Chapter 4: The punishment

Jasmine POV:

“Ohh… my” I said as soon as my eyes fell golden white themed embellishment of ball room, entire ball room was twinkling bright because of pearl white candle that were lighted at all around in golden and silver holder, a big crystal chandelier with golden border was hanged on in middle of room which was sparkling like shining stars in night sky,

A bright red colored velvet carpet was covering floor while a gentle fragrance of freshly picked white lilies that were used in decoration was lingered in air, pure red colored silk curtains with golden boarders  were neatly tied up in corner of all window, whose glass were clean and clear as water, I was able to see warm sky which was filled with bright orange, purple and red color, which was denoting sunset, everything thing that was visible to my eyes was breath taking, even the guest who were dressed in the expensive looking outfit, all women were dressed in royal hand stitched delicate looking gowns along with extravagant Jeweler  while men’s were dressed into bright colored tunic, silk trouser and leather boots along with log floor touching cape, apart front expensive outfit Kings, Queens, prince and princess of guest kingdoms were having their royal crown, while other noble man and scholars were having their long non sturdy hat on, all royal sorceress and masters were having their exquisite turbans on their head which was going well with their long gown man dress, they all were heavily jeweled and had different bird feathers on their turban which were used to denote their position among all.

Royal guards were dressed in full body iron armor along with iron helmet with a ostrich feather on top, they were having their sharp sword in right hand while iron shield in left hand with Taslis roaring symbol on it.

Since I was busy in kitchen all this morning I missed on how beautiful this part of castle was decorated, I have served in many ball room parties that were held by our kingdom TALLIS in past two years however today it felt extremely different, today coronation was having a calm aura, even the delicate renovation of ceiling and stairs which was done in this room looked wonderful, I was busy studying every corner and guest when suddenly I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder, I frown and turned to see who was my intruder when “Eva?” I said in confused voice looking at redheaded girl who was wearing server dress and was smiling at me, she was holding a sliver plate filled with ‘Miniature lemon Cream filled starter’.

“Oh my goodness… what are you doing here Eva?” I questioned her with full smile and hugged her “I came here as a replacement for my father, I heard king had specifically ordered for women’s to serve food to our today’s guest, Jasmine I am thrilled to atlas serve at castle” she said with big smile “OHh… am so excited to meet younger prince Elijah” she squealed  “HAHAHHAH….. I knew you came here just to see younger prince” I said giggling.

Eva was my only friend, she was living with her parents and younger brother in town of our kingdom, she always had liked younger prince Elijah just like, honestly speaking younger prince Elijah was dream of every single women and even women’s from other kingdom were fond of her handsome face.

Eva was a farmer girl by a profession, her father is the one who delivers grains to our castle, he even used to work as server at many ball room parties to earn additional income and since he knew my aunt they used to include him in their additional serving staff.

Eva had also requested my aunt to allow her work as server in royal parties however she never allow her, Eva was having a striking personality, she could easily attract any man with her charm and her words because my aunt never allowed her to even enter into any parties, my aunt never said but I believe she secretly strive for my elder cousin Aurelia to attract younger prince attention, from all servant of castle I came to know that Aurelia was the only server that used to serve younger prince all his meals, she was like his personal maid, my aunt and uncle never allowed any other servant to serve younger prince Elijah.

Saying that Eva always dreamed of becoming princess for which she always looked for opportunities to meet younger prince Elijah, Eva used to find opportunities to meet younger prince however he rarely used to be in castle because of his interest in literature but today we both knew he will be cherry to all women’s eye and all can have satisfied view of his handsome face

“Of course, I am here for younger prince, now quickly tell me jasmine, where is he? I haven’t seen him yet?” Eva questioned me “Ahhem…. He shall be here soon, Elder prince Sargon crowning ceremony will start in couple of hour, I believe prince Elijah will be here before that” I told her in content voice

“Ohh.. my, I feel my heart is pounding like drum inside my chest, it will burst out because of happiness, I hope Prince Elijah choose one of us as his princess, good luck friend” Eva said by pressing her right hand on her chest “Haha, Thank you but I don’t want to be princess” I replied in calm yet heavy voice, I always liked prince Elijah, I even dreamed of marrying him while sleeping but never in reality, I knew my place very well, I was merely a servant in castle who is always bullied by her relatives, with my current state I do not dare to flatter me with false hope, the only thing I have to do with royal and this castle is to leave them behind and return back to my grandmother old medicine shop in town, I want to live freely and peacefully

“Why are you saying that jasmine, you should know that you are one beautiful…… women in Tallis, any noble man or even handsome prince like Elijah will be pleased to be with you and spend rest of their life, you shouldn’t underestimate your charm women” Eva said with wink and nudge my shoulder “Hahahah…  Eva… you and your words, Okay, now go serve to guest before guards see us like this, even I have to go a start serving wine” I told her with bright smile and gave her a side hug before moving towards food table.

Third person POV:

Very soon all the guest of royal family arrived, people with higher authority and standards, even the kings, queens, prince and princess of other kingdom showed their presence except the great warrior king Valdamir of kingdom Ravarya, old kingdom where I used to live in my young age.

King Sargon crowning ceremony got started and under the witness of all kings, queens and royal sorceress and high priest old king Aldrich officially passed on his crown to elder prince Sargon, younger prince Elijah, old king Aldrich, our old queen Helena and every single guest clapped and showed their joyful gratitude, happiness and acceptance towards this crowing, everything was going smoothly, wine and food was being served, people were dancing on floor with the harmony tune that was played by orchestra, many princess and single women’s were busy playing trick to get attention of New king Sargon and prince Elijah, middle aged people were busy sharing their political and trade thoughts, there was lots and lots of laughing and giggling, it was joy and blissful environment in entire ball room, very soon old king Aldrich and queen Helena started dancing on a renowned ‘De a morete Vala baltez momento Talliaontonotar’ a special slow tune of played on Ten different harps under the supervision of Lord. Valdnezige, this tune was unique harmony tune of Tallis kingdom which was first played couple of centuries back when entire Tallis Kingdom was fully conquered by our late great kings and simply keeps on improving every time it is played, just as a fine aged wine, this tune is only played on a joyful occasion of Tallis Kingdom and only by of finest and trained artists.

 Everyone started praising on how graceful old king Aldrich and queens Helena dance was, their eyes got focused on ballroom floor which was getting honored by polished step of king and queen in meantime Jasmine was busy serving red wine to guest, at same time her cousin sister Aurelia was planning on something nasty for her, Aurelia was willing to take revenge on Jasmine for fooling her earlier with untrue information about their underground storeroom because of which she quietly snooped behind Jasmine with her own serving tray and without getting noticed she sheepishly extended her left foot in Jasmine track, Jasmine who was busy serving guest lost her balance because of Aurelia evil conduct and ended up falling flat on ground.

 ‘SPLASH…. SPLASH…. SPLASH…. SPLASH…. SPLASH…. BANGGGGGGGG……’

As Jasmine fell down on floor her entire tray of expensive decades aged wine glasses were spilled on person right in front of her creating a loud and unexpected disturbing sound, Lord. Valdnezige and other artist immediately stopped playing Harp; the mesmerizing harmony tune of Kingdom Tallis was abruptly stopped.

in split second all eyes present inside ball room subconsciously got turned in direction of Jasmine and the person she collided with “OHHhh…. Lord” Jasmine said as her eyes went wide in realization of her mistake and turned her head up only to meet to ‘Dark Black’ colored orbs covered with wrinkles staring that were staring at her with rage filled  in them

“K.. Ki.. King Otis … ” Jasmine whispered with fearful eyes as her mouth went dry.

Her eyes were locked on a oversized middle aged person whose dangerous dark orbs were holding pure rage, his beautiful and expensive pure white and rubies silk man gown was stained with blood colored RED wine

“YOU DISGUSTING WHORE, WHAT DID YOU DO?” king Otis of kingdom Uisdean screamed shattering wine glass from his hand on floor “YOU DARED TO RUINED MY SUCH AN EXPENSIVE GOWN, YOU HUMILATED ME INFORNT OF WHOLE TOWN, YOU STUPID SLAVE” he added in same tone.

Jasmine felt a chill ran down her spin as she quickly kneeled down and bowed her head “I apologize for my blunder, king Otis of kingdom Uisdean please… please forgive me” she said in one breath, in meantime old King Aldrich and old Queen Helena and prince Elijah walked ahead, other guest sub consciously moved back and allowed Royal family to walk ahead

“YOU ARE APOLOGIZING, YOU FILTHY LOW CLASS WOMEN, YOUR APOLOGIZE IS NOT GOING TO TURN MY EXPENSIVE GOWN BACK, YOU APOLOGY WON’T TURN MY BACK MY HUMILIATION IN FRONT OF ALL CROWD” King Otis shouted again on top of his lungs.

“Slave… what did you do, how can you be so careless and spill wine on our guest” Queen Helena butted in with big frown on her beautiful face and scolded jasmine who was busy pressing her own nails in her palms, Jasmine was terrified with how situation had turned

“We apologize for her mistake King Otis, she will pay for her mistake but first I request you to change in something clean, let me take you to my wardrobe for new exclusive man gown” old King Aldrich said faking smile and shooting a hateful glare at Jasmine.

“No first let these women be punished, she tarnishes my reputation in front of whole kingdom” King Otis said in venomous filled voice, he was like a raging bull in entire crowd, in meantime Aurelia was scared, she did not expected situation to turn out this way, she was willing to teach Jasmine a lesson but messing up with King Otis of Uisdean was too much, because he was well known for his cruelty in him own kingdom.

All other Kings, Queens and even Queen and son of Otis hesitated to step in this situation as they all were aware of his hot temperament, among all kingdom rulers King Otis was most proud and self centered, his kingdom was glorified with richness of gold and jewels and abundance of beauty however King Otis persona was totally opposite, he was most dangerous of all king since he never accepted even a small mistake in his sight, there were plenty of stories from his kingdom where he punished lifetime prison, amputation punishment, torture punishment for people who did mistake,

Many people from neighboring kingdom including Jasmine to was aware of this stories hence streams after streams of tears started flowing down her corner of her eyes however she dared not to look up in

“I want this women to be executed right now for her oversight” King Otis said and there was a audible gasped in crowd, all other server including Aurelia and Eva got rooted to their place seeing Jasmine in such a situation.

Eva want to run towards her however even they were scared for wrath of King Otis, his dark eyes which were now replica of raging bull, his perfectly wrinkled face, his wide and oversized body and thick long braided black and white colored beard, his crown with white pearl, his wine stained gown, his designed robe and shoes all were screaming power and danger.

“This low class whore, how can a slut like her debase me ….. Kill this Women rit….” King Otis was saying something again when

“ENOUGH!” a loud growled was heard in crowd,

Every single person turned their head including King Otis towards owner of this commanding voice and it was of none other than ‘New King Sargon’ who was now walking in their direction

 “King Sargon….” King Otis said with unhappy voice

“King Otis, I remorse for what happened to you here however YOU have no right to decide and punish people of my Kingdom” King Sargon said fixing his cold gaze straight at king Otis.

“King Sargon…. she.. she ruined my image in front of yo…” King Otis was saying something when

“KING OTIS…. I do not wish to see bloodshed on this special occasion, it will bring nothing but bad luck to Tallis” King Sargon said and turned his head to royal sorcerer Gandalf looked confused however he quickly added when king Sargon turned his head “Ye.. Yes King Otis, since we are gathered here for such cheerful occasion, bloodshed will sour its motive also as per tradition it will bring bad luck to crown king” sorcerer Gandalf said

Hearing Gandalf words there were slight changes in expression of king Otis however he was not yet satisfied with King Sargon decision, his displeased was caught by King Sargon because of which “YOU…. Slave women” king Sargon said turning his full attention towards Jasmine who was still kneeled down on ground

“You have created an unacceptable blunder, though your act was not on purpose yet you harmed dignity of King Otis of kingdom Uisdean for which you shall be punished” King Sargon said in his authority voice, hearing his words there were sudden whispering among crowd, Jasmine slouched more in her place also more and more streams of tears started rolling down her eyes.

By this time Livia, Bernard and even Maximas were present inside hall, they all were watching Jasmine helplessly kneeled down in front of Knew king Sargon and all other royalties, there was a moment of silence before King Sargon spoke again

“From tomorrow sunrise you shall be working as cooking and serving staff in TALLIS army, you will be responsible for cooking of all three time meal for my solider” King Sargon said hearing which a proud and victory smile erupted on king Otis lips, army of kingdom TALLIS was consisting of around 10,000 soldiers and cooking 3 time meal for those hungry, well trained men was nothing less than pure misery.

Hearing King Sargon punishment Jasmine aunt Livia Grigoras pressed her both hand on her chest and a frown appeared on her face, Jasmine uncle Bernard Grigoras quickly cursed Jasmine under his breath and started throwing hateful gaze on her “This Bitch, now who is going to do all her work here?” Bernard said with a venom filled words while Maximus was looking at them coldly.

“She is going to face real misery while cooking 3 time meal for those hunger solders” Livia said with frown and smirk,

She was well aware of the fact that army of TALLIS was one of the largest among all kingdoms; there was special arrangement of different cook to prepare three different meals for Army.

“Now that it’s settled King Otis, I suggest you to change your stained clothes; my father will take you to his royal wardrobe” King Sargon said with calmed face and gestured him to his father

“As you say King Sargon” King Otis said politely and left with King Aldrich, who quickly guided him upstairs

“Guest of Kingdom TALLIS, I request you to continue with your enjoyment and let celebration be continued again” King Sargon said smiling and looking at royal music band.

Hearing King Sargon words royal band quickly again started playing Harp as all guest raised their wine glass in air, a gesture representing acceptance of king order in meantime King Sargon slowly walked and stood up in front of kneeling Jasmine and tapped his right foot

“Get lost from my sight before I change your punishment to death” he said in low displeased voice however it was clearly audible to Jasmine

“My apologies, King Sargon” she said getting up from her place, she bowed one more time before turning and running towards exit, as soon as Jasmine left King Sargon gaze got fixed on drops of blood that was trailed behind her track,

Jasmine had accidently kneeled on broken glass pieces of wine glasses which had brutally pierced smooth skin of her both knees and palms which was now bleeding RED.

Jasmine POV:

I ran all the way towards my chamber, in between my track I saw hateful eyes of my uncle and aunt who approached me however I ignored that runaway.

Once inside my room I changed my uniform and cleaned my knee and palm wounds, I was so ignorant that I accidently kneeled on broken wine glass piece which pierced my smooth skin when I was busy begging for my life in front of King Otis my knees felt like as if thousand needles were pierced in them at same time however I dared not to stand up also while getting up few glass made their way in my palms and now I have multiple bruises and cuts all over my palms and knees.

I applied some basil and turmeric paste around my cleaned wounds and tightly secured it with a cotton strip, one benefit of having knowledge on medicine is that you can take care of your own wounds.

 “Ohhh… lord that hurts” I winced as soon as my wound came in contact with turmeric, my face literally showed thousand on expression at that instant however I somehow completed treating my bleeding and bruises.

“How on earth am I going to manage cooking in Army.. with this…” I questioned squeezing my dragon wing pendant in my right palm and staring at night sky with twinkling stars.

My dragon wing pendant always comfort me in my hard time, when I was child my grandmother told me that this pendant was gifted to me by my dead mother and it will protect me in my dark days, ever since then I rely on my ‘Dragon wing’ for good luck.

Start of flashback

“Grandma.., why do I have to wear this pendant?” Jasmine questioned her grandmother while playing with her bathing water

“Because this is last gift from your mother to you little jasmine and it will keep you from any trouble” Grandmother said while bathing 4 year old jasmine “Grandma but whose wings are they?” Jasmine questioned her grandmother

“Ahemm.. those are Dragon wing child” grandmother replied plainly

“Dragon..? what is dragon grandma?” Jasmine questioned her grandmother with twinkling eyes

“It.. it is a big… big marvelous creation of universe… he is huge.. very huge…  as huge as our castle, standing proudly on his four legs ho look nothing less than a king, his sharp claws as a equally to a solider sword which can slash anything that comes in its way, spiky his red eyes look like fine rubies form high mountains which look as if it is holding fire in them…. his massive body is covered in midnight scales which reflect moonlight in them, his spiky back and long tail sets beautifully in their place and complement his appearance, but most enchanting feature of a dragon is his ‘WINGS’,….. His humongous midnight wings… when he spread them wide.. he look marvelously hypnotizing when he fly’s high in sky, piercing clouds and tearing wind he fly’s like he rule entire sky, he look like an emperor of sky descend on our earth just to show us his might until…..” grandmother said smiling and extending her both hand wide, seeing her grandmother Jasmine smiled innocently

“Grandma.. have you see dragon?” Jasmine questioned showing her grandmother

“Ahem… yes, I have and its very beautiful, I see them all day” Grandmother said

“Them, are there many?...” Jasmine again questioned with amused eyes

“Jasmine.. child, there are many different dragon…” Grandmother plainly replied washing foam of jasmine face.

 “I want to see dragon…” Jasmine suddenly said showing her crooked teeth

“You… oh hoh.. hahah, You will little Jasmine, one day, you will…..” Grandmother replied with chuckle and washing all foam of Jasmine shiny brown hairs in meantime she also noticed sadden eyes of Grandmother.

After that day, Jasmine grandmother wrote few books on dragons, she also educated Jasmine on Dragon realm, Jasmine too studied detail about dragon heartily but  suddenly one day her grandmother stopped her studies and relocated them to another kingdom ‘Tallis’, after coming to Tallis she opened her medicine shop and started earning her living.

End of Flashback

“I wish those grandmother stories about Dragon were real, I could have fly away from here and escape my punishment” I muttered as a memory from my child flashed in front of my eyes , I laid my back on my hard cot and allowed sleep to consume me whole, it was not my time for bed but since our new king penalized me to work in our army I had to make sure to get enough sleep right now to woke up fresh and be ready to crack my bone by cooking 3 time for army soldier.