Xunpadshahannama: Game of Crowns
| Xunpadshahannama: Game of Crowns | |
| |
| Original title | Xunpadshahannama |
| Language | Common Tongue |
| Author(s) | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
| Genre | Historical narratives |
| Location(s) | Çakaristan |
| (main) characters | |
| Timeframe | 1728 and onwards |
Xunpadshahannama: Game of Crowns is the first part in the story series Xunpadshahannama. This Book of Xunpadshahan is the official chronicle of the reign of Xunpadshahan. It contains various stories surrounding the Shahanshah, the third ruler of Çakaristan.
Starting at the beginning
"Your majesty, you had summoned me," Abu Turbati spoke, taking a bow. "Yes, grand vizier, I have made a proposal to amend the constitution," said Xunpadshahan, handing over a paper. The grand vizier took it and read it. "Your majesty, your father would be proud of you." Xunpadshahan immediately interrupted the grand vizier in a rage, "My father...". Snorting heavily, the Shahanshah searched for words. "My father, was too weak to tackle that Hrithik!" he roared. The grand vizier bowed his head and thought quickly. "Your majesty, you know best. Your proposal reflects your wisdom in denying that opponent the prospect of the throne. But..., your majesty, forgive me. Not the entire house of Çakar is disloyal to you".
Xunpadshahan stood before the grand vizier and poked his finger on his chest: "You take this proposal to the Congress and you make sure it is passed. If not, I will dismiss you as grand vizier." The grand vizier raised his head in amazement: "But your majesty, am I not loyal to you?" "You are, if you do not obey my orders," Xunpadshahan responded. The grand vizier bowed his head and stepped back to leave the room.
•••
The investigation into Jaaguzan's murder was at a standstill. Zahra had scolded the chief detective in charge of the investigation so harshly that the man resigned his post. The grand vizier then appointed Herkül Armut, a detective. Herkül had an unorthodox way of working and had a good reputation for taking difficult investigations to a legitimate outcome. This did not sit well with Zahra at all, as she and Aurangzeb were also questioned by this detective. She insisted that their testimonies were joint and that the detective did not make a report. The detective was upset at this attitude and argued that the interrogation was meant to exclude them. But this did not change Zahra's attitude.
At the Red Fortress in Agra, even the palace staff was not allowed to go near the room, where the interrogation took place. No one else was allowed to know what was said. For three hours, the interrogation lasted. At a later press conference, the detective did not mention the interrogation; the media did not know that the interrogation had taken place.
Only the Red Fortress had secret corridors. Knowing about this, Zahra had chosen a room where she knew there was no secret corridor running along it. In addition, she had had the room checked for any eavesdropping material. Yet the conversations were overheard. Someone was listening to the conversations in the room through a small hole in the wall, behind a painting. From a cleaning room, the hole could be opened.
