Sana was careful with Aisha. She didn’t want anyone to get close to her without any real reason. She kept her close at all times, making sure she didn’t run off too far, or stray away from her.

“Aisha, darling come here.” Sana waved her hand, waiting for her daughter to come. But when she didn’t, she glanced up, seeing the door to her study open, and her daughter missing. “Aisha??” Sana panicked immediately. She hurried out of the seat at her desk, fast walking down the corridor to find her daughter. “Aisha!” Sana called out, worry written on her face as she searched.

“You’re getting so big.” Sana stopped when she saw Mina standing there holding Aisha’s hand with four guards surrounding her.

“My mommy says I’m going to be tall!” Aisha giggled.

“Your mommy also said to never run off.” Sana scolded while walking closer to the two. Mina looked up at the queen, seeing a look of relief on her face.

“My apologies. She must’ve seen me walk up the steps.” Mina frowned.

“Auntie Mina always has the best gifts.” Aisha smiled up at Sana. Mina gave her a small smile, shaking her head.

“Auntie Mina isn’t always about gifts.” Sana gave her daughter a warning look.

“I did bring a gift this time around.” Mina chuckled quietly. “To welcome her back officially to the palace.” She smiled.

“What is it??” Aisha gasped. Mina took the young girl’s hand, leading her out into the courtyard in the center of the palace. She gestured to a pair of rather extravagant birds that wandered the little area

“Mina… Aisha doesn’t like animals…” Sana whispered.

“She told me she loved birds last time I talked to her.” Mina frowned.

“Two years ago… She cries every time she has a horse lesson.” Sana explained quietly. She watched as Aisha ran up to the peacocks, smiling when she heard her daughter’s small giggles.

“I can really keep them??” Aisha gasped.

“Yours to keep.” Mina whispered, a smile on her lips. One that was seen as happy to give a gift to her niece. But inside her own mind, it was an apologetic one. “I was wondering if we could have a few moments of privacy.” Mina stated calmly to Sana.

The queen looked at her with worried eyes, seeing her happy smile turn