The Tussle (battle for the throne)

The sea sang with waves, the gentle rhythm of the water creating a soothing melody that filled the air. Birds flew high above, their wings cutting through the clouds as they soared across the sky. Below them, fields of colorful flowers spread out as far as the eye could see, They were a riot of colors and scents, their vibrant hues bringing life and beauty to the landscape.

And in the heart of it all was the Amok empire, a stunningly beautiful place that seemed almost too perfect to be real. With its towering palaces, bustling markets, and kind-hearted people, it was a land of dreams and wonder, where anything was possible and anything could happen.

This was the Amok Empire, a place of unparalleled beauty and wonder. Here, nature reigned supreme and in its embrace, all living things found their place. It was a world of harmony and balance, where every creature had a role to play and every plant had a purpose. To visit the Amok Empire was to experience a world that was both breathtaking and humbling, a place where nature was the true ruler and all who entered its realm were made to feel small and insignificant, yet strangely alive and connected to all that was around them.

The Amok empire as beautiful as it looks now hadn't always been this peaceful. There was a time when war was all it knew, blood was all it saw, death was all it could taste, horrified screams was its music, and all it wanted was more of it.

Before all those peaceful days, war and conflict was the fabric that made the Amok empire what it was and it spread across all five kingdoms sparing no land.

From the time of king Jafar III till the end of king Jafar IV, the whole Amok empire was a galaxy of endless conflict.

Its destruction started with a small conflict between two friends; Adrian Jafar III and Amir Demetrius.

They were the best of friends but the quest for power, money, and control caused Amir to turn on his friend. This caused a war that had now spread all over the Amok empire.

Tensions began to grow, violence began to ensue, and both had repressed anger, hatred, and fear.

Amir became a cold blooded killer who only seeks out death and destruction, He became obsessed with power, will stop at nothing to be as strong and as powerful as his former friend.

It was the ultimate war.

A war that claimed lives upon lives, all for the sake of personal gain and power. the Amok empire turned into an almost bloodthirsty empire.

This battle for the throne caused the life of Jafar III but you see, he married a strong , honorable, and strong-willed woman named Beatrice and boy! Did she fight?

Even after the death of her husband, she held on to the throne with her sweat and tears.

She refused to abdicate or give in to death!

Despite all the misery and injustice she had faced, she continued on.

The eighteen year old queen who had been weak and frail became a warrior who kept the throne just by the will of her people.

Amir and his followers were shocked, the Amok queen defied all of them.

She killed anyone who stood in her way, she fought with the heart and soul of a warrior.

She destroyed all of her enemies, defeated Amir and regained control over the five kingdoms.

She was by far, the strongest, most loved, and admired leader in all of the Amok empire. She had become an inspiration to all her people, and had gained an amazing amount of respect from the Amok people.

However, the dark times had not disappeared entirely.

Nor would they for another few decades.

* * * *

I'm sure you're all too familiar with that uncomfortable sensation you get when you appear to be the lone weird person at a gathering or function.

Every glance seems to be questioning why you're the odd one out, every word seems to be condemning you, every finger points at you, and eventually you just want to respond, scream aloud, and let all the feelings out. But you stay still, act like everything is fine, and put on a strong fake smile out of fear of looking foolish.

Ariel experienced this as she sat down at her friend Mildred's wedding celebration. She wasn't unhappy with her, mind you. The opposite is true, She certainly rejoiced that her friend was getting married, but...

"Oh dear, don't be like that. It'll be your turn soon," Chitya said, bringing Ariel back to reality.

"When? When will that be?"

"Come on, the best things comes to those who wait"

"It's easy for you to say. You're engaged to be married. See how happy Mildred is. I'm here, all alone. I'm tired of waiting"

"You're not alone. You have your.. F-father"

"You can't even say it with your full chest, imagine how I feel. I don't have a father. The only family I know died when I was seven...

"You have the royal family too. The queen of Amok loves and adores you. Do you know what that means? The ruler of five entire kingdom adores you. You're quite lucky. "

"You don't get it. Don't get me wrong. I love the queen dearly. She's been like a mother to me and I'm grateful for that but I want intimacy. To love and be loved. A family of my own, husband and children. You get what I mean?"

"I do honey, I do. Let's just hope for the best, okay?"

"Maybe I'm being punished for the horrible things I've done?"

"Horrible things? You keep saying that. What horrible things?"

"Things I can't say but they were terrible."

"Whatever it is, I know there's someone out there who has done worse and is living a good life. Everyone deserves good things and you're no exception. It'll come."

"All you single ladies, it's that time you've been waiting for, throwing off the bouquet. Come out come out wherever you are" The MC announced. They trooped out excited.

"You're not going?"

"Hell no. Sick of that shit. Not like it works anyway" Ariel said relaxing on her seat.

Some minutes later, her ring began to glow red instead of its usual green. It was Chitya who called her attention to it. "Hey! Why's your ring glowing red?"

Ariel immediately went into panic mode. "This isn't good. Something is wrong with the queen."

And to confirm her suspicion, her phone rang.

"Hello.. What? How did that happen? Call the palace physician, I'll be there shortly" she said and hung up.

"You look worried. What's the problem?" Chitya asked.

"It's the queen. She collapsed"

"What! What happened?"

"I don't know. We'll find out when we get there."

The duo sent a message across to the bride and hurried out of the hall.

* * *

"It's nothing serious. She just needs rest. A lot of it" The doctor said as he pulled away from the middle-aged woman lying weakly on the bed.

"If only she'd listen. I've told her several times not to overindulge but...

"Ariel, the physician said it's not serious"

"You're waiting for it to become something serious before you listen?"

"I'll send someone over to bring some drugs for her. It'll help her recover faster" the physician said exiting the room.

"Thank you very much."

"Have you had something to eat?" she asked the queen.

"Ye...

"She hasn't, '' Aliah, who was the palace cook, said entering the room with a tray. "She refused, '' she said, avoiding the glare from the older woman.

"On what ground?"

"She'd been In a long meeting with the elders earlier on, so I'm guessing community issues." she finally looked at the woman. "I'm sorry your majesty but I told you I wouldn't lie" she bowed and left the room.

"Sit up, you have to eat"

She was angry but she still handled the Queen with care. She gently helped her sit up, supporting her sides with the pillows.

"Ariel...

She didn't respond to her. She placed the tray on the queen's laps gently.

"Ariel, I'm sorry "

She still didn't respond.

"It was an emergency "

"An emergency that couldn't let you even eat breakfast, even if it was just bread. What if it was something bad.

"It isn't. The physician said so"

"l don't blame you. I blame those children of yours. Leaving an old woman who should be resting to handle the rigorous duty of running a kingdom"

There was a brief silence.

"I didn't mean to sound that way, my queen. I just..

"They had to leave. It was dangerous for them to stay"

"Was... It's over now. They should be here. Look at you"

"Don't be mad at me. Fine, I'll call them"

"You said that two years ago"

"I mean it this time."

"I'll believe you when I see them. Eat up"

"I'm not eating if you don't stop being mad at me"

Ariel pressed her lips together to force back the smile. How can a woman this age still behave like a child.

"I'm not mad. Eat up"

"Smile"

"Your majesty"

"Just smile. It's not hard. Like this"

She tilted her head to the left and opened her teeth. Ariel let the laugh out.

"That's better. I'll eat now"

"Seriously." she rolled her eyes.

"How was the wedding?"

"It was great"

She saw the longing in her eyes and decided to change the topic.

"How's work?"

"So far so good."

"I hope you're not having a tough time. If you are tell me so I...

"I am not having a tough time. It's great there." she Said smiling.

"If you say so. About the car....

"Are we still on that?"

"I still don't get why you won't accept it," she said, dropping her spoon.

"My queen, you have done so much for me already. As if raising me wasn't enough hassle, you sent me to school, gave me a house. I can't accept anymore"

"I promised your mother before she died I'd take care of you. I owe her that much"

"And you've been doing that. I thank you but I can take it from here"

"I won't argue with you but if you need anything, anything at all. Just give me a call"

"Yes ma'am. Now quietly eat up and rest. I'll be sleeping over so we have enough time to chat"

* * * *

In a dark room barely lit by the moon, a man sat facing an illuminated orb on a table.

The orb gave off a faint glow, casting shadows in the corners of the room.

The man's hair was long and nearly the same color as his robes, and it fell down his back and over his shoulders.

The man rested his head in his hands, only lifting it as he spoke.

"Enjoy this peace while it lasts queen Beatrice , because I intend to take it from you."

The man looked up and narrowed his eyes at orb. "I will take my place as the ruler of Amok. I will take you down along with anyone who opposes me. I will take over the throne and rule the world."

The orb darkened along with the man's eyes.

Gregory observed the four-year-old as he sat down behind him. His eyes were full of love, compassion, and just a little fear.

His son's birth was and still is the subject of a humorous tale. He was donating his sperm for research one minute, and the next, a pregnant mother arrived at his door. Not just any woman at that. He had found out later on that she was a witch. Which meant, the child would have some traces of her powers if not all of it. He was ready to be father yet talk more of having to father a child with supernatural powers.

At first, he was upset because he didn't want a child born out of wedlock. But the scientists apologized and told him it was to be a secret.

The woman passed away during giving birth. Initially, he had refused to take the infant into custody, but after seeing the tiny him, he changed his mind.

He tried very hard not to worry, but he couldn't help it. He doubted whether he had properly reared his son. He changed from being a child to an adult in a child's body in the space of a few moments. He might be a really intelligent person. Too intelligent for his age.

Aside that, there were times when he'd show part of his other side. He could tell when you were lying, at least a little bit. He could even make the illusion of another person. His eyes changed colors based on how he was feeling . The blue became green when he was angry, red when he was afraid, and so on.

With the amount of things his son was doing, Gregory sometimes doubted if he be able to protect him from the world. Their world.

Tyler's eyes were fixed on the bird as it flew through the glass while he sat there motionless. With the same gaze of love and awe, he observes as children do. His gaze is fixed on the bird, and the sound of its beating wings soothes him in the same way as the gentle lapping of the sea does.

"Dad, you're staring. It's not good to stare"

See what he meant?

He sighed heavily before speaking.

"Ty, your teacher told me you made your classmate cry again"

"He wanted to be friends and I said no"

"Is that all?"

"Y-yes"

"Don't lie to me"

"He's too dumb daddy"

"You told him that?"

"You said to always say the truth"

"I didn't...

He rest his head on the steering wheel. What has he raised. A four year old calling a four year old dumb.

Was the fault from him or the experiment?

"But you're a four year old "

"With a higher IQ dad so you don't expect me to think like regular four year olds"

Higher IQ. Right! It's definitely the experiment.

He should stop thinking so much, and spend more time with his son. There was nothing too much thinking would do for him. He'll just take each day as it comes. So why even worry?

"But... Let's just go home. Seat belt. " he started the engine with a twist of the key. He'll just let his sister handle him.

"Shouldn't we eat first. I am very hungry."

"We'll eat when we get home"

"But I'm hungry. I want to eat now"

"It'll just be ten minutes and we'll be home"

The boy's stomach growled in response.

"Fine, we'll stop by old Matt's"

His phone rang. He didn't want to answer but seeing it was his mom...

"Hello mom. Good afternoon"

"Good afternoon dear. How are you?" came her faint response.

"Mom? You don't sound okay. Are you well?"

"I'm fine. I just....

"My queen, it's time to take your medicine " came a voice from the background.

"Medicine? Mom? What's going on? "

"It's nothing to worry about. I'll be fine in no time but...

"You need me to come back home"

"Don't you think it's time? The throne isn't mine to keep and let's face it, I'm getting old. I should be resting now"

"Isn't there someone else who can take up the throne. I'm happy with my life here......

"That'll be an insult to your father and the kingdom."

"I..

He was interrupted by a tap from Tyler. He pointed to his stomach and mouthed 'food'

"Let me call you back mom"

"Alright. How's my grandson?"

"Still troublesome" He said glaring at Tyler.

"That's a lie grandma. I'm a perfect gentleman" he screamed.

"I believe you dear" the queen echoed back. "I'll wait for your call George. Send my regards to Hilda. I'll still call her".

"Alright mom. Take care of yourself"

***

The four walled living room was pretty big, maybe the biggest room in the whole house. It's shaped like a rectangle. Let's just say it was huge. There's no clutter, everything looks streamlined and clean.

A mixture of endearingly vibrant colours, made it come to life in an instant. Cotton white walls and dark wood floors acts as a blank canvas allowing colour to be introduced by its furnishings and accessories.

Stripped back and neutral tones dominate the walls and floor surfaces. The Ultra Marin lightweight curtains which covers the full length of the window, from ceiling to floor made up one wall. The second wall held the fire place. Right above it was a beautiful painting. The mini bar made up the third wall. Right beside the fourth wall is an entrance that led to the kitchen.

In the middle were two long sofa. One facing the window while the other faced the fireplace. Between these was a small grey rug with a cocktail table.

Gregory sat, with a glass in his hand gazing deeply into the fireplace and it seemed to stare back as it burned higher.

"Face it big bro. We knew this day would eventually come." Hilda said as she caressed the sleeping boy.

"I guess it came sooner than I thought."

"Sooner? We've been away for over 25 years. No, you've been away. I never got to see home."

"Trust me you're missing nothing"

"How'd you know? You were just five when you left. I doubt you remember how home looked like."

She was right, he remembered nothing. It was all a blur now.

"I don't know about you but I really want to go home. Know my roots and all"

"How sweet" he said half laughing. "I bet you'd be craving to come back here after a week"

"I think not. How's mum? She says she's fine even if she's not"

"I spoke with the physician. He said there'll be nothing to worry about as long as she gets enough rest"

"So we're definitely going back this time. Mom needs us"

"I guess so."

"I'll turn in for the night then. We have a busy day ahead."

George stood up and relieved her of the sleeping boy. He murmured and buried his face in his neck.

"Night bro"

"Night"

Twinkles; a spot owned by the notable sorceress Kothia. It was a beautiful place and It was the favourite hang out spot for the three ladies.

They were mostly fascinated by how the place was decorated, and one could see no shortage of twinkles everywhere.

There were many statues of dragons, both living and dead, some were bigger than the ones here in their kingdom, and quite often Kothia would have an errand that involved going there.

The place was calm, and there was always some kind of excitement going on there.

it was where they would all go after their days work, when their souls were drained.

Lovers would even go there, there was a place made specifically for them. The decorations captivated them, and left them breathless with joy.

"You don't mean it. He said that?" Chitya asked still laughing.

"He did. I wonder how a man would flirt like that. If not that it was a public place, I'd have certainly made him disappear."

"Stop it. I'm laughing so hard I feel a cramp coming on" Mildred said holding her stomach. "Oh Ariel! All this humiliation just because you want a man."

"It's not funny at all."

Chitya sipped from her glass of juice "But don't be discouraged, there are still great men out there"

"And there could be a few eligible ones here." Mildred said "how about that one" she said nodding towards a guy sitting alone.

"Weeelll...

Ariel was about to say something when they noticed a girl walk to him, giving a kiss on the lips.

"... He's taken"

"How about him?" Chitya said. " Wait no, he eats like a lion. Him? The one stepping in now"

The girls quietly watched as the man in his early thirties walked in. They saw him oogle a man

"He's gay" the three of them chorused laughing hard.

"That's it. No more looking for me. I'll just accept I was meant to be single for life"

"Hell no. You'll find the one. Trust me" Mildred said. "That reminds me, how's the Queen?"

"She's better now. The reason I agreed to the sleep over"

"And you, how come you're here? You should be on your honeymoon" chitya said.

"He had to rush over to the office to tidy some really important things. He's pulling an alnighter" Mildred explained.

***

"I love you Dave. I'm real lucky to have you. I'll gladly be your wife"

Ariel sobbed and blew her nose as the movie came to an end.

"Seriously Ariel, you're crying. It just a movie" Mildred said.

"A very romantic and beautiful and emotional movie. Those two found love after all they went through"

"Pufft! I can't believe you. Get a hold of yourself you emotional witch." Chitya laughed.

"Laugh all you want. I don't care"

Chitya threw a pillow at her. "Now for the main agenda of the night" she said picking up her laptop.

"Main agenda? There's a main agenda? Why does this scare me?" Ariel asked.

"It's just a little surprise M and I put together for you"

"Now I'm really scared. What's it about?"

"I'm sure you've heard of dating sites? Wait! Do you even know about that? Do witches know these things?"

"Yes we do." Ariel rolled her eyes. "No, no, no. We're not doing that. Come on girls"

"I thought you were tired of being single." Chitya asked.

"I am but I'm not into the whole online dating fiasco. People get kidnapped and killed. Haven't you heard?"

"Those people were dumb and careless. You'll be careful, won't you? Plus you're a witch. If they try hurt you, you can just make them disappear or turn them into something weird."

"Well.....

"Come on. It'll be fun too" Mildred pressed.

"Fine. There's no point arguing with the both of you but if anything happens to me, my ghost will haunt the both of you"

"You'll be fine. M, let's create that profile for her"

They retired for the night after a tireful pillow fight.

Ariel tossed and turned on the bed. She tired to sleep but couldn't.

"Great! Sleep doesn't want me too"

She looked at the others who were sound asleep and sighed.

The room was a mess from the pillow fight they had. She climbed down slowly from the bed and picked up the pillows from the ground.

Grabbing the laptop, she went through the profile the girls had created for her. Still no request. She shook her head miserably.

"I can't believe I'm resorting to a dating site. Seriously. I'm not that bad looking, I'm not lazy; I work. What I'm I not doing right?"

She heard the ruffle of the sheets and looked back. She couldn't help but smile. She was thankful for the friends she had.

She met Chitya first. It was love at first sight. She had been looking for a place to stay and met her on the way. She asked if she knew of any vacant place. She said no but insisted on helping her find and that was the beginning of their friendship.

It was different with Mildred. In fact they had engaged in a heated argument the first time they met. She was lost in thought and had bumped Into Mildred who didn't even want to listen to her apology. They'd been enemies from then but it changed when Ariel helped her when she was attacked.

With a smile on her face, she kept the laptop and returned to bed.

***

Ariel stood In front of the mirror admiring who she saw. She was nervous as she didn't know what to expect.

They had woken up that morning to see five date requests and one happened to be today. At first she wanted to decline or reschedule but her friends convinced her and here she was.

Her phone rang. It was him.

"Hello Tristan"

"Hello! Can you come out now"

"Alright, give me a minute"

She took one last look at the mirror. Satisfied with what she saw, she headed out. It didn't take long for her to notice him. The black SUV stood out.

"You look so much better in person" he said to her.

"Thank you" she said a bit shy.

"Shall we?" he gestured towards the car.

She nodded and followed him into the car.

"My lady, I'm a bit Hungry. I hope you wouldn't mind me stopping to get a little something before we head to the cinema"

"It's no problem. I'm fine with it"

The soon located an eatery, they went in and sat down while the waiter took their order.

"So tell me about you" they said in unison.

"You go first" Ariel said after a brief laugh.

"Okay. My name is Tristan Cidar . I am a.....

*30 minutes later*

"And as if that wasn't enough, he tried intimidating me. Like what? He doesn't know who I am or what in capable of...

" Really? But...

"Don't interrupt me. I'm not done. And then...

She stopped listening. This guy has been going on and on about himself without giving her a chance to speak.

"Tristan, please excuse me. I'd like to use the rest room"

"But I'm still...

"I'll be back"

She went into the restroom. After checking and confirming she was alone, she brought out a small bottle. It had a light pink powdery substance in it. "I'm not about waiting another second with this man."

She poured some on her palm. "exafanízomai" she whispered and within seconds, she was back at her place.