AL-ZAHRA : A TALE OF LOVE, REDEMPTION AND DECIET [ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE]

02 Prophecy

"Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth."
- Rumi

My eyes absorbed the sight of the palace shrouded in the darkness of the night, with dimly lit candles piercing through the obscurity, offering me a meager aid in navigating the empty hallway. My steps carried me through the deserted corridors as I once again grappled with a sense of losing control. Perhaps this time, I hoped, things would be ordinary; my composure wouldn't slip away. Yet, this could be the only chance to unveil the truth. Attempting to calm myself, I felt a different atmosphere, less eerie, less unsettling. Something within insisted that this was the right path, the truth I sought.

My footsteps led me to the neglected corners of the palace, not far from my chambers. The air held a mysterious allure, and unlike before, I found myself relishing it. Eventually, my gaze fell upon a room with a weathered wooden door, chaotic and disheveled. My hands instinctively reached for the handles, and as the door swung open, my eyes beheld an unexpected scene. I stood in awe as I realized the interior contradicted the exterior; the room was well-maintained, neatly arranged, and emitted the familiar scent of old papers and ink – a fragrance I cherished.

Engrossed in my observations, I failed to notice that I was now fully awake, no longer lost in a dream. I had stumbled upon a secret chamber. Without delay, I began searching for anything of significance. The shelves mostly stood empty, and just as my hope waned, I discovered a chest. Its wooden surface bore intricate engravings, with a distinctive symbol – a magnificent phoenix – at the center of the lid. Luckily, it was not secured. As my hands opened it, I found an aged scroll. In the dim light, deciphering the words proved challenging: “In union, veiled two realms entailed. Vows concealed destinies revealed. Shadows whisper thrones may quiver. the rising tide in secrets bide. A dance unseen, a realm between, decode the veiled, power unfurled.”

Shivers ran down my spine. What could these words signify? A prophecy? No, that couldn't be true; prophecies are mere tales. A more logical explanation hinted at rebellion, but by whom? Lost in thought, I focused on the writing – a familiar script, possibly mine or Shamsa's. Our writings had always been similar. Shock swept over me at the revelation – how could it be Shamsa or my own writing? Yet, the pressing question lingered: was the kingdom truly in jeopardy?

Time slipped away as my mind delved into contemplation. As the sun's rays began to penetrate the dark clouds, I hastily organized everything, ensuring no trace of my presence remained. I locked the door, restoring its appearance to that of an old, forgotten room. The only certainty was that someone sought to conceal this space, someone with unhindered access to the palace. The implications were unsettling, and the mystery deepened with the inclusion of my own handwriting in the scroll.

Shaking off the disquieting thoughts, I changed into my customary attire – Zahra. Within the tranquil confines of my chamber, I shed the garments of the night and embraced the regal elegance befitting my station. The royal blue fabric draped over me exuded strength and grace, adorned with silver motifs that told tales of skilled artisans.

A wide belt, intricately designed with silver accents, graced my waist, adding refinement without overshadowing the ensemble's inherent grace. Silver earrings, crafted with delicate details, adorned my ears, reflecting the soft glow of the oil lamps.

As I prepared to step into the public eye, a head covering in the same rich royal blue symbolized my modesty and stature. In the mirror, I beheld strength and sophistication – a visual symphony resonating with the legacy of my people.

A gentle knock interrupted my reflections. "Who is it?" I inquired, my voice commanding yet heavy from lack of sleep.

"It's me, Zahra. Open the door!" Nida, my cousin and sister, appeared at my door, her face radiating excitement. "What happened, Nida? Why are you in such a hurry?" I asked, a sense of tension and anticipation hanging in the air.

Her teasing smile surfaced. "It's about 'who doesn't exist for you.' Wait, don't tell me..." She interrupted, "But it's the truth, Zahra. You're going to be married to Arslan-Al-Zafir!" My biggest enemy, the one who fueled my hatred. Perfect!