Fickle

Chapter 33

Hanifah paced the length of her private chamber, her mind sharp and calculating. The success of Suleiman's disappearance had emboldened her, but she knew the kingdom was still resilient. Othman’s steady leadership and Mustapha’s tactical brilliance were formidable obstacles. If her plans were to succeed, she needed a final, decisive act that would shake the foundation of Daura and leave Abdullah’s name in ruin.

Neil lounged in a chair, watching her with his characteristic smirk. "You’re thinking too small, Hanifah," he said, swirling a glass of wine. "You’ve sowed doubt, yes, but doubt alone won’t topple a throne."

Hanifah stopped, narrowing her eyes at him. "Then enlighten me, Neil. What would you suggest?"

Neil leaned forward, his expression darkening. "We frame Abdullah himself. Nothing shakes a kingdom like turning its people against their leader. And I know exactly how to do it."

Neil's proposal was audacious: they would stage an assassination attempt on a prominent figure within the kingdom—one so high-profile that the act would send shockwaves through Daura. The target? The Grand Mufti, a revered religious leader who commanded the loyalty and respect of the people.

Hanifah's eyes gleamed with approval as Neil explained his plan. "We make it look like Abdullah orchestrated the attack. Forge documents, plant witnesses—by the time we’re done, the people will demand his exile before he even sets foot in Daura."

Kabiru, who had remained silent during most of their meetings, finally spoke up. "The Grand Mufti is heavily protected. This will require precision and absolute discretion. If we fail..."

"We won’t fail," Hanifah snapped. "This is our moment. Failure is not an option."

The night of the attack was carefully chosen—a significant royal event marking the kingdom's annual Day of Unity. The Grand Mufti was scheduled to deliver a speech, with members of the royal family and the council in attendance.

Neil worked behind the scenes to bribe key palace guards and plant forged correspondence implicating Abdullah. Hanifah oversaw the recruitment of mercenaries to carry out the actual attack.

"Remember," she instructed them, "you must ensure there’s no doubt that this comes back to Abdullah. Leave the evidence where it can’t be ignored."

---

The Day of Unity dawned with celebration and fanfare. The palace grounds were adorned with flags and banners, and the people of Daura gathered in their finest attire to witness the festivities.

As the Grand Mufti ascended the stage to deliver his speech, the air was charged with anticipation. Hanifah, disguised and mingling among the crowd, kept her eyes on the stage.

The first shot rang out just as the Mufti began to speak. Chaos erupted as guards scrambled to shield the dignitaries and evacuate the area.

The mercenaries, expertly trained, created confusion by attacking from multiple angles. One of them planted the forged documents in the Mufti’s chambers before disappearing into the crowd.

The Mufti survived the attempt but was gravely injured, sparking outrage throughout the kingdom. The forged documents, quickly "discovered," painted a damning picture of Abdullah’s alleged involvement. The letters detailed fabricated orders for the attack, citing the Mufti’s growing influence as a threat to Abdullah’s rule.

Hanifah retreated to her chambers, exhilarated by the chaos she had unleashed. Reports of unrest poured in as the people questioned Abdullah’s character and loyalty.

Neil, ever the opportunist, grinned as he read the fabricated reports circulating among the nobles. "They’re eating it up," he said. "The perfect storm."