Relief and Regret

I also feel guilty for feeling relieved, if that makes any sense. I know, deep down, that for everyone else this is bad news. It makes unseating Arif even harder, if not impossible. Even my own life is in greater danger as a result of this outcome. I'm not sure how to feel, exactly.

I send a message through Munaf to Captain Usman. A few days later, Munaf wakes me in the middle of the night. "Usman wants to meet with you." he says, tossing me a black robe. "I will sneak you out into the west courtyard. The guards we will pass are trustworthy."

I draw the robe on over my scanty harem garb and follow Munaf silently. We pass a handful of guards along our route through the palace's hallways. Finally, we make it to the darkened courtyard. The captain greets me with a slight nod.

"So, I take it you received my message?"

"Indeed. It is most unfortunate. This plan was a long shot at any rate, even more so now. The council of ministers is set to vote on Arif's ascention tomorrow. There are a few who are willing to delay this if we can provide proof of an heir. But that is now impossible."

"So, there's nothing more we can do?" I ask, frustrated.

1. "I'm afraid not. We must concede the sultanate to Arif. I have hired a mercenary to escort you out of the city to safety. You must leave immediately."
2. "We will have to rely on bluff and deception. We can proceed in delaying Arif's rise by claiming you are pregnant even though you aren't."

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