Chapter 3

It’s been days since the tragic incident, and Ophelia’s family has never been the same. Their once-happy family was breaking down before their eyes.

It came as a big shock to them. Ophelia never expected any of this, nor did her mother. As usual, they were expecting their father home, little did they know that fate had another plan in store for them.

Ophelia has never imagined a life without her father, just as Toma. She never imagined a life without her husband. But what were they thinking? It’s a fifty-fifty job Eugene had, and safety wasn’t guaranteed at all. Why didn’t it even run through their mind even once, that they could lose him this way?

They buried him alongside other soldiers the same day, and Toma was too devastated to be in that scene. Seeing her father being lowered into the ground broke Ophelia way more than she imagined, knowing she would not see him or hear his voice again drove her wild. 

Nobody would tell her stories and take her everywhere anymore. She would not be able to boast to anyone about how they cannot lay a finger on her because her father is a soldier. 

All those are in the past now, her favorite person is gone. Gone and buried!

They were still mourning freshly, in fact, almost everyone in the kingdom was. More than half of the soldiers died in the battle, the foolish never-ending battle with a whole empire way bigger and stronger than them.

Toma could not stop herself from crying no matter how she tried, she tried to be strong for her children, but she just couldn’t bring herself to.

How would she accept the fact that the husband she’s been anticipating was brought home lifeless, and was buried the same day? How?

The twins had been innocently asking after their father, because they joined in the preparation of welcoming their father just days before, and up till now he’s not back yet. But Toma had no choice but to keep lying to them. Those children were the only ones who had peace in that house, because they were totally clueless about what happened.

That afternoon, Ophelia was busy in the kitchen trying to arrange something for her mom and siblings to eat. While Toma sat in the living room silently sobbing as she watched her children play. Suddenly, there came a loud knock on the door, jolting Toma out of her thoughts. The bang was really loud and she couldn’t help but wonder who the hell was responsible for that.

“Who is there?” She inquired, a little hint of aggressiveness could be spotted in her voice.

“Toma it’s Esau, come out please I need to speak to you” he responded. 

“Esau?” Toma thought to herself. She just hopes it’s not what she’s thinking that brought him here.

“I’m coming” she responded lowly, trying to get on her feet.

She lifted herself from the wooden chair, stretched a bit, arranged her clothes, and began walking towards the door.  She got to the door, slowly opened it, and saw Esau standing right in front of her.

“Greetings Esau” came her faint voice.

“Greetings to you too, Toma. I believe you already know what I came for, so please can I have it?” Esau went straight to the point, his tone really strict.

This act shocked Toma, she could not believe her ears. Does this mean that this man has no sympathy at all? She just lost her husband for crying out loud.

“Esau I don’t understand you” she finally found her voice.

“What don’t you understand, Toma? Go in and get me my money so I can leave.”

“What are you talking about?” She huffed.

“What am I talking about? Don’t you know your husband owed me some money, months before he died? I have been calm for too long, now all I need is my money please” Esau stated bluntly.

“But like you just mentioned, my husband is no more. Where do you expect me to get the money to pay you?” Toma questioned.

“I don’t care! So you expect me to leave my money because your husband passed away? Was I the one who sent him to war?” Esau blurted out very rudely, and Toma’s eyes widened in shock.

“Esau! This man was your close friend when he was still alive, where is all this hatred and bitterness coming from?” Toma was unbelievably shocked.

“Look woman, I didn’t come here for questions and answers sections. I came here for my money so please can I have it? Or you expect me to leave it to you?”

“I did not say that, I’m not even insinuating it” Toma managed to speak amidst shock.

“So what are you implying? I want to know”

“All I’m asking is that you give me more time to raise the money. I just lost my husband and I have children to cater for.”

“That time is what I don’t have Toma, I also have a family to look after, don't you understand?” Esau was a bit calmer now.

“I understand, but please you have to understand me more. I just lost my husband in a battle, and the king did not even compensate any of the victim’s family. I have to do this all by myself.” Toma pleaded.

“More reason why you would have to pay up. Going to war for a land that doesn’t even give two fucks about you should be the dumbest thing ever.” He scoffed.

And just as Toma was about to say something, Ophelia opened the door and came out to them.

“Greetings uncle. I have been hearing your voice from inside, is there a problem?” Ophelia asked immediately as she got out of the door. 

“No baby, you should go inside now and…..

“Yes, there is a problem, Ophelia. Your father owes me money, and I’m here to collect it.” Esau quickly answered, interrupting Toma who was trying to lie to her daughter, and this upset Toma so much.

“How much is it uncle?” Ophelia asked calmly.

“50 coins Ophelia. Do you have them to give me?”

“Esau stop this nonsense already! Why tell a child about this? What do you expect her to do for you? You’re being all petty and stupid right now.” Toma fired angrily, unable to take his rubbish anymore.

“What!” 

“Yes, you heard me right! When I can raise the money I’ll pay up, and until then, do not come close to my children or me. Get out!” Toma ordered.

“Really Toma? She is not even a child.” He huffed. “Well, I wanted to help and have pity before, but not again. I’ll come back in a week, and if my money is not complete, I’ll take my collateral which is this house.” Esau threatened firmly.

“Uncle please….

“Ophelia shut it now!” Toma yelled at her daughter who was trying to plead on their behalf.

“I don’t need your pity, Esau!” Toma spat. 

“Or I might just take pretty Ophelia instead.” He grinned cunningly, and Ophelia gasped in shock.

“I always knew you had eyes for my daughter, but you must be a fool thinking you can get my daughter with your God-forsaken 50 coins. Get out! Now!” Toma was fierce now. 

Hearing this, Esau let out a mischievous smile, then turned around and began to slowly walk away.

Immediately, Toma went in with her daughter and slammed the door hard. 

*   

Castor spends almost all day in his chambers since that incident, refusing to speak to anyone or even entertain any questions. He only goes out to his father’s chambers to see how he is doing, and then back to his own again.

The emperor wasn’t making much progress, and he was worried. He couldn’t help but wonder why his father would keep such dangerous symptoms to himself all this time.   

Today, he was in his chambers all alone as usual and hadn't even stepped out all day.

His chamber was a masterpiece to behold. The chamber was vast and dimly lit, with soft golden light flickering from oil lamps set into the walls. The air was scented with burning frankincense and myrrh, curling in slow, sweet smoke that clung to the high, painted ceiling. At the center stood a canopied bed, its frame carved from dark, polished wood inlaid with gold and ivory. Rich velvet curtains draped down from the canopy, tied loosely with silk cords, offering both privacy and elegance. The bed itself was high, layered with plush mattresses stuffed with feathers and wool, and covered in embroidered silk sheets and fur-lined blankets. 

Cushions of deep red and royal blue, stitched with fine gold thread, were arranged at the head of the bed, each one soft enough to sink into. Beneath the bed, woven rugs from distant lands softened the marble floor, their patterns intricate and symbolic. Nearby, a low table held a silver goblet of spiced wine, a bowl of ripe figs and dates, and a polished bronze mirror. A desk also stood in front of a fancy mirror, with a lot of scrolls, ink, and a brush on the desk. A gigantic royal chair was sitting right in front of the desk, seeming so perfect. Palace guards mounted silently by the doorway, ready should the royal stir at any time.

Crown Prince Castor sat on the gigantic chair in front of his desk, busy with scrolls, and left the light course meal on the stool, unattended.

Just then, a small knock came on the door. Next the door opened gently and the crown princess walked in, accompanied by a maid with a tray in her hands.

Crown Princess Rowena had instructed the rest of her maids to stay outside while she went in, the Crown Prince doesn’t like people in his space.

“Greetings, your highness.” The princess greeted sweetly, bowing in respect. But the crown prince ignored her greeting and continued with what he was doing.

“Greetings, your highness.” The maid greeted bowing in respect.

“What makes you think coming with the maid would make me eat?” Castor suddenly questioned in a cold and calm manner, still not taking his eyes off the scroll. 

The princess looked around and cleared her throat before speaking. She knew she had to dismiss the maid now so she could be alone with him.

“Uhmm, you can go now. Just drop the tray over there.” Princess Rowena instructed the maid.

“Yes, your highness.” She bowed, walking to the table.

“There’ll be no need, you can take that with you,” Castor uttered carelessly.

“My prince, I don’t get you.” Rowena tried to be calm.

“Huh!” Castor huffed, now dropping the scroll and turning to face her.

“I’m sorry if I sounded rude, my prince. But with all due respect, you have to eat.” Rowena said, more politely this time around. 

“You know what? Just leave with her.” He suddenly blurted out.

“My prince!” Rowena called out.

“You heard me. I never authorized you to come into my chambers in the first place, so leave. I wanna continue with what I was doing,” he repeated.

The princess, not knowing what to do, turned right and the maid was standing by her side. Seeing the maid, she got really pissed.

“Why are you still here? Get out now!” Rowena turned to the maid and yelled at her in anger, transferring her aggression.

“Yes, my princess.” The maid bowed and quickly walked away with the food.

“And you? What are you still doing standing there? I asked you to leave with her” Castor scoffed immediately when the maid shut the door, getting on his feet. 

“My prince. With all due respect, why are you doing this?” The princess suddenly asked, causing the crown prince to give her a funny stare.

“It’s been days since you came from the war, and you’ve not been eating good food. I get you are worried about the emperor, but starving yourself would not make him any better, it would only hurt him if he learns about it. So many maids have been punished severely all because you refuse to touch the meal sent to you, and it’s really not right my prince. Please my prince, you have to eat no matter how little.” Princess Rowena pleaded with Castor, going on her knees, hoping he would harken to her voice.

“Rowena” Castor called out calmly, after a few minutes of silence.

“Yes my prince” she replied, her eyes lighting up in hope.

“Get up and leave, I want to change into something else and go see my father,” Castor ordered in a very calm but firm tone, and then walked into his inner chamber leaving her there.

Princess Rowena could not believe her eyes and ears, this isn’t what she expected to hear at all. But what was she expecting from her cold husband, she has always known him to be like this right from when they were little. Castor never listens to anyone, he does what he already has in mind to do.

Princess Rowena stood up sluggishly and then wiped a drop of tears that fell from her eyes unknowingly. 

She managed to put on a bright face as usual so no one would notice what just happened, and then she turned back and began walking away in elegance.