Your majesty" said Amara. "According to a reliable source, for us to obtain that trading right, an ambassador will have to represent us at the royal merchant bidding meeting; we need to be granted a pass from the ministry of trade & foreign affairs to attend the meeting". she continued.
"I had sent an envoy to the Chinese Emperor with gifts and a letter of our proposal of trade, they have express an interest in our proposal and will be sending their envoys to discuss further". The Sultan replied. "When will they arrive?" asked Amara. "In about two weeks time, they will be attending the masked ball as honored guest. Arrange there stay, as you are familiar with Chinese preferences, I am certain you will give them a grand procession". The Sultan replied while smiling to Amara. "As you command, Your Majesty". Amara replied returning a warm smile and bowing, as they ended their discussion in the royal meeting room.
As Amara left the room the smile faded from her lips instantly. "Zara", Amara called her maid. "Yes, Your Highness" as she appeared behind her and bowed. "Has any word been sent yet... regarding the envoys?" she asked. "Not yet, Your Grace", Zara replied. Amara looked away narrowing her eyes. 'Salt... this may be the opportunity I have been waiting for' Amara thought. "Your highness its almost time for your visit with the Queen Mother". Zara reminded. Brought back from her deep thoughts, Amara replied "I had almost forgotten, let's go" with a gentle smile on her face.
Meanwhile, Safiya had some time on her hands before her lesson starts so she order the servants to bring her books on Chinese history that she enjoy to read, as she sat down at the Pavillion, her face lite up, with every skips of the pages. She was fascinated by the Chinese culture and hope one day she would be able to see it with her own eyes, not just imagining it.
Safiya desired to become like her mother, a Queen of trade, the title that her mother earned from being mentored by her father; the late Marquis. Her reputation was spread among the kingdom as an expert of trade and foreign affairs and later became the most wealthy women in the Kingdom. She had visited many kingdoms and Empires and created trade relations with them so much so that even the Sultan consults her with matters regarding trade.
As a Princess, her studies were limited to female etiquettes, History, Languages and an early education on politics. Her mother passed done her wisdom to her daughter, allowing her to fully understand the art of trade, and hope in the future that it will be of great use.
Safiya had mixed feelings about her upcoming coming of age ball, she was aware that her father already had someone in mind to propose marriage with, her mother assured her that she would not be force to marry someone she does not love, but there was a limit to her mother's protection.
Safiya is a princess and if required she would have to sacrifice her herself for the prosperty and protection of her people, whether or not her destiny was to get married off to a distant Kingdom, and be forever trapped unable to travel and see the world, this life... was not for her's to live as she pleased. Her heart sank at the very thought, that through out the day she was absent minded in her lessons until the day came to an end.
The night had just began, Safiya scurried away to her usual spot she uses to stargaze on the highest point in the palace. She was wearing her night gown but she brought a thick blanket to cover herself in case the night was cold. As she gaze up at the stars... she felt all her emotions disappearing in the vast starry night sky, as she connected the constellations with her hands, choose which star is the brightest star of the night and waited to see a shooting star so she could make a wish. Although she knew that it was childish... even so, she want to at least ignite hope for her dream to become a reality.
As soon as she saw a shooting star, she quickly closed her eyes and made a wish, she wished she would not have to be tied to her homeland, and hope that she would be able to travel to China, even if it's once in her life, she wanted to be free. A tear fell from her eye, sparkled as it fell down her cheeks and joined with the shooting star, in that moment, unbeknownst to her, her wish was granted.
Two weeks later, and it was time for the princess's coming of age ball. The palace decorated splendidly for the occasion, was all due to her mother utmost dedication to ensure that this day be memorable... however Safiya hoped the day would end as soon as it started.
Safiya had to wake up early, she had a busy day planned out for her, It was not only her coming of her age, but today was also her birthday. In the morning she would have breakfast with her father the Sultan and the royal family, then she will be showered with birthday gifts from the royal family, before taking an afternoon stroll with her father as he congratulates her on her coming of age. Afterwards she then would be allowed a few hours rest before preparing again for her coming of age ball.
After taking her bath, it was time for her to get dressed. Amara came in, already dress in elegant royal attire of Gold and violet, before she could bow, her mother stopped her, giving her daughter a warm hug, "Happy Bithday, my beloved" she said as she release her, cupped her face and kissed her on the forehead. Safiya smiled replying, "Thank you mother"
"My dear, why do you look so sad". she said as she examined her daughter's face. Safiya quickly said " I am alright, just a little tired from waking up early". Amara smiled and replied "Alright then". "Zara" her ladyship called. Zara and three servants came in with a bronze tray in hand with a red silk cloth covering what was on it.
Amara went over to it and said " I had these prepared for you" she beckons for the servants to remove the covering, revealing two stunning silk clothes of royal blue and silver and the other of Red and gold. Safiya traces the stunning designs with her fingers and notice that both clothing had the kingdom crest of the Sun and the Moon along with the Stars embroidered on it with what appears to be a golden thread used for the red and a silver thread for the royal blue. The other servant carried jewelry of Gold, Silver and diamonds to match with the silk clothes.
"They are beautiful" said safiya. "I am glad you like them.. the red clothes you will wear in the evening for your ball" Amara said. Amara beckons to the servants to get the princess dressed, Zara and the three servants handed the gifts to Fatima and the other servants. "I'll be waiting" her ladyship said as she leaves the fitting room. Safiya and her servants bowed in respect.
The servants began to quickly dress the princess, one putting on her silk blue clothes, and fitting it in place, the other putting on her jewelry on her neck, nose, ears, hands, ankle and head. Since this was a celebration she wore more jewelry that usually.
They had combed the princess hair braided style with a silver head jewelry that has a diamond crescent moon that hung in the center of her forehead, they also added pearls, which made her hair looked stunning. they placed a silver diamond sandals on her feet and finally gracefully place the silk blue veil over her head finishing her look. She looked at herself in the mirror, as if just remembering who she is: Safiya Amina Aaliya Al, First Princess of the Kingdom of Meckkah.
Safiya took in a deep breath with her eyes close, then slowly exhales as she opens her eyes, gaining composure, she slowly turned away from the mirror to face the door. "Happy Birthday your highness... we pray and hope that all your hearts desire will come true...and may you forever be happy." Her servants said in unison. Her face lite up with joy as she replied. "Thank you all".
Her highness then made her way to the main hall of her palace, there she saw her mother waiting by the door. As her mother turns her head in her direction, she gave a warm smile to her daughter as the princess walks to her. " You look wonderful my dear...they did a splendid job, Zara... be sure to reward the taylors for a job well done." "As you command your highness" she replied.
The servants open the door, bowing to theirs highnesses as they step outside, a red carpet flows down marble stairs, all the way down to the carriages made of wood, Gold and fine rubies for their highnesses, servants on each side bowing as they walk down the stairs to their carriages. The Second Queen's carriage was first and the princess's carriage was behind. the servants assisted them as they entered.
Fatima enter the princess's carriage and Zara entered the Queen's and close the door behind them. Then all of the servants said bowing in unison "We respectfully send off their highnesses". Then a coachman shouted "Departing" as they wiped the horses, moving the carriages to the next location; The main palace.
As the carriages moved off to the main palace, Queen Amara mind started recalling her first journey that deside her fate...