“Baba, do I have to go? Why did Mama stay behind? Can't we return together? ” A girl nags her father. "No, my daughter, I must ensure your safety, and you know that Mama couldn't come." Besides, I don't want her to control my wild pigeon. " Hussein sits down beside her. "I don't like it there!“ She murmurs, tucking herself under his arm, her head resting on his chest.

"Oh! Pigeon, we have no choice. You shall return home. Don't be sad. I am sure it's not that bad. He strokes her hair, comforting the small child. “Please Baba, I have no friends; the king is always punishing me and Ali is always giving me boring advice." He says, "Girls don’t ride horses." But you know how much I like to ride? ” The girl sighs. "I hate to leave you there alone, but I can't risk you dying." He embraced her tightly before standing.

"Now go to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day. We will arrive at our destination. " Almost at the door, the girl whispered, "Baba?"

"Yes?”

"Tell me one of your stories." She begs to hold onto him, not willing to let go. He nods, resuming his position. He lowers his voice and starts to narrate.

"Two mighty kingdoms were at war; southern and northern, each wanting to conquer the other. Since both kings were arrogant, none would dare surrender, so they fought a never-ending war. Both parties came to their limits, but the kings still ordered the fight to continue. It was not until one of the kingdoms produced an heir that brought joy to the northern king that he suggested the signing of a treaty; one that would end the war. "

"Baba, you have told me this one before!" She looks up at him, annoyed. "Just listen carefully," he urged her, then continued with the narration.

"The two signed the treaty since they had no option." If they were to continue fighting, the two would be rendered vulnerable. " The terms were set by both parties agreeing to form a union through their firstborn children. It also stated that the prince and princess would rule jointly, with all decisions taking into account both perspectives. If the children were to be of the same gender, then a duel would be held in which the victor would rule the other. Unfortunately, the southern king landed a princess. He was very unhappy with it. This saw many conflicts between the two, but they never again resorted to war.

When the children came of age, the prince fell for a general's daughter and ended up eloping; some say it was the southern king's work. The northern king accepted his sons' choice, and peace returned to the two kingdoms.

However, their greed never ceased, so another clause was added. It demanded that their grandchildren were to fulfill the treaty. Whoever shall defy it again will be resting their claim on the throne. " The girl lets out a soft yawn.

He looks down at her as her heavy lids finally shut. Slowly, he laid her on the carpet, carefully dropping her head on a nearby pillow. He took a large blanket and covered her up to her chin. Hussein leans in, kissing her hand. When his lips touch her skin, she twitches a bit. He smiles and leaves her tent.

Khalid's absence was barely noticed as Mina did most of his work. Munir taught her almost everything, from etiquette, history, literature, and even some medical procedures. All this he did secretly, of course, as educating girls was a sin in Mahdiya. The kingdom, on the other hand, was busy preparing to receive its valued ally, the northern king.

Mina was in the garden collecting flowers and herbs for Munir to make his special fragrances, gifts from the king to his anticipated guests. The royal garden was vast and had the best irrigation system in the whole kingdom. drawing water directly from the river Madyani to form several streams that ran throughout the different sections of the garden. The Mina was close to the thorn wall that covered the perimeter of the castle, the only place to find rose bushes. She picks a few, then they start to move, not by wind but as if something was shaking them. Startled, she steps back, ready to run. The bushes parted to reveal a huge hole in the fence. A servant boy crawls out of it.

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Still, on all fours, he inspected the path ahead when his eyes met those of the shocked girl in front of him. Ali stood up and replaced the bush. "Don't say a word of this to anyone," Ali commanded. He shook the muddy sand off, leaving huge patches on his disguise. "Why?" the girl blurts out, "I have to go." I don't have the time for silly questions. " The boy ignores her, walking away.

She remembered what Munir taught her: not to be easily beguiled by rude fools. "If I keep quiet, what will I gain?" Ali stopped and turned to her. "If you tell anyone, then you shall be punished." He warned coldly. She felt confused. She would be doing the king a great service by telling him, "I think you meant reward." Mina challenged him.

"You little..." Before he could finish, he heard the royal parade approaching. "OK, make it fast. What do you want? "

"What can a servant boy possibly offer me?" Mina looked tough, though inside she regretted every word. If it were not for him being late already, Ali would have picked up the facade she was putting on. "Servant boy! "You stupid slave, ten lashes for you," Ali yells, almost frightening her. He had such a stern voice for a small boy that he could draw fear from anyone he threatened.

Mina remembers a law Munir taught her: "Don't you know?" "Servants cannot punish slaves." She mocks him, trying to hold herself back from going too far. "I am no servant!" Ali barks. Mina was so confused. How can he be dressed as a servant and not be one? "Then who are you?"

Ali looked at his disguise and realized he had no answer for her. He hadn't thought of a fake identity yet, but he couldn't tell the truth. She would never believe him. It would only lead to a big fuss. He needed to think of something fast.

"I am Hassan, the servant to the Prince of Mahdiya."

"Still just a servant." Mina resumes collecting flowers, giving him her back.

"You are wasting my time." Ali's patience grew thin. Mina saw an opportunity she could not give up. "Then if you really are not just a servant, prove it." "The king has my pendant." In exchange for my silence, you shall retrieve it for me. "

"I serve the prince, not you." He hated that a girl like her was commanding him. "You don't want me to tell the king about this?" Ali was cornered, but he could stall her for a while by accepting her offer. "Okay, meet me here tomorrow at the same time." She could not believe it worked; surely it wasn't that easy. "You are but a stranger to me. How do I know you aren't lying to get me off your back? ” Ali sighs. Surely I have a lot to lose if I lie. Don't you think? “

She was busy rejoicing mentally; she didn't notice when he walked away hurriedly to avoid any more of her words. The drumbeats grew closer as the parade entered the castle gates. She turns around from her absentmindedness to find him gone. She walks through the flower bushes to find the perfect view.

The crowd parted a large palanquin and three horses came forth. All wore the same purple armour; one carried a flag that held the royal seal of the north; a camel encased in a spherical shape bordered by two curved swords; beneath it, an elegant calligraphy of the words (The Northern Territory), in silver tones, which contrasted perfectly with its purple background.

The palanquin's lacquer shone against the sun, enhancing its rich wood grain.Silver embellishments adorned its curves. The purple curtains, embroidered with silver patterns, swayed as the four bearers in plain purple robs marched by, disturbing their perfect folds. They were greeted by Suleiman and his loyal men, who were fanned out in front of the large palace doors.

A servant came from Suleiman's side and announced his grace. "Suleiman Al-Rachid, Mahdiya's king regent, welcomes you as an ally and friend." Suleiman hated the word regent in his title; only on foreign matters did he have to use it, and this angered him. One of the men got off his horse and did a slight bow. Suleiman walks up to him, wrapping him in a short kingly embrace. Welcome Ya Hussein, I have been expecting you. "

Suleiman patted him on his shoulder and announced to the gathering, "Tonight we feast to welcome our guests." For days, she heard his praise from the gossip of people in the palace and from the historical stories Munir told. Truly, he fit the part perfectly. His attire acknowledged his humble nature. Even though he was a king of high status, he dressed like one of his men. Unlike Suleiman, who always stood out from a crowd no matter what he wore.