10 - Princess Darcy - Draft

The world saw Darcy as Narcissus wanted them to, as the tragic, pathetic Princess. Darcy was paraded around the world. She was introduced to potential suitors, attended every ball, spoke to leaders and did charity work to appear to be a proper Princess who made the queen look good but was never in the spotlight for herself.

Royal watchers commented on every move that she made and decided what her true intentions and feelings were. They described her personality as sweet, caring and kind yet weak. A limp dishrag had more personality than her, according to some.

Unfortunately, she had to be a limp dishrag. If she was bold or daring in any way, she’d be harshly criticized for not being civilized and dishonoring her family, queen and country. If she was more generous in her time or money to one group, every other group would be angry. If she took a stance on an issue, the other side would pummel her. Meanwhile the side that she supported would regret the negative publicity that came with the endorsement.

Even at home, she couldn’t win. Darcy had to be good enough to make the Queen look good but not so good that she outshone her. If she managed to outshine the Queen, the Queen would berate her until she knew her place. If Darcy took a stance that was contrary to the Queen, she’d be inundated with all sorts of abuse and manipulation until siding with her. It was simpler to just go along with the Queen. Darcy knew that her happiness wasn’t as important as keeping the Queen happy and thereby keeping her family safe.

As time passed, it became harder and harder for Darcy to keep up the act. She had to watch everything she said or did at all times. It was exhausting. She had panic attacks more and more frequently. Her digestive system then began to suffer. She went back and forth from insomnia to not being able to stay awake for anything. Her body was riddled with pain. Even her mind began slowing down. The once intelligent girl who would debate her sister on any subject, could barely carry on a conversation.

With each public mishap Darcy was abused even further. The queen would berate her publicly to shame her into doing her bidding, put her in her place and make herself appear better than her. If Darcy complained of illness, she’d be told about how worse off the queen and everyone else was than her. If she showed any signs of illness, she was accused of being overly dramatic and seeking attention. Darcy’s medical problems were none of the Queen’s concern though. When Darcy demurred to her, she was proved right and no doctor was necessary. If Darcy became more dramatic when she was ill to prove that she needed help, it was just further proof that she was faking it all.

Darcy’s hectic schedule was continued though. The focus of the nation and the world was on Darcy being married and having children so that the succession to the crown was secure. No one would allow her to slow down.

Suitors came and went though. Those who truly tried to get to know her only pitied her. They found her neurotic, indecisive, eager to please everyone and devoid of a personality. Most simply had to notice the determination of Narcissus to run the other way. Nobody wanted an incredibly controlling and powerful mother-in-law, even if it meant being king.

Narcissus was the one who delivered the bad news to Darcy when a suitor decided to stop calling. Darcy was told a million different contradictory things as to why no one wished to marry her and offered no solutions. Narcissus who started out with princes as suitors for Darcy had to start digging lower and lower down royal bloodlines.

As Darcy was preparing for yet another dinner party, her mother’s secretary paid her a visit. “Your Royal Highness,” Beatrice said, announcing her presence while giving a slight bow.

“Yes, Beatrice. What news do you have from Her Majesty?” Darcy asked. Even alone in her own bedroom, the queen demanded the ultimate show of respect.

To this Beatrice dispatched all of the people present. Once they were alone, Darcy looked to her for an explanation for this improper conduct.

“My apologies, Your Royal Highness. I have urgent instructions from Her Majesty that cannot wait.” Darcy bowed her head in acknowledgment and then Beatrice continued. “Her Majesty has found an interested suitor. It is Prince Shar from Dunya. You were introduced at a dinner party two weeks ago. He is far down on the succession to the throne so he would be free to help you rule Jahim. Her Majesty is quite taken with him. She would like you to be prepared when you meet him again in three months. Her Majesty has decided that you will not be attending any more dinners, balls or parties so that you can prepare. This starts tonight. The chef will have the prince’s favorite dish brought up to you for dinner. The prince’s sister, Aisha will be joining you. She will be your teacher and guide. Do you have any questions before I send her in?”

Darcy sat in stunned silence for a moment before deciding that there was nothing to ask. She had learned long ago that it was best to just go along with things unless absolutely necessary. Her questions would only cause more problems with the Queen once she was informed.

A few minutes later there was a knock at her door. She was puzzled. Nobody knocks. She opened the door to find the most beautiful woman that she had ever seen. She had to touch her chin to make sure that her mouth wasn’t gaping open before she spoke, “Welcome. I am Princess Darcy de Narcissus. I presume that you are Princess Aisha of Dunya, correct?”

“You are correct, Your Royal Highness. You may simply call me Aisha. It is likely that we will be sisters after all.”

“Welcome Aisha, my sister,” she said before embracing her. “You may call me Darcy. Please come in and make yourself at home.”

The two women sat down to get to know one another before their work began. Aisha’s skin reminded Darcy of a new copper penny both in color and luster. She was a bit taller than Darcy and wore an elaborate outfit that draped around her body and covered her entirely, including her hair. Even being covered as she was, her beauty shown through.

The pair took an instant liking to one another and frequently found themselves letting their guard down. When their dinner arrived an hour later, they could’ve been mistaken for old friends.

Aisha took the lead once dinner was served. She explained as the staff brought it in. “This cloth is called a hawli, it is similar to your tablecloth. It is placed on the floor. We eat seated around a communal dish that is placed in the center of the hawli. After dinner and before retiring for the night, we drink three rounds of tea. That is what is being set up beside the hawli. The pillows being added are necessary for relaxing comfortably after dinner and while drinking tea. Please sit beside me.” Aisha motioned for Darcy to sit right next to her. A servant came with an ornate and exotic pitcher and basin.

“We use this to wash our hands before eating because we eat with our hands.” Aisha rubbed her hands together under the water being poured by the servant into the basin. Her long, elegant fingers were beguiling. Once she was finished and had dried her hands, she grabbed the pitcher and basin from the servant to wash Darcy’s hands. Aisha gently took her hands and placed them above the basin before pouring the warm, scented water over them. She put down the pitcher, grabbed the soap and began washing Darcy’s hands. Once she was satisfied, she began rinsing their hands together, intertwining them as she went. She then took the towel and dried Darcy’s hands while gazing deeply into her eyes. Darcy was struck by how sensual the whole experience was and how incredible Aisha was.

Once Aisha released Darcy’s hands, she took the lids off of the dishes set before them. “This is our national dish, Fish Rice. It is the pride of every citizen of Dunya. It is composed of numerous vegetables, fish and rice. There are also some dishes of pickled vegetables as well as this one,” she said before revealing a plate containing a cheeseburger and fries with a smile. This made Darcy giggle which equally delighted Aisha. “I couldn’t let you starve if our food isn’t to your liking, could I?” She added with a smirk. Darcy was enamored.

“Would you like to try the Fish Rice?”

“Sure. I’ll try anything once.”

Aisha used her long elegant fingers to combine each ingredient into a ball as she explained, “You break off a small amount of the different vegetables. You do the same with the fish. Place them on the rice. Squeeze a little lime on them before forming them into a boule.” Aisha’s fingers worked effortlessly and beautifully to form a perfect ball. She then slid it to the tips of her fingers before delicately placing it into Darcy’s mouth.

Darcy wasn’t sure if it was the taste of the dish or simply Aisha’s way of presenting it, but she was in love. Aisha smiled and laughed at Darcy’s obvious delight. This delighted Darcy even more. Aisha was so graceful and beautiful in everything that she did. She couldn’t imagine a more perfect woman.

Aisha had Darcy attempt making the boule and feeding herself, guiding her along the way. They continued to laugh and feed each other until they were both full. Aisha again washed their hands in her gentle, loving manner.

It wasn’t until afterwards that Aisha explained how to eat properly in a group. Everyone spread evenly around the dish, only taking food in the imaginary wedge before you and never putting your fingers in your mouth.

“You will only eat with women, as is our custom. Women are generally more understanding and lenient than the men so don’t worry if you make a mistake. I ate close to you because you are my sister and I love you. At a party we won’t be allowed to be so close but I will always be beside you. Always.”

Aisha’s words comforted and pleased Darcy greatly.

“It is time for tea. Are you ready?” Aisha asked. Darcy simply smiled and nodded. Aisha stood up and grabbed Darcy’s hand, guiding her to the awaiting tea set. She had Darcy sit closely beside her as she explained the process of making tea. There were so many steps that Darcy soon stopped trying to remember them all and started to simply get lost in the graceful manner in which she prepared the tea. The two talked and laughed as Aisha poured the tea into small glasses from higher and higher up. Everything that Aisha did impressed and delighted Darcy.

When the pair finally looked at a clock, it was only a few hours before sunrise. Although they were sad to part, Aisha promised to have breakfast with her shortly.

Darcy climbed into bed and recalled the evening with a smile. She was unable to sleep from what was initially the excitement of it all. Then it was only the copious amounts of caffeinated tea that kept her up until Aisha arrived with breakfast.

Aisha looked radiant when she entered Darcy’s room. A servant set the table as she excitedly rattled off all of the plans that she had made for them. Darcy was too happy to make any arguments. Whatever Aisha wanted was fine with her.

Once the servant left, they sat down to a simple breakfast. Darcy told Aisha about her sleepless night. Aisha promised not to serve her tea that late again, at least until her body became accustomed to it.

After breakfast, the pair strolled through the royal gardens arm in arm as Aisha told Darcy all about her country and their customs. The lessons and discussions continued throughout the day.

Lunch was served in a traditional tent erected on the palace grounds. They lounged on oversized cushions as Aisha made tea over a fire. The bright colors and geometric designs of the decor thrilled Darcy. All of the heady aromas enchanted her. She was entranced with it all, especially with Aisha.

Dinner was to be served in Aisha’s room which had been decorated in the style of her homeland. Darcy arrived early so that Aisha could dress her in the traditional way. When Darcy entered, it was like she was transported to the most beautiful place in the world with the most beautiful woman in the world.

After Darcy had settled in, Aisha rummaged through her closet and dressers for the perfect outfit. After holding up nearly every item she had, Aisha had finally made her decision. She gave Darcy a form fitting, orange dress with short sleeves and a plunging neckline that dragged on the floor due to Darcy’s petite stature. Darcy changed in the bathroom before coming back for the remainder. Aisha had a beautiful, floral fabric in her arms. Darcy was instructed to stand with her arms outstretched beside her. Aisha wrapped and tied the fabric around her before swooping the end over her hair and across her shoulder. She then put her in her finest jewelry before letting Darcy see herself in the full length mirror.

“You are so beautiful. You look amazing in these clothes. I hope that you like them too.”

“I do. I’ve never considered myself beautiful but these clothes certainly are.”

The two embraced before Aisha pulled out the topper to her creation. “In my country we burn incense and let the smoke permeate our clothes and body. Like this.” Aisha placed the incense burner on the ground, lifted up her dress and placed it over the burner. She then motioned for Darcy to try it. The scent was intoxicating.

Dinner arrived and Aisha had Darcy sit directly beside her again. They laughed, ate and fed each other as they had done the previous night but lack of sleep had finally caught up with them. Aisha told Darcy to lay down on her bed and take a nap. Darcy tried but felt awkward sleeping in all of those clothes yet she didn’t want the night to end.

Aisha had her stand up beside the bed. She slowly unwrapped and untied the fabric that enveloped Darcy, as if unwrapping a gift. They stood silently with their bodies close together as Aisha gently removed her jewelry, lightly brushing up against her as she worked. Once Aisha had finished, she put her hands on Darcy’s shoulders before slowly moving them towards her hands. Aisha looked up from Darcy’s body to her eyes with eagerness and wanting. Darcy had the same look in her eyes as well. Aisha once again gripped Darcy’s shoulders and pulled her towards her. They kissed passionately before climbing into Aisha’s bed.

They made love for the first time that night and never wanted to let go of each other. They fell asleep blissfully in each other’s arms. For now, the consequences of their actions were far from their minds.

The pair hid their secret from everyone. They made excuses for sleeping in each other’s beds whenever they were caught. In public Darcy’s education continued and in private they were falling deeper and deeper in love.

The closer it got to the arrival of Prince Shar, the more nervous they became. A million schemes were devised so that they could be together but all were abandoned. They believed that their only hope was for Darcy to marry Prince Shar and request that Aisha live with them in Jahim. Darcy would make the pretext of furthering her education and then just appreciating her friend being close.