Stranger from Nayak

Chapter 1 - Stranger from Nayak

“And if there's even a chance that she can change your fate, isn't it worth the risk?" Eria's words kept on ringing in my ears as she led the way to my supposed freedom.

The familiar surroundings of Ruqgu's central market looked eerily unfamiliar tonight. It was nighttime, and it had been over a month since I left the Gattar Manor. The vibrant colors and the bustling night market contrasted sharply with my somber mood. Nothing amused a woman of twenty-six without a child, nothing fascinated a lady doomed to endure her husband's abuse.

I trailed behind Eria as we ventured into a darker, more sinister part of the market, where the night's offerings were far from innocent. I adjusted my hood, ensuring my disguise concealed my identity. The lady of the House of Gattar could not be seen in such a place. I wondered about Eria's intentions and hoped that this secretive meeting would prove worthwhile, despite the risk of sneaking out.My head throbbed, and a chill ran down my spine involuntarily as I contemplated the potential consequences of my husband discovering my absence. I prayed that tonight wouldn't be one of those nights when his temper flared uncontrollably.

Eria led us to a dimly lit inn tucked away from the main thoroughfare. She exchanged hushed words with the man guarding the entrance, who eyed me for a moment before allowing our passage. Eria shot him a stern glare, promptly wiping the smile from his face. I didn't understand the full extent of what was transpiring, but my head throbbed, and I longed for the comfort of my own bed.

Then I remembered Eria's words: a woman capable of fulfilling my dream of bearing a child was leaving Ruqgu tonight. I couldn't afford to miss this opportunity, risky as it was.Inside the inn, Eria moved with familiarity, as though she knew every nook and cranny. I furrowed my brow in confusion.

When did she find time, amidst her duties as my maid and managing my business, to become so acquainted with this place?

"You seem to know your way around this inn. Are you a regular?" I inquired, clearing my throat to get her attention. She halted abruptly, her head bowing slightly in a gesture of respect—something she reserved for public settings. Tonight's secrecy didn't warrant such formality.

"My lady, the inn is yours. It was established after the cosmetics shop became popular. Have you forgotten? You were the one who opened it and named it your 'little child,'" Eria reminded me gently. I surveyed the inn for the first time, realizing that it bore the mark of my own design.

How had I forgotten such a significant part of my life? My troubles had consumed me entirely."I apologize. You know how forgetful I've become," I replied with a nod, urging her to continue. She bowed once more and resumed leading the way.

"It's rare for you to apologize to your servants," Eria muttered under her breath, but her words reached my ears clearly. She still viewed me as her "young miss," a role she felt duty-bound to fulfill. But to me, she was more than a servant; she was my dearest friend. Someday, I vowed to find her a loving husband.

Eria led us to a simple room, the smallest I had seen so far. It lacked the extravagance of the Gattar Manor but exuded a regal elegance. Pink chiffon curtains adorned the windows, and two red knots dangled gracefully from their ends. The bed was adorned with silk sheets and intricate embroidery. Eria's meticulous care and attention to detail did not go unnoticed.On the right side of the room, two chairs faced a table stacked with books.

The presence of those books intrigued me; it hinted that our guest had a penchant for reading, much like myself. While women in Nayak were denied basic education, Ruqgu encouraged its women to read and write from an early age. Women here enjoyed greater freedom—they could own businesses, reject suitors, and pursue careers in various fields, excluding the military. Despite the shared language and many cultural similarities, Nayak and Ruqgu diverged significantly in terms of women's rights and societal norms.I marveled at the books, pondering whether our visitor was indeed from Nayak or if there had been some misunderstanding.

I then noticed that the room was empty, and I removed my hood, casting a puzzled glance at Eria, who responded with a reassuring smile. She gestured for me to take a seat, but my impatience surged. Time was of the essence, and I couldn't afford a leisurely introduction. My husband must not discover my absence, and I feared his wrath more than anything else.I watched as the candle on the table burned slowly, each moment ticking away, adding to my frustration.

Eventually, I surrendered to the inevitable and settled into one of the chairs, exhaling deeply. I hoped that this secretive rendezvous would prove worthwhile, for I had risked everything for this opportunity.Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a woman garbed in the attire of Nayak. While Ruqgu women took pride in modesty and covered as much skin as possible, their Nayak counterparts flaunted their bodies, revealing more than we did.

Although this woman appeared too mature to expose her belly button, her blouse accentuated her cleavage, and her skirt boasted a daring slit that reached just above her knees. She discarded her hood and gazed at me for a moment before tears welled up in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Marilyn. I should have come sooner," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. She reached out as if to touch my face, but I shifted slightly, maintaining a cautious distance. I couldn't fathom why this stranger, upon laying eyes on me, would break into tears and beg for forgiveness.Drawing nearer, she enveloped me in a tight hug, her tears staining my clothes.

I had little patience for emotional displays at this moment. My husband's wrath, if he discovered my absence, was a far greater concern than this stranger's tears.

"You resemble your mother greatly, Your Majesty," she declared after releasing me from her embrace. My heart skipped a beat. My mother? But how did she know my mother? My mother had passed away when I was just four years old. Why did this stranger refer to me as "Your Majesty"? Was there a queen behind me?