First Mission: Seduction

The palace maids were scattered around her, pinning satins to create a perfectly fitted skirt that accentuated her body. Soft silk was draped over her chest, while beads and jewelry adorned her waist and neck. Her thick black curls were styled up high. Scented palm kernel oil was rubbed over her body, causing her skin to glisten from the sunlight seeping in through the open window.

Morning had arrived, and Dalia had chosen her first mission: To truly get to know her husband and uncover his secrets. Her first mission: Seduction. It is said that men cannot resist very beautiful women dressed seductively and scented with fine oil, especially if she happens to be his wife.

This was her moment; perhaps the king would see her as beautiful and fall head over heels. But doubts still crept into every part of her body, especially considering how adamant a man her husband was.

"I do not think this is a good idea," her doubt blurted out, rather than the actual her. Nevertheless, she said it aloud to the elderly maiden, Adum, since it was her advice from the beginning. She could provide her with a head start.

Dalia pressed her mouth together, watching Adum through the long mirror that was beginning to shine brightly as the sun kissed it.

"Do not worry, my queen," Adum came up behind her. "It may not be easy at first, but it is a good start."

Dalia gave her a warm smile. It was the first time she had smiled so genuinely without fear since her arrival. Perhaps it was because she now knew his name, oh, that name, which had completely changed her mind about escaping.

"You do know the king's name?" she whispered, ensuring that the other maidens who had now stood away, engrossed in playing with satins and beads on a tray, were out of earshot.

Adum was the only one placing cowries on her head, and Dalia must admit she was very adept at dressing her hair; not even Verina was on par with her. The thought of her sister, Verina, brought a little sadness over her, but she quickly shook it off. This was her life now.

Adum paused in her task and gazed at Dalia, her lips slightly parted. "Did he mention his name to you?" she asked, a bit surprised.

Dalia nodded, feeling curious about why Adum was taken aback. She then inquired, "You know what his name means, right?"

Adum nodded, looking away, which made it difficult to read her eyes. Dalia guessed that, just like her, Adum might not like the name. No good person would, of course.

"You know," she began, now deftly placing colorful pins in Dalia's hair in a beautifully intricate style, "I was also taken aback when I learned his name. So I was curious, just like you."

She tapped Dalia's shoulder as if their thoughts were aligned, both contemplating the same thing. "I was very curious to who he truly was, you see, but the king was as mysterious as a strange black cat. He had this big wall that was so hard to penetrate."

Dalia agreed with her, as that was exactly how she felt when she was near him. But unlike a black cat, he was more like a wall filled with thorns.

"He never liked the name, so no one called him that?" she said, still watching Dalia as she tended to her hair.

Dalia twirled her head towards her, "Why did he tell me then?"

"I do not know," she shrugged, "Perhaps he just wanted you to know like everyone else. But I will advise you not to call him by that name; he does not like it, that is all I know."

Dalia turned back to the mirror, biting her lip. So he never liked that name? Then why did he succumb to its meaning? Or was the superstition right? About your name following you? Was that why he decided to kill because he felt he was an evil person?

There were so many questions that Dalia was dying to know, but she knew quite well that the king would never tell her. So, this was her only chance, to try to be closer to him and get to know him. Thank the gods that he had lessened his travel; she would take good care of her opportunity.

"You look ravishing, my queen," Adum praised after the pins and cowries were now in place. "I am sure the king would notice you, oh, how lovely you are," her eyes sparkled, and so were the other maidens, watching Dalia with wide smiles.

"Thank you, Adum," Dalia smiled at her through the mirror before turning to look at herself.

As Dalia walked down the corridor, it felt longer than ever before. The anticipation to see her husband grew with each step. It was strange addressing him as her husband; still, she was eager to finally lay eyes on him, even though his face remained hidden behind that annoying mask.

The stoic guards, much like last time, greeted her as she passed by. The long table and heavy curtains were still there, but this time the black curtains had been pulled back, allowing sunlight to stream in through the windows.

The maidens followed behind Dalia as she made her way to the awaiting seat, each movement accompanied by a deep breath.

Upon walking towards her seat, she noticed that the king was already seated in his imposing chair, engrossed in studying a stone tablet. As she approached, he suddenly stirred, lifted his head, and his gaze met hers.