Empress Dosha

Chapter 53

Midnight update ❤️❤️
Hello 👋
Another chapter in a million years 😄
Honestly this is the hardest chapter for me ever since I started this book 🤧
You know that feeling of knowing what to write but not knowing how to write it?😔
That dealt with me seriously.
So much editing and erasing and rephrasing.
But alhamdulillah 😊 it's served.

Read peacefully 🧘🏼‍♀️

______________________________

Rashid

The night was a windy one. Harmattan’s breath roared beyond the door. Inside, the air was still and tense, while outside, the cold winds endlessly tore. Rashid understood nothing of the letter he was reading, it was sent by his brother, the letters blurred before his eyes and not his mind. He would read a line over four times and still absorb nothing.

The storm within him was palpable, even the room felt it, the lamplight had dimmed and he felt cold. The room was quiet, he had dismissed his men for the night, who in return had questionable looks; especially Gaddo. The man would know something was going on with his highness.

Rashid shook his head to rid the thoughts, sighing, he glanced up and back down to the paper, "You don't plan on staying the night here right?" He questioned.

"I could say the same to you. Fortunately, I have a family and home to return to," Ali replied, taking a step from where he had been standing, "But, I do have the patience of being ignored by you for a while."

Ali stood by the edge table, scrutinizing him, "You look miserable." He chuckled.

Rashid ignored his statement, pulling out a fresh paper to scribble on, they stayed in silence before he finally spoke, "Why are you here?"

Ali sighed, positioning himself on the seat opposite Rashid, "You know why I am here." He said, "Don't act nonchalant."

"How did you know?" Rashid asked, despite knowing how Ali did.

"I am not answering that. Stop with this, Rashid. That woman is back! And you know what this means." Ali said, met with silence from Rashid. He snatched the paper from Rashid, tossing it aside, "There are more important things to focus on than writing."

Rashid's hand tightened around the quill before setting it on the table with force, gazing at Ali with rage, "And since when did you start meddling into my family matters? Know your place, Ali!" He said angered, though he knew it was for naught. They were only two people who weren't scared of his anger. One was Ali sitting in front of him.

Ali scoffed mockingly, "Big words from the man who begged me to keep quiet those years ago." He moved closer, "The last time I checked, I am married to a princess from this household, which means I am part of the family. Even though I am not related, I am still connected to all of these."

"So you want to blackmail me?" Rashid leaned back into the chair, a surprising look on his face.

"Blackmail?" Ali chuckled, "I can't stoop low to commit that. You are directing your rage to the wrong person. You know what should be done. I remember telling you four years back." He added, purposefully hitting a spot.

Rashid's visual changed, he calmed. A wave of realization washed over him, heavy and unsettling. For a moment, he stared at the floor, his thoughts tangled in a storm of regret and clarity. Pieces of the past fell into place, painting an image he had long refused to see. The anger that had driven him moments ago now felt hollow. He drew in a slow, shaky breath, realizing that confronting the truth was inevitable and that Ali had simply reminded him of the path he had avoided for far too long.