| |
Ai gazed sympathetically at the young king. She, more than anyone else, could empathise with his desire to be accepted and how far it could lead, down the wrong path.
“I have come to learn that this acceptance we seek is fickle. Remember, the ones who shouted ‘hosanna’ to our Lord at one moment, also yelled ‘crucify Him’ the next. As you have witnessed, I was ridiculed and rejected by the same people who honoured me only a few hours ago. There is only One whose acceptance never changes, and it is He you defy with your principles.” She said passionately, hoping he could truly understand her words.
“Bamah has been this way since the end of the Yachad festival. I simply cannot hope to change it because I ascended the throne. What if my kingdom ceases to flourish because of such change? Would not my people turn against me? I am doing my utmost to keep the kingdom as powerful as my father did, hence, I must keep his legacy. I cannot change it." Johin replied as though trying to make her see his reasoning.
Ai took a deep breath and wiped the tears off her face. "I see that your mind is set and nothing I can say can change it, so I will not persist. I shall, however, refuse to ally myself with a kingdom that has turned from the path of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus." She said and watched Johin's facial expression switch to something akin to fear.
“I have not turned away from God, Ai,” he started.
"Oh, but you have, King Johin, for there is no middle ground. You are either for the Lord or against Him. You have chosen your path, and now I must choose mine. I am on the Lord's side, and I will not spend another moment in your kingdom. I thank you for your most flattering suit, but I must decline, for I cannot wed you. I wish you happiness with the Novar princess."
"What do you mean by this, Ai?"
"My men and I shall take our leave this moment. I thank you for the hospitality you have granted us during our time in your kingdom." She responded, turning from him and walking towards the doors.
“Ai...” Johin called out softly, as though he wanted to plead with her. When she did not respond and kept walking away, his tone became harsh and autocratic. "You shall remain within Bamah till the date agreed for your departure." His words made the princess halt and look back at him in astonishment.
"I shall do no such thing!" she responded firmly. "You forget yourself, Johin. You are not my king. I am the Princess of Ore and neither I nor my men shall take orders from you or anyone in this kingdom!" She turned again and walked out of the throne room, gladdened he did not follow or physically attempt to stop her.
Michael was waiting outside the room, along with the nobles who had evident curiosity in their eyes. The Novar princess was nowhere in sight, and Ai was thankful, for she did not wish to converse with her.
“Come, Michael, we must take our leave at once." If her words surprised the knight, he did not show it.
"I shall make the arrangements to collect your possessions," he said as they walked.
"There is no need for that, for I must abandon whatever it is I have left in those chambers. We must gather our men and leave this instant." Ai announced, ignoring the surprised murmurs from the nobles, as she walked past them.
They found Nathan sitting in the garden with Isa and they both arose at the sight of her and Michael.
"What’s amiss, dear Ai?" Isa questioned, and Ai knew that the look on her face undoubtedly communicated the bad tidings she brought.
"Forgive me, my dear friend, but we must leave this minute,” Ai responded, saddened at the prospect of leaving her beloved friend when they had only been reunited for a few days. She was however uncertain if Isa shared her brother's sentiments, and did not wish to discover.
"Oh goodness! What has happened? What has caused you to make such a drastic decision in such a short time? Surely, this was not your resolution after we spoke yesterday. Could it be that one of those wretched nobles has said something to upset you? Please, allow me to set things right." Isa spoke desperately, approaching Ai with tears already springing to her eyes.
"Forgive me, Isa, but I have no time to discuss the matter with you. Your brother might be better suited to explain the situation to you." Isa halted in mid-stride, as her eyes widened.
"My brother? But he adores you and worships the ground you walk on."
"Believe me, that does not at all surprise me," Ai whispered sardonically. She turned to the man who stood back in a daze. "Come now Nathan, we must leave at once!” The man did as she bid without protest. Although he was her friend, she was also his princess, and her tone was sufficient for him to recognise that she was issuing a royal command.
He stared longingly at Isa as he walked by her, then stopped to kiss her hands, before going with the Ore princess.
"Ai," Isa called again, capturing her attention. "If you must go, then I adjure you, take me with you to your kingdom, that I may dwell with you. I have never known such joy as I have in these few days that you have been in my kingdom. Please, dear friend, do not deny me this."
Ai was disconcerted by her friend's shocking request but recovered almost immediately as she considered the consequences. "As much as I wish to, I cannot allow it, lest it is assumed that you were abducted by my party. I do not wish to stir up an unnecessary war between our kingdoms." She responded and left a sobbing Isa in her wake.
Despite how distraught she was, the Bamish princess ordered servants to provide food supplies for their travels. Ai had been tempted to refuse but knew it would be foolish of her, especially since the journey was long and unplanned. Isa saw to the delivery of these supplies herself, even as Ai and her men prepared to leave. Ai was moved to tears as they departed, wondering if she would ever see her friend again.
She rode in her carriage with Nathan, whilst the rest of her party rode on horseback. It was evening by the time the entourage went past the Bamish borders and Ai was grateful they were not hindered.
"Are you well, Ai?" Nathan asked as they rode across the wilderness outside Bamah. Realising that she had been unconsciously crying, she swiftly wiped her tears, offered him a small smile and nodded.
As soon as they had departed from the palace, she told Nathan her reason for leaving so urgently. Although he had commended her, she noticed the glint of sadness in his eyes. She hoped to beg his pardon for setting up a match that was bound to fail, but before she could utter any words, the carriage came to an abrupt halt. The princess would have been thrown across the coach if Nathan had not reflexively grabbed her shoulders and steadied her.
Ai looked out the window in confusion and observed that they were surrounded by strange men. She opened the carriage door and allowed Nathan to help her out of it. Michael dismounted his horse and took a protective stance in front of her.
In total, she had just thirteen men, including Michael and Nathan. The opposing forces that surrounded them had at least a century of men, and she was certain she would have to defend herself. Although she was quite confident in her swordsmanship, she had never engaged in a real battle.
"What is your purpose and why do you obstruct our path," Ai asked loudly and a man who she assumed to be the leader of the group stepped forward.
"We are here to retrieve you, dark princess. Dead or alive."
