Esah could feel his palms sweating. He felt an urge within himself which he was struggling to ignore. Attacking his father wasn't going to change anything. Nor would doing so help his image amongst his siblings who he believed viewed him unfavourably for his desired absence from the Palace. He kept his attacks verbal in nature, continuing to question his father's horrible claims.
"What a hideous father…man even…only cares about proving a point? I came back to help and warn you of this danger. I came back because I care about all of you." Esah recomposed himself, trying his best not to completely lose his temper. "Ali and his family. Hadar and his family. Iman. Rahim. Hussein. The Triplets. You. Mum."
Ibraheem fell silent, choosing not to interrupt Esah this time. "Yes, I should thank you for being someone I can turn to, but you should be thanking me as well. Not reminding me of why I hate being here."
Not wanting to show signs of giving in to Esah's emotional plea, Ibraheem turned his back. "Is that all?"
"What? Aren't you going to answer my questions? Or stand there grinning with shame like you always do. I hope your diseased influence dies with you. And once it does, the hole in our family will heal itself."
This infuriated Ibraheem, causing him to face Esah again, but not for the right reasons. He shouted, a brokenness tearing his throat. "Leave this instant! It is better for the both of us that this conversation does not go further. Remove yourself…now!
Esah started to leave, but couldn't help saying one last thing. "I'll leave as you ask. But, just know, if…no, when he comes, you will be lucky to have me fight by my siblings' side, and protect you. You clearly don't deserve—"
"I said leave!"
As Esah reached the door, the triplets and Hussein, too immersed in the argument, forgot to move in time.
"Quickly, he's coming!" said Hamid worriedly.
"Get off me then!" another voice whispered angrily below him.
But before they could get far enough, the doors swung open, Esah appearing behind them. Upon seeing the triplets and Hussein, he was quick to change both his expression and tone. He spoke softly to them, though his red face contradicted the way he hoped to present himself.
"I'm sorry you had to hear that. You must not ever talk to your father like that. What I did…was wrong." Esah waved at the boys, suggesting that they should leave before Ibraheem found out they had been listening in.
This wasn't the end for Ibraheem, however. He needed to get more off of his chest, despite being the one to end the argument. "Why? Why is he like this? Shouldn't a child want to stay with his family?"
His wife gave him a sad look, getting up from her chair and wrapping her hands around Ibraheem's ears. "You can't expect them all to do as you say. He's just living the way he wants. You have many other choices for an heir." As she said this, Ibraheem's nose began to bleed. Not much came out, but his face grew slightly more pale as he stumbled backwards, his wife managing to catch him before he fell to the ground.
"Ibraheem! You must stop pushing yourself like this. Age is no longer on your side."
Ibraheem, trying to steady his breathing, put his right hand on his wife's cheek and gazed into her eyes, lost in her beauty. "Have I ever told you…how beautiful your eyes are?"
"Huh? Why, of course. You tell me every single day."
They both smiled, gazing into each other's eyes for a few more seconds, until they were interrupted by a loud knock on the door.
"Enter!"
A guard burst into the room, full of energy and excitement. "Sire! We have word from your second eldest, Hadar. He says they have won the war and shall be making his way back soon. He estimates they'll be back in no more than two weeks."
Ibraheem let go of his wife and moved toward the guard, hugging him as he joyfully said, "I await to give my congratulations. Conquering Ameshee is a mighty achievement. At least I can rely on one of my sons to always carry out his duties, and follow my commands."
Though Ibraheem knew Esah had likely disappeared far from the room, Ibarheem still pettily raised his voice so it could be heard from outside.
"It will be a pleasure to have a real Prince in my presence. I'm excited to hear how he was able to take the city. I wonder if he was able to conquer yet another city without any support."