"No one ever became extremely wicked suddenly." Juvenal
"The Bride walked towards the groom, steps unsure. The tentativeness, was not as a result of 'Bridal jitters'. It was the leftover nerve, from some other emotion. A feeling akin to the type, that she was supposed to be experiencing now. Her gaze was intently searching his face, for what she did not quite know. She thought she saw a sneer, briefly glide over his expression. But that could not be. Since he was one of the most sincere and kindest person, that she had ever met..."
King Labey looked over the vast array of celebration hodge-podge. Sometimes he wondered, if the coming festivity. Was just another chance, for the queen to open wide yet again the palace doors. So that the people would partake in the yearly feast, or revel in the opulence and grandeur of the royal grounds. He thought it was both. Besides this was a different celebration. It was the type, that the people had never seen nor heard of before. It would be the uniting of two kingdoms and the fortifying of their heritage and purposes. His daughter Rahila was getting married and this would be the second happiest day of his life. Second only to his own marriage to the queen.
King Labey had only two daughters, Rahila and Lehiya. They were as different as night and day. Rahiya was very beautiful and tender-hearted and everyone loved her. Suitors came from far and wide, to not only ask for her hand in marriage. But to appreciate and bestow gifts on her. But the king had already betrothed her, to Prince Bana of the 'kingdom across the hill' while they were still infants. He offered his second daughter Lehiya instead, but they all fled. So he passed a decree across the land, that anyone who brought a present for Rahila. Must bring one also, for Lehiya. That quickly ended those visits.
Lehiya was not as admired, as her sister (far from it). But that was not really what drove everyone, from her. It was rumored, that every time she opened her mouth. Tiny arrows flew out and very bad things happened, to whomever's ear she had at the time. Many wounded subjects, had petitioned the king to do something about it. Lehiya's arrows, were progressively manufacturing festering sores and lives teetering on the edge of death. The king thought the rumors were ludicrous, therefore he never bothered to investigate. Unbeknownst to the king though, there were tiny arrows lodging in his neck . A result of years of absorbing the arrows, from Lehiya's mouth.
Lehiya hated herself, she hated her sister and even hated her mother! She never liked the attention they always got, when people admired them. So she concocted lies and set traps, that would eventually plunge the house in turmoil. Everyone tried their best, to appease Lehiya. They desperately wanted the arrows to stop flying, but to no avail. Lehiya was of the type that believed; 'If I am not happy, then no one else should be'.
In the 'kingdom across the hill', lived King Juba. King Juba had twin sons, that were identical. In fact, they looked so much alike. That even their parents, would confuse them. However, there was one very thing that set them apart. Prince Bana the older twin, was again very kind and greatly loved by all. Prince Kana the other twin, was a terror to the masses. He was known for his dishonest dealings, constantly defrauding the people. Therefore, when the poor people came by. To reclaim what they had loaned Prince Kana. The prince would give orders, for them to be tortured. He was a ruthless terror and the land mourned desperately, that he was a prince.
So the anticipated wedding, was to be between Prince Bana and Princess Rahila. And even the trees, could no longer stand tall. In their expectation and rejoicing, for the upcoming royal wedding. Two beloved people, next in line for the throne. It appeared that the years of drought and drudgery, were soon coming to an expected end. And so the land awaited a time of rest and peace.
Prince Kana looked on his future sister-in-law Princess Rahila, with disdain. He had wanted more than a friendly banter, from her at some point. When she politely but chidingly, sent him on his way. He vowed revenge, as the hate in his heart grew into a monument. Like wise Princess Lehiya always thought, that she should be the one betrothed to Prince Bana. But when he nicely and compassionately told her, that he would love no other but her sister. She wished him crippled and dead. At least she had not uttered a word. Or else the arrows from her mouth, would have easily sent him to an early grave.
So the stage was now set. The King was somewhat happy. Somewhat because Lehiya's constant brooding, since the wedding announcements. Were beginning to get to him. The queen was besides herself, in wedding plans, strategy and decorations. Prince Bana and Princess Rahila, were afloat in the clouds. And Prince Kana had a thought...
"Rahila looked out at the setting sun, with hands folded across her chest. The evening breeze was as refreshing, as it was chilly. She loved the way the palm trees swayed and it fronds gaily bowed, as if in a synchronized rhythm. She would definitely miss this view, from her bedroom balcony. Tomorrow she would be married and then would move into the 'Kingdom across the hill'. Tomorrow, she would begin a new life..."
To be continued (next week)
