My First Choice

Fooled

Don't take for me for a fool if
I have mistake thorn for needles
Because but are sharp
Ready to hurt the innocent
The difference one lies in the nature
While other lies in the home.

-----

The weight of his words sank in as I nodded, turning back towards the palace. My life, once sheltered behind walls of stone, was about to change forever.

As I went back to my room, my heart still pounding from my encounter with kabir, I was startled to find my brother, Amir Iman, already there, sitting on the edge of my bed. He looked up at me with a frown, his eyes filled with suspicion.

"Huuda, where have you been?" he asked, his voice sharp. "I waited for you, but you weren't here."

I hesitated, my mind racing for an excuse. Cassius was only two years older than me, but he took his role as my older brother seriously—perhaps too seriously at times. He was protective, and I knew he would not approve of what I was planning.

"I... needed some air," I said, trying to sound casual. "I went for a walk in the garden."

He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "In the middle of the night? Dressed like this?" He gestured towards my burq', his suspicion deepening. "You're hiding something, Huuda. I can tell."

I forced myself to remain calm, knowing that my brother could easily alert the guards if he felt something was wrong. "Imran, please, it's nothing. I just needed some time alone. You know

"you know how overwhelming everything has been lately. I needed to clear my head."

Imran's expression softened slightly, but he still looked unconvinced. He stood up, taking a step closer to me. "Huuda, if there's something wrong, you can tell me. You don't have to face anything alone."

His concern touched me, and for a fleeting moment, I considered telling him everything about kabir and the letter from anonymous sender. But I knew that would be too dangerous. Imran was fiercely loyal to the palace, to our father. If he found out about a potential threat, he would alert the guards immediately, and kabir would be captured. And if kabir was telling the truth, that would put all of us in even more danger.

"I promise, Imran, it's nothing," I said, forcing a smile. "I appreciate you worrying about me, but I just needed a moment to myself."

He looked at me for a long time, as if trying to read my thoughts. Finally, he sighed. "Alright, Huuda. But if you ever need anything, you come to me first. Understand?"

I nodded. "I understand."

He reached out and pulled me into a hug, and I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. "Good night, Huuda," he said softly, letting go and heading towards the door.

"Good night, Imran," I replied, watching as he left my room.

The moment the door closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath, my hands trembling. I knew I didn't have much time. I had to gather what I needed and leave before Cassius or anyone else became suspicious again.

I quickly moved to my wardrobe, pulling out a small leather bag. I packed only the essentials—a change of clothes, a dagger Father had gifted me, and a small pouch of coins I had saved over the years. My heart pounded as I worked, the weight of what I was about to do pressing down on me.

Once I was ready, I took one last look around my room—the place that had always been my sanctuary. I knew that when I left, I might never return, and the thought filled me with both fear and determination.

With a deep breath, I opened the door to my balcony. Raed was still there, waiting in the shadows, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Are you ready?" he asked in a low voice.