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- Herausgeber: Hanan Ahmed
- Sprache: Englisch
In this captivating story set after a great war, the mysterious historian Hob returns to her homeland after finishing her studies in a nearby region. Back home, her father, Sheikh Ali, assigns her a significant project called "The Charter," commissioned by the Ruler to uncover a conspiracy against their beloved country, Aroub. As Hob delves into the task, she meets the charismatic Ruler, Mohammed, and their lives become entangled in a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and intrigue.
Caught between her duty to Aroub and her feelings for the Ruler, Hob faces tough choices that could shape the destiny of her kingdom. "The Charter" weaves a thrilling narrative of courage and passion, where the past and present collide in a captivating journey of discovery and sacrifice. Will Hob be the hero Aroub needs, or will her heart lead her down a different path? Dive into this enthralling book filled with adventure, emotion, and unexpected twists that will keep you eagerly turning the pages until the very end.
Das E-Book können Sie in Legimi-Apps oder einer beliebigen App lesen, die das folgende Format unterstützen:
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
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Beyond the Royal Charter
A Journey of Destiny
Hanan Ahmed
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Contents
1
Hob's Power was fainting as she watched the events of her life flash before her as if they were a strange dream. While the cold invaded her body, the pain in her chest became more intense, and only one question popped into her mind, "Is this the end of my life?"
In her memory, she saw blurry pictures of people she knew, including her dad, Widad, Ruler Mohammed, Khaled and Daad, and others. Her breathing slowed as the pain became more intense. Hob closed her eyes and said to herself in what sounded like a faint voice echoing on the sides of a bottomless well, " It seems like this might truly be the end!"
2
"This is unbelievable!" exclaimed Aroub's Ruler, Mohammed, angrily. "How has this work been going on for so long without us doing anything? This is just plain carelessness on our part."
Ruler Mohammed clenched his fists tightly at the meeting table where the Director of the Kingdom’s Intelligence Agency, the Commander-in-Chief of Internal Security, Sheikh Abu Yasser, the Minister and Advisor Jabr, and the Minister and Advisor Ibrahim were sitting. It was the afternoon of the 17th day of the second month of the 50th year after the Great War. That war was won by the Ruler’s grandfather, Aziz, in a fierce battle to protect the ancient Kingdom of Aroub, which had many blessings and was coveted by many enemies.
Anyone familiar with the affairs of the Kingdom could see that the reforms were moving quickly. These reforms started off by equipping Aroub’s army with well-maintained chariots, the horses for which were bred on private farms all over the kingdom. This helped ensure that there would always be a sufficient supply of powerful, numerous, and adequate horses to use in the event of an emergency. In addition, Aroub’s ground forces were constantly trained in the most recent tactics for combating emerging threats. A significant expansion was also taking place in the Kingdom’s grain silos, as proposed by Ruler Mohammed in the now-convened Mini-Security Council meeting, to provide a stock of supplies sufficient for the people in case of peace or war.
Considerable reforms were made quickly and steadily in many areas to ensure Aroub was safe and strong. These were clearly one of the goals of Ruler Mohammed. Also, the young Ruler had a clear understanding of what he intended to achieve when he made laws and rules that changed the way people lived. After years of restriction, women got more chances to participate in public life. This new policy caused many different reactions in society, which was seeing a once-in-a-lifetime movement that any sociologist ought to study. Many people also disagreed with his decision to limit spending in the Kingdom compared to when his father was in power, but in the end, it was approved boldly, just like the rest of his policies. However, the young Ruler’s reforms were on the edge of a cliff that could fall at any time because of the growing dangers from the Ruler of Al-Barak, Saleem, who had clear ambitions in the Kingdom of Aroub.
All of this was going through Abu Yasser’s mind, the former and current Ruler’s Advisor, who had reassuring features and gray hair that covered his head. His face was grim, like everyone else’s, while Minister Jabr stood up and exclaimed, “This is really unacceptable, and I am ready, Your Majesty, to oversee the investigations on my own if Your Majesty grants me permission. We can’t bear the thought of you getting hurt.”
“I don’t worry about myself at all. Since I knew my status and destiny as a member of the Royal family, I know I’m always in danger of dying, but...”, said Ruler Mohammed as he leaned back in his chair.
As he took a deep breath, he continued, “I want to fix the lies about our history that have been taught in the Kingdom for the past twenty years. Our enemies are made to look like heroes, while our own people are made to look like barbarians. Before my grandfather got the ruling, our enemies starved and killed our people, which makes my blood boil. This should be fixed as soon as possible.”
“The Hidden Brotherhood, which is known for its deceptive ways of infiltration, did this distortion for our history. Without supporters from within, this would not have happened,” the Director of the Kingdom’s Intelligence Agency said calmly.
The Commander-in-Chief of Internal Security liked what he said and said, "We wouldn't have known about that if we hadn't arrested one of their enablers. He quickly admitted to the plan of our enemies to falsify our history and then killed himself with a poison capsule. He probably was afraid of what the Brotherhood could do."
"What did your Majesty decide?" Minister Jabr asked. "As soon as I get the order, I'll start the investigation myself," he added.
"Minister Jabr, this is the job of the internal security and intelligence service," the Director of the Kingdom’s Intelligence Agency said calmly. "Don't worry about it."
"I am fully prepared to sacrifice my Ruler and my country with everything I have. And I will not remain silent while my master is in danger." Minister Jabr exclaimed, tufts of his carefully combed hair falling across his brow in enthusiasm.
"Minister, you will look into this file and report back to me every day," Ruler Mohammed said, cutting him off.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Minister Jabr said, with a cheerful smile on his lips. He then bowed to the Ruler, excused himself and left.
"Your Majesty, I register my objection," the Director of the Kingdom’s Intelligence Agency said slowly.
"And I do not accept it," Ruler Mohammed said. " You and the Commander-in-Chief of Internal Security will each do your own investigation to find out why this distortion is happening and who is behind it. No one will know about it except us." Then he smiled and said, "The meeting is over. You can leave now."
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement, except Abu Yasser, who spoke slowly and said, "Your Majesty, we still haven't solved the problem of changing history. If you agree, I'd like to make a suggestion."
"Of course, Sheik Abu Yasser. I have always trusted your wisdom and advice, just like my father did," said Ruler Mohammed.
When he thought about how the young Ruler had played in the palace garden, he smiled in a loving, fatherly way. God! He is so proud of him that he now rules the Kingdom now and works hard to make it better.
Ruler Mohammed broke the silence with a soft smile on his handsome brown face: "What suggestions do you have, Abu Yasser?"
"I think rewriting the real history is the best way to protect our gains and our history," Sheikh Abu Yasser said, bowing. "In my opinion, Sheikh Ali Al-Tayeb seems to be the best historian in the whole kingdom to do this job."
"Do you mean Sheikh Ali, who wrote about our history in the Great War?" asked the Commander-in-Chief of Internal Security.
Sheikh Abu Yasser nodded approvingly before Ruler Mohammed said, "So be it. Sheikh Ali should be called up to the palace the day after tomorrow morning to be officially assigned this mission so that I can have the entire project delivered before the next National Day."
"Would my friend Sheikh Ali take on a job of this size with only seven months to finish it?" thought Sheikh Abu Yasser.
3
With a sweet, round face and dark brown hair that reached her mid-back, Hob got off the train. A station porter helped her unload her bags after she gave him some money. Just before the sun went down, she took a deep breath, put her hands on her waist, and breathed deeply. Then she let out a strong breath and said, "Here I am, Aroub. I am finally back with you. I didn't think I'd miss you this much."
The porter interrupted her rejoicing moments as he put her bags on the floor and asked, "Will someone pick you up, Miss?"
In response, Hob said, "No, I made my return a surprise for my dear father and Widad."
The porter looked confused as she walked, so she told him, "Come with me, my friend, I'll get a carriage from here."
The porter said, "I'll stop a carriage for you then, Miss." He waved his hand, and a few moments later, a carriage stopped, and the porter started putting her bags on it. Then, with a beautiful smile, she gave him some tips and thanked him “Have a nice day now” Hob said, while the porter, happy with her generosity, replied “Have a pleasant day, Miss”.
After telling the driver where her house was, Hob got into the carriage and quietly watched the city. She thought to herself, "Aroub has changed a lot indeed."
There were shops on both sides of the street, and musicians played some of the most beautiful music she had ever heard. She also saw a lot of women moving around freely, which made her think, "It looks like the news about women's rights getting better is true."
When the carriage stopped, the driver opened the door and told Hob, "We're here, Miss."
She thanked him for helping her, and he started taking the bags off. Hob was looking at her house with a nostalgic feeling until she heard two young women, passing by, arguing.
One of the girls said, "He's very handsome. I wish I could see him up close."
"You must be dreaming because he's a Ruler. You can only see him in your dreams," the other girl said as she and her friend walked away laughing.
Hob thought to herself as the carriage moved away, "And it looks like the news that Ruler Mohammed is very popular are also true." Hob then knocked on the door, patiently waiting.
Widad opened the door angrily and said, "Oh, you naughty kids, if you don't stop knocking on the door, I'll teach you a lesson." She was surprised to see Hob, so she grabbed her tightly and said, "Oh my God, my beloved daughter Hob is back! Sheikh Ali. Sheikh Ali. Hob has returned."
Hob and Widad came into the house, and Hob struggled to carry her bags while her father came out of her room, overwhelmed with joy and said, “My beloved daughter, you’re back!”.
4
The next morning, Hob quietly wandered around her house, which she had been away from for three years while studying contemporary history in a neighboring country. Meanwhile, her nanny, Widad, had made tea with milk for her, and her seventy years old father's heart was filled with indescribable joy when she returned yesterday. Hob had been worried about him while she was studying abroad, but she had confidence in Widad because she was always with him. Widad had been caring for her and her father since her mother died unexpectedly when Hob was a child.
Throughout her studies abroad, Hob heard conflicting news about her country, whether from her foreign classmates or her compatriots. She was not interested in politics, but as any expat would, she liked to hear what others had to say about her country. Also, she enjoyed listening to political analyses of influential and simple people alike to get a better understanding of and dive deeper into the complex corridors of politics. Why not? As this is an essential part of her work as a historian. She learned from her studies that she has to collect testimonies from the people who witnessed the historical period she is studying while maintaining objectivity and impartiality in communicating her final conclusions. And more than once, she had to remain silent in front of those who criticized her country and its Ruler, Mohammed, to preserve her objectivity in transmission and investigation.
It was rumored that the Ruler of Aroub, Mohammed, was a tyrant who imposed additional taxes on the people, which exhausted them. She believes that some of these rumors are true, while others are simply prejudice against the young Ruler's vision. This is because he stated his desire to compete with the major countries around the world in a short period of time. She recalls how much this vision was underestimated when it was launched, but the young Ruler acted as if he didn't hear anyone and set out with determination to achieve it despite all the skepticism. After a few years, the Ruler's vision started to become a reality. When she returned home after finishing her studies abroad, she saw such indications but still, she will not fully believe it until….
"Are you done with this, girl, or are you still stuck in your daydreaming?" Widad said, while pointing to the cup that Hob was holding.
"Don't worry," Hob said in annoyance. "I'll take it to the kitchen myself."
"It would have been better if you had brought back a rich husband from the neighboring country than a worthless piece of paper," Widad grumbled as she rearranged the sofa and its cushions in the living room.
Hob moved her head irritably as she said, in objection "Life is not about finding a rich husband for a girl to feel complete, Widad. Rich men are such spoiled children who only want to mess with girls' hearts and..."
"Then one of them broke your heart, huh?" Widad interrupted, straightening up and resting her hand on her waist while sluggishly chewing a piece of gum.
"I didn't let any of the stupid boys from the neighboring country trick me again," Hob said angrily.
"Again! This means that someone else has done it before, but when I wonder?" This time, Widad said it sarcastically while she was busy with her work. She pretended to be shocked to make fun of Hob.
Hob waved her hands even more irritably as she said, "Widad, what are you on about? Stop wasting your time with meaningless words and instead ask me how I managed to succeed in my studies so that I could come to you with a degree of excellence and honor for my achievements."
"Hob, my dear," her father said.
"Yes, father," Hob happily replied, interrupting her persuasion of Widad, who left without paying much attention to her words.
"My daughter, I'm happy to see your sweet face again at the beginning of my morning," said her father.
"Me too, father, but now that I'm back, I'm more experienced with history and the methods of writing it, so I can make a better contribution to writing our contemporary history as a woman from Aroub."
"Things have changed a lot since you left, my daughter, and women are much better off than they used to be." Her father said.
"I won't believe anything until I try it for myself, as I want to apply for a high-level post at the National History Center, where most of the jobs have been held by rich people since it opened. And I'd like to be the first woman, from the commoners, to lead it one day," Hob said.
"Who knows, my daughter? Anything is now possible with the Ruler's new vision. Even what used to seem impossible is now common and normal." Shaikh Ali said.
Hob noticed her father was holding an open envelope and a letter, which prompted her to ask in concern, "Is everything alright, father?"
With a reassuring smile, Shaikh Ali said, "Don't be worried, my darling. It's just a message from the Ruler, Mohammed; he wants to see me."
"And what does the Ruler want from you?" Hob asked, with real annoyance this time, which her father couldn't soothe.
“Details aren't clear yet, but it's about the history of the Kingdom. I'll find out more when I go to see the Ruler. Also, Abu Yasser from the Royal Court is coming to visit me this afternoon; I'll ask him as well.
"I hope everything will be fine." Hob murmured; her heart was racing, and she was worried about her father's meeting with the cruel Ruler, about whom she had heard stories from both inside and outside the Kingdom.
She doesn't believe him nor his vision, and she only sees it as a way to throw ashes in people's eyes. To her, he's just an arrogant man who lives in a world that doesn't recognize how hard it is for the poor to pay unfair taxes. She despises casteism and sexism in her society, and Ruler Mohammed, who claims to oppose both, would never deceive her. Anway, she'll wait for her father's meeting with his friend to find out more about what the Ruler has planned.
5
As Ruler Mohammed reviewed some files on his desk all afternoon, Kareem, his personal assistant, stood next to him, reminding him: "Your Majesty, it's been hours since lunch time. Can I bring it now?"
While still reviewing one of the files, the Ruler raised his head exhausted, saying, "I need to rest my eyes for a moment. Kareem, what's left for today?"
"You got a message from the Crown Kingdom Ruler, and you also have an inspection visit to inaugurate the new silos project in the North," said Kareem.
"Well, give me the message from the Crown Kingdom Ruler." Said Ruler Mohammed as he moved his head left and right, trying to move the blood and spread some activity throughout his body.
"Your Highness, here it is," Kareem said as he extended his hand with the letter along with a small ornate knife to open the Royal seal on the envelope; then the Ruler read the letter quickly before wrapping it up and closing it.
"Apparently the Crown Kingdom Ruler wants to fortify ties between us," Ruler Mohammed said.
"That's great news, but we already have very strong ties with him." Said Kareem
"I think he's after more than that. He wants me to marry his daughter," explained the Ruler, putting the letter aside and rubbing his forehead with his right hand while saying, in an apparent state of exhaustion, "I'll discuss it with my Advisors tomorrow to see how useful this offer is to our country."
"Ok. But, Your Majesty, for the time being, may I bring lunch so you can eat something before you go to the opening?" Kareem inquired.
Ruler Mohammed replied indifferently, "Okay." He then stretched his back tiredly in his chair and turned to the large window behind him to watch the palace garden in silence while Kareem stepped out to bring lunch.
His thoughts were racing as he said to himself: "Marriage then! Well, if it makes Aroub stronger, that's fine with me."
Kareem returned with a servant with food; he placed it next to the Ruler Mohammed's sofa in the Northern corner of the luxurious office so that the Ruler could sit down and eat hastily before setting off.
6
"So, what I've heard is true? I didn't think things were that bad, Abu Yasser. I know Ruler Mohammed has been subjected to harsh rumors and criticism, but I didn't think the situation was so serious," said Hob's father, Sheikh Ali.
His best friend, Abu Yasser, agreed with him. "In fact, the situation is very dangerous," he said, nodding his head. "People would not have believed these rumors if they had known how much danger was surrounding them and how mercilessly the enemy was about to pounce on them. However, I can't blame them because they don't have access to all of the information that the Ruler and those around him do. They only base their decisions on what they know."
"Then I should go tomorrow, no matter what. I will never be late to serve my country.” Sheikh Ali stated.
"I formally introduced you to Ruler Mohammed, and after knowing who you are, he immediately assigned you this task. What better person to do so than Sheikh Ali Al-Tayeb, the National historian who witnessed the Great War and documented its events for our children to learn about our country's history? No one has any doubts about your bravery and patriotism, which are unquestionable throughout the Kingdom." Abu Yasser stated.
Sheikh Ali smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment, my dear friend, but I don't think the generation who studies this history now agrees with you. I've heard many people say more than once that my book about the history of the Great War is too long and boring. I know this myself as I walked to work and shopped at the market."
"Definitely not. Sheikh Ali, please do not say that. One of the main reasons Ruler Mohammed agreed to entrust you with the task of documenting the Kingdom's history from the end of the Great War to the present is that our children are unaware of the challenges we faced and the number of enemies we fought to achieve the level of stability and prosperity that we enjoy today. In other words, they currently admire and respect our enemies who have fought us in the past and continue to do so today but in disguise," said Abu Yasser.
"But since I'm too old to do this myself, I'll get someone to help me." Sheikh Ali said.
"I'll get you whatever help you need," said Abu Yasser.
"I believe you did not understand me well, Abu Yasser. I'll bring my daughter Hob with me to help me because she knows a lot about how to document history. Her intelligence and skill, as well as the fact that she knows what I want, will help me a lot," said Sheikh Ali.
"Oh, dear friend, I don't think you want to bring a woman with you to the Royal Court! This has never been done before, and it will cause a lot of trouble as well as..." Abu Yasser said.
"This is all I need. Aside from that, I won't do this job. Abu Yasser, I'm old, and I don't have the energy to do this kind of work by myself," Sheikh Ali explained.
"For some reason, I'm really excited about this," Abu Yasser said, laughing enjoyably as he sipped his coffee. "Bringing your daughter to the Court and introducing her as your assistant will be a sight to behold."
"Would that be smart, or could I hurt my beloved Hob?" Sheikh Ali muttered those words, bowing his head and fiddling with his white beard with his hand, as he always does when he thinks.
7
"Idon't want to see him," Hob grumbled. "He doesn't care about other people and is known for being mean and domineering."
Her father on the other hand, was calmly watering their garden plants, as he usually does whenever he is lost in thought, especially late at night. "Stop it, Hob," he said without looking at her. "This is all nonsense, my dear. All of these rumors confirm my belief that what is being said about Ruler Mohammed is nonsense spread by our enemies with no intention of benefiting our country."
"No, father, you shouldn't work with this criminal!" exclaimed Hob.
"Enough, Hob! There may be many things wrong with the Ruler, but "criminal" is surely not one of them. If he had been like you say, our people would not have loved him as much, "he said.
"Didn't he make people pay more taxes? He is a bad person, and I don't want to see him "Hob annoyedly added.
"My daughter Hob, your words are nothing more than echoing the propaganda that our enemies constantly promote about our Ruler in order to get rid of him because he is a stumbling block in their expansion plans," her father stated calmly. "Accepting these baseless accusations as a result of your long stay in their country and constantly hearing them will only cloud your judgment if you believe it. No matter what you heard there, the homeland will always be the mother, the family, and the dear child. It will also always be the cradle where we all feel safe."
She replied nervously, “But father...”
He interrupted her in irritability. ‘Listen to me carefully, my daughter. As a good citizen of this blessed Land, I will undertake this project at all costs. Our young Ruler is fighting virtually alone on an immoral, fierce battlefield that continues with ferocity and brutality, and its aim is targeting him personally, while being maliciously plotted by our various enemies who are united by hatred for our country and greed for its resources. Despite all of that, he is still pursuing his vision for our country and is working night and day to see it attain its natural place among the Nations of the world. As a historian, it is my duty to preserve my country's true history to prevent those who want to fragment our country and make us slaves to their hateful whims. Politics is not my forte, but as a true citizen of this country, I know my duty once I see it. As a historian, it is my duty to ensure that our children are aware of the battles we fought which our enemies constantly attempt to erase from their minds so that they can be easily led as sheep to the slaughterhouse when the time comes. Even though I can't work as I used to, I will not stand idly by when my country needs me. Hob, you are the eyes through which I see the world, and the hands with which I write now. Do not let me down, my daughter, for I have taught you all these years for this moment."
While trying to control himself, Sheikh Ali took a deep breath and returned to his small bushes to continue watering them. Her father's words caused Hob to stand like a statue in a state of silence.
Despite Ruler Mohammed's recent decision to support women, some continue to see women as having no place other than in the kitchen and serving their children. She knows that if that what a woman chooses to do, then it’s up to her but, in her opinion, now is a better time than ever for women to improve their conditions. Having a female historian in the Royal Court and the ability to write contemporary history will undoubtedly help other women in her country to do better and even more significant things. She should help her father for as long as he wants her to. Furthermore, she should do so to break the circle of the rich people who hold all the important jobs in the country. And since she's the daughter of a great historian, she'll prove that anyone, especially a woman from the commoners, can have value and meaning in this world. Also, she will do the right thing based on her vision and terms. Even though she doesn't like him, she won't care how hateful Ruler Mohammed is nor how popular he seems to be with the people, unlike how she feels about him. This is because her job is to protect her country and help its women and young people break through the glass ceiling that controls everyone's life in the Kingdom. But because of her choice, she will then have to deal with the Ruler. She has heard that he is attractive, and she might even fall in love with him.
Her father asked worriedly, "Hob, my daughter, why are you so quiet? Have you decided, or are you still thinking about what I have said?"
While Hob remained silent, her thoughts clashed violently as she tried to help her beloved father but was afraid of being hurt again. She stood in silence, even though the tension and struggle between the two options was evident in her heart, causing her father to turn to her and say, after he had calmed down a bit: "I will leave you this night to think about it. Let me know what you decide tomorrow."
Hob nodded silently in approval. Her father put his hand on her shoulder, after lowering the water jug to the floor, and said, "Good night, my daughter." as he walked to his room.
Hob watched her father leave the yard to go to bed. She then turned around and grabbed the water jug her father had set aside to continue watering the bushes, whose green leaves were reflected in wonderful harmony with the light of the lamps scattered about the yard of her house as she pondered, "What should I do?"
8
Hob was thinking deeply about what she should do as she tried to fall asleep. Will she accept her father's offer to work on the history project and have to meet Ruler Mohammed whom she hates, or will she stick to her original plan to join the National History Center and fulfill her dream?
"What should I do?" She thought, then hopped out of bed, looking around in boredom before grabbing her robe and covering her shoulders with it as she went to the yard, sat on the chair, leaning on the table in the middle of it.
Her gaze was drawn to the lamps distributed in harmony in her yard, which calmed her nerves as she watched their reflection on the fountain to her right. She muttered to herself, as she always did:
"I don't want to deal with another spoiled rich boy." She gave a tired shake of her head, put it down on her clasped hands, and lifted it back up while whispering, "I can't take any more pain in my heart. I don't want to go through more pain."
In response, she sat straight on the chair, pulled her robe over her neck, and looked up at the stars while saying, "Mother, if you were me, what would you do? You fought against all odds to build a loving family, and I want to do the same, but...?"
As she closed her eyes and remembered his handsome face in front of her, smiling as he always did, she whispered to herself, "May all the spoiled rich boys go to hell." She took a deep breath as she closed her eyes again in pain. She reopened them, mumbling, "I can handle the situation, just as I did in the neighboring country, where I refused to let anyone approach me or mess with me in any way. Whatever happens, I will continue to pursue my dreams." Then, she took a deep breath and went to her room to get some rest before tomorrow, which she expected to be a busy day.
9
Early in the morning, Hob was walking through the market, thinking about her father. Despite her reluctance to work with this cruel Ruler, she must help her father and make the most of this opportunity to change the current situation in her country for the better.
In an instant, a man in a mask bumped into her and she dropped the basket she had just bought of fresh apples.
"Oh, my goodness!" Hob exclaimed in disapproval. "Don't you see what's in front of you?"
As he picked up the fallen apples and placed them back in the basket, the man said politely, "I'm sorry; it was my fault. If you wish, I can pay you for the apples."
"Is it okay for you to make a mistake and then insult me by offering me money as if I needed it?" Hob scolded, "I think that this money, which you are so proud of, is just the money you stole today."
"What are you talking about, you fool? Why would I steal?" the masked man said.
"So why do you cover your face like that? You look suspicious, and the way that you run into me shows that you are trying to get away from something or someone. Tell me, is he the one who owns the money you stole?" Hob frowned disapprovingly.
"What a foolish and rude person you are!" he exclaimed, “What the hell are you thinking?"
Hob said while she was about to scream: "How dare you? You thief, I'll yell for help at the top of my lungs to catch you," which made the man cover her mouth with his hand and drag her away to the back of the vegetable seller's stall next to them while saying to her:
"What's wrong with you, woman?" He whispered, "Are you crazy? Why do you want to scream?"
"It's because you're a criminal, a thief, and you're about to get away. The poor guy whose money you stole must be going crazy now trying to find it while you are offering it to me so easily." Hob replied.
"Was all this because I dropped the apples out of your basket? What madness!" He said.
Then, all of a sudden, a snake appeared in front of them and moved toward the vegetable seller's stall. The vegetable seller bravely picked it up, cut off its head with a knife, and then threw it away.
Hob stared at the scene, then turned her gaze to the young man in the mask, frozen in place, and asked, "You don't look good. Are you okay?"
"Yes... yes, I'm fine," said the masked man, who quickly calmed down.
Hob replied in clear disbelief, "No, you're not."
"Woman, you have such a crazy imagination, and..." said the masked man.
"Don't call me a woman like that again, or I swear you will pay for it." Hob interrupted.
"And how am I going to pay for it, tell me?" the man asked sarcastically before crossing his hands over his chest, which made Hob fill her lungs with air before screaming, but the man quickly grabbed her and put his hand on her mouth again, while revealing his face with his other hand, saying, "Do I look like a thief to you, you fool? Why would I steal if I'm one of the richest people in Aroub?"
"If you're so rich, why do you wear such a plain dress and a mask?" Hob said, crossing her hands over her chest in disbelief as the man spoke and she looked at him suspiciously while he answered her:
"You have nothing to do with why I do what I do. Now, you take your apples and I'll go my way, okay?"
"No, I will scream and..." Hob said.
At this point, the young man surprised Hob by holding her arms in his fists, giving her a long kiss, before letting go of her. He then smiled and said, "This will keep you quiet for a while, until I go away."
The young man quickly put the mask back on his face and ran away. Hob was stunned and shook her head in disbelief as she touched her lips with her right hand and thought, "He...that jerk kissed me and left like this!"
Hob set off to search the market for him, but he was nowhere to be found, while the people around her were busy with their work.
"Oh, you damned thief! When I see you again, I'll kill you," Hob raged, squeezing her fists together.
10
While she was busy setting the table, Widad said coldly: "How can someone take a walk outside before eating breakfast and even bring apples? You're - strange, my daughter."
"Stop it, Widad," Sheikh Ali said without looking up, and Hob sat as she placed the basket of apples on the table, unaffected by Widad’s remark that she got used to, and told Widad:
"You won't consider any behavior as normal in this world unless it has something to do with marriage and raising kids."
When Widad was done setting the table, she said, as she was taking a seat to the left of Sheikh Ali, "Why not? Wasn't this what women were made to do?"
Hob didn't agree with her, so she said, "Women were made just like men to do great things in this life and leave a legacy that future generations will carry on."
"Having a healthy child whose father is wealthy is the only way to keep your name alive," Widad told Hob. She then cut a loaf of bread in half and gave half to Sheikh Ali and the other one to Hob.
"Widad, when are you going to realize that there is more to life for a woman than having kids?" Hob grumbled impatiently.
"Women were made for marriage and raising children, just like men were made for hard work," said Widad.
"What a terrible way to live!" Hob said, disagreeing with Widad.
"You say that while wasting a golden chance to live a more luxurious life as a pretty young woman with so many options instead of wearing yourself out with useless studies and work," Widad said.
Hob was about to continue her argument with Widad when Sheikh Ali intervened, asking, "Would you mind eating your breakfast quietly you two?" he asked, exchanging glances with both of them, So Hob was a little embarrassed by her father’s loving reprimand, while Widad raised her eyebrows submissively. Sheikh Ali turned to face his daughter and said, "Have you made up your mind in regard to the history project?"
Looking into her father's eyes, Hob took a deep breath and said, "I have decided, my father, that even though I don't believe in this Ruler or his vision because I don't see the truth in what he does, I will be with you on this mission no matter what, and I won't leave it until I've done it in a way that will satisfy you and me as a historian." Hob held her back straight, raised her head, and clenched her fists on the table, which made her father smile and say:
"This is Hob, whom I know well. You've always been a stubborn young woman with a vibrant, burning soul. Thank you very much, my dear daughter. Now prepare yourself, because we'll be seeing Ruler Mohammed soon, which by the way, I think what you said about him was unfair."
"No, it wasn't, but as you wish, my father, as you wish," Hob replied, returning to eat her food with a distracted mind, while her father ate relaxedly, repeating:
"It's odd that you have a biased opinion of the Ruler even though you don't really know him."
Widad ate slowly and quietly, observing, as she waited to hear what Hob would say. Then Hob replied in a clearly forged calmness, "Who said I was biased?" You know me better than anybody and you surely know how professional and objective I am in dealing with history projects I have previously worked on."
"That is exactly what has made me wonder so much about how you’re dealing with this project in an emotional manner," her father said. "You were always a smart, right-thinking young woman in all your past history projects, but now you keep saying things that show you hate Ruler Mohammed, and I don't know why."
"Yes, Hob, why is that?" Widad said maliciously, moving her brows in a meaningful sign.
"Because he's really annoying, that's all," said Hob with a coolness that was clearly forged.
"Really?" asked Widad with doubt.
"Yes, Widad," Hob said.
As Hob spoke sternly, she swallowed, lowered her eyes, and fixed her gaze on the breakfast. Sheikh Ali was perplexed while Widad exchanged seemingly innocent glances with him. For Hob, she was silently wondering, "How will this Ruler be in person?"
11
"Sheikh Ali Al-Tayeb and Miss Hob," the bailiff announced as the two guests walked in. They were allowed to go into the Ruler's private office, which looked classy but not showy as the clock was getting close to noon.
Most of the furniture in the office room was made of wood and came in different colors. This gave the room a sense of being practical and lacking a feminine touch. At least, that's what Hob thought as she looked around the room with her father, who came in and was greeted with a smile by Abu Yasser. Ruler Mohammed then spoke to her father and said, "Welcome, Sheikh Ali. It's great to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about how patriotic you were when you helped our army and wrote about our battles with the enemy in the Great War."
“It's an honor for me to meet you and talk with you, Your Highness. We are proud of you your Highness, as what you do against all the campaigns aimed at you deserves respect and appreciation for you and your admirable personality.” Sheikh Ali said sincerely with admiration that showed clearly in his eyes, which made Ruler Mohammed stand up and approach Sheikh Ali to shake his hand warmly. He then noticed the presence of Hob, whose forehead was wrinkled in clear disapproval of the Ruler. She had a strange feeling that the Ruler's features and tone of voice were somewhat familiar, but she did not dwell on that point for long. Ruler Mohammed then said sarcastically, "Who is this, our Sheikh? It seems to me that she doesn't agree with you."
Sheikh Ali smiled nervously and said, "Your Majesty, let me introduce my daughter, Hob." Hob was standing beside her father and looked very unhappy with everything around her.
Sheikh Ali gave his daughter a look, urging her to show some respect while greeting the Ruler, but she didn't care and said coolly, "I'm Hob, and I'm Sheikh Ali's daughter. I'm glad to finally meet you." She said this with a fake smile, making Ruler Mohammed laugh out loud as he returned to his seat and signaled for Sheikh Ali and her to sit down.
Then he said, "I only see a smile that isn't friendly at all. I don't think you agree with your father's opinion of me." As he said this, he fixed his hazel eyes on her light brown eyes.
Hob was about to answer, but her father cut her off and said, "No, Your Majesty. She's just a little unwell this morning, but she wanted to come and meet you. Besides this, I asked her to come with me."
“I'm sorry, but I'm a bit confused”, Advisor Ibrahim said, with a hint of frustration. Then he turned to Hob before asking her father in wonderment, "Could you please explain why you asked her to come along with you, if our Ruler allowed me to ask?"
Hob's father stepped in, trying to clear up any confusion, and assertively said. "I asked her to come along with me because she will be assisting me with the task that I was summoned for by the Ruler. This was clearly stated in the official appointment letter that I received earlier."
"Unbelievable! This is such an unheard of!" exclaimed Advisor Ibrahim with clear concern. He then turned his attention to Hob and asked with curiosity, "May I ask how old you are, Madam?
"Miss, and I'm 33," Hob answered firmly to Minister Ibrahim's question. The Minister expressed his frustration, saying "Oh my God! You're not married at your age! Why haven't you been married before? Women should get married and have children, not be left like this. Shame on you, Sheikh Ali! You should have encouraged her to get married and accept any man who shows interest to honor your family...”
“The shame is all on you, not us.” said Hob angrily. “I will not allow you or anyone else to cross the line with me, understand?”
Here, Advisor Ibrahim raised his eyebrows strongly, almost leaving his forehead, in disapproval of the way Hob was talking to him. He said, "Your Majesty, I don't accept such insolence." Minister Ibrahim was at a loss for words due to the severity of his shock, and he was not used to being opposed by a "woman," as he always liked to say with contempt. So, he continued with even more disdain, saying, "How can a woman address me in such a way? Truly, you lack manners, and you...”
"Whoever knocks on the door will hear the answer, Minister," said Ruler Mohammed calmly before standing up again, placing his hands behind his back, and walking in front of Sheikh Ali, who did not utter a word and stood in respect for the Ruler. Ruler Mohammed took the initiative to ask, "Why didn't you intervene, Sheikh Ali? I would like to know the reason.”
Sheikh Ali, who was standing with the dignity of his seventy years, calmly responded to the Ruler, saying, "Hob is a strong and mature woman who knows how to distinguish what's right and wrong, and how to act accordingly. That's why she's capable of defending herself.”
