Rocky looked out through the window of her carriage when she heard her griot singing about the blessings of the Chad kingdom. Her pretty eyes scanned their surroundings with amazement. It was her first time in the desert and it was nothing like she expected. Instead of a huge land of sand and dryness alone, she saw tall palm trees bordering a paved way, on which her carriage was moving. Bordering the road, at the far distance, she could see the city with its humble homes, markets, and men. They also passed near a huge oasis where tiny children were playing with each other, under the watchful gaze of their mothers.
Chad.
"It's nothing like they said it would be." She said, looking at her mother.
The queen was simply laying against her seat, a young servant fanning her with a silky sheet. Rocky didn't care about disturbing her mother's rest, though. She kept speaking:
"They actually have a lake and a normal city! I didn't see the palace yet but something tells me it will be quite pleasant. Father was exaggerating when he said this would be a barbaric country. He clearly hasn't been here yet...Mother, can you hear me?"
"Mmmh..."
Rocky rolled her eyes. The queen wasn't very fond of this situation and she made it clear from the beginning. Giving her only daughter into marriage was already painful enough. Yet, she had to abandon her in this far away land, surrounded by desert and savages. She opened her eyes and sighed deeply, worry getting into her heart once again.
"I hate this. You're not supposed to be here, Rocky."
"This is my father's wish, mother. I am actually very happy to serve my country. It's my purpose as a princess and soon-to-be queen."
"I feel like you don't understand how serious this is. You are going to be married to a known tyrant, all because your father is scared that he'll attack him someday. You don't deserve it. Can't you see how unfair this is?
"I can, mother. Yet, it's nothing that our ancestors hadn't done before... You are supposed to encourage me."
"I wanted you to get married to your cousin and take over our kingdom. Not assimilate into this one...You will be a stranger to them. They won't know your worth."
Rocky simply looked out of the window once again, her smile long gone. As hard as she tried to appear pleased, she was actually dying inside. She was conscious of the huge responsibility bestowed upon her. In fact, her father sacrificed her for the better good of her society, risking her safety and happiness.
She sure heard all the stories told about king Hassan of the Chad kingdom. No painting of him existed because people were too afraid to stare at him too long. He was a god of war, cruel, and a known sadist. He'd already taken over so many lands already, not hesitating to kill thousands of innocent souls just for power and wealth.
Rocky's father knew his kingdom didn't have the best army, yet it held a strategic position that could attract king Hassan's interest. So, to avoid a potential attack, he offered his daughter a peace treaty. the two kingdoms would now be related and have better exchanges without the use of violence. Yet, if there was one thing Rocky was sure of, people like king Hassan didn't know loyalty. He could always betray his father and attack their kingdom, despite this marriage. As a princess and queen, it was her job to avoid that. She had to watch her husband's every move and jeopardize anything that would go against the well-being of her home. And she was very determined to do just that.
They waited again for around an hour before they finally reached the city. They were alerted by the griots outside, singing more about Chad's kingdom, but also by people joyously cheering and playing music. Rocky immediately looked out again and laughed in pure ecstasy when she noticed the crowd formed at the entry of the capital city. They were all beautifully dressed in their traditional clothes, throwing flowers and coins of gold on the way of their carriage. Rocky waved at those who screamed her name, trying to reach for her hand but being stopped by a bunch of guards. Alongside Rocky's personal protectors, king Hassan had provided his own warriors to secure their carriage, which was quite...Generous and unexpected of him.
Despite being unhappy, Rocky's mother also had to look out after a few seconds, surprised by the welcoming they received. The music instruments used here were different from the ones they knew but it was very appealing. The crowd danced, sung, and walked with them towards the palace.
"They will treat me like a stranger, you said?" Rocky smirked at her mother. "I already feel at home, though. In fact, they don't greet me this way in my own kingdom."
The queen stayed silent but the light in her eyes showed she was as impressed as her daughter.
The palace was further into the desert, built on some kind of high hill, securely surrounded by tall walls and armed fierce guards. Rocky opened wide eyes at the sight of it. Beautiful, she thought. Very beautiful.
With the sun setting behind the palace's impressive building, she felt like she was in a fairy tale, various lights turning on around her carriage. The gates opened for her and her followers but the crowd of locals was not allowed to get in. In fact, it didn't seem like they wanted to. They stopped at the entrance without any protest and just waved her goodbye with smiles on their faces. Looking back at them, Rocky felt a pang of sadness but she couldn't understand why. The gates closed and it suddenly was very silent.
"We are here, my queen." Their griot said, opening the door of their carriage.
He was speaking to Rocky's mother. She hummed and took his hand. She walked down on the paved floor of Chad's palace and looked forward to seeing a bunch of maids and servants waiting for them at the entry door.
"Where is the king?" She asked with a frown.
No one replied. Rocky was also a bit confused to not see any member of the royal family. Weren't they supposed to welcome them? An older maid approached them with a smile. She bowed respectfully:
"We are very pleased to have you here, queen and princess of the Cayor's kingdom. If you may follow me, I will guide you into the palace and take you to your headquarters."
"What is the meaning of this?"
Rocky's mother spoke in a low tone, obviously upset. The maid feared to look up.
"Where is your master? We took a month's trip to come here. This is your king's future wife and you're telling me he didn't bother coming to greet her? Was he even aware that we were coming or did he forget?"
"I am very sorry, my queen. The king is actually...Gone on a business trip. It was unexpected but he will be back before the end of this week."
"I can't believe this amount of disrespect...I have never been this humiliated."
"The king instructed us to take very good care of you. You have free will on everything so please, don't feel disrespected. He wishes he could be here today. We are humbly asking for your patience and understanding."
Rocky grabbed her mother's arm when she tried protesting again. Instead, the young princess walked to the maid and smiled at her.
"We understand. You can take us inside."
The maid thanked her greatly and they followed her towards the palace. Rocky bit her lower lip to hide her scowl, her fists tight. King Hassan was clearly trying to make a point through this, proving that they were not worth his attention since they came from a smaller kingdom that feared being swallowed by his. Rocky didn't allow it to show, but she was very resentful. As a princess, she was raised to expect a high amount of respect. It made her more than angry to not be welcomed by one of the members of the royal family and of course, she'd have to take her revenge somehow.
There were so many things that Rocky kept hidden. No one really knew what she was able to do, especially not her clueless mother, still cursing about the way they were welcomed.
Rocky greeted the maids at the entrance, taking the time to look into each and everyone's eyes. She could tell that they liked her. Why wouldn't they, after all? She was beautiful and kind-looking. She soon found someone that caught her attention, a young girl with pretty Bambi eyes and short, soft hair. Rocky walked to her and held her chin up, so the young servant could look into her eyes.
"What's your name, beautiful?" She asked.
"B-Birni..."
"Birni. That's unique. Would you like to be my personal servant?"
Birni's eyes lit up. She looked towards the older maid that welcomed them earlier. The woman simply nodded and Birni agreed to Rocky's request:
"I would be delighted."
"Not more than me, I believe. Come on."
Birni walked behind the princess, staying close to her side. Rocky discreetly rolled her eyes when her mother's whispered in her ear:
"And what do you think you are doing, right now? You already have a servant, Adama, working for you for five years."
"I need someone to be my eyes and ears here, mom. This girl looks smart and loyal. She will be of great help."
Rocky's mother hummed, undeniably impressed by her daughter's intelligence. They proceeded to admire the inside of the palace, very spacious with a marbled floor and a very high ceiling. There were luxuries all around: statues and furniture of gold, built-in fountains, and more than anything, cats walking around. Rocky chuckled at the sight.
"The king is very fond of felines." The older maid informed. "These cats are gifts from royals all over the world. There are over a hundred of them in the palace. Our king even has a couple of lions and cougars, given by Arab friends."
"And where exactly does he keep them ?" Rocky's mother chuckled nervously. "The lions and cougars, I mean."
"In his room, most of the time."
"Not the one he will be sharing with my daughter, I hope so."
"Not necessarily, unless our precious queen has a soft spot for felines too."
"Oh, I sure do," Rocky smirked.
"Do not worry. The animals are not hostile."
As if to agree with the maid's statement, a furry black cat ground against Rocky's covered legs, purring softly. The princess awed and picked it up, holding it against her chest for the rest of this tour guide. Eventually, they couldn't visit the integrality of the palace since it was too big and they were too tired. Instead, the maid took them to a secluded wing, where Rocky could stay with her followers but only temporarily. It was very luxurious and had its fair share of servants too.
After over an hour, the princess was finally alone in a huge bedroom, with her mother and the friendly black cat. She looked out of the door-like window that provided a great view of the palace's gardens and pools.
"I hate to admit it but this is better than our own palace." She mumbled, playing with her gold necklace."
"Don't say that to your father." Her mother replied, lying on the silky sheets of the bed.
"It's not like I will see him soon, is it? He didn't even bother accompanying me here. He's not so different from King Hassan. This marriage is not keeping them from doing whatever business they have, as if I don't mean a deem."
"Don't say that, princess. You know your father loves you very much."
"Hmm. So he says."
Rocky sighed long. She was about to move away from the window when her eyes caught something unexpected. A person, crossing through the garden. He passed too fast, so she didn't have a good look at him. Yet, from the bit she saw, Rocky remembered a thick mop of curly hair and a very light skin, lighter than what she was used to. But then again, People in this kingdom didn't quite look like her own. The princess shrugged and moved away, taking off her coat.
"I am very tired. Where is Adama?"
"Outside with the other servants." Her mother replied.
"Someone has to go fetch her. It's time for my bath."
The princess and her mother shared a long gaze. Finally, the queen left the comfort of her bed and went out of the room to call the young servant.
Rocky smiled, satisfied, before walking herself to the bathroom.
