zee. I will await your return," she replied, her voice tinged with an underlying worry.

The king emerged, accompanied by Queen Miranda and royal consort Leyla, radiating a regal presence.

"Great men of Oaken Vale, you are embarking on a noble quest, and we eagerly anticipate news of your triumph. Go forth and conquer," he declared, his words met with resounding approval from the assembled crowd.

Zyran was the first to pivot and stride towards the exit, the other soldiers falling into step behind him as they made their way through the palace gate.

Amira watched him go, her gaze following his figure until he vanished from sight, and then she released a heavy, wistful sigh.

Two interminable weeks elapsed since the departure of the valiant soldiers to the battlefield, leaving Amira to while away the time with an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Two weeks after the departure of the armies to war, Amira passes her day within the palace, either knitting or learning. It was never-ending. Once in a while, she would send letters to Zyran, which he would respond to.

Amira was walking along the corridor one morning when she saw Marion tending to the hoarse in the stable, she decided to go down and have a chat with him.

"Princess Amira" he called with a bow.

"Hello Marion, I see you have returned to your usual routine."

"Yes I have"

"That's good"

"Would you like to go see the puppies? They have grown quite a height," Marion said, eager to show Amira the dogs.

"Sure" she replied.

"Come," he gestured for her, and she happily nodded; they made their way to his shelter.

High above the palace floor, along the corridor, someone stood close to the window observing the activity below.

"I knew it, my lady. Something is going on between those two," remarked Savvy.

Danielle turned away, her expression inscrutable.

Amira descended to the main floor of the palace after enjoying a brief respite, only to find consort Leyla engaged in conversation with her companions.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Amira greeted respectfully, prepared to ascend the stairs to leave.

"Amira, dear, won't you join us for some tea?" Leyla asked, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Amira nodded and took a seat among the three ladies, feeling the weight of their collective gaze upon her. As soon as she settled in, their attention swiftly shifted elsewhere.

"During the past week, you seem to have been feeling lonely," Royal Consort Leyla said ."Zyran hasn't been home, and I rarely see you outside of your room. I'm worried about you."

"I'm fine, Your Highness," she replied.

"Of course you are," Consort Leyla said with a smile.

"It must be difficult for you to be left behind," one of the ladies remarked sympathetically.

"Even Maria couldn't wait long before seeking comfort elsewhere," the lady continued with a wide grin. "She ended up having an affair."

"I'm certain Amira isn't like that; she's very mindful," Leyla interjected her tone barely sounding convincing.

Danielle gracefully entered the opulent guest room and warmly greeted the esteemed ladies.

"Danielle, I couldn't believe it when Leyla mentioned you were vacationing in the palace. I guess It's true," the first lady inquired with a warm smile.

"Hello, auntie. How have you been?" Danielle asked, returning the pleasantry.

"I've been well, dear. Thank you for the herbs you gave us last time; they've greatly aided my husband's recovery," the first lady expressed her gratitude.

"Danielle is such a kind-hearted soul. If only the king had arranged a match between her and the first prince. Wouldn't it be a delightful sight to have a power couple leading our nation?" she remarked.

Amira said nothing as they egged on, and Leyla didn't bother intervening she was rather enjoying the talk.

"The almighty decides our fate, I am sure he knows what he's doing pairing the two. Only time will decide if they will remain happy or not," Danielle inputted.

"Of course goodness me," the lady says as if embarrassed at her crude manner.

She look up to notice Danielle eyes fixed on her, the lad gave her a smile as she was caught looking.

Nora came over and whispered in Amira's ear.

"Excuse me ladies, your highness I will be on my way now, I have other matters to attend to" she said.