Golden Jasmine: The Ameer's concubine.

29. Two faces.

Shadows are dark, shades are light. Darkness is light.

It was still dawn and the orange morning light shining on the round blue roof of the Masjid. Some of the men had left immediately after the Subh salat while others waited after Salatul duha. The compound was scarcely crowded when Jaasir arrived with Faiz beside him. There were side glances given to him but he ignored it, the meeting he had now on his mind. 

Amir Aman was speaking with someone when he sighted his brother. He shook the man’s hand and walked over, blocking the road with a smile. 

“Salamu alaikum Ya Akhi,” He greeted, stretching his hand. 

“Wa alaikumussalam Aman. Sabahul Khair,” Jaasir returned as he shook his hands. Aman shook hands with Faiz before turning to his brother. 

“Akhiy, there was a rumor going around last night that you took in a concubine which brought quite a rumble and then you were missing for Subh prayer,” Aman stated thoughtfully and smiled with a whisper, “Dont tell me that it was hard to leave your new roommate,” 

“Don't let your imagination run wild Aman,” Jaasir shook his head and slapped his shoulder. “My wife was sick and I couldn't leave. We'll talk another time, I have to talk with Khalu,” 

“Na’am,” Aman nodded and watched as they walked away. Everyone has eyes on Jaasir to see who he will marry. If he got married to someone with high status, it would immediately strengthen his position. Aman got married but even with that, he knew it still wasn't able to beat his elder brother, so he was most curious about this then Jaasir surprised
them by taking in a concubine, who also happened to be someone who was said to be from the brothel. Not only would it stain his reputation but also pull him down. But Aman was still suspicious, there was no way Jaasir would make a detrimental mistake right? 

As for Jaasir, he walked to a small room in the Masjid and said his Salam. The deep voice answered before he walked in while, Faiz waited outside. 

“Sabahul Khair Khalu,” he greeted and sat down before his uncle with his legs crossed. 

Prime Minister Zahir opened his eyes and smiled, the sun rays peeking from the small window illuminating his brown eyes. 

“Sabahul Noor Jaasir. How are you?” he returned. 

“Alhamdulillah Khalu,” Jaasir returned with a faint smile. 

“And your concubine?” Zahir asked with a raised eyebrow in a teasing manner. 

Jassir smiled wryly, realizing just what his absence in Subh today brought to everyone’s mind. “She is fine Khalu,” 

“I see,” Zahir rubbed his beard and sighed. “The treasury is a crucial section in every empire and the officials are chosen with care. For someone to work there, he must be of good character but a man hides behind his coat. Only Allah knows what they keep in their hearts. If you are investigating the officials, make sure to measure every information you get before judging it. There will be times when you will likely have to take your eyes off some things. Nobody works alone in the palace, so the investigation can lead you anywhere,” 

Jaasir nodded as he listened to this. Many affairs were highly protected by the empire and even as the Amir, he would have to go through others. He could have his way but it would take longer time and time is not something he can risk with Yasmine. Amir Jaasir barely had officials that could be said to be under him but everyone knew who trained him for years even though he had left him to work on his own and even targeted him in publishing who was their uncle, Prime Minister Zahir! 

Zahir wasn't supporting Jaasir but many knew that he was still his backing which was quite a threat to the other Amirs. Jaasir usually meets Zahir here once a week and since he needed detailed information, he wrote to him before they met.