Princess Maymounah - Chapter 3 - Jasmine Meadow

 👀 I didn't just reveal the traveller's identity, now didI? 👀🫧

The traveller went to the Cream Kingdom for a few weeks for, and I quote, “Study purposes.” She went there with her escort and stayed at a friend’s cottage. The cottages were made of dark wood, and the streets were made of stones. The street lamps were lighted at night and blown off by the morning winds. The clouds looked like fluffy dollops of cream floating above. The fragrance of bread and pastries from the Pastry Market flooded the area. The traveller took a deep breath and started walking with her escort.

“So, what did the traveller send you this time?” asked Mas’ud, referring to the weekly letter that the traveller wrote to Maymounah. “She says that the Cream Kingdom is an elegant place with buildings made of dark wood and that I should visit it one day,” summarized Maymounah. “Yes, we should visit the Cream Kingdom. Soon, In Sha Allah,” said Mas’ud, thoughtfully. “After all, it’s the nearest kingdom from here,” said Maymounah. Mas’ud agreed thoughtfully.

Mustafa is unaware of the traveller; however, the traveller is aware of him. She reaches the Cream Castle with her escort, as she came here to speak with him. There were guards here, unlike the Clear Palace. The Clear Palace’s guards were the royal family as they could see everything inside. The guards allowed the traveller and her escort in after receiving approval for entry from Mustafa. She enters and observes the luxurious decoration of the castle. Another guard took them to Mustafa’s throne room. The traveller and her escort enter the throne room and see a rich kid reclining on a great throne, with a perch beside him.

“You’re new, I haven’t seen you before,” said Mustafa, observing her escort and her. “My name is Maynah, this is my brother, Muhammad. We have come from a place afar,” said the traveller. She finally came up with another name! “Are you acquainted with the royals of the other kingdoms?” asked the traveller, getting to the point. “Why yes, I know some of them from Royal School. The others I have only heard of, never met,” said Mustafa, fiddling with a pen. “So, you have only heard of them,” concluded the traveller. “Did she send you?” asked Mustafa, sitting up straight, leaning forward, thoughtfully with all seriousness. “Who is she?” asked the traveller. “You know very well who I’m talking about, Maynah,” said Mustafa, suspiciously pronouncing her name. The traveller understood that talking to Mustafa is going to be of no use. “I suggest you go outside to expand your knowledge. Things are different in person than in heard words. I’m off then, we have work to do,” said the traveller. Facing the door, leaving with her escort. The prince was puzzled, he never had an encounter like that before. “Outside, huh,” he thought aloud. The throne room was filled with a sinister vibe.

“Clara sent me Bird Mail,” said Maymounah, inspecting the letter. “Clinton sent me Bird Mail too, inviting me to the Jasmine Meadow for a meet-up at 3 in the afternoon,” said Mas’ud, looking at the map. “Jasmine Meadow?” asked Maymounah. She has never heard of a place like that before. “It’s a place on the outskirts of the Fruit Kingdom, where Jasmine flowers grow in masses,” said Mas’ud, pointing to the place on the map. “Do you want to go?” asked Maymounah. “Only if you want to,” replied Mas’ud. “Alright, let’s go then,” said Maymounah. “I’ll tell father,” said Mas’ud, leaving with the map.

Clara invited all the royals for a gathering to get to know each other. She was the princess of the Chocolate Kingdom. Clinton was her older brother and heir to the throne. He went to Royal School, like Mustafa.

Maymounah’s favourite place in the world is her home. She loves gardens and nature and would agree to go if invited. Mas’ud gets along with others easily and enjoys gatherings. Sometimes, when he feels something’s wrong with Maymounah and she might need him, he avoids gatherings to be there for Maymounah. He is a caring brother, but he dislikes admitting that openly.

Maymounah was browsing through her wardrobe looking for what she could wear to a garden. She wants to dress modestly but doesn’t want soil stuck to her dress. So, she went in a long dress with a waterproof lower skirt. The Water Kingdom has skirts like that. Meanwhile, Mas’ud wa talking to his father about the gathering. “Clinton Chocolate? From Royal School? Let me ask the other father kings about this gathering,” said king Hasan. Mas’ud returned to Maymounah with a concerned expression.

Mas’ud entered the room to see Maymounah emptying her wardrobe. Maymounah sees Mas’ud’s concerned expression and asks, “What did father say?” Mas’ud sits down on the chair next to the door. “Clinton goes to royal school,” said Mas’ud. “Like Mustafa?” asked Maymounah to confirm, putting the clothes back in the wardrobe. “We must be careful,” said Mas’ud. “What if they team up with Mustafa?” asked Maymounah. “It’s not like we could team up with other princes and princesses,” continued Maymounah. “Hold on, I got an idea! It’s also not like we should depend on the other princes and princesses. We have our people, here!” said Mas’ud lighting up. “I’ll talk to father and see what he learned,” said Maymounah, closing her wardrobe. “Sure, also, I suggest you wear whatever you are comfortable with, that waterproof Abaya maybe?” suggested Mas’ud. “Right! The waterproof Abaya! Jazakallahu Khairan Katheeran!” said Maymounah. “Wa iyyaki, now go,” said Mas’ud, folding the map.

The traveller was exploring the Pastry Market because it was nearest to the castle and the cottage, she was living in. “How do you find this kingdom?” asked her escort. “It’s elegant, smart and organized, Ma Sha Allah,” said the traveller. “But what?” asked her escort. “But, if the prince continues to try pulling Maymounah and Mas’ud down, he will just make himself sink further and raise them higher and higher. He should shift his focus,” said the traveller. “Couldn’t agree more,” said her escort.

“Sea, daughter of Prismarine is going. From the Water Kingdom, along with many others,” said the king. “So, we can go?” asked Maymounah. “Yes! Of course!” said the queen. Maymounah then returned to pack a basket. She took three books, a notebook, and some pens in case no one talked to her. Mas’ud went to talk to his friends in the palace after he got ready. “Now we’re ready,” concluded Mas’ud.

“Prince, let’s go, we’ll reach five minutes early if we leave now, In Sha Allah,” said ‘Abdullah. Mustafa gets ready too and leaves with ‘Abdullah.

The girls’ and boys’ gatherings are in separate locations in the same garden. The girls chose a place with a circular table surrounded by benches under a beautiful canopy. The boys sat near a river and parked their carriages near a larger tree. Everyone brought dishes from their kingdoms. Mas’ud drops Maymounah at the girl’s meetup point then the carriage is parked with the other carriages. The sun was lower in the sky. Maymounah saw some Hijabi sisters, niqabis, and others. Sea was wearing an ocean-themed dress, sitting on a bench, alone. Maymounah went to accompany her.

Mas’ud saw Mustafa and avoided him. He saw Clinton and tried to avoid him, but he was the host, so he couldn’t. Clinton called everyone to gather and introduce themselves to each other. “Good afternoon, guys, as you may all know, the name’s Clinton. I’m nineteen, and I have a little sister. I adore chocolate, that’s what my kingdom is known for! Help yourselves, I’ve brought plenty of chocolates from home,” announced Clinton. He gestured for Mas’ud to introduce himself, so he did. All the other princes followed. After the introduction, they sit for brunch.

Mustafa was sitting far from the river talking to Clinton. Tide, the first prince of the Water Kingdom, was sketching near the river. Mas’ud took a mat and sat by Tide. “What are you drawing, there?” asked Mas’ud. “The river, it is so beautiful. Glory be to its Creator,” said Tide. “Indeed. Do you mind if I see?” asked Mas’ud. “Yeah, no problem,” said Tide, turning his sketchbook to Mas’ud. “Ma Sha Allah, that’s incredible talent there!” said Mas’ud. “Thank you, brother,” said Tide. Mas’ud pulled out a book from his basket and began to read. “What are you reading there?” asked Tide. “Legends of Earth, by Abiyad Traveler,” said Mas’ud. “Now that’s an interesting read! I always look forward to his books!” said Tide. Mas’ud and Tide get along well, and they become great friends.

“Mind if I sit here?” asked Maymounah. “No problem. I was getting kinda lonely,” said Sea. “You’re Sea, right?” asked Maymounah. “Oh, I didn’t know I was famous,” said Sea, innocently. “I’m Maymounah, princess of the Clear Kingdom,” they shook hands. “I’m Sea, princess of the Water Kingdom,” said Sea. “I like your dress,” said Maymounah. “Why, thank you! I stitched it myself!” said Sea. “Woah! That’s amazing!” said Maymounah. “I love your dress too,” said Sea. Maymounah thanked her. They both turned to the canopy above them. “Say, what do you think of gatherings like this?” asked Sea. “I think it depends, if it’s of no use, then I don’t like them, but if it’s beneficial, I like them,” said Maymounah, staring at the canopy. “So, this gathering, is a beneficial one? According to you?” asked Sea, turning to Maymounah. “Yes, I guess so. I met you. You seem like a great princess,” said Maymounah. Sea giggled. “Oh! I see Haleema! She and I are close friends since childhood. She is the princess of the Bee Kingdom,” said Sea, standing up. “Oh, that’s nice! I’m not acquainted with any other princesses, to be honest,” said Maymounah. “Now, you will be acquainted with two,” smiled Sea. “Hey, Sea! How are you?” asked Haleema, excitedly. “Fine, thank you! Look, here’s Maymounah, from the Clear Kingdom!” introduced Sea. “Oh! Ma Sha Allah! Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu, Maymounah!” greeted Haleema. “Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu, Haleema!” replied Maymounah.

Haleema further greets both with a hug. “I’m sorry for being late, there was something wrong with my carriage,” explained Haleema. “Oh, don’t worry about it!” said Sea. “You must be hungry because we just finished lunch,” said Maymounah, walking to the food counter to grab a plate for Haleema. “It’s fine, I can serve myself,” said Haleema. “Then come here,” said Maymounah. “She’s really nice, Ma Sha Allah,” said Haleema. “Yeah, and it seems like something’s troubling her, she seems to not get near Clara, or Maryam,” noticed Sea. “Hmm… I heard that the king of the Clear Kingdom sent us waning notes about certain troubles, did he mean from Mustafa and Clinton?” remembered Haleema. “Let’s clarify with her,” said Sea. “After lunch ladies,” said Amethyst, jump-scaring them.

“Amethyst!” called them both. “All of you come here please,” said Maymounah, standing in front of the food counter. Amethyst, Haleema, and Sea walked over, and they started talking while Haleema started serving herself. “Hey, you must be Maymounah,” said Amethyst, looking down at Maymounah. She was really tall. “Yes, I am, and you are?” asked Maymounah. “Amethyst,” replied the colour princess. “From the colour kingdom,” continued Amethyst. “I see, it’s nice to meet you, sister!” said Maymounah, shaking hands with her. “Nice to meet you too,” said Amethyst.

Amethyst pulled Maymounah to the further end of the table. “Hear me out,” she started. “If anyone ever tries to harm you, here, call me right away. If there is something you don’t have a proper answer to yet, call my name. If you feel you need some help with something, just call my name, okay?” whispered Amethyst. Maymounah nodded in affirmation. “Is it fine if I call you May?” asked Amethyst. “I think it’s okay for now,” said May; I mean, Maymounah. “See you around, May, I have a few things to take care of,” said Amethyst, retreating to the shadow where she came from.

Haleema and Sea went over to Maymounah. “So, do you know anything about the explosion that King Hasan was talking about?” asked Sea. “I don’t really know who could have caused it, nor do I want to blame anyone, so I’m just aware that no one was hurt, and everyone is warned about this kid, whoever he is,” replied Maymounah, cutting a slice of cake. “I understand,” said Haleema. “Woah! This cake is amazing!” squealed Maymounah. “I know right?” said a calm voice from behind. Maymounah jumped. “It’s me, Candy, the Princess of Sweets,” said Candy. “Woah, nice to meet you, Candy!” said Maymounah. “Their pastries are the best!” said Sea. “I should visit you one day!” said Maymounah.

Clara was asking everyone to listen to her, as she had an announcement. “Gather round, girls! I got something exciting to share!” she announced. All the princesses gathered around her. Amethyst was folding her hands, leaning on a pillar. Candy, Haleema, and Sea were standing with Maymounah. “Willow, from the underground kingdom, has found an amazing element, and would love to share it with us!” said Clara, gesturing for Willow to come in front.

Willow strolled up front, wearing a dark green dress with dark green eyeshadow, and a great black coat. “This is a Shirkstone, it’s very misleading. You don’t know if it has captivated you, until after a long time, or never. Which is why, you must be incredibly careful with it, and keep strengthening yourself, and your heart, so that it doesn’t mislead you,” said Willow. “The name fits it!” comments Maymounah. “Yes, indeed!” agreed Haleema. “Look at how stunning it is, how shiny, how elegant, how–” said Clara. “Misleading,” interrupted Amethyst. “You understand it, that’s good for you,” complimented Willow.

“I ask Allah to protect us from Shirk, and guide us, and keep us steadfast on the Straight Path! Ameen!” said Maymounah. “Ameen!” replied Haleema, and Faiha, the princess of the exotic fruits. “Nice to meet you, Maymounah,” said Faiha. “Nice to meet you too,” replied Maymounah, with a smile.

“Sister! What are you doing?” called the traveller’s escort. “Looking for the Emaanstone,” replied the traveller. “There’s no such thing,” said her escort. “I heard there was a Shirkstone,” remembered the traveller, placing the lantern on the ground. They were in front of the underground castle gate. It is right outside the Pastry Market. “That’s true, but it’s just a stone, everything about it is made up, and exaggerated, so don’t worry too much. Iman is in the heart, not any stone,” said her escort. “Allah guides whoever He wills and leads astray whoever He wills,” remembered the Traveler. “I ask Allah to guide us, and keep us firm on the Right Path,” said her escort.

He picks up the lantern and started walking back up to the surface. “Remember, Iman is in the heart, and Allah guides whoever He wills and leads astray whoever He wills. We are just here to convey the message of peace, and follow it ourselves, firstly,” said her escort. “You’re right, brother. I mean, escort, Jazakallahu Khairan,” said the Traveler. “Wa iyyaki, Safira, my little sister,” said her brother. “Safir! I mean- Escort! No names here!” said the Traveler. “Sorry, sis,” apologized her escort.

The traveller walked up the dark stairs, and back up to the scrumptious smell of pastries from the pastry market. Her escort blew the candle of the lantern out and placed it back on the lantern table just outside the underground castle gate. Someone took the same lantern and went underground. The Escort looked back, but he couldn’t see who it was.

Mas’ud and Tide were best friends now. Hamza, from the honey kingdom, and Lemon from the citrus fruits kingdom, joined them later. Lemon was sweet, not sour. He was the youngest in the gathering. He was thirteen. Hamza was fifteen. Clinton called the men to gather around and made Fern, the first prince of the underground kingdom, present the Shirkstone. Mas’ud and Hamza understood and related to the description of the stone, and Tide told them that it was definitely made up, the story of the stone. Tide and Lemon were interested in what Mas’ud and Hamza were discussing and wanted to learn more. Thus, both Maymounah and Mas’ud made good friends. Mustafa was returning to the river from the carriage parking. Mas’ud and Tide were observing him. “Be careful when you get on your carriage,” advised Tide. “You too, brother,” said Mas’ud.