Tales Of The Heart

(24)

The tension in the private court of the palace, where confidential matters are addressed, was thick enough to cut with a knife.

The Emperor and Empress sat on their thrones, their expressions severe as they awaited for the arrival of their son. They dismissed all the ministers and officials as the Emperor didn't wish for the matter to escalate more than it already had.

When the Emperor was informed of the impudence of his once obedient son, his fury knew no bounds. The Empress could barely stop the raging sovereign from throwing the two into the dungeon.

Shahzaib entered the hall, his footsteps echoing against the porcelain floor. Inaya walked beside him, her head held high despite the fear in her nerves. She had insisted on standing by his side, regardless of the consequences they had to face.

The Emperor's eyes narrowed as he saw them together.
"Prince Shahzaib", he began, his voice cold and authoritative,
"Is it true? Have you married this woman in secret?", he demanded.

Shahzaib stopped a few steps before the throne, his expression unyielding.
"Yes, Father. Inaya is my wife. We were married last night", he stated with equal firmness.

The Empress rose from her seat, her features clearly depicted her rage that she tried hard to control. "How dare you defy us like this? A marriage done in secrecy, without the blessing of your parents or the royal court? This is a disgrace to our family, to the empire", she seethed, but before Shahzaib could reply, she continued,
"We were never against your affection nor we denied your wish, then what is the reason behind your impudence?",

Shahzaib's jaw tightened, but he remained calm.
"With all due respect, Mother, the disgrace would have been to let the woman I love be treated as something lesser. Yes, you did not deny my wish, rather, you wished for me to take her as a mere consort. I married Inaya because I love her, and nothing, no title, no tradition, will make me turn my back on her", he stated, voice stern yet still at respectful volume.

The Emperor stood, his presence commanding as he stared down at his son with blazing eyes.
"You have always been dutiful, Shahzaib. You have always respected the rules and traditions that bind this empire together. Yet now, you act as if your own desires are above all else?", he remarked.

"I am still dutiful, Father", he paused,
"But my duty is not only to this empire, it is to the truth in my heart. And the truth is, I cannot live without Inaya. I gave her my words that she shall be my only one and I must not betray her just to satisfy the expectations of others", he responded with steady voice.

"Mother, you raised me to be a man of my words, to protect my woman at all cost, to respect and honor her, then how I can break a woman's heart, let alone someone I love?", his tone almost vulnerable. The empress inhaled a shaky breath but she could not support her son for it was a matter of Empire.

"I understand you, Shahzaib. But you need to open your eyes, as well. All we need from you to marry Princess Anam, a royal birth, to strengthen the alliance. You must fulfill your duty, Shahzaib", her stern voice roard, her anger clearly visible. Shahzaib did not respond to that nevertheless his eyes clearly held defiance.

The Emperor's voice was ass sharp as a knife, refusing to acknowledge his son's emotions. "You are the Crown Prince. Your marriage is not just a personal matter, it is a matter of state. Your union must strengthen alliances, secure our empire's future. How could you be so selfish?", he mocked.

"Selfish? You speak of selfishness, but what is more selfish than forcing me into a marriage without love? What good is an alliance built on lies and duty, when it could be built on truth and mutual respect?",
Shahzaib's eyes were blazing with defiance.