Amira

17

CHAPTER XVII
           

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Days passed since the Sultan's disappearance, and the palace felt suffocated by an air of despair. The search parties returned empty-handed, and the whispers among the courtiers grew louder, filled with rumors and speculation. I was desperate for any news, but every hour felt like an eternity, and each morning I awoke with renewed dread.

My heart ached for my father. The throne felt heavier on my shoulders with each passing day. I had always imagined this moment would be different, filled with joy and anticipation, but instead, it was drenched in uncertainty and fear.

Today, the ministers and royal advisors gathered in the great hall for an emergency meeting. I had insisted on being present; after all, this was my family, my home, and my responsibility. But as I took my seat at the head of the table, I could feel the cold eyes of the vizier drilling into me. His presence was a thorn in my side, always waiting for the moment to strike.

As the meeting commenced, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The wizened faces of the advisors, usually so composed, were now clouded with worry. They discussed strategies, search efforts, and how best to maintain stability in the empire in the Sultan's absence.

Then, without warning, the vizier rose to his feet, clearing his throat loudly to gain everyone's attention. "Gentlemen," he began, his tone dripping with condescension, almost taunting, "we must face the reality of our situation. The Sultan has been missing for far too long, and as it stands, we have no hope of his return."

"Do not speak such things!" I interjected, anger igniting within me. "My father is alive, and we will find him!"

The vizier waved a dismissive hand, a smug smile creeping onto his face. "Hope is a luxury we cannot afford, Princess. The empire requires leadership, and I believe it is time to consider who is best suited to take the throne."

"What are you implying?" I demanded, narrowing my eyes at him. "I am the Sultan's only daughter. It is my right to rule!"

"Your right?" he scoffed, crossing his arms. "As a girl, unmarried and inexperienced, you are hardly fit for such a position. Surely, you must understand that we need a strong leader to guide us through these turbulent times. Someone who has the experience to handle the council and the affairs of the empire."

"Is that what you think of me?" I shot back, my heart racing. "You would prefer a man who has no claim to the throne over me? Just because I am a woman?"

The vizier's faction nodded in agreement, and I caught sight of the father of Ibrahim's fiancée, Sana Zafar, among them. His face was a mask of smug satisfaction. I could feel the weight of their collective gaze, judging, dismissive. It was as if they saw me as nothing more than a pawn on their board.

"The empire is not ready for a female ruler," the vizier continued, his tone dripping with disdain. "It would be in our best interest to appoint someone who can unite our factions—someone like myself."

My frustration boiled over. "You think you can take the throne simply because you can manipulate those around you?" I shot back, my heart racing. "The people deserve a ruler who will fight for them, not one who is too afraid of a woman to let her lead!"

"Enough!" The vizier's voice thundered through the hall, silencing me. "This is not a debate about personal feelings. It is a matter of practicality. If the Sultan does not return soon, I will have no choice but to step in. I have the support of many influential families, including the Zafar family."

At the mention of Ibrahim's family, my chest tightened. The thought of him and his engagement to Sana felt like a dagger twisting in my heart, but I could not let it show. "The throne cannot simply be passed to someone who seeks power for their own gain," I argued, desperation creeping into my voice. "You think you know what is best for the empire, but you are blinded by your ambition!"

The ministers exchanged glances, and I could see doubt in their eyes. My heart raced as I realized that my arguments were falling on deaf ears. The vizier's faction was well-prepared, and they had the support to back their claims.

"You are outnumbered, Princess," the vizier said, his voice low and threatening, his smirk widening. "It would be wise to recognize your position. You may have the blood of the Sultan in you, but blood alone does not make a ruler."

I felt the walls of the chamber closing in, suffocating me under the weight of their judgment. "You will not take my father's throne!" I shouted defiantly, my voice breaking slightly. "I will fight for my right to rule!"

But the council seemed unmoved, and as I glanced around the room, I could see the determination in their eyes. They were ready to strip me of my rightful place and hand it over to the vizier, a man who cared for power more than the people he claimed to serve.

As the meeting continued, I found myself increasingly isolated, fighting against the tide of their collective ambition. My heart pounded in my chest, fear and anger warring within me. I had to find a way to protect my father's legacy and reclaim my right to the throne, but how could I do that when the very people meant to support me were so willing to betray me?

And as the debate raged on, I knew that I had to act quickly. Time was slipping through my fingers, and with each passing moment, the empire edged closer to chaos.

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Thank you for spending your time reading this book. It means a lot.

See you next time.
Till then, bye

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