Tales Of The Heart

(27)

The warm glow of the afternoon sun surrounded the dining hall of the royal palace, where the Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince Shahzaib and some high officials and ministers were seated for lunch.

The rich aroma of spices filled the air, but Shahzaib's mind was occupied with something far more important than the lavish feast before him.

The Emperor was discussing the expected arrival of the delegation from the Kingdom of Sapphire.

A gem hidden deep within the vast oceans, a mystery to many. It was a small island nation but vast in wealth and influence. The land was rich in fertile soil that offered bountiful harvests every year.

Its climate allowed for the cultivation of exotic fruits and spices that were in high demand by traders far and wide. However, it was not only the agriculture that made Sapphire truly unique, it was the wealth hidden beneath its soil.

The island was renowned for its rare gem mines. These gems, particularly sapphires, were so highly prized that they had become the symbol of the kingdom itself.
The mines made Sapphire one of the richest kingdoms, despite its small size.

Sapphire's rulers had understood the power of their wealth and the importance of maintaining their independence. Unlike other kingdoms that expanded through conquest or political marriages, Sapphire preferred to remain aloof, satisfied with its own prosperity.

They had little need for alliances, as their wealth provided them the means to protect themselves. The kingdom's borders were heavily secured, not with towering walls but with an elite naval force trained specifically to patrol and defend the surrounding waters.

The Sapphire Navy was known for it's defense against countless pirate attacks. The soldiers were masters of the sea, trained from a young age to navigate the vast waters and engage in naval combat. No intruders could pass without facing the soldiers.

For the Emperor of Azurah, the Kingdom of Sapphire was an opportunity. He had been trying to form an alliance with the kingdom, knowing that a partnership could bring immense benefits to his empire.

The rare gems of Sapphire were unique and securing a supply would elevate Azurah's status among the great empires. In exchange, he offered what Sapphire lacked, advanced weaponry and military support. Azurah's defense mechanisms were the best in the world, and the Emperor knew that even a peaceful kingdom like Sapphire might one day value a powerful ally.

The Emperor was even willing to consider a marital alliance, he had initially hoped to offer his only son, Prince Shahzaib, in marriage to form the bond between their nations. However, with no princess to wed, that thought was closed.

The Emperor was still adamant. He was determined to forge an alliance through trade and mutual benefit, such a relationship could be just as strong.

For Prince Shahzaib, battling against yet another arranged marriage for the sake of empire was exhausting. Hence, he was relieved to know, they had to  princess rather four princes.

Yet, he too saw the value in forming ties with Sapphire. He wished to visit the island with Inaya. The stories of Sapphire's unmatched beauty had reached even the imperial court of Azurah, and Shahzaib was intrigued by the idea of seeing it for himself. However, he knew that such a visit could only happen once a treaty was signed.

As the discussion progressed regarding the 3 days long feast, Shahzaib's thoughts wandered to Inaya. He had been searching for a way to prove to everyone, including his own family, that she was more than capable of handling the responsibilities of royalty. The upcoming feast seemed like the perfect opportunity.

"The delegation from Sapphire is no ordinary group of envoys", the Emperor remarked, his tone serious.
"Their kingdom is small but incredibly wealthy. Their mines are said to have gems rarer than any seen in our empire, and let alone their fertile lands. An alliance with them could bring great fortune to Azurah", he stated.