The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

19: The Lion Of Zazaar

This feeling didn't belong.

It was a humid day, the air thick and hot.

The sky was a deep sapphire blue, clear and cloudless.

Streams of robed and veiled Zazaaris hurried towards what was the cities oldest and most distinguished buildings, the University of El Jazi. Many deposited bicycles, and scooters in the rounding compounds before the square mile long and three stories high building. It was all things similar to the daily lives in Zazaar.

People smiled and greeted each other with the deepest respect.

Yet something lingered in the air. Something uneasy.

The recognizable armored van drew heads and citizens stood and waved at the sight of their beloved king.

El Jazi, on that day, for some reason didn't feel welcoming as he was driven through the cobbled street of the ancient city as he'd done so on many occasions before.

Dressed in the full traditional attire of a Zazaari male Murat highlighted out of the vehicle and took the steps leading to the temple two at a time, leaving his royal body guards to play catch up.

The cool desert wind threw back his robes', revealing long clad legs and strong muscular thighs tributes to years of horse riding, and tugged against the keffiyeh veiled across the his face.

Six royal guards hurried after him, but the king had long since disappeared through the winding hallways of the temple.

An aide dropped to the floor the instant he appeared, bowing low in show of respect.

Ahsaif stood straighter as Murat entered the private chamber. He had been both relieved and alarmed when he received the news that his presence was expected at the Elder Council gathering.

Ahsaif had reason to be apprehensive.

Ever since that last meeting between himself and his sovereign, Murat had ordered him from his sight. Though his actions had only been for the benefit of his King, Ahsaif knew he'd over stepped and for that he will always be remained.

That wasn't to say that he hadn't been relieved by the change and was pleased that his king was gracious enough to accept him again. Ahsaif was certain that this gathering would be unlike the others before it. For one the King had summoned, no he'd ordered and expected. Such things were alien where it came to Murat's protocol. His governance had always been fair and equal. That allowed his people to raise their voices and declare their own ideas. This was why he was very much loved. Treasured by his people.

Meanwhile all hell had broken out in the Chambers of Elders. Sixty of Zazaar's most powerful and wealthiest men had hastily arrived in the old city . Many lived on the out skirts of the kingdom, their individual palaces and villas grand and elaborate. Murat had always ensured his council lived as Princes of Zazaar.

Now they had been summoned by the king.

This was reason to panic, in light of the scandal and media fiasco in Zazaar. And the Council's role in it.

Murat stood at the wall of windows over looking the city nothing he hasn't done over the years as king. He wasn't sure but this spot brought clarity in ways that was too peculiar to explain.

The heavy weight that he had felt upon leaving Zazaar days before had somehow evaporated. His trip had proven to be more rewarding than he had hoped. In fact it had shared light to several troubling questions.

No longer did he feel burdened. No longer was he questioning his sanity for wanting something so much and was willing to do anything to have it. Yeah he was worried and there was that in clinging of distrust,which was expected.

Now he knew his decision was sound. Unfortunately it appears that there were others within his Council that didn't think him capable. That would dare trample on his name for the sake of preserving image and station.

The smile that appeared on Murat's face would have warned any sane person that trouble was coming. That assuming his indifference to act was a sign of weakness or doubt. Especially where Chanteel Banks was concerned.

More than five days had passed since his bizarre encounter with Chanteel. His jaw still felt numb, a bit sore from that wicked left hook and though his left eye was no longer swollen shut it was still blue-black, further adding a chilling look to his already spectacular image.

There hadn't been much time for sleep between trying to smoke out and uncover the identity of a disloyal rat and crossing the Atlantic. His plans had been cut short and displeased was hardly words to describe the situation.

Five days had proven to him that he had a traitor amongst his council. That he was in a delicate and shaky situation that he needed to resolve before it implodes. This discovery didn't come as a surprise. For several months after his incident he kept coming back to the same unsettling conclusion. And it dropped a cold steel punch in his gut.

Someone had wanted to hurt him. Why he couldn't begin to phantom. Surely the throne was the most possible reason. Power and greed can make anyone turn a snake.

Still...to hurt him?

And they had done more than that. They had threatened the very future of Zazaar. And took away his ability to create life.

Murat fisted his hands and sighed deep. His chest felt heavy, aching with anger.

Whomever the traitor was, they would soon learn that he was Zazaar and that he alone was master of his destiny.

News had broken out that he was to marry Princess Talia bint Jupur, Sheikh Faris daughter. That information was only known by his Council. Intact it had been his council's choice when selecting his bride. To make it worse Sheikh Faris had presented the dowry arrangement all of which his Council had accepted, on his behalf of course.

Now he had an unwanted chosen bride and her power hungry father within his city. Then there's Chanteel.

He didn't have to question whether she'd heard of the news, and knowing her, Chanteel would now be planning ways to fight him.

The press had broken the news and now there's celebrating. The people of Zazaar was thrilled that their king was finally choosing a bride. A bride that was on all account perfect for the bride of their king.

How had it come to this? So out of control? Murat wondered to himself.

He knew, there was no one but himself to blame for this travesty. He had waited without making a move. Wanting to fulfil his sworn obligation to his people. For too long he had allowed his Council to predict his every actions, for the sake of ruling with diplomacy. Following in the foot steps of the greatest man he knew and respected. His father. A king that governed fair and by his Council.

But no more. He should've put a stop to this weeks ago.

Murat stepped into the room and stared at the robed figures hastily rushing to their feet.

He was hardly satisfied when Elder Vaslim stumbled and nearly toppled to the floor. The men were uneasy.

The room long ago had served as King Kaliq's receiving hall. It was very large, and displayed its opulence in every inch. Oval in shaped it seated the council around a large circular stand, leaving the central floor to himself.

His shoes hit like bullets against the marble floors.

The Elder Counsel stood a wall of power and authority and Murat the bulldozer to shake down their foundation.

Murat was pleased too see the many worried faces.

He stood at the helm of the room , the centre of the dominating circle taking his rightful place.

Leader. King. The lion of Zazaar.

He stood. He waited. He watched.

Silence.

" I will be married before the week ends. My progeny is secured and Zazaar would have a rightful king through my son Beaumont".

His voice was clear and emotionless. Cold.

Then the shouting began.

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One media house had captured the footage of citizens placing gifts at the entrance of the palace. There were celebrations and the citizen of Zazaar was excited about the up coming wedding.

Chanteel didn't give a damn about that little brat or her father. She did worry however ,what her actions may have caused Murat. The last thing she wanted was to cause more difficulties for him.

Already she had done enough. Ahsaif was at odd terms with the King. Though no one dared to speak it aloud, it wasn't a secret that Ahsaif was no longer to advice his king. Murat had practically stripped him of his official title.

Her fault.

Chanteel may not agree with many of Ahasif's ways but she did know he loved Zazaar and the man it represented.

The only question now was what she was going to do to correct it.

Chanteel only felt dread. Murat had not listened to her.

Chanteel sat stretched out on a chaise revising her Zazaar-arabic. Though she tried to focus her mind refused to settle.

Who could blame her?

Outside a war was brewing and there was no sign of Murat.

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Murat eyed each of the men slowly. His eyes flat and cold.

Men shifted, unable to meet his eyes.

The room fell silent once more.

Murat continued. " I will be addressing my people this evening and announcing my son as my heir". Pride alone cracked his voice as he spoke of Beau. He searched for signs of objections and defiance, but was only greeted with acceptance. Appearances be damned. There was a traitor here now.

" In light of the current media fiasco you will have nothing to say in regards to my son. This issue is closed and will not be mentioned again. Is that understood! "

" Your Magnificent! ". They cried with sworn approval.

Of course, Murat knew they wouldn't object to this ? They knew all to well how important it was for him to produce an heir. And fate would have it that he had a pure and legitimate one.

" Now. Let's bring forth the elephant in the room shall we". He folded his hands behind his back and watched me shift. His eyes went to that of Elder Laman Ahasif's father and the Chief of the council. A man porous and unmoving in his tradition. " I have issued a decree to Shiekh Faris that he will relinquish his hold of power on the tribes. If my request doesn't meet my satisfaction I will have no choice but to let the tribes act in own regard".

" My Magnificent... "

A fist in the air silence the room once again.

" For too long we..no..I have allowed this man to dictate the welfare of the out landing tribes just to prevent chaos. But no more. I shall not shield him from the wrath he has concurred and I shall move swift and sure if he dares to fight back".

Elder Saleem roses as was custom and waited to be allowed to speak. Murat nodded.

" I applaud you my Magnificent for taking such a bold stance. I have said before that The Sheikh must be allowed to provoke our people ".

" Yes..Elder Saleem. This however isn't a debate and your impassioned speech will have to wait for the suitable time ". Murat coldly interjected. The Elder shamed faced but in good graces smiled and took his seat.

Others roses, with questions that Murat refuted, and in some cases ignored all together. Tension had risen within the chamber, Murat had spoken and that was it.

" What are your in tensions towards The Sheikh's daughter? She was selected to be the next queen of Zazaar a solution that would've also rid our kingdom of Shiekh Faris demands".

An Elder shouted out and others rose to add their sentiments.

"We did not select a Queen. You selected a bride, whose father has eyes on my throne. And since you been so bold as to accept a dowry on my behalf, I suggests you wed her. I am sure she will be if some use". Murat's voice didn't even lift as he spoke. He appeared bored.

The Council fell apart then. He watched as they consulted amongst themselves trying to regroup . Murat met and held Ahasif's gaze briefly. His most trusted advisor didn't agree with him, but stood with him. Always loyal.

" My Magnificent.. " Elder Laman began. He was given the permission to sit as he was eighty-nine years old and of his respected position. " You need a bride. Zazaar needs to stand secure for the future. Our countrymen demands this and expects it. We need a Queen. Of course we over stepped in choosing the princess but we did so out of respect for you. You needed a wife, needed heirs".

Laman hadn't reached his position playing friendly. He was the most ruthless of all and loved playing devil's advocate. This was why he was well respected and loved.

" Wed the princess and give Zazaar what she needs".

He was well applauded. Murat waited for the room to fall silent again before speaking.

" I am Zazaar". He reminded them. "And you're also correct Elder, I do in fact need a bride. That's why I will! be announcing my engagement and subsequent wedding this evening".

" To the Princess of Jupur?".

Murat smiled softly then. " No. I have found someone who I know is better suited to stand besides me".

The look of displeasure on their faces was hilarious. Murat took it all in good graces.

" Will you chose a second wife?". Someone asked.

Murat sighed. " I don't know what the future holds therefore I can't say with certainty ".

The council took this to thought and accepted.

" We shall stand with your decision Your Magnificent. Of course the foreigner will have to follow your traditions ".

"Ms. Chanteel Banks is a successful lawyer with a a very accomplished background". Murat was surprised to say the least when Ahasif spoke coming to Chanteel's defense. " She has already began studying with several of our own respected advisors and tutors to learn our traditions and laws in Zazaari-Arabic. I am most certain that in time and with the support and guidance of our king that she will become a value to the people". Murat was now floored.

He hadn't known this. Why had she done this? Chanteel didn't do anything for recognition or in half ways.

" There has been no foreign brides since Queen Tazini and we accept that traditions follow that custom". Elder Laman insisted . Murat stilled. The request shocked him. And infuriated him. " Especially in regards to the up coming nuptials. I am hopeful that Your Magnificent will grant us this honor of an inspection". The Elder met his gaze with satisfaction that he had now turned the tables leaving Murat with the consequences of his bold and passionate decision.

Murat swore, as Ahasif hurried after him out of the room.

" How dare they demand such a thing of me!"

" Its protocol". Ahasif dared to remind him. And quite appropriate too. He thought to himself.

" I know that! Its Chanteel that I am worried about ".

Ahasif nodded. That was the trouble in itself. The American was unpredictable and given the requirements of the law and custom expected of the wedding there was no saying how she would react. Besides when one went up against The Council they'd better be prepared on all fronts. They always won in the end.

" Damnit to hell!". Said his king.

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