CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER FOUR - FATHER WOULD SAY The garden, my favourite place. I would sit here for hours as it was the calmest place, away from the chaotic to and fros of the palace. Where cool breeze blows me whilst birds chirping serves as background sound and pollen scent evades my nostrils. I would sit on the swing with all kinds of books surrounding me as I munch on cookies. The best combination ever!! "Those were the best days" I thought to myself as we walked through the garden. Who would have thought that my safe haven, my place of solace would one day be my escape route, away from the perpetrators whom greed for the throne, for power has blinded and enraged them that they would not even consider sparing their own sister. Power is indeed a dangerous thing, how quickly have they forgotten what father had told us everytime we got into fights. Father would say "the bond between the Princes is the sword that defends our mother land and the bond between princesses is the shield that protects it and the bond between us all is the veil covering Azbedran and the crown is the great mind keeping them together" Father would say " Azbedran is like a soldier in the battlefield, He needs a sharp sword to attack, a strong shield to protect him from the enemy's attack" He always emphasized on this, making sure that every word was etched into our brains. But it seems that his efforts have gone down the drain, everything he try to instil in is seemed to have entered into one ear and exited the other. We walk the familiar path to my mother's quarters where my chamber is located. I look at the familiar entrance to my chamber waiting for it to be unlocked but it didn't instead we passed it and was headed elsewhere. "Could it be that they missed it" "Brother we have passed my chamber, where are we headed to " I asked "Could it be that brother has pretended to save me only to kill me" with this in mind I gripped the hilt of my dagger as I prepare to launch a counter to any attack, though it will be useless but it'll be worth a try. "Calm down Bitaqir, we are headed to the most secured chamber in the palace" Selim replied " Father's chamber, why ??" I asked curious. "Bitaqir, that chamber was not built specifically for father but..." " For every ruler who sits on the throne " I continued his sentence. ******************** It's already night time and the rebellion that occured in the court has ended after lasting hours and I'm in the high chambers. "Your majesty, we bring the reports of the rebellion, Permission to enter" Mahmoud Pasha the Minister of National Security spoke from the door . Selim looked at me concerned, his eyes asking me if I was okay and prepared to face the Vizier. My heart swell with pride that even though Prince Selim was eyeing the throne he still swallowed his pride, stood by me and is protecting me. Only a man with pure heart can do this. My respect and admiration for him has increased ten times over. I nodded, indicating that I am ready. He walked towards the door and opened it I looked as three men entered the chamber. How ironic, once upon a time I used to be the one asking for permission to enter but today I am the one giving permission. " Salam my queen" the three Pashas greeted whilst bowing. And right at that moment is when I realized that my world has taken a 360 degree turn. That was when I realized, that my life will never be the same.