Chapter 88 - Give Us An Heir...

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Queen Ariadne's POV.

Today, the feast…

There was much noise in the harem . Last night I heard the drums and different music that were played. The women would dance and rejoice as a new member joined the royal family. Making The Emperor's wives one thousand and one. That was a huge number.

I didn't go out no matter how persuasive they were. I was going to stay away from all the activities of the day. Queen Valeria and Grandmother must be laughing at me right now. But I didn't care because when I make my move they will all be crying at a corner.

"Can I see Queen Ariadne ?" I heard mother's voice when Anne opened the door. She made way for her to pass and mother entered the room. I could see the happiness on her face.

"Greetings mother" I stood up from the bed to welcome her. We saw last, two days, probably her coming here was to ask me to forgive the emperor. I might do that, she was my weak point.

"Staying indoors does not fit you my child. I know is hard for you to go out and enjoy the celebration but you mustn't forget that the Emperor was destined to be with Marlena" mother told me. It hurt to hear that from her but I knew she won't lie about this.

"I know. But why didn't the Emperor told me about it? My heart ached each time I think about it, mother" I said. ???? Tears rolled down my cheeks. I couldn't control them, no matter how hard I tried.

"Stop crying now. Arya might scold me for this" mother tried to make me laugh. Of course I laughed with tears rolling down. I found her joke funny.

"I won't cry any more queen mother" I wiped the tears with the back of my palm. Anne looked at me with a smile, they were smiling like everything was going to be fine. It better I trust them again.

"Please go for the party Ariadne. Your presence is important" she said. Mother loved following the traditions of the land. She respected each ritual and obeyed by their rules. For the emperor to get married to the princess of Elevar, I must take the bride to the altar. I will have to talk the priest that I gave my consent. Only then, can the wedding take place. Everything depends on me and they were hiding this from me?

"Fine mother. I will do anything for you , Don't worry" I assured her. Why was it important for me to go? The princess of Elevar was the Emperor's first fiancé and only I and Queen Valeria could give consent. It was supposed to be Queen Valeria as the first wife of the Emperor but mother said her hands were stained with blood, so I have to do it as the Youngest wife.

I wore a red dress the Emperor gave me few weeks ago. I applied a light makeup to my face so that no one would mistake me to the bride.

I rushed and dress Arya up while Anne went home to prepare. When we were done we followed the other women in groups, we entered the hall.

It's was beautifully decorated. People stood in different corners of the hall. The altar was adjacent to the door. Immediately , I entered I saw the emperor sitting there. He had to wait For two hours before his bride comes. I wondered if this was the way he married all his wives?

It's would be so tiring repeating a particular ritual every year.

The guest began to arrived and soon the hall was filled with more people. Some came to where we stood and they congratulated mother, one may think this was the first time the emperor was getting married. I understood the way of life in Akkad, these people were trying to get Mother's attention. Of course some of them did. ????️

"You were here for the last ball right?" mother would asked them. She was trying her best to remember all of them – which was quiet impossible. As for prince Edwards, the ladies were all over him, few were bold enough to compliment how handsome he was. Most of them, greeted us yet their eyes were on him.

I looked around and saw Queen Alissa entering the hall. She walked fast towards us. I could guess the news already. The princess of Elevar had come.

"Mother, the princess is at door now" she said, when she got closer. I rolled my eyes in frustration. Now, we have to worship her like a goddess.

"Ariadne, stay here with grandmother while I attend to the princess" mother said, leaving with the rest of women.

Why did they leave me alone with this old woman? Mother knew that Grandmother did not like me at all. I was not comfortable being around her.

"Who sew this dress for you? She asked me when mother left. My throat became dried and my voice held back.

I cleared my throat thrice and answered " I don't know Grandmother. Its was a gift."

"My grandson gave to you right ?" she asked. I didn't say anything rather, I nodded in agreement.

This was no place to put on a fight old woman.

In order to avoid her questions, I turned to prince Edwards who was still standing closed with us.

"Which of the girls do you like?" I asked him. There was a group of girls standing not too far from us. They wore beautiful and expensive dresses. Royalty was one of their features.

"Mother, pleas don't behave like my Grand mother" he looked at me with a start. I don't want any one of them.

"So when will I see my daughter in law?" I teased him. Prince Edwards smiled shyly and he could not give me an answer.

"You should first of all, give us an heir" Grandmother snapped. She was looking for trouble this night. I wondered why an old woman like her would behave so childish. I didn't answer her.

"Help me with a drink" I said. Prince Edward called one of the Waiter to bring a drink for us. My tongue was burning and if I fail to cool it now, Grandmother would get the mist shocking words if her life.

Why did she hate me so much I asked my self. Perhaps I looked like one of her late husband's mistress. It was possible for two people to look the same.

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The Author's POV

It was late when she arrived at the huge palace of the great Emperor. It's was more than what she was told. The travelers told them that the palace was beautiful both inside and outside, which was the truth. But no one mentioned to her that its was built with gold instead of sands and stones.

Queen Marlena found her self staring at the tall building in front of her, when she came down from the carriage. There were so many doors and people seemed to be going in and out. What a busy palace?

Two women walked to where she stood. They were not maids nor slaves because behind them they were servants trying their best to catch up with them. Impressive , she thought.

The guards brought out her boxes. There were fourteen, she hoped they had enough space in the palace to accommodate her loads.

___ Fourteen boxes? Was she migrating to a dessert? This was an insult to Akkad at large.__ ????

The women who came to welcome her were surprised to see so many boxes. It was too much to carry but princess Marlena didn't care. Her life here in Akkad should be perfect and being the Emperor's favorite was her target.

"Welcome to Akkad , princess Marlena" one of the women said. She was not looking bad at all. Her cousin Daniel was right, the women of the emperor's harem we're very beautiful.

"And you are ?" She asked. Marlena was expecting the Queen mother to welcome her into the palace. Her mother said it would bring good luck.

"I am queen Alissa" one of the women who was wearing a blue dress introduced herself. Pointing at the other lady, who was not happy to see her , she said "meet Queen Vida."

All these names were strange to her. She was expecting to hear Queen Ariadne and Valeria. Those were the names that echoed in the various kingdoms around. She was eager to met those popular queens not these two bunch of confused women who came to welcome her.

"Okay. I am princess Marlena. When is queen Aslaug going to welcome me?" She asked, looking at the entrance door.

"Do not worry. I will go and get her" queen Alissa answered. "In the meantime, Queen Vida take her to the door if the harem please."

Queen Vida hesitated at the moment. She didn't want to go with this new princess any where.. They just met and she lacked manners of approach.