THE QUEEN'S SERVANT

6

"I refuse to believe that you agreed to make me leave this palace, Hassan. No way you are getting rid of me because of some woman!"

King Hassan slammed his fist against his desk. His mother had joined him in his private office when he'd already told her numerous times that he didn't like to be bothered when working. As if that wasn't enough, she was ranting continuously about his wife, making his head ache. The king stood up and watched his mother take a step back.

"Enough!" He roared. "She is not some woman, she is my queen. And I think her advice is actually very relevant. You disturb me, mother. Because of you, I can't do anything right anymore. I will tell the servants to make the second palace ready by tomorrow and I will ask you to please relocate there."

"Hassan! Believe me, you are making the worst mistake in your life. She's been here for only a week and you are completely losing your mind! I hope you know that she will make you burn this kingdom down in the long run. What is it about Rocky that makes you so weak, anyway? I am very curious !"

"Don't ever call me weak again, mother. I am far from it. And for the record, father and I are not the same. I actually listen to my wife's opinion and I accept her ideas when they make sense."

"So throwing your mother out makes sense to you?"

"For the last time, I am not throwing you out. The other palace is nicer than this one. You will be very comfortable there."

She simply shook her head, knowing there was no point arguing with her son. He'd already taken his decision. With a scowl on her face, the queen-mother rushed out of the office, leaving the door wide open. King Hassan sighed. He wanted to run after her and apologize. Despite being the most annoying person in his life, his mother still cared deeply about him. Yet, it was wrong of her to hate Rocky so much. She didn't even try to know her.

"Your majesty?"

One of the counselors was standing right in front of the office door. He'd seen how angry king Hassan was and feared to step inside the room without his permission.

"What is it?"

"Well...It's time for our evening brief. We captured twenty Sudanese soldiers trying to cross the border and I would like to know your opinion on the matter."

"Kill them all."

"...Your majesty?"

"Torture them first to know why they even tried to cross. We still haven't figured out their end-goal. Once you've got the maximum information, kill them, and make sure to send the bodies back where they came from."

"Yes."

The counselor bowed and left. The king resumed his work as if he hadn't just ordered the killing of twenty men. These kinds of extreme decisions were what built his reputation. King Hassan was kind to his own people and allies, but he was cruel to everyone else. His father taught him that. Mercy should never be given to the enemies or they would abuse it and make you regret it. Up until then, that advice had always been of great value for the king.

His mother also shared the same opinion. Her mind was filled with dark thoughts as she walked to the harem. Most of those thoughts revolved around Rocky. Everyday, her hatred for her increased. She had to get rid of her quickly.

As if she wasn't angry enough, She saw Raja on her way. The boy was probably going to his room but the king's mother stopped him.

"Follow me."

She took him to a secluded part of the garden where the trees protected them from curious eyes. Raja waited to be scolded. This happened very often, even before Rocky's arrival. She'd punish him for the smallest mistakes and sometimes, he didn't even have to do anything wrong.