Hobi was nervous. He was about to come before the king for the first time. He felt like he was ready. His troupe was with him. They had perfected a comedy to lift the king’s spirits.
As Hobi waited in a hallway, a stunning, little beauty passed him. He was immediately captivated by her sweet countenance, but then he noticed her limp. She was ambling down the hallway as quickly as she could, but it was clear from the sudden twist of her lips that it pained her to move with such speed. He looked at the guard near him.
“Do you know how long it will be before I am summoned?”
The guard glanced at him. “At least a half an hour.”
“Thank you. Would it be all right if I go help that servant girl? Her burden looks a little heavy for her slim shoulders.”
“I’m sure I don’t care,” came the guard’s careless reply.
Hobi murmured an explanation to his players before he headed after the servant girl. He came upon her a moment later.
“Excuse me. May I carry that tray for you?”
Startled, Nuri glanced up at the handsome, jolly face looming over her. His eyes were sympathetic. His smile was so sweet that it filled her heart with happiness and hope. For just a moment. Then she shook her head sadly.
“Thank you, but I’m headed for the women’s quarters. You’re not allowed there.”
Hobi was undeterred. “Can I carry it until you arrive there?” When she hesitated, he pressed her. “Please?”
She stared up at him. “Why are you being so kind to me?” She was afraid she knew the reason.
“You looked like you were in pain. I wanted to ease your burden.”
What he really wanted was to erase that frown from her face and plant some laughter in her mouth.
She nodded suddenly and thrust the tray at him. He grabbed it and fell into step beside her. It was hard to match himself to her slow gait. His eyes traced the outline of her lame leg. The dancer in him felt swamped by sorrow that her movements were so restricted.
“It must be so hard,” he whispered.
She peeked up at him. “What?”
“That you don’t have the free use of your legs.” He saw her pained expression. “Forgive me,” he rushed to add. “I’m a dancer. I couldn’t live without movement. I would feel so stifled.”
She shrugged. “I have always been thus.”
He sighed. He didn’t know what to say to make her feel better. A moment later, she stopped and reached for the tray.
“Thank you for your help. And your concern. You’re a kind man.”
He peered down at her tiny face. Her features were quite small yet perfect. Her complexion was sublime. She was absolutely beautiful. But he had the feeling that she had no idea how lovely she was.
“I hope I see you again,” he murmured.
The corners of her mouth lifted in what was not quite a smile. Then she bobbed her head at him before heading down the hallway, once more burdened by that overladen tray.
Hobi knew he would not forget her lovely face.
