Princess Carmel; Chapter 10

 

Princess Carmel; Chapter 10

© 2022 by Amber Wright

SCROLL NINE

“Our bodies are filled with water,” Carmel said thoughtfully, “and when we grow hot, our own water perspires.”

“I wonder if King Ezron will be able to cope with all of your wisdoms, my lady.” Eman teased. “He may become a very poor man once he has paid for all of your many inventions and building projects.”

“How funny.” Carmel said dryly as she took a sip of the now warm water from her water skein. “Do you want a drink?”

When it was Damali’s turn to drink, Carmel teased her with, “Be careful you don’t drink too much at once else you will be boiling inside once the water reaches your stomach.”

Damali choked out a laugh midway her gulp, and gave back the water skein to Carmel. “Thank you, Princess Carmel.”

“And after today,” Zara reminded both of the maids severely, “she will be Queen Carmel.”

Carmel frowned into the thick dark material of inside of the chair. “Ooh, it does sound a bit frightening, doesn’t it? But do not worry. I will be just the same as I always was, no more, no less.”

“I’m afraid you will indeed be a bit,” Zara dryly cheered them all up, “more. A queen has many duties—including you. So remember your lessons—and behave.” She broke into a grin.

“I will remember my lessons—a queen always remembers. At least, my mother always does. Oh,” Carmel peeked between the drapes and her eyes restlessly went over the well guarded caravan, “where is my mother and father?”

“Leading the caravan.”

“And my brother and sisters?”

“Following behind us.”

“My brother—riding behind me?” Carmel’s greenish brown eyes blinked in surprise.

“It is a custom,” Zara smiled slowly, “that a prince—no matter if he is older and next in line to the throne—cannot ride in front of a soon-to-be queen.”

“Oh.” Carmel fell silent and thought what a dreadfully fearful surprise life had brought to her.

By nightfall, she would be higher in command than her oldest brother who would be king next.

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They had arrived and Carmel was as thirsty as ever. “A drink…please.” Her water skein had been dried for hours now and her throat was parched.

“My lady, you should not have given us drink from your own water skein.” Zara reproved her but with approval shining in her eyes. “You needed that water for your ceremony.”

“And you needed that water for your nurse’s duties.” Carmel countered with a cracked lipped smile. She tasted a bit of blood even as she spoke. “We all needed that water. Do not fret.”

Suddenly, a circle of maids stood before Carmel and bowed ceremoniously. The eldest one spoke, “My lady, if you will follow me. We will prepare you.”

Carmel vaguely felt herself nod…and drifted towards the interior of the palace with the maids of Aram-Damascus, her new people. Her stomach knotted. Never in her entire life had she been so parched. She hoped there would be cool water where they were going.

Inside the appointed room, she felt her cracked lips move. “Water. Please.”

A maid handed her a cup of water and Carmel had to remind herself not to drink too quickly. Else I shall boil—as I told Damali earlier.

“Your bath awaits, my lady.” The maid who had spoken before bowed again.

Carmel followed the women, each step filled with wonder in her new home…each step leading her to her destined purpose that she had been born for. To become Queen Carmel of Aram-Damascus. El, guide me through this.

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As soon as the ceremony was over, the music started. Flutes, viols, dulcimers and cymbals all together sang forth one joyful melody. Carmel could not stop the smile that had planted onto her face since the ceremony started. She had saved her people; and through it, she had found the life she had been born for. She had become queen to help rule with justice and mercy.

“I see I’ve made you smile for the third time. I shall have to wed you more often,” King Ezron broke into a grin, “for this smile is…fixed.”

“I am afraid to say, Ezron,” Carmel cast her eyes towards the food laden tables, “but I am in need of a…drink.”

“As you wish,” King Ezron led the way through the crowd. “It seems to be a habit of yours—parched throat in want of a drink.”

Carmel nodded, feeling that if she was to speak anymore she would end up choking on her own spit inside her parched throat. The cool water soothed her throat and watered her tongue wonderfully as she drank it.

“Thank you, my lord.” Carmel nodded, a smile splashing her face with radiant color.

“Pleased to be of service to you, Queen Carmel.” King Ezron pointed to the head table where two seats were set with bright-colored flowers. “It is time to eat.”

“And make music,” Carmel added softly for only the wind blowing through the opened windows to hear as she glanced up into the shining white stars.

The feast began, the music ringing out into the cool of night. Carmel sighed contentedly. Life was beginning to become more than a fragile balance; it was becoming a tranquil balance where present was met with future. Their future.

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The plans were all laid out and Carmel stood up straighter. It had taken nearly three months’ work of designing, redoing and more designing before she became pleased with the plans for her house for the widows and fatherless.

King Ezron bit onto the side of his mouth as he slowly looked over the plans. At length, he looked up but still said nothing.

“Do you approve, my lord?” Carmel burst out in an undignified squeak.

“Well done.” King Ezron slowly smiled in approval and Carmel felt the world spinning.