“I’m sure a knife won’t do anything against an angry peasant.” Joonam worried.

“Don’t forget you’re a peasant yourself.”

The knife was stained with blood. It was fresh as if someone was hurt trying to collect the blade. 

“Why are you helping me? I thought I was just another one of Alibek’s servants to you.”

“I don’t want to see another servant killed by the Sultans. Please stay alive Joonam.”

Light snowfall covered the outside perimeter. The cities in the distance were lit up with fire. Faint screams could be heard. There were more soldiers in the royal garden, making sure the slaves would stay in their place. The slate tiles were cold against Joonams scarred feet. 

“It’s still the middle of the night. You should get some rest,” Afet gently stated.

She closed the door and left Joonam alone. Looking out the window, there were dead workers in the snow.  The soldiers seemed they were about to drop. The outside started to look more like home with the ice blue moon and glimmering snow in the ambiance. 

Joonam woke up, still mentally drained from what happened earlier. The dawn shined calmly on the plain cherrywood walls. The smell of rain filled the room. A different maid burst into the chamber.

“Sultan Ayaz is requesting your presence,” the new maid panicked.

“Where’s Afet?”

The maid avoided his question and repeated the message.

“Sultan Ayaz is requesting your presence.”

Before Joonam could deny her request, a heavily armed soldier appeared behind her. He was taller than Alibek and held a large automatic rifle. As Joonam tried to stand up, the militant walked to him and bashed his head with the back of the weapon. The world faded to black. 

Joonam woke up at the feet of Sultan Ayaz with a rag tied around his mouth. Afet stood next to the royal silently.

“It seems your knight in shining armor has made a mistake and is now a disgrace to the family. All because of you. Your punishment will not be light. Have you ever been to Cairo, Joonam? It’s a very fun place for slaves like you who have disobeyed the bloodline,” Ayaz grinned.

“You’re leaving tomorrow. Go say your goodbyes.”