it is going on when you don't have strength.

*********************************************************************************

Seher gave a glance at the man standing in front of her but her tears were falling. Shazain broke her heart today. She just wanted to go back and was going to Najma begum to say goodbye.

The man gazed at Seher Intently. he have been with Many beauties but this girl was something else. her every action, the way she was wiping her tears, her innocent red face reflected purity.

"Stop"

Seher turned "Tell me, beautiful maid, why are you crying?"

"I am not a maid, I am princess," she said in broken words that came out between her hiccups.

Abasi smiled at her, She looked like a little girl crying for her candy.

" Princess Seher daughter of Mountain king Fakhruddin, I know Kiddo?"

Seher did not say a word.

"Listen I am Abasi your Husbands younger brother,"

She remembered seeing him before. His curly hair, olive skin and hazel eyes which were full of life caught Seher's attention but she was in her own sorrow.

"I don't have any husband" She replied.

"Please can you stop crying, I will tell you a big secret"

"What, "Seher wiped her tears

"your brother Shujauddin is my best friend,"

"how do I know you are not lying"

"Me, Arslaan and Shuja are best friends. Your brother is just outside the borders and he sent me here to know how you are doing. Look I am your brother's friend and that means I am your friend too"

"My Ummi always said to my brothers to keep a safe distance from Abi Shuja's useless friends"

Seher did not wait for his reply and marched straight to Najma begums chamber.

I think I heard wrong she meant useful friends. The whole family is full of themselves.

Abasi knew Shazain was the reason for Seher's tears but why? He had another important place to visit so skipped the idea of following her. He came to know Najma Begum's change of heart and was assured that Seher will be safe.

*****************************************************************

Najma Begum saw Seher's red face and guessed what she dreaded the most

"Why are you crying, " She opened her arms and Seher hugged her cried more.

"I am going back to my parent's grandmother" Najma Begum knew that this would have happened sooner or later.

"Ok first calm down and listen, tell me why do you want to go back"

"He said that he loves Ariana and I don't want to sit and watch him with his love. I did not ask for this marriage. he forced me into it"

"Why did you agree to marry him you should have waited for your family to rescue you"

"I don't know why I became so scared. I will regret that moment all my life. You don't know what he did. He gave a threat of war. he also cut his hand to scare me. I couldn't even think straight. he was holding a knife throughout the Nikah"

"Seher people get scared when someone threatens to kill you not when they say that they will kill themselves."

"I was scared and confused, I never saw anyone like this, I was scared that he will die like his baba. Now I know that he manipulated me. he is a Phyco, a monster, a wolf in human skin"

Shazain was still her dear grandson"Seher I know he is not perfect but he is not a monster. He cares for you. I have seen it"

"You don't know what he did with me after marriage," She told her everything about how he forced himself on her.

"I know what he did is despicable but can you not forgive him, Look I was worse than him but you forgave me"

"You were sorry and I can't hold grudges when someone says sorry, That monster is not sorry and he admitted that he loves the other woman. I will forgive him but will not stay here. I feel disgusted by myself. He said that he only wants me to have his kids."

"Seher do you love Shazain?, don't lie to me"

"No, I don't"

"Seher you are jealous because he wants another woman, I heard how you were crying for him and took care of him. I know you truly love him"

Seher was feeling angry with herself, She fell for the wrong man" He is the first man in my life, I don't know when I fell for him. I feel like cursing myself" She again started crying.

"will you listen to me If I ask you something"

"I will do anything but I will not be your grandson's possession or trophy wife"

" My grandson is your husband Seher but I won't interfere in your marital life what you do with him is your choice but be assured I will always support you.

That greek woman is not good Seher for this kingdom and its people. You are the real queen so step up and take your position. Shazain does not love her and I am confident about it. Seher, you are raised by Nur, The woman who helped her husband to become a powerful king."

"What do you want me to do, just suffer seeing Shazain and Ariana? "

"Seher, Look at me I see myself in you. I was young like you when I married Shazain's grandfather. He was worse than Shazain, He told me that it was a mistaken identity and he never intended to marry me" Seher looked at the woman in front of her pain just reflected for a second.

So lasciviousness runs in family. Family of Jerks. Seher thought.

"I did not give up and went to my parent's house. I noticed many things were going wrong in the palace I stayed and fought for my rights. He married a few more times even though we had Shazeb. he died When Shazeb was very young I fought many internal conspiracies and helped my people "

"Why did you not like my mother?"

"That is a story for another day, "

"I am not strong like you or my mother. I don't even know how to fight and Shazain does not love me."

"You are stronger than you think, you have put up with me and Shazain's unacceptable behavior. You might not be a warrior but you are a born Queen. you know Shazain will never divorce you"

"He cants force me when he already has someone."

" Seher, Look around all the kings marry many times. Shazain loves you, maybe he is blinded now but you know very well how much he is possessive about you. I saw the way he feeds you takes care of you. His ways are wrong, Please Seher, don't give up on your marriage fight for your love."

"My baba never took another wife, he loves my mom. "

"your mother was lucky as your father was an exception. Just Stay here for four months, If things don't change then I won't stop you. Please promise me that you will stay for shazain , for poor people of this palace."

Seher was unable to say no to the pleading old woman.

"I will try Grandmother"

Najma Begum kissed her forehead. "Don't get intimidated By anyone Seher. I saw how nervous you get in front of Shazain."

"He is very old and scary, older than my eldest brother Salahuddin"

Najma Begum hid her smile.

" I will train you, First I need to correct what I did wrong. Ariana will be coming the day after tomorrow.

I need every maid in this palace to know that you are Shazain's wife and rightful queen"

Najma begum called for every guard and every maid in the palace and everyone rushed into the grand hall. Shazain was surprised by the commotion in the palace. he followed the crowd.

Najma Begum gave her crown to Seher" I called everyone in here to officially introduce My daughter in law and your next Queen in waiting Princess Seher Uzbeik"

everyone was opened their mouth wide listening to the news.

"Seher Shazain Afdali"

Shazain emerged from the crowd. His voice resonated in the grand room

He never thought his grandmother would do such a thing. He was upset with her. He could not defy his grandmother in public. This might arise suspicion that he has fallen out with his grandmother.

Ariana will be distressed if she comes to know. I promised that she will be my rightful queen. His eyes went on Seher, who was standing next to his grandmother. She was no doubt an enchantress. All women just want the title, Seher is no exception to that but she needs to know she can never compete with Ariana. If grandmother thinks backing Seher will change my decision she is wrong.

He addressed the crowd.

" Seher is my wife, she still needs to be trained to take up duties of a queen I would appreciate it if this news stay just between us for the safety of my beloved wife. I will appreciate your loyalty towards me and my family. I would not tolerate if any mentions about Seher being my wife outside these walls.".

Shazain left the place leaving fuming Najma begum.

*************"****************************************************

Ariana was already on her way to Shazain's palace. Before her departure, Christos and Helen gave a lot of instructions and advice to her.

"Ariana, do not act hastily, It is my years of planning to trap that Shazain. His kingdom is very rich and powerful. Make him dance to your tunes." Christos advised his daughter.

"Ariana, keep control of your anger in front of him, Remember he thinks that you are very innocent and naive maintain that. Once he marries you, you will have whole control of his palace." Helena added.

"Father what if his mistress is very clever?"

"He loves you Ariana not his mistress, that's why she is his mistress, not queen. Men do have to make decisions they cannot control it and mistresses and concubines are there for pleasure they will be replaced but there is only one queen that is going to be you.

"Father what if comes to know that it was not you who helped him"

"Don't ever mention that again, The person who helped him never came in front in these years and even if comes in the future Shazain won't believe it and by that time you will already be his queen."

"I have packed the best clothes for you and remember to use the sheer nightgowns to lure him" Helena whispered in Ariana's ears

everyone in the palace was happy that Ariana left but at the same time, they were unhappy for Martha and Penelope.

It was just a day before her departure Ariana flogged Old Agatha just for forgetting to pack her perfume.

**************************************************************************************

Seher ordered the maids to move all her stuff to the guest room in Najma begums Chamber. Shazain entered the room and saw the stuff being taken.

"What is going around here" He looked at Seher who just ignored him and continued with her work.

"Seher what is going on," he asked again. Seher requested the maids to vacate the place for a few minutes.

"Please can you all give us privacy, I will call you back later" She then turned to Shazain.

"I am shifting to grandmothers chamber"

"I never gave you permission" he roared

Seher was afraid but she masked her fear.

"We can't stay together in the same room Sultan"

"You are no one to decide, you are my personal property"

"I am not your possession, I am your legal wedded wife and by law, I have my rights"

"Good you remember that ad shall I remind you of your duties. You are not going anywhere"

"That's fine then you can leave, I will make arrangements for you to be shifted"

Shazain clenched his fists in anger.

"No need to be angry your love is coming and she might be upset seeing you and me together. I am making things easy for you"

"Seher, you do not have to worry about Ariana. wait are you jealous of her?"

"me Jealous of an aunty, never. I am staying here because grandmother requested me"

"forget that you can go away from me and If you even think of leaving me you will see what a monster I am. Listen carefully behave in front of Ariana, after all, you have to live along with her"

"In your dreams Shazain. I and my family don't need financial favours from you like your beloved and if I leave nothing on this earth can stop me except God"

"Grandmother is training you well, " He came closer to her and gave an intimidating look. Fear seeped in Seher's veins.

"Seher, please don't be difficult. I promised you that I will treat you well." He caressed her face and was about to kiss her when Seher stepped back.

"No," she replied

"No?"

"Shazain, don't come near me, this kind of intimacy is for people in love and you don't love me."

"How are we going to have children then?"

"You can have kids with your beloved and if she is barren choose someone else"

"You look beautiful when angry"

"and you Look ugliest when you are polite" Seher turned to walk away when shazain pulled her back.

"Seher, say nothing happens to you when I come closer"

" I feel disgusted by your touch"

"What happens when I do this " He sucked her ear lobe.

A shiver ran down her spine.

"I hate it"

"Then why are your cheeks red and why is your heart beating fast?"

Seher felt helpless, Her mind said No but what about her heart which still loved him. It was a battle between her heart and mind and her heart won. In a heat of the moment, Seher gave in to his passionate kisses.

Shazain smiled at his victory.

***********************************************************************

Abasi, Arslaan and Shuja were eating their dinner. Abasi informed him about Seher and how Najma begum has taken her under her wings.

"Shuja, Grandmother adores your sister inform your parents not to worry about her"

"How about that Shazain?" Shuja asked.

"Don't worry about him, Grandmother will handle him. she made the announcement in the palace recently introducing Seher as her daughter in law and future queen"

"Good to hear, You know very well if your brother doesn't treat her well, war is inevitable"

"Shuja is she really your sister, daughter of the warrior queen. She looks like a scared lamb"

Arsalan was quietly listening to the conversation of his freinds. He was sincere and most focused among his friends.

"Seher is very nurturing, she is different to my mother"

"You never mentioned that you have such a beautiful sister," Abasi said in the flow.

"Abasi she is my sister, your brother abducted her and got married"

"I feel pity for your cousin Murad," Arsalan said.

"What is there to feel pity about. He is a loser according to me" Abasi expressed his view.

"How can you say that Abasi, Poor fellow his would-be wife was snatched from him" Arslan was trying to understand his friend.

"I would have started a bloodbath if it was me rather than giving up on my love so easily"

"Really Abasi, You and love. It is a joke. You have a new lover every few days" Arsalan laughed.

"I don't force anyone what is my fault if girls find me attractive. What do you know about love Arsalan, You don't even look at any girl. I doubt about your sexual orientation"

"Stop It both of you. Abasi please keep an eye on my sister and Arslaan when are you leaving for Fustrat(present times Cairo). Meet my Baba he wanted to talk to you".

******************************************************************************

Seher was very upset about what happened last night. She gave in to her desires. She was drinking her medication when the maid said that Shazain has called for her to look at arrangements to welcome the guest.

This man is an a****** and I am the biggest fool, She cursed herself.

Najma Begum was her biggest support and reason for her stay. Seher and Najma begum Ignored shazain's preparations.

Seher was sitting on the terrace with Najma begum when she saw a woman with red lips and wearing an obscene dress with her cleavage on display entering along with Shazain.

"Seher, I am tired can you help me go to my chambers," she said aloud.

"Good evening grandmother, " Ariana chirped and as always Najma Begum ignored.

"Xain, Who is this beautiful young girl? is she one of your nieces?" She asked.

"Hello Aunty, Uncle will give my introduction later" Seher enjoyed the show.

Abasi who was standing afar Controlled to stop his laughter.

"You are beautiful my dear, I am pleased to meet you" Sweetness was flowing from Ariana's mouth.

Martha and Penelope were Shocked to hear Ariana talking politely.

"Aunty you are beautiful and I like your dress very much" Seher was looking at Shazain's tensed face.

"Oh, Xain I like your niece"

Seher turned to Shazain "Uncle if you can please excuse us, Grandmother is tired"

***************************************************************************************

.