Tales Of The Heart

(42)

Shahzaib paced in his study, replaying the events in his mind. Something wasn't adding up. The worker had said it was a veiled woman who bribed him, but there was no clear lead on who that woman could be. He couldn't shake the feeling that the plot was more personal than it seemed.

Sahir entered the room, holding a small, crumpled letter. "I found this in the worker's belongings. It looks like a message from whoever hired him. It is vague, but take a look", he offered the letter to the prince.

Shahzaib unfolded the letter, reading the brief message aloud. "Your task is simple. The payment is ready, and no one will know. Fail, and you shall pay the price..
No signature, no indication of who sent it",

Sahir nodded agreeing to the prince.
"It is written in an elegant handwritting. Whoever it was has some refinement", he pointed out.

Shahzaib's eyes narrowed at te remark, it was true, the person who had written it was well versed.
"Another reason to add in our doubt to be true", he mumbled staring at void.

●○●○●○●○

Later that week, Shahzaib decided to observe Princess Anam who had been seen with Royal Consort Ambia a lot lately.

Shahzaib wasn't unaware if Ambia's cunning wit. She had been suspiciously quiet since Hamad's ordeal, but she was known for her subtle manipulations. Hence he decided to keep a keen eye on her first.

One evening Shahzaib was passing by the pavillion of main palace where he encountered Ambia. He approached her, with a casual stance but eyes as sharp as eagle.

They exchanged formal greetings.
"How is Inaya? We haven't had the time to spend time lately, with her parents being around", she clearly faked her sorrow, but Shahzaib remained calm.

"It has been a tense few weeks. I hope the recent events haven't unsettled you too much", he spoke trying his luck.

Ambia offered a delicate smile, her voice dripping with politeness.
"Oh, Your Royal Highness, these scandals have a way of shaking the palace. But I have no involvement in such matters. My only concern is the well-being of the empire and its loyal servants, like yourself", she replied wisely.

Shahzaib studied her face, searching for any crack in her mask. "Indeed. Loyalty is rare these days. Especially when people are willing to betray even the most trusted people", he said.

Ambia raised an eyebrow, maintaining her composure. "Betrayal? How dreadful. But surely, someone like Hamad Al-Amir could not have fallen so far. I hear he has been declared innocent?", she asked.

"Yes", Shahzaib said, watching her carefully. "But I am still curious about who wanted him framed", he narrowed his eyes studying the elder woman but Ambia sipped her tea calmly.
"I am sure you will find out, Your Royal Highness. The truth always has a way of revealing itself", she smiled as Shahzaib nodded before excusing himself.

●○●○●○●○

Meanwhile, Inaya had been keeping her distance from royalty, but she couldn't ignore the unease that settled over her every time Anam was near. Something about the way Anam carried herself lately felt off. There was a restlessness in her that Inaya hadn't seen before.

One of the evenings, she was walking past one of the palace courtyards to reach out to General Harun for she wished for him to accompany her parents on their way to return home, two days later.

But stopped when she overheard a hushed conversation between Anam and Ambia. She ducked behind a column, her heart racing as she listened.

"I told you, Your highness", Anam's voice was sharp but hushed. "We have to make sure no one finds out. Prince Shahzaib's already asking too many questions", she said anxiously.