Chapter 8

- You are coming with me. I don't want Tulia to make trouble. You are good with her and she seems to be listening to you.

Now, Nia can’t refuse her husband anymore. 

On the cart she recognized what happened yesterday:

After what happened in Nia's room last time, she felt how dangerous it could be if she didn't take any precautions.

She had to find a way to herself because she has no one to rely on in this life where everyone is stranger to her. She had to fight her way out in this manor, where else could she go.

Mek, bring a pen and paper.

Each pen scratching the paper sound was ear cutting. As soon as she completed, Nia headed towards Secretary Jefet to ask an audience from Khan. They met in the audiences hall. With a serious tone Nia handed Ter the piece of paper.

“What do you think you are doing, my Princess?” Ter questioned Nia.

- I know I have no place to say this, but please, my Khan, grant me my wish, help me to find peace and I do my best to grant you the same. I will not be a sword in my father’s arm pointed at you anymore. Only thing I ask is that this paper contract is signed and demands stated there be fulfilled.

…

After a couple of  months, Ter, Tulia and Nia finally arrived at Shekkhat Kingdom where Crown Prince Murat is supposed to be crowned after the unexpected leave of the previous King and Queen. Nine years old Prince Murat and Princess Tulia’s arranged engagement now must happen during these few days after the coronation ceremony. With this, both neighboring countries can continue prospering even better than they used to be. Also the young King- to-be, Prince will have unshaking support from Khanate Venma.

Around evening, the invited guests from different countries were starting to arrive. Murat was standing in the Castle Yard, preparing for the ceremony, fighting his nervousness alone until the Second Prince of Shekkhat showed himself with his successor.

“Are you nervous, My Lord?” asked Murat’s royal uncle who holds the title of the Second Prince after the former late king.

- Please, don’t worry, me and your brother will be at your service from today on. I will be helping you to ease your concerns and you can find him as your companion.

With a serious, a little sulken face that doesn’t suit his age, Prince thanked his relatives.

At the other corner of the yard Tulia and Nia were spectating the view here, all of sudden they spotted the Prince sitting far away, seemingly in his own world.

- Sister, do you think I will be able to be strong enough to face the future awaiting me?

The young Princess questioned Nia.

- What is your wish, my dear?

- If this is my fate that I have to accept, I wish to help him. But I don’t understand how I can be useful to him right now.

The Princess’s words pushed Nia into thoughts. These children were not ordinary children who would make tantrums to any minor things. She looked at both of them, analyzing the situation they were in.

- I believe you are already beginning to get stronger. You are even stronger than me. I am not sure what Prince would want the most. However, I believe your accompaniment will be much of a help to him in his lonely existence. At least you will be good friends with each other.

With these words Nia handed Tulia some sweets with the following gesture with a soft smile as if she was saying “go, warm meet him”.

In front of Murat appeared an unfamiliar smiling young girl.

- Hello, would you like to try these? I’m sure you will like them.

With hesitance, Prince took one piece from her hand.

Nia was watching children starting to get along when Khan approached her surprisingly, eyes on the point where she was looking.

-Huh, I think you are also getting better. What a pity it will be that I don’t have any chance to torture you anymore.

Ter was meaning that he can’t do much because of the signed contract between him and Nia. His lousy smirk was causing hair on Nia’s back stand. She had to grind her teeth and take it all.