"The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones." -Julius Ceaser Act 3: Scene 2 (William Shakespeare)
"... In that split second, her life flashed before her eyes. Each segment quickly overlapping, the previous ones. Like 'thumbnails', aggressively toppling each other. In a desperate bid, for extended scrutiny. They would not stop, each word deeply and clearly enunciated. Each action greatly felt..."
Faki rolled her eyes, at the blathering Princess. How in the world did Lehiya think she (Faki), got all that she had? Even her own husband, had to be 'taken out, to be taken in'. You don't just sit around and imagine 'knights-in-shining-armors'. 'Ya get movin and ya get schemin'. Faki was one of the servants, in the king's palace. She had a form of servant-hood, but denied the palace any service whatsoever.
Occasionally, this server had the right words for everybody and their grandmother. It was inevitable, since she took the time to sniff out their businesses. She was however, on her own personal and devilish mission. But she desperately needed to be ensconced, inside the palace to carry it out. How best to avoid easy detection of meanness, than to be hidden in the very place that (should) eschew kindness.
Faki had taken the time, to draw close to the discontented princess. In the short period, that she worked in the palace. She saw that Lehiya, was a mirror image of her sneaky self. Same thoughts, disposition, intent and desires. She Faki would endeavor to help Lehiya, to accomplish all her vicious and villainous goals. For in so doing, she would multiply her kind. And eventually, fortify her mission and territory. Then maybe, just maybe. If there were enough clones of her. The kingdom, would serve her instead of the king and queen.
Lehiya was excited about this partnership with the vile servant. She felt that no one understood her, quite like Faki did. No one else could grasp her need, to violate or pull people down. If only just to feel better, about herself. So whatever it took to cause pain and cast shadows upon the land and its people, she was ready, willing and up for it. Princess Lehiya was determined, not to grapple in her miserable mire alone. Even though the mess and misery, were all her own making.
Kana thought he might strangle his brother, if he heard one more word about love from him. Love? What in the world, was that? He (Kana) was in the business of; 'using em and loosing em'. At least if they let him, he was. What's love got to do with it anyway? For the life of him, he could not understand how two brothers from the same source. Raised in the same environment and exposed to the same resources. Could turn out so differently. Unfortunately, his brother Bana had ended up the un-smart one.
Apparently it was a heart issue and the choices that came with it, thought Kana in disgust. Bana was definitely, getting on his last nerve... Another issue that tugged at Kana's 'goat', was the fact that when his brother married that Princess from 'the Kingdom across the hill'. She would not only come with her niceness, but she would be the next in power. If anything happened to his brother Bana. He as the second son of the king and twin to the prince, had now been unceremoniously displaced. Kana felt his world was caving in and he was very distraught about it.
Praya the chief cook, watched as Faki and Lehiya. Huddled together in the corner of the Palace Ballroom. Both pretending to be a part of the bustling and preparatory activity, for the wedding ceremony the next day. The cook was still looking, when Faki stood up and flashed her a toothy grin. A smile so fake, that the chandeliers right above her fraudulent head. Began to rattle in pronounced distress and agitation.
Faki was so glad, to be in her element. Nothing pleased her more, than gossip, scandal and discord. And right now, princess Lehiya was dishing it hot and delicious. Better than that 'high-horsy' cook, ever could. She was so happy, to finally have a friend in Lehiya. Their plan was set, their timing was right and the most amazing part. Was that no one had the faintest clue! One more thing, that was very important to Faki; "Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" "You of course great Faki... you of course". Replied the sham-faced and bogus glass.
Praya knew she had to get back to work. She also had to see to it, that Faki's counsel and plan. Whatever it was, or was planning to be. Would become utter foolishness and a great flop! She owed that much, to this kind people.
Rahila and her mother, laid out the gown alongside the veil. They wanted everything ready and set, when the morning of this long awaited day dawned. Lehiya had taken her 'maid-of-honor' gown, to her own room. She had some last minute errands to take care of, she explained to her mother and sister. And then she excused herself, from their company.
The Queen fussed over every preparatory detail, with her first daughter. She wanted the bride absolutely ready, when the groom showed up. They humorously shuddered at the thought, of her having to glide back down the aisle. Simply because, she had forgotten something very important.
Prince Bana listened, or pretended to be listening. While his father king Juba, narrated the state of affairs in the kingdom. Now that he was getting married. There were certain things, that he needed to know and eventually oversee. However, Prince Bana was lost in his thoughts and day-dreaming. Wondering, if Princess Rahila was yet sleeping. Or still fretting over her dress, as he knew she would.
In a couple of hours, they would be married. And then the rest of their lives, would begin. He suddenly heard some shuffling outside his door. Then he quietly stepped out, to see who or what it was. Besides, he also needed to check on his brother. To make sure his 'best-man', was doing fine. To be assured, that he (Kana). Was ready to stand beside him, in just a couple of hours.
"The prince stared at his hands and then the floor and back to his hands again. Everything was happening too fast, or was it even happening at all? How did one motive, multiply into so many deeds? How can just one thought, grow and bear so many just like it? As it continued to ricochet...."
To be continued....
Writers Corner: I know, I know. It is that dreadful time again. When we have to part, till later... But remember this is a blog not 'the book'. When we meet next time. Prepare to be just as shocked, as I too will be. At the grand finale, of 'The match devised in hell'.