Fantasy Escape from Caraban - [Closed]

[Owl Knight]

Ali and Saidd finished the morning feed and set about the remainder of their morning duties. Saidd oversaw the junior stable hands at mucking the stalls while Ali took stock of the hay and grain. While he was in the loft he took care to roll up the woven rug that he and Nasima had shared as their bed the evening before and tucked it into a hollow in the rafters where it wouldn't be found easily. Careless, they had grown careless in their romantic encounters. As he considered the possibility that Nasima could take the throne, his mind whirled over all of the risks they had taken over the last several months. What if she had been seen sneaking down to the stables in the evenings and only returning with the dawn? What if they had been heard in the midst of their passions? What if she had fallen with child? He shook his head, banishing the anxiety. Change was coming, that much was certain. The form and shape that change would take remained unclear, but he knew the burdens of the Sultana's office would surely shake their love to its foundations.

Ali descended from the loft to see Sher Assan, the stablemaster, striding in through the stable doors, his broad stomach going before him like a crier heralding his approach. Ali owed a great deal to Assan. It was he who had discovered the boy hawking cheap pottery in the market district and saw his potential as a stablehand. The opportunity had been glorious. But Assan was a hard employer and Ali had earned his position under the stablemaster's rule with sweat and blood. Assan was a gambler and a glutton, often to be found lounging in the finer brothels along the streets of pleasure while Ali and Saidd saw to the stables. In his advancing years he had softened some and it was a rare occasion to see him making a visit during the day at all.

"Sher Assan," Saidd genuflected hurriedly, bowing low. "We were not expecting you." Assan grunted gruffly and waved for Saidd to rise from his somewhat groveling bow. Saidd was always quick to kiss the ring when Assan was around and equally quick to mock the "fat old man" when Assan retreated to the pleasure houses. Ali was the more talented stablehand, by far, and his show of respect was more reserved.

"Saidd," Assan grumbled, "Take the boys and exercise the horses. They will need to be in good fit for the funeral parade tomorrow." He turned to Ali, a peculiar look in his watery eyes. "Ali, saddle my mare, I have a call to make." There was something unusual in the old man's voice, a sly tilt in his words. Ali pondered where he could possibly need to go on the day Nasima was to pronounce her father's death and her rise to the throne. It was well known around the palace that Assan was firmly in the vizier's pocket. Could he be on his way to make overtures to noblemen unsympathetic to Nasima's rule?

"Right away Sher Assan," Ali replied. What choice did he have?

 

[ohstardust]

Once deciding upon the black-laced clothing, Nasima rests it carefully among her bed before making her way to her en-suite where the maid had prepared the tub. Removing her nightgown, the princess waits till her servant had exited before climbing inside. She lays down, allowing the warm water to flood across her body. It was calming and allowed Nasima to rest before the scheduled plans of the day. Beginning to cleanse her body, the future leader discovered stray tears appearing from her eyes. She was petrified with her emotions taken toll. The brunette usually handled her mental state well but seemed to lack control of the sadness flowing through her mind. Nasi was curious to the change of her body. She could not quiet pinpoint what was occurring but blamed it upon the grief. She had just lost her father, she was entitled to be struggling.

Following getting dressed and styled, the princess was prepared to greet her awaiting public upon the balcony and inform officially of the Sultan's death. She had never spoke to her citizens directly, not in this manner anyway. She was used to public outings with her royal relatives but not on a superior level. This is what her father would have wanted - Nasima had to follow through with his wishes. Finding herself bearing her black gown, she pulls her veil over her face and heads for the door. With her head held high, the princess walks through the palace in silence before being met by her mother and siblings, alongside other relatives. Watching Mahir appear last, Nasima failed to greet him before appearing in the room before the balcony. Waiting till she was signalled by a guard, the future leader steps through the white laced curtain upon the marble balcony. Resting her hands together, the princess gazes across the large gathering of people, many themselves dawning black.

"My people. Caraban," she begins, her voice slightly croaky before coughing to collect herself. She could sense her family behind her, knowing she had almost all of their support. "It is my unfortunately task to announce the Sultan of Caraban, my father, Kassim Shah Azia, has departed to paradise. His state funeral will be conducted in the following days before I officially ad-adopt..." the princess pauses, feeling her stomach beginning to twist. Gazing down at the people below, she began to feel nauseous. "I-I ad-adopt," she attempts once more, desperate to not to mess up her first duty as the future and first Sultana. Feeling herself gag once again, Nasima turns from balcony, catching a glimpse of Mahir smirking before returning to the room. Falling to the floor, the princess removes the veil from her face before clinging to the nearby vase and begins to vomit.

 

[Owl Knight]

Mahir Azia watched the princess flee the balcony amid the stunned gasps of the crowd with a satisfied smile spreading over his lips. As her attendant maids followed after her, he saw the peculiar green hue which had taken her face and the hands clutching at her stomach...her swollen stomach. Mahir's brows knit together as he watched his niece retreat. Mahir was more than aware of his niece's physical gifts. Many times he had crossed past her open doorway as her maids helped her to bathe or change, catching fleeting glimpse of her youthful flesh. Nasima had always been a trim and athletic girl, her riding, swimming in the royal pools and long walks in the garden district had kept her body slender. Had he been mistaken, or as she turned back towards the balcony for a fleeting moment had he seen the slight swell of a growing belly?

He turned quickly, moving to the edge of the balcony as murmurs of confusion rose from the crowd gathered in the square below. He would have to proceed with great care. Already he had dispatched Assan to call upon the heads of the Saquar, Ryad, and Abadon families, whose purses secured the seats of power in the western river district. They would be quick to rally to his cause with the proper encouragement and the rest of the great families would surely follow suit once they saw which way the wind was blowing. All this was by his careful design, but could it be that Nasima had showed her hand and revealed a fatal flaw? The cards were slowly turning in Mahir's favor.

"People of Caraban," the vizier proclaimed, raising his hands to silence the multitude gathered below. "The princess is overcome with grief, as are we all! The Sultan will rest in state until his body is born down the great river to the temple of the dead in one week's time. We declare this a time of mourning, in all of Caraban and the surrounding land."

A tumult of grief and chatter arose from the crowd as Mahir stepped away from the balcony. He had shown his face to the people. They would remember him. Assad would surely return by the time the sun set with word of support from the great families. Now he must discover if his suspicions about Nasima would prove true. If he was correct, the girl's fate was sealed.

* * *
​

Ali was among the crowd below the castle as Nasima gave her address. He watched with grave concern as she turned suddenly pale, and rushed from the balcony, soon to be replaced by her double dealing uncle. He did not stay to hear what Mahir had to say, but rather, pushing through the crowd he stole through a gateway to the inner courtyard and from there, mounted the steps leading to the kitchen and servant's quarters.

The kitchen was empty, a great brass pot of stew left to simmer on the hearth for the evening meal as the cooks made their way down to the square to hear the address. They would soon be returning and Ali would surely receive a scolding if they returned while he was there. He moved on, through the back hallways leading up towards the chambers of the royal family. The doors stood under guard, as they usually were. Ali would be able to go no further without an express invitation from a member of the family themselves.

Frustrated, he was about to turn back, when he heard footsteps and turned to see Hasia, Nasima's chief handmaid bustling towards the guarded doors with a pitcher of water and a basin.

"Hasia," Ali called in a sharp whisper. She turned, her eyes going wide as she saw the stablehand beckoning her from the shadows of a doorway.

"Ali!" She hissed angrily, hurrying across the hall to him before the guards by the doors could see. "You should not be here! Do you want to get yourself beaten?"

"Hasia, is she alright?" He asked. The girl frowned.

"She is ill," she replied. "And you should not be seen asking after her if you want her to keep her head." The girl looked ashen, afraid and Ali sensed her fear was not only because she had come across him in the hallway. There was something she wasn't telling him.

"Hasia, what is it?" Ali asked, taking the girl's arm. Hasia shook him off and turned to go.

"I'll be in the garden tonight," he called softly after her. "Behind the lilac bushes by the eastern wall, at sunset. Tell her for me, please." Hasia turned, her eyes meeting the stablehand's hesitantly before hurrying into the royal chambers without a word.

Ali retreated back to the stables to complete the afternoon chores, his mind whirling with anxieties and possibilities.

 

[ohstardust]

As Nasima continued to vomit within the vase, she clutches her stomach desperately. Contributing to her discomfort, the princess could hear Mahir greeting her public. She knew this was what he craved, the title, the leadership and the power over her homeland. The princess knew he was enjoying this moment. Her unexplained actions appeared to be in her uncle's benefit. Wiping her lips with the back of her gloved hand, Nasi slowly stands and lowers her veil back over her face. She did not wait till Mahir was complete before heading out of the room and towards her chambers. She was humiliated and disappointed in herself. She knew she had let her father down. Caraban did not require a weak leader.

Allowing herself into her private chambers, Nasima rips her veil from her face and glances in the mirror. Due to the tension and panic of her father's final months and the next course of action, Nasi had been oblivious to her body's alterations. She could not believe she had not discovered the growth of the stomach. Pressing it gently with her palm, the princess felt the hardness. This could not be happening. The hormone changes, the mood swings, the sudden burst of nausea and sickness with the regular sexual encounters with Ali, she was carrying his child.

Unable to cover her fright and disappointment, tears begin to spill down the royal's cheeks. As if she needed another rock in the boat to prevent her from inheriting the title. Her previous female virgin, unmarried state was provided a large struggle for the princess, now she was pregnant with a child out of wedlock. In the eyes of Caraban and her family, she was filthy. It would not be long till the servants came to tend to the princess. She wanted the horrific secret growing in body to remain a secret for as long as she could. At least till Ali discovered. She had to warn him of the consequences. Nasima was sure he already knew but his neck was on the line. Seen as the head of the household following her father's departure, Mahir would demand Ali's execution.

Nasima settles down on the edge of her bed, dropping her head into her hands. The princess knew the outcome had to be negative. Maybe it was a sign to refuse her future title but even then, she had a duty as a princess to lead her homeland. She would never be able to remove the royalty from her blood.

 

[Owl Knight]

Hasia quietly entered, bearing a pitcher of water and towels. Nasima was seated wearily on the edge of her bed, her head in her hands as Hasia opened the door and slipped inside. She knelt quietly beside the bed and began pouring cool water onto the towels.

"Here my lady," she cooed softly. She rolled the cool damp towel and draped it across the back of Nasima's flushed neck. "It will soothe your nerves." Her eyes darted down to Nasima's stomach and the soft curving bulge she had been watching develop over the last three weeks with trepidation. In the midst of Nasima's grief over her father's decline, she had not seemed to notice the swell beginning, nor the fact that nearly three whole moons had passed since she last bled. But Hasia had noticed, and she had watched with deepening dread as the sure signs of a coming child made themselves abundantly clear.

"I have a message from Ali," she said cautiously, uncertain as to her mistress' frame of mind. "Should you feel well enough, he will be in the gardens, behind the lilacs by the eastern wall, at sundown."

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima glances up as the door opens, received to see her most faithful servant, Hasia, arriving to assist. Maybe she could admit her worries of the wedlock pregnancy. She returns to balancing her head upon her hands, feeling the maid place the damp cloth upon her neck. Although it was comforting, it was very limited to the support it could provide. The princess at least hoped it would remove the continuous hot sweats and flushes that appeared upon her body. Nasi never had to worry about privacy with Hasia. She knew of the forbidden relationship continuing between the royal and stableman, which still remains oblivious to the fellow servants and the princess' relatives.

Tilting her head to the side, the brunette watches her maid carefully. Her eyes were staring down towards her torso. She knew. This was not Hasia's first discovery of the pregnancy. She must have known beforehand. Nasima did not know what to say. Should she declare her darkest worries or perhaps wait till she consulted Ali? Right now, the princess did not want the pregnancy to become a reality. Till she admitted that she had conceived a child, Nasi was going to deny all knowledge and accept it was a merely a terrible dream.

Once Hasia mentioned her lover's name, the princess sat up, allowing the cloth to drop onto her silk sheets. Ali must have saw the humiliating speech given my Nasi before she had no choice but to leave from her sickness. He had to be ignorant if he could not piece of the jigsaw together. "No mention of the pregnancy shall be given to a soul," the princess confesses to her servant, her voice quiet but strong. She knew that Hasia had a duty of care that meant to protect the royal's privacy regardless of the situation or consequences.

 

[Owl Knight]

Hasia lowered her eyes in answer.

"I will not say a word...my Sultana," the honorific was a breach of etiquette. Nasima was not a Sultana as of yet, but Hasia wanted her mistress to understand the depth of her loyalty. The girl continued to care for her mistress in demure silence. The afternoon slowly and softly faded to the deep purple of the evening as the lights across Caraban lit in every window.

* * *
​

Ali spent his afternoon rubbing down the horses in the stables after the exercise Saidd and the stableboys had given the before Nasima's truncated address. His mind however, was far away from the slow steady rhythm of the bristles on the shining coats. His thought was irreparably bent on the path that lay before Nasima and on her sudden flight from the balcony. He internally chided himself for the feeling of resentment he felt rising in his chest. Resentment towards the Sultan for leaving her in such a untenable position without support, resentment towards the system which seemed poised to rip them apart, impossible resentment towards the entire situation.

Asimir wickered and kicked at Ali as the stablehand brushed him a bit too hard and Ali jumped back and threw down the brush with a frustrated huff. He sighed and pinched his brow, trying to rein in the anxiety which had been growing within him since last night.

"I'm sorry little brother," he said, running a hand along the horse's trembling neck. "I have much on my mind."

The evening light grew long. Soon a blanket of violet overtook the sky as the first stars of night began to twinkle in the western sky above the grand palaces. As Ali made his way through various courtyards and cloisters along the borders of the palace, he could see the lights of the city slowly twinkling to life as the shadow of night fell across the westernmost districts. All around the palace, servant and royal alike began to turn in and all was quiet as Ali slipped through into the royal garden.

All around him, great tall cyprus trees, ringed around with exotic blooms from the far corners of the world lined a curving pathway leading back to the great fountains, and beside these fountains, a row of lilac bushed behind which a small gap made for an ideal place to sit and wait.

 

[ohstardust]

Hasia's words were just what the princess needed to hear. It was needed, to know someone, anyone, was backing her fight for leadership. Her favoured servant believed that Nasima had what it takes to inherit her father's crown and become the first Sultana of Caraban. This gave her a weak sense of hope that she was capable of leading her homeland. Did Nasi really stand a chance?

The princess rested among her bed for the rest of the day. She did not want to show her presence within the palace, especially in case of accidentally bumping into Mahir. Even the thought caused Nasima to wince. She had a sick feeling he knew of the pregnancy. He seemed to know everything that would work in his favour of gaining control. Right now, the future Sultana could not bare the thought of confronting her nightmares and decided on a day of rest.

--

Hours later and the princess stared towards the window, it was beginning to darken, showing the first signs of dusk. Her plan was to meet with Ali and reveal her body's alterations. Maybe he would share some advice on how the two would battle the never stopping nightmare. With Hasia discharged, Nasima found herself heading to her en-suite and washing her face in the basin. Allowing the darkened make up to leave her skin, the princess catches a glimpse of her reflection within the mirror. This was the first time Nasi had noticed the slight puffiness of her cheeks along with growing thickness of her locks. All slight changes that suggested she was carrying a servant's child.

Returning to her chambers, the princess chooses a clean veil from the closet and presents it over her hair and face. Taking a deep breath, the young girl heads out of the safety of her privacy and heads through the halls in hope to remain oblivious to eager eyes. It was not long till she reached the royal gardens and headed towards the lilacs. There, Nasima saw the familiar sight of her lover. Even to the present day, he caused a stir within the princess' gut. She could only explain him as her destiny. "Ali," the brunette calls softly, looking carefully with her eyes to check for any witnesses. She needed this moment to be private. Nasima was not entirely sure how the stableman would even react.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali was seated against the eastern wall behind the lilacs, delicately grasping one of the tender purple blooms between his calloused fingers and sampling its fragrance. The smell made him think of Nasima, and as the evening shadows deepened he wondered if she would be able to meet with him at all. So much was uncertain. Then he heard it, a soft call that flooded his chest with warmth and relief. "Ali?"

Standing and peering around the lilacs he saw Nasima approaching along the garden path, peering into the darkness for her lover. He stepped out of hiding slowly, the half moonlight catching him in it's silver gleam. He met Nasima beside the eastern fountain, taking her in his arms with a relieved sigh.

"Nasi," he whispered. "I wasn't sure if you could come. Is everything alright?" He felt Nasima stiffen slightly in his arms and he pulled back to stare down into her olive face. "What's wrong?" He asked.

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima was relieved to see her lover waiting patiently for her appearance. Although she adored Ali's presence, this encounter caused the princess to tense. The situation was unpredictable. How could she inform the stableman that she was pregnant with their illegitimate child? It would not be long till this would be common knowledge among the public. If it was discovered that the unborn was the servant's, Ali's neck would certainly be on the line.

Letting her Ali pull her into his arm, Nasima briefly rested her head among his chest. It was comforting, even for the moment. She could not keep her the closeness between the pair, especially in case eager eyes were watching. Slowly pulling away but remaining only inches from Ali's body, Nasi stares up at the male. By his comments, it was clear that he knew something was wrong. She knew it was the servants' duty to listen any speeches made by the monarchy. Ali must have witnessed her slurring words and sudden departure.

The princess keeps the darkened veil over her face, not willing to reveal her broken state. How could she confess her discovery? Nasima would be surprised if Ali chose to continue their forbidden relationship. Was their love really worth the threat to his life? Closing her eyes, the brunette takes a deep breath, considering her words carefully. After a pause, she looks down towards the floor. "I-I-I'm carrying your child," Nasima suddenly reveals, her voice stumbling as she keeps the comment short and sweet. There was no point in trying to sugarcoat the pregnancy.

 

[Owl Knight]

Nasima's words hung in the night air like the notes of a faraway song. Ali did not speak, did not move, for a long time. He only stared down at his love in speechless confusion as the weight of what she had just revealed washed over him slowly.

"My child... You are..." the words clutched in his throat, "...You are with child?" His fingers tensed slightly against the smooth skin of her arms as he held her, his eyes trembling, searching for understanding. After all of the ups and downs of the last several days, this latest news eclipsed his previous concerns.

He pulled her close, hugging her tight, wondering if he could feel the swell of the child growing inside of her yet. What could he say? Was he happy? Yes. But how could he truly be happy? This child could never truly be theirs. If the parentage were discovered, he would lose his head and Nasima would surely lose any claim to the throne under the scandal. She may even be banished from the palace and the royal court for her indiscretion.

"Are you certain?" he asked, fear, joy, and disbelief mingling in his voice as he held her even closer.

 

[ohstardust]

The princess' words were blunt and direct. There was only one way to state what was occurring and nothing was going to lighten the situation. The illegitimate pregnancy was forbidden on so many levels - out of marriage, conceived from a servant and undeclared. Nasima was devastated by her own actions. She was disgusted within herself that she had allowed herself to drop to such levels. All three of the Sultan's children were taught what was required of them and yet the first to break those teachings were the future Sultana. If the leader could not follow rules, how could she encourage her homeland to?

Ali's stutter caused Nasima to wince. He had always been the stronger of the pair, always able to find a solution to any blossoming issues. This time, the brunette was unsure her lover would be able to discover a positive conclusion. Nasima was relieved as she male brought her closer, allowing her to rest against his chest. Ali was attempting to hide his own emotions for the princess' sake.

Listening carefully to Ali, she gazes up into his eyes. Of course she was certainly. Nasima would never have admitted the pregnancy if she believed her symptoms could be down to sickness. Her growing stomach only confirmed the worries. "Yes," Nasi begins, her voice still timid and weak. She knew her lover was only responding to the shock. He was not debating her honesty.

"My stomach is growing, I have been honoured with sickness and nausea. My mind has consisted of the Sultan that I have failed to see the change of my physical form," Nasima reveals fully to her partner, blinking excessively to prevent the appearance of tears. She needed to show her courage.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali fought back tears. He knelt before Nasima and let his hands trail down to feel her once flat stomach now blossoming into a soft curved belly. He cupped the firm swell with his calloused hands and gazed up into Nasima's dark eyes, seeing the tears she tried to hold back. He smiled, his rakish grin piercing the shock and uncertainty of the moment.

"A child," he beamed. "It's amazing." His hands cupped the child their secret love had planted in Nasima's belly. His mind whirled. What would they do? What could they do? Could Nasima find a husband in time to disguise the pregnancy? The idea turned his stomach. He remained there, his finger tips tracing the swell of her stomach. It would have to remain a secret. At least until Nasima was crowned as Sultana.

"Who knows of this?" He asked softly.

 

[ohstardust]

The princess gazed down at her lover as he knelt before her. She was unsure where his gesture was leading. Watching carefully, Nasima could not help but gasp as Ali embraced her growing stomach. His hands were delicate and loving, acknowledging the positive in the pair welcoming a child. At that moment, the future Sultana released the tears. Many were still of fear but she was relieved at Ali's reaction. He was willing to discover a solution together than flee and leave Nasima with the consequences. She was not fighting the nightmare alone. Ali was going to be there, every step of the way.

"I-It is?" Nasima stutters nervously, allowing her tears to freely roll down her cheeks. Right now, her appearance was the less of her worries. She takes a deep breath at the following question. Much to her own knowledge, the princess knew Hasia had discovered the pregnancy. She was the only confirmed individual. By Mahir's previous reaction to Nasi's sickness, she could only fear he was slowly putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

Staring down at Ali, Nasima frowns. "Hasia," she begins, wondering if she should share her worries regarding her elder relative. "I think she has been taking note of my growing and altering figure. B-But, I-I believe Mahir may be suspicious of my sudden illness," she reveals her worries to her lover, gently placing her own hands above Ali's among her bump.

 

[Owl Knight]

"it has to be kept secret," Ali said, rising and taking Nasima by the shoulders. He kissed her forehead and smoothed down her har, teased by the warm breeze which rose off of the fountain. "When you are crowned we can figure it out, we can...." every plan he thought of left a bad taste in his mouth. They could wait out the pregnancy and try to hide it, they could find one of the more foolish prince's in the city to marry her and legitimize the pregnancy. No solution seemed to work. He was in over his head.

"We will figure something out," he whispered, holding Nasima close. "When you are Sultana, we will figure something out."

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima starred up at her lover, realising he was struggling to find a solution. It was a situation the future Sultana had never been prepared for. Within society's eyes, Nasi had created a sin - making love with the stableman out of marriage. It seemed that the next course of action began following her coronation. It was still going to be several days till the funeral was complete and plans for inheriting the crown was going to be begin. Her body's changes were not going to pause. The princess' stomach was already large and it would only continue. With Hasia's help, maybe she could alter her clothing in attempt to hide the bump.

Comforted by Ali's touch, she nods slowly. Nasima had to trust him. Right now, he was all she had. The pregnancy had to remain hidden with only Hasia for support. "I-I a-am petrified, Ali. My future is unconfirmed and your existence is at threat," she reveals her worries to her partner, knowing the dangers if the pregnancy was discovered by a wider source. The largest threat consisted of Mahir. The illegitimate pregnancy would fall right into his hands.

 

[Owl Knight]

"It will be alright," Ali promised, kissing her forehead gently. "if we are careful and cautious, it will be alright."

"Perhaps you should have been more cautious." The voice from behind them pierced the quiet of the night like a cold blade and the lovers whirled in fear to see the tall, looming shape of Mahir Azia emerging from the shadows of the garden path, armed palace guards flanking him, their poleaxes at the ready. Instinctively, Ali stepped in front of Nasima, his arm extended to block her from the approaching figures.

"When they told me," Mahir sneered, "I scarcely believed it. Nasima Azia, the bold would be Sultana, sired upon by a stable welp. 'No' I insisted. 'Surely there is some error in this report. Surely my bold and forward thinking niece would not be so foolish as to spread her legs like a whore for some street trash and pollute a bloodline of nobility that can trace twenty generations of its lineage.'" Mahir's thin lips split in a triumphant grin."'Surely' I implored, 'she would not be so...stupid.'"

Ali felt his heart sinking, his palms breaking out in a cold sweat as his pulse began to race. How had the secret come to Mahir so quickly? Who had he confided in? Who could have known?

"Bring him to the dungeon," Mahir ordered. The guards advanced on Ali quickly, giving him little time to prepare. He managed to briefly struggle against their restraining grasps before one of them thrust the butt of his poleaxe hard into the stable hand's gut. Ali collapsed, winded by the hard blow.

 

[ohstardust]

Nasima's worst fears had become reality. The last person she wanted discovering the forbidden pregnancy or relationship was Mahir. He was the only treat towards the princess' coronation and future title. Nasi was horrified at the announcement of her relative's deep voice creating the comments created to harm. She quickly realised that the dark figure must of witnessed the pair embracing, confirming any thoughts of the princess' illegitimate pregnancy with the stableman.

Witnessing Ali attempt to protect her with his large frame caused Nasima's gut to twist. Although, in theory, he was stronger than the princess but she held the power. She had a title and royal blood running through her veins, he was merely a servant. Although Nasi was desperate to respond to the vile comments appearing from Mahir's voice, she was silenced. Everything he was stating was reality. She was carrying the child of a servant that ruined her current bold character. This discovery would definitely turn her awaiting public against her. The brunette quickly realised that this was not an accidental meeting. Somebody had informed the uncle just where Nasima would be and who she was meeting. It was as if he knew of the pregnancy before spotting the princess' growing bump. Nobody knew of the conception other than Nasi's personal and most favoured servant, Hasia. Had she really been the hidden source between Nasima and Mahir? Was her honest character an entire front to gain the princess' heart and trust?

However, her instincts kicked in at the mention of Ali being taken to the dungeons. Nasima knew, once he was placed within the gruesome cells, they were no way of returning. It would not be long till his execution was called. "N-No, I refuse," she calls quickly, attempting to use her own title to decline the orders of Mahir. She was next in line to the throne after-all but with the recent passing of the Sultan, it was unclear who was superior within the Azia monarchy. It seemed that the guards were taken the male's ideology. Mahir held the superior based on his gender.

Nasima let out a weak scream as she witnesses the guards winding her lover under the commands of her uncle. Witnessing her partner crumble to the fall, the princess' tears of sadness, worry and anger began to spill down her cheeks. Ripping her veil from her face, she drops to the side of Ali. "N-No, I w-will call for your release," she inform him, knowing it was only time till the three men were able to rip him from her arms. "I-I am the future Sultana. Your orders and demands are listened by me, and me only," Nasima attempts to persuade the uniformed men to aid her side and fight.

 

[Owl Knight]

Nasima's cries fell on deaf ears. Mahir and his influence had done their task. For months as the Sultan declined he had been skimming money from the coffers to bribe the palace guards and replace those members of the palace staff who would not bend the knee to his rule. The guards dragged Ali away as several more arrived to escort Nasima to the grand hall. Mahir smiled as he watched the lovers be escorted to the throne room, knowing the unkindest cut what yet to come.

Ali was winded, but he recovered his stride quickly as he was brought through the palace halls to the throne room. His hands were chained and the guards gripped his arms with fingers like iron, forcing him along the abandoned halls. He tried to turn his head to see Nasima, but the guard to his left barked for him to keep his "mongrel eyes forward". The stablehand's mind whirled as he imagined what lay in store for himself and for his lover and their child. Surely, Mahir would not allow them to live.

The throne room doors opened and Ali found himself thrown onto the ornate tiled floor at the foot of the gilded throne, resplendent with luxuriant embroidered cushions. Behind him he could hear Nasima being brought into the room as well. Mahir crossed around them, his satin shoes making slithering noises on the floor like the snake that he was. Ali's brow darkened as he watched the treacherous vizier turn to stand before his prisoners on the edge of the grand dais where the throne was placed.

"Bring them in," Mahir instructed one of the guards. The guard bowed low and stepped from the room. Ali could feel Nasima standing just behind him, but she was painfully outside of his line of sight. He remained motionless, on his knees.

"Fornication is a holy crime," Mahir intoned gravely. "And to lay with a beast," his eyes fell on Ali, "A mongrel not worthy to lick the boots of a sultan, is a moral outrage." The doors opened and Ali could hear the sound of footsteps as three people entered the room. "Witnesses will testify to your uncouth dalliances before the city," Mahir smiled as he seated himself upon the throne. "They will demand the blood of the guilty upon the gibbet in the square."

Before Ali or Nasima could respond, they were struck dumb, for they could now see who had entered the room. The guard who had left a few moments ago had returned and he was flanked by a man and a woman, Saidd and Hasia. The two stood before the throne, facing the accused pair.

"Your secret meetings and disgusting perversions have been thoroughly reported to me for some time," Mahir boasted, nodding his head towards the stablehand and the handmaid. "These loyal servants have been my eyes and ears." Ali hung his head. He never imagined that Saidd would have known who he had been meeting with, and Hasia had born countless messages between Nasima and Ali for months. How many messages had Mahir seen?

"I could not bring my accusations to the Sultan," Mahir said gravely. "I could not bear to reveal to him that his daughter was rutting in a barn like a sow in heat, not while his health was in such decline." He smiled darkly. "But I cannot allow his legacy to be tarnished by a common whore."

 

[ohstardust]

The entity of Nasima's life was crashing down upon her. If Mahir had any say, he would make sure the princess never received her inherited title and bring Ali to his death. It seemed in her uncle's eyes, the eldest daughter was the only threat. One she was banished, he would gain all source power over Caraban including his brother's family.

Knowing there was no chance of an escape, the princess allowed the guards to lead her within the throne room. On sight of her lover wearing chains being pushed to his knees, Nasima released a yelp. It was horrific knowing she stood minimal chance of saving Ali future. He was going to lose his life due to falling in love with a royal. Allowing her attention to return to Mahir, she listened carefully to his vile comments, along with the threat of an execution. Right now, Nasi could not careless about her own well-being but only that of the lives of Ali and her unborn child. Although initially declaring the pregnancy a nightmare, with her lover's reaction, she knew it was fate for the pair to brace a child together. She was hesitant of what consequences Mahir would create for his niece.

Nasima was startled at the appearance of Hasia and Saidd. Her beloved maid who she trusted with her deepest and darkest secrets alongside Ali's companion. Both having sacrificed their friendships and connections to aid Mahir on his fight to the monarchy. "Hasia," Nasima gasps quietly, her bloodshot eyes staring ahead at her favoured servant. It was clear at that point that he had known of the forbidden relationship for several months, probably being aware of every secret encounter. The pregnancy was the last aspect the male needed for a successful prosecution. He was going to represent Ali as the worse of human beings with the public eager to take the monarchy's side. He did not stand a chance.

Listening to Mahir references her late father was the final straw. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint her parent but she knew, the father and daughter was stronger than the necessity of gaining his title. She needed to do all she could to save her soulmate and child's lives, even if it suggested sacrificing her inheritance. "M-M-Mahir. P-Please. I beg for you to free the stableman and spare our unborn child. Y-You will receive what y-you please," Nasima stumbles quickly, resting her hands among her growing stomach. Her heartbeat was fastened, knowing they had to act fast. Mahir had a collection of people supporting his aid for power - Nasima was unsure who else was within his grasp.

 

[Owl Knight]

As Nasima grovel led, Mahir leaned back with a satisfied smile. At long last he had broken his headstrong neice and forced her to bend. He waved a dismissive hand.

"A crime has been committed and a punishment must be paid. The stable hand will be flogged before the people in the grand square and beheaded, at dawn. And you my dear niece," he laughed, descending from the throne to loom over Nasima. "You will be locked away in western tower for the rest of your reprobate life. In honor of my late brother, I will allow you to bear the mongrel brat. Perhaps they will one day be worthy to shine the boots of the Sultan."

Ali rose angrily, despite his chains and lunged at Mahir. The guard at his side caught him at once and brought him down with a sturdy blow of the poleaxe haft to his back. Before Ali could rise from the ground, the second soldier kicked him viciously in the ribs. A flurry of blows fell and Ali lay motionless on the throne room floor.

"Take him away," Marhir ordered dispassionately. "Lock him in the dungeon to await his execution."

"What of the princess, my Sultan?" The guard asked.

"Lock her in her chambers for now. Let her have one last night to remember what it is to be royalty before she's locked away like a dog."

Mahir seated himself on the throne as Ali was dragged from the room. He set his malicious eyes on Nasima.

"Mistakes haunt us my dear, no matter how far we run." He waved his fingers to the guards. "Take her. And get someone to clean that fool's blood off of my floor."

 

[ohstardust]

Petrified was an understatement. Mahir had confirmed Ali's execution for dawn, leaving him only several hours to live. He would never meet their unborn child. She was going to lose her lover by noon with her illegitimate pregnancy and forbidden relationship known to the entity of Caraban. She currently could not careless what her consequences were but it was clear this triggered Ali's anger. Although their child was unplanned nor necessarily wanted, the parents-to-be were desperate for its health and happiness.

"No! Let him be," Nasima screamed as she witnesses her lover being pushed to the floor, violently hit several times before his body laid limp. The spray of blood was large and the princess could not help but feel guilty. She failed to pull out of the guards' grip, eager to fall to his side and hold him close. Nasi was sure the next time she would see him would be moments from his death.

Watching the guards pull his motionless body out of the room, the princess remains still, watching the Mahir settle down on her father's throne. He was smug, smirking at the gesture he had made. It seemed that he know believed he had full power and would only be days till his coronation. Nasima started to worry. What would life consist of for her mother and younger siblings? Would they remain within the palace grounds? Will Mahir protect them under all costs or will they be rejected under his power? Listening to his course of actions, the brunette's face altered from fear to anger. This was the final gesture of belittling her father's legacy to trigger a level of hope to fight against the male.

"This-This is not the finale, Mahir," she begins, as the guards begin to lead her out of the throne room for a final night within her chambers. "I will reveal your sly character to our homeland and it will be your head sliced from your dark frame. My child will become the next heir much to your disgust," Nasima yells the closer she unwillingly gets to the exit.

 

[Owl Knight]

Ali awoke two hours later, face down on the cold stones of a dungeon cell. His head throbbed and his body ached from the assault the guards had inflicted on him in the throne room. With effort, he was able to push himself to his knees and look around. The room was small, little more than seven feet square, with a small barred window high in the wall, just beyond the reach of his fingers. A stack of straw in the corner of the dark room served as a bed and the exit was barred by a thick door of ironwood. Ali managed to stand, feeling a sharp pain in his side where he was sure a rib had been fractured. Breathing lightly he hobbled to the heavy door and gave it an experimental shove.

The door held firm. He pounded with his fists, ignoring the patches of pain where the manacles on his wrists had rubbed them raw.

"Hello?" He called, his throat hoarse. "Hello, is anyone there?" His words were met with silence. His voice sounded hollow and harsh in the close space of the cell. He worked on the door for another half an hour, shouting and pounding, but it was useless. He was locked in--trapped.

He wondered where Nasima was. With his heart in his throat he wondered if she had been harmed, or the baby. He could remember little of what happened in the throne room before he was beaten, but he knew that their hope was fading as surely as the evening would soon fade to fateful dawn. With his head in his hands, he slid to the ground, with his back against the stone wall, waiting and praying that the daylight would never come.

 

[ohstardust]

Although struggling against the guard's grips, the princess was no physical threat to the men's strength. Being pushed into her chambers with the doors quickly locked, Nasima stood no chance of an escape. It was likely that her quarters wold be tightly guarded. She had no idea who was still loyal to the monarchy and who had been bribed and swayed but the devious uncle. The brunette was curious of what had happened to her living relatives. Were they still alive? Maybe aware of Mahir's antics and persuaded by his views. Surely Nasi's mother would not acknowledge the dark figure's statements, but with her current state of grief, anything was possible.

Banging on the marble door angrily, the princess bruises her knuckles. Realising it was pointless, she backs away and settles on the edge of her bed. Many stories down, under the servants quarters and the basements, stood the dungeon where her dear Ali was waiting for his execution. Nasima had to act fast if she wanted to save her lover's live. For the next few hours, the brunette found herself laying among her large bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. With her hands balanced protectively on her growing stomach, she remained in deep thought, wondering what she could do to stop Mahir.

Nasima was disturbed by the sound of the door unlocking with a familiar face appearing. Hasia. Holding a silver platter of fruit and bread, she ushered in quickly before the door behind her was firmly locked. The maid was the last person the princess wanted to see. She was betrayed, angered and saddened by her actions. Of all people, the brunette refused to believe her favoured servant would side with Mahir. Financial gain must have been involved. "Why?" the princess asks, settling up from the bed, her eyes firm, darkened and deep, "what persuaded you to leave our companionship for the dark?"

 

[Owl Knight]

Hasia's eyes brimmed with tears as she set down the platter on the side table. Her slender shoulders shaking as she stood, unable to meet Nasima's gaze.

"My lady," she sobbed, her slender shoulders shaking as she struggled to get out the words. "He threatened the lives of my family. My mother, my brothers...I was so afraid. His eyes are everywhere, his ears hear everything in the palace." The girl sank to her knees. "I had no choice, no recourse. I tried to tell you so many times, but I was so afraid..."

The girl's face fell. She knew that her words were hollow and her actions had cost her beloved mistress so much. She reached into the front of her gown and when she pulled it back out it held a long slender key.

"The guards will change soon," she whispered. "You will not have much time. This key will open your door." She stood and placed the key on the table beside the plate of food. "I could not find a key to the dungeon," she said softly as she made her way to the door. "Farewell, my lady. May the gods be with you."