Ariah
[Knock Knock.] “Hi Ariah, I wanted to talk with you. Are you proper at the moment for guest?” Immediately I recognize the voice on the other side of the door as Queen Iza and in my mind am curious but more so filled with nervous butterflies in the pit of my belly. For two weeks and two days exactly, I have lived at the King’s stay. In my own bedroom of course. Being we are not yet married. The ceremony will be in three more weeks and Queen Iza hasn’t spoken more than a couple of words to me since my arrival.
Which leaves me unsure on whether she is ready to welcome a new wife. I am understanding on the matter since she has been the only wife for longer than usual as a Queen in Yisraem. Snapping the shock in half, I realize Queen Iza is awaiting an answer. Yes Queen Iza, please enter. As the Queen enters she looks as royalty at 7am while I on the other hand is barely awakened.
“Are you sure I don’t need to come back later after the seamstress and staff has visited you. It seems you have only just awakened. As a wife to your King that will not be tolerated. Ariah you will now be second wife to my Husband King JoLe. Therefore, I need to be frank with you. Carefree days are over. You must present yourself near to flawless at all times. If I am honest I always thought the chosen second wife would come pre-trained on such qualities. Stand up allow me to have a look at the woman who will be stand next to King JoLe and myself.”
As Queen Iza is speaking so forward, I am in utter shock. From the outside looking my thoughts were that she couldn’t hurt a fly. In a way I feel a bit uneasy with twirling my lady parts for Queen Iza to judge. Not knowing if this is the proper way things should be or not, without saying a word, I do as she says. “If you are a fast learner you could look as the second wife of King JoLe should. Always understand that I am the Queen. As second wife you must always look as a second wife.
There should never be a time when your look is more prestigious than mine. While also making sure that you look pristine enough to stand near me.” If I may speak Queen Iza, you have barely spoken two words to me since my arrival. At the risk of sounding presumptuous, at my meeting with King JoLe and the staff I was told there would be no competition of who would be the most important wife. That we would be as sisters. In addition, I could use your advice and friendship on how to navigate life as a wife to King JoLe.
“You really are but a naïve girl. Your only duty is to smile and don’t step on my toes. Why would I be a sister to a young woman who will marry my husband. It is the Yisraem way but as Queen I don’t have to welcome you with open arms. At least in private I don’t. If you speak to King JoLe about this conversation, you will regret it. Just do as I say if you want your time here to be pleasant.”
Before I could respond all I could see was the back of Queen Iza’s diamond plated gown nearly out the door. All I can feel is disappointment. I just got back into bed. Never wanting to see or speak to Queen Iza again. After about an hour of laying there ignoring the seamstress and any other staff members, I got up. Dressing myself, I plan to have breakfast with Irik. After this I could use the company of a friend I know already.
