Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 25 – The Invitation To Isfahan

Chapter 25 – The Invitation To Isfahan

A couple of weeks after his wedding with Leyli, Reza had settled into married life quite nicely. He had grown fond of her and found himself more content than he had been in a while. However, his work as a commander of the Unmar army never ceased.

One day, while sitting in his office, he received an invitation from a Basharite of another city: Isfahan. They needed to discuss the next move in their mission to expand the Unmar's territory around Barbos. As Reza read the letter, his Zahira was sitting next to him, flipping through a book.

As Reza was reading one of the letters, he suddenly spoke up, "Zahira, I've received an invitation from a Basharite in another city. He wants to talk about our next move in expanding the Unmar around Barbos."

Zahira immediately went into planning mode. "Alright, let's start preparing then. I'll go over the logistics and--"

"There's no need for that," Reza interrupted. "I'll be taking Fae with me this time."

Zahira was taken aback. "What? Fae? But why her? I thought we had agreed that I would accompany you on all important missions."

Reza could see the disappointment in Zahira's eyes as she stared at him after he announced that he would be taking Fae with him. He understood why she felt betrayed. After all, Zahira had been his trusted advisor and closest friend for years, and she had always been the one to accompany him on his missions.

But this time, Reza knew he needed someone else. The invitation was from a Basharite named Azar in the city of Isfahan. The political situation was delicate, and Reza had a feeling that Azar might try to play games with him. He was always very envious of Reza, especially since Reza had gained a lot of power lately.

"Zahira, listen to me," Reza said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Fae is not going to replace you. You know how much you mean to me. You are important to me, and nothing can ever change that."

Zahira sighed and looked away. "I know, I know," she said.

Reza watched as Zahira walked away, a small smile on his lips. He turned back to his work, but couldn't concentrate. After a few moments, he sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"Zahira," he called out, "could you come back here for a moment?"

Zahira poked her head back in the door. "Yes, Reza?"

"Could you please ask Fae to come see me in my office? And could you also warn Leyli about our upcoming journey and have the maids pack our bags?"

Zahira raised an eyebrow. "I am not your servant, Reza," she said, but there was a playful glint in her eyes.

Reza smiled back. "I would never mistake you for a simple servant, Zahira. You're much more than that to me."

As Zahira left his office, Reza couldn't help but reflect on how much he valued her as a friend and advisor. With her, he could let down his guard and be his true self, without any need for masks or pretenses. He could be playful and make jokes, but he could also speak about his deepest, darkest thoughts and fears.

Zahira was the only one he trusted with his life, and he knew that she would always have his best interests at heart. They had been friends for years, and in that time, she had proven herself to be one of the most loyal and trustworthy people he had ever known. Some might think she would be the perfect wife for him.

The priestess made her way through the corridors of the palace, her mind preoccupied with the task Reza had assigned her. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Fae. She had always been the closest confidant of Reza, and the thought of someone else taking her place, even temporarily, didn't sit well with her.

But she knew that Reza's intentions were pure, and he needed Fae's help on this mission. As she reached Leyli's chambers, she took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Leyli answered, looking surprised to see her.

"Zahira, what brings you here?" Leyli asked.

Zahira quickly explained the situation to Leyli, telling her about the upcoming journey and instructing the maids to pack their bags. Leyli nodded, understanding the urgency in Zahira's tone.

"Thank you for letting me know, Zahira. I'll make sure everything is taken care of," Leyli said, smiling warmly.

Zahira nodded in response before turning to leave. She wandered off the rest of the day, her mind still consumed with thoughts of Reza and the mission ahead. She knew that she had to trust in Reza's decisions, even if they didn't always align with her own. After all, he was her closest friend, and she would always be there to support him in any way she could.

Zahira found Fae in her chambers, reading a book by the window. Zahira looked up at Fae with a curious expression, but Fae's face was cold and unwelcoming.

"What do you want, Zahira?" Fae asked.

"Reza has asked me to inform you that you will be going on a journey with him," Zahira said curtly “And Leyli.” She added with a smirk

"A journey? Where?" Fae asked.

"To meet with a Basharite from the city of Isfahan," Zahira replied, still not showing any emotion.

Fae felt a knot form in her stomach “When do we leave?" she asked.

"Today," Zahira replied. "Make sure your things are packed and ready."

“Aren't you coming ?” Fae asked with her innocent voice, but deep down, it was a provocation

Zahira looked at her with disdain before walking away and cursing Fae in her mother’s tongue.

***

A few hours later, they were in a caravan for a 2-day ride to another kingdom. The caravan had to travel through vast deserts, winding mountain paths, and dense forests. Reza and Fae spent the first day in silence, lost in their own thoughts as they gazed out at the changing landscape. Meanwhile Leyli tried to create some conversation but it always quickly died. On the second day, they chatted more, sharing stories of their past and making plans for the future. As they approached the kingdom, Leyli’s excitement grew, eager to see what adventures awaited them in this land.

As the caravan approached the kingdom, Reza couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the city. The architecture was stunning, with intricately designed buildings and colorful tiles adorning every surface. The streets were bustling with activity, merchants selling their wares and locals going about their daily business.

The city was surrounded by lush gardens and fountains, and the scent of exotic spices wafted through the air. The people were dressed in vibrant colors, with flowing fabrics and intricate embroidery.

As they made their way through the city, Reza couldn't help but notice the influence of the local culture on the design of the buildings and the way of life. The city was a vibrant mix of different cultures, and the locals were proud of their heritage but also of their beliefs.

The palace where they were to meet the Basharite was a magnificent structure, with soaring domes and carvings in the walls. The gardens surrounding the palace were lush and well-manicured, with colorful flowers and exotic plants.

The sky was already dark and the moon was high up in the sky. Reza and Leyli were both tired from the long journey, but they were excited to explore the new place. They were given a room in a magnificent palace, adorned with beautiful tapestries and intricate Persian designs on the walls. The room was spacious and filled with elegant furniture. A large bed with soft silk sheets was placed in the center of the room, and a balcony was attached, giving them a stunning view of the gardens below.