Fickle

Chapter 45

Hanifah’s plan to destabilize the Royal family was entering its critical phase. Her chosen figurehead, Kareem—a distant cousin of the royal bloodline—was being carefully coached. Kareem was ambitious, well-spoken, and eager for power, but he lacked the natural charisma and decisiveness of Abdullah. This made him a perfect puppet for Hanifah’s designs.

In her study, Hanifah handed Kareem a carefully drafted speech. “This will be your opening address to the council,” she explained, her tone patient yet commanding. “You’ll highlight the Crown Prince’s supposed negligence and question his priorities. Be bold but measured. Let them believe you’re a concerned patriot, not a power-hungry rival.”

Kareem hesitated. “But what if they see through it? Abdullah’s allies—Othman, Mustapha—they’re not fools.”

Hanifah’s eyes narrowed. “Then you make them look like fools. Present evidence, real or fabricated, to support your claims. I’ve already planted the seeds; all you have to do is water them.”

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In the palace, the council’s mood grew increasingly volatile. Kareem’s sudden prominence caused a stir, particularly when he began echoing concerns that had previously only been whispered.

During one heated session, Kareem rose to his feet. “Your Royal Highness,” he began, addressing Abdullah, “I speak not to undermine you, but to protect this kingdom. Your absence has left gaps in leadership that are being exploited. The northern tribes grow restless, and merchants speak of unfair tariffs. Is this not evidence of neglect?”

The council chamber buzzed with murmurs. Abdullah’s expression remained calm, but his voice carried authority when he replied. “And what would you suggest, Kareem? That I abandon my family and return prematurely, leaving crucial matters unresolved? Or perhaps you have another solution you’d like to propose?”

Kareem faltered but recovered quickly. “I propose a council-led initiative to address these issues—a collective leadership until you’re able to devote your full attention to the throne.”

Othman leaned forward, his gaze piercing. “A council-led initiative sounds noble, Kareem, but it’s a thinly veiled attempt to usurp authority. The Crown Prince has left capable leaders in his stead. Why not work with them instead of trying to undermine the structure we already have?”

The tension in the room was palpable, but Kareem’s words had planted doubt in some of the weaker council members.

Othman and General Mustapha, sensing the growing threat, began strategizing their countermeasures.

“Kareem is a puppet,” Mustapha said during a private meeting with Othman. “He lacks the resolve to act alone. The real danger is Hanifah.”

Othman nodded. “Then we cut off her influence. We need proof of her meddling—something undeniable to expose her to the council and the people.”

They decided to focus on tracking the flow of messages between Kareem and Hanifah’s estate. Disguised operatives were dispatched to intercept couriers and infiltrate Hanifah’s network.

One such operative returned with a breakthrough: a coded letter from Hanifah to Kareem, outlining her plan to challenge Abdullah’s leadership openly in the coming weeks. The letter also hinted at alliances she was trying to forge with certain northern tribes.

When Othman presented the intercepted letter to Abdullah, the Crown Prince’s expression darkened. “So Hanifah hasn’t just been spreading rumors; she’s actively conspiring against the throne.”

Othman placed a reassuring hand on his brother’s shoulder. “We have the evidence we need to expose her. But how we proceed is crucial. If we act rashly, it could further divide the council and the kingdom.”