13 Brewing Of War

CYRUS PLOPPED down beside Marzaban on the pillows placed on the ground. He crossed his legs before picking up one of the treats and throwing it into his mouth.

"How are you, my sultan?" The sorcerer asked as he poured boiling hot tea into an empty cup.

Cyrus didn't even bother to answer him, slowly chewing the treat in his mouth.

He noticed how Marzaban smiled a little at his silence. "You are mad. Why?"

"I am not mad. What had brought you to that conclusion?"

"Ever since you dragged the sultana from my grasp at training, you haven't said a word to me. I'm guessing you haven't seen her for breakfast this morning?"

"She ignored the fact that girls are not allowed on the field. I do not like it when someone does not listen."

"Or perhaps you're jealous?"

Cyrus choked on the tea he was drinking, patting his chest harshly.

"Ridiculous thoughts! I've barely known her four days. Why should I be jealous of someone I know nothing about?"

"Your impulsive reaction proves me right. Besides, you love challenges, she happens to be one."

The king ignored his advisor and poured himself tea again. They sat quietly before a guard stood in front of them respectfully.

Cyrus lazily lifted his head to meet the eyes of the guard, waiting to know what he wanted to say.

"My Sultan, the Sultana begs to meet with you, she says it's urgent."

"If she says it's urgent, I say you go meet with her," Marzaban whispers.

Cyrus' brows lifted when she came marching into the hall, guards behind her trying to reach her.

"I'm sorry-"

He lifted his hand, not wanting to listen to another guard's apology for not being able to handle her. "Leave," he breathed.

They bowed before walking out of the room. The king stared at his queen, taking in how the dark blue harem set hugged her curves and showed the flatness of her stomach. It then caught his eyes, the fading bruise on her skin. If it wasn't for the well-lit room, he wouldn't have noticed.

"Do you think it's safe to drink that tea?" She asked, eyeing his cup.

"I made it with my own hands, sultana. I'm sure it's safe enough. Would you like a cup?"

She shook her head. "I've had my dinner."

Quietly, Cyrus continued to drink his tea. He waited to see what was so urgent that she had to defy the guards and march into here.

"Cyrus. There is something you must know."

He hummed before resting the cup on the serving plate.

"Marzaban, there is something you need to know."

With that, the king's brows rose with shock.

"Excuse me, Silver. I thought you said I needed to be informed of this. Why change to him all of a sudden?"

She looked at him baffled. "Silver? Where'd that come from?" She paused to give him a sneaky smile. "Are you already giving me flirtatious names, my king? I know I'm easy to love, but this—"

"Do not get ahead of yourself, Sultana. I will gladly get you executed."

Noor simply sighed, resting her hands on her hips. "This is why I will not inform you directly. Marzaban is more understanding and patient. It's easier to hold up a conversation with him than you."

The two glaring royals didn't seem to notice how Marzaban's hands shook the cup in his hold. The poor sorcerer thought that his sultana would be the reason why his best friend would finally kill him.

Who knew jealousy would be the reason for his death?

"Marzaban. I have seen something that might harm the king in some way."

"What have you seen to give you that suspicion?"

"My window shows the backside of the castle. I've noticed not a lot of people pass by there, until yesterday. When the king rudely dragged me into my old chamber, I noticed two men discussing something."

Marzaban raised a brow. "Perhaps you know what they were talking about?"

"I couldn't hear them, the window was closed. But, I kept seeing the word "Cyrus" come from their lips as one of them pull out a bottle with liquid. They look very suspicious, I have my doubts."

"Since when did you care about my well being? I thought you'd be happier at the fact that someone is trying to harm me," Cyrus snickered, popping another treat into his mouth.

"I will see into it, Sultana. Thank you," Marzaban assured.

"Wait, what? You believe her? This is ridiculous!"

"Believe it or not, my king. Some men will be trying to harm you, especially when you're weak. I suggest you see your aunt soon. She has been alarming more than usual."

"That mad woman has been alarming ever since she was born. Who do you think caused my father to go insane and my mother the urge to kill?"

"That is why be careful when you talk to her."

"Can I tag along?" Noor asked, tilting her head to the side.

"You and her in the one room? That sounds like an absolute nightmare. Kill me, please. I'd take it now I've seen the type of women I surround myself with."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. Why couldn't you be more...gentle and lady-like? You bark like a dog when you're mad."

"Did you just call me a b-"

"Take her along. It will give her the experience of the type of people she'll meet as a sultan. I also suggest you take her on your next trip in the future. Allow her to learn the good types of relationships she needs to make for the kingdom," Marzaban interrupts, the fear of this conversation going out of hand.

"See? Marzaban gets where I'm coming from!" Noor smiled.

"You want to beat my aunt up until she apologizes," Cyrus sighed.

"That too."

Cyrus stood up, give a small nod towards Marzaban. "Good night my friend."

The sorcerer returned the same gestured before Cyrus turned and wrapped an arm around Noor.

"Let's go, Sultana. It's time to rest. The bed must be nice and cold."

"You say that like we're sharing it."

"We are."

"No."

"I'll open a privilege you ask for if you do."

...

"Fine."