CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER THREE - CONDITIONS Frozen in my seat, everything became a blur. "Ha ha , that's funny Pasha" Princess Serra spoke from across me waking me up from my trance. Everyone burst out in laughter, the once quiet and tensed court was now filled with laughter. But for some unknown reason I still couldn't relax. "Silence" Ibrahim Pasha's voice reverberate in the court. The stoic expression he wore showed that he was not in the mood to joke . A tense atmosphere enveloped the courtroom once again. "Is this some kind of a sick joke ?" Prince Koray asked arrogantly. Why am I not surprised! "I will never let her ascend the throne, if she has to die then she will" Prince Aroald spoke besides me. To say I was shocked was an understatement, my favourite brother who has always had my back now speaks of killing me. All of a sudden I hear a sword being unleashed and then I could feel the sharp edge against my throat. I try to fight back but strong hands enveloped me and made me immobile. Judging by the jewelry on the hand I can without a doubt say that it is my brother, Aroald. I was devastated and couldn't bear it as tears threaten to fall from my eyes. To top it all , no one, not even Prince Selim my other favourite brother who by the way I always cover for whenever he causes trouble, or whenever he's under punishment I'll always fake going out and insisting that he should be my chaperone just so he can escape his punishment. Choking down a sob, I tried to talk sense into my brother, but it proved friutless. "Before you kill her you might want to hear the remaining clauses in the will" Ibrahim Pasha spoke in a calm voice. "Go on" again the arrogant Koray spoke "Anyone who will try to go against my will shall be given capital punishment" Ibrahim Pasha began "Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha will be my successor's guide for the first two years of rule. Under no circumstance must any harm come to my successor, if so then the throne will have to skip one generation and be bestowed on one of my grandchildren chosen by the viziers and approved by the Grand Vizier". "I don't care ,as long as no woman will sit on the throne" Aroald spoke coldly. Hearing his tone made me shiver, I closed my eyes ready to die, as I know nothing can change his ready-made mind. Finally accepting my fate,I recited the dua that I was taught " In the name of Allah and on the creed, religion and faith of Rasulullah. O! Allah, ease upon me the matters, and make light for me whatever com..." I was cut off by a sudden push as I felt a strong arms embrace me. Relief washed through me as I could feel as though i have been given a second chance. I opened my eyes to see that Selim was infront of me in a defensive position and some guards were engaged in a sword fight with some of the Princes along with their personal knights. Unsure of what to do, who to run to, I was startled when I saw Prince Ozqur aiming an arrow towards me. I froze in place as I looked at the arrow making it way towards me. In just a matter of seconds the arrow was before me and i awaited for it to puncture me but that moment refused to arrive as the next thing I saw was a shield before me and felt strong arms around me leading me towards the exit. I was escorted out of the court by the guards forming a circle around me and Selim holding unto me. The sound of swords clashing and the cries of fear radiating from the courtroom can be heard all the way from gardens that we're now at.