A Red Phoenix.

Scene 4

Location: Bathhouse of the Royal Palace.

Madam Margaret and Artha coming near the entrance of the bathhouse. On their way there, Artha had been recounting her journey in response to Madam Margaret's questions.

Hearing her story, Madam Margaret felt deep sympathy. She took Artha’s hand in hers and said:

Madam Margaret: "Dear child, you have endured so much. But now, you are completely safe. No one can harm you here. Always remember, the prince brought you here—you are his chosen one."

Artha (blushing): "I… I am not yet his chosen one, Madam."

Madam Margaret (smiling warmly): "If you are not yet, you soon will be. The prince brought you here; you are his, truly."

Artha (lowering her gaze shyly): "Yes, I am aware."

Madam Margaret: "You are very beautiful. I have seen many lovely women, but none quite like you. It seems the girls from East Turkan are exceptionally enchanting."

Artha: "As you say, though people there are more known for their dark and tan skin. It’s a different kind of beauty."

Madam Margaret (surprised): "Gasp! I’ve heard that people with that skin tone are very strong and striking in appearance."

Artha: "Yes, they are incredibly talented and kind."

Talking like this, Madam Margaret guided Artha to the entrance of the bathhouse. Stopping, she informed Artha:

Madam Margaret (looking at Artha): "These two girls will assist you with your bath. Do you mind?"

Artha: "If permitted, I would prefer to bathe alone."

Madam Margaret stepped forward and gently placed her hand on Artha’s cheek:

Madam Margaret: "Sweet child, there is no question of permission here. You have the right to command. We will do as you wish."

Taking a few steps back, she added:

Madam Margaret: "Take your bath. I will go and get some fresh clothes for you. These girls will wait outside; call them whenever you need, all right?"

Artha (nodding): "All right, Madam. Thank you."

Madam Margaret gestured toward the entrance, and Artha followed her signal, stepping inside. Madam Margaret closed the door, instructed the two girl slaves, and left to fetch Artha’s clothes.

...****************...

Scene 5

Location: The Queen’s Drawing Room

Everyone in the Queen’s drawing room was eagerly awaiting Crown Prince Kael. They were meeting after 10 years, and everyone’s heart was racing with anticipation, especially the queen’s.

The Queen’s Drawing Room was a luxurious, elegant space with soft, pastel-colored walls and gold accents. Velvet sofas and armchairs were arranged around a marble coffee table, creating a cozy seating area. A grand crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, while large windows with brocade curtains allowed natural light to flood in. A marble fireplace adorned with a gilded mirror and candelabras served as the room’s focal point. Fresh flowers, ornate rugs, and artwork added warmth and royal charm.

Queen Kara was anxiously waiting for her son. King Louis and Princess Kiera were seated on one sofa, while Prince Noah sat on another. Behind Prince Noah stood his bodyguard, Orion, and behind Princess Kiera, her bodyguard, Zain.

Queen Kara paced back and forth, unable to contain her growing impatience. Finally, she spoke out:

Queen Kara: "When will he come!?"

Prince Noah: "He will come, Mother. Don’t worry."

Queen Kara: "How can I not worry!? He has come back after 10 years, and instead of meeting us, he is roaming the city streets."

King Louis: "My dear Kara, he will come. Sit down, please. Come here, beside me." (tapping the sofa beside him)

Queen Kara: "You should have brought him to the palace at once. Why did you leave him, Noah?" (sitting down)

Prince Noah: "Mother, do you think your elder son listens to me? Has he ever? He’s too busy asserting his authority!"

Prince Kael: "Who is busy to do what ?!"

Prince Kael walked toward his family, questioning Noah. Noah was visibly nervous upon seeing Kael; it was evident on his face.

As Kael approached, Kiera stood up and respectfully bowed. Kael placed his hand on her cheek and then went to greet his father, the king.

Prince Kael: "How are you, Father?" (placing his head on his father's hands)

King Louis: "How could I be when you chose to leave for the battlefield 10 years ago! You’ve grown so much." (holding Kael's hand with one hand and touching his cheek with the other)

Prince Kael: "I have returned, and by God’s grace, there will be no need for me to leave again anytime soon."

Queen Kara: "Curse your words! You just arrived, and you’re already thinking about when you’ll have to leave again?" (pouting)

Kael, who was kneeling in front of his father, looked at his mother and get over to her. But his mother got up .

Prince Kael: "Mother, are you upset?" (standing and moving closer to her)

Queen Kara (turning towards Kael): "You haven’t even taken a proper breath, I haven’t even had a chance to truly look at you, and you’re already saying that you won’t need to leave soon, implying you’ll still go eventually, and then you ask if I’m upset or not?!"

Kael, seeing his mother's face after so many years, gently held her face in his hands, looking at her with love.

Prince Kael: "My dearest Queen Mother, don’t be angry. I am seeing this radiant face after so many years. You’ve become even more beautiful."

When Queen Kara looked at her son’s face, she couldn’t hold back her tears. She hugged Kael tightly. The years of separation seemed to melt away, bringing peace to both their hearts.

Queen Kara: "Don’t speak of leaving. I won’t let you go to the battlefield again. You’ve given your childhood to this empire. Now, you will think of yourself. Your happiness, your peace, your desires — these should now be the most important things to you."

At the mention of his happiness, peace, and desires, Kael remembered Artha. He recalled the moment she said she would wait for him, and the thought brought him joy.

...****************...

Scene 6

Location: Royal Bath House

As Artha entered, the door slowly closed behind her. Walking quietly, she observed the bath house's decor. She wasn’t surprised nor shocked.

The luxurious bathhouse featured marble in shades of sky, black, and white gold, with a large central jacuzzi. The ceiling had gold accents and a domed skylight that bathed the room in natural light. Black marble columns with gold capitals lined the walls, and tall, arched windows revealed views from the palace’s high floor. Elegant drawers discreetly stored items, completing the opulent space.

Artha glanced around the entire place.

Artha (in mind): "The decoration is nice, but it feels lifeless."

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and spoke softly,

Artha: "This is a trial; the Almighty gives and takes away. I will be patient."

Saying this, Artha removed her dress and, walking slowly, stepped onto the stairs of the jacuzzi and sat with her back against it.

Artha: "The water feels good. At this time, the water in Turkan must be freezing. Father and mother must be worried about how to help people in the cold."

Artha was very tired, so she closed her eyes and took a dip. When she emerged, a red Phoenix on her back began to become visible.

Within moments, the red Phoenix was fully visible. Artha turned her head slightly to look at the Phoenix on her back and smiled a little, thinking of taking another dip, when she heard a knock on the door.

Madam Margaret had brought clothes for Artha and was asking for permission to enter.

Covering her back with her hair and leaning against the jacuzzi, Artha said,

Artha: "Come in, Madam."

Madam Margaret: "Alright, forgive this intrusion, my dear."

Madam Margaret opened the door and entered, her eyes wide with admiration as she saw Artha’s beauty.

Madam Margaret: "The Almighty has created you with great care, my dear. If He gives such beauty to a woman, then He doesn’t give shame to a man. It will be hard for him to resist."

Both laughed at this, and Madam Margaret sat near Artha, and they continued talking as Artha continued her bath.

...****************...

Scene 7

Location: Queen’s Drawing Room

After meeting each other, everyone sat comfortably, enjoying the cheerful atmosphere. King Louis sat on the middle sofa, with Queen Kara and Prince Kael engaged in conversation to his right, while on his left, Prince Noah and Princess Kiera talked and lightly argued about the matter of the maids. King Louis felt joy after years as he witnessed such a lively family gathering. It brought peace to his heart.

Queen Kara sat with Prince Kael, her hand resting firmly on his as she said:

Queen Kara: "Now that you’ve returned, don’t even think of leaving again! I won’t let you go anywhere!" (she said sternly)

Kael (smiling): "How could I possibly leave you again, Mother? Do I hold so little regard for you?"

Saying this, Kael thought to himself, "Now leaving will be even harder… she who has entered my life. I don’t know if I’ll be able to go. The very thought of leaving her terrifies me."

As Kael’s thoughts ended, he heard his mother’s voice calling him.

Kael: "Yes, Mother, what is it?"

Queen Kara (teasingly): ""What is it, Mother?!"" I’ve called you four or five times! Lost in thoughts again after assuring me you won’t leave?" (She tilted her head slightly forward.)

Kael: "Nowhere, Mother. I was just wondering how I would spend my days here." (He smiled.)

Queen Kara felt slightly suspicious, her gaze narrowing briefly, but she quickly corrected it so her son wouldn’t notice her doubt.

Queen Kara: "You’re probably thinking about how to escape and head back to the battlefield! That’s all you ever think about."

Kael (lovingly, seeing his mother pout): "After so many years, if I don’t spend peaceful moments with you all, how can I even think of staying well? I wasn’t thinking about war. I was thinking about what gift I should give you tomorrow."

**Lies. Kael had lied to hide his real thoughts. He never hid anything from his mother, but for the first time, he subconsciously told a lie. He wasn’t thinking about a gift but about Artha. Yet he didn’t want to tell anyone about her.**

Kael (in mind): "Did I just lie?"

Queen Kara: "Alright, whatever you say. Now tell me one thing."

Kael: "What is it, Mother?"

Queen Kara: "Did anyone come back with you? Did you bring someone from the battlefield?" (She asked with hopeful eyes.)

Kael (confused): "Who would come with me, Mother? What are you talking about?"

Queen Kara (hinting): "Someone… someone who brought you peace during the war. Someone you used to talk to. Someone like… a maid?"

Kael (realizing what his mother was implying and laughing): "Mother, do you think that in the midst of war, where people were dying, I, their commander, would have the audacity to bring someone to lie on a bed , just to please me ?" (He raised an eyebrow.)

Queen Kara (feeling proud): "That’s true. Good that you didn’t bring anyone. Now I can choose someone to your liking myself."

Kael: "Someone to my liking?" (At that moment, Artha’s face appeared before his eyes.)

Queen Kara: "Yes, someone who will care for you, who will love you, who will always stand by you. Now that you’ve returned, I will arrange your marriage too."

Kael: "Mother, is it possible for me to marry someone with whom I'll be stay intimate , like someone who gives me immense joy , is it possible ?"( puppy eyes)

Queen Kara: "There’s no rule that says you can’t, but to preserve royal blood, your ancestors have always married within noble families. That’s how it’s been. After all, there’s a difference between a wife or princess consort and a concubine."( Looking softly at her son)

Kael felt bad but made a decision in his heart. If he ever married, it would be Artha, and no one else. He wouldn’t give any other girl a place in his life. Under no circumstances could he lose Artha.

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