𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧

۷

☾ S E V E N ⭒

It had been three months since the end of Kazimir and Irina's relationship. Of course Irina took it harder than the northerner, whom was too busy occupying himself with training for the remaining week in Pursha. She, on the other hand was a mess to say the least. After a long time of convincing and telling herself she's better than any man, including the name that shall not be mentioned, she'd finally shown her face to the world.

Men flocked at her feet and she basked in it. Yet despite all these men around her, there was still a piece of her heart that was yearning for one man only. A man who was so out of her reach now, it was impossible to ever imagine she'd have him as hers again.

But upon further reflection, maybe she never truly did. Their relationship was mostly long distance, since Kilsin would occupy the majority of the year by being away, and as much as the both of them tried to make ends meet, she felt it falling apart between the cracks of her hands. She never expected for such an outcome to occur, and she wished she could turn back time and take every word back, like she often found herself doing. Swallow it down till all there was left was a simmer in her throat, burning nothing more than the edges of her heart.

After becoming the woman of such a renowned man, Irina understood the envy that bubbled among the women of her society and the power she held. They would do anything to be in her position, but all she ever gave them was a proud lift of her chin and the quiet, constant reminder of their own longing, present wherever she went. She felt a deep sense of accomplishment, for reasons unknown to everyone but herself. Before, she revelled in what they could and would never have, yet now, that was overturned with feelings of humiliation and a broken ego. Now she would be the one, just like the rest of them, longing for a man she could never have.

It was those very women whom she looked down upon, that made sure to pick and pull apart her very public, very messy breakup. Their slander and backbiting were like arrows that shot perfectly the pride she had so carefully cultivated.

This left the sly, unmarried and a minority of the unsatisfied married women to finally get a taste of the gold. They could finally act upon their fantasies. Woo the leader with excessive amounts of fur covering every inch of their body, a nod to the wealth that they did not possess. A lavish display that hinted at wealth they could only dream of.

This opened the door for them to another world, one full of riches and reputation and glory. They would indulge their fantasies, vying for the leader's attention, each extravagant gesture was a calculated attempt to capture his interest, transforming their longing into a theatrical performance of allure and charm.

Across the land, much simpler yet disastrous events struck the Arafat household. Barakah awoke with a loud banging. It wasn't even morning yet, so who would make such a ruckus so early in the morn. Her sleep was immediately washed from her face, as she went to her parent's room and knocked on the door hurriedly.

"Baba, open the door, someone is outside" within seconds Mirza rushed to the door, sleep bags adoring his face. Whilst opening it he had a rough idea already of who it could have been. And much to his dismay, he was right.

Barakah stood behind her father as they were greeted with the kings guards. The last time this happened was when Barakah was too young. Of course she didn't remember, but Cyra who stood behind her did. And fear instantly clawed at her heart. Could this be like that dreadful day again? Where worlds collided and days were dark.

The last time this happened, there were news of the Northerners. Could this be the same reason for the arrival of guards?

"Mister Arafat, you and your family are ordered by King Sulayman the First to accompany us. We do not have any time to explain anything. In about an hour, doom is to fall at your doorstep" the guard explained in a cold and emotionless voice, yet the stutter was clear to hear.