One Choice

by Ginger Solomon

  The curtain in the second story window remained motionless. Would he sleep late?

  Day 78—

  Last night we attended a banquet. The food was so bad I got sick, but the food isn't what I remember most. I danced with the prince, twice. He almost kissed me. It was exciting, yet frightening. I wanted him to, but I didn't know what to expect. Then Anaya cleared her throat, and he backed away so fast, I thought he would fall. It embarrassed me to have wanted his lips to touch mine so much I ached.

  Anaya told me I needed to guard my heart. It's too late for that. At least a portion of my heart already belongs to the prince.

  He's so handsome. Last night he wore all black. He reminded me of a bad boy, but the dark colors brought out his brown eyes. I still just want to jump in those luscious pools of chocolate and drown. He gave me a new handkerchief too. It smells like him just like the other one.

  I wonder if he'll choose me. He seemed to like me last night, but he could have been that way with everyone. I wanted to watch him as he interacted with the others, but I didn't.

  I looked up a verse this morning…

  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

  Such a hard thing.

  She laid her notebook on the bench and meandered through the garden. She stopped and stretched. What a beautiful morning. A smile formed as she moved her gaze around the garden.

  God's imagination in creation impressed her so much. The varieties of plants alone was incredible, let alone everything else He’d created. She sniffed a rose, inhaling its scent. God's perfume. It reminded Cahri of her mom, who'd loved roses.

  Almost four years since she had died, along with Cahri's dad, but it wasn’t often a day passed when Cahri didn't think about her and miss her. She'd been such a vibrant woman and such a godly example of a wife and mother.

  She wandered toward the steps and sat down. Stormy’s body slipped through the water in the pool with ease.

  So much had changed in her life over the last two and a half months.

  The first week had been horrible. Her world had collapsed around her, and no one had been able to save her. She'd packed, donated, and cried. Then she'd arrived at the palace, and isolation had become her friend. As time passed, she'd accepted this as one of those times uncertainty would reign. A time when life was lived one day at a time, sometimes one step at a time.

  She remembered Pastor Phillip's last words, “God loves you, even when you're angry with Him.” The verses resonated in her heart. She just couldn't accept that her parents' death was the act of a loving God.

  The few weeks after arriving she'd spent learning all she could about life in a palace, though she hadn't had any notion of being picked as the prince's bride, still didn't in fact. It didn’t stop her from dreaming about him though.

  She'd never been under the illusion she was special — different, yes, but special, she didn't think so. God thought she was special because He made her, but the world in general didn't think like God.

  Her thoughts seemed to stray to God more and more often. Someone must be praying for her. God called her; she heard it. His presence was near; she felt it. It wasn’t easy to forget or ignore once it had been experienced.

  How had Adam and Eve felt when they realized they had disappointed God — that they had been duped by the devil? Everything she used to dream about they had: personal fellowship with God every day, the beauty of a garden made just for them, the companionship of many, if not all, of the animals God created, unlimited food, and each other. They messed it up for the rest of mankind, who couldn’t even imagine life lived that way. Two people who gave it all up for a piece of fruit which they thought would give them the knowledge of good and evil. Why would one want to know about evil anyway?

  A hand on her shoulder startled her out of her reverie.

  “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, Anaya.” Cahri stood.

  “You are up early after a late night. I thought you might sleep in.”

  “I did, about fifteen minutes.” Cahri laughed. “I've never been one to sleep in, even after staying up late. I will just turn in earlier tonight. What are you doing up?”

  “Ahh, life in a palace does not stop because of a late night. Today Josiah and I have to take care of some business in another town. Our father has asked that we also ride to one of our more secluded homes to check on it. It is accessible by helicopter or horseback, so we decided to ride horses and enjoy the time away. We must get started in a few minutes in order to be back before dark. I just thought I would mention that today is a scheduled day off. Relax. Enjoy yourself. Laugh. I will see you tomorrow.”

  “Be careful and enjoy yourself as well. Give my regards to the prince.”

  “Did you think about what I said last night?” Worry laced Anaya’s tone.

  “Yes, but your admonition comes a little too late.” Cahri paused and flashed a smile at her friend. “Though before our talk I didn't even know it. My heart is not my own anymore, and if it comes back to me broken, then I will manage somehow.”

  “I see. Well, I will pray it does not come back to you broken then. I would enjoy having you as a sister.”

  “And I, you.”

  “We’ll continue this discussion tomorrow, I must go now. My brother waits.” Anaya moved away, but then twisted back and gave Cahri a hug.

  It startled Cahri at first, but she returned the hug and joy bubbled up inside. A friend.

  She spent the morning among the others, trying to enjoy their company. Conversation revolved around the previous night's banquet and those who'd left. Fifteen of the original fifty remained. The numbers dwindled a great deal last night, between those who went with the nobles and the ones the king decided were unacceptable. How could the Bridal March last another three months?

  After lunch, she took a nap. Then the garden enticed her to wander. She needed a few minutes of peace in her favorite place. An intense urge to pray for Anaya and Prince Josiah invaded her thoughts. The weight upon her heart continued, and even though she hadn't prayed an intercessory prayer in years, she had no choice but to submit. She stayed in prayer for over an hour. Though she remained estranged from God, a certain peace overshadowed her. While all was not well, she had done her part by praying for them. She awaited news, but didn't expect any until morning. The trip took all day already, and if they'd had trouble, it would be longer still.

  Prayer remained her closest friend that evening as she lifted them up over and over. She retired before her normal time, but sleep eluded her. She was not worried, well, maybe a little. Concerned described her thoughts better, but she knew they were in the hands of God because she had placed them there many times.

  The gallery, another of her favorite places, beckoned. None of the others ever went there, so she’d be alone. She walked around the room caressing the framed portraits. She came to the place where Prince Jonathan’s picture had hung and found a new one in its place. Prince Josiah. She sighed and sat to stare at it. Her prayers became more fervent until she could no longer control the tears which cascaded down her face.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Cahri returned to her room emotionally, spiritually, and physically spent. Sleep claimed her weary body. Dreams invaded her mind.

  Anaya and Prince Josiah rode a path surrounded by trees and bushes, and then they trotted along a sandy plain filled with scrub brush. They joked and laughed. Then their faces changed as if they were in great pain. No longer on their horses, the prince lay sprawled on the ground as Anaya and two others knelt over him, weeping and calling his name.

  Cahri woke with a start, soaked with sweat, sheets twisted, and Stormy meowing his complaint. Her heart knew the prince was injured, but Anaya remained unharmed.

  The clock declared the time to be just before six. She got up and we
nt to the garden, unable to sleep. The moon, still almost full, rested just above the horizon. Its other-worldly glow cast shadows all around her. The light shone forth almost as bright as the sun. She wished she had a camera or could draw, so she could capture the image. Peace and quiet clothed the landscape. The whole garden seemed to hold its breath, as if it too awaited news of the prince.

  She sat on the bench to pray. Things would change today, again. She didn't know how, but they would. Her heart lifted Prince Josiah up in prayer. She noticed a light glowed from his room, even at this hour. He must be here. Maybe his injuries weren’t too severe.

  She replayed the dream over and over in her mind. Had it happened that way, or was it just an incentive for her to pray? She didn't know if she added details to the dream each time she relived it or whether she remembered more of the dream. The more she tried to remember, the fuzzier it became.

  The sky morphed from darkness to pink and then yellow. She walked to another part of the garden and watched as the sunlight bathed the flowers and trees. A gentle peace settled in her heart, something akin to hope.

  Another hour passed before the others moved around inside. She went back to her room to straighten up and prepare for the change to come.

  Breakfast was served as usual.

  “Could I have your attention please, ladies?” Ashura waited for everyone to be quiet. “Yesterday Prince Josiah was in an accident. Due to the time needed for his recovery, the king has decided to cancel the Bridal March.”

  The remaining ladies gasped and gazed at each other. A few had tears in their eyes.

  “Two options are available to you. The nobles still looking for wives have been summoned and will assemble in the banquet hall in an hour. If you are not chosen or choose not to participate, you may return to your homes.”

  Cahri's heart thudded in her chest. She didn't wish to marry a noble, and she had no home to return to.

  She glanced around for Anaya, but expected it to be in vain. Cahri approached Ashura and asked to speak to her. He told Cahri it wasn’t possible. Her family needed her, and she couldn't be disturbed.

  “I understand. Can I send her a note? It’s urgent I contact her.”

  “Yes. I will see she gets it before you leave. Go write your note. I will wait here for five minutes. Hurry.”

  “Yes, sir.” She rushed to her room, thinking over her words as she went. In her room, she wrote as fast as she could without being too messy.

  Dear Anaya,

  Ashura informed us the Bridal March has been canceled due to Prince Josiah's accident. As you know, I have come to care a great deal for the prince, and I am appealing to you as my friend.

  Since I have nowhere to go, I request I be allowed to become a servant or a companion to you. I know this is most unusual, but I pray you would consider my offer.

  I will not to take a noble for a husband, so if your family refuses my request, I will be leaving the country. It has been my plan from the beginning, if I were not chosen to be Prince Josiah’s bride, to move to France to be with my brother and his family for a time. Afterward, I don't know. I have always assumed Belikara would be where I would live and someday die.

  I know you are needed by your family at this time, and I understand. I wish only to be of service. I will be leaving with the others unless I hear from you.

  If my request is denied, please know I will always consider you my friend and cherish the time we spent together.

  Your friend,

  Cahri Michaels

  She returned and handed him the note. He nodded. “Now go pack, prepare for your departure.”

  Cahri prayed she wouldn't have to leave, but she packed anyway. She glanced over the few things she had unpacked — her personal items, the picture of her family, and the figurine from Paul. She wrapped them in cloth and placed them in a box. Then she cleaned out Stormy's litter box and walked around to the other rooms to see if she could find him. She found him with Halima, who cried as she petted him.

  “What's wrong?”

  “I cannot go home. I must find a husband. I am afraid.”

  Cahri hugged her and tried to reassure her. She asked if she could pray for her.

  Halima gaped at her, but nodded.

  “Father, God, help Halima. Give her favor with the nobles. Open the eyes of a young, kind, and loving man so he might see her in a special way. Give her your peace. Thank you. Amen.”

  “Thank you for sharing your cat with me.” Halima handed the cat to Cahri and wiped her tears.

  “You’re welcome. He enjoyed it.” Cahri watched her walk away, continuing her prayers for her in silence.

  It had become easier in the past day to pray, but Cahri’s heart was still not right with God. A heaviness remained. She sighed.

  She took Stormy back to her room and found Matthias standing at the door waiting.

  “Come.” Short and to the point, as usual.

  “Just a minute. I need to put Stormy away, so I can find him again, if I need to.”

  He nodded.

  With Stormy tucked into his carrier, voicing his disapproval at being confined, she stood.

  She followed Matthias to an area of the palace she hadn't been to before. It wasn't even a part of the tour, though it appeared much like the rest, lots of paintings and sculptures. They ascended a set of stairs and made a few turns. As they neared a set of doors fraught with a great deal of quiet commotion, he slowed. A low whistle bounced off the walls, and then Anaya appeared.

  “Cahri!” Anaya ran and hugged her. “You will have to go before my father with your request. I cannot make that decision.”

  Cahri sighed.

  “We are shorthanded right now, so he may oblige you, but he is an unusual man, and sometimes his decisions are hard to understand. He is just down the hall. Are you ready?”

  After a quick prayer, she nodded.

  Anaya led her toward another room and stopped at the open door. “Father, Cahri requests an audience with you.”

  “Not now!”

  Before Anaya could say anything, Cahri took a bold step forward with her eyes lowered. “Sir, I realize this is not a good time, and I beg your forgiveness, but it is the only time available to me. Please, will you hear me? I will take just a moment of your time.”

  She heard him sigh, though she couldn't see his face. In the background, another female voice spoke in whispers.

  After just a few minutes he said, “Yes, come in, so I can see you better. Please make it quick.”

  “Yes, sir. I am here to offer myself in service to you, until such time as I am no longer needed. I have no family in the area and I wish to remain in Belikara, at least for now.”

  “Give me some time to think on this.”

  Turning from Cahri, he faced Anaya and spoke to her in the dialect Cahri didn't understand. Frustration pooled in her gut, but she tamped it down. Why had she never heard it before?

  Anaya and the king talked back and forth, and Cahri moved her eyes from one to the other from beneath lowered lids. She caught a few words, but they didn't seem to make sense, something about service and wife. A few emotions flitter in and out of Anaya’s features. The most disturbing came when the king spoke the word wife. Her friend’s face had a hint of excitement, which disappeared as fast as it had come. Why would she be excited about the word wife?

  “Come,” Anaya said. “My father will think and pray about your offer for a time. It could be a few hours or a few days. In the meantime, he has instructed me to give you use of a room beside mine meant for a lady's maid. Matthias will take you to get your things and show you to the room. When you have settled in, I want you to come back here. I want my father to see that you can help with Josiah.”

  Anaya motioned to Matthias, and he led the way back to the room. The other women had already left when she returned, so no one questioned her. She grabbed her things and asked Matthias if he would carry one of the boxes as she lifted another box and Stormy's carrier.

  “
I'm ready. Lead the way.”

  He moved toward Anaya's room, as she expected. They passed it, and at the next door he stopped and motioned her inside. She set down her box and the cat carrier and took the other box from Matthias.

  “Thank you.”

  “Can you find your way back?”

  “Is there a shorter way?”

  “Yes. Go this way.” He pointed farther down the hall opposite from the direction they just came. “Take a left at the fountain. A corridor will lead you to the stairs we went up before. Can you find it from there?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Cahri decided not to waste time unpacking her things until the king had made a decision. She set up Stormy's litter box and gave him some food and water. She released him from the carrier, but decided to shut him in the room for now. She didn't want to have to go looking for him if something changed. A quick glance around the room showed a wrought-iron bed with a red and beige accented comforter. Nice enough, but not her style.

  She made her way back to Anaya. The prince must be there as well. They hadn't told her the extent of his injuries, but he must be in pretty serious condition for the Bridal March to be canceled instead of postponed. Matthias stood outside of the third room on the right. As she drew nearer, he motioned for her to stop and wait.

  Voices came from the room, but she couldn't hear everything being said, nor did she understand most of it. She thought she heard Anaya and the king, but another, unfamiliar female voice floated to her ears.

  After a few minutes, Anaya came out into the hall looking for Cahri. “Good, you made it. Please come in.”

  Cahri followed her through the door and encountered the king and the queen. She curtsied.

  “Come closer,” the king commanded.

  She obeyed.

  “Look at me.”

  She quaked, but dared not disobey. She raised her eyes and peered at him. His eyes were a little lighter than Prince Josiah’s and more intense and penetrating than either Prince Josiah's or of Prince Jonathan's in the portrait. She sucked in and held her breath, but did not look away. Could he see her heart by looking into her eyes?