Chapter 72

Ayla, 7 years old

For the last five days, the castle of Myrthana has been buzzing with activity. King Amul, the king of Myrthana, was expecting King Hagen, the king of Nordmar, and his son, Prince Rhobart.

King Amul wanted the castle to be spotless for when the guests arrived. The slaves were cleaning room after room while the servants made sure that everything was put back in its place. And if something wasn’t properly cleaned, King Amul made sure to punish the slaves severely.

It was morning when Queen Lavia and two servants entered Ayla’s room.

After they bathed her, the slaves dressed her in a beautiful yet simple white cotton dress. Her black hair had been brushed and braided into a crown around her head.

“Ayla,” her mother said, once Ayla was ready for the visit of King Hagen and Prince Rhobart, “stay in your room until the guests arrive. Don’t leave your room and more importantly, don’t get dirty. If you do, your father will be very displeased with you, and you know how ang