The Chronicles of Ki
Book 1: In The Beginning
© Copyright 2024 Frank Walters Clark ~ All Rights Reserved
In the antechamber where she has waited, Lady Qon sobs, while the two royals sit at her sides and console her. Her face is hidden behind a mantilla wrap.
Queen Dal holds Lady Qon’s hands between her own, softly rubbing and gently patting. She speaks quietly, her own tears slowly trickling from her chin.
Lady Nols tenderly squeezes her arm around Lady Qon, caresses her shoulders and hair, comforts her with a hand, softly up and down her back. Her eyes well with unspoken pain as she shares the young woman’s sorrow.
Lady Qon pulls the mantilla aside, then wipes at her eyes and nose with a soft muslin kerchief. Her words are softly hesitant and tearful.
“My ladies… I feel so cast off. My parents… I feel badly for them. They have done so much in preparations. What will I do about my royal obligations?”
Lady Qon cries softly and leans for refuge toward Queen Dal. Reluctantly the queen pulls her close… but just so.
“I think Nols and I agree on one thing, Qon. Dalu humiliates us all. I was very shocked at his behavior. I have never before seen him like that.”
Lady Nols rises and steps around to the refreshment alcove behind the couch. She draws a service of hot tingling tea, then returns to sit and pour before speaking. She too, is taken aback with her brother’s behavior.
“The king, Abwoon! I expected he would tear my brother’s rude head from his shoulders.”
Gently pushing Lady Qon away, Queen Dal stands and brushes at her gown. Her thoughts already wander elsewhere.
“I must attend the king, my ladies. Will you be heedful of our lady’s melancholy in my stead, Nols?”
Both the queen’s handmaidens stand, and Lady Nols bows and reaches to take her queen’s outstretched hand.
“Of course, my queen. Your grace’s presence has honored us both.”
Lady Qon is fearful of touching the queen with soiled hands, and bows instead, still crying softly.
“Please excuse my ill-mannered behavior, my queen. I would not neglect my duties were circumstances different.”
“Accepted, Qon. Enough spoken. You will speak with me after, Nols? I have several items of interest to you.”
“I will, my queen, as soon as is possible.”
Obligations met, Queen Dal leaves without once looking back. She knows where her true loyalties lie and wastes no time to effect them.