CHAPTER 77: CHAPTER 77: MEETING JAHAN

Morning light spilled over Abdel-Moheem as their carriage rolled through the quiet streets. Market stalls were beginning to set up, the smell of fresh bread and spices mingling with the crisp air. Min-jae leaned against the soft cushions, eyes tracing the tidy stone houses and the cobbled roads, appreciating the rhythm of a town waking slowly.

Hanan, seated across from him, tilted her head slightly, watching him. "We should switch carriages here.." she said softly. "The next stretch to Abdel-Karina is longer. This carriage will be more comfortable for the road ahead."

Min-jae nodded, rising as the carriage slowed to a stop. Fadil stretched in his seat and smirked, "You sure you can handle the next one, Vahid? Don’t fall asleep mid-journey again."

Min-jae gave a faint smile. "I’ll manage," he replied, stepping down carefully.

The group moved with practiced ease, transferring their belongings to the waiting carriage. There was no fuss, the drivers knew their route, and the travelers knew the routine.

Hanan helped with baskets, Rashid observed quietly from his seat as he always did, and Fadil leaned casually against the side, talking half to himself and half to Min-jae about some minor detail of the town.

Hanan, sitting across from him, adjusted her veil, revealing her dark eyes as they caught the sunlight. "The road is longer than it appears.." she said, her voice calm. "But the driver knows it well. We will make Abdel-Karina by nightfall tomorrow."

Fadil stretched his legs out, grinning. "Long roads are made for talking! Stories, jokes, quarrels,anything to pass the time. Don’t just sit, Vahid, or you’ll fall asleep before the sun moves!"

Rashid sighed, though there was a faint amusement in his eyes. "Fadil, perhaps some of us prefer the road to teach us patience rather than force laughter at every mile."

Fadil snorted. "Patience? Bah! The road is made for life, not meditation. You’ll see, Vahid, every hill has a tale, every tree a secret."

Min-jae allowed himself a small smile. "Then tell me a secret, Fadil. Something the road has taught you."

Fadil leaned forward, lowering his voice theatrically. "Ah... the road tells me there’s a woman ahead who will steal your heart before the sun sets."

Min-jae blinked, startled, and glanced at Hanan, who hid a small chuckle behind her veil.

Rashid snorted. "Careful, Fadil. Maybe he’s already taken."

Fadil waved him off. "Taken or not, I bet he’d still fall for her. Some men can’t help themselves."

Min-jae’s gaze was steady, quiet but firm as he met Rashid and Fadil’s eyes. "I am married, so I’m not sure about that. I have a rather..possessive partner.." he said simply, his voice calm.

Rashid let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Well, that explains it. About time we knew. So who’s the lucky one, then?"

Hanan’s eyes flicked up from her hands, amused, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It’s always interesting, isn’t it? To hear about someone else’s marriage.." she said lightly.

Fadil leaned back, grinning, and shrugged. "Married, huh? Guess that settles any wandering hearts in the carriage."

Rashid gave a wry glance at Fadil. "Don’t get any ideas. Some of us are promised elsewhere. So I’m also not free." he said, a faint smirk crossing his face.

Min-jae inclined his head slightly. "I’d rather not discuss it in detail. Let’s just say it’s... complicated enough."

Hanan chuckled softly. "Complicated, yes, but it’s good to know you have someone waiting for you. That makes traveling less lonely, doesn’t it?"

Fadil nudged Rashid with an elbow, still teasing. "See? Even the young master here appreciates the value of loyalty."

Rashid rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. "Some things are worth protecting, even if the path there is... trying."

Min-jae stared at the window, he guessed one must be ready to fight for their love.

2 days later.

The sun had climbed high over the rolling hills, turning the stone walls of Abdel-shafi into a soft, golden glow. Min-jae’s carriage crested the final rise, and the town sprawled below them, rows of tightly packed buildings, whitewashed and sun-bleached, with narrow streets winding between them.

Laundry fluttered from windows, and the clatter of carts and the calls of merchants filled the air. The faint scent of spices and fresh bread carried from the market squares, mingling with the warm, dry air.

Beside him, Hanan adjusted her veil and leaned slightly forward. "We’ve arrived.." she said quietly, her dark eyes surveying the castle that dominated the town from its hilltop perch. "It’s always impressive to see it from this distance."

Rashid and Fadil, seated opposite her, straightened in their seats. Rashid’s hands rested on his knees, eyes narrowing with interest as he observed the castle walls. "The gates are heavily guarded.." he noted, his voice calm but tinged with amusement. "And well they should be."

Fadil let out a low whistle. "Looks like a proper fortress. You’d think only royalty lived here."

The carriage rolled down the cobblestone road leading to the main entrance, the iron-rimmed wheels clattering over uneven stones.

The town’s residents glanced up, curiosity flickering in their eyes, though none lingered for long.

The outer gates of the castle rose ahead, tall and imposing, flanked by guards in polished armor. Flags bearing the Abdel-shafi crest snapped in the light breeze.

The carriages came to a stop in the courtyard, the lead driver calling out as the horses pawed at the ground. The group disembarked one by one, stretching stiff limbs after the long ride.

Min-jae kept his composure, stepping lightly over the cobblestones, while Hanan helped herself down with grace.

Rashid offered a bow to the guards, who returned it with the same formal politeness. Fadil, more relaxed, clapped the dust off his coat and scanned the surroundings.

"This is where we part ways.." Hanan said softly, gathering her belongings. "I’ll take the western road toward the southern district. That is where my family lives."

Rashid nodded. "I have business near the central archives. We’ll meet again on the morrow, I’m sure."

Fadil grinned. "And I have some errands near the merchant quarter. Don’t wait up for me."

Min-jae inclined his head, acknowledging their departures. "Take care. We’ll see each other soon."

One by one, they moved off, guided by local escorts, until only Min-jae remained. The bustle of the castle’s outer yard seemed louder now, echoing against the walls, the scent of herbs and baked bread mingling with the faint tang of stone and sun-warmed dust.

He stepped forward toward the main gate, where guards waited to verify arrivals. Clearing his throat, he spoke with calm authority. "I am Kaizar Amagi.." he announced. "I have come to see Jahan. Please inform him that I have arrived."

The guards exchanged measured glances, then one moved to carry the message while another gestured for Min-jae to follow the paved pathway leading into the castle.

The walls rose high on either side, adorned with banners and carvings of falcons and horses, symbols of the ruling house. Servants bustled about, carrying baskets and bundles, though none lingered to watch him.

Min-jae’s gaze swept through the courtyard, noting the subtle order of life within the walls: the way the sunlight hit the stone, the faint rustle of leaves from the inner gardens, and the occasional clink of distant tools or armor.

In one of the upper galleries, Jahan leaned lazily against the railing, watching the morning drills below. He had only just returned from Aldoria a few days ago, and the ache of travel still sat faintly in his shoulders.

The ball had been a blur of shock and disbelief and yet one particular person lingered stubbornly in his thoughts.

He was half considering whether to send another letter when a servant approached, bowing lightly.

"My lord, a man by the name of Kaizar Amagi has arrived at the gates. He says he is here to see you."

Jahan blinked, startled for only a heartbeat before his expression softened into a wide, boyish smile.

"Vahid?" His voice carried a quiet laugh. "That man truly moves faster than gossip. It’s only been several days since the ball."

Still, alot happened that day, for him to be here, he was sure Kaizar wasn’t in good terms with Aldoria right now.

The servant hesitated, unsure if this was good or bad news, but Jahan’s grin only brightened.

"Well then, don’t just stand there. Welcome him as Abdel-shafi welcomes every friend of mine, wine, sweets, the best of what’s ready in the kitchens. Make sure he’s comfortable before he even steps into the hall."

"Yes, Your Highness," the servant replied with a small bow before hurrying off.

Jahan remained by the railing a moment longer, the sunlight catching on the faint chain of gold around his neck. There was amusement in his eyes, but also a fondness that softened his features.

He chuckled under his breath. "He really came all this way..."