Chapter 2

King Lincoln - That was his name. 

He was known in all the twelve Kingdoms as the Most powerful; the Most dreaded. 

The birds sang his name, the wind echoed it. The ladies beguiled with the topic of how he ruled, even while they washed, went to the stream, and strolled to places. 

The older women told their grandbabies as tales, of how his father had conquered his enemies and made his Kingdom the most powerful before passing it onto his son. That was how much he reigned. How much King Lincoln reigned. 

He was feared and respected by many and of course, there can never be a successful man without enemies. So, in as much as King Lincoln had lovers and people that feared him, he still had enemies. A lot. 

Lincoln was just a young man of 28, but he had the strength of a thousand men. His name had been written in the book of records as the youngest ruler of the Most Powerful Kingdom. Everyone admired the Gada Kingdom. Most people wished there were born and belonged there. They were the envy of all the 11 Kingdoms. 

But One day, one of Lincoln's numerous enemies almost won over him. His attack had almost worked as he was able to hit Lincoln with an extremely poisoned arrow during a war. 

Lincoln didn't die at the battlefield, no. But when he was taken back to the palace, they got to see how badly injured he was. The arrow was poisoned with a strange and rare substance and it's effect was draining the life out of Lincoln - bit by bit. He was going to die. 

Physicians tried all they could, but couldn't find a cure. 

His sister was worried, his three brides were paranoid as well. Everyone wanted a solution for their King because the fall of Lincoln would be the fall of the Gada Legacy. The Kingdom would die with him. 

Finally, his sister found a solution. A solution which she knew would make him angry if he eventually gets healed.

She sat on the edge of the bed, holding his cold hand as he slept soundly. 

Oh! She missed him and couldn't wait for him to get better.

Although, her brother was a strict man, arrogant and ruthless and never cared about anyone's feelings, but it didn't stop Roseline from loving and caring from him. She knew the responsibilitied that accompanied rulership was enough to harden anyone, especially when it had to do with the most powerful Kingdom. There was simply a lot of requirements; difficult choices to make. 

And she knew what she was about to do, getting the healer to heal him, was definitely going to change a lot of things in him. Oh?! He'd be so mad. 

"I'm sorry, Lincoln" she whimpered, squeezing his palms tight. 

"But there's nothing else to do. I really need you back". 

She needed him back for a lot of reasons. 

First, he was the only sibling she had. Secondly, she needed him to come back and rule the Kingdom because the death of him would be the end of the Kingdom. He wasn't married and had no successor yet and choosing a new King from a different lineage would be a totally different topic on its on. 

The Kingdom would become weak during their time and they could easily be raided and everyone of them would be taken as slaves. The Gada Kingdom would be gone forever. So, she really needed her brother back for so many reasons. 

There was a short knock on the door, followed by someone opening it and Martha sniffed and turned to have a look. It was Sally. 

"The carriage is ready. It's time to go" she spoke lowly, her voice echoing anxiety. 

Martha sniffed again and let go of her brother's hand. 

"What did you tell the guards?" She asked. 

"I only told them we were going to find a solution for the King and we believe there's someone who could be of help. They have no idea it's a healer. So, the secret is safe". Sally replied and Martha sighed with relief. 

It was better that way. 

She turned and looked at her brother. 

"I'm going to make sure you're fine" she whispered, took his palm and kissed it before leaving the bed. 

"Let's go" she said to Sally and they left the room together. 

***************

The sounds of cutleries hitting the plates could be heard as Roseline had lunch with her father. They ate in silence, both discussing with the voices in their heads. 

Well, Roseline's father was a man of few words, preferred meditating all the time, even when he was eating. 

"How's the business going, father?" Roseline suddenly lifted her head and asked, deciding t break the brooding silence between them. 

Richard didn't say a word immediately as he gulped some water before looking at her. 

"It's running smoothly, dear. Thanks for asking" his voice was deep and manly - as usual. 

Roseline smiled and stared down at her meal. 

"Nanny Hapitha tells me you own the biggest merchandise in the village, father. Is that true?" She asked, taking some vegetables into her mouth. 

"Well..."Richard chuckled, glowing the pride. "I believe that's true". 

"Oh! Father, can I see your merchandise? Even if it's just for once? Please....?" She placed her palms together and begged. 

Richard's face thickened as he recognized the path she was taking him. 

"I can't do that, Roseline" he answered icily and continued with his meal. 

Waves of disappointement ran through her spine. 

"But why?" She asked, her voice coming out faint.

"Because I don't want to, okay? Just let it slide". He answered. 

"But father, I really want to step out of here - even if it's just for a minute. Please..."

"Stop it, Roseline!" He suddenly growled. "I've told you this countlessly, you're not leaving this building. Okay?? So,get your kind off it!"

There was a stink in Roseline's heart as his voice resounded with anger. 

Oh, right!

Tears threatened to spill her eyes, but she managed to fight them back. 

Quietly, she stood up and started walking away. 

"Where are you going? You haven't finished your meal" Richard said, something similar to a guilty conscience biting at him. 

"I'm not hungry" Roseline only mumbled without sparing him a glance and straight to her room,she went. 

She whacked the door closed and went to stand in front of the window, glaring hard. 

Her chest burnt, she could barely control her anger. Argh!!! She hated it!!

She couldn't bring herself to say she hated her father, but she hated the things he did to her. 

Why wou he restrict her life, huh? Why???  She was 23 for God's sake, yet had only seen the world twice. Just twice!! How was she to survive this??

Everything burnt in her as she fumed. She wanted to get out of here; live a normal life no matter how short it'd be. Why was he trying to restrict her this way, huh?? What did she ever do to him??

Still glaring through the window, she suddenly saw somthing that made her brows furrow - something that bewildered her. 

There were groups of people coming towards the house - a carriage and some men on horses, men that looked like Royal guards. 

Roseline couldn't help but flinch and ponder. 

What's going on? Who're they??