Chapter 6

Princess Tulia was seen off by her Royal Brother himself. Of course, Nia also had to witness this scene herself which is hilarious at some points. Nia thought to herself if the other consorts were being jealous of her again, which made her giggle a bit and she hid it with her hand meanwhile no one in the cart had noticed.

It took 3 to 4 hours for them to reach The Castle where Queen Mother lives with her younger children. For Nia, this event of meeting her for the first time was a bit overwhelming, because she barely remembers how she treats her as a daughter-in-law, the bride who her beloved son hates with all the fibers of his body.

To Nia’s surprise The Queen welcomed them warmly and she doesn’t seem like who Nia was expecting her to be. Her beautiful smiley face seems sweet, and Princess Tulia is such a sweet spoiled young lady in front of her. The time spent in the castle feels peaceful. The main task she and Mek have to do is playing with the children, enjoying the nice meals and trying to spend some quality time with the Queen.

The Royal Family members don’t have to worry about their household chores like all ordinary people do, however, they have hobbies. Sometimes Nia would chat with her mother-in-law while she is knitting or taking care of her beautiful garden which is full with colorful flowers. At such moments the Queen would be surprised to see her baby daughter, Princess Tulia joining them. As if she finally grew up a bit in the presence of her sister-in-law.

- “Do you like flowers?” The Queen asked Nia.

Looking at all the flowers in the garden, Nia answered “ Yes I like”.

- Bulut, pick up some roses there and place them in her bedroom.

Once approaching the roses servant was stopped by Nia all of a sudden.

The Queen's questioning expression was asking for an answer.

- I prefer flowers blooming all the time in the open air, embraced by the earth rather than weathering after a while inside the four walls.

The Queen was touched by what she said. She heard different things about her daughter-in-law a lot but it is now she started to believe that all those were false impressions or just rumors. It wasn’t only these words that impressed her, but Nia’s behavior all this time too. She was glad that her daughter and daughter-in-law were such close friends as well. Nia was turning into a best friend, big sister to The Princess Tulia.

After a week - day five, The Great Khan paid a visit to take Nia personally. Probably, he was suspicious that daughter and vicious father would meet up or else. Who knows?!

- Mother, your son came to visit you, at the same time I can pick up your daughter-in-law back.

- I believe you are a bit early. They just left. Your sister took Nia to camping. They might not come back today.

- Then let me send someone…

- You may not bother. Let them be. I have never seen Tulia this way.

- What way?

Campsite

Over the past earth years further until the modern era hands and deeds of humanity modified the land infrastructure to the result of the present view. People rarely get to notice the natural phenomenons, or it has become too convenient watching them through the four cornered screens. Phone screen attached eyes occasionally look up to the sky. And the sky itself hides the most precious gems of the galaxy, the stars, under its thick coat which is called “Pollution”.

The mesmerizing view of the valley and mountains bore child-like curiosity in Nia. She wanted to touch every single plant, stone, even the sensation of sun burning skin gave her excitement she never felt before.

- “Do you like it here?” The question given by Tulia attracted Nia’s scattered attention back.

- “Coming here makes me realize that I missed so many beautiful things in my whole life.” Nia smiled.

All of sudden the little princess’s expression changes.

- Sister, I am scared.

This one abstract sentence came from a twelve-year-old girl, at back Nia said nothing but only listening to the forward coming words.

- Do you also feel scared whenever you feel like your life is about to change to the big? I mean, were you scared when you were getting married to my brother?

Nia took a look around, she had to think a bit, because this life she is currently dwelling doesn’t completely belong to her.

- I believe everyone has various fears, but the fear you described should be the same. I probably was scared at that time when I thought of marriage. Probably, the fear never left me in the first place and it lives deep in my heart until now.

People have different reactions to fear. Some people back down, and try to hide in the places where they are safe. Some people risk it all to face the fear. And there are some people who take one step back, when they are ready, they go forth.

- Do you think I can be happy in a life that is arranged by others?

Nia took a moment and said:

- I wish to say you have a choice. It only depends on YOU whether you want to find the happiness in the life arranged by someone. I can’t say you should fight it all and I can’t force you to fight the war which I can’t be responsible for. All I can do is to respect and support whatever choice you make. This is the thing I chose to do for you.

The breeze of wind at the moment felt cooling.

- Right now I take you like my little sister. My greatest wish for you to be happy. It is sure you will encounter uncertain obstacles at any parts of your life, you can’t ever be an exception. It just depends on how you face them.

Nia’s hand reached Tulia’s shoulder to attempt comforting her.