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

03 Destiny

❝There is so much of you in my heart.❞

-Mahmoud Darwish

I stood before the ornate doors of the caliph's chamber, my heart heavy with trepidation. I knew the discussion awaiting me inside would bring more turmoil. Khalifa never allowed me to join the discussions usually, but I braced myself for the storm awaiting me and pushed open the doors. The chamber was dimly lit with candles, the light piercing through the darkness but ironically unable to defy the darkness that lurked in the hearts of us sinful humans. The smell of musk masked the faint scent of leather and smoke. My father, the khalifa, sat on his throne with the utmost authority and pride. To his right sat my brother, Azraq, bearing a stoic façade, while to his left, my uncle, Saadiq al-Malik, exuded cunning and ruthlessness in his eyes. My father and uncle were a physical manifestation of the saying, Sin wrapped in silk.

"Sayyidina, Baraadar am amoo am, may peace and blessings be upon you," I greeted them as I settled beside my brother, my voice unwavering.

"Upon you too," the khalifa replied curtly, disdain evident in his eyes. My father and I had always shared a strained relationship. There was no place for love and respect in our dynamic, only pure and fierce hatred. I had tried to reconcile with him so many times, but nature was unyielding. A scorpion never ceases to sting, even if you were to help it. I still carry the poison from his sting to this day.

"It is widely known that our kingdom is on the verge of extreme downfall," my father spoke, worry and anger evident in his voice. Ever since my father started relying on his brother, our kingdom grew weaker and weaker. He seemed oblivious to the fact that the one sitting to his left was not his companion but a wolf in sheep's clothing, who wouldn't hesitate to seize any opportunity to harm him. "The dissatisfaction among the people is rising with each passing day. This could lead to chaos and vulnerability, which is certainly not favourable for our daily lives or the kingdom. Traitors are constantly lurking amongst us. Hence the private meeting. All our enemies are just waiting for that one chance when we lose control so they can invade our land. This is not just about the people, but about me, my legacy, our legacy. If something isn't done immediately, this kingdom won't survive for long. What suggestions do we have to solve this problem?"

"I suggest it's time to strengthen our relationships with our people. We need to identify their short-term needs. There must be issues bothering them that led to such a point where they've lost trust in us as their leaders and protectors. Additionally, we need more loyal manpower whom we can trust," Azraq spoke up, his voice confident and assertive.

"We are short on time. I highly suggest we need to regain control over the people and establish our authority stronger than ever. It is high time we instil fear in people's hearts so that no one dares to speak against us. Even if it means taking serious measures because our kingdom stands on the brink of downfall. The people in authority are good for nothing. It's time to lay off certain officials and find worthy replacements. If the khalifa needs my help in finding them, I am always at his service. Not to mention, we could use a strong ally in this battle. We can consider expediting Amira's betrothal to the king of Sulaymaniyah," my uncle suggested, igniting a fire within me. But I wouldn't let them control my life.

"I won't go through with a marriage that I don't want, and that's final. My marriage is not up for discussion," I spoke through gritted teeth, my voice firm and confident.

"Watch your mouth, Zahra, especially when you're talking to your senior and, above all, your uncle," my father scowled, his eyes seething with rage and hatred.

"Is it, dear uncle? Don't you think sometimes it's better not to meddle in others' matters, especially concerning privacy?" I snapped back, my voice dripping with disdain. I wouldn't let them intimidate me anymore.

"Your marriage, Zahra, is not a private matter. It's about our kingdom," my father threatened. "We all know he won't stop at nothing if this marriage were denied. Even if we were to fight every enemy out there, there is no bigger threat than him. Do you understand the consequences of your selfishness? Are you so hell-bent on rebellion that you've forgotten your responsibilities? You are the amira of this kingdom, and you bear some responsibility," his words were poison, his voice dripping with taunts. But I had grown beyond the tears of my younger self. I would rather be feared and respected than subservient and broken.

"I have not forgotten my duties, father. Unlike your dear brother, I am sane. And at least I'm not making statements that contradict my own words," a smirk played on my lips. "What I suggest, Father, is that we find the enemies of our enemies and establish an alliance with them. By doing so, we can achieve several goals. Firstly, we wouldn't need to overthink their strategies against us. Secondly, as our motives align, their loyalty would be automatic. Considering we cannot trust anyone, we can find leverage against them and manipulate circumstances to our benefit. And," my gaze locked onto my uncle, "I'm hoping we have some useful spies at our disposal. After all, my beloved uncle and honourable senior sourced them. It's high time we used his power, intelligence, and resources. Am I right, uncle? Or am I right?"

He stood up abruptly, but before he could voice his disagreement, a knock interrupted him. "It's urgent, Sayyidina," an afraid male voice came from behind the doors. A feeling of foreboding settled in my stomach.

"Come in," the caliph ordered. A soldier entered the room, bearing a sealed scroll adorned with the emblem of a phoenix. His breaths heaved as if he had run straight there.

"What news do you bring?" Father demanded, urgency in his voice.

The soldier bowed low before presenting the scroll. "A message addressed to the caliph," he announced, his voice trembling.

Father's expression darkened as he broke the seal and unfurled the parchment. His eyes scanned the contents, and concern shadowed his features.

"What does it say, father?" I pressed, my instincts alert to the gravity of the situation.

His voice was grave as he relayed the message, "An open threat to the royal family and our kingdom. The perpetrators seek to undermine our authority," he snarled."Take this paper and keep it in my room on the shelves. It might be useful in finding the guilty."

If I want to solve this mystery, I need to get that scroll.

"We should take this very seriously, Ameer ul Momineen. Whoever it is, they are most likely an insider. Otherwise, how would they have managed to get into the palace despite all this security?" Azraq wisely counseled.

"Certainly, you're right, Shehzaade. Matters are getting out of hand. Absolute measures must be taken as soon as possible. And about you, Zahra, your counsel was wise too. Well done. You both can leave the chambers now. I need to talk to your uncle in private," Father announced, indifferent. It was ironic how, no matter how much we professed to hate someone, we loved them the hardest. That little girl within me would have been overjoyed to know her father not only acknowledged her point but also appreciated it. But I was not that girl anymore.

Without wasting any more time, I approached the exit, following my brother. I needed to find that scroll too. But before I could exit the room, Father stopped me.

"What is it, father?" I asked indifferently, not bothering to turn around.

"Remember, Zahra, you don't have a choice. You have to and you will marry Arslan," he spat out.

My fists clenched, and a smirk played on my lips. I could say a lot to that, but I didn't.

If he was so hell-bent on making my life hell, I would make his existence a living nightmare. You are so utterly doomed, Arslan-Al-Zafir.