CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER EIGHT - A LESSON TO BE REMEMBERED "All Governors including the Princes shall set out to their appointed states at the first peak of light tomorrow" Bitaqir spoke in a commanding tone " Send a letter to Shanara requesting a truce, immediately!" Bitaqir spoke as he locked eyes with Azim Pasha and he nodded. "We plan take course action once the messenger returns" She spoke with indignation " Yes Majesty" The Viziers replied in chorus " Bring the traitor Princes to the courtyard, I will sentence them when they're present" She spoke again as she eyed the Viziers. " When Majesty ? " Ibrahim Pasha who has been quiet the entire meeting finally spoke "After the Magrib prayers" Bitaqir relied curtly. "As you wish " The viziers said. " Dismissed!" Bitaqir said and left the throne room in the same graceful manner she entered, not spearing the viziers an eye as she walks with determination. "Majesty one more thing" Ibrahim Pasha spoke as soon as Bitaqir neared the doorway. "What is it ? " Bitaqir asked with a tinge of annoyance. "Today is your coronation so traditionally entertainment should be prepared for the new ki... ruler" Ibrahim Pasha started. " And in these entertainment, the youngest, most beautiful and talented girls amongst he untouched will perform for the ruler." Azim Pasha cut in to Ibrahim Pasha's sentence. "One amongst these girls will be chosen by the  king to walk the golden path and spend the night with him and become one of his concubines, I know about this Pasha. What are you trying to tell me?"  Bitaqir asked giving the Pasha a cold glance. " You are a woman so you're not allowed to be with women, it's Haram!" Azim Pasha replied arrogantly whilst feeling good to finally clap back at the Queen who insulted him. " Maybe we can adjust the traditions " Abu Bakarr Pasha spoke fearing what a young immature hand with too much power might do. "No Pasha, we will not modify the tradtions" Bitaqir said with a mocking smile intended for Azim. "Then do you plan to practice lesbianism? " Azim Pasha asked terrified. " Ibrahim Pasha. Prepare the entertainment as usual, Prince Selim will take the seat intended for the ruler, make sure he is pleased." Bitaqir ordered Ibrahim Pasha completely ignoring  Azim Pasha. "Reminds me, Prince Selim is to be relieved of his duty as Governor and let Prince Mehmet will takeover his duties. From now onwards Prince Selim shall be my right hand and all other officials shall continue with their present duties. For now!!!" Bitaqir announced and left the he one throne room without waiting for any reply. A mixture of emotions were felt by the Pashas.Rage or was it just pure anger, resentment, bruised ego from having to take command from a woman. It's was uncertain but what was clear was that they needed to perform their Queen's order immediately. Ibrahim Pasha stood in one corner and observed the other Pasha's and gave a satisfied smirk " Looks like Queen Bitaqir needs little to no help, she does not need my guide, she can take care of herself well. I wonder what she'll do next." Ibrahim thought to himself. ********************************************** Bitaqir headed to the heart of the harem where her mother has been relocated to, passing concubines and Sultanas, Kalfas and enuchs,  all of them stopping whatever they're doing greeting me whilst bowing. It was all overwhelming but Bitaqir did not let it show, Sultanas that used to look her in the eyes now wouldn't dare, instead they look at the floor. "Mother" Bitaqir called when she entered her mother's quarters. " my Bitaqir, come here" Valide Aisha called back . Bitaqir followed the voice and ended up in a very large room. It was the same as where her mother used to receive guests or just sit down but this room was way larger, this type of room is what the Shanarians call the living room. It was given a red theme. A chandelier in the middle of the room, with smaller candle cases here and there. A large chaise that spread it length from one corner of the room to the other and Valide Aisha sat in the middle of this chaise. Bitaqir climbed the mini steps and sat besides her mother. Looking at her mother she is quite aware that she is still in mourning but tries to hide it. Traces of dark circles beneath her eyes are evident, although the Valide tried to cover it with face paint but Bitaqir being an observer could easily pick this up. "How was your council meeting?" Valide asked trying to divert her daughters attention from her face. "It was ...okay?  Bitaqir replied. "What's with the long pause ?" Queen Aisha asked. "They tried to get on my nerves and discredit everything I say, but you know me mother I won't let them." Bitaqir spoke with a fighting spirit and confidence clear in her voice. ''I heard about you have decided to carry on with traditions " Valide Aisha said with approval. " You proved to be wise today" Valide Aisha started. "But also arrogant and self-centered " Ibrahim Pasha cut off the Valide's sentence. "Disperse " Valide ordered the servants present in the room. " My valide, my queen" Ibrahim Pasha called with respect as he bowed down before the Queen and her mother. "Ibrahim Pasha! join us" the Valide called with excitement clear in her voice. " Forgive me Valide, but it is forbidden for a widow to be near other men before the end of her four months and ten days mourning, so I will stay here, by the door" Ibrahim Pasha said with sincerity. " As you wish Pasha, anyways you said my actions were arrogant and self-centered, why?" Bitaqir asked curiously. "Firstly, as a queen reagent you must always consult or inform your council before making any major decision. Secondly, as a queen reagent you must always allow your council to have a say." Ibrahim Pasha said. "I will keep this in mind" Bitaqir replied "Pasha can you give us an analysis of today's council" Valide "What the queen said and did today was remarkable but you should have informed us first." Ibrahim paused "Prince Mehmet is to replace Prince Selim as a Governor of one amongst our most powerful states, yet Prince Mehmet has no experience. If you should have informed the council, we would have advised you to promote an experienced Prince to take over and Mehmet should have been given a less powerful state that he can take care of well." Ibrahim Pasha stated " You're right Pasha, seems like I am not as knowledgeable as I thought" Bitaqir sighed. "What are the effects of my actions" Bitaqir asked truly curious. "Your actions have not only proved you reckless but has also bought about instability in the governance of our Azbedran as all Governors will now relax thinking that you only promote based on favourites. And that my Queen is very dangerous." Ibrahim Pasha spoke disappointment and worry clear on his face. "Your decision concerning tonight's celebration was perfect, you continued the traditions by not altering anything. It is know that when entertainment is organised in the absence of the King, his right hand will take his seat." Ibrahim Pasha said trying to lighten Bitaqir's mood. "But however, you have left a bad first impression on your citizens Majesty, you need to cover it up." Ibrahim Pasha said with all seriousness. "So, you're saying that Bitaqir's first impression showed favouritism, and also proved that a woman is only good at entertainment, is that what you're saying Pasha" Valide Aisha asked "Forgive me, my Valide but I am being honest, I just hope that the young queen has learnt a good lesson today." Ibrahim Pasha replied . Queen Bitaqir, the traitors have been bought to the courtyard, all Pasha's and the executioner is awaiting you" Ibrahim Pasha finally relayed the news he was there to, in the first place. " Mother, I will see you at the entertainment, you're organising one in the harem right mother?" Bitaqir asked " I am organising one, Dear Child. I will not be so unfair to the young girls and the women present in the harem. Go Bitaqir you're awaited " Valide replied. " Shall we?" Ibrahim Pasha asked Bitaqir. "We shall, Pasha! " Bitaqir replied as she walks towards Ibrahim.