Shattered Trust, Unbroken Love

Chapter 44

Hanifah's persistence fueled further unrest. Though Othman and Mustapha's countermeasures had weakened her immediate reach, they could not quell the growing paranoia she had seeded among the people and the royal council. The whispers she orchestrated began to gain traction, eroding confidence in the royal family's unity.

Abdullah, aware of the delicate balance between quelling rebellion and maintaining trust, summoned an emergency council meeting to address the growing tensions.

The atmosphere in the grand council chamber was tense. Advisors and nobles whispered among themselves, casting furtive glances toward the throne where Abdullah sat. Othman stood nearby, his face a mask of calm but his stance protective.

One councilor, a long-time supporter of Hanifah, stood and addressed the assembly:

"Your Royal Highness, it is no secret that the people grow restless. They see a ruler torn between his family abroad and his duties here. Perhaps it is time to reconsider who is best suited to lead."

The room erupted in murmurs. Abdullah's gaze sharpened, but he kept his composure.

"If you have a suggestion, Councilor Ibrahim, speak plainly," Abdullah said, his voice steady but commanding.

Ibrahim hesitated but pressed on. "I only mean to say that stability requires a leader fully present in Daura. With all respect, your absence during critical moments has emboldened our enemies-both within and beyond our borders."

Othman stepped forward. "Stability, Councilor, does not come from undermining the Crown Prince. Perhaps you should redirect your concerns toward those who sow discord for personal gain."

The chamber fell silent. Everyone knew who Othman referred to, but none dared speak Hanifah's name aloud.

Abdullah rose from his seat, his presence commanding immediate attention.

"I understand the concerns voiced here today," he began, his tone measured. "Daura's future is not a matter I take lightly. My absence was necessary to address urgent personal matters, but let me be clear: my commitment to this kingdom is unwavering. I will not allow divisive elements to weaken us."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Those who side with traitors or spread rumors to destabilize our unity will face consequences. Daura's strength lies in its people and its leadership-both must stand firm against threats, whether they come from outside or within."

The council murmured their assent, though some members avoided Abdullah's piercing gaze.

---

In her estate, Hanifah received news of the council meeting from her loyal informants. Though frustrated by the Crown Prince's firm stance, she saw an opportunity.

"Let him speak of unity," she sneered. "Words cannot mend what is already broken. The people will see through his façade soon enough."

She began plotting her next move: orchestrating a series of coordinated disruptions in Daura's marketplaces and trade routes. These actions would sow further chaos, shifting blame onto the royal family's inability to maintain order.

---

Meanwhile, Othman and General Mustapha intensified their efforts to counter Hanifah's schemes. Using the intelligence gathered from intercepted messages and arrested operatives, they worked to preempt her next moves.

"She's escalating," Mustapha reported during a private meeting with Abdullah and Othman. "We've uncovered plans to sabotage trade routes and incite riots in the capital."