Page 57 of The Moon's Daughter
“My Lord, Your Majesty,” he exclaimed, his voice strained with panic, “there is urgent news—Zephyria has…there has been an incident!”
Lord Ebrahim and Layna stood quickly.
“Gather the council immediately,” Ebrahim commanded.
In the council chamber, a heavy silence hung in the air, each member bracing for news that could change the course of Alzahra’s history.
“We have been attacked.” Lord Varin’s voice angrily resonated through the chamber. “A covert force from Zephyria infiltrated our eastern borders and committed an act of unspeakable brutality against General Idhaan, our top general at the eastern front.”
The blood drained from Layna’s face.
Lord Varin paused, allowing the council to absorb his words. “We received word this morning that Idhaan’s body was found in his tent…without his head.”
Shocked gasps echoed through the council chamber.
Lady Mirah, her face a mask of horror, interjected, “What evidence do we have of Zephyria’s involvement?”
Before Lord Varin could respond, the junior adviser, still visibly shaken, stepped forward.
“My Lady, we received a parcel from Zephyria. Addressed to Princess Layna.” He swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his composure. “Inside was General Idhaan’s head. It was accompanied by a note, declaring it a ‘wedding gift’ for the princess.”
Another collective gasp rang out as a flurry of revulsion swept over the council. Layna’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with horror. Her heart pounded wildly against her chest as she struggled to keep her tears at bay.
The grotesque message left the council in stunned silence.
Lord Varin, his face contorted with anger, slammed his fist onto the table. “This is a declaration of war! We have no choice. We cannot—wewillnot hold off any longer!”
Layna felt a cold shiver travel down her spine as the terror of Zephyria’s message embedded itself deep within her. The gruesome delivery of General Idhaan’s head, a man she respected and cared for, left her feeling nauseated.
King Khahleel’s expression was grim as he commanded, “Prepare our forces. The time for diplomacy has passed. Zephyria will answer for this heinous crime.”
“What about his family?” Layna asked quietly, turning to her father. Khahleel rested an affectionate hand on her head.
“I will see to it that they are cared for,” he promised. “His wife and daughters will want for nothing.”
The council members murmured their agreement. Lord Varin clenched his jaw tightly.
Zarian glanced at Layna with concern before settling his gaze on Lord Varin. “Were there signs of struggle in any other tent besides General Idhaan’s?”
“No,” Lord Varin said, eyes shifting from Khahleel to Zarian. “There were no other disturbances reported.”
“And this tent,” Zarian pressed, “did it have any distinctive markings? Anything indicating it belonged to the top general?”
Varin hesitated before responding. “Er, no. All our tents are identical. There was nothing to indicate its importance. Perhaps Zephyria’s assassins scouted the camp first and gathered intelligence. I’ll instruct the men to conduct nightly sweeps going forward.”
The room fell into silence as Zarian’s questions highlighted the peculiar precision of the attack.
Zarian turned to King Khahleel. “We must also fortify our defenses, especially here at the palace. If Zephyria’s operatives were bold enough to strike at a military general, they might target the royal family next.”
“As always, your advice is sound, Zarian. Ensure the palace defenses are strengthened. We cannot afford any vulnerabilities.”
Zarian nodded. “I will coordinate with the guards.”
Lord Varin’s eyes were hard as he spoke again. “We’ll plan the strike meticulously. Zephyria will learn that treachery comes with a high price.”
The king gave a solemn nod. “Proceed with caution, Lord Varin. We must act swiftly but wisely. Alzahra’s security is paramount.”
CHAPTER TWENTY