Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 12

.

SADIQ

Eightyearslater…………..

8 years had passed since I moved into the palace and so much had changed since then…. Here I was now, a prince and 23 years of age…. Despite living this life of luxury, I still wasn’t welcomed or respected like my two brothers… To make it straight, I was despised and hated. At first, I thought they hated me because I was the son of concubine but I later realized it was more than that… I was hated for something else entirely.

Life as a prince wasn’t all that bad, Years back when I started living in the palace, I was trained and brought up in a ways of royal, I was taught by different educated scholars, enabling me to know the history of Marida and its people, Education wasn’t the only thing I was taught.. I was trained and supervised on how to behave like a prince.. I was to walk like a prince.. Talk like a prince, eat like a prince, and think like a prince… I wasn’t allowed to do anything else.. The slaves took care of my needs… I really wasn’t used to this kind of life.. I preferred doing things myself..

As the years passed, I got used to this way of life but to be honest, I never really thrown myself into it… Being royalty was fun at first but with time, I got tired of it all… All I did was attend parties, listening to rumors and gossips from the wealthy high class, and talks about politics and women,… The only thing I enjoyed and never got tired of was having pleasurable moments with the concubines who threw themselves at me..

But as the saying goes too much of a bad thing can be bad for someone’s health, So when I wasn’t spending time with the concubines… I would go out and hunt or have a chat with Salim, my father’s most trusted servant…

Salim was the one friendly companion in the palace… I still wasn’t in good terms with my father, To me, he was still responsible for my mother’s demise but there was one thing he did that made me respect him… I thought my mother was left to rot on the streets after she was killed but I later realized that my father had bought her corpse back to the palace and buried her… She lived a hard life and died brutally but in the end, she got a fitting and proper burial.

Though Salim was kind and nice towards me.. Others weren’t… Like the queens, who had hated my mother for being my father’s favorite… They hated me even more when they realize, I the son of concubine was sharing the same place as their own children.. They never showed their true colors when the sultan was around, they would smile and pretend as if I was one of their own but when he was gone.. That’s when they show their boiling hatred towards me. They never said anything good to me, all they did was insult me and reminded me that I was the son of a w—e.. I never gave them a reply.. I would just walk out on them or stare at them with a smile on my face but deep down I was mad with rage..

As for Hamid and hassan… Well.. They’re not as bad as their mothers but they hated me as well, not just because what I am but for who I was… A concubine’s son.

They hardly talk to me.. They only did that when they’re being forced by the Sultan… And when they want to go hunting, because I was very good at it..

And also among those that despised me, was the Vizier (Abdul) and my father’s advisor (Karim)… Ever since I came, they never showed any love to me.. They would always gave me a wicked look and a mean frown on their faces..

Seeing that I was surrounded by enemies, I decided to join the ranks of Marida’s army… My father the Sultan was against it of course but I told him it was what i wanted… The Queens and his advisers also pressurized him to allow me to do as i wanted.. Especially his advisors, they even gave me a boost saying I was skilled in combat and that would make me a shining example for all princes all around the world to show that I was truly a patriot of the nation… But I realized deep down they were lying.. They only persuaded my father because they wanted to get rid of me.. If i died in battle, they would be so pleased with it.. Especially the Queens, to them I was a threat to their children’s future as heir to the throne. Finally at last my father agreed.

Joining the ranks of Marida’s army, I soon became famous for my victory in war, The reason why I became popular was busy, I made our enemies surrender without both of us suffering from any casualties… Back in this era.. War was settled by the champions or best fighters from each opposing side.. If one knocks down the other, or kills him or makes him surrender, the armies of the defeated opponent surrender.

Before long, I became a hero, and was loved by all, especially the women… Every time, I return from battle, they would entertain Mr by offering their bodies to me to do as I please…

My brothers of course were jealous because i was getting all the fun and glory.. Since they can’t take that away, they would sit down and watch praying to the gods that I meet a brutal end in some battle.

Despite getting hatred and ill wishes from my step brothers, there are those who were happy about my success, Especially my friend, Frahan.

Frahan’s life too had changed during this years…. Ever since i started living in the palace, he wasn’t allowed to see me because he was a low life… The only time I had time to see him was when I came out to hunt but despite all, we remained friends and as the years went by he got what he wished for… To be a servant in the house of Al-Muktar… I know the reason why he wanted to be a servant in the house, he wanted to be close to Salima and by chance be married to her but the funny thing about life is… You can’t have your bread and eat it too.

His hopes of becoming one with Salima, had somehow vanished… He no longer had interest in her any longer… So he devoted himself to please Al-Muktar so that he may one day be a merchant of his own with an endorsement from Al-Muktar of course.

So one day, after returning from a very tiring and unsuccessful hunt, I decided to pay a visit to him… We hung out at out usual place, talking to each other..

.

Frahan Prince Sadiq Al Mustapha….. You’re looking good my friend.

.

Sadiq So do you…. Its good to see you.

.

Frahan Thanks… I’m pleased to see you as well… So you went out to hunt? Any luck?

.

Sadiq No… No luck… It’s hard to spot the animals these days..

.

Frahan They’re starting to get smart.. They know your tricks..

.

Sadiq Oh please! They’re just lucky.

.

Frahan No my friend…. Animals too have intelligence you know….

.

Sadiq Indeed… So how’s life at Al-Muktar’s house?

.

Frahan Well, it’s steady but soon.. Al-Muktar will reward me for my efforts. And… Ohh.. That reminds me.. When are you going to get married?

.

Sadiq I’m not sure… Frahan.

.

Frahan What do you mean you’re not sure? There are lots of lovely women here in Marida.

.

Sadiq Forget about those who*res… I doubt if there’s a virgin in this kingdom..

.

Frahan Well, you shouldn’t complain…after all, you do enjoy the sweet void between their legs..

.

Sadiq The one that I make love to are concubines in the harem… Not the ones outside.

.

Frahan Well, you still better get married… And move out of the city while you can.

.

Sadiq Why do you say that?

.

Frahan Well, I’ve been hearing lots of things within the walls of Al-Muktar’s house… It would seem that your brothers are planning to get rid of you once the Sultan is gone… They’re afraid that you’ll be crown the next heir to the throne..

.

Sadiq What? But I’m a concubine’s son… I’m not entitled to the throne!

.

Frahan Well, there’s another shocking secret.. That I heard.. You see… Hamid isn’t your brother at all.. He’s not the Sultan’s son either.

.

Sadiq WHAT?? impossible…then who’s his father then?

.

Frahan I don’t know… But.. You shouldn’t tell anyone about this… Understand?

.

Sufyan Well, well, what are you two talking about?

.

Frahan and I froze immediately we heard that voice.. We slowly turned around only to see it was Sufyan, the debt collector.. I rushed at him, and shoved him around a corner. Knowing his hypocritic nature, I’m sure he’s going to tell people what he heard.

.

Sadiq Alright you hypocritic swine….. What’s the idea of sneaking behind us?

.

Sufyan Oh.. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.. your voices could be heard a mile away.

.

Sadiq Don’t mess with me fool! I know you heard what we discussed… And I want to know what you intend to do next.

.

Sufyan Oh.. I won’t tell after all… No one would believe me anyway… But to make us even.. I too also have a secret to share… Lots of secret.. But I will tell you one… Your brother hassan isn’t the Sultan’s son as well..

.

Frahan / Sadiq WHAT???

.

Sufyan Don’t be surprised…. Just try to keep your mouths shut.. Because the Queens won’t hesitate to kill you… Now Prince will be kind to let me go?

.

Sadiq Why should we trust you?

.

Sufyan You don’t need to… Now let me go before someone sees us.

.

I stared at the hypocrites face for some time before letting him go… Sufyan wouldn’t tell of this… He was right to assume that the queens would find a way to kill us if the words go out… After Sufyan left, Frahan and I parted ways….

I climbed on my horse and rode back to the palace… I couldn’t believe what I just heard… If even I was still angry about my father, he still doesn’t deserve this… I should tell him but will he believe me? I think I should consult Salim about this first.

Sooner afterwards, I arrived at the palace… I went straight to Salim’s chamber to tell him about what I heard… Immediately I got there, I saw him talking to the vizier…

.

Salim My prince… What brings you here?

.

Sadiq Sorry to interrupt but there’s something I have to discuss with you privately.. .

.

Abdul Privately….

.

Sadiq Yes… If you don’t mind… I’d like you to leave us for a moment..

.

Abdul As you wish, my prince…

.

Abdul starred into my eyes as he left the chamber… As soon as he was gone, I told him everything that happened between Me, frahan and Sufyan. I was hoping to see him shocked by my revelation but instead he surprised me as he laughed.

.

Salim My prince… That Sufyan is nothing but a liar… Don’t believe him… He’s nothing but a troublemaker..

.

Sadiq But he…

.

Salim Did he reveal his source?

.

Sadiq No but…

.

Salim Don’t mind that fool.. The Queens wouldn’t do such a thing.. That fool should be punished for that false statement. Don’t be swayed by such wild tales my prince.

.

As we were talking we heard a noise outside the chamber, I hurriedly went and check to see who it was but as I opened the door, there was no one else there.

Feeling dejected, I left the chamber and headed, back to my chamber, Immediately I got there, I saw Dijal, the general of Marida’s army.

.

Dijal Prince Sadiq.. My bravest soldier!

.

Sadiq General! What a pleasant surprise…

.

Dijal I see you’re in good health.

.

Sadiq The gods are to be thanked.

.

Dijal Good… Your presence is needed in the war meeting room… Now!

.

Sadiq Sure… I’ll be there shortly.

.

A bit later, I was in the meeting room together with the general, vizier, Chief advisor and of course the princes, Hassan and Hamid.

.

Hassan General, what’s your report?

.

Dijal There’s a situation occurring under our noses… Lately our stocks which are transported from the sea being stolen by thieves…. And our spies tell us that a small village close to Nishkapur is responsible for this treachery. We mustn’t allow this to go unpunished… I suggest we ransack the city.

.

Hassan I agree we should show those swines that it doesn’t pay to steal from Marida.

.

Sadiq Going to war isn’t the solution… That village is within Nishkapur’s territory… Let’s consult them first before taking any action.

.

Hamid Who asked you to talk? What right have you in here to think you can bring your own stupid views about the matter?

.

Sadiq Well, I’m a warrior and it’s in my right to talk.. This is matter is for those who are skilled in matters of war and combat… In which case I might say, you’re not… In fact you’re not supposed to be in here.

.

Hamid felt embarrassed and angered by my words.. Without wasting any time.. He stood up and went out of the chamber… After that we continued our discussion.

.

Abdul There’s no need for us to consult Nishpakur… Our properties are being stolen and it is in our right.. To take action… I say we strike…

.

Karim I agree with this decision.

.

Hassan So do I…

.

Dijal Okay then… By Sunset tomorrow we set out to war…

.

After that, The meeting ended with almost everyone, agreeing to that bloody decision… Everyone else left the room, except me and Abdul… As I was about to leave, He stood in my way, grabbing hold of my arm.

.

Abdul Let me tell you something young prince… Just because, you’re a prince doesn’t make you any special… Remember… You’re the son of a concubine.. Don’t forget that… Do yourself a favor and don’t over extend yourself.. You’ve been warned.

.

After that, He left in a hurry leaving me standing in alone in the room… One thing I realized was that.. I was a sheep trapped in a mountain full of wolves and in due time they would all converge on me..