The sun shines brightly high in the blue cloudless sky. Birds fly, a leisurely pace in their formations above children racing in the fields. Women talk and laugh as they drink tea by the river. Far on the left side of the grand palace is a group of young men hunting in the woods, their horses slowly making its way through the trees after their prey. The capital of the Aidkjeen kingdom is experiencing another warm summer day. In the middle of the grand palace, birds bathe and play in the water fountain.
As the rays shimmer in the fountain, the sound of birds flap their wings and soar across the gardens of the palace, calling for their young to stop bathing and return to the skies with them. This tranquil peace is not disturbed by the young woman racing through halls. If one was blind they would not know that she is there, not a sound does she make. Those blessed with eyesight are met with the shocking visual. Running through the halls of the palace, while not unheard of, has never been done by this young woman so the servants are obviously in shock. It is the High Princess Aaleyah. Her crown glistening in the sun somehow does not lose its balance, perhaps her long black curls keep it in place. Her footsteps are fast but silent, not scaring the creatures in the garden as she quickly passes by. The blues and red of her gown flow in the wind as if feathers are behind her. Nobility, that is what she is. The jewelry on her ankles and decorative swirl and designs on her feet are a testament to that. Within the rich palace, the ground is so smooth that it is the cultural norm to go barefoot.
Guards and servants part, making way for her. The bright blur of colors as she passes has them dropping their heads in a reverent bow. Her persian blue jewels and silks that align her dress and jewelry represent her status, the wife of the first born son of the Aidkjeen Kingdom. For the first time, she does not acknowledge their bows and continues racing past them, her hand curled around her dress, holding it up slightly. Finally, she reaches the west wing of the palace. Some guards seem hesitant, questioning if they should follow behind her, but then again the only guards who have the right to trail her are currently with the High Prince. As long as she is within palace walls guards can just patrol the area and need not follow her every step. However, seeing her racing they debate leaving their post to chase after her.
The servants only dare to look up for a mere moment to confirm she is gone before raising their heads. The high princess has just raced past them. The persian blue of her dress, and onyx colored hair could only be her. It truly is their high princess… But what has happened? Some servants stand dumbfounded, dropping the broom in their hands. Has the high princes always been so fast? Has she always had such speed? How can she even run in that dress? Or a better question, with the jewels on her wrists, how does she make no noise? Surely running that fast panting should be heard. No?
The high princess has always carried herself with poise and grace, while there have been rumours of her athleticism no one has ever seen it the way they have just now. The high princess bides her time with books, being great friends with Prince Hammun who also spends his time studying.
Arriving at the huge gold plated doors she stops. There are 2 guards on either side of the door staff in their right hands. Their eyes shifting is the only sign of shock they give to seeing their high princess racing towards them. Surely she does not plan on entering. One raise of her brow and the guards avert their gaze from her.
Staring at the blue and red handles she attempts to calm herself. Her hands fidget to smooth out invisible creases of her floor length gown. Once she is certain it is soothed out, her hands go to her head, adjusting her crown. Her fingers run to comb through her hair and check that her pins are in correctly. She can feel a tightness in her stomach, her hands slightly clammy. Placing a hand over her chest she takes deep calming breaths.
Behind these doors is the inner king's court. The meeting has been underway for three hours with esteemed guests from neighboring kingdoms and tribes. No one is to enter without being summoned. Two people are an exceptions; her husband, High Prince Saan, or her Moon Brother, Prince Hammun.
She has sent for horses to retrieve her husband who is hunting with the sons of the leaders and guests currently inside the king's court. As for Prince Hammun he will soon receive a message to leave his meeting at the academy and return to the palace.
As the last member of the Aljehni family one could argue that she is exempt from certain laws, but as her heart pounds within her chest, now is not the time to argue that. The next problem is the queen, who Aaleyah was ordered to stay at her side. Her being outside the doors means she defied the king's orders.
There was no other option, her servant Leelin would be killed on the spot if Aaleyah ordered her to come. Thus Aaleyah had to do it instead, and trusted Leelin to stay by the queen's side. The poison was flaring up and the queen demanded for her husband.
Aaleyah stares at the doors, this alliance will form peace, with the Aidkjeen Kingdom playing mediator. The Trivplah Kingdom's crimes are practically being blown into the sand for this treaty, and this attempt to strengthen partnerships is in hopes that future problems can be avoided. For Aaleyah to force herself inside as a woman, will cause uproar.
Aaleyah takes a calming breath, she and Hammun were able to create this meeting, if they work together they will be able to create another one. Running her thumb over her nails she silently apologizes to Hammun who will have so much work to do when he returns to the palace.
The guards standing at the side of the door take notice of their high princess' actions, as well as her cold expression. Their response; a stoic firm exterior as if there is nothing out of the ordinary. Not for fear of her, but out of respect. Her status as well as the silent order she gave them when she arrived still prevents them from speaking and gazing upon her for too long.
"Breathe," she calmly tells herself. She runs her thumb over her nails. King Hammaan will not hurt her immediately. He cannot kill her, she reminds herself. Not only is she an Aljehni, but she is married to his son. Saan would avenge her death. With those thoughts in mind she addresses the guards, "I have a message for the king," she tells the guards in a calm authoritative voice.
The guards share confused looks. She doesn't mean to open the door. "High Princess Aaley-"
"Open the door," she orders, her commanding gaze daring them to say no.
The guard's hand automatically goes to the door just by hearing her voice, "High Princess -"
"I will not repeat myself." Knowing their worries she adds, "Only I will be punished." She can see how her words lift some tension off their shoulders, but they still seem hesitant. Aaleyah comforts them no more because she is too busy searching for her cold mask to fix itself on her face. Can the guards hear her heart pounding? Can they sense how her feet are filling with sand? When those doors open will she be able to lift them and take a step?
The guards finish their internal battles and both hands go to the doors. Aaleyah Aljehni is to be the future queen of the kingdom, they have no power to deny her.
As the doors open Aaleyah hides her worry. Nothing shall noticeably cause her fear. There is nothing to be afraid of. A quick thought flashes in her mind. She has nothing left to lose. Death is nothing to fear, she can finally be reunited with her family. Another thought, the crazed king no longer sits on the throne. The previous king who in his paranoia slaughtered her family, no; he no longer sits on the throne.
She should not feel such worry, King Hammaan is benevolent; was an old friend to her father. He knows of the queen's poison, he will make a wise decision.
As she walks into the court she keeps her head held high. Inside her sleeve her nails dig into the skin of her palm to help her maintain her cold expression.
In the room there are advisers and officials on the left and right in front of the King's throne. They seemed to have been in deep discussion and when the doors opened all eyes went to the Aaleyah. Asking an obvious question; who would dare interrupt the King's court?
Aaleyah's steps are ones filled with poise and grace. Her eyes do not drift to the men that stare in shock before remembering who she is and quickly looking away.
"The high princess!"
"Here!"
"Surely she has not lost her mind?"
"What could be the cause for her to break into the King's court?" The advisers begin to mumble to each other in dismay. King Hammaan sits on the throne now, but some advisors still share the sentiments of the previous king.
"An Aljehni is too selfish. They think they hold more power than they deserve."
"They need to be put down. Why, this is proof enough that they have no respect for the throne."
One man drunk on courage whispers, "King Hammaan was a fool for allowing the last Aljehni to crawl her way back into the palace."
Now Aaleyah's cold expression is not forced. At those words her heart blackens, she recalls the bright light that was her family. Recalls the prosperity her family once helped create, and all the ways her family has aided the kingdom.
It seems advisors share her sentiments for one whispers back, "If anyone deserves to walk into the king's court outside of the princes, then yes; it should be the last living Aljehni."
Some advisors' comments grow louder and bickering is sure to start, but a glance from the king is all it takes for silence to take over the hall once more.
High Princess Aaleyah's eyes stay on the back wall. Her footsteps echo in the hall, as she walks the path to the King's throne. When her husband wished to take her hand in marriage six moons ago, it was this very path she took with him. Back then the path seemed short, now it is as if she has taken eighty steps, and is still not halfway there.
Politics. Since Aaleyah returned to the palace three Blue moons ago, she chose to spend most of her time helping from the shadows. The further she is from the light the harder it is for the demons to see you. To the advisors she rarely comes to meetings, but her thoughts, ideas and plans have entered this court more than they might believe. This treaty that they discuss is a joint idea from the king, Prince Hammun and herself. Which may be another reason why the king will not kill her. But will he punish her? What punishment will it be? If he chooses not to kill her will it be twenty lashes? Or will he break her leg, ensuring she will not be able to easily repeat the same crime. King Hammaan will have to do something, to please the people in attendance.
Finally reaching the bottom of the steps leading to the throne she kneels. Her eyes drop to the floor, and her head moves to the side baring her neck. A martial custom which implies acceptance of the greatest punishment. Hopefully this action will allow the king to have mercy and hear her out. At least have him hesitate before punishing her.
Kneeled on the ground she realizes a crime is only terrifying before you start it. Once knee deep in the action, what else is there to fear? Unable to back out, one can only continue forward. Death has never been something to fear; there were times she prayed for it. Punishments, she has already received punishments in the past. If she has learned anything, it is that pain, physical at least, will always go away eventually.
Aaleyah can feel the king's eyes scrutinizing her every move. Maybe he is waiting for her to fidget and plead for forgiveness. Or to stutter and stumble over useless words.
She waits for the king to address her; and the king pauses a few moments, maybe to see if the fear will get to her. It doesn't seem to. His audience on the other hand is probably petrified.
High Princess Aaleyah stays kneeled, a delicate swan sitting atop the pond ignoring the water underneath it that may just be aflame. King Hammaan's respect for her bravery is masked with anger at the meeting she has interrupted. "What business do you have entering my court without summoning?"
The advisors on either side of the aisle visibly flinch at the question. Chatter starts again. Some wonder aloud if the king will punish the high princess.
"Would he?"
"Well of course in theory his majesty can. But the relationship between the King and the high prince does not seem very close these days, it is hard to say if this will be the final straw that destroys the relationship."
"If he kills the high princess, it may cause more harm than good."
"Her reputation has been restored and too many powerful people will ask questions."
Aaleyah ignores their chatter, the king's question has her shivering but she masquerades it by bowing deeper.
Fingers tap rhythmically on the arm of the throne, his voice booms throughout the throne room, "The punishment for breaking the law is death. I can strike you where you kneel."
Releasing her nails from her palms she places one hand over her fist, preparing herself to speak. She miscalculated, death in front of this audience is in fact something to fear. She must not allow them to win. 'At least one Aljehni must remain standing.' "Your majesty, my deepest apologies. I come with urgent news from the Queen." She pauses to gauge his response. He has not made a motion to interrupt her, and the anger in his eyes slightly fades, his head tilting a sign that he is listening. "This one comes with news that is important enough to risk my life in hopes you hear it. This one will accept all punishment, only beseeching his majesty to hear this one's words first." She keeps her head slightly down, her gaze dropping to the step closest to the king's feet.
As he rises from his seat Aaleyah can hear the sound of the advisers making a show of falling out of their seats to kneel. The king walks to the first step, not yet descending, "Rise High Princess Aaleyah and tell me your message."
Taking another calming breath Aaleyah rises, her dress shimmering in the sunlight pouring in from the windows around and above her. Her hair shining, and light bouncing off the golden cuffs on her arms. "Your majesty, the queen apologizes for the illtiming, but her majesty urgently requests your presence." Her eyes finally trail to the king's face transmitting the urgency to the king, her eyes connect with his, softening as she recalls the pleas the queen gave before she ran here.
The queen had been barely awake, tears in her eyes as she pleaded for her husband. Continuously asking where he was, demanding he be at her side. Her eyes turning red, her nails scratching against the wood as she tried her best to hold in her pain. The king must go, he must aid the queen. No one else can calm her, and she is harming herself trying to hold back her screams.
The king nods his head to her, and then the hall is moving again. He beckons a guard to begin to make the way for him to leave. He whispers a message to his head adviser and then makes his way down the stairs. With one motion of his hand and everyone is standing at attention. "Head Advisor Roshah will scribe the key points of this meeting. Prince Hammun will be summoned to help reschedule." With a glance around the room, "I will return when able."
Then the king's tall frame finally approaches Aaleyah. The sun rays disappear as she is enveloped in his shadow.
Her heart beats through the floor, her feet pulsing each time. She has to receive punishment publicly. She said she would, she only asked for him to hear her first. The punishment is death but he will choose something different. The king is law, only he is able to change it. Her eyes trail to the sword on his left hip, then to his arms relaxed and swaying at his sides. A skilled swordsman, if he wishes to kill her will she notice? Will she have time to flinch before the sword leaves his scabbard and slits her neck? No, she reminds herself, King Hammaan will not dare harm an Aljehni. He needs her alive if he ever wishes to use the stone. She never needs to fear death, living is worst.
The king is almost past her when he gives one command, his voice soft yet firm, "Come with me."
Rising her head she turns swiftly to heed his order, her face stoic. To others it is as if she never held any fear. Her head held high, this is truly High Princess Aaleyah that the people love and respect. This was the Aljehni that people laid their lives for.
Exiting the court all men present, bow their heads. Aaleyah notices some in the back spare glances at each other. Possibly thinking the king will punish her without an audience? High Princess Aaleyah came with good cause. But rules are rules.
Some officials shake their heads. With everything that was done to High Princess Aaleyah, they probably believe she of all people deserves remorse and grace.
The advisors with dark gazes surely believe that her death would be deserved. To put it simply, some believe that she has lived long enough. However, those advisors would never voice that in the king's court after he silenced them moments earlier.
Leaving, the king's steps are calm yet swift. One could be fooled into thinking he was not worried at all. Aaleyah speeds up her steps, reminding herself to stay two steps behind. Five steps behind her she can hear the guards following. Finally matching his pace she takes notice of his appearance. He wears an ultramarine loose sleeved robe, just a shade darker than the blue of her royal gowns. The robe does not cover his forearms, and she can see the scars he received from the day of the revolt. She can only hope this injury to the queen does not brush up old struggles, and it is not a soft stone with promises of a landslide. The soft rose red strings of silk on his pants is the only other color he wears. He too walks barefoot, showing the prosperity of the royal family. A prosperity that is now backed with fairness, for King Hammaan is unbiased and just.
Aaleyah catches the king's glances back at her, his eyes drifting to her crown. If the poison is absorbing his wife's life force, he may have to enact the Aljehni power. For Blue moons, regardless of being his Sun daughter she has protected her family's secrets, and worked to rebuild the prestige of her Aljehni name. King Hammaan is aware of his Sun Daughter's desire to keep her Aljehni power a secret, but with the world changing and Trivplah's desire for power; this treaty may not be enough. There may be a necessity for outside forces.
After all, King Hammaan did order for more guards to follow his wife, and she was still ambushed. There are more questions than answers, Aljehni power may be the way to acquire them.
A few turns and corners later the two arrive at the queen's wing. Aaleyah wears her stoic mack hoping the king is unable to note her fear and concern. Instead her index finger rolls around the nail of her thumb anxiously.
"You are to wait and explain the situation to your husband and Moon Brother when they arrive. They should be returning to the palace soon."
Aaleyah claps her hands and bows, "Your majesty, this one sent for horses to retrieve High Prince Saan, and Prince Hammun before entering the court."
"Good." King Hammaan taps her elbows so she can rise, "We cannot be certain who will arrive first. If it is your Moob Brother, tell him the political aspects of today's situation." He glances at his guards standing throughout the hall, "If High Prince Saan returns first enter these chambers at once, otherwise wait here for my return."
This time Aaleyah catches the king's gaze at her crown. Clasping her hands once more she bows slightly, "This one understands the orders."
It was only a matter of time, Aaleyah thinks to herself. His glance at her crown explained everything. Her crown is crafted using the royal colors of red and blue. The jewel that sits at the center of engraved waves has four blue waves on each side. The waves meet the stone for the stone is a part of life. And just how water comes and goes, life too flows like water. The stone at the middle of Aaleyah's crown is still red and blue, like lights chasing after each other in an endless circle. But to Aaleyah the stone represents the sole importance of her life.
So what else can the king care for but that? The nail of her index fingers pushes against her thumb. 'The importance of an Aljehni.' The reason her family was killed. After years it is back to haunt her. There is no escaping it, she has not even been able to receive justice from all those who have done her family wrong. Too soon her life will be used.
King Hammaan's eyes move from the crown on her head to the side of her shoulder, "Time is up, we can no longer leave history in the past," he tells her whilst knocking on the door.
Aaleyah's body grows cold, her body bows obediently as the king enters the queen's chambers. Rising her tongue slides harshly across her teeth. Her eyes move to her shoulder where her tattoo hides under the sleeve of her dress. The tattoo is the key to all of the pain in her life, a pain no one could understand. Maybe the king thinks himself knowledgeable due to his friendship with her father. She sucks in a breath, but Aljehni secrets are only passed down from one bearer to the next. Even her siblings did not learn the information she was forced to study.
'History in the past.' Aaleyah wears a dimorphous smile, the knowledge history books teach about Aljehnis is flawed. Hence the reason she is alive today, the stone must live on. She turns to stand against the wall, hands reach for weapons that are no longer there. Forcing a calm smile Aaleyah already knows what the king's next orders will be, and if given them there will be no way out. Whatever a king orders must be obeyed, it can never be taken into consideration. It must be done. There are no choices. Obey, and that is how you stay alive.
Time passes and Aaleyah stands rooted in her spot by the door, waiting with baited breath for her Moon Brother Prince Hammun to arrive. Better him than her husband. The sooner High Prince Saan comes, the sooner she will be given her next orders.
If she could still be Xeyn then this would all be so easy. Xeyn never hesitated to get things done. She would lie, cheat, fight, or even kill her way out of any situation. Xeyn was treated like a game piece so she made the political world her playing field. Xeyn was ruthless, too ruthless. Which is why Aaleyah had to return to her rightful place and restore honor to the Aljehni name. She has almost succeeded, she is so close. Fear for this small family she has made must not hold her back. Saan must not hold her back. If the time comes for her to fill her role as an Aljehni, she must have no regrets. For so long this is what she wanted, so why does she feel the seeds of fear in her heart?
Aaleyah closes her eyes and exhales slowly, if she is ordered to tell Saan, then she will be as brief as the order allows. She will only explain the important things, no need for anything else.
Aaleyah runs her nails together as she thinks. If she is ordered to talk to her husband, would Saan allow her to be brief? Saan has never shown any signs of keeping secrets from her. Despite the time they were apart from one another, Saan's love for her has only grown.
Saan does not understand, all life ends in death, to waste one's heart on loving that is doomed to leave is a fool's action. Aaleyah must not be a fool.
Gazing down the hall, Aaleyah has given up on many things. All she has left to hold on to is her family name and its secrets. Maybe telling Saan will be the final hit, maybe Saan will understand that love with an Aljehni is impossible. This is what she has wanted, so why does her heart ache at the thought? It has not even been a Blue moon of marriage with Saan. When her family was killed Aaleyah realized that dreams of marrying, raising children, and growing old together; that can never be her and Saan. Her sole dream now is to protect her family name, and secrets for as long as possible. And she has only returned to the palace two Blue moons ago and she already has to explain Aljehni power. So much for secrets.
Standing silently with the guards, some time passes. The sound of insects brings on false peace, and it is broken at the sound of a woman's voice, "High Princess Aaleyah!" Turning towards the sound she can see her friend running towards her down the hall. The guards do not move from their post, but their eyes scan the young princess.
Young Princess Hestia just came of age this year at one Red moon and 7 Blue moons of age. Sprinting down the hall is nothing out of the ordinary for her. This youthful princess is always seen running about. Sometimes she is even dragging her fiance Prince Hammun with her, or the young guards. She is always running to and fro different gardens looking for specific herbs, or in the kitchen trying new teas. When she runs many guards can only pray they are not the victims she chooses to drink the new concoctions she makes.
In her right hand Princess Hestia's azure blue gown is held so she does not slip. Her crown is more on the simple side, a grapevine traveling from the right to the left side of her head. As long as she wears it the Kingdom of Nevalvn is safe. She is the centerpiece for her kingdom's prosperity. And now it sits lopsided on her head, her hair is normally brown but there seems to be a yellow powder in her braid. She must have heard the news and ran immediately from the gardens. As a native from the Nevalvn Kingdom that is known for their teas and spices, she fits the image well. This newest addition to the royal family gifts everyone she sees with tea, and tends to all of the gardens in the palace. The flowers decorating her hair paints a beautiful picture of the garden loving enthusiast she is.
"Princess Hestia, there is no need to run." Aaleyah gently chides with a light smile on her face as Hestia comes closer.
Some strands of Hestia's chocolate brown hair have escaped her braid. The long strands framing her face, and haphazardly laying on one shoulder. Hestia gives no care to the crown that seems to be falling off of her head, her eyes focusing on Aaleyah and rushing her small legs towards her.
Finally reaching her Hestia stops, and without taking in a breath to steady herself after running, her questions race from her mouth. "What happened? How is the queen mother? Is she hurt? How did she get hurt? Or worse, is she sick? Did she not drink the tea I gave her? Or is she hurt because of the tea I gave her." Hand covering her mouth in shock, her eyes filling with unshed tears, and she brushes her hair out of her face, "Oh no, is this my doing? Please tell me she will be okay. I can not bear to lose another mother," her voice shakes as her words fall to a fearful whisper. She looks at the closed door, "Why are we waiting outside? Are we unable to walk in? Has the king arrived?"
"Princess Hestia, the queen will be alright," Aaleyah comforts in a soothing tone. "The king has already gone inside, and we will calmly," her eyes quickly dart to the guards and then back to Hestia, "wait for his command before entering inside." Aaleyah gently pulls Hestia's arm to have her stand at her side by the wall, blocking her view from the guards and the door. Fixing her hair, Aaleyah straightens the crown on Hestia's head and smoothes her azure blue gown. "Prince Hammun will arrive soon after, but do you know if High Prince Saan has arrived?" she asks.
This morning Aaleyah left early to aid the queen and did not speak to her husband. Although the plan was for him to go to the hunting grounds with the children of the royals in the meeting with the king. With important guests in his party he would stay close to the palace, and arrive earlier around midday. Surely the men she sent out made their way to Saan, he should be back by now.
If the Lord of the Heavens still somehow favors her, he will have Prince Hammun arrive before her husband. Grant her more time to procrastinate or calm her worries, whichever easier.
Hestia does not seem to notice Aaleyah deep in thought. Or her questions. This butterfly of the royal family always has her emotions running free. While Aaleyah has grown to learn the pains of expressing herself, Hestia has never felt the fears to warrant such behavior. Thus the fear of losing the queen is evident on her face. The revolt Blue moons ago was the first time Hestia had experienced strife, and now her face shows fear for the potential pain that could be heading her way.
Squeezing Hestia's hands, Aaleyah takes deep slow breaths to help calm her. Her fingers slide to rub against her pulse, and once she is certain Hestia is calm, she smiles and releases her hands.
"If the queen's health is not in danger then why are we unable to go in there?" Hestia pleadingly asks. The tremble in her voice almost masks the frustration she is feeling, as her fearful face takes on a serious expression. Turning her head away from the door, Aaleyah's calm expression forces Hestia to bow her head in remorse. "You are right. I apologise. The king has asked us to wait. I mean not to question him, or you," she says, crossing her arms over her sternum nervously. "High Princess Aaleyah I apologise."
Shaking her head slightly, "I understand your nerves," Aaleyah comforts, "Princess Hestia has done a great job catching herself and remembering where we are," she says.
Rubbing her hands over her elbows Hestia nods. She is aware of the seriousness of the situation, but still feels remorse from questioning her friend. "I know you also share my feelings, I should not cause you trouble."
Poking Hestia's cheek with her index finger, "I am not angry with you princess," Aaleyah smiles. The action of poking her cheek forces Hestia to smile and move her head.
Leaning close Aaleyah whispers, "I understand your fears Hestia, but one must always be aware of the eyes and ears that surround them," she advises. Then in a joking tone adds, "We all know how much the guards love to gossip."
The sentence causes Hestia to giggle as the women remember when Hestia had made a mistake with the tea and turned Prince Hammun's teeth purple. Despite telling no one outside of Hammun, Saan, and the two women the news still managed to spread throughout the palace.
"Have you heard from High Prince Saan before coming here?" Aaleyah asks once more whilst trying to mask her lack of patience. Or maybe it is just anxiety. She hopes for her husband to come quickly, and she always hopes he can take his time. It is possible that the lack of knowing when he will arrive is what causes her the tight feeling in her gut.
Nodding, "On the way here I passed the horsemen and some seemed to be preparing to leave but there was one that was taking off the saddle. So I am sure that Prince Hammun will be coming soon."
Aaleyah holds back her sigh, Hestia as always never answers questions.
Hestia grins widely, "He has such a way with words, there is no doubt that he will finish the meeting," she says in a proud tone.
"Princess Hestia." Aaleyah taps her cuff to stay patient, "High Prince Saan, have you heard of his arrival?
"Ah, as for High Prince Saan," Hestia rubs her chin with her knuckle, "I am not quite sure. I did pass many servants who were looking for him." Noticing the unease on Aaleyah's face she shakes her hands, "But do not fret. High Prince Saan will come as soon as he is able," Hestia opens her mouth to say something else when she spots someone from the corner of her eye. Her smile widens at the sight of his arrival.
"High Princess Aaleyah," his voice is easily recognizable, despite the sunlight behind him making it hard to see his face.