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[Queen Sarah]

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Strolling along the docks with her son and husband, Sarah watches the two of them. Rufus is in some sort of explanation of the unloading process and Naji is listening to every word. These times are precious and need to be repeated as often as possible. Unlike so many Sultans of the past, Sarah and Rufus wanted to be hands-on parents to Najm. That was important to both of them and lacking in their own childhoods.

But could it be done? Sarah was in the process of rebuilding her Empire with the adjustments of alliances, trading partners and promoting her island. Her concern for her Empire’s future weighed heavily upon her and the worry from Yew distracted her. Rufus was totally committed to the Regency’s welfare but torn over the fact that his homeland needed him as well. Affairs of the state are upon his shoulders…..the Oracle of Love’s safe return, the justice that so many dead victims of the poisonous plant attack cry out for and now the trouble in Yew. She could sense his frustration and worry. He often did not fall asleep after a hard night of activity like he once did but rather tossed about in deep thought.

Where will Najm fall within all of this? She would not let his upbringing be overlooked by them…it can’t…such an idea was too unreasonable to fathom. The fealty ceremony last night was a step in the right direction. Lily and I had worked quickly with the arrangements for it to occur on time at the Embassy. Lily was a genius and the ballroom looked fabulous. With the ceremony over and now with the appointments of Rufus’ officers coming next week, some of the heavy burden will be shared. The meeting before the fealty ceremony was uneventful. What little bit she did attend was predictable and frustrating to watch. The ones that opposed the seeking of aid accomplished what they wanted. Now stripped of any outside help, the Regency is relying upon Isk for a solution.

Angry words had passed between her and Rufus last eve over this very issue. Isk, a vocal leader of elf-genocide is the one he is sending to secure the safety of the Oracle, who is elven. It made no sense to her and after receiving a harsh reply to let the matter drop she did. The uneasiness of her husband’s decision and the lack of confidence shown to her gave her a chill. He had barely spoke to her after the ceremony. His love making that night was not tender but liken to one dominating over the other. It was hard and quick only self seeking of pleasure. His dislike for her actions was shown in their most intimate act. He has changed and it frighten her. Few if any conversations about their duties or about Najm passed between them, his attention never lingering upon her long and easily taken from her, others surrounding him with whispers conversations, and even though he still reaches out to her, Sarah feels alone and isolated...fearful of what will happen next. Those markings upon his handsome face the ones from Alarin…Most of the time she barely notices them. But last night they were the center of her vision…Caught up in her thoughts she lets out a sigh as her body chills.

“Mamma…mamma..” Najm says pleadingly as he rubs her hand then gives it an impatient tug. Ripped from her foggy memories she looks down, a tear that had been held rolls onto her cheek. “What’s the matter? Did you see what was unloaded?” Rufus’ shadow moves over her as she feebly attempts to break from her thoughts. “Your mother isn’t feeling well Najm, I think you should take her home now. I have to attend to Regency business but I will soon follow.” Rufus instructs his son. Disappointed but obedient, the Ameer does as the Sultan, his father commands.