The queen's chamber was quiet except for the faint rustle of silk curtains in the breeze.
Stara sat before Queen Waridi with her hands clasped tightly together. Even the polished marble floor beneath her feet seemed intimidating. Omuro sat beside her, calm but alert, sensing the nervous energy radiating from her sister.
Queen Waridi studied them carefully.
"A physician?" she repeated.
Stara swallowed.
"Yes, Your Highness." Her voice trembled slightly. "It is my dream. I want to help people—to save as many lives as I can."
The queen leaned back slowly in her chair.
"But no woman in the royal family has ever worked," she said thoughtfully. "Men serve the kingdom through politics. Women nurture them. That is the tradition."
Omuro leaned forward. "But we are not of royal blood," she said gently.
Stara squeezed her hand under the table.
"We are simply fortunate to live under your protection," Omuro continued. "When marriage proposals come, they will go to the princesses—Fumma, Arian, and Filipa. Not to us."
The queen's eyebrow lifted slightly. "You want to leave the palace?"
"If titles are what you wish to give us," Stara said quickly, "being called Lady Stara and Lady Omuro is already more than we deserve."
She lowered her head respectfully.
"This kingdom has given us everything. Work is the only way we can repay it."
Queen Waridi turned toward Omuro.
"And you? Do you wish to work as well?"
Omuro shook her head. "No, my queen. My dream is simpler."
The queen waited.
"I want to be a wife. And a mother."
Queen Waridi laughed warmly. "Honest answers are refreshing."
She placed both hands on the table. Stara and Omuro each instinctively took one.
"Very well," she said. "Stara, you will begin training under the royal physician tomorrow."
Stara's eyes widened with gratitude.
"But," the queen continued, "if he tells me you lack the discipline or talent required… you will follow the path I choose for you instead."
Stara bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"And Omuro," the queen added, smiling kindly, "when you are ready, I will find you a husband worthy of you."
Omuro bowed her head.
"I am grateful."
...
Two years later.
The infirmary courtyard smelled of dried herbs and fresh rain.
"Quickly!" the royal physician shouted.
Dark clouds rolled across the sky as Stara hurried to help him move bundles of herbs into the shed.
"It's going to rain any moment!"
"Yes, master," Stara replied.
Moments later the sky burst open. Rain hammered against the stone roof of the infirmary. Inside, the physician sighed as he looked out the window.
"It doesn't look like it will stop tonight."
"You should go home," Stara said gently. "Your quarters are far from here."
"And leave you here alone?"
She smiled. "My room is nearby."
The old physician hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Go be with your family."
His face brightened.
"Soon I will finally teach you my secret tonic."
Stara raised an eyebrow. "The famous one?"
"The very same." He grinned like a boy. "It will save many lives."
Stara nodded politely as he hurried out into the rain. Once he was gone, she began organizing the herbs into glass jars.
A sudden gust of wind pushed the door open.
Someone stepped inside. Dripping wet.
Stara sighed. She didn't need to face behind her. She knew exactly who it was.
"I told you not to come here again."
Prince Bazi stood there, rainwater running from his hair.
"I just wanted to see you."
"You're the crown prince," she snapped quietly. "Everyone watches your every move."
He stepped closer. "But that night in the shed—"
"That was a mistake," she interrupted sharply.
Bazi's voice softened. "Do you regret it?"
"Yes."
The word came without hesitation.
"I wish one of these herbs could erase memories," she added bitterly. "I would erase that night completely."
Pain crossed his face.
"I love you, Stara. And you love me too."
She looked away.
"Let me worry about my own feelings." She turned back toward the herbs. "In two years, I will be a certified herbalist. Do not ruin that for me."
"You can have both."
"No." Her voice was firm. "You should find another girl to become your crown princess."
"And you?"
"I will become the greatest physician this kingdom has ever seen."
Bazi sighed. "At least let me—"
"You should return to your chambers before you catch a cold."
Her tone softened slightly.
"I cannot stay awake all night making you another tonic."
Bazi lingered for a moment. Then quietly left.
Stara did not look up again.
...
That same night, Queen Waridi sat inside the head priest's chamber.
Her face had gone pale.
Across from her stood Tapa, the head priest. Next to him stood a younger looking Tarula, back then an assistant to the head priest.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness," Tapa said quietly. "I cannot twist the vision."
Waridi's voice trembled. "There must be another way."
Tapa shook his head slowly.
"The ritual must be fulfilled."
***