LOVE ME AGAIN PRIM

CHAPTER SIX

Prim and her entire family arrived at the palace in three carriages when the festivities were in full swing. The entire palace was lit with sweet smelling candles that were placed in beautiful glass covers illuminating the environment while stern looking guards stood at strategic positions with some walking around holding massive dogs.

Kultar and Padario stood at the palace entrance dressed in full military attire depicting their ranks watching as servants helped their family members from the carriages. The first to come down from was commander Biron who looked dashing in his traditional female attire. He helped Ulpe alight from the carriage who was followed by elder Bawi and her husband elder Jiki, parents to Kultars wife Ranbe. Carefully, they helped Ranbe who was seven months gone in her pregnancy down from the carriage under the loving gaze of her husband. Biron attended to the occupants of the second carriage which included Vasha with Yukon's identical twin daughters, Vasha and Ulpe named after their grand mothers and Yukon's wife Sharfa.

The last carriage door was opened and first to alight was Ladiff, also dressed in full military outfit. He refused for a servant to attend his carriage and helped down Fusha who looked beautiful in her simple attire, she stood beside the carriage door to attend to her mistress. Prim came down from the carriage and the entire courtyard grew silent with all eyes on her. Even her brothers were awestruck at the sight of her. Undeterred by the attention she was getting, she walked to her parents who were waiting at the palace entrance.

'My, how you have grown my little fairy.' says elder Jiki to Prim, who blushes besides her mother as the doors are opened and they are guided to the hall of tranquility where all the guests are being entertained.

'Indeed, you look quite beautiful lady Prem' says Ranbe, who walks beside her husband holding his huge hand. Prem replies, ' Thank you Ranbe, but please don't address my by my title anymore, you are now a member of our family and you promised you will be my sister.'

'What does that make me then?' says Sharfa looking mischievously.

'My best friend?' Prem replies

'I thought I was your best friend!' her mother asks joining the mischief

'Mother!' Prem responds and they all laugh together.

On their way to the hall, several servants collided into themselves, causing accidents by looking at the beautiful bevy of women walking admist the lions of Ravia.

Reaching the double door entrance of the hall, a royal male servant bows taking down the names of the entire family in attendance on a scroll and passes it through a tiny slit within the door. From inside the hall, they hear another servant announcing their arrival. The double doors open and Biron's name, with full titles is called. He looks at all of them smiling but changes his demeanour as he enters the room. Next Ulpe is called and then Vasha who is followed by Sharfa and her daughters, next comes Kultar, followed by his in-laws, who delicately guides his wife to the location of his parents and kisses her lips softly before leaving to continue with is work in the palace. While all this is going on Padario looks at Fusha tenderly and compliments her but she simply bows without responding, he is announced and he looks at her with a questioning look before sighing and walking away.

Ladiff snorts and looks at Fusha mischievously but she doesn't meet his gaze. When he is called, he looks at his sister and Fusha and says, 'remember what I told you?'

They both look at him and nod, he smiles before walking away through the door way.

'Don't leave me alone in there Fusha' Prem says looking at her friend.

'I won't my lady', Fusha responds.

Prem and Fusha are announced and they look at each other before looking forward and walking into the room together. All eyes look upon her with admiration.

The dress she wore was made to be provocative. It was created with the lightest blue silk with matched the colour of her eyes and a long slit stopping slightly at the knee so when she walked, it exposed her legs.The tiny gemstones which were concentrated at the base of the dress shimmered against the light in the room. The dress accentuated her hour class figure while her soft, loose, brown curls fell to the back of her head. She felt like a sheep amongst wolves but refused to allow herself be intimidated, chanting words of courage to herself; and keeping her eyes focused on Ladiff who smiled back at her.

She reaches her family's table and bows lightly to her parents as is customary in Ravia before sitting down. Feeling safe, she takes the moment to truly appreciate the beautiful decorations in the hall. Flowers adorned every table and garlsnds were strewn along the staircases, with banners bearing the coats of arms of both Ravia and Cudan hung in strategic positions. At the center of the room is a candle holder with several candles on it, held up by ropes. It is surrounded by beautiful transparent crystals. The crystals illuminate the candle light making it brighter. Prem couldn't help but admire the work of ingenuity.

Not long after the arrival of Prems family, the royal trumpets are blown announcing the arrival of the king and queen. Everyone bows as the to the Kings chambers are opened and the mornachs of both nations enter with their wives and children. They walk down the staircase and stand before the throne area which has been changed

into a beautiful dining area fit for royals. The kings sit, followed by their wives and children. Upon sitting the king instructs for all to rise and the festivities to begin. Food and drink is brought into the hall by servants dressed in fine clothes, while musicians play soft music in the back ground.

'Look aunt, its a fairy' Cidara whispers to Melrib who looks in the direction of Cidaras pointed finger and is also mesmerized by Prems beauty.

'I see that Ravia is blessed with many beautiful women', the Cudanian queen says to her Razan counterpart who smiles and responds, 'Cudanian women are equally as beautiful your highness.'

'But none is as beautiful as the divine spectacle seaed there, or what do you think my son?' she asks Razan who is fixated at the sight of Prem, not hearing the question asked of him.

Everyone turns to look at him but still he doesn't take notice until King Ceryes clears his throat. He turns to look at his father and sees all eyes on the table are on him with prince Arins eyes burning coals.

'I apologize your highness, I didn't get you comment.'

'Its quite obvious.' he's father replies teasing him and everyone at the table laughs.

'Is she your daughter?' King Ceyres asks Dyrai.

'She is the daughter of a friend, soon to be wedded to my son' the ravian queen responds.

'You and your jokes my dear. The children are all grown up now. Prince Arin is even a proud father of several children, no need to tease them any longer.' the king says to his wife jokingly, who looks at her husband unable to understand the meaning of his words.

'Prem is the daughter of my closest friend and the commander of my entire army.' the king replies looking at Ceyres

'Lord Biron? The raging lion of Ravia' Ceyres asks

'The same. When her and Arin were little she would chase Arin around and ask him to marry her, but he would respond that he loves her like a sister, didn't you Arin?' the king asks looking at his son who nods and answers, 'Yes, father.'

'Would your majesties be so kind as to let her join us? I am curious to meet her.' asks Melrib

'I am equally curious to meet her father, would it be possible for them both to join us?' asks King Ceyres.

'I wish to believe we are friends now King Ceryes and do not consider your request to be trouble. My servants will see it done' says King Dyrai who calls a servant to him and whispers in his ears. Moments later, a table is set in front of the royals with matching chairs and exotic pillows.

Biron walks with his daughter, while Padario walks with his mother to the table that has been set for them. Biron notices that both princes are eyeing his daughter and swears silently for the situation he is being forced to face. They bow before the royals and Dyrai asks them all to sit.

'Welcome lord Biron, you have been invited to dine with us at the request of King Ceryes.'

'The king is most gracious' replies Biron bowing to Ceryes who nods back at him.

'Actually I planned to call you here to decorate the brave soldiers I wish to honour tonight but seeing that you are not dressed in your military uniform, Padario will be doing the honours.'

'Thank you your majesty.' Padario responds

'Very well. If his majesty with the crown-prince will come with me now, let us begin.', says the king to Ceryes who responds affirmatively. King Dyrai claps his hands.

Three servants come into the room, one carrying two scrolls, with the other two carrying chests.

Both kings stand from their seats, followed by Padario and prince Razan.

'My people, tonight we celebrate the beginning of a new era of peace and prosperity between our two nations.' King Dyrai says and the entire halls rings with applause.

'In gratitude to the sons who have dedicated their lives to the protection of our boarders and our homes from our enemies, some of whom have paid the ultimate price for our people. I, King Dyrai hereby gift to all soldiers in service, ten gold coins with a parcel of land', the crowd applauds again.

'However there are a certain few whom have shown, courage, leadership , bravery and above all loyalty. These exceptional soldiers will tonight be honoured with promotion in their ranks.

A servant unfolds the scrolls, calling names and soldiers walk in, having the insignia of their old ranks removed and replaced with new ones by Padario and Prince Razan. After ten names have been called, Yukon son of Biron is called to appear.