STEEL BORN

THE KING

King Raul was a tall handsome black man, in his early thirties. He liked to leave his hair clean shaved as befitting a king, like his father before him and his father's father, long before the beginning of time.

From the corner of his nostril hung a glittering gold nose chain, all the way to his ear. More gold hung around his neck, wrists, waist and ankles. On two of his fingers where large diamond rings, one black on his right and another blue, on his left. He was sitting in the tub filled with warm water, having his morning bath.

King Raul was lost in thought, the tax that had come from the kingdom of Talmud was less than he had expected, was chief Ishikawa playing pranks again? What was he to do this time?

"Your grace, my King, alas Queen Euria is about to deliver", Stud was kneeling outside the tub, half shouting to be heard.

The King slowly rose shaking himself free from the grip of his slaves. He got out of the water as a robe was wrapped around his form. He walked to the adjustable leather couch and sat, relieved to focus on the matters of his home.

For years he had wanted a child, an hair to his large Empire. His first wife, Talish had failed in that duty, and so he'd had to marry again. The princess of Ishikawa was presented to him a little over four years ago. Four years without a sign of a child by her. He had stumbled upon Euria, a commoner from the kingdom of Meal, where he had gone to visit the mines. Euria was charming and well mannered, she was among the girls who had served his table in the halls of the chief of Meal. He had fallen in love at once, and now it would seem, that love has yielded. He was excited within, impatient to meet his child. But he sat stiff as if unwavering, as he took a look at Stud. "what then are you doing here?", Stud quickly stood, turned round and round in confusion and ran towards the entrance. "fool!", the King declared in his large baritone voice.

He was oiled, perfumed and dressed in the finest silk, revealing his chest all the way to his abdomen. A silky hat, held round with golden jewel was placed on his head. He observed himself one last time in the large mirror before him, he felt very pleased.

"you look amazing, my King", said his eunuch standing few paces away, waiting for him to be ready for the day.

"Kudo, I won't be going to the throne room, I have to see my daughter",

"yes my king, I'm very excited myself... But my king, what if it's a boy?",

"quiet Kudo!... the goddess has revealed I shall have a girl, and I must look my best to see her for the first time",

"yes my King", Kudo responded and bowed in worried agreement.

"Go, tell my chiefs the good news, I shall see them later in the day".

Kudo took a bow and walked out of the room in obedience. He walked along the white corridors of Worth, and went down through the winding stairs which was surrounded by large parlors. Queen Talish was sitting on a cushion by one corner with her friends and tending slaves gossiping and laughing. He paid no attention, except to slightly bow towards them. There were guards standing in their various positions.

Kudo got to the end of the stairs, he made left towards the throne room where a meeting was scheduled between the chiefs of the capital and the King. He passed by beautiful gardens full of dutiful slaves, fountains of the bluest waters, animals grazing, some in groups and others in pairs. There were Ostriches, Gooses and Docks on the waters of the fountain, birds of different colors hopping and singing on the low flowers. There were also Peacocks, Lambs and Sheep, Goats, Bullocks, and many more. Guards stood in different positions paying little attention. Kudo loved living in this beautiful place.

He was surprised to find a crowd gathering around the palace, when he got outside the living quarters and looked beyond the walls, towards the noises coming from below. The news was already beginning to spread, the people anticipated the birth of their prince, "princess", he quickly corrected, "or whatever the Queen delivers", he murmured to himself as he continued on the walk way towards the Throne room, built at the front of the palace. There were Soldiers stationed on the walls.

He took another Stairway, passing by more guards, this one was more rocky and larger than the winding stairs of the living quarters, he arrived at the foot of the palace. He walked on the walk way, built between the lower gardens. The lower gardens were inhabited by larger animals, a Zebra looked at him carelessly chowing, a family of elephants delayed him a little, as they slowly walked passed the walk way towards the other part of the garden. Slaves slightly bowed as he passed by. He entered the large entrance held open by two solders.

"Greetings, from the King!", he declared as soon as he arrived by the short stairs in front of the golden throne. He was standing straight, with his hands shielded beneath his robes. "The Queen, her royal highness Euria, is about to put to bed, the King has decided he would wait for the arrival of his child and will not be attending to any matters of the Kingdom today". Kudo had a large voice, a voice befitting his build, it reverberated through the hall. The news was received with joy.

Kudo, retraced his steps back to the King's chambers. Talish and her friends were no longer in the surrounding parlors of the winding stares. He found the King dinning in his parlor when he arrived. The table was covered with different kinds of fruits and vegetables, there was chicken and a lap of roasted pork, a bowl of soup and a plate of rice. There was also a jar of wine, the King lifted his cup, "how did it go?", "they were happy to receive the news, my King", Kudo responded slightly bowing as he swallowed hungrily. "Go, let me know as soon as my daughter is delivered". He bowed again and left the King to his breakfast. He made a note in his mind to first visit the kitchen, before the chamber of the Queen.