Jaaguzannama: Imperium Intermarium
| Jaaguzannama: Imperium Intermarium | |
| Original title | Jaaguzannama |
| Language | Common Tongue |
| Author(s) | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
| Genre | Historical narratives |
| Location(s) | Çakaristan |
| (main) characters | Jaaguzan |
| Timeframe | 1712 AN and onwards |
Jaaguzannama: Imperium Intermarium is the third part in the story series Jaaguzannama, which begins shortly after the annexation of Qyzylqaystan. It is a sequel to Jaaguzannama: the ultimate chessboard.
A moment to remember
Slowly she woke up. A smile appeared on her face as she realised where she had woken up and remembered the magical night. With her hand she began to feel beside her, looking for the man who had been responsible for that magical night. But the bed was otherwise empty. She got up and saw the man sitting at the table. He was reading papers and the table in front of him was set. Butterflies in her stomach she got at the sight of the man. "Good morning," she said. The man did not look up, but repeated the greeting. She got out of bed, put on her bathrobe and walked towards the man. She wanted to kiss him, but the man invited her with a gesture to sit on the still empty chair at the table. When she was seated, she looked at what was on the table. The man put the papers away and said with a smile on his face, "So, enjoy your meal." She answered with a nod, "Bon appetit".
"Did you sleep well?", the man asked. "Very well", she said, "thank you for last night". "Thank you too", the man replied. So they chatted on. While the man was making a croissant, she looked at the papers the man had been reading earlier. Each of the papers had a red stamp with the text 'state secret'. The top paper had a number and a larger text 'eastern horizon'. She could not read the rest of the text from a distance and upside down. Quickly she looked away from the papers and reached for the orange juice, when the man threatened to see that she was looking at the papers. He saw her reaching and quickly helped her to prevent the jug of orange juice from tipping over. "Thank you," she said and let the man fill her glass.
After breakfast she got up from the table, made a curtsy and left the room. In the corridor she was received by Ana al-Zamard, who said, "Very good, Delara Khatun, you have served your Shahanshah well." Delara nodded her head, then followed Ana. She was not taken to the Zenana court, where she had stayed the previous day. She was taken to a flat in what is called the 'favourites' part of the palace. This is where the co-wives who have spent at least one night with the Shahanshah are accommodated. To get there, they had to walk through the Zenana court. The other concubines were lined up when Ana and Delara passed. With pride, Delara walked between the rows. She sensed that some of the women were jealous and that fed her pride.
From the gallery, from where you can look out onto the Zenana court, Zahra stood watching the scene. She whispered to Leylah Khatun, "They are pretending that she has become Banbishn (queen)". Delara entered the flat and looked around. A big four-poster bed, a sitting area with a fireplace and a balcony. Ana said, "From now on you have two servants at your disposal. Rani Khatun, she will take care of you wherever needed. Abhinav Agha, he is your personal bodyguard." Both servants saluted Delara.
•••
Jodha arrived at the Çakar Bhavan with her youngest son and daughters. They were received by Amir and Catherine with their children. A little later Manikarnika and Anand also arrived. They sat together in the garden and had a nice chat. Catherine took Jodha to her room. From the balcony Jodha had earlier been able to see how work on the Akbar Mahal was progressing. Now that the monument was finished, she could see a glimpse of the structure from the balcony. Jodha entered the balcony and saw the monument. All kinds of emotions raced through her body: joy over the structure and grief over Abu. Catherine comforted Jodha when she started to cry.
The next day, the whole family set off for the Akbar Mahal. Jodha's in-laws had also joined them. People had gathered along the route, wanting to catch a glimpse of Jodha. In front of the gate house, the Sultana was received by the Shahanshah. Jodha apologised with a curtsy, "We did not keep you waiting, my Shahanshah". Jaaguzan replied, "No, we have come earlier to receive you". The Çakar family each greeted the Shahanshah. The whole party stood in front of the gatehouse which gives access to the gardens surrounding the Akbar Mahal. At the Shahanshah's indication the orchestra began to play the long version of the Grand Çakari March, and at exactly 20 seconds the doors of the gatehouse were opened. In a straight line, everyone got a view of the magnificent building. The bright white marble and the golden dome radiated majestic splendour from the monument. The surrounding green gardens and pond contrasted well with the magisterial structure. The Shahanshah looked at Jodha and when she nodded, he took her by the hand and led her to the structure. The rest of the family followed. Everyone was silent, overwhelmed by the splendour.
Arriving at the Akbar Mahal, standing on the platform, Jaaguzan allowed Jodha to look around. The view of the gardens and the gatehouse was so impressive. She could not utter a word. A procession arrived in front of the gatehouse with the sarcophagus of Akbar. With military honour and precision, the sarcophagus was finally brought from the Red Fortress to the Akbar Mahal. Slowly, the sarcophagus was brought to the structure. On the platform, the procession stopped in front of the Shahanshah. Jaaguzan stepped forward, put his hand on the sarcophagus and whispered with his head bowed. He stepped back. Then four fighter jets approached. One was piloted by Hrithik on the position of second element leader. The jets flew in a V-shape. Abruptly, Hrithik pulled his aircraft up and the missing man formation was performed.
Then Jodha walked into the building with her children. Jaaguzan stayed outside to give them a moment's rest. A little later, the rest of the family entered too. There was room for two sarcophagi in the large hall, but there was not one. The sarcophagus was brought into the great hall, placed just left of centre. After a salute, the soldiers left the room and Jodha walked towards the sarcophagus. She cried and said: "Finally you are here, finally with last honour". The children gathered around and Jodha looked up. She said, "From today onwards, the memory of your father will be a permanent marker in the history of this country".
A moment in the future
"What future is there for us as a noble family?", Elena asked. Karel Kyle started nervously in his seat and replied, "If you are looking for a ruling role, then..." He was interrupted by Elena who said, "We've lost our grip on Batavia!" Karel Kyle, who was irritated by Elena's behaviour, responded, "Okay." Clearing his throat, he continued, "When I was born, I was the crown prince of Francia. Where is Francia these days? Batavia still exists, only it is now subordinate to Shireroth. Your own son is sitting on the Lion Throne!" Elena sensed Karel's irritation and controlled herself.
Shikha Bhonsale took the floor and said, "Well, just to clear the tension here. If we are really going to consider the position of our family on Micras stage. Then we have to be complete. Hakim is on the throne here in Çakaristan, he has a son and therefore prospects of succession. Frederik is on the throne in Batavia, although subordinate to the Golden Mango Throne. Elisabeth is married to the Sultan of Kurum Ash-Sharqia, she has children including an heir to the throne. Karel is a Senator in Hurmu, but that is not a hereditary position. But by means of our marriage he is my father's successor." Of this last, Elena looked strangely. Shikha noticed this and explained, "Yes, in Adarandesh matrilineal succession by marriage applies. That is, the succession to the throne is through the eldest daughter to the husband. My father became Raja through his marriage to my mother. If my father hands over the sceptre, Karel will succeed him because of his marriage to me." Elena replied, "Interesting."
Shikha continued, "To complete the story of our family's position. Here in Leyl, Filip des Vinandy-Windsor, the husband of my twin sister, Parvati, rules." Karel nodded in agreement and added, "Farhan will potentially become Emir in Barikalus." Shikha quickly responded, "Yes, and Aitya is married to the Sanpantul Emperor." Hendrik, who had not said anything so far, said, "Vinandy's everywhere". Karel smiled in agreement. "There is a succession problem in Leyl though," Shikha began, "because my sister and brother-in-law cannot have children, Filip has no brothers to possibly take over. So, there has to be a solution to that."
•••
Tea was steaming on the table. Zahra sat on the sofa with her son. Before grabbing the teacup, she put her son in the playpen. There was a knock on the door, to which Zahra responded, "Come". Ayush Bajpeyi entered, took a bow and said, "My Shahbanu, the car is ready". Leylah Khatun took care of her son while Zahra left. They walked through the corridors of the palace, to arrive at the ready car. She got in and the car started moving. Black blinded cars do often drive to and from the palace, so this was nothing new. The car drove to what popularly came to be called the Osman Bhavan. A walled mansion, across the street from the Hurmu embassy. Zahra had meetings there, but this was mostly done out of public view.
"The conservative party has a solid political base in this country. That alone limits the power of the Shahanshah. And if we are not careful, so limited that only a ceremonial role remains" said one attendee. Zahra replied and said, "It's not just about the power of the Shahanshah, but mainly of the government. When people get money from the government and become dependent on it, they are less likely to vote Conservative." Another said, "That is a good point, but in elections, leftists are mostly very divided. United Green will be the biggest again in the next election too." The first speaker said, "As long as people don't turn away from the Conservative party themselves, then we should make sure we have an influence on the outcome. After all, elections are not about voting, but who counts the votes".
•••
"The commander of the 4th fleet has arrived, as you ordered" Atiya replied and said, "Let him come in". The admiral entered and greeted her with a military salute. "Admiral, I have heard that you are going to leave us," Atiya said. "Your majesty, as part of the plan to give Sanpantul more sovereignty, it means the navy no longer has a base. We are going to withdraw", the admiral responded. "What do you think about that?", asked Atiya. "Your majesty, it is not my place to think of politics. If the Shahanshah, may he reign forever, orders this, then it is a good soldier to follow up", replied the admiral. "Is it also all right for you to enjoy the beauty of this land before you leave?", asked Atiya. The admiral looked a bit confused and said, "What do you mean, your majesty".
Atiya gave the admiral a file and said: "Take a look yourself". The admiral opened the file and was shocked. Pictures of him with all kinds of whores were in the file. He looked up at Atiya. "Your majesty, this...". Atiya interrupted him, "Say no more. I can make sure that these pictures will never reach Agra." There was silence for a while, after which the admiral said, "What should I do?". Atiya responded, "Since you are asking. Hand over to me all the details of the 'eastern horizon' plan. Report to me all military activities in the region and swear your loyalty to me." The admiral started sweating tremendously and wailed, "Then I will break my oath and I will not be loyal to the Shahanshah." Aitya fiercely responded, "Those pictures may appear in the news tonight." The admiral dropped to his knees and pleaded with Atiya. "Do as I say and this will remain a secret". The admiral nodded.
A moment of infatuation
"Your majesty, Aishwarya Çakar has arrived and wishes an audience," said an Agha. Jaaguzan looked up in surprise. "Let her come in," he said. Moments later, Aishwarya entered and made a curtsy as the doors closed behind her. She was clearly nervous. Jaaguzan stood up from behind his desk and approached her. "What can I do for you?", he asked. "Your majesty, on behalf of my mothers, may I thank you again for funding the Akbar Mahal. We are very pleased with the result and are convinced that this is the most honourable way of remembering our former Sultan." Jaaguzan listened to Aishwarya's sweet voice and replied, "It is my honour to do so. I knew your father only briefly. One day I hope to be remembered as honourably as your father." "By Craitgod, may the Shahanshah reign forever," Aishwarya responded. Jaaguzan smiled.
After a few moments, Jaaguzan asked, "Is this what you wanted to speak to me for?" Aishwarya stammered and replied, "Yes, your majesty. I wanted to thank you personally." Jaaguzan thought quickly and did not want Aishwarya to leave. He knew that she and her mother were going to Keruyila again. "Since you are here," Jaaguzan began, "may I ask you to have a cup of tea with me?" Aishwarya nodded in agreement. He offered her his hand, she took it and he led her to the balcony. Aghas set the table full of tea, cups and delicacies. The taster had tasted everything in the presence of the Shahanshah before everything was served. Aishwarya remembered that this also happened with everything that was served to her father.
In between the conversation, Jaaguzan could admire Aishwarya's beauty. He thought, 'the man who gets to love her is among the most fortunate'. "How is life in Keruyila?", Jaaguzan asked. "Very different from here in Agra, your majesty," replied Aishwarya. "Call me 'Hakim' anyway, after all, protocol is for show". "Okay," Aishwarya hesitated, "life in Keruyila is very different from here in Agra. I don't know how to define it properly, but the atmosphere is so different". "How do people there feel about me?", asked Jaaguzan. "As far as I can find out, there are people who are loyal to my family. They say my brother should be on the throne. But an overwhelming majority are satisfied with you, the government and the Empire." "Hmmm, it might be time for me to turn my attention to that part of my Empire," Jaaguzan concluded.
•••
Ana arrived at the entrance of the Shahanshah's private room, there she saw Aishwarya just leaving the private room. "Your highness," Ana said with a curtsy. Aishwarya nodded and replied, "Good afternoon". Ana asked, "Did you have a good audience with the Shahanshah?" "Yes, thank you. The Shahanshah, may he reign forever, is extremely kind". "Amen," Ana responded. Aishwarya nodded and left. A little later, Ana said to the aghas, asking for permission to join the Shahanshah.
After entering, she made a curtsy and said, "Your majesty". Jaaguzan ate another stuffed date. With a hand gesture, he made it clear that he wanted to speak, but first ate his mouth empty. "Ana," began Jaaguzan, "what can I do for you?" "Your majesty, that is exactly what I wanted to know from you. Would you like a concubine to come tonight?", Ana responded. Jaaguzan thought about it and said, "Delara I would like to have come tonight." Ana replied, "Your majesty, Delara is not feeling very well." "Nothing serious, I hope," Jaaguzan said. "It's not serious, she'll recover soon. Only now she is unable to be with you". Jaaguzan nodded and said she wanted to meet her anyway.
A moment later, in the central court of the Zenana, it sounded, "Behold, the Shahanshah!" All the women quickly got up, lined up on either side of the aisle. When Jaaguzan arrived they all made a curtsy. Jaaguzan walked between the rows and went to the flat. There the doors were opened. Delara was surprised and wanted to get up. "Just sit quietly," Jaaguzan said. Rani Khatun handed over a pregnancy test on which two dashes turned red. Despite her nausea, Delara started beaming. Jaaguzan was surprised and kissed Delara.
•••
Gustavus was struggling to find his role and position. He did want to become a senator, like his brother. But he lacked the political sense, the finesse. On his motorbike, he toured Çakaristan. He began to appreciate the country. Now he had arrived in Leylpur, at Kila Vindasar (Windsor Castle). The residence of the Sadar of Leyl, Filips des Vinandy-Windsor and his wife, Parvati Bhonsale. He had to push a bit with the palace guard, but was eventually let in. Parvati Bhonsale was surprised at Gustavus' arrival. Although the blood tie had been several generations removed between Gustavus and Filips, there were still warm ties between the families. This was strengthened by the fact that the families now lived peacefully under one national flag.
"How good to see you again," said Parvati, hugging Gustavus. "Unfortunately, Filips is not here, he is in Agra," she explained. "Yes, I was nearby," Gustavus responded. That he had driven to Leylpur on purpose, he did not say. "Come along," Parvati said invitingly. Parvati Bhonsale walked ahead of Gustavus. He couldn't help checking her out.
A moment of pleasure
With an intense kiss, she said goodbye to him. She decentened her clothes to disguise the passionate intimacy they had just had. Gustavus got on his motorbike, started it and waved. Parvati looked after him and closed the door. With her back against the door, she sighed. She had mixed feelings. On the one hand, what she had done was wrong, the infidelity to her husband. But on the other, the passion she had experienced she had longed for for a long time. Quickly she took a shower and expected her husband the next day. To be on the safe side, she would seduce him.
•••
The secretary had a stack of papers under his arm as he entered the Shahanshah's room. "Oh, does it never stop?", said Jaaguzan. The man was bewildered. Jaaguzan saw that and said, "I mean the obviously endless stream of papers." The secretary, a bureaucrat by trade and fond of nothing but documents, replied, "Your majesty, these are the last documents for today." Jaaguzan grinned and replied, "And we'll start all over again tomorrow, won't we?" The secretary did not know how to reply. "Oh well, it doesn't matter either", Jaaguzan said, "bring it on".
The secretary approached and laid the first document before the Shahanshah: "This is the firman by which you appoint your brother as Nayib al'Amir instead of Yaequb Bunduq". "Ah yes, it is time for Yaequb to enjoy his retirement." Jaaguzan put his signature and an agha dripped wax on the paper, after which Jaaguzan could put his seal. "You have received a letter regarding the representation of the Çakar family in the Majlis al-Shuwraa." Jaaguzan read the letter and started looking surprised. "Aishwarya is coming to represent the family... interesting".
"This is the last bill for the construction of Akbar Mahal", the secretary said. Jaaguzan put his hand in front of his eyes and asked his hand to guide him to the place where he had to put his signature. He signed blindly.
•••
The ultrasound image appeared on the screen and there it showed that two little humans were inside her belly. Hiroto was already very pleased with Atiya's pregnancy. Now that they would even have two children, he couldn't believe his luck. Atiya was also very happy, but was somewhat subdued. Of course she wanted children, only with a man she also loved. Love for Hiroto she had not gotten, but respect. She had accepted him, she had accepted Sanpantul. She decided to love these children as much as her mother had loved her.
She called her sister, Astir, with the news. Not just that she was pregnant, which Astir already knew, but now that twins were on the way. Astir stressed, "You should also call your brother. If you are really planning something, you should not exclude him right now. That arouses suspicion". Atiya agreed and said, "May I also point out something to you? Our brother may also start marrying off our sisters and you. Try to get ahead of that by choosing a partner." Astir replied and said, "Rest assured, I have someone in mind. A man in high position, whom we can use to keep Zahra in her cage." Atiya was eager to know who, but Astir would not say.
Jaaguzan was very happy for Atiya and Hiroto: "What wonderful news! Congratulations to both of you." Enthusiastically, Jaaguzan told the news to Zahra, who was apparently in the same room. Zahra responded with congratulations, which Jaaguzan repeated on the phone. Atiya had heard everything though, and politely thanked for all the congratulations.
•••
While Leylah Khatun took young Aurangzeb away, Zahra stayed with the Shahanshah. Jaaguzan took a step forward to show affection to Zahra. She was reluctant. Jaaguzan asked, "What is it my dear?" Zahra got away, as emotions bubbled up. Carefully, Jaaguzan guided Zahra's face with his hand to look her in the eyes. Tears had formed in her eyes. Stammering, she said, "You don't know how much I would like another child, but..." She started crying and Jaaguzan took her in his arms. "Whatever it will be, a son or daughter, it will be brought up in Hurmu," Jaaguzan said. Zahra confirmed unintelligibly, secure in her husband's arms. He comforted her that night.
A moment lost
Through a live broadcast, Jaaguzan was able to follow the meeting at the Majlis al-Nuwaab. Just out of curiosity, he followed the discourses. In particular, Jaaguzan found the ongoing session interesting. The question that had been raised was the driving side on roads. As early as 1688 AN, it had been ruled that the driving side would be on the left. The first speaker, the initiator of the debate, began his speech, "Mr Speaker, for 24 years we have had a national decision on the driving side on roads. Since then, the Empire has expanded greatly, areas have been annexed that had different driving sides well before 1688. The recently added Barikalus and Qyzylqaystan have the driving side on the right. The government has been in no hurry to change this. Well I am of the opinion that a choice has to be made. Either we apply the national decision to one driving side, or the states will deal with this issue."
Jaaguzan turned off the TV when it was announced to him the arrival of Zahra. Together they would have coffee. Telling her about the ongoing debate in the Majlis al-Nuwaab, he asked her, "What would you vote, if you were a member of the Majlis al-Nuwaab?" Zahra pondered and said, "One driving side for the whole Empire." "And why?", asked Jaaguzan. Zahra replied, "A lot is already complicated in this country, then complicate this too? I wouldn't want that."
•••
"Ready to take off," said Hrithik. "The take-off runway is clear, good luck with the exercise," spoke the controller. A few seconds later, the aircraft started roaring and rolling down the take-off runway. Once in the air, Hrithik made a circle around the airbase. A colleague and friend took off with his fighter jet and together they flew in formation towards the practice area. The commander ordered over the radio that the exercise could begin. His friend dove down and flew low above the ground. Hrithik followed and so they flew under the radar.
At the exercise centre, the student controllers began a search. They would have to trace the aircraft and fire it fictitiously with an anti-aircraft missile. They flew over the desert Thul Marusthal. Thus, they hoped that the heat of the desert would make it harder for the apprentice controllers to find them. But then they heard a signal that they had been detected. "Split up!", said Hrithik. His colleague flew towards the mountain range to fly between the canyons, making holding on as a target more difficult. Hrithik soared upwards, making him visible on radar again. He formed a distraction, drawing the student controllers' attention to it. On his aircraft's radar, Hrithik saw another aircraft flying. It was a military transport plane bound for Nuristan. With a bow, he flew towards it and hovered under the aircraft. At the training centre, the commander shouted, "Stop! Don't shoot. You want to take the jet, not another plane. And by the way, where is the second fighter jet?" The students looked diligently at the screen, but could not find anything.
"Lieutenant, return to base," the commander ordered. "Yes sir," Hrithik replied. His friend was also ordered to return, but he did not respond. Moments later, Hrithik had directed his aircraft towards the base, but still no radio contact with his colleague and friend. "Commander, permission to go into the mountain range," Hrithik asked. "Permission granted," replied the commander. "Commander," reported Hritik, "I see a cloud of smoke, I'm going to take a closer look." The commander had satellite images projected on the big screen of Hrithik's position. And soon a smoking and burning wreckage of what was once a fighter jet came into view. Hrithik realised what he was seeing as he approached. He overflew the site and asked the commander to land nearby. The commander refused and ordered him to return to base. On his return, Hrithik flew closer. When he was close, all sorts of alarms started going off. At least three missiles were coming his way. Quickly he manoeuvred the altitude and launched his missile diversion system. This deflected one of the missiles, but the others were still coming at him. He dove into the ravine and with quick turns tried to shake off the missiles. Meanwhile, he reported to the commander, who also ordered other fighter jets to take off and come to Hrithik's aid. Due to the low altitude, Hrithik disappeared from the radar but did not return to the screen. The commander sought radio contact, but it remained silent.
A moment of comfort
Jaaguzan herself had called Jodha. She was obviously upset. Jaaguzan assured that a search operation would be launched. But that did not prevent Jodha from being very emotional. Jaaguzan had a team come to Keruliya so that Jodha would be kept informed immediately. It eased Jodha's helplessness, but nothing more.
•••
.jpeg)
With Karel Kyle, Clarissa Isabel went with him to Hurmu. Initially, Sofia Leonor was supposed to go along, but that she did not want to be far away from her boyfriend. Arriving in Huyenkula, they were received at the Palace of the Elenaran. There, the inauguration ceremony was held before the Senate. Clarissa witnessed Karel being sworn in as senator again. A young man was sworn in as Commander of the Order of the Holy Lakes.
At the reception after the ceremony, Clarissa was introduced to this young man, Ichirō. Moments later, Clarissa stood secluded, while Karel was busy with all sorts of conversations. Ichirō saw her standing alone and approached her. "Boring isn't it, such a reception," he said to get her attention. She somewhat shyly replied, "There is very little dancing". Ichirō was surprised by this response, thought quickly and responded, "I do know a place where you can dance beautifully". He offered her his hand and Clarissa somewhat doubtfully put her hand in his. He led her out of the hall. Clarissa did get nervous, but this turned into curiosity. Together they walked through the corridors, halls and rooms of the palace. Ichirō told them about all sorts of sights, only Clarissa would not be able to recount all this because she was much more taken with Ichirō.
Then they climbed the steps into the tower. This was quite a climb, and they eventually came out on the roof. There they had a great view of the city. Atos descended behind the horizon. While Clarissa was still watching, Ichirō turned on music. Clarissa turned around in surprise and Ichirō asked her to dance. Together they danced, even when the music had already ended. Their eyes met and this led to a first kiss.
•••
Aishwarya rushed to the Red Fortress when she heard of her brother's disappearance. Jaaguzan received her in his office. There, she was astonished to see a large video wall, which was normally hidden behind a tapestry. With it, the Shahanshah had live images from the crisis centre at the air base in Suryapur. Through a talk-listen connection, he was in touch with the commander, who was leading the search. On one of the screens, the wreckage of a fighter jet came into view. Aishwarya was shocked, when she saw that image. The fire had already been put out, but it was still steaming. A soldier reported on camera that the cockpit was empty: "The pilot ejected". The commander told Shahanshah: "That is good news because then the lieutenant may have survived the firing. Only the ejector seat transponder is disabled. So we have to continue our search."
"Thank you, commander," Jaaguzan concluded. "We are doing what we can," he told Aishwarya. With that, she was somewhat reassured. Still, she was emotional and Jaaguzan was a bit surprised when she sought his shoulder. Cautiously, he embraced her.
A moment of confusion
It was three weeks after the birth of her twins that Atiya left the palace again. Hiroto was busy with his work again. Aitya again felt she had more freedom to go about her business. At her favourite teahouse, she was welcomed and she went to the past room. There she secretly met whoever she wanted.
"Your majesty, to what have I received the honour of meeting you," a man said with a bow. "Well, you have a desire that I can fulfil. You want to win the next elections and rule this country, don't you?" replied Atiya. "My queen, the polls are not very favourable and for a campaign, the party does not have as much as our main opponent." Atiya smiled, "You should look more at the name of your party. Do you want to win or not?" The man looked strange and said, "Of course I want to win, my queen". "Now then", said the queen, "act like a winner then".
"What is your role and importance in this?", the man asked. "Let's say it is better that you don't know how. Only that you will win the next election. When you do, I would like you to realise the greater kingdom. I only long for the red flamingo." The man understood and bowed his head.
•••
Hrithik awoke, but soon became aware of a solid headache. He groaned and wanted to get up. "Finally you are there," said an unfamiliar young man. Hrithik asked, "Who are you? Where am I?" "Calm down, my prince," the young man responded and reached for a cup of water. Hrithik drank from it and started looking around. He saw all sorts of rocks and had evidently entered a cave. He wanted to know more and started asking questions again. The young man would not answer until Hrithik had regained more consciousness, the young man helped Hrithik upright.
He was brought to an older man, who was poking at a coal fire. "What do you remember?", the man asked without introducing himself. Hrithik replied, "I will in my jet and I was shot at. My plane was hit and I was still able to escape through my ejection seat. When I came down I fell and saw people with guns." "Good," the man responded, "then I don't have to tell you that part any more." "I have to report to my commander," said Hrithik. "You don't have to," the man replied. Hrithik looked confused and said, "Does my commander already know that I am alive? Are they on their way to pick me up?" "No and no", man replied, "please sit down". Hrithik got angry and said, "Give me a phone, then I can report". The man stood up and said brightly, "You are a prince. There is no need for you to report, they are subordinate to you. You should be the sultan."
Hrithik looked puzzled, and after a few moments asked, "Are you serious about this now?" "Yes, so where I am standing here. You are supposed to be Sultan, not that weirdo who calls himself Shahanshah!" the man replied. Hrithik thought it was getting even more complicated and said, "Okay, just from the beginning. Who are you? Why am I here? And what does that have to do with the Shahanshah?" "Now we are getting somewhere," the man said, "please sit down. Then I will tell you."
A moment in four
Clarissa was in tears when she heard that the proposed marriage to Ichirō will not go ahead. "What have I done wrong for the Kaiseress to reject this!" she cried out. Her father said, "It may have to do with our descent from Harald." "Surely I can't do anything about that!", she snarled back. Hendrik left the room, while his wife stayed with his daughter. He called Jaaguzan and explained the matter. Jaaguzan replied, "The plans for this marriage have been the booster to normalise diplomatic ties with Shireroth. This does not directly affect those ties, but for our family this is a setback."
•••
"Dervish, how nice to see you again!" "Your highness, it is always a pleasure to see you again," he replied. "The moment you kissed me, I have not forgotten that," the young woman said. "Your highness, please forgive my expression of my feelings," Dervish responded immediately. "You need not apologise unless you would not like my heart." "Your highness, how could it be? With all my heart I would like to enclose you, but how can it be?" he replied. "Dervish, come to Al-Khadra and marry me," the woman said. Dervish nodded in agreement.
•••
Filips stood by the cradle. A little baby was sleeping there. Overjoyed, he was overjoyed at the birth of this little boy. But somewhere he also despaired. Surely he knew he was infertile. When he was pregnant with Parvati, he had still been secretly tested. He was infertile. Parvati, to his perception, told him just a little too well that it was his child, about that passionate night when he had returned from Agra. From his inside pocket, he took out a tube with a cotton swab in it. He checked the door again, then carefully took some saliva from the child. The baby became restless and protested, but Filips calmed him down. The little boy slept on again.
•••
Zahra sat on a large seat. In front of her stood some men. One of them took the floor and said, "My Shahbanu, the elections went as we expected. The entry of the new parties into the Congress did not upset the balance very much." "Agreed," said Zahra, "it is time we let the group form". Another man said, "The religious parties don't want to join the group." "That's not so bad," said the earlier speaker, "we have to infiltrate those parties in another way." Zahra nodded in agreement.
