Tales Of The Heart

(13)

The day Shahzaib returned back from the southern province.
.
.

"Open the gates", the royal guards hollered when they saw the flag of Azurah empire flying above as the crowned prince's white stallion galloped toward the gates, followed closely by his companion.

The Prince and his companions entered the palace grounds as the gates closed behind them. He dismounted his horse, affectionately scratching its neck before letting the stable boy take his beloved steed away.

"Welcome home, my prince", his loyal head attendant Zaid said with a smile on his face.
"Thank you", Shahzaib responded with a smile.

Offering a curt nod to his generals, he walked inside the palace, with Zaid following behind.
"His Majesty, the Emperor, has asked for your presence, Your Royal Highness", the attendant informed him.
"I am aware, but I need a relaxing bath. I believe, Father would prefer not to be greeted by my sweaty, disheveled state", the prince chuckled.

"Certainly, Your Royal Highness. I have already prepared your bath, infused with essential oils to soothe your sore muscles", Zaid replied, knowing exactly what the prince needed after having served him since adolescence. The prince chuckled knowingly.
"I am not surprised", he murmured.

He ambled through the hallways, heading to his chambers, deciding to have a refreshing bath and change into fresh clothes before meeting his parents.

Wearing his royal attire, he walked down the porcelain hallways toward the imperial quarters, where his father and mother resided.

"The Emperor is in his private study, Your Royal Highness", the head attendant informed him as he was led to the mentioned room.

"Assalamu Alaikum, Father, Mother", he greeted with a bashful smile adorning his face.
"Walaikum Assalam, my dearest", they responded, as the Empress engulfed him in a warm hug.

"How are you, my child?", she asked, caressing his cheeks with tear-filled eyes.
"Never better, Mother", he said, his eyes glistening with raw emotion, which he desperately wished to share with his mother.

"How was your expedition?", came a stern question from the Emperor.
"It was great, Father. The town was enchanting-"
"Is it the town, or something else?", the Emperor asked, quirking an eyebrow.

The crowned prince smiled, a hint of shyness in his eyes, thinking his father must have been teasing him.
"Perhaps", he muttered, his bashful smile never leaving his face.

But soon, his smile dimmed when he saw his father's stoic expression, and realization dawned upon him. His father was not pleased with the letter he had sent earlier, confessing his love for Inaya Al-Amir, the daughter of a wealthy merchant.

The air in the room grew tensed as Shahzaib noticed the displeasure in his father's eyes. The expected warm atmosphere turn chilled and the prince felt a heaviness settled in his chest, similar to that of fear.

The Emperor leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him, his expression unreadable. "Shahzaib", he began, his tone measured,
"I received your letter regarding Inaya Al-Amir. You speak of her with great affection, but have you considered the implications of such a union?", he questioned.

Shahzaib's heart pounded at the unexpected question for he was certain of his parents blessings in his decision.
"Father, I have thought of little else. I love her and I want her to be my wife, my empress", he stated, a final edge to his words.

The Emperor's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Love is a fleeting emotion, Shahzaib. As future emperor, your duty is to this empire, to its people. Marrying the daughter of a merchant, no matter how wealthy, could weaken the royal bloodline and diminish our authority. Inaya Al-Amir, perhaps is a lovely woman, but not of noble birth. She cannot be the empress", the emperor's words had clear meaning.