Months later, the palace buzzed with echoes of laughter and an atmosphere of joy. Aisha had settled into her role as the empress with grace and humility and her presence had been a comforting anchor for Dario. Dario was the happiest because the people of Persian accepted, loved and cooperated with Aisha just as expected. And she had been leading graciously alongside him ever since. It was a bright morning and Dario woke up to a very delicious smell that had filled almost the entire mansion. ‘What’s that smell?’ He thought to himself, his eyes still closed with his nose twitching slightly as he took in the aroma. He opened his eyes and immediately got out of bed out of curiosity, and dashed to the kitchen. On his way, he stopped briefly to take a deep breath in, and closed his eyes to savor the smell before he continued his journey. As he got closer to the kitchen, he could hear chatter and laughter coming from there. ‘Mama and Aisha?’ He thought. It had to be them. A warm smil
“Let’s have a festival,” Dario said to Bruce, his face lit with excitement and anticipation, staring into the distance. “Let’s have a festival,” he repeated, looking directly at Bruce this time. “The best one yet. For the entire empire. Bruce's face immediately lit with excitement just like Dario’s. They had not had a festival in years and having a festival now was just the perfect timing. “Yes, Your Majesty.”“I’m too happy and I want to extend this joy I’m feeling to my people,” Dario said, a satisfied smile plastered on his face. “Life is good!”Life was indeed good.“It’s going to be great,” he added, walking to take a seat at his throne. “What do you think, Bruce?” “I think it’s a great idea, Your Majesty,” Bruce said, smiling brightly. “The people will love every bit of it. I’m sure that once they hear the news, they will be excited.” “I think so too,” Dario replied. “I can’t wait! I love to see smiles on their faces and I can’t wait to see their lovely smiley faces again!”
“Your Majesty, Your Grace, I have something to say,” Bruce said as he bowed slightly. A month had already passed and It was already the day before the festival. The day had been tense with preparations for the festival and several efforts to make sure everything was set in place.“Go on, Bruce,” Dario sitting regally on his throne replied. “Your Majesty, something’s not right.” Bruce began, frustration evident in his tone. “The preparations are a mess. We’re suddenly experiencing conflicting directives and too many issues coming up. And tomorrow is the festival!”Bruce rubbed his forehead in an attempt to relieve the throbbing pain that lingered there. The announcement of the festival had spread like wildfire across the empire, filling the air with a contagious excitement. And the people of the empire had waited in anxious anticipation for this day to come. But, things didn’t seem to be going right at the moment. Banners of vibrant colors already draped across the streets, perfor
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
It was finally the day of the festival!Excitement buzzed across the entire empire and everyone; the commoners and the nobles, was dressed in their best attires for the grandest festival ever.“You look so beautiful, Aisha darling,” Maria said, her eyes filled with admiration as Aisha walked into her room. “Thank you, mother. You look absolutely stunning as well. I came to check if you were ready,” Aisha said. “So we can all leave together.”Maria applying her lipstick paused and glanced briefly at Aisha with a smile. “I’m not done, yet. I will meet you guys at the fields soon, you can go without me.”“You take so long to prepare,” Aisha teased, her words escaping her chuckles. “Well you’re the prettiest woman I know so I understand why you take so long to get ready.”Maria blushed briefly and waved Aisha goodbye before focusing on making her face up again. “Dario, I’m ready baby,” Aisha screamed, almost stepping into the throne room. Dario was already waiting for her there. Aisha
“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
“What?!” Dario’s face contorted into a frown that instant. “My own mother has suddenly fallen ill?” He asked, his voice laced with terror. “Yes, Your Majesty,” the royal guard replied, his voice shaking in fear.Immediately, Dario turned to Aisha who also had her brows creased into a frown, and said, “We need to go.”“Take care of the rest of the ceremony on my behalf and extend my apologies to the people. I won’t be able to stay for the entire event,” he swiftly instructed Bruce before leaving. His guards followed behind and got the car ready before he got there. When they got to the mansion, Dario dashed to his mother’s room. While Aisha followed behind. When he entered the room, he saw Maria lying under a blanket, on the bed. She looked weak and a little bit pale, which was unusual.“What’s wrong, mama,” Dario said, wiping the beads of sweat that formed on her forehead and upper lips. “Your temperature is high!” he exclaimed the moment he touched her face. Maria couldn’t reply
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