Robert’s face flushed as he tore his eyes from Dario’s, “Your Majesty, I… I only reported what I was told,” he stammered. Before Dario could say anything else, there was a knock on the door. Every member of the council was seated in the meeting room already, so who could it be? The members wondered. “Come in,” Dario comfortably said, which was weird to the council members. They had expected him to snub the knock as nobody dared to disturb or interrupt their meeting.But Dario was certain about who exactly was behind the door. The council members turned their heads in unison as the door swung open and Aisha walked in with a determined expression.All of them stood up in respect and bowed to her. “Welcome, Your Grace,” General Marcus greeted, prompting others to chorus, “Welcome, Your Grace.”“Thank you,” Aisha said and flashed a fake smile at them as she walked towards Dario. The murmurs continued and even grew louder as she got closer. Some of the members exchanged nervous glanc

“My dearest people of the Persian empire,” he began, his voice laced with a mixture of joy and pride. “Today, we are here not only to celebrate the prosperity and unity that binds us together in this great empire, but also to honor you all…” He paused for a moment, and looked over at his people. The joy that swirled in his heart had no measure. He then continued, “I am the happiest to be here today putting smiles on the faces of my people… “The more he spoke, the wider their smiles became. They just couldn’t get enough of his love. “…and this festival is a testament to our shared journey… our triumphs… and our unwavering hope for the future.”The crowd let out a thunderous applause. Cheers and loud squeals echoed across the entire field. Aisha, who was standing next to her husband in a stunning evening gown, locked her hand with Dario’s and smiled warmly at the people. She felt like her heart was going to explode from how much joy she felt in that moment. She then placed her othe

In the evening, Dario decided to check on Maria before leaving for the festival. Today was the second and last day of the festival. Though Dario had missed the medical outreach that took place in the early hours of the day till after noon, he had to attend the feast and the closing ceremony.He also had the doctor come over again today to check Maria’s health status during the day. And he confirmed that she was much better and will be completely fine in no time.“Hey mama.”“Yes, my love,” Maria replied. Now she could speak, though her voice still sounded weak and hoarse. Aisha was in the room with Maria before Dario came in. She had been with Maria trying to care for her and keeping her company. “How are you feeling, mama?”“I feel better. Thanks to Aisha,” she replied, looking at Aisha with her eyes lit with gratitude. Dario couldn’t be more grateful to have such a supportive partner and wife. And even if he didn’t say the words ‘thank you’ to Aisha, his eyes and smile screamed

As Dario approached the room, he shouted at the royal guards, “have you called the doctor?” “Yes, Your Majesty,” they chorused, but Dario didn’t wait to hear their response and kept running towards the room. Though he heard their answer.When Dario got to Maria’s room, he fell on his knees. “Calm down, Aisha,” he said to her, so she stopped shaking Maria and slightly moved away from her. Dario gently shook Maria, he tapped her shoulder and asked loudly, “Are you okay, mama?” But there was no response. He listened to her breathing and felt her pulse to see if it was still beating. Her breathing was irregular and her pulse was faint.“Place her gently on the bed,” he ordered the guards who got to work immediately. “Roll her onto her side with her bottom arm extended out and her top leg bent at the knee,” he instructed.Dario turned and ran his hair in frustration and fear. He took in a deep breath to calm his nerves. “Tilt her head slightly to keep the airway open,” he instructed th

“Hey mama,” Dario said, walking into Maria’s room. “Good morning, how’re you feeling today?”“Hey baby,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Her voice sounded weak. “I feel almost the same.”Another month had passed and Maria’s health had remained the same and maybe a little bit better. Though she could talk now. Nobody knew the origin or the cause of the sudden extreme fatigue.Many doctors had come from far and near to assess the situation, but a solution have not been found until now. Even traditional healers had come to do their thing, but all to no avail.It had been devastating for the entire household; Dario, Aisha, their close families and the royal workers that worked in the mansion. Maria had always been such a kind woman and an absolute sweetheart. “I’m sorry I haven’t come to say hi since morning. Got busy with matters of the empire,” Dario apologized and sat beside her on the bed. He then placed his hand on her cheek and caressed it with his thumb.Maria fl