The sun in the sky warmed the mourners on either side of the street. All bowed low to the ground, dressed in grey robes, no jewelry in sight. Very few subjects of Cabimal lacked swollen red eyes, or tear stained trails on their cheeks.

  King Saamun had announced that the people who died outside the prison would receive a proper burial. For he understood the betrayal they must have felt and his heart went out to the people.

  Men walked down the roads on either side of biers. The common people could not have their bodies moved in carriages along the high ranking Medes family, however one representative from each family was allowed a token to put on the carriages. A symbol of the one they lost. Some placed flowers, others jewelry, or a tea cup.

  The members of the Medes family lay atop of white lilies and yas flowers. Not even the king could ask General Aminah to aid her fallen family. So the high prince’s wife; High Princess Anahita, cleaned the bodies with oil, and unbraided the hair of each Medes member herself. Their hair was brushed and laid ever so gently on the linen pillows. She had carefully jewelry and anything that could stand in the way of returning to dust. It was her hands that placed the sacred lotus on their chests, directly above their hearts.

  High Princess Anahita surely met the beauty of her name. The goddess she was named after could not be more proud in the selflessness she showed to aid such a loyal family of the kingdom. She wished to walk with the carriage as well, but the king asked her not to. For fear that the Aljehni family would react with anger.

  No Aljehni was present at the funeral, and the hatred and discord only grew since the king had publicly pleaded for peace. The Aljehni estate was closed and had not opened. Some wondered if they were aware that the Medes family had passed at all. If they were aware, then the closing of the estate was tradition; to allow them to mourn for ten days. However, no one believed they cared. Afterall, General Aminah was involved with the Stillits. She even defied her family, who died for loyalty to the throne.

  The procession made it to the entrance of the pyre where seven children, the age of seven Blue Moons dressed in grey, walked single file before the pyre. These were the Moon Children, born during the first and last week of the moon phase. The Medes family had no one to sing the ancient song, thus these children would bear the responsibility.

  Their faces were covered with sheer material. On their heads were crowns made from lotus flowers. Together they sang the Song of Exodus in the words of ancient Aidjeeken. This song was never to be rewritten or translated. The old gods would hear it and accept the souls of the people from the beginning to the end.

  Finishing the song everyone rose and tossed one final white flower into the street. Then the bodies were burned one by one. Their ashes would later be collected and poured over the sacred lotus pond next to the main temple.

  The rest of the day was to be in silence, to grant peace for the departed. The king made an announcement in person, high on his horse dressed in grey, his crown glistened in the sunlight. At his left was Duke Majidi, his hardened and cold eyes scanning the crowd.

  King Saamun raised his hand. “People of Aidkjeen today we mourn a loyal family. A group of men and women who laid their lives down for the safety of this kingdom. They burned with respect. They burned with honour.” He placed his fist over his chest. “I know many of us grieve, but through these hard times let us stand united. It can be difficult to know who to trust. But I, King Saamun hereby vow to stand on the side of the people. I will capture all the Stilits. I will get to the bottom of this chaos. I will restore peace.”

  All around him the people cheered and praised the Dlumaeni name.

  The scholar that was released from prison stepped forward after he caught Duke Majidi’s silent order. “Your majesty,” he bowed, “permission to speak.”

  A warm smile graced King Sammun’s lips. “Granted.”

  “The Aljehnis would not really do this, right? Your majesty, have we really been fooled by them all along?” He asked with a pained expression. His fist gripped his garment tightly as if the words were too painful to say. “General Aminah is not truly working with the Stilits. She did not truly order her family to die?”

  King Saamun dramatically turned to hide his face before turning back. He exhaled a broken laugh. “A king never aims to harm his people. A king tries to live by example. To follow the scriptures of Mofmo, however,” he paused to stare at the smoke rising in the air from the pyre, “this one was wrong. I placed my trust in the wrong people, as a result harming you. I apologize.” He bowed his head.

  At the king’s actions every person in attendance dropped to their knees.

  “His majesty King Saamun is kind, please feel no guilt,” someone shouted, causing the crowd to repeat the statement.

  From the back of the crowd soldiers under General Aminah command frowned. Their hands shook as they reached up to hit the side of their heads.

  At the Aljehni estate Dharam sat at the foot of the tree facing the main gate. The sun had barely lit up the night sky when he had made his way to that spot. The tie that held up his short hair was grey instead of yellow, highlighting his swollen eyes. Tearfully he hummed the song of exodus as his fingered twirled a lotus flower.

  Everytime his eyes watered he would bang his head on the tree and close his eyes. Eventually he felt a presence. “When did you get here?”

  “A long time ago. You have only just noticed.” Chiara sat beside him, her hands on her lap.

  “Are you here to tell me I must not leave the estate?” He asked, scoffing weakly.

  “I was under the impression that you already knew that.”

  Dharam nodded. After some time he spoke once more. “Then why are you here?”

  “You are my brother, I do not think you should be alone.”

  Dharam stared at the gate. “Who knew Chiara was so kind.”

  “Dharam-”

  “I know.”

  “What?” Her wide eyes stared at him in shock.

  “I know.”

  “What do you know?”

  “I know what you were going to say.”

  “How? I do not even know what I was going to say.”

  Dharam smiled, a real one this time and leaned his head on her shoulder. “Thank you, Chiara.”

  Chiara sniffled.

  From inside the manor the strings of a lyre played. The gentle vibrations of the strings created a soft melody that called for the hearts of those who were gone.

  Dharam finally stood, his body stumbling after having sat for so long. Facing away from the gate he stared at the open window.

  From a balcony Asbed sat, the notes of his santur accompanied Zale’s lyre. A delicate painful tune broke for the loss of family.

  Chiara squeezed Dharam’s hand and led him back to the manor, the words of the ancient song leaving her lips.

  As the song reached its end the members of the Aljehni family returned to the manor. Many of them had seen each other for the first time that day. Everyone dressed in grey clothes and swollen eyes. The only member missing was Roset, who had finally gone to sleep after crying, and their mother.

  Aaleyah sat at the top of the steps, her long body closed in almost invisible. Her tight curls unbraided, blanketed around her face. Her lips mouthing the words of the song.

  Herom sat next to Amenah at the table, a clay figurine he molded in the shape of his grandfather in his hand.

  The song ended and Zale soon returned to Aaleyah’s side, pulling her into a hug.

  Their father stepped out from his bedroom. “Make sure you eat today. Do not worry your mother.”

  Herom visibly shook. “Is that all you have to say?”

  Dharam and Amenah locked eyes and moved in sync to stand at Herom’s side.

  “Herom, maybe now is not the time,” Amenah whispered in warning.

  Herom brushed her hand away, his eyes glued on their father. “No more being in the dark,” he told his father.

  “Now is not the time,” their father told him tiredly.

  “How long shall we wait! Shall we wait for another funeral we are unable to attend!”

  Chiara could not muffle her sob and turned away.

  Dharam scratched at the back of his head. “He did not mean it like that father. We are all just feeling a bit-”

  “Do not alter my words.” Herom silenced Dharam. “Father, you told me to stop hunting for animals and I did. You told me to turn down the position as captain, and I did. You told me not to go to the palace training grounds so I stayed home. You told me to disband my group, break my friendship with Helan, he shook, “and I did” He walked closer to his father. “Everytime I asked for an explanation, to know why, you always said you would tell me later.” The figurine in his hands broke into two.

  Dharam watched his father shake his head. “Not know Herom.”

  “Then when?” Herom’s voice cracked. “When can I know why mother tried to send me off? When can I know why I betrayed my best friends? When can I know why the king managed to kill off our family and we are unable to do anything about it? When!”

  “I understand your questions, Herom, but you need to remember your place. You are grieving, sacrificing, and struggling. However, a parent's job is to protect their children, not the other way around!”

  “The battles are reaching the children,” Herom gritted out.

  “I will say nothing else about this matter.”

  “When did you say anything at all!”

  The sound of the slap was met with five pairs of shocked scared eyes. Chiara took a step closer to reach out for Herom but his pained gaze froze her in place.

  The fingers of his father’s hand shook as he dropped it to his side. “Perhaps I have been too lenient with you all.”

  From the steps Zale stood, and the motion captured their father’s attention.

  “Zale and Aaleyah, come with me.” He began to move in the direction of his study, “We have much to do.”

  Dharam stepped forward. “Father please. Ley Ley is not alright.”

  Aaleyah slowly lifted herself from the step she stooped on. Tears seemed to continuously fill her tired eyes. She ignored the hand Zale offered to her and like a puppet, made her way down the stairs. Her palms bled from the nails she repeatedly dug there.

  “Father, can studying not wait?” Amenah desperately asked, her voice breaking.

  Dharam pulled Amenah back from his father’s cold glare. “The actions of yesterday solidify the importance of why we must study.” Their father the twins with his two fingers. “Quickly, I will teach you together.”

  Herom scoffed and Amenah quietly walked to place a warning hand on his shoulder. Her silent way of telling him to stop.

  Dharam swallowed his fear. “Father, at least let me bandage her palms.” His own eyes filled with tears. Why was his father doing this? Why was he so cruel?

  His father’s gaze dropped to Aaleyah’s hands. “Aaleyah.”

  At his name her head shot up.

  “Aaleyah,” his father’s voice softened. “Legacy is painful, as the Aljehni Head you are the one who will grow to protect it.”

  Herom walked away, and Dharam saw the tears that fell.

  Zale gently took Aaleyah’s hand and urged her to open her fist. “Father, I will study first. Please leave Ley Ley alone.”

  “I will study.”

  Dharam did not recognize the dead voice that came from Aaleyah.

  Chiara moved to Asbed and hid her face behind his back to cry.

  The twins disappeared inside the study and Dharam sat on the steps.

  “What do we do?” Asbed asked, no one in particular. His eyes on the empty hall Herom disappeared down.

  Amenah quickly soothed Asbed’s worries. “Herom is really stressed, we all are. Due to stress he said something he did not mean. You do not need to worry. No one is being sent away. Our family is going to be alright.”

  Dharam rolled his eyes. "Some of it.”

  “Not helping.” Amenah gritted out.

  Dharam huffed and glanced at Asbed, “Asbed too much has happened and we do not need to add more pain.” he answered tirelessly. He pulled the grey small fabric out of his hair, and his small black curls fell to frame his face. “Did you know it was mother’s soldiers who told the king that they were ordered to put the weapons at the academy?” His jaw tightened. “So much for trust.”

  “Dharam!” Amenah urged him to stop.

  Asbed’s eyes bulged. “That is impossible. Mother’s men are loyal, they would never act in a way to cause mother harm. Remember when Babu came, mother and her soldiers were here. They helped us, especially Zaccai and Sabni. They are mother’s second and third in command.”

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Asbed that just goes to show that there is no such thing as trust,” Dharam muttered.

  “Trust.” Amenah shook her head. “That word can only exist with family.” She picked at the skin by her fingernail. “Even then it is still fragile.”

  “No. Zaccai and Sabni must have a reason. There must be something that we do not know,” Asbed said.

  Chiara clutched Asbed’s robe as she cried louder.

  In the palace King Saamun rubbed at his temple. “Hammaan, I have done all that I can. I know it must come as a shock to you but I have warned you about Scholar Alkjehni.”

  “King Saamun, I am not asking you to drop the charges,” Hammaan stood up, “I am asking for permission to investigate the case.” The last letter he sent Havil received no response. He had asked permission before allowing his wife to prepare the Medes family for the funeral. And then he sent another letter asking how Havil planned on moving forward and how he could help prove his innocence. Hammaan waited but there was no response.

  Hearing tapping Hammaan turned in concern at his guard Izad who pushed his fingers against his temple. Many guards within the palace had been experiencing migraines more frequently.

  “I should not have to explain to you why the close friend of the accused should not be on this case.” His father called for his attention.

  “Your majesty I-”

  “No, Hammaan! You will have no involvement. You have other things to do with your time. Have you not heard the news of the Nevalvn Kingdom?”

  “What do you mean?” Hammaan studied the slight curve of his father’s lips, the twinkle in his eyes. What had his father done?

  “EunuchYosen.”

  The doors opened and the small male rushed forward to answer the king’s summon. “Yes, your majesty.”

  “Tell High Prince Hammaan the news you told me earlier.”

  Eunuch Yosen glanced back and forth between the king and the high prince before nodding. “It is said that King Valvn is closing his ports and will cease their trade to mourn the loss of High Prince Niraj.”

  Hammaan’s heart dropped.

  “I have told you numerous times that your face must betray nothing. I can see that there was a plan in that head of yours that has fallen apart.” His father chuckled.

  Hammun exhaled and forced a neutral expression. “My shock comes from the loss of the Nevalvn Kingdom’s only heir. As their ally surely we must send something to show our concern?”

  His father broke the tension by burping. “I think it best for the Valvn Royals to have silence during this time. It will provide them the opportunity to truly think about where they stand in the food chain.”

  Hammaan watched his father with heated eyes. Once again he was one step too late.

  “By the way, tomorrow I think it is wise to inspect the generals and the military tokens. Have Izad retrieve the token from General Aljehni, after these crimes it should be revoked,” His father ordered.

  Izad’s strained eyes focused on the king and he bowed. “Yes, your majesty.”

  “Take this silence as your cue to leave.” King Saamun yawned.

  As Hammaan made his way down the halls of the palace a soft voice from the shadows captured his attention. Recognizing the face he immediately bowed to show his respect. “Concubine Megera.”

  Her face was covered with red sheer material, but her small hand beckoned him closer. “High Prince Hammaan, you need not show such mannerisms before me.”

  “I have never seen your grace outside. Is all well?” He asked, noticing a bruise by her wrist.

  “Today a tune of grief has played, may you tell me who it was for?”

  Hammaan motioned for Izad to step back. “Concubine Megera is unaware of the funeral that took place?” His brow furrowed in confusion. How was that possible? Surely his father would have told her.

  Holding her arm to stop it from shaking, “Is Duke Majidi-” her breath hitched nervously, “has he-”

  Hammaan held up a hand. “Fear not, Concubine Megera, your brother is unharmed. He has returned to the capital.”

  “Then who?”

  “The Medes family has fallen. The funeral progression, the song you heard, was for them,” he patiently explained.

  “Who in the Medes family has fallen?” She asked with a tight voice.

  “Concubine Megera,” Hammaan whispered, his calm face morphing to shocked agony. “Everyone fell. The Ridge of Antingree was destroyed, the entire Medes family was killed.”

  Megera stepped back. “The ridge was destroyed by Duke Majidi, correct?”

  His brow arched in question. “You know of this?”

  “Were the Medes the Stilits?”

  “No, of course not. Concubine Megera, the Medes family fell with honor, and received a proper send off. Their deaths were an accident.” he told her, but both of them did not seem to believe his last words.

  Megera’s breaths were uneven. “I see. Thank you High Prince Hammaan.” She bowed and moved at a slow speed back to her chambers.

  “Izad.”

  Izad moved to his side. “Here.”

  “Ensure Concubine megera returns safely.”

  Izad bowed and took a step forward before he froze. “I am to retrieve the token from General Aminah,” he reported cooly.

  “I am aware, do so afterwards.”

  A grin filled the bottom half of Izad’s face. “High Prince Hammaan is loyal to the Aljenhis, yes?”

  “Izad?” Hammaan called, and turned to study his face. His skin was red at his temple, his eyes swollen. “Walk Concubine Megera to her chambers, and then get some rest,” he told him, maybe Izad was falling ill.

  Izad shook, the smile on his face did not fade. “High Prince Hammaan is loyal-” he cut off his own sentence and rubbed the side of his temple. His smile dropped. “High Prince Hammaan is kind, it seems I have exhausted myself. This one apologizes for his wrong actions.” He bowed.

  “All is well, please go.” As Izad left Hammaan rushed to send a letter to Havil.

  The next day Duke Majidi stood on the high wall overlooking Cabimal, and watched the result of his actions.

  A teen was being dragged through the streets and beaten for the drawn insignia on his skin. He could not hear the cries but he knew the child pleaded for mercy. He was beaten until he no longer moved to defend himself, and the elders scrubbed at his skin, drawing blood as the Aljehni insignia was forcibly removed.

  The hatred was only growing, this was the tenth person.

  What would the world look like without the Aljehni family? They had been here from the start of the kingdom. Would the king exile them? If they were gone would it bother him? He had never taken any time to think, and now that he was, the thoughts were giving him a headache.

  How would his sister react? He rubbed his fingers above his eye where the pain was slowly throbbing.

  At the Aljeheni estate Amenah rushed to the guest at the gates. Her peace of seeing his face only lasted a moment before she pulled him inside.

  “Kemal what are you thinking! You must not be here. The capital is-”

  “May I hug you?” Kemal asked with a hopeful glint in his eyes, his arms already outstretched silently pleading for her to take her place in his arms.

  Her eyes scanned the gate’s frame, the lock, and then the grass. “Scholar K-Kemal,” she stuttered and cleared her throat to cover it up. “You are, there- It is not safe for you to be here.”

  “Lovely Amenah, will you leave my arms like this? Is is a test of strength?”

  Amenah lowered one of his hands. “Scholar Kemal, this one has broken the engagement with you,” her voice grew softer with each word.

  “Did you? I do not recall us agreeing to break it off.”

  “It is dangerous for you to come here.”

  “I see. Forgive me, for I find myself not caring.” With a gentle pull she fell into his arms.

  She hid her face in his chest. “You should not be here.”

  “Shall I release you and leave?”

  She tightened her hands into his robes and he chuckled.

  “I came to check on you.” He pushed her back slightly so he could see her face. “These past nights must have been painful.”

  Amenah’s face crumbled and she attempted to look away.

  “You need not hide, I am here Amenah.” he ardently told her. Then softer, “Allow me to be here for you.”

  Amenah’s golden eyes shimmered with tears. “I do not know who to mourn first, Kemal. I do not wish to cry. Mother surely feels the worst pain,” her voice cracked. “Mother lost her sibling, her parents, but she refuses to shed a tear, so I must, I should, it only makes sense if I-”

  “Did you love your family?”

  “Of course I did.”

  “Can you measure your love? Can you tell me how much?” Kemal asked.

  Amenah’s lips turned to an unrealized pout as she thought. “How could one measure love?”

  “You are asking me? You are the one who seems to already be doing so.”

  “What do you mean? I have done no such thing.”

  “You said that your mother feels the worst pain and she refuses to shed a tear so you must as well. Your mother feeling pain is a fact, but her feeling the most, how is this true? Amenah, is it not because you believe that your mother knew them longer that she loved them more? Therefore she must feel the most pain? Does that not mean you are measuring your pain? You are measuring how much pain someone could feel due to loss of love, thus,” he held out his hand as if he was balancing something, "measuring who loves more.”

  Amenah shook her head. “I am not measuring. It is logical to know that my mother feels pain.”

  “Enough to prevent yours?” He questioned. “Did you not love your grandparents and uncles?”

  Her confusion at his questions was replaced with anger. “How dare you?”

  “The family you love has passed, your heart aches at the loss. You were unable to attend the funeral. You were unable to sing the Song of Exodus for them. You were unable to say goodbye to them, instead you were trapped here in this estate.”

  At his words her eyes filled with tears. “Enough!” Her foot slammed into the post by the gate. Dropping her foot she took deep breaths to calm herself. “I no longer wish for you to be here.”

  “Crying for those who can no longer feel your love is not a crime. Why hold onto your grief as if it is a weapon when grief is something to be shed?”

  “I am done with this conversation, Kemal.”

  “If you show your grief to me I promise to respect it. And if you wish for no one to see,” he opened his robe, “I promise to hide you here.”

  Unable to hide her sobs she hid herself in his chest, the force having his stagger back; but his arms wrapped around her. She could feel the warmth of his robe as he covered her.

  In her chambers Megera watched the door close after making everyone leave. She picked up the letters once more and recalled the words the king said to her. The order to attack the Ridge of Antingree came from her. The death of the Medes family was on her hands. Amenah’s pain and loss was because of her. Her body shook with heat at the thought. Her friend that she had ignored for too many moons had pleaded to her. Had asked her for her help, and her response was to kill her family.

  Did Aminah know that her brother was the one who did it? Did she know the Majidi family was responsible for her pain? Megera’s body sunk to the floor, there was nothing she could do to stop this. Her brother would continue to follow the king’s orders all for her. The king would wield her brother however he wanted because of her. She was helpless to stop it.

  Her eyes fell on the linen cloth by the bed. Her brother would not listen to her, too fixated on saving her; blind to the fact that he played a hand in destroying her. She rose from the floor and picked up the cloth. She would be used no longer.

  Later, Captain Izad, under the king’s orders went to retrieve the Leaf Token from General Aminah.

  She caught him tapping on his head for a moment and could not help but ask. “Are you hurt? What is wrong with your head?”

  Izad shook his head a few times before opening them with an unsettling smile. “All is well, pain is never more important than loyalty.”

  Aminah’s forehead scrunched into thought. “Is that so?”

  With another hit to his head Izad’s smile faded and he seemed to return to normal. “General Aminah, I warn you to be careful.”

  “Of whom?”

  Izad scrunched in pain. “Many mourners will meet by the gate to the capital. The king will provide rice and wine-”

  “Captain?”

  “Stop!” Izad held his hand up. “Do not leave the estate. I will leave now,” he told her before running off.

  Thus that evening in the streets, mourners who had lost their family and friends from the prison attack made their way towards the east gate. Moving on foot some still had puffy eyes, children still cry for the loss of those they will never see again.

  They were directed to move away from the flow of traffic, and instead sat on a side road behind the spice shop.

  Zaccai came forward holding the horse reins pulling the wagon of food. The king in his boundless generosity, added linens and warm cloaks for the upcoming winter weather. Zaccai stumbled forward, his eyes sunken in. His brown hair that was always perfectly tied up was loose and some strands fell to his eye. A smile was painted on his face, and despite the pained eyes and tight hand on the horse reins that smile had never faltered.

  He motioned to the wagon. “Everyone please come and receive the goods from the king.”

  Everyone rushed forward, another guard ordered for the line to loop around the wagon, keeping close. Zaccai dragged his nails through his hair and scratched leaving a bloody mark from his forehead to his cheek. With watery eyes he lifted the cloth and the carriage exploded.

  The people in line were blown back, some crashed into the walls of the building around them. For those who somehow survived the blast Sabni rushed out with soldiers behind him. “For the Aljehni!” He cried out killing the remaining survivors. He stepped over Zaccai’s body that was broken in two on the ground without hesitation. As he raced after the survivors a tear escaped his eyes before a wide smile took over his face.

  Palace guards rushed to the scene pushing their way to the road; there was no time to think, only react. They pulled out their swords and the fight between guards and General Aminah’s troops began.

  Helan hesitated and his sword missed its mark, only grazing Sabni’s shoulder. “Lieutenant Sabni, why are you doing this? This could not have been General Aminah’s orders!”

  Sabni took the hilt of his sword and struck his head with it. “Loyal, I am loyal to Aljehni!” He swung wildly at Helan. “I am loyal!”

  Normally Sabni’s skills were a force to be reckoned with. To be third in command after General Aminah meant he could take on multiple fighters at once without being grazed.

  Helan ducked once more from his wild swing, but Sabni was not here. “Lieutenant Sabni, why did you do this? Please tell me?” He asked while blocking his attacks.

  “Drink no- drink” Sabni gritted out and pounded his head before lunging for Helan’s sword. Grasping the sword by the hand Sabni thrust it into his chest. “I was always loyal,” he grunted the blood poured from his mouth, “to Aminah.”

  Helan watched his body fall and heard one final whisper. “Do not drink-”

  At the palace King Saamun waved his hand in a bored fashion. “Duke, there will be much to clean up by the gate. I entrust it to you.”

  “Yes your majesty. Am I to spread the news of this tragedy?”

  King Saamun snorted. “Tragedy? The people who died had trouble with loyalty. Some were still unsure if they should place their trust in their king or their beloved scholar. With their deaths no one will question. You will not need to spread the news, the sound of the explosion will have people talking. The guards will be recognized. General Aminah’s men, only a fool will be confused on who did this.” His dark eyes glared in the duke’s direction, “Just clean up the bodies.”

  Throughout the capital one phrase grew louder and louder.

  “Kill the Aljehni!”