The Palace(1)

There were many people outside the palace who were cheering for their king's another victory as king was able to conquer another country. The war ended after twenty-seven days.

When an announcement of King's return was made that morning the people of Greece started gathering outside the palace. It was the norm there.

When sounds of hooves of horses clicking against the rocky ground were heard, the crowd immediately parted making way for their mighty king. They saw their king from a far, riding a horse and their cheers became louder.

The queen Ella came to the gardens to see her son. She did not have any peace of mind for the last few days. The worry of her son had been eating away at her.

But when Alexander came nearer, they saw a young girl sitting on his front on the same horse which he was riding their cheers stopped for a moment because of shock. This was the first time king was riding a horse with a girl. This girl looked no less than an angel. Her soft and milky white skin was shining due to the rays of sun.

No wonder none of them had seen a beauty like her. But gaining their composure they started cheering again.

The beautiful Queen who was mother of king was herself astonished. The gates of Palace opened and king came inside the palace and stopped his horse by pulling reigns, in front of his Mother. He got down the horse and bowed in front of her but Queen Ella was quick to pull him into the hug and she cried her heart out.

She was the only woman who was respected and loved by the almighty king. She cupped his face and spoke with so much love and affection.

"Imoun toso anisichi gia sena gie mou. Efcharisto to theo pou eisai kala. You must be very tired take some rest."

(I was so worried for you, my son. Thank God you are fine."

"Mitérá no need to be worried. I'm fine" (Mother)

The lady smiled but suddenly her attention turned towards the girl who was sitting on the horse with her eyes down. Her smile faded.

"Who is this girl Alex?" She asked with a frown.

"Einai I Belle kai tha gini nifi sou." He replied with a smirk. (She is Belle. Your would be daughter in law).

"What? You are kidding? Right? Eínai tóso mikri!"

(She looks so young.)

"So what if she is young? She'll learn the rules soon. She's smart. You were also of her age when father married you."

Poor Belle could not hear them as their voices were quiet low.

The queen could not find any words to answer her son who was another cruel person like her late husband but the truth was that he was much more cruel then his father.

"Did you force her to come with you?" Belle was sniffing.

"She was being stubborn Mitera." He scowled. The queen's eyes widened.

"That's not right." She hissed.

"Father did the same thing to you. You came around. She too just needs little coaxing." Queen knew well what this 'coaxing' meant.

"A part of me died Alex. I was lifeless. I started living again when you were born! Not every girl will be like me." Swallowing the lump in her throat she answered in a barely audible voice.

"Oh believe me mother I don't want her to be like you. She will live like doll that she is! She is not treated properly in her house."

'How in the lord's name he found out that she is not being treated well?'

"We should discuss all this after feast. You must me tired."

With this the old Queen turned and started walking away but not before sending a glare at her son's way.