Part Two
Mayah turned out to be just the person Sae needed during those next couple of days. Not only could the maid show Sae the ropes in handling children, she also took Sae's mind away from troubling matters. There was a village not too far from the palace which Mayah visited once a week, bringing mothers supplies for their young. It was one of the poorer villages of Fu Naru, where the men usually worked from dawn till dusk, and the wives took care of a multitude of children. Mayah had special permission from Queen Ryona to take an assembly of servants with her once a week to help tend to the needs of the villagers. In the days Mayah was to train Sae, she decided it best that they go everyday. The village mothers were happy to see Mayah, their expressions softening at the sight of her. Mayah possessed a very powerful maternal element.
On her first day, Mayah introduced Sae to a very young family, a woman only a year older than herself, with two small children and a third on the way. Her husband, a thin young man not much older, left the house before the sun rose every morning, to go work in the fields. The village operated by the collective efforts of all those tending to the fields. The crop would be sorted into sales and village food; the food dispersed fairly to each family, depending on the number of children. The profits from the sales were likewise distributed equally. Because it had been a rough year for crops, the palace had donated much supplies to the village, and they continued to so that the families could survive as they continued to try and support themselves.
The young mother, Wella, was very grateful for Sae's assistance, though the young noblewoman didn't know what she was doing. Wella's oldest child, a girl of two, Sae found she could best entertain. Their second daughter, who was one, Sae was hopeless with. Sae had only been eight years old when her youngest sibling, Mealina, was born, and though she vaguely remembered doing small chores to help take care of her, Lady Kiva her stepmother had always been right on top of taking care of her baby.
"I think it will be okay." Wella said, patting Sae's hand in sympathy. "I doubt they will drop a baby in your arms and ask you to take care of it. This test isn't about being a new mother, it is about rearing children; teaching them good morals, playing with them, loving them. As long as you do this with an honest heart, and do your best to make the children happy, I think you will do okay."
"Still, it won't hurt her to learn how to change a diaper cloth," Mayah grinned, giving Wella's baby a rattle to shake.
And so Sae began her days of training. They had her looking after the baby for a few hours, then decided she had learned enough to suffice for present, and promoted her to taking care of the toddler.
"She loves to play outside in the sand ditch with the other children," Wella said. "Why don't you take her out there? I'm sure some of her friends are already there."
And indeed, there were other children, one or two as young as Wella's toddler, most of them a little older.
A couple of mothers stood off to the side chatting away, but kept an eye on their own young as well as the other children crouched in the sand. There was silent consent within the village that mothers who were too busy to look after their older children playing outside would be covered by the mothers who had the time. In this sense, almost every woman of the village was like a second mother to each child. It was a refreshing system that Sae rather liked. It gave the village a very safe, secure feel.
"Come on Tess, I see a nice spot in the sand over here." Sae said, leading the girl to the sand.
Watching the kids play Sae noticed a lot. As Tess made herself comfortable in one small space, an older boy tossed a bit of sand her way, some of it hitting her face. Seconds later Tess was crying.
"There, there girl," Sae said, getting into the sand ditch and picking Tess up.
The little girl only sobbed on her shoulder, upset beyond reach Sae feared.
"That was a very naughty thing to do Gilfred," Another woman said, seizing the hand of the boy who had thrown the sand. "If you cannot play nicely with little Tessy then you will not be allowed to play in the sand again."
At these words Gilfred began to cry, sputtering "That's not fair!"
For some reason hearing this made Tess stop. Gilfred was pulled out of the sand for a few minutes, and Tess expressed a wish to go back.
"Alright, let's try again, and if anyone else should toss sand our way we'll just pay them no heed, alright Tess?"
Rubbing her eyes dry, Tess gave a shy nod and they went back to her spot. Being in the sand reminded Sae of when she was younger. "Do you want to build a castle?"
"Uh huh" The toddler nodded her head eagerly.
They commenced with building a castle, and some of the other children offered them shells to decorate the walls with. When Gilfred was allowed back in, he placed himself close to Sae and Tess, giving them side glances every once in a while. It did not go unnoticed.
"Would you like to help us with our castle, my good sir?' Sae asked, offering him a smile. "I think you'll find sand is much more useful for building things."
Gilfred thought about it for a moment. "Oh alright." He said as if he didn't care either way, but Sae thought he looked quite pleased to be invited.
The good thing about children, Sae observed, was that they were quick to forgive and forget. Tess was now working alongside Gilfred on the castle as if he has never thrown sand at her, and Gilfred was too focused on making the castle structured to even think about being naughty. It would be nice if adults were this easy to make up, Sae thought wistfully.
"I believe for your first day with the children you did well." Mayah said in the carriage ride back to the palace.
"Yes, well, I have a lot to learn, I can see that."
"It will come with time dear. The more you are around children, the better you understand them."
"Yes well, I did grow up with younger siblings so I don't think I'm am in bad shape. I just wish I knew what exactly the fifth task will be."
"Whatever it is Sae, I'm sure with two more days in the village you shall be fine."
"I won't deny, I rather like the break from the palace. There are things I should like to escape from back there."
The carriage hit a bump in the road that moment, giving the ladies inside a jolt.
"Forgive me Sae, but did you say there were things you wished to escape from within the palace?"
She had already told Mayah once of her misstep with Prince Sevastian, and the incident in his bedroom with Roderick, yet the maid had assured her Sae was still on the right path to marrying the prince. Now, after having admitted her feelings to the Royal Advisor and being turned down, Sae wondered if she should confess again.
Mayah was such a warm woman, someone who could make a person feel so comfortable. She could not tell Mayah the whole truth, but she had kept quiet for too long, saying nothing to the friends she had made at Fu Naru palace. Perhaps she could share a portion of the truth.
"Mayah, I've been inflicted with something terrible."
"Goodness gracious child, do you mean to say you are ill?" Mayah said, suddenly alert.
"Yes, for it is an ailment of the heart Mayah. I'm inflicted with love."
Mayah burst out into a hearty laugh. "Inflicted with love! Ailment of the heart! Oh dear, you are too droll."
Sae frowned. "I'm in earnest Mayah."
"I know you are dear, which is what makes it all the more amusing. Now come, tell me more about this infliction."
"Mayah…there isn't much detail I am free to offer, though I will say that in coming to live in the palace for the past month and a half, I have come to know love, and I know not how to cope with it."
"Love never came easy, Sae. There shall always be pain, sometimes great pain, and turmoil with it. Look at the legend of the star-crossed lovers, Tristan and Iseult, from our Celtic brethren of the northwest. What made their pain worth it, Sae, was the love that came out of it. It is never an easy sport, but one must play at life. You my dear must press on with these tasks for it is your duty here at the palace."
"Yes," Sae nodded, knowing Mayah was right.
"Though there is something to be said for what your heart tells you, and if your heart conflicts with your duty Sae, then you must choose your path." Mayah added, a little more quietly, her expression suddenly dark.
By her words Sae wondered if Mayah might know more than she was letting on, however, the moment passed and Mayah's expression changed back to its usual harmless warmth. "So my child, if you can make the Prince love you back, then you shall be happy, won't you? Now you must focus on becoming the champion of these tasks."
This only added to Sae's misery, claiming, for the first time, "I wish I had stayed home with my family, away from the people dwelling in the palace."
When Mayah didn't immediately respond Sae realized her mistake and hastily added, "I'm happy to have met you Mayah, and my lady's maids, and Condor the stable boy, and Prince Sevastian, and even the knight Sir Lisario, but just knowing that so much pressure is on me, with every task I complete, if I lose I know I'll just have to give all these people up," and give Roderick up, "and if I win…" I'd still have to give Roderick up, yet see him everyday…
"Sae, no matter the outcome, it was good for you to get out of your shelter. You needed to experience real society, and no, going to social gatherings once every few months does not count. For you to mature as a person, to really love, it is important that you've met the people you have. It is only in encountering others that we come to know ourselves Sae, remember that."
Her words sounded so wise, oddly familiar, and so eloquent for a maid servant, though Sae supposed growing up as much the Queen's friend had something to do with it. Mayah thought this journey was necessary for Sae, so she could discover herself, a foreign notion to a girl who never gave self identity much thought. They were words she would have to ponder over.
o-o-o
Sae's following days in the village proved to be fruitful. She was forming an attachment to little Tess, so much so that Sae planned on visiting the village often after her adventures in the palace came to an end. It was definitely the break she needed, being in the village and playing with the children from morning until evening. She usually made it back in time to share an evening meal with Queen Ryona, who would always ask behind her pearl fan how Sae's training was doing, how she liked Fu Naru palace, and similar dreary questions Sae could predict before being asked.
The night before the fifth test, the Queen had a surprise for Sae. They were dining in the usual brilliantly painted room with the elongated table. In between the string of humdrum questions she asked Sae, Queen Ryona interjected with something new:
"I thought it prudent to tell you Lady Sae that the King's health has improved remarkably over the past month, and he has requested a visit from our latest contender. So Lady Sae, should you pass tomorrow's test, then tomorrow evening you shall pay a visit to King Basil."
Sae couldn't help but frown. She didn't like the way the Queen referred to her husband, no affection in her tone; she hoped whoever did end up marrying Prince Sevastian would love him enough so that as his Queen everyone would hear her love when she spoke of him. Certainly in Sae's own experience, her father's tone always softened when he spoke of Lady Kiva or one of his children to an outsider, and Lady Kiva was the same.
"Yes, thank you your majesty. I only hope to win that honour tomorrow."
In the hour of two the next day Sae was to be present in the thrown room for task five. On entering the room she thought she might faint. A dozen children were lined up in rows of three. Where had all these children come from? The only ones she had ever seen in the palace were the royal brats, and even them she hadn't seen lately. There they stood now, smiling deviously at her right in the front row. Besides them, she noticed another two children dressed in regal clothes; perhaps more noble children. The rest wore common garb, yet she could tell by the quality of their clothing, and by their pastel colours, that they must be servant children. Being a servant in Fu Naru palace meant one looked well presented, and often in pastel, better than the common folk of the village.
The Queen was placed on her thrown, her ladies-in-waiting fussing about her as usual. Roderick and Prince Sevastian stood near her, discussing Sae knew not what. Seeing Roderick took her mind away from the task for a moment. She had not set eyes on him in days. Mayah had seen to that with the village, though of course Mayah hadn't realized what a favour she was doing Sae's heart, or so Sae told herself anyway. Glimpsing him now only reminded her of the shame and heartbreak he had caused, all because he could not love her back. It was selfish of her to want it, but if she had the power she wondered if she would make him love her, like a witch with a love potion. Feelings of desire and sadness were beginning to consume her again; she needed to take her mind off of it, lest she fail the fifth test, her real purpose for being here. Sae forced her eyes away from him and focused on her assistant for task five. Instead of having her usual place by her friend and mistress the Queen, Mayah was standing alone and alert, the right she had acquired being Sae's assistant for the task.
"Lady Sae, please come before me." The Queen called from her post and Sae was compelled to turn back in the direction of the Royal Advisor.
Mayah gave her an encouraging nod. When Sae reached her destination a few feet away, Queen Ryona spoke again.
"It is time for the fifth task. You must prove your ability to handle children; to be both a caregiver and a teacher. Your task is to take these twelve children with you into the courtyard and play with them, and we shall watch."
Sae blinked. "Wait, that's it? Just play with them, and you'll…watch?"
"Sae," Mayah said from her side. "Don't question the task, just do it!"
"Right," Sae said, turning to the children. "Well, shall we go then?"
Most of the children began to follow, but when she turned to look behind her she noticed three stood back. Two of them had twinkling greens eyes, so much like their cousin Prince Sevastian, though where his shone with warmth, all she could see in theirs was trouble. The royal brats, Con and Wit. The third child was a boy who looked to be around Cornelia's age, and he was one of the other two children dressed regally, besides Roderick's siblings. He must have been a part of the extensive family, Sae guessed.
Sae stopped walking, and the parade of nine children behind her stopped obediently. "Coming?" She challenged with her voice.
Cornelia raised her small green eyes. "I don't feel much like the courtyard, what do you say Whitmark? Terrence?"
"No courtyard!" Whitmark exclaimed in agreement, and Terrence, the third child gave a sour face as an answer.
"Right, well you three can stand here and enjoy the thrown room then, and the rest of these good children will get to see my special surprise outside." She was making it up as she went along, but she saw how the words sparked interest.
"Oh a surprise!" Whitmark exclaimed excitedly, throwing his podgy fists in the air.
"Don't listen to her, she's bluffing." Cornelia said, crossing her arms.
"Well, you'll never know will you, standing there like that?" Sae smiled, turning back around and commencing with her walk. "Come with me children, I have a thing or two to show you all."
Terrence bit his lip. "I think we should follow…you know, just to make sure she is bluffing."
Cornelia rolled her eyes, letting her hands drop back to her side. "Oh all right, let's go then."
Whitmark was clearly the most happy about this, as he skipped to catch up with the other children, the sceptics Terrence and Cornelia dragging up the rear of the child parade out of the room.
"Well now, that's an interesting start to it." Prince Sevastian laughed, and the adults all made their way out to the courtyard.
In the courtyard Sae had all the children sitting on the grass in a circle, except of course for the three children determined to make trouble for her. Terrence and Cornelia opted to sit beneath a tree away from the crowd, looking bored and pretending like they weren't paying attention to anything Sae said. Whitmark, determined to show up Sae, stood right next to her in the middle of the circle and copied everything she did, only with added exaggeration, making the children laugh and laugh and pay less attention to her. She was trying to tell them a story, but this wasn't going well, not with Wit there to mess her up.
She took a moment to think; think back to when her little brothers were unruly, well more unruly than they were now, and how she would try and handle them.
"Whitmark," she said sweetly, turning to him.
He looked up at her, putting his finger to his nose and squishing it back like a pig's snout, snorting in defiance. Sae called upon her patience and pressed on.
"There is something very interesting I want to show these children, but I can't do it alone. I need the help of someone strong, someone who can help me so well that these children will admire his talents."
"Someone strong?" Whitmark looked at her seriously for the first time. "I am someone strong, I am very strong. I'm even stronger than you are."
"Well, you'll have to prove that to me. So, what do you say? Do you want to impress these children with how strong you are?"
He smiled. "What is it you want to show them?"
"Excellent." Sae smiled, turning back to the children. "Alright everyone, my assistant Whitmark here is going to do some pretty amazing things, and you'll all be very entertained."
"What are you going to do?" One of the children asked.
"Yeah, what am I going to do?" Whitmark repeated, turning to Sae.
Somewhere not far from them Sae thought she heard a young girl scoff and say, "nothing, you ninny, she's tricking you!" but she choose to ignore it.
"What are you going to do?" Sae said. "I'll show you exactly what you're going to do."
Sae bent down and plucked a thick piece of grass from the ground. Placing it between her thumbs, she marvelled all of them by putting her lips to her thumbs and blowing. A sharp duck-like squawk made them all jump. It was something her twin brothers used to do all the time, and annoyed the heavens out of Lady Kiva.
"Oh, teach me!" One of the children exclaimed, and then they were all grabbing for her hands.
"Wait, wait, you don't need this blade of grass," she laughed, pointing to the ground. "Any flat and fat blade will do."
They scrambled to find the desired type she described, and Whitmark plucked the one out of her hands and tried mimicking her actions.
"You have to place it between your thumbs like this," She said, helping him position it.
Other children copied her movements, and soon lots of brisk squawks were sounding through the courtyard.
"The children seem to be enjoying themselves." Prince Sevastian said warmly to his cousins.
"Yes, and she's teaching them such a valuable lesson." Roderick responded dryly.
Sir Lisario and the Prince would have been worried then but the Royal Advisor's smile gave away his true thoughts.
"That looks cool." Terrence said by the tree, reaching down to pick some grass.
"Don't even try it." Cornelia threatened.
The duck calling was fun only for so long before Whitmark threw his blade to the ground, saying "I thought you said I could be strong?"
"You can." Sae said, thinking fast. How could she prove him strong?
"If you're so strong, lift me up!" Cried an older boy, bigger and taller than Whitmark.
The children all stopped to watch Whitmark.
Feeling the pressure, he said "Oh, I can lift you."
"Go on then." The boy said, coming to stand in front of him.
Whitmark grabbed him around the stomach and pulled. Though the boy was momentarily off the ground, Whitmark let go of him instantly, buckling under the weight.
"Hah! You aren't strong." The boy laughed, and the other children laughed with him.
Whitmark's eyes were watering and Sae knew she had to do something quick.
"He is strong," She intervened. "But everyone carries their strength in different places."
"Where's my strength?" The teary-eyed Wit asked.
"Your strength is in your back and legs." She patted him on his shoulder. "Try lifting him again but use your back. Carry him behind you."
The older boy rolled his eyes but came to stand behind Whitmark, and Wit did as he was instructed. He reached behind and balanced the boy on his back, and this time he found it was much easier to maintain the lift.
"Look at me, I'm doing it!" Whitmark shouted.
The children cheered and then began to try it out on each other, and soon piggy backing was discovered by a new generation of palace children.
"Boring!" A familiar female voice called from the tree not far off.
Sae closed her eyes for a moment and told herself to ignore it, but the children probably wouldn't, so she had to move on.
"Alright, now I've taught you how to sound like a bird, and to carry heavy things, but there is one more thing you need to know about living in the wild." She began, getting their attention.
"What do you know about living in the wild?" One of the children asked.
"Me? Personally? Not a thing. But my cousin…Sir Boar, he lived in the wilderness for years as an animal catcher. He told me all about these things."
It sounded pretty awful to her ears, but the children were eating it up.
"Sir Boar?" Lisario laughed. "How cute Sae."
"I wonder if his brother Sir Bear taught Sae about the wild too." Prince Sevastian added.
The children had all sat down again and were watching her with such rapt attention she felt the pressure. She had better make this good!
"Sir Boar lived in the wild for over ten years," She began. "And during that time he fought off many wild animals by picking them up with his back, just as I showed you, and tossing them as far as he could."
"Why was he an animal catcher?" A little girl asked.
"Why? Because he was fascinated by animals, and he wanted to write about all the amazing ones he saw in the forest, ones we've never seen and never heard of. He had to make up names for some of them, they were so new to our world. He recorded all his adventures down, and when he could, brought back strange beasts for us to examine."
"Whoa." Some of them said.
She went on to tell them stories of her made-up cousin, and the daring adventures he went on. The children loved it, and even Cornelia and Terrence found themselves listening in anticipation for the explorations of this knight. Finally, when Sae felt she was running out of ideas, she thought it best to give them time to play.
"Now as I said before, Sir Boar taught me many things from his escapades. There is one more thing I will teach you today. Are you ready?"
The children eagerly assented, and she took a moment to form her plan.
"When you are in the wilderness, you must keep warm at night." It was something her father had taught the twins one summer, when they announced their intentions of camping out in their family forest. Count Arland had scared them with stories of scary animals and blistering cold with nothing but the leaves to protect themselves with. Her brothers changed their mind pretty quickly after that, much to the delight of her parents.
"If you have brought nothing with you but the clothes on your back, like Sir Boar, then you must rely on the leaves for protection."
"What is that impossible girl telling them now?" Roderick groaned.
"What? I think it makes sense." Lisario laughed, and Sevastian said, "go easy on her cousin, she's trying her best."
"So, if you find yourself lost in the woods, you must collect wood for fire, and you must collect leaves to cover yourself, like a blanket."
They nodded at her and she clapped her hands together. "So, let's see who is the first to collect enough leaves to cover themselves with. I will be the judge as Sir Boar taught me how many leaves are required."
Fall had just begun in the kingdom, and there were few leaves scattered about the courtyard. The children made a mad dash to try and grab as many as they could, some of them resorting to pulling the changing leaves off trees for there weren't enough on the ground.
As the children collected, many began to lie on the ground and pile their leaves on top of themselves, asking her "is this enough?"
Sae would laugh and say no, and they would go back to gathering more.
Soon all the children were covering their bodies with leaves and giggling at the game.
Without a word, Terrence got up form his post by the tree and starting walking towards the laughing children.
Cornelia yelled after him, "What are you doing? Come back here Terrence."
Terrence didn't answer her however. Perhaps he was tired of pretending to be a contrary little boy, or perhaps he just wanted to enjoy himself playing with the other children. It certainly beat sitting underneath a tree doing nothing but sneering at the lady who was trying her best to keep the children entertained. She wasn't as bad as Cornelia made her out to be.
"Terrence you get back here!" Cornelia yelled louder, though her anger could not reach him.
Nearing a tantrum, Cornelia started ripping out the grass in her clutched fingers, exclaiming, "It's not fair, leaving me like this! It's not fair!"
But none of the happy children paid her any attention. The onlookers did however.
"Cornelia looks near one of her fits," Prince Sevastian said with a brotherly concern. "I think you should stop the task now before it gets serious."
The Queen gave a curt nod and stood up. "The task is now over," she called out in a clear voice. "Everyone, let us gather there and decide if the test is passed or not."
She stepped onto the fresh green lawn and the others followed her. She stopped in front of the group of laughing children. "If all the children could sit before me we shall commence."
The children obligingly quieted down, brushed the leaves off their garments, and sat before her. Prince Sevastian and Roderick went over to the tree and convinced Cornelia to join them, though Sae knew not how.
"Now," The Queen began. "Play is essential for every child's growth and development. Among having many physical benefits, it also greatly helps a child learn to socialize with others, and learn of the world. And so, to pass this test Lady Sae, I would like to hear from the children what they have learned. And so children, can one of you tell me what you've learned today?"
"I've learned how to make the call of an ugly bird!" One of them exclaimed.
"I've learned about Sir Boar's forest adventures." another added.
"Now I can make a bed out of leaves." a third replied.
Sae felt like smacking her own head. These were not useful skills or morals children needed to learn. She was doomed….and it had felt like it went so well too.
Roderick cleared his throat from beside the Queen. "If I may your highness, I would like to hear what the palace brats—my brother and sister—have learned today."
Sae could hardly contain a groan. This was a death sentence. How could Roderick do this to her? Didn't he tell her not five days ago that she must try her best to win? Had he not seen what a hard time his sister had given her?
Whitmark smiled, clenching his fists. "I learned just how strong I am, and that I can do anything I want to if I keep trying."
Mayah smiled, saying, "He learned to believe in himself and his abilities."
Roderick shot her a quick glance, and Sae thought she saw a smile masked behind his features, but it was fleeting, as he addressed his sister. "Cornelia?"
She came forward, clearly pouting. "What have I learned? I'll tell you what I've learned. Not all adults are fun, especially women." She said, shooting a glance at Sae.
Mayah laughed. "A great lesson for a young girl who is soon to become a young woman herself. It is important to learn the different ways of women, so you can decide just what type of woman you want to become yourself, Cornelia."
Cornelia would not let it go though. "I've also learned that life is completely unfair."
Mayah smiled very broadly at this. "Well, wouldn't you say your highness that this is the best lesson of all a child can learn? Life is not a fairytale as some children are falsely led to believe. Parents will not always be around to make sure everything turns out the way a child wants it to. Life is indeed unfair."
This certainly seemed to stun the Royal Advisor, Prince Sevastian and Queen Ryona herself, but after a moment's pause the Queen was nodding very slowly, saying "quite, quite, a good lesson indeed."
"And so," Mayah went on, "I think it is safe to say that Lady Sae has passed this test, wouldn't you say so your highness?"
The Queen blinked. "Oh my, yes."
"Splendid." Mayah said, clasping her hands together. "Well Sae, there you are. Good job."
Sae could hardly believe it. She had just won. How was that even possible? She knew she owed Mayah for this victory, in more ways than one.
The Queen wasted no time in making her departure, her lady's maids trailing behind. A couple of the children got up to follow her back into the palace, while others chose to stay in the courtyard and bask in the afternoon sun.
Waking from a moment of deep thought, Sae's gaze scanned the courtyard briefly for Mayah so she could thank the old woman. It was a miracle she had passed this time. Instead her eyes fell on Roderick; he was speaking to Mayah not far off. She could hardly control her sinking heart then. It had been days since she had spoken to him. She missed the sound of his voice, his mannerisms, even the way he walked, and his deep blue eyes. She had tried to escape their depths, but even without looking at her she felt their pull. Without realizing it, her feet began to drift her closer to them.
"That was an interesting turn of events," Roderick said to Mayah, quirking his eyebrow and smiling at her.
"Lady Sae demonstrated great ability in this task. It's no wonder the Queen ruled in her favour." Mayah said, her tone a little too innocent.
His smile turned into a smirk, as if he were winning a bet against her. "Now who's playing favourites M—"
At that moment his eyes met Sae's, who now stood behind Mayah. Clearing his throat, he said, "Excuse me, won't you?" and left Mayah's side.
His simple action left Sae miserable minutes after succeeding in the fifth task. Since the day she had admitted her feelings to him, offered to throw her chance of becoming a queen away for him, and done everything short of thrown herself at him, she had not seen him. Her past days in the village had been a nice getaway, but now was the time for her to come back to reality, a reality in which Roderick would never love her.
Later, as Sae was being helped into one of her best dresses, for she would be paying King Basil a visit, Mayah came to her rooms.
"You have now gone farther than any other contender." Mayah said, leaning against Sae's armoire. With her dress in place, Sae moved to sit by her dresser mirror, making sure her hair was presentable for the King. Phélie had put it in an elaborate knot of curls, and she wondered if it was too done up. As she debated with the reflection peering back at her, she replied to Mayah, "Yes, and I have one more to go."
"Yes, one more." Mayah said, her voice low.
Sae turned from her mirror and looked at Mayah. "I can't do this."
"What child? Of course you can, you look fine."
"No Mayah, I can't go through with these tests. I'm so close, only one more, but I just can't. You told me I would have to choose between my duty and my heart, and I feel like I'm being spilt into two."
"Sae, what is it? Tell me."
"I…" Sae pulled at the folds in her dress.
"My dear, I am here for your health, and that includes your emotional wellbeing. If you need someone to talk to, I am she."
It was enough to break Sae. "Oh Mayah! You can't possibly know how troubled I am. I must leave here as soon as possible, this very instant even. I am not fit to be a contender."
Mayah came to stand by Sae, taking Sae's young smooth hand in her older, wrinkled one. "My child, why do you wish to leave the palace so ardently? Why are you not fit to be a contender?"
"Because Mayah, I have fallen in love with the wrong man!"
"Oh, is that so?" They were not words of shock or surprise, but rather calm, inviting her to continue her story.
She accepted the silent invitation. "I have fallen in love with the Royal Advisor, Mayah, not the Crown Prince! It is simply dreadful. Do you think me dreadful?"
Mayah seemed to indulge herself with a dramatic pause, and Sae bravely ventured to look her in the face. She noticed the maid had a sudden spark in her eye. However, Mayah answered steadily enough. "Dear, no one can control love, it is not your fault. However, I hear the footsteps of Gallagher outside your chamber. We shall continue this conversation later Sae."
"Yes, thank you." Sae agreed, feeling better already, perhaps because she had finally confided in someone, and perhaps because Mayah's voice was so soothing.
Just as Mayah foretold, Sae heard the knock at her door seconds later.
"You better be ready Lady Sae, for it is time to see the King." A familiar nervy voice interposed from far away.
Mayah smiled encouragingly at her. Her other lady's maids who had been waiting in the main room of her quarters came into her chamber room.
"Gallagher's at the door Sae," Alesia said. "He sounds irritated."
"So we heard." Mayah's eyes twinkled.
"As always," Phélie rolled her eyes. "So, are you ready?"
"As much as I can be in a situation such as this," Sae sighed. "I had better get it over with quickly."
"It will cause no pain Sae," Mayah said warmly. "His highness King Basil is a wonderful king, and though he is not in the best of health, you'll find him to be a kind, gentle man. I'm sure you'll come to understand why Fu Naru has flourished under his rule."
The way the servants talked of their king, Sae thought, was so touching. She knew he must really be a good man, especially if Mayah spoke so affectionately of her Lord.
When Sae left her room she was met with a pair of agitated hazel eyes. "Finally ready, are we?"
She opened her mouth to protest but he didn't give her the chance. "Follow me. I have many other pressing things to do and no time to waste."
"Won't you be waiting for me though, to show me the way back?" Sae asked, following him down the hall.
Gallagher face turned even sourer. "It is my job to escort you to the King, who will be meeting with you in one of his drawing rooms. It is located in the south wing, and I am sure you are more than capable of navigating your way out of there, back to your own quarters."
She knew she would be able to, so she didn't argue. "He has gotten out of bed, has he then?"
"The king has improved well enough to leave his bed, yes. However, he is resting against a chaise lounge, so you must not exert his mind with your prattle."
Sae could of course protest to this, but knowing he would probably cut her off, she remained silent.
When they arrived at the room in question Gallagher cleared his throat, knocking at the door and saying, "Lady Sae has arrived."
"Let her in," A diminishing voice croaked.
The door was then held open by a servant. Sae entered and Gallagher wasted no time in staying. Two guards stood on either side of the ailed king. Just as Gallagher had said, the King was laying against a chaise lounge for support. He was covered in wool blankets and she could see by his face and hands he was brittle. Still, there was something in his face, a sort of set determination that Sae fancied meant he was not willing to let his illness get the best of him. His expression was also soft and earnest, and it reminded her of how Mayah had described him; a kind, gentle man. He had a head full of white hair, and soft hazel eyes; those famous Fu Naru royalty eyes that the younger Prince Fabian had inherited. The wrinkles on the sides of his eyes told Sae that he had had a life full of sufficient laughter and smiles.
His smile was kind.
"Please my dear young lady, come rest your feet." He gestured to the couch across from him, his voice hoarse from coughing.
"I thank you my lord." Sae said, approaching him, bowing and kissing his frail hand in respect, then taking her seat across from him.
"So they tell me you are the lady champion, the one who is winning all of these…" He paused, looking at the two guards next to him, and then back at her, "these tasks."
"I do not pretend to be any sort of champion your majesty, but yes so far I have been successful, though there were times when I thought I would not."
"You must be doing well, for this is the first time I have met any of the ladies participating in this tri—" he stopped mid sentence, looking again at his guards, "in these tasks, I mean. From what my Queen has told me, most of the ladies have left before even spending a month in my palace. You I believe have been here for almost two."
"Yes, that is correct your highness. I have now completed five of the six tasks."
King Basil soundly fell into a fit of coughing that sounded more like gagging. It terrified Sae, and she fumbled to help him but he extended his hand forward, motioning her to stop.
"Elson," He said, addressing the guard on his left the moment he could speak. "Go to the kitchens and ask them to make another soothing concoction for me. Tell them to take their time so they can get it perfect."
"Yes my liege." Elson bowed, leaving promptly.
King Basil smiled. "Patrod, this room is too stuffy, go and call the maids to open the windows so I may breathe fresh air."
"But your highness, I must stay in this room and watch over you." The guard said hesitantly.
"Very well, then you yourself can draw back every curtain, tether them to the wall, and open every window in this room."
"Yes my lord." Patrod said, beginning his chore.
King Basil turned back to Sae. "As you were saying my child?"
"I have completed five of the six tasks so far your majesty." Sae repeated.
The King gave a hoarse laugh. "Six you say! Are you quite sure of that my lady? What of the seventh task?"
"Your highness!" Patrod called sharply from one of the windows he was opening.
"Ah, see, they do not want me speaking of it but…"
"Please my liege, say no more. You know the Queen's wishes."
"That I do. However, I may be sick Patrod but I am still your King. You will obey me and keep quiet. Your comrade Elson has gone to the kitchens, he need never know."
Patrod looked torn and confused. "I was given specific orders—"
"By my wife, yet I am still the ruler of this country, even before her."
That shut the guard up. King Basil turned his attention back to Sae.
"Because my body is breaking they think I am not able to fully function, but they forget my mind is intact. I am still fit to rule and give order. Now Lady Sae, I have worked hard at getting well enough to leave my bed, and I will not let this meeting go in vain. I mean to tell you everything."
By the slam of the window not far off, Sae realized the guard was horrified at the King's words. However, he said nothing.
"I asked you my lady of the seventh task." King Basil prompted.
"But my lord," Sae said, confused. "I know not what you mean. There are only six tasks."
"So you haven't figured it out yet my dear girl. You are smart enough to best five of the tasks so far, but not clever enough to have discovered the seventh; the most important one of all."
"So there is a seventh task? A secret one?" The news startled her.
"You will find Lady Sae, that the palace of Fu Naru is not what it seems. People are not who they seem; I doubt very much if you are aware of the true royalty in this palace, and where the illusion lies."
Sae glanced at the guard, who seemed to have given up opening the windows. He stood with his back to them, as if hoping not to hear any of the conversation happening feet away from him.
"Are you…very ill your highness?"
"Yes my child, my body is deteriorating, but I tell you my mind is sharp. I am not unwell in the head. I speak the truth. They are testing you young lady. Servants and sons wear each others' masks, monarch and maids are interchangeable."
The words were cryptic, yet she could not escape their meaning.
"Your majesty," Patrod butt in, no longer able to keep quiet. "I really think it best you take rest now."
King Basil sighed. "I am tired, as it happens. Well Lady Sae, I think I have put you on your guard at least. I want it known that never have I agreed to this trickery. I think it's horrendous, though my Queen thinks it's necessary. In any case, I felt you should be warned. So I bid you goodnight."
Sae wanted to stop him, to ask him to tell her more of this absurdity that she could not wrap her mind around. Instead she let Patrod come and help him up, and take him out of the room to his chambers. The King was such an old man; he could very well be senile for all she knew. Still, the way Patrod acted made the whole thing suspicious.
Sae began a slow walk back to her quarters, her feet dragging, her mind deep in the turbulence of thought. Just what was she to believe?
She thought of the people she had gotten to know; her lady's maids, Mayah, Condor, the Prince, the Queen, the Knight…and the Royal Advisor. Had they been leading her astray this whole time? Then she thought of King Basil, and his ailing health. No one had ever specified what his sickness was, mental or physical. He had been bedridden for months, never seeing any of the contenders, until her. So, just who was she to believe?
End of Part Two