Love Of The Sultan

The Young Sultan

C h a p t e r 1 - T h e y o u n g s u l t a n

"Why?" my voice broke. My dad didn't even look at me. Nobody breathed. I can't see myself but I can feel my cheeks burning, they always burned whenever I am this frustrated, angry and confused.

The palace walls stood tall in a curved marble slope holding the dome on top as a roof. The open balconies over-looks the sandy contrast of the kingdom. The sultan is sat in colourful and rich clothing from the east and his skin; olive coloured and wrinkled. Gold jewellery clung on him: fingers, neck and ears. He is a sincere man, filled with love and wisdom completed with a large stomach. He was strict when needed but a kind and honest man. Of course I wouldn't know, I rarely saw my father.

His wife, my mother, had her head covered and worn heavy eastern designed jewellery and neutral makeup. Her dress was thick and long filled with spicy colours and small embellishments. Her hair was up and hidden by a decorated veil. She is a mother and a wife and the best queen our Empire could ask for. Her heart was a hidden one, she never shown her love but one would know it was there. Nevertheless she was a breathtaking woman. I wish I had her personality, intelligence and fearlessness.

She stood away from me, staring at me with hard eyes.

He finally looked at me but only for a short second, it was enough to see, enough to change his mind. He is willing to give me up, rip up hopes and dreams and once more; I have no say in it. If he didn't face these tough times then his sultan title would be questioned. He needed me to co-operate, to help and to understand. I don't want to do neither.

"We're vulnerable" he sighed. "If I could I would avoid this. If I had enough to defend this Empire and keep it from collapsing, then you wouldn't have to face this. You know I care for you more than myself" he preached monotonously, staring out onto the sand dunes.

"I understand..." Nadine started.
"Then why do you keep fighting me on this!" he screamed, turning his grey eyes towards her, burning a hole straight through her body. He never glared at her like that, every time he looked at Nadine, it would be with love.

"I never lived the way I wanted to, I never chose to live like this. I didn't have much choice in education, and now I can't choose whom I marry or do so much as to consent to it" I retort spitting every word like fire. This had all been bottled up inside me for years and it began to get overwhelming. Now I was letting it all out.

My mother glared , I could already hear the words. "Don't raise your voice at elders. Your a woman, your voice needs to be respectful, especially to your father." I can read her like a book. Everything is always predictable with her.

"Nadine, you have responsibilities. You are not only putting people's lives at stake, but every family member or friend you have in this country could inevitably meet a death." He gritted between his teeth.

A member of the council who had heard enough, emerged from the doors. His turban is dishevelled. He was a short, stout man whom over the years had decreased in height. A white beard assaulted his features and fine silks clothed him.

"You will do this because right now, we see the vast population of people beneath your feet better than you. We're ready to murder you with our own hands to save the people right now, this is just an alternative chance, like finding an oasis in the desert, this is our last chance and right now; you're the murderer"

"Governor Jahan, what are you doing here and please refrain from using that kind of language in my home, and towards my daughter" the sultan warned his most loyal friend since childhood and a member of his council of advisors. Governor Jahan was not going to idle with his friend. I know that will never be worth that much but it stung to hear it.

"Woman, how blind are you that you can't see this country crumbling. How can you not see vulnerable people outside while your living with the best protection in the country and how can you not do this to help all of there people so they don't have to die. If the country weakens anymore, other countries will take advantage of this and god knows what they would do to you. Maybe you would rather be a slave than be married to the young sultan whom can help us" he spoke every word menacingly. His words stabbed be where it hurts most and what hurts more is that he's right. It does rest in my hands. This is the oasis in the desert chance for the country. I don't know what use the Sultan sees in me, what he wants me to do but I know that this could benefit everyone. I'm not willing to give my life up, my love for the sake of the growing Arab empire.

It's funny how the young sultan would be willing to take our empire under his arms just for the price of me and a small part of the riches. It seemed almost suspicious but I didn't want to speak anymore to close minded people.

So I left.

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Tell me what you think guys! Give me some constructive criticism I am hell bent on making this story the best it can possibly be. Thank you for sticking with me!

-Jem