Duel Of Wills

words alone do not guarantee loyalty or adherence to an alliance.

~Nima

Safah

The North

Saba

Saba, the grand city they had arrived in, was a sprawling metropolis of opulence and prosperity. Its skyline was adorned with towering buildings that brushed the heavens, while well-paved roads meandered through a landscape adorned with magnificent manors and vast estates. It held the distinction of being the largest city in the entire land, an epitome of refinement and power.

Saba was not only an urban wonder but also the epicenter of knowledge and culture. At its heart lay the grand palace, which served as the seat of the Nizar of the North. As Safah's entourage entered the city just before dusk, they were received by Lady Nima Ashraf, the Nizar herself.

Lady Nima embodied every description Safah had heard - tall, graceful, and exuding an aura of authority that dwarfed those who stood beside her. Her presence was daunting, and her reputation as a powerful leader preceded her.

Safah couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort when Lady Nima referred to her as a "guest." Safah was in her matrimonial home, the Ashraf palace, and she considered herself to be at home, not merely a visitor. The choice of words was deliberate, and Safah couldn't shake the feeling that it carried either a political statement or a calculated move. But she was certain of one thing - Lady Nima Ashraf didn't make mistakes, and the upcoming days would be a test of wits.

Safah was not one to back down in the face of perceived slights. She understood the importance of making a strong political statement in the North, and it began with her actions. She, along with her entourage, did not pay the customary respects to Lady Nima and her attendants. In the tricky world of dominance, this would be seen as an act of asserting equality and was significant.

Safah's stance went even deeper. She was the last of the Baldar family, and in her heart, she knew that she was the rightful Nizar of the her clan, the Ta'isha. She recognized that a Nizar did not bow to another Nizar, even if she hadn't yet been formally acknowledged as such. The regency of her stepmother, the sheikha, who had assumed leadership of the Ta'isha clan in Safah's absence, was a temporary arrangement. Safah knew that she would return to her clan and take her rightful place as its leader someday. But before that, there was the matter of her marriage to Zain Ashraf. The complication of her mission weighed heavily on her, as the pursuit of vengeance and her clan's future hung in the balance.

Jasma, ever candid and forthright, couldn't help but voice the question that weighed on the minds of all of Safah's ladies.

"What was with Lady Nima, she called you a guest," she inquired, a touch of concern in her voice.

Safah, though not surprised by the question, maintained a composed demeanor. "It suggests that the marriage might not happen as quickly as we hope, or perhaps not at all," she explained.

Inna, of House Muah, contributed to the discussion, her curiosity evident. "They've provided you with a whole wing in the palace, which seems to be more than what one would offer a mere guest."

Safah considered her words carefully before responding. "They undoubtedly have a purpose for keeping me here. Lady Nima is playing a dangerous game, but she forgets one crucial thing-I am a Baldar, and I honor both my own words and those of my father. If she wishes for a confrontation, I am prepared to meet it head-on. She stands to lose much in the process, while I have everything to gain from her downfall."

Safah addressed her ladies with a tone of authority, emphasizing the significance of their role within the Ashraf Court.

"We are in the heart of the Ashraf Court now, ladies, and I rely on each of you heavily. You are not merely my companions; you are my eyes, ears, and my shield," she declared.

She then turned her attention to Inna, providing specific instructions. "Inna, you will oversee the management of our designated wing. Ensure that only our savants and soldiers move through its halls. Gather the savants and maids, and establish clear guidelines for their movements within the court."

Inna, with a show of respect, curtsied and promptly left to carry out her assigned task.

Safah concluded their meeting by granting her ladies some respite. "For now, let us rest, and we will prepare for the challenges that await us in the morning."

With a final exchange of courtesies, the ladies curtsied and gracefully exited the room, their departing skirts creating a soft whooshing sound, leaving Safah alone wishing her parents were still alive.

She lay on her bed for what felt like hours, but sleep remained elusive, refusing to embrace her in its comforting grasp. Frustration and restlessness compelled her to rise and explore the wing, the unfamiliar surroundings adding to her unease.

To her surprise, she discovered Captain Rais standing sentinel at her door. She couldn't help but express her concern. "Come on, Rais, you should get some rest for the night," she implored.

Rais was a dedicated and vigilant man, he responded with a bow as Safah walked around the wing. He followed behind her like a shadow, his unwavering presence providing her with a sense of reassurance.

She couldn't help but attempt to put his concerns to rest. "You know we are safe here; the palace is heavily guarded," she murmured, hoping to ease his worries.

"True, from external threats, but what about the internal ones?" he countered remaining resolute. "Your father would be proud of you, my Lady," he continued, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You should find solace in the fact that you've done everything in your power for your people. Your mere presence here has already ignited a fervor against tyranny. I have every confidence that we are safe in your capable hands because your choices are always for our best. You should rest, my Lady. Sleep, eat, and let the dawn decide our fate. You've never shied away from a fight, and Lady Nizar should recognize that by now. Your tale of courage has spread across the realm, from the North to the West and East. People are writing about you, and you will become a prominent figure in the annals of history." Captain Rais's words of reassurance carried a deep sense of understanding and compassion. He acknowledged the weight of Safah's responsibilities and the profound impact of her choices on her people.

Safah felt a deeper longing. "You don't understand, Captain. I simply want the safety and well-being of my people," she confessed with emotion in her voice. Her motivations were not driven by the desire for fame or recognition but by a profound commitment to justice and the betterment of those she cared for. With their exchange concluded, Safah and Captain Rais parted ways, each retreating to their chambers.

Morning arrived with the gentle kiss of daylight, filling Safah's chamber with a warm embrace and a harmonious symphony of sounds from the bustling Ashraf palace. Safah, awakened by the new day, felt the anticipation building within her. She rose from her bed and took a moment to bask in the soft morning light that spilled through the windows.

Gathering her loyal companions, her ladies, soldiers, and savants, Safah addressed them with profound emotion in her voice. In the grand Ashraf palace, she conveyed the weight of their mission and the significance of the day that lay ahead. Her words resonated with passion and purpose. She rallied her assembled companions and urged them to stand strong in the face of the impending challenges that lay before them.

Zain made a notable entrance into Safah's wing, his attire a striking contrast to the subdued elegance of the Ashraf palace. He donned traditional clothing in a vivid shade of white trace with gold, a color that demanded attention and symbolized power in the realm. His attire was not just a choice but a statement, a bold proclamation of his presence position. With the resplendent white garments, Zain appeared before Safah and extended a gracious invitation. He invited her to join him for breakfast.

"Let me get ready," Safah giggled and disappeared behind her dressing area. What he didn't know was that she was Safah Baldar, and she excelled at making statements. She adorned herself in a traditional white gown intricately adorned with gold as well, symbolizing her role as his fiancée, an Ashraf through marriage. By coordinating her attire with his, as they would walk arm in arm through the palace, she intended for word to spread far and wide across the realm, just as she wished.

"You look astonishing," he exclaimed, his eyes widening in wonder. She giggled once more, feeling a surge of delight as she wrapped her arm around his, clinging to him.

Zain was undeniably handsome, and Safah couldn't help but appreciate it. He had a captivating allure, a man of dreams, and she found herself drawn to him at this moment. Safah had a wild appetite for life, whether it was in her choice of men, food, or places. She fancied anything that could serve her well.

"Thank you, my Lord," she replied with a profitable smile, her playful yet strategic approach to their relationship evident in her words.

Safah's ladies were still in the process of acclimating to their new surroundings. Bitti had caught a cold, and the others were busy reshaping their designated wing to reflect the essence of the Ta'isha clan. Savants worked diligently, cleaning and rearranging furniture, while the ladies coordinated their efforts.

Inna of House Malik took charge of managing the wing, ensuring that everything was organized to Safah's standards. Jasma and Bitti's roles were to accompany Safah and ensure her safety in this unfamiliar territory. Lahira of House Hahar was in charge of the kitchen, as Safah had yet to be officially recognized as Zain's wife, and therefore, they had not allocated a specific kitchen to her. As for the remaining ladies, they continued to assist in various capacities. Jenna of House Jasir had stepped in to fill Bitti's place alongside Jasma. The two ladies had dressed in Ta'isha attire, with each wearing the color of their respective house - Jasma in purple and Jenna in yellow.

As Safah and Zain strolled through the palace, Jasma and Jenna walked closely behind them, their presence was a attestation to their roles as her ladies.

"How do you find it here?" Zain was a gentleman, he initiated a conversation, inquiring, his curiosity evident.

She considered her response with cheerful demeanor shining through. "I'm not yet familiar with the palace, and my ladies have caught colds, so I would say there is more convincing needed for me to like it here," she replied. Her words conveyed a touch of practicality.

"I'm sure you'll come to love it here," Zain murmured with a reassuring tone, optimism gleaming in his eyes.

"It may not be home, but I am here to stay, and perhaps with time, I'll warm up to it." Safah responded emphasizing the finality of her commitment, acknowledging that while it might not be home now, it was where her destiny lay.

"Saba is a beautiful city, and I'd love to show you its breathtaking landscapes if time allows. But for now, let's focus on breakfast and the ball in your honor. There's bound to be a fair share of political discussions, which, if it were up to me, I'd happily skip," Zain said, a playful and mischievous grin on his face.

She regarded the matter with a seriousness that reflected her responsibilities. "Political discussions are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of my people," she affirmed.

"Don't misunderstand me; your people are our people, and their safety will be prioritized," he declared, coming to a halt. His gaze locked onto Safah's, his tone shifting into a more serious register. Safah responded with a simple acknowledgment, her expression revealing caution.

As they proceeded, he guided her to a sumptuous dining hall bathed in the soft glow of morning sunlight filtering through intricately designed windows. The air was infused with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes, ranging from exotic fruits to a variety of pastries and local delicacies.

The dining table, adorned with elaborate tableware and fresh flowers. Each seat was meticulously arranged, and the atmosphere was one of refined elegance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a gentle radiance over the room, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Servants moved gracefully around the room, ensuring that every detail was attended to. The clinking of fine china and the murmur of conversations blended harmoniously, setting the stage for a breakfast that transcended mere sustenance, promising a culinary journey through the flavors of the North.

Safah took in the scene, appreciating the effort put into creating a setting that mirrored the grandeur of the Ashraf house. The breakfast table, was a tableau of exquisite tastes and cultural richness.

Amidst the orchestrated symphony of breakfast preparations, a herald announced the entrance of a prominent figure into the hall. The room fell momentarily into a hushed anticipation, and every face turned in unison toward the source of the announcement.

In the doorway stood Lady Nima Ashraf, the Nizar of the northern clan, her presence commanding attention. Dressed in regal attire adorned with symbols of her house, she exuded an air of authority that permeated the space. Her arrival brought with it a subtle shift in the atmosphere, as conversations faltered and gazes lingered on the powerful figure making her way towards the dining table.

The exchange of polite nods and acknowledgments rippled through the room. Safah observed the unfolding dynamics, recognizing that the political undercurrents in the Ashraf Court were as intricate as the patterns woven into the fabrics of the hall. As Lady Nima gracefully took her place at the table, a subtle tension lingered in the air, accompanied by hushed whispers and murmurs that rippled through the hall. Dignitaries from influential families adorned in the bright colors of their respective houses added to the vibrant tableau of the gathering.

Amidst the undercurrent of anticipation, Safah couldn't help but express her genuine admiration for the opulent setting. "It's beautiful," she exclaimed with the enthusiasm of a teenage girl, momentarily diverting attention and drawing smiles from those around the table. Seated beside the Ashraf family, nestled between Zain and his grandfather, Safah's presence added a fresh vibrancy to the gathering.

As Lady Safah took the lead in breaking the silence, she addressed the table with a cheerful "Good morning, everyone." The atmosphere lightened as Lady Nima, acknowledging the presence of the Ta'isha clan, declared, "With us today is Lady Safah Baldar of the Ta'isha clan, accompanied by her ladies Jasma and Jenna. Let's give them a warm welcome to our abode."

Safah gracefully acknowledged everyone with a charming smile as further introductions unfolded around the table. Lady Nima continued with introductions of the Ashraf family members - grandparents, a few aunts and uncles, and cousins. Despite the grandeur of the Ashraf family, Safah observed that their numbers were not overly vast, a fact that would play a significant role in the intricate dynamics of the medieval court.

"I've planned a ball in your honor tonight. I hope you and your ladies could attend," Zain inquired, repeating the invitation he had extended the previous night.

"Of course, although some of my ladies caught a cold and may not make it to the ball," Safah replied. "But before the ball, I believe we need to address some matters. I must speak with your Nizar first; it holds greater importance for me and my people."

"You don't have to worry; you'll meet the Nizar before the sun reaches its zenith," Zain assured her.

True to his words, just after breakfast, Safah found herself standing in front of the Nizar's study. This seemed somewhat unusual, as political alliances were typically discussed in the general meeting hall with all council members present. The private nature of this meeting raised Safah's suspicions, and she wasn't prepared to be deceived. Accompanying her were Jasma and Captain Rais-Jasma, with her keen memory and ability to read body language, and Captain Rais, a trained assassin capable of detecting any subtle signs of vulnerability in the Nizar.

"What do you think she's up to?" Safah asked both Captain Rais and Jasma.

"I believe she's attempting to ascertain if you have a copy of the pact. She might be trying to distance herself from the agreement; remember, she referred to you as a guest," Jasma interjected.

"But she didn't mention that at the dining hall," Safah objected.

"That's because you're wearing white and gold," Rais pointed out. "You adorned the Ashraf colors and sat at the high table, close to her brother. She knows what you're up to, and she can't afford to tarnish her reputation."

"Stay vigilant. I'm going in now," Safah declared as she pushed the door open, entering an opulent hall.

The Nizar's study exuded an air of authority and refinement. Lady Nima Ashraf, seated at a meticulously crafted wooden desk, looked up from her papers as Safah entered.

"Lady Safah, please have a seat," Nima gestured towards an ornate chair placed strategically in front of her desk.

Safah gracefully took her seat, flanked by Jasma and Captain Rais, both maintaining a vigilant demeanor. The room, adorned with symbols of the Ashraf clan's prestige, became the stage for a clandestine dialogue between two women deciding the future of of their people.

"I trust your journey was comfortable?" Lady Nima inquired, her tone poised but betraying a hint of curiosity.

"As comfortable as can be expected," Safah replied, her gaze steady. "I'm here to discuss matters of significance, Lady Nima."

Nima nodded, acknowledging the shift in tone. "Speak, Lady Safah. What matters weigh on your mind?"

Safah, choosing her words carefully, addressed the heart of the matter. "I come representing the Ta'isha clan, bound by a pact that ensures the unity of our lands. Yet, I sense a reluctance on your part, Lady Nima, a reluctance to acknowledge our bond."

Nima's expression remained composed, revealing little. "Your presence here is a testament to the ties our families share, Lady Safah. However, words alone do not guarantee loyalty or adherence to an alliance."

Safah, unfazed, continued, "Last night, you referred to me as a guest. A term that carries a different weight than that of a prospective family member. I seek clarity on the status of our alliance and your commitment to the pact."

The room held a tension, a silent duel o

f wills between the Nizar of the North and the last of the Baldar, each acutely aware of the stakes involved in this clandestine conversation.