~●☆Because we focused on the snake, we missed the scorpion~●☆

I pursed my lips as my eyes examined the clear blue sky that was smeared with white clouds. Azile's soft voice broke me out of my thoughts as she gently tugged my hair, attempting to braid the eagle nest. "My queen, are you well?" She asked, worry was etched into her words.

"Yes, I am well." The lie escaped my lips, scrapping itself against my gritted teeth. I could feel her doubtful gaze drill through me, ofcourse she knew I was lying. Not long ago she had awoken me from my dreamless sleep only to be met with my tear stained cheeks and puffy red eyes.

"My queen, please feel free to tell me what bothers you." Her voice was comforting, she was showing genuine concern for my well being. She was being a friend.

"Azile, tell me honestly not as your queen but as your friend. Can I trust him?" I questioned, my face turned to hers desperately seeking the answer I'd been dreading. Her features softned as she gently clasped my hand reassuringly, a warm smile spread across her lips.

"My queen, listen not to what you've heard of him. They say the impala will always speak ill of the lion." She explained her eyes holding my gaze in hers. My mind began to race with thoughts of what I knew and what I thought I knew. This lead my mind to ask the grand question.'Had I been living a lie?'

"If he has not given you a reason to not trust him then I see no reason for your doubt." She paused as if searching for the right words to say, worried that she may offend me. "Fear is the parasite that feasts on the roots of trust, my queen. Remember that." She warned me, her voice remained gentle and yet her words caused me to rethink everything as she removed her hand from mine.

Her fingers gently began tugging my hair again as my thoughts consumed me. Azile hadn't answered my question, she'd merely added fuel to the flaming fire. Her riddles seemed to taunt me as they echoed in my mind. "The impala will always speak ill of the lion." What did she even mean?

"Fear is the parasite that feasts on the roots of trust." Her words carved themselves into my mind, she was wise and yet so young.

Her fingers gently raked through my hair as she placed the braids on either side of my face causing them to tumble beneath my breast. "Forgive me , my queen I must tend to my duties." She informed me as she rose form her seat.

"Let me assist you." I offered rising from the cool slab of the kitchen hut. Her eyes widened in suprise before she shook her head.

"The king will have my head if he were to find out that you've been doing the duties of a maiden." She said whist collecting the calabashes.

"I insist plus I have nothing to do other than stay alone in this hut all afternoon." I insisted before taking a calabash from her hand. A defeated sigh escaped her as she loosened her grip allowing me to take it.

A ghost smile appeared on my face as I followed her through the forrest heading towards the river.