Noni & The God Tree: A Shattered Truth

By Breshea Anglen

With her Warrior Trials just days away, Aisha strives to prove herself worthy of the warrior title as night terrors threaten the annihilation of her realm. 

After narrowly escaping Negus's halflings, Noni, Eli, and Uma find themselves lost i

• Language: English
• Publisher: Breshea Anglen
• Release date: Mar 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798986931838

Book preview

In the Beginning

When the six realms were one before the Great Separation, Jidh, Ruuxa, Malika, and Negus all lived together in Viumbe, all by the grace of Yggdrasil, the God Tree. Negus and Malika were children, young gods.

Malika’s powers began to manifest first. From her mother and father, she inherited two powers. First was the power of the Light, her lifeblood, with which she could manifest physically. With their Light, Jidh and Ruuxa created the sun and moon. With her own Light, Malika created the stars. The second was the power of Tethering, the power over life and death. With this power, Malika created the first Celestials and Humans. From her own soul, she plucked her Light and molded the soil beneath the Yggdrasil around her Light so that it had form. The being took shape; it grew arms and legs and began to walk. It spoke and felt, just as the gods did. Malika experimented, giving some of her creations the ability to harness the Light in their own souls and some not, like her brother, Negus. Truly, the first beings were reflections of the gods themselves.

Jidh and Ruuxa were so pleased with Malika’s creations. They tried to mimic their daughter’s creations but didn’t have her patience or her skill. They made simpler creatures, animals, who felt and thought but did not speak, who crawled and walked on four legs instead of two.

Negus hated them all.

He was jealous that his sister’s powers had manifested before his. And even when whispers of his powers echoed in the night, he was too blind, too obsessed to see them for what they were. He had the power of Sight, the ability to see what would come. But his visions only showed him his own despair. A miserable, jealous future.

He also gained the power of Healing, but he never used it. Even when he saw a bigger animal with wings, claws, and fangs attacking a smaller animal with naught but fur and paws, he still ignored its suffering. If he had paid attention to his new powers, if he had felt sorrow for the animal, he could have saved it. But anger and jealousy clouded his mind and dimmed his Light to shadow, stunting his magic.

He wanted the power to create. He wanted power over life and death. So, he decided to kill Malika and take her powers, absorbing her Light as his own.

When he rose up to kill his sister, Malika banished him to the Netherrealm, a realm she created from the darkness beneath Viumbe, beneath Yggdrasil. There, Negus would never be able to create life from Light. He would only be able to create darkness and despair. It was his punishment to never be able to have the powers he envied.

After Malika’s death, when Jidh was old, tired, and ready to return to Ruuxa, his beloved, he asked Yggdrasil to create the six realms for Malika’s children. The children would be the keepers, the Guardians of the realms. They took Malika’s creations, the Celestials and Humans, and split them up, placing them in the new realms. They also took animals of every kind, another gift from Jidh. The six realms would flourish for eternity with Negus trapped in exile.

In banishment, Negus was stripped down to the very creations he hated; he was weak and nearly powerless. As eternity dragged on, bit by bit, Negus absorbed the darkness around him and used it to rebuild himself. He bided his time, waiting until he was strong enough to emerge.

I

Part One: Before

Childhood is not from birth to a certain age, and at a certain age the child is grown and puts away childish things.

Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies.

- Edna St. Vincent Millay

One

Burden of the Crown

Aisha had always believed that her mother’s garden was the most beautiful place in existence. She had always been in awe of the royal gardens, always admiring the flowers and buds whose origins lay worlds and realms away with names that none but the Queen could pronounce. Her mother’s touch brought to life and cultivated that which had never touched Novaen soil. She nurtured trees with fruits that were sweet to the taste, fragrant blooms, and vines that grew on forever; it was the lushest garden in all the kingdom.

Most days, this is where Aisha would find her mother, Queen Isoke. During her bits of free time, Isoke went to the garden to sit and watch the birds that frequented her land. Sometimes, Aisha watched her mother from the balcony in her bedchambers which overlooked the royal gardens. From there, she’d see her mother whisper to the leaves, sometimes even kiss the flowers’ petals.

Briskly, Aisha descended from the upper floors to the lower level of the palace. As she walked, she tied back her long, curly locks, wrapping them into the neatest ponytail she could manage. The curls would inevitably unravel (having a mind of their own), but the Queen fancied her daughter’s hair pulled back; she always said it made her look more regal, more like a princess, more like a future queen.

On her way, Aisha passed an older woman garbed in an ankle-length gray dress and gray headdress. The woman’s silver hair shone underneath her headdress, and she grinned at Aisha with a mouth that was almost completely devoid of teeth.

Blessed day, Princess. The Nanem bowed.

Smiling politely while simultaneously trying to ignore the woman’s toothless grin, Aisha paused to return the gesture. Blessed day, Nan. She straightened up and hurried on, heading down the corridor.

Once Aisha reached the end of the north hall, she threw open the double doors and was greeted with the sweet scent of life. The nearest of the two Suns was a diamond in the sky, shining a light on all of Eleiryia. Aisha could feel her skin warming as she basked in it. She bounded out allowing the doors to fall shut behind her.

Mama! she called, striding along the white stone pathway that trailed through the garden. Mama—are you there?

Yes, little bird? Aisha smiled and playfully rolled her eyes at her mother’s use of her childhood nickname. She was the only person allowed to call her that. Come—I’m with the calla lilies.

Following her mother’s voice, Aisha spotted the white petals and nearly raced for them. She found Isoke sitting on a stone bench, holding one of the white lilies in her dark brown hands. She was turning it over, brows furrowed as she examined the stem, leaves, and petals. She did not look up from the flower until her daughter spoke. Blessed day, Aisha began. Have you been here long?

Not long, Isoke replied. I started near the blue lilinotias and made my way here. And just now I’ve found this, she brought the bud up, frowning, broken off—I’ve never seen this happen before. There was concern in her voice. On any other day, Aisha would’ve cared more about her mother’s flowers, but there were other matters at hand. She had the urge to roll her eyes but didn’t. Isoke finally laid the flower down in her lap and turned her eyes toward her daughter; the gold rings around her irises were illuminated by the sunshine. What is it, love?

Aisha shifted anxiously onto one foot. Trials start in a few days, she began, choosing her words slowly and with care, but there’s a celebration tomorrow night in honor of…those who are starting off.

Isoke nodded, eyeing her daughter curiously. Yes, and you’d like to go, I presume?

Aisha bit her lip and nodded. With Sira. Yes, she answered.

Isoke did not speak, but she watched Aisha with a look that said, There’s more, I’m sure. And yes, there was more.

I’d like to go with Sira, but—well—without the High Guardsmen. Without them trailing me the whole time.

Isoke’s expression never changed. She shrugged softly. They’re always with you, love. You never see them—why without them?

"Because I can feel them following me, Mother. It makes me feel like someone’s watching me!"

"Well, someone is watching you, little bird. Isoke smiled, almost patronizingly. This time, Aisha frowned at the name, feeling like a child again, under her mother’s thumb. We have spoken of this before. You are of the Crown, and as such you must be under constant protection."

"Protection from what? Aisha threw her hands up, exasperated. Surely—surely there’s danger in places like the Earth, even Serlis—but here? Our realm? We’ve nothing to fear here. Not since you became High Queen. Aisha tried to smile then, knowing that her tone had overstepped her mother’s boundaries. No one would dare challenge you."

It was true; since Isoke had become High Queen, since she had ended the Great War and united the nations of Jakaar, Izia, and Oyis, there hadn’t been a single threat to the realm, nor her Queendom.

Regardless, Isoke’s thin eyebrows were high on her brow and her eyes were tired and wary as she looked upon her daughter. Again, Aisha began to feel small underneath her mother’s gaze. She already knew the answer.

You may go wherever you desire with Sira, and the Guardsmen will be there should you need them. Speak no more on it.

Aisha stilled her tongue. She knew when her mother had said all she would on a matter, so Aisha quickly replaced her smile with a quieter mouth. Yes, Mother. Eyes dimmed, she leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on her mother’s cheek. I’ll return before sundown.

Isoke picked up the withered lily in her hand and turned it around. I’ll have Nan Alora set a place for Sira at supper.

Thank you, Mother. Aisha turned away quickly. Blessed day.

Aisha traveled back through the garden the way she came, following the white path until she was met with the gilded double doors. Two servants stood beside each door and, as they saw her approach, hurried to open the doors faster than Aisha’s feet could carry her.

Aisha could not understand why her mother always had to be this way—so much like a lioness keeping her new cub far, far away from the outside world.

But the fact of the matter was that Aisha was not a child anymore. I’m of graduation age, she thought to herself, and I deserve some freedom. And yet, it wasn’t just freedom that she desired. No, it was much more than that.

The palace was usually quiet—everyone spoke in hushed whispers as if royal ears were too delicate for their voices. But outside the wall that kept the palace separated from the city, life was louder. Brighter.

Aisha left the palace quickly, doing her best to ignore the feeling of eyes like vultures from the gatehouse overhead. She strode down the pathway that led to the outer wall, mostly ignoring the guardsmen that stood watch within it. They bowed to her, and she nodded politely but kept her eyes forward. The wall was thick, and the walk was long and silent. Once she reached the archway that led her out, she came to a wide wooden drawbridge that carried her over the deep chasm in the soil that surrounded not only the palace but also the wall that protected it.

"Papa! Papa look!"

Aisha glanced around at the sound of the whisper. A child tugged at his father’s brown tunic, wagging a finger in her direction.

That’s Queen Isoke’s daughter! Look! It’s the Princess!

Cero—it’s impolite to point. The father, a short, stout man who mirrored his son’s rotund shape, bowed to Aisha over and over. My lady, I apologize for my son’s rudeness. Please forgive us.

Please—sir—stand up. Aisha placed her hand on the man’s shoulder to calm him. You don’t have to bow to me. Please. He’s a child. Aisha shrugged.

The little round man clasped his hands together as if he were prepared to pray and shook them toward her. Many blessings on you, my lady. May the Guardians smile on you.

Thank you. Aisha smiled and waved at the man, hurrying off with her head down.

After leaving her fortress of a home and traversing Kanta’s Bridge (named after her grandfather who tore the crack into the ground himself), Aisha went west along the white stone path to the village of the Elders. It was said that the walk from the palace to the Village of the Elders was a sacred one, one that each person of royal blood would one day take. As she walked, reddish dirt swirled over the stones. Aisha thought about living there herself one day. She couldn’t see it.

Her best friend and kin, Sira, had the unfortunate burden of living there. Sira’s mother was an Elder, one of the elders on the council that served the Queen. Sira didn’t seem to mind it much, but Aisha never liked going there. Whenever she would walk through the gates it felt as if the eyes of the entire community were upon her. Watching her every move, every step. It was only when Sira was with her that it felt like the eyes disappeared. Most times.

’Isha!

Aisha looked up at the sound of her name being called by a familiar voice. Finally, she felt at ease as she watched Sira jog toward her, hand raised high in the air, white hair swinging behind.

I’m sorry I’m late—I meant to meet you at the gate. Sira came to a stop in front of Aisha. Forgive me? she grinned.

What’s for lunch?

Sira rolled her eyes but kept grinning. Nan Yema is making fish sandwiches and cutting up some imboya fruit.’

Aisha nodded, satisfied. Forgiven. She smiled, hooking her arm around Sira’s, and Sira laughed and began to walk beside her.

Tell me, Sira started as they headed toward her home, at the east corner of the village. Did you talk with your mother? she asked.

Aisha pursed her lips before she spoke. Her stomach flipped again when she thought about the conversation, the way her mother’s expression had shut her down before her words ever had. I did, Aisha answered. She didn’t want to hear a word of it.

Sira cast her eyes away from Aisha and toward the ground. I suppose it would be difficult to reason with the Queen.

Aisha was quiet then. She held her tongue, bitterly wishing that she hadn’t had to reason with the Queen and wishing that she could have just had a normal mother for once. Not one that smothered her with all the dangers she could imagine. If her mother weren’t the Queen, life could be so much different. If Aisha weren’t a princess, her life could be different. She wouldn’t ever have to become the queen, for one.

Though it was her destiny, Aisha had no desire to be queen, not really. Her mother was perfect, an act that was entirely too hard to follow. She’d saved the realm from ruin—how could Aisha follow that? She couldn’t see herself sitting on the throne next to some stuffy old King. She wanted freedom—she wanted adventure—she wanted more. If she became Queen, all those dreams disappeared.

Once they came upon Sira’s dwelling they went directly to the kitchen where Nan Yema was slicing open an orange imboya fruit.

When she saw Aisha, Nan Yema smiled and bowed at the waist. Blessed day, Lady Aisha,

Blessed day Nan, Aisha smiled, accepting the formal display because she knew that the woman was bound to her duty.

Will Mother be joining us? Sira asked Yema as she sat down at the sleek wooden table in the kitchen. She picked up a slice of imboya and bit into the sweet, juicy fruit. It was so soft that it seemed to melt as she chewed.

Yema shook her head, and the gray shroud around her head waved with each shake. No, Lady Sira. Mother Ashanti has a council meeting this morn. She left before the first Sun.

Good, Aisha thought to herself. Ashanti, Sira’s mother and third chair of the Queen’s Council, was one of those sets of eyes that tracked Aisha like a hawk’s eyes every time she came here. Aisha was thankful that for once she wasn’t here.

Although Lady Ashanti Vanora was technically kin to Aisha, she wasn’t someone who Aisha could say she liked. She was her father’s half-sister, which made her Aisha’s aunt. She was a plump woman with beady eyes and a tongue-like venom. Sira was her second daughter, but Ashanti treated her like the first. Aisha had never met her first daughter, Sira’s sister, whom they never really spoke of. Ashanti treated Sira as if she were an only child. She was strict, tough, and full of criticism. But Sira was seemingly immune to her.

After they finished the small breakfast, Sira and Aisha left the village and headed south to the training grounds. There, they would likely meet some of their year mates, maybe even a few in the year behind them. Most of the teens in their year were training for their Warrior Trials which would come in two days’ time. Aisha and Sira planned to watch the competition and observe their year mates’ abilities closely knowing that one of their trials would be hand-to-hand combat. Sira had told Aisha on more than one occasion that it was important for them to know exactly what they would be up against.

The training grounds, on the other side of the city, were near the edge of the forest that separated the capital city from the outer lands. Two structures flanked the grounds—the Academy and the Arena, where their classes took place.

On the training grounds, the dirt had been leveled. A row of targets sat at the far end with arrows sticking in and through them haphazardly. Two weapon racks held bows, arrows, swords, shields, and the like. A few weapons were missing, being used by the teens sparring and practicing.

They walked through the tall, parted golden gates into the compound. As they approached, Aisha noticed two of their year mates sparring. Sunny, a girl who was the same age as Aisha, and N’Joru, who had deferred his trials for a year, which made him a little older than the rest. Sunny’s sigil work, much like Sira and Aisha’s, was tight, fast, and packed a punch. She fought barefoot—she drew her power into the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet. With every punch—every kick—she dealt a powerful, shattering blow to any opponent. N’Joru, who had always been more of a long-distance fighter, struggled to block her blows. Sunny’s final kick—straight to N’Joru’s chin—sent him flying past the stone boundary and completely out of bounds. He landed flat on his back, chest smoking from the fire-fueled kick that Sunny had dealt.

’Ye, N’Joru—no hard feelings, right? Sunny called as she raced over to him, laughing nervously.

N’Joru coughed, ignoring the growing roar of laughter surrounding him. Yeah, no hard feelings. He grasped Sunny’s outstretched hand and shook it, smiling despite himself.

Sira stretched her arms, hooking her right arm across her chest and catching her right bicep with her left hand. N’Joru doesn’t stand a chance. Poor guy, she giggled.

Aisha watched N’Joru dust off his black tunic, shaking his head at the burns. Although he hadn’t won this time, Aisha had seen him fight before and she had been impressed with his aim and precision. If paired against the right person during the trials, he could stand a chance. Opponents were chosen according to rank. The higher your rank, the more difficult your one-on-one battles would be. Aisha didn’t know N’Joru’s ranking, but if he was paired against someone with a similar rank, he could get lucky.

Aisha shrugged. Have some faith.

Sira scoffed, Do you want ’Joru of all people protecting our home? She shook her head. Let him wait another year until he’s not getting knocked on his rear every time he sets foot in the compound. Sira tied up her white curls in a quick, tight bun on the top of her head. She secured the knives in the belt around her waist and pulled her fingerless gloves tighter. Feel like sparring a little?

Aisha opened her mouth to say sure, but all words and thoughts of sparring were lost to her as, from across the grounds, his eyes caught hers. The thoughts that played in her mind all but washed away. His warm smile tickled her stomach; she felt as if butterflies were trying to escape it. His soft brown skin glistened in the sunlight, which reflected in the thin gold ringlets around his wrists and neck. His wavy hair was braided back into one long plait hanging over his shoulder. He raised a hand to wave at Aisha, and Sira snickered under her breath.

Ooh ‘Isha, calm down, Sira whispered. Your aura is all over the place!

Aisha, embarrassed, dismissed Sira without conviction as she stood up. She brushed off her clothes before she and Sira walked toward Alexander and Ileana, his older sister.

She was surprised to see Ileana. Ileana had graduated from the Academy two years earlier than anyone in all the years before her, and she’d gone immediately into the military. She had already worked her way up the ranks, so it was surprising to see her out of uniform and at the Academy’s training grounds. When they had been younger, Ileana had been like an older sister to Aisha, something that the younger girl had always wanted. It was not for her mother’s lack of trying for a sibling for Aisha, but Aisha was her mother’s only child. Nevertheless, once Ileana graduated early and went into her service, they had not seen much of her. Aisha was not sure if she should hug her or greet her formally.

Ileana solved the problem first by embracing Aisha. The wisps of hair that escaped her braid tickled Aisha’s cheek. When she released her, Ileana left a hand on Aisha’s forearm. Blessed day, Aisha, she said. Tomorrow’s a big day for you. Ileana glanced at the three of them. For all of you. She smiled, gently squeezing Aisha’s forearm. May the Guardians be with you—and even if they aren’t, you’ll all do just fine.

Thanks, Ileana, Aisha said, and Sira echoed her thanks before bowing quickly and jogging over to one of their year mates who had just called her name. Aisha turned to Ileana once more. "It’s really good to see you—I’m surprised to see you, actually."

After you graduate, I’m sure I’ll be seeing much more of you, hmm? Ileana’s mouth turned up into an almost secret smile. Aisha laughed but said nothing, ignoring the bashful heat underneath her skin. Be well. Long days, sister.

Ileana gripped Aisha’s forearm once more and the girl returned the gesture.

As Ileana left, Aisha then realized that Alexander had not gone with her. He remained, eyes landing upon her with a smile after watching his sister go.

Alexander… Aisha said his name aloud, and it kissed her lips as it left them. Being near him made her heart beat as if she held a secret. A warm, handsome grin unfolded over his face, and she felt heat rising all the way from her toes. Um…your father joined us for supper two eves ago. She blinked slowly, trying to bite back a smile every time she looked at him. Emir, Alex’s father, was captain of the High Guard that served the Queen. He was an extremely important man who often found a seat at the Queen’s dinner table. We missed you.

Alex’s eyebrows rose. Did you? he smiled, ignoring the fact that Aisha had so purposefully said we. I sent greetings with my father, though he likely forgot. He paused. I missed you, too.

He winced, noticing a days-old burn on her arm, a small remnant from her practice with Sira. Let me see that.

Aisha paused, watching Alex carefully. His gold-rimmed irises were bright with promise, and he stretched out his hand, warm and comforting as always. Alex took Aisha’s arm in his hand, resting her elbow and forearm in the other. He covered the burn on her arm and a white glow emitted from his hand. Aisha’s arm went numb and began to tingle all over. Seconds later when Alex moved his hand, the mark was gone. Aisha’s skin looked brand new. She almost missed the scar—it’d made her feel tough. Even so, Aisha smiled at Alex. I didn’t know you’d gotten so good at healing, she stammered.

Alex shrugged lightly. I’ve been practicing, he said. That and the sword. My father’s pushing me to become more like Ileana every day. If I had Sight, too, I’d be perfect.

It’s a good thing she’s helping you train for graduation, Aisha said. You’ll have the upper hand, yeah?

I guess, he shrugged. "I hope I don’t get paired against you," Alex said.

Aisha caught the gold rim of his eyes glinting in the sun.

You’re powerful, you know? A force to be reckoned with.

As Aisha smiled, warmth bloomed on her cheeks. You’re far too kind, as always.

And you’re modest, as always, Alex replied. The Queen’s daughter—a humble servant to the realm, he joked. A woman I’d live to serve, surely.

Hearing his last words, Aisha suddenly became serious. Remembering Alexander’s graduation path, she furrowed her brow. The butterflies in her stomach calmed, waiting nervously as she asked the question that had never seemed to leave her mind after they had spoken of it the very first time.

Honestly, Alexander—after graduation, do you still plan to join the High Guard?

Alex smiled, glancing down at his laced fingers. Of course, Aisha. To serve the Crown would be a duty most honorable.

Something stirred in her when she heard his words. Aisha was not sure whether to be flattered or even awed that Alexander would take an oath to give his life to protect the Crown—her family. His father was the captain of the High Guard. It made sense that his son would follow in his footsteps, but that did not change the way that Aisha felt. She had known Alex since they were first years together. Even during those years, he had protected her. Now, Aisha felt excited, knowing that he wanted to protect her.

Actually, there’s something I’ve wanted to ask you, Alex began, watching her carefully. That’s truly why I came here…I figured that you would come with Sira, and it would be easier to find you here than to come all the way to the palace.

What is it? she asked, almost scared to find out. Alex was not much of a secret keeper, so it couldn’t be something she hadn’t known of.

The ball, Alex said. Aisha’s eyes grew wide as he continued. The graduation ball, after the final matches. Would you—will you go with me? he asked. I want to…well, I’d be honored to take you, Aisha.

Aisha’s heart scrabbled like a rabbit in her ribcage. She clasped her hands together and realized her fingers had gone numb. She laughed, but then realized she did not know why she was laughing and stopped. She was stunned. He’d always joked about his feelings for her, but he was very serious then. He was so serious that he seemed to pale at the sound of her laughter.

I—I—yes. She stammered. I’d love to go with you. She paused. You know, if we graduate. She tried to joke to shake off the seriousness.

Alex laughed, shaking his head. Oh, we’re definitely graduating.

Aisha shrugged and smiled as she rocked back and forth on her heels. Well, I suppose that means I’ll be your date, then. Aisha watched Alex bite his bottom lip as he tried to hide a smile.

He nodded once. I suppose it does. Glancing in his sister’s direction, he turned back to Aisha. I’ll be off, then. See you soon.

Okay, was all she could manage while holding her heart in her mouth. She had expected that just as much as someone would expect snow during summer. She had not even spent a moment thinking about the ball even though it approached just as soon as their trials did. But to attend the ball with Alex? As his date?

If he was asking her today, that meant that he had already asked her mother. That was custom. She was the Princess; she was royalty—he must act accordingly. But now, Aisha knew that her mother had known he would do this and had not told her. This fact both embarrassed and confused her. Why wouldn’t her mother tell her? Especially if she’d given him her blessing.

Aisha? Sira was standing in front of her, neck craning as she watched her. "I said, are you ready to spar now that your boyfriend is gone?"

Face heating up, Aisha narrowed her eyes. He’s not my boyfriend, she said, only because he wasn’t. Let’s go.

Aisha decided she would get to the bottom of this as soon as she returned to the palace. Until then, she tried to focus and not let Sira’s teasing get under her skin.

That evening, Sira dined with Aisha and her mother in the palace. Because Sira was considered family and not a guest that they were entertaining, they dined in the sitting room. Aisha preferred dining this way because she could serve and pour for herself. She ended up eating far more this way, much to Isoke’s displeasure.

Aisha heard, repeatedly, how unladylike it was to ever stuff oneself at the dinner table. But she figured if she was hungry, she was hungry—and the food was there. Why pretend not to want to eat? Especially when they employed the best cooks on the continent.

Sira, who was always overly interested in politics and the affairs of other kingdoms in the realm, chatted eagerly with Isoke, asking her about the engagement of the Prince of Ocia and the Princess of Vitan, the soon-to-be rulers of the other lasting kingdoms.

You don’t suppose it’s a power move? Sira asked. We learned about the fallen kingdoms of the past, how a usurper could use marriage as a means to obtain power.

Isoke smiled neatly and shook her head. It is an interesting occurrence, she began. Aisha could tell that she was choosing her words carefully. Nevertheless, since the Great War, the countries have been at peace. I doubt this union will disturb that.

Will you attend the wedding? Sira asked.

Yes, Aisha and I will both attend, Isoke answered. The wedding is scheduled to take place a week after the conclusion of your trials.

Aisha must have been wearing her ‘do-I-have-to-go’ face, because Isoke frowned and said,

This is an opportunity for several reasons. You must make connections with other nations. One day, they will know you as Queen.

Yes, Mama, Aisha answered dutifully, not even bothering to put up a fight.

Maybe you’ll meet a prince. Sira teased.

Aisha rolled her eyes. I don’t need— Aisha started to say that she didn’t need a prince and that she wouldn’t need a King either. But she stopped when she remembered that her mother had once had a prince, a King. Her mind wandered to Alexander, who was neither.

She shook her head and finished her supper.

Not long after supper concluded, Sira announced that she would take her leave, knowing that her mother would not approve of her being out too much past dusk. Aisha hugged her, and Sira bowed to the Queen before departing.

As Sira left, servants swept in to begin clearing the table.

Come, Isoke said to Aisha. I thought we might say our prayers together tonight. Ask the spirits for good luck in your trials, hm?

I don’t need luck, Aisha said with a sly, playful grin as she set the plates down.

Isoke’s brow rose immediately, and Aisha raised both hands in the air. I’m teasing, Mama—of course.

Come, child. Isoke beckoned, throwing her thick braid of black hair behind her back.

They walked through the quiet halls of the palace. The gold on the patterned walls was illuminated by the orbs of light that hung in the air, an enchantment that had always mystified Aisha as a child before her own magic had awakened.

Isoke walked with her chin held high, eyes forward, tipping the crown of her head in the direction of every servant or guard that they passed. Aisha mirrored her stature while trying to glide with her mother’s regal grace. It was easier to walk in her mother’s shadow, easier to bow and curtsy, shake hands—easier to be a princess when her mother was being the Queen.

As they walked through the halls, Isoke spoke again. How was your day, little bird? she asked.

Aisha started to tell her about how well she had sparred with Sira, but all that left her mind when she remembered what Alexander had asked her. Aisha inhaled sharply and slowly released the breath in her chest as she spoke. Alexander— she managed to get his name out even-toned —err…. Alexander asked me to the ball today.

She noticed the mischievous smile on her mother’s lips. She had known.

Yes, Isoke answered, almost happily. He came to me. It seems that the son of Emir has decided that he is worthy of courting the Princess of Afania.

Aisha almost asked her mother what she thought, but she didn’t have to.

"Emir is a brave Warrior. Loyal and strong. I knew his wife before she passed—a High Priestess. She was