7

The days that followed were very awkward for Amara. She blamed the Prince. She thought it was because of the strange encounter with the Prince but she couldn't help but feel that there was something much more than that. It was awkward, she would find the Prince's cold blue eyes whenever they were seated with the Royal family to eat. There was something about those eyes. She was sure she had seen it before. 

She tried to ignore it. That was the best thing to do. She hadn't come here to think if she had seen the Prince before (she thought it was a very absurd thought), she had come here to work. She had to focus on teaching the two young and intelligent girls, they were after all the future of the Dithrai Kingdom. 

It had been a few days since that incident. She was reading a book on astronomy when someone knocked on her door. She sat up straight, 'Come in.' 

A maid entered her room. She bowed, 'Ma'am, Her Highness, the Queen has requested your presence. Allow me to guide you to her.' 

Amara got to her feet instantly, placing the book on her bed. She bit back the urge to ask the maid what it was about. From experience, she knew that they wouldn't speak. Everyone feared the Queen's wrath. Amara was no exception. She silently prayed that the Queen hadn't learned about her interaction with the Prince. They didn't have to go far. Amara was surprised when the maid led her away from the Queen's chambers. The Queen usually called her to her chamber to chat over a cup of tea. 

Her panic kept her from inquiring where the maid was leading her. 

The maid stopped in front of a small wooden door. It was the kind of door that would be overlooked in a castle so grand. 'Her Highness waits for you inside,' she motioned at the door and left. Amara's hand was sweaty. She thought of wiping it on her long flowy top but stopped herself. She wouldn't want the moisture to stain her clothes. She pushed the door open, surprisingly, it was heavy. 

It led her to a huge chamber. It was bigger than the Queen's chamber. The room was circular and windowless. Wherever she looked, she could see racks and racks of books and figurines. There were marble statues, magnificent paintings, timeworn books, and treasures that were unseen by someone as simple as her. The smell of knowledge and art danced so gracefully in the air. This room had so sort of a magical effect on her. It was so beautiful. The ceiling was ornated with intricate golden design all pivoting at a point from where a wonderful chandelier hung. The entire chamber was lit up like the treasury. A gasp left her as she took in the magnificent sight. 

'I see that you have taken a liking toward this chamber, Amara.' 

The Queen's controlled voice brought her back to her initial anxious self. Amara swiftly turned in the direction of the voice. The Queen looked as elaborate as every. Her dark hair was made into a bun and a heavy crown rested on her head. Her face was devoid of wrinkles. She seemed ageless and stern. Her eyes were hollow and that scared Amara. Even when she had a decent smile on her face, Amara couldn't help but think she was plotting something. 

'Your Highness,' Amara bowed, nervously, 'You summoned me?'

'Yes, Amara,' the Queen walked toward her with calculated steps. Suddenly, Amara felt like prey. She studied the older woman's face; it was impassive as always. The Queen gestured toward the room, 'What do you think about it?' 

'It's beautiful.' 

'Yes, yes, it is,' The Queen seemed distracted. She stared at a shelf. She marched past Amara and carefully pulled out a book from the shelf. She brushed her hand on the brown leather lovingly. Amara noticed an expression what surprised her. She saw sorrow mixed with a hint of anger. It spoke in volumes of a painful loss. 'I want you to do something for me, Amara.' 

'What can I do for you, Your Highness?' 

'Read this for me.' The Queen extended the book toward Amara. She noticed that the older woman never let the book out of her sight; as if it were painful to see it in someone else's hand. Amara took it anyway. 

It was a leather-bound book; plain and fairly old. The pages were standard handmade ones and had a slight hue of yellow. She didn't want to open the book in front of the Queen knowing that she was still eyeing the book like it was physically hurting her. The Queen finally turned away, 'You may go now.' 

As much as Amara wanted to explore this wonderful chamber, she knew it was off-limits. This seemed like a place only Royals could go and she just got lucky. She also wanted to comfort the Queen but that was beyond her. 

She bowed respectfully and left the way she came, confused more than ever.