Fickle

Chapter 59

Abdullah’s arrival in Daura was nothing like the peaceful homecoming he had envisioned. The atmosphere was tense, the shadow of the attack still looming over the kingdom. He walked straight into a crisis, with Othman and Mustapha briefing him on the latest developments.

“Your Royal Highness,” Othman began, “the situation is far from resolved. There are rumors of more attacks planned, this time aimed at key military installations. We’ve also discovered that Hanifah’s network is still active. We need to cut off all possible routes.”

Abdullah nodded, his mind racing. His thoughts kept flickering to the promises he made to Kulthum and the twins, but his responsibility to the kingdom held him captive.

“We need to move fast,” Abdullah said, his voice steady. “I’ll work on rallying the council and securing the borders. We’ll need to send a clear message that the Royal family stands united, no matter the cost.”

He looked to Othman and Mustapha. “Start the military mobilization immediately. Let’s tighten our grip on this situation before it escalates further.”

As he moved to execute his plans, Abdullah’s thoughts wandered back to his family in Minnesota. Every decision he made here, every step he took, was with them in mind. But the kingdom needed him—his leadership, his resolve. And though his heart longed to be with Kulthum and the twins, he couldn’t afford to be absent now.

*****

Back in Minnesota, Kulthum was doing everything she could to maintain stability at home. The initial shock of Abdullah’s departure had left a void, but she was determined not to let it overwhelm her.

The twins had been struggling. Jenna, despite her earlier tears, seemed to be holding it together—at least outwardly. Hudayfah, however, was more withdrawn than usual, his silence a quiet protest against the uncertainty of it all.

Kulthum took a deep breath, steeling herself. Her career, her family, and her own sense of peace all rested on how well she could navigate this new phase. She didn’t have the luxury of crumbling—she had to be the rock for her children.

That evening, as the twins finished their dinner, Kulthum gathered them around. “Listen,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I know things have been tough, and I know you miss your father. But remember, he’s doing what he feels is best for all of us. And I’m here, just like I always have been.”

Jenna nodded, but her expression was still clouded with worry. Hudayfah met his mother’s gaze for the first time in days, his eyes softening just a bit.

“I know this isn’t easy,” Kulthum continued. “But we’re a family. And no matter where your father is, that doesn’t change.”

*******

The weight of Abdullah’s absence and the ongoing instability in Daura loomed over both Kulthum and Abdullah, drawing them closer to their respective breaking points. Each was fighting their own battle: Abdullah with the kingdom’s future hanging in the balance, and Kulthum with her role as both mother and protector, struggling to keep the family united while missing the man she loved.

As Abdullah settled deeper into his leadership role in Daura, the stakes continued to rise. Despite the victories, the underlying threat from Hanifah’s supporters lingered, simmering beneath the surface. The pressure on Abdullah mounted, not just to protect the kingdom but to restore the Royal family’s honor.

One day, while strategizing with Mustapha and Othman, news arrived of another assassination attempt on a high-ranking military official who had been one of Abdullah’s most loyal supporters. The shockwave of the attack spread rapidly, sowing fear among those loyal to the Royal family.