Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 243(@200wpm)___ 194(@250wpm)___ 162(@300wpm)
It took them only mere moments to return to the mosque – unaccompanied. They went straight to Altair, whose scarred face become grimmer as he received their news. Another moment later, Tarif – the last of the king’s most trusted vassals to make an appearance – strode down to join them, an opened packet on his hands.
There was a short, terse discussion, and by now the audience – all of whom had avidly followed the sheikhs’ movements – was agog with curiosity. A red-faced Mahmud, sensing that things were about to go awry, began marching towards the other sheikhs, only to be blocked by the palace’s guards.
“Where is the king?” he bellowed. “Is he thinking of going against his word?”
The chattering noise quickly rose at his blustering, and the four other sheikhs soon faced him in unison, only staring at him in implacable silence.
Mahmud’s next words died in his throat, fear getting the better of him, and when Altair started towards him, the older sheikh couldn’t help backing away. But it was too late, and soon, the kingdom’s highest-ranking general was upon him.
“You are to quietly return to your seat,” Altair said very quietly, “and you will stay there until I say otherwise. You will not want to experience the consequences if you do not heed me.” Altair stepped back and smiled.
Not good, the soldiers who saw this thought right away. Everyone who knew the general would know that a scowling Altair was always better than a smiling one.
Mahmud seemed to know this, too, as the older sheikh paled considerably.
“Do we have an understanding, sheikh?”
“Y-yes.”
Meanwhile, the palace’s staff was quickly setting up a digital screen by the dais, and another wave of curiosity stirred up the crowd. What could possibly this be about?
A moment later, the screen lit up, revealing the larger-than-life figure of the Emir Sheikh standing alone in the throne room.
Brothers and sisters of the Kingdom of Ramil, I would like to express my sincerest apology, as the wedding you have made precious effort to witness will no longer proceed.
There was a squawk of anger coming from Mahmud, but this was quickly silenced after a deadly look coming from Altair.
Two months ago, the palace received grave news of a possible terrorist threat, one that suspiciously coincided with what should have been my first council meeting with the sheikhs of Ramil. It also came to my knowledge that certain members of this government had planned to use the council to put forward a motion for my abdication – unless I took a full-blooded Ramilian woman like Princess Safiya as my second wife.
Gasps erupted in the mosque, along with numerous accusing glances thrown at Mahmud’s way from the locals.
As you no doubt know, the council had been postponed, and as confirmed by our own news outlets, the threat to our security remains. With such factors to consider, I am strongly aware that our kingdom is at a tenuous position and cannot afford any kind of divisiveness. But despite this – I also know I cannot be the king that you – my people – need me to be if I were to abandon the woman I love for the sake of our kingdom.
The kingdom of Ramil is my life, but Harper Griffiths is my heart. Both of you are of equal importance to me, and yet in fearing that I would fail my people, I have failed her.
The digital screen showed the sheikh breathing harshly after this, and the sound of sniffing started to fill the mosque.
Even if she were to forgive me for this, I cannot be certain I’ll ever forgive myself for it.
And whether or not she accepts me is immaterial.
She is the only woman I will love. She is the only queen I can ever have.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF the world, Harper was staring ashen-faced as the live broadcast of what should have been the Emir Sheikh’s wedding continued playing out.
You, my people, have always been unwavering in your trust in me, and I thank you for this.
But this time, I would like to place my trust in you.
Now that the truth is out in the open, there is no saying that when I return, I will still be your king.
Even so – I trust that this will not make our kingdom fall. I trust in your ability to remain strong and brave in the face of adversity.
The world thinks the kingdom is strong because I’m the one sitting on the throne, but I trust you to prove them wrong. Our nation is strong because of its people – because of you. Ramil will remain strong even if I serve it without a crown or even if another man takes the throne.
But there can only be one woman for me, and—-
Harper shut the TV closed and threw the remote away.