Lady Ashley

It was a very strenuous day for the princess, from going for her lessons to attending to other duties in the palace.

In the afternoon, She went to the mine to inspect the slave's work. She was not in any way surprised to see the slave Master, back to his position.

That is how things work here,

Punishing and agonizing innocent souls all because they were once the people of the country Badrith managed to defeat and gain authority over.

Slaves are already the least and bottom of the food chain, they will be stucked serving their master household till thier last breath.

Undeserved torments, unfair judgement and resentments shouldn't still be among.

She as the princess of BADRITH has heard of several cases where a slave will die when being exposed to a very difficult task or while getting punished of irrelevant mistakes.

And you can never be penalised,for as long as the person you killed is just a slave. A mere Slave.

Their life is in no way valued, especially slaves from the kingdom of Zandia.

Those people are the most tormented beings.

Which should not be like that, why must they suffer for nothing? They didn't choose to be born in Zandia.

You being among Zandia people and living in Badrith is like living in hell.

Even if you narrowly escape being a slave, to the extent of people having to hide their nationality.

Kind Judrith has always loathed Zandia people and therefore in no time failed in making their life hell.

This made her curious, why does her father have such deep hatred for Zandia?

Even though their land is now under her father's control, he doesn't count them as his people.

It has been more than two decades now that BADRITH taken over Zandia's territory.

Two decades since the people of Zandia have last enjoyed their freedom and rights, free from slavery and struggle.

From records, she heard the late king of Zandia, King Elisha is a man of honour and integrity.

Filled with compassion for his people, he was a great king and leader.

But Zandia and Badrith has never been in peace, and her Father the King on the Long run took the great kingdom down.

His lineage going into extinction.

" My lady are you okay? ", Nina asked worriedly as they took slow unhurried steps back to her quarters.

Jade five steps behind them.

Her lady has been unusually quiet and moody since daybreak.

" Hmmmm ", she hummed , regaining herself from her trance.

She faced Nina who had an worried expression on her face.

" What were you saying Nina", she said flashing her a tight-lipped smile.

" Is something troubling you my lady?", Nina asked again., Making sure her walking pace is the same as her lady.

Princess Sabrina smiled wryly, trying to conceal the heavy burden on her chest.

" Nothing really. I'm just kind of exhausted", she said, not saying the whole truth.

Her burden is her burden to carry alone, for being a royal.

Her mind wandered off to the bloody letter and the thought of her Father trying to marry her off suddenly. The mere thought alone made her shiver in fear.

She just can't afford to let him do that, she promised herself that.

" Are you sure my lady? I know I can't do a thing about it but sharing it will make you feel less burdened" Nina said meekly.

Princess could not help the silly smile that graced her lips, twitching her lips up.

" It is really nothing burdensome Nina", if only that is entirely the truth.

Their steps halted.

" I just need some quiet time alone to myself ", she added

" Is that true? Then I should leave my lady "Nina said .

" Everything is going to be fine My lady, ", Nina reassured calmly, sending her princess a warm reassuring smile.

" Thank you Nina "

With a last bow, Nina retract from her princess.

Before she get back on her track, she heard Nina's whispering voice.

" My lady will love to be alone", she heard her told Jade who has been following them all around like a shadow.

A feeling of relief and contentment coursed through her body, maybe taking a walk round the palace for sightseeing will make her head a bit less fuzzy.

Jade will probably be gone already now, she can't feel his presence and watchful eyes behind her anymore.

It made her glad.

Even if she has known every inch, nooks and crannies of the palace, sightseeing it all over again won't hurt , would it?

As she made her way towards the western palace, a part of the palace that is not that occupied.

" Who do we have here ? ", She heard the malicious voice of her father's mistress, Lady Ashley.

" Princess Sabrina, such a beautiful day to see you", she spoke, using a bit of formality to conceal the bitterness in her voice.

Princess Sabrina has in no way liked her, since she became her father's woman.

She has always been on her neck and most times made her father punished her while she was growing up.

She was supposed to be like a mother figure to her but no. She has been nothing but just a foe in disguise.

She doesn't know why she hates her that much.

Always envious and against the princess, she has always wanted to have full power and control over the royal ladies court but her father wouldn't agree.

The position is for the princess.

If only her father will see she is just a snake pretending, all she wants is power.

" Lady Ashley, it's been a while, isn't it?", She said, wearing a forceful smile

She smirked ," It has, seems you have been busy with the royal Court matters", she said , the anger and resentment clear and evident in her voice.

The king will never let her get involved with politics, only the princess knows how the court works.

Princess Sabrina smiled," you seems to know me too well lady Ashley. I have truly been busy with it. "

She scoffs dryly, " Good for you ", she spat .

Suddenly her face lighten up.

" Heard you were attacked , I'm glad you are safe princess ", she said her eyes glistening as if she was enjoying it.

Maybe she is.

Lady Ashley can never be glad of her existence in the palace.

Princess smiled back instead not uttering a single word.

But that doesn't mean she won't probe any further.

" Also heard about the bloody letter. Was there really a letter?", She asked.

" You should know Lady Ashley. I'm sure father informed you already",

She smiled, " I just can't believe it, who dare send a threatening letter to the princess. And even still written in blood. Such gut!"

"The royal family", she corrected.

She rolled her eyes, " I am just glad you are not hurt in any way princess. Hmm, but don't you think it is high time you get betrothed", she added the last part knowingly.

Princess Sabrina kept mute instead.

" Don't you think princess?", She urged further.

With a throaty gulp, she responded simply,"Yes lady Ashley"

" I'm sure his Majesty will make the best decision out of it, he will",

" And I can make some recommendations to the king if you want, many nobles and royals who you will be so lucky to...…..", as she could not take it anymore, she interrupted her sharply and not too harsh

" Hold your peace Lady Ashley, you don't need to make a stress out of it ", she pronounced firmly.

" As your mother I am just concerned….", Again she cut her short.

" You are not my mother, you never will be ", the princess stated, not able to hold her anger .

She smirked," Not like I want to be actually"

" As the mother of the nation, I am just performing my duty by getting the future queen and monarch of BADRITH betrothed and promising the country a better future, isn't it?",

Princess Sabrina wanted to keep silent but couldn't.

" You are not the Queen of this nation Lady Ashley, you are just a mistress. The king's Mistress ",

Her eyes reddened with rage, her hand balled into a fist.

Internally, she praised herself for putting the the mistress in her place once.

" If you will excuse me lady Ashley. The royal court need me ", she taunted her .

Without waiting for her to talk she bowed and walked out on her.

Her day just got way more worse and then the same time much more better.

Better in the sense that she for the first time put the nosy mistress of her father in her place.

She deserves it anyways and more.

Damn her for attempting to ruin her mood.

© Adira H