Majestic Misstaps

Chapter 9

Khalisar Imperial Airport
.............................
December

As Lisa walked into the VIP lounge at the airport , her heart pounded with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The spacious room, usually a place of comfort and luxury, felt unusually imposing today. The polished marble floors gleamed under the soft, ambient lighting, and the air was filled with the faint scent of fresh flowers arranged meticulously in tall vases along the walls.

She could see her father sitting in one of the plush leather chairs near the large windows that overlooked the runway. His posture was as composed and authoritative as ever, exuding a quiet power that made Lisa's steps falter for just a moment. He was dressed in a tailored suit, as always, the deep navy fabric contrasting sharply with the gray streaks in his neatly combed hair. He sat with his back straight, hands resting calmly on the armrests, his expression unreadable as he gazed out at the planes on the tarmac.

Lisa swallowed hard, the weight of his presence suddenly making the room feel smaller, more confined. The usual ease with which she navigated the VIP lounge was gone, replaced by a sense of unease that gnawed at her insides. She noticed the other staff in the room keeping their distance, their eyes cast downward as they moved about silently, as if aware of the gravity of the situation.

As she drew closer, the muted sound of her footsteps on the carpet seemed to echo louder in her ears. Her father turned his head slightly, his sharp eyes catching hers, and in that brief moment, Lisa felt a shiver run down her spine. There was a certain intensity in his gaze, a silent demand for attention and respect that made Lisa's breath catch in her throat.

She paused for a second to steady herself before walking the last few steps, her palms slightly clammy, and her heart racing. The silence between them was palpable, thick with unspoken words and the weight of expectations.

Finally, she stood before him, Sultan Malik.  Her hands clasped tightly in front of her, trying to mask the anxiety bubbling within. The lounge, with its luxurious furnishings and serene ambiance, suddenly felt more like a grand stage where she was about to face a performance she hadn't rehearsed for.

"Ayahanda," Lisa said, performing a courteous bow before stepping forward to kiss his hand. She paused for a moment, allowing her father to affectionately stroke her hair.

Ayahanda is a term in Malay language meaning 'father,' commonly used in the context of Almarian royalty.

"Where have you been, Lisa?" His Majesty inquired, prompting Lisa to stand upright again.

"I went out to send Princess Jennie off," Lisa replied, striving to keep her tone steady and hoping her father hadn't noticed her nervousness.

"You mean the Princess of Eldoria ?" her father asked, reaching for his tea on the table. Lisa assisted with the tea and then sat across from him on the sofa.

"Yes, Dad."

"I see," he mused, taking a sip of his tea. "I never knew you and Jennie were such close friends," remarked the Sultan.

"Yes," Lisa responded briefly, eager to steer the conversation elsewhere. "So, Dad, what was the urgent matter you wanted to discuss?"

"Have you heard about the recent issues at Sovereign Dynamics Corporation?" the Sultan asked, placing his cup gently back on the table.

"Is it about Tan Sri Halim's scandals?" Lisa asked, not entirely sure of the details.

Tan Sri Halim had elevated the company to new heights, spearheading many successful mega projects. However, honesty and adherence to ethical standards were not his forte.