FOUR YEARS LATER.
The city streets were lively in celebration as the gates opened for guests' arrivals. The main road had been cleared for the expected company parading through, showered with welcoming cheers. Leading the parade were dancers dressed in fine gold that reflected the bright afternoon sun. They maneuvered hypnotically through the crowd, commanding attention. Chiffon flowed and bounced in the air around them, creating a spectacular display of all colors.
Following suit were the royal family's servants, each carrying a dish upon their backs filled with precious gemstones as offerings to King Arthur and his family. Drums were beaten and flags waved as they marched on. Sword jugglers danced and fire swallowers entertained the masses as they made for the palace.
A noise erupted through the city, overpowering the scene. Now passing through the gates was a large elephant blowing its trunk. On the animal's back was a large golden howdah, richly embellished with jewels, luscious gold trim, and silk curtains that were drawn shut. Light seeped through the veil, abling all to see the silhouette of those sitting comfortably within.
"Nayzaria returns once again. Can you believe they do this every year?"
"I would have thought that obnoxious beast of theirs would have died!"
"Might as well get used to it. No doubt that elephant will be staying here."
"Ever since the walls were destroyed it's all gone to dung! To think that King Arthur would marry his son to the Nayzarian—"
"Hush. There are guards about!"
"Tis' not a crime to speak ill opinion of the king or even his guests for that matter! If I don't like 'em here then who's to stop me from saying so?"
"Best we better get used to it. We all knew this day was coming. And we need them more than ever."
"We don't need them. We need their library and scientists."
The howdah's veil was pulled back and a pair of dark eyes peered around the curtain's edge. Sunlight twinkled on the gold tiara and bangles clinked against one another on the princess's wrist. She smiled modestly to all who gazed in her direction as she took a breath of fresh air and waved before bowing her head and allowing the curtain to fall back into place. She turned her attention back to the company of her father and their vizier. "King Arthur's subjects are as lively as ever," she commented with a modest grin as she snapped her fan and waved it in front of her face.
Sultan Huran, far less shy than his daughter, was eager to pull the curtain aside and be seen by the masses. Rather, he had to hold up an approachable front with the public. The truth was he loathed public appearances and speaking, but refusal to be seen with a smile was known to create tension between him and the common folk. As a sign of good favor, Huran tossed a few gold coins into the crowds. What was a fistful of gold compared to the amount in the royal treasurers vault back home?
"Yes, but rest assured that this will be the final time we need to make such a long voyage. Once all this is settled, Stone Roll's prince will be coming back with us," he said with his head turned slightly towards his daughter. His eyes remained aimed at the crowds.
"You're certain of this?" the princess's excitement rang in her voice. "King Arthur agreed to your terms, did he?"
"Unfortunately not," the vizier answered for Huran in a sharp, informative tone. "His highness is still as torn as he's always been. Sire, if I may speak freely, I feel there's been enough waiting." Jafar had grown tired. His patience wore thin after the long travel and the exhausting, humid climate since they arrived at the nation's borders. In the desert, they faced intense heat, but in the north, it was unbearably humid in comparison.
"Jafar is right. It will be the first thing I discuss with King Arthur and Prince Snow as soon as we're settled in. I refuse to lose one of my children because his son doesn't want to relocate. I have every bit of confidence that Arthur will see it be best for his son at the very least, Paribanu."
There was a moment in thought where Paribanu flapped her fan briskly, tracing along its edge with her nail. She glanced at Jafar and their eyes met. His face was plastered with annoyance. She pursed her lips for a moment and then resumed her confident smile. "We shall see," was all she could respond with.
"Yes. I suppose we shall…."
"We'll be at the castle any minute. All three of you, please remember to be on your best behavior, at least when greeting King Arthur's court."
Paribanu looked around, amused as she cackled. She, Jafar, and her father were the only people there within the howdah. "The three of us?"
Sultan Huran raised a brow but did not heed looking towards his daughter. "Yes. The three of you. Jafar, you, and your brother!"
Jafar's eyes scanned their confined surroundings, but he didn't say a word.
Again, Paribanu cackled. "Really? Father, would you care to tell that to Ali - directly? Hmm?" She mused.
He rolled his eyes at such a trivial request. "Is he asleep? Listen, my son, it's time to wake up!" He raised his voice as he pulled himself away from all the attention. "You must act presentable when we arrive at - erhm… Wh-Where is Ali?!"
"It would seem he slipped away," Paribanu said in a matter-of-fact tone, eyes gleaming with amusement. In truth, she and Jafar had both secretly witnessed the moment he departed from their mount and had refrained from saying so. Not even five minutes after arrival and they were already getting into trouble.
"Yes, I can see that! The question is where and how?!"