C1 Part 1

“It had been a while since we got together like this. Thank you for arranging this, Haleema Begum,” said Princess Unaiza, taking another bite of her food.

“My pleasure. It is good to get together like so,” Haleema Begum replied gleefully.

Zarnab took another bite of her food, glancing around the table. She sat beside her mother, Samina Begum, the King's third wife. At the other end sat the Queen Mother, and beside her sat Princess Unaiza, her daughter and the King's only living sister.

Haleema Begum, the King's second wife, had apparently held this banquet to get in the good graces of the Queen Mother in hopes that she might do something in favour of her own sons. Zarnab snickered within herself at the futile attempt. In her desperation to please the King, she had even invited two of his mistresses!

“Indeed it is. This is also a good chance to celebrate our victory in the battle up North," replied Princess Unaiza gleefully. Princess Haleema's face fell.

"Congratulations, Princess Zarnab. General Imaad did it once again," said Fardeen, one of Haleema Begum's daughters in laws. Zarnab gave a nervous smile, tipping her head gently. Samina Begum looked at her from the corner of her eye. Seeing her usually confident daughter suddenly nervous was new to her. Haleema Begum shot Fardeen a look and she instantly went back to eating.

“It wasn’t just Imaad,” the Queen Mother interrupted. Zarnab turned to face her. Of course she couldn't bear hearing the grandson of her husband's mistress being praised.

“Exactly, all our soldiers worked very hard,” said Beren, one of the Queen's mistresses.

“Do you intend to say that soldiers under other battalions do not work hard?" Samina Begum interrupted, raising a brow. “Let us give credit where it is due. Without doubt, the credit of this victory goes to General Imaad Uddin. And it will do everyone well to admit that.”

Zarnab inhaled sharply, glaring at the Queen Mother from the corner of her eyes. For years, her grandmother had poisoned her mind against her husband, but it had been some time back that she had begun realising that she did not have her best interest at heart.

“Speaking of Princess Zarnab, I have heard you are donating to lawyers helping women going through divorce,” said Maheen, another one of Haleema Begum's daughters in law.

“Is that so?” Princess Unaiza inquired curiously.

“Yes, I am,” replied Zarnab proudly, the corner of her mouth rising into a smile.

“That’s a wonderful cause, your highness. May I know what inspired it?” Said Fardeen.

“Do women not suffer enough?” Said Zarnab. “If a few pennies can help them get through the legal fees, then I would appreciate it.”

“Divorce is a curse, Milady," interrupted Beren haughtily. Ah yes, the King's whore talking about religion. "And you are helping women achieve it?"

Zarnab swallowed down another bite of her food. “I have nothing to do with such ignorant thoughts. No woman should have to live with a man who wilfully does not fulfil her rights or unfaithful to her.”

Beren raised her brows cunningly. “Perseverance is a woman’s jewel. If you put up with it for a while...”

“Dare not utter such gibberish in front of me,” Zarnab interrupted firmly, zipping Beren up quickly. “I shall help those women with everything I have. And that is the end of it. I will not discuss my charities with others.” Beren swallowed, looking down at her food humiliate.

“You seem to have a lot to say, Princess,” Farah interrupted with a snicker.

Zarnab frowned. Farah, another one of the King's whores. She had bore him two sons. Too bad neither was going to become King. And what she said next made her blood boil.

“And you sure seem to want to do a lot. I sure hope your... predicament doesn’t come in the way.”