The River of Love and Tears In a faraway kingdom of Sumer in Mesopotamia, there lived a young woman named Dakka.

She is a very beautiful woman not only on the outside but also on the inside. She is very helpful, but they are just poor. She has no stable work. Sometimes her earnings are not enough to sustain the needs of her family. One day, The King is coming! shouted one of Dakkas workmate, while they are farming. We might want to change so that we will look present able when we meet him. Dakka doesnt want to go and see the king but rather she wants to stay and work so that she will earn enough money. But in the end she thought, It will be the first time Ill see the King.

And I cant see him every day because he is in the castle. And she decided to go and see the
King. When the parade is already starting, Dakka is feeling kind of weird. She never felt this kind of feeling in her entire life. And when the King is already coming close to her, her heart skipped a beat. She bowed nervously to show respect, His majesty. And when the King saw her, he looked at her like she was a very special person to him. He just stared at Dakka and moved along with the parade. ***** It was a hot day on work. The sun is shining very brightly. Dakka is really exhausted and thirsty. When she drank water in the small hut, she saw someone, not that far away, looking at her. When she realized it was the King, she looked away. It was not very respectful of her. When she got back to the field, the King was behind her. She bowed, His majesty. She didnt get up until the King told her to do so. When she got up, the King just stared at her, smiling. She was really nervous at that time, Uhmm, is there something wrong Your Majesty?

It took time for the King to answer her question because he was just staring at her. He shook his head, Nothing. Im Emilio, anyway. King Emilio extended his hand to shake Dakkas. Everyone at the field was shocked. Why would a King like Emilio would want to meet a pauper like Dakka? With a confused look at her face, Dakka just stared at his hand. Im Dakka, at your service. Is there something I could do for you Your Majesty? Dakka asked. Actually, there is. I want to know you better. Will you go out with me? King Emilio asked Dakka. Everyone at the field gasped. Dakka can hear murmurs from the crowd. May I beg your pardon? Does the King liked Dakka? This cant be. Im just a pauper

and a King like him? Would go out? With me? SHUT UP! With me? Your Majesty are you sure
youre fine? Yes! One hundred per cent sure. All I want is to go out with you. And a Kings order must be obeyed. He stared at her, with a wide smile at his face. Dakka dropped her jaw wide open. If you dont want to go out with me, Ill kill myself. Emilio pulled out his sword and pointed it directly at his heart. Your Majesty, DONT! Dakka said nervously. I cant believe Im saying this but I will go out with you! Just to save yourself. Dakka thought, Will the King will really kill himself?

Im so dumb. Maybe just because of her nervousness she said that.

Then its settled. Ill meet you tomorrow morning here in the field. Emilio said excitedly. Then he walked away. *****

The next morning, Dakka was really nervous about this. She hadnt said anything about this to her parents. She thought that maybe theyll kill her if theyll find out about this. She just went out to their house. She said that shes just going to go out. She went to the field and saw that Emilio is already there. His Majesty, she bowed. Will you please stop doing that every time you see me? Even though Im King, I still want you to treat me like the way you treat others. Emilio said. Ill definitely screw up. Come to think of it, youre a King and Im a Pauper. Maybe this is a bad idea. Dakka was really nervous. No its not. I think this is great! Come with me. Emilio grabbed Dakkas hand and went towards Emilios horse. Dakka just stared at it. The two of us? Will ride there? Dakka was confused. Yes. Do you have a problem with that? It will be sweet. You climb up first. Emilio was gesturing at the horse. Dakka climbed and Emilio climbed after her. This is so weird, Dakka thought. While they are already running, Dakka was curious on where theyre going, because theyre on a forest. Uhmm, youre Majesty - Dakka was supposed to ask a question but Emilio cut her off. Just call me Emilio, please. Im tired of people calling me that. I have a name too, you know? Emilio said. Dakka sighed. She thought that it will be weird to call him that. And whats weirder is that she is with the King, in the forest, ALONE. Okay. Uhmm, Emilio, where exactly are we going? It will be a surprise!

***** When they are already on their stop, Dakka thought that it was romantic. They were on a river, the place was really beautiful. There are butterflies flying around, the trees and grasses are swaying along with the moderate wind. Dakka couldnt think of a place that is better than this. Do you like it? Emilio asked. I love it! I think this place is perfect. Dakka smiled. Yeah! A perfect place for us to be alone. Dakka realized she was with the King. She almost forgot that shes on a date. I didnt mean that way. Emilio laughed. Do you know what this river is called? Dakka shook her head. Its the Euphrates River. Its been called like that since like forever. I dont even know why. Emilio said while placing a blanket on the ground. He also placed the picnic basket in the middle. He sat on the right side. Youre not going to stand up the whole day, are you? Come and sit here. He offered Dakka the left side of the blanket. And Dakka sat. As time pass by they get to know each other, and they actually felt comfortable with each other. ***** It was late in the afternoon when they arrived in the field. I had a great time! Maybe we could do it again. Emilio suggested.

I had a good time too. If you need me, you know where to go. Dakka said, with a smile on her face. ***** Dakka and Emilio see each other, maybe, at least twice a week, and it has been three weeks. They were walking side by side. They were talking. Dakka hadnt realized that there was a small crate on where she was walking. She almost fell but Emilio got a hold on her. When Emilio caught Dakka, it seems like Emilio doesnt want to set Dakka free. They just look at each other, eye to eye. But they didnt realize that their lips are getting close together. Until, they kissed, passionately. And in that day they made love. When they got to the field, Dakkas mother was there, looking mad. Dakka! Where have you been? Dont say that every time you are going out, you are going out with the King. Her mother said looking mad but at the same time worried. Mother, havent you realized? Hes the King, show some respect. At least, bow at him. Dakka said. His Majesty, Dakkas mother bowed at him, but, immediately, turned her attention to Dakka. Havent you realized Dakka? Youre not allowed to fall for him! You cant teach me who to love, Im free to choose whoever I want, Dakka said. Mother, hes right there. He could hear us. Lets just talk about this at home. No, Dakka! You dont understand. Let him explain it to you, Dakkas mother looked at Emilio, with tears falling from her eyes. King Emilio, do you have something to say to Dakka? I dont hide something from your daughter. Emilio said.

Youre crazy right? Mom, hes a King! Dakka shouted. Dakkas mother glared at Emilio with tears falling from her eyes. Havent you realized that he, she gestured at Emilio, has a wife? Dakkas jaw dropped wide open. She looked at Emilio and stared. She doesnt know what to say. Emilio was shocked. Dakka, let me explain! I have fallen for you that I almost forgot that I have a wife. Emilio said going towards Dakka. Dont even come near me. Dakka said while crying, and she ran away. ***** When Emilio reached the castle, he heard someone shouted at him, Emilio! Where have you been? a woman asked angrily. Leave me alone! Emilio shouted indignantly and continued on walking towards his room. I have something to tell you. And it is really important. I dont care. Just leave me alone. I am - the woman wanted to say something but Emilio cut her off. I said I dont care!! Emilio shouted at the top of his lungs. You dont care? Dont say that this child is not your responsibility! the woman shouted at him.

What child? Emilio asked, confusingly. Kithara, what child are you taking about? I dont see a child anywhere here. Thats because Im pregnant. Im two months pregnant, Emilio. When Kithara saw the look on Emilios face, which was confused and worried, she asked, Arent you thrilled, Emilio? That we will have a child? Instead of answering the question, Emilio just continued walking, with a dismayed look on his face. ***** After seven years Emilio and Kitharas child, who was a girl named Ishtar, grew up. She is a very beautiful and intelligent little princess that every little girl in their kingdom envied her. She had a friend, who is a pauper, named Emilka. They always play together, but Queen Kithara doesnt want Ishtar to go and play with Emilka. I dont want you to go out and play with that low class little girl AGAIN! Kithara said to Ishtar, irritably. But mother, she is my one and only best friend. She is very kind and helpful and at the same time, she is very generous. Ishtar complained. It doesnt matter! I dont want you to go out. Now, go to your bedroom. What is happening? King Emilio suddenly showed up. Kithara, dont say that youre not allowing Ishtar to go out and play. Just set her free, she will be safe because there will be bodyguards that will be with here. But you dont understand. She has this friend that is - Kithara said but Emilio cut her off.

Oh! Ishtar why didnt you told me that you have a friend? Let her come over here at the castle. Emilio suggested. But her friend is a pauper. Why would you allow her to hang out with a pauper? And worse, allowing a pauper to come over our home? Youre losing your mind. Kithara said furiously. There are no limitations at this place. I want to meet Ishtars friend. And it doesnt matter if she is a pauper or a princess. Really father?! I am so excited to introduce you to my friend. Im sure youll like her. Ishtar said, excitedly. You can go and fetch her at her house if you want. Emilio suggested. Really father? That would be so exciting! Ishtar said delightfully while walking away. Uggggh! Why would nobody ever listen to me?! Kithara shouted, irritably. Emilio ignored her and walked away. ***** When Ishtar found Emilka, she said, Come with me! she grabbed Emilkas wrist. Why? Whats going on? asked Emilka confusingly. It will be a surprise. They climbed up to the carriage going towards the castle. Wait, the castle? Are you sure you are allowed to bring me there? Will I bring you here if not? Of course Im allowed to bring you here. My father actually suggested it. Ishtar said. Wait, the KING?

Ishtar nodded excitedly. When they were inside the castle, Emilka was really excited and at the same time nervous about this. She thought that she is not welcomed in the castle. Hmm. I wonder where father is. Ishtar wondered, excitedly. But suddenly, speaking of the king, he arrived and met the two little girls. His heart actually skipped a beat when he saw Emilka. He almost stared at her, like the way he stared at Dakka the first time he met her. But then, he asked, Whats your name little girl? Emilka was very nervous to answer the King, instead of answering; she bowed at the King, His Majesty, she didnt get up until the King told her to do so. After getting up, she said, Im Emilka. You know, Emilka, you remind me of somebody that I used to know. That person was also very respectful. Emilio was actually thinking about Dakka, and the past. Emilka smiled. My mother always told me to respect people, especially the older ones and the royal family. Awh! Thats very good of her. Emilio smiled. The maids prepared food for us. Lets go to the dining room. Its okay Your Majesty. Emilka refused because she was very shy. No! I order you to eat with us. Emilka just agreed to eat with them, even though it will be very weird. Emilka and Ishtar followed the King to the dining room. When they were already inside the room, Emilka can smell the food, and there are lots. Lets go and sit. Emilio suggested.

When they are already on their seats, Emilka thought that are a lot of food for just the three of them. She never had this much food in her entire life. There are Poached Scallops, Greek Salad, Vegetable Salad, Eggs benedict, Clam Chowder, Pasta, and Carrot soup for Appetizer. There are also Roasted turkey, Seafood platter, Beef wellington, Roasted lamb cutlets, Shepherds pie and Grilled pork tenderloins for the Main Course; and Apple pie, Peach crepes, Chocolate souffl, Vanilla crme Brule, Strawberry and Raspberry cheesecake, and Macaroons for dessert. However, Emilka ate less because, she thought, it will be very foolish of her to eat a lot. But the King encouraged her to eat more. They just talked, and laughed. When, suddenly, Queen Kithara entered the dining room. Emilka stood up and bowed, Your Highness, Kithara shot a furious look at Emilka, raised her eyebrow, rolled her eyes, and continued walking towards the empty seat beside Ishtar. Ishtar was just looking at Emilio and Emilka while they are having a good time. Shes kind of jealous when suddenly, Oh, no honey. I thought she is your bestfriend. Kithara said, in a low voice, to Ishtar. Yes, she is mother. A hundred per cent sure. Ishtar said, shes kind of sad. Then why is she trying to steal your father? After Kithara told Ishtar that, Ishtar was really angry. She glared at Emilka. She hadnt realized that they are friends. Or should she say were. It seems like she wants Emilka to go out of the castle right now. When theyve already finished eating, Emilka needs to go home because its getting late. She said goodbye to the King and the Queen, but Queen Kithara cant wait for her to go out of the castle. Ishtar dropped Emilka home. Uhmm, Emilka, I have something to tell you. Ishtar said. What is it? Emilka asked.

I dont want to play and be friends with you anymore. You are so bad! Why? Emilka was really confused. Because youre bad! Goodbye Emilka! Ishtar rolled her eyes at Emilka, turned away, and rode the carriage. After that event, as time pass by, the old Ishtar which was really kind and friendly became the total opposite. ***** After ten years The royal family from Akkad is coming in Sumer! one of the people on the field shouted. Never heard of them. Emilka said. She had already grown up. She is now a teenager. Really? One hundred per cent. Who are they, anyway? Emilka asked. King Charles and Queen Diana. They have twin sons, Prince Ace and Prince Lucero. Prince Lucero came out exactly two minutes and forty-eight seconds after Prince Ace. And one of them has to marry Princess Ishtar. Wow. Why are they in Sumer? I dont know. But one reason is about who will marry Princess Ishtar. I might want to meet them. Ill just change. Emilka ran away going to their house. When she arrived at their house she went directly to her room to change.

The parade just started. She saw the Royal families of Akkad and Sumer. She thought that the princes are kind of handsome. She saw Princess Ishtar sitting between the two princes. And when Ishtar saw Emilka, she just glared and rolled her eyes at Emilka. ***** Emilka was really tired from work. She loved going in the Euphrates River, because it reminds her of her parents. After her work she walked from the field to the Euphrates River. It was actually a long way to walk, but Emilka doesnt care. When she was finally on the Euphrates River, she lied on the grass to watch the clouds. After few minutes, she decided to go for a swim on the river. She took off her clothes. Underneath her clothes is a one-piece bikini. She dived in the water. She always loves the water in the River. After a few minutes of swimming, she thought that she was alone, until she saw a horse. She get out of the water. Before she could think who it is the person was behind her. Are you looking for me? the person behind her asked. Emilka was frightened. The person looked very familiar. Then she realized, Your Highness. She bowed. Im Lucero. He extended his hand. The Prince Lucero? Emilka was really shocked that she and the prince met. Meeting a

prince? This is the last thing I expected that will happen to my life. Emilka thought. Im
Emilka. She reached for Luceros hand and shook it. She hadnt realized that she has no clothes on, just a bathing suit. Then she covered her chest with her arms, Im sorry. Lucero chuckled. So, what brings you here? He asked Emilka, who was putting some clothes on.

I come here often. I love this place, this place reminds me of my parents when theyre still together. And this place also reminds me of how I came to be. How about you, Your Highness? Emilka told Lucero. When Im in Akkad, my brother and I used to play and swim in the Euphrates River. We just love the place, the water is very clear, and the place is very peaceful. After Lucero told Emilka that, the atmosphere got silent. It seems like they dont want to to talk to each other. But after few minutes of silent, Lucero interrupted it. Hows your life? Lucero asked. Its fine. But I really work hard just to sustain our needs. Emilka answered. What do you do in life? Prince Lucero wanted to know whats the work of Emilka. Im farmer, for now. Im not sure if that will be permanent. A farmer? You? Lucero asked Emilka. Really? Why? Whats the matter? Is there something wrong? I mean, my mother used to be a farmer before she got pregnant. And now, we work together in the field. Really? Wow! I think that is cool. Emilka smiled, and realized that it was time for her to go home, because it is already late in the afternoon. Uhmm, Your Highness its already late. I think my mother is already looking for me. I really have to go. Lets just go back to the field together. You can ride with me. Lucero offered. That would be very foolish of me. Ill walk. Im used to it. NO! Ride with me! You will be walking alone in the forest, which is very dangerous.

Its fine. I can handle it myself. Ride with me or I will throw you in the dungeon. Lucero joked. Emilkas jaw dropped wide open. What Your Highness? May I beg your pardon? Come on! You climb in first. Lucero gestured at the horse. Emilka said nothing. She just climbed at the horse, and said nothing at all. ***** It was already sunset when they reached the field. How often do you go to Euphrates River, Emilka? Lucero asked. Maybe at least five times a week? I always go there, you know. I dont have any friends at all. I have one, ten years ago, a very kind and friendly bestfriend. What happened to your best friend? They migrated? Lucero asked. No, actually, I dont know what the matter with her is. She just hated me with no apparent reason. Then after that, we never played together again. Emilka said sadly. She always thought Why does Princess Ishtar hated me so much? That is so non-sense! Whos that best friend anyway? Lucero asked her. Emilka doesnt know how to respond at that question. Uhmm, I dont want to tell you who is my best friend, Im sorry your Highness. Its getting dark already; I think my mother is already looking for me. Your Highness, she bowed and left. ***** One early morning, while Emilka is going to the field to work, someone stood in front of her. She thought that it was Prince Lucero, but rather it was Prince Ace. Prince Ace and Prince

Lucero almost looked alike, but Prince Ace is just bigger than Prince Lucero. Emilka bowed, Your Highness. She didnt get up. So you are the Emilka Lucero was talking about. Hi Im Ace! Prince Ace greeted. Will you please get up? Emilka stood up and greeted the prince too. Im Emilka, Your Highness. She bowed again. Will you please stop bowing at me? Its fine if you dont. Where exactly are you going? Didnt the prince just asked where I am going, did he? Emilka thought, with a very nervous feeling. She had already met the two princes of Akkad, and she is just a pauper. Uhmm, Im going to work Your Highness. Oh! In the field? I think your job is cool. Come to think of it, a young lady? Working as a farmer? Emilka was confused, how did he know that Emilka is working as a farmer? But then, she remembered Prince Lucero. Did Prince Lucero tell you that, Your Highness? Yes. Can I come with you to the field? Ace asked. Are you sure Your Highness? Definitely. They walk together through the field. ***** Do you have plans this afternoon? Ace asked Emilka. Actually, I have somewhere else to go. Dakka replied. Dont say that you will go on Euphrates alone?

Actually, yes. Do you want to come? Prince Lucero said that the two of you used to hang out at Euphrates River. Im not in the mood to come in Euphrates. Maybe next time. ***** Emilka walked away through the forest to the Euphrates River. When she arrived there Prince Lucero was also there. They were hanging out again. As time pass by they got to know each other because they see each other almost every day. And maybe they have fallen foe each other. When they reached the field, Emilka saw King Emilio. She walked towards her and bowed, His Majesty. But Emilka saw her mother going towards her, Emilka, where have you been? We are wor - She didnt continued what she said when she saw the King. She was shocked. Emilio? Emilio also looked at her, shockingly. Dakka? Is that you? Even Emilka was shocked when she found out that the king and her mother knew each other. Dakka, why are you so worried about Emilka? How are the two of you related? Emilio, can we talk privately? Dakka murmured. Dakka and Emilio, walked towards the forest. Emilka shouted, But, mother! Where are you going with the king? Emilio was shocked, Mother?! Dakka do you have a husband?

No, after we stopped going out, I was pregnant. Emilka explained. And Emilka is our daughter. ***** No! This cant be! That low-class farmer girl, is not my half-sister! She cant be a Princess! Ishtar shouted at the top of her lungs when she heard what Ace told her. What are you talking about Ishtar? Kithara approached them. Mother, father is having an affair with a pauper. Ace heard them talking in the forest. And they also had a daughter. And their daughter is Emilka! Ishtar said furiously. WHAT?!! Kithara shouted angrily. I have a plan mother! Lets end her life. She stole father from me, and she stole Lucero from me. Ishtar said angrily. Thats a great idea. Lets end her life immediately. Ace wasnt looking very good. ***** Ishtar was already on the Euphrates River, hiding in the bushes, and waiting for Emilka to come. After hours of waiting, she was very irritated. She gets out of the bushes. She realized something weird in the trees, there was a man. When she came near him, the man held the dagger in the air, to stab Ishtar, Ace? but Ishtar quickly ran. But Ace quickly grabbed her, and stabbed her directly at her heart. Im sorry, Ishtar, I have to do this to save Emilka. Ace said. Ishtar died, and Ace threw her body to the river.

Ace didnt realize that Lucero was behind him. Lucero shot a dagger look at him, ran towards him and the two of them dropped to the ground punching each other. Ace reached for his dagger and stabbed Lucero. Ace couldnt believe it. He killed Ishtar and Lucero, which was his own brother. He felt really bad for this and denied everything when the case of Ishtar and Lucero was on trial.

THE END.