Disclaimer: The characters, objects, and places that pertain to The Prince of Persia belong to Jordan Mechner and Ubisoft. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
VI.
The lushness of the garden surrounds me. Birds call out to one another, their songs dancing in the air. The gentle scent of jasmine floats around me and the sunlight filters through the branches. But none of it feels real. The sharp colours are dulled, the noises muted somewhat. Am I still dreaming?
"My lady, quietness does not become of you. Would you like to speak of your mind's burdens?" Daya's soothing voice asks.
I sigh heavily. "My dear Daya, how long have you been with me?" The attentive girl pauses to think.
"My lady, I believe I entered your service ten years ago, after leaving Persia."
My heart stops. Persia... Something arises from my memories, but like sand, as I try to grip it, it slides through my fingers.
"...Persia? You were from Persia? But, my father..."
"Yes my lady. I...I was taken from Persia, but I was nothing but a slave there. I am truly happy to be in your service my lady." Daya's voice trembles slightly at the mention of her homeland.
"I see... do you have family there?"
"No my lady. I was orphaned at a young age." She turns to face me. "Why do you ask my lady? Surely this does not interest you."
"Daya, I only wish to know you better. If you would prefer not to speak of this though, I would understand."
She smiles faintly. "I would prefer not to my lady. It...it is not easy to speak of my past."
I walk over to a bench, and beckon for her to join me. She comes and sits upon the marble, her simple blue ghagra waving gently in the warm breeze.
We sit there in silence for a while, both lost in our own thoughts. After what seems like a lifetime, we are interrupted by one of my father's messengers.
"Honoured Princess Farah, I bring news from the most gracious Prince Arjun."
Prince Arjun? Of course, how could I forget? The man I was "promised" to. But I still have two months before I must choose. Whatever could he want with me?
"And what, pray tell, does the most gracious Prince desire?" I ask, unable to hide the sarcasm from my voice.
The messenger looks slightly hurt but replies, "He has written a letter for you my lady, and has asked that only you read it." With that, the messenger hands me the letter and leaves.
I place the closed letter on the stone table before me and look at it angrily.
Then I feel Daya eyeing me with interest. "My lady, do you not wish to read it? Would you prefer me to do so?"
I sigh. Perhaps I should hear what Arjun has to say. "If you would be so kind." I hand Daya the ornate letter and she opens it slowly.
"It reads as such:
My dear lady Farah,
I apologise for not being able to speak with you in person, but my exploits have become more engaging than I presumed them to be. I will be returning from Colombo soon and I would be honoured if you would accompany me back to my palace in Bombay. I know this may be a bit presumptuous of me, yet I do feel that if I am to be chosen be you for marriage (and there have been many rumours that I currently stand the greatest chance), then I shall want to know you more.
If you would accept my invitation, I shall arrive at Mangalore in my vessel by the week's end. The journey to my palace is not a short one, but the ship by which we will be traveling in will be well equipped to your needs. You may only bring one servant of your choice to accompany you as I have already undertaken the arrangement two-dozen handmaidens for your voyage. I am quite confident you will be pleased with my selection. Once you have decided, send for the messenger who brought you this letter and tell him your answer. Please do come, I would love to see you once again.
Yours truly,
Arjun Mahajan"
Daya looks at me expectantly. "My lady, will you go? T'would be a mighty shame if you did not."
I look critically at the young handmaiden. A faint smile plays around her lips.
"Do you wish to accompany me Daya?" I ask, smiling slightly.
"My lady, it would be an honour."
Why I have accepted I do not know. Perhaps I wish to escape the life I have, to flee the spoils I have built for myself. But there is one thing I cannot escape, something I will never be free of. It is in the recesses of my mind wherever I may go, it dwells in my heart wherever I may be...
My beautiful wraith...
Whom the night brings...
VI.
Come What May copyright © 2004 by ElfinEmpress & HystericFreak
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