9-08: The Next Sultan
Aviris wore an outfit she thought she would never wear again. Beautifully intricate, yet light enough for the heat. Gold bands around her arms and neck, as well as a golden circlet.
"It looks great on you, Avi." Cassidy complimented, giving Aviris a pat on the back.
It was time for her brothers to tell her why they should be the next Sultan. She has all the power to choose the outcome of her people. It scared her. What if she makes the wrong choice?
The girls stayed behind, giving Aviris the encouragement she needed. So, when the doors opened, it was time to be confident.
"Welcoming Lady Avirisajhar of the Kanhawsa, sole daughter of the Kanhawsa Clan Head, Batur Kanhawsa. On this day, she shall hear out Rajasthan and Sharan of the Kanhawsa clan and determine which if the brothers shall not only lead the Kanhawsa clan, but also become the next Sultan." An announcer spoke, drawing all eyes onto her. Eyes that feared her, hated her, wanted her dead.
She could hear the whispers, "Why are they letting a murderer choose?" "She killed my son!" "She should've stayed away." "We're doomed."
A past she couldn't change, couldn't control. She took a deep breath and tried to block out those whispers.
"Rajasthan, please make your statement of reasoning."
"Of course. Ahem... Avirisajhar, you’ve always seen things as they are. Listen closely. Our people have been shackled for too long—our traditions diluted, our lands treated as vassal fields for Montague greed. They do not see us as equals; they see us as convenient subjects. Enough is enough." He began, emphasizing each word.
"I will not stand idly by while our children grow up learning the ways of another kingdom instead of the wisdom of their ancestors. I will build a strong army, train our people, and defend our home with steel if I must." Rajasthan spoke with certainty and strength, with conviction, as if he truly believed what he was saying.
"If I am Sultan, we will reclaim our independence fully, preserve our culture, and make our people proud. Some may call it harsh… I call it survival. And if survival demands battle, I will not hesitate. We cannot wait for Montague to decide our fate; we must decide it ourselves." He ended his statement, gathering many cheers from the people. He promised independence and strength, something they've been looking for, for a long time.
"Sharan, your statement of reasoning, please."
Sharan nodded, and began his statement, and from the first word, he was much calmer than Rajasthan. "I respect my brother’s passion, but strength is not only measured in the sharpness of a blade. Our people deserve to flourish, not merely survive. Yes, Montague has power, but they also have resources, knowledge, and influence we can wisely leverage." The people already began to whisper amoung themselves, as if he were saying he would allow the kingdom to take them over.
"I do not propose surrender, nor do I propose weakness. I propose strategy. Through diplomacy, careful negotiation, and calculated alliances, we can secure independence in a way that strengthens our people without needless bloodshed. Our culture will remain intact, our sovereignty more secure than any sword can promise." Unlike Rajasthan, Sharan's words carried weight, quiet and calm.
"War may seem righteous in the moment, but history teaches us that those who spill the most blood often inherit the deepest scars. I seek a future where our people are strong, respected, and alive. That is how a true leader preserves a nation. War shall only be our last result, and when need be, we shall be ready." He ended. Sharan didn't get the same cheer that Rajasthan achieved, but the whispers were that of understanding. Keeping their culture, their strength, and their independence without having to shed blood, without having to lose their children.
"Avirisajhar, the choice is yours."
The room was dead silent, not a whisper in sight. The people wondered who she would choose.
Aviris' own thoughts racked around. Both choices lead to the same conclusion. One is certainty, and the other is possibility. However, she recalled something important. She not only knows the Queen, she also knows both princesses, and the next Queen Consort.
"Rajasthan, while you make a good reason, it's clear to me that you have never attempted conversation with the Montagues. I've met their Queen during my stay, and she is an understanding and caring individual. War is the last thing she wants." Aviris explained, clenching her fists tight as she tries to pick her next words carefully.
"Sharan, you wish for the same things, but want to go through a peaceful route. It brings uncertainty to our people, a future ruler of the Montague kingdom may take advantage of that." She took a breath, the cogs in her brain turning as she started to sweat.
"My choice, for the next Sultan, and heir to the Kanhawsa tribe is... Sharan. The current queen would be willing to abide to your requests, within reason, and her heir is just as kind and reasonable as her. As an immediate choice, Sharan would be a better fit as our people's Sultan." Aviris finished, quietly letting out a breath she never knew she held.
"Thank you, sister." Sharan thanked her, respectfully. Though, there was someone who wasn't as happy.
"Shouldn't have thought much from the whore's daughter." Rajasthan muttered.
The people were split, wondering if this was favoritism, bribery, or if she were corrupted by the Montague kingdom. Though, the others also sighed a breath of relief, a Sultan who wishes for peace through diplomacy instead of bloodshed. The first in a millennia.
And thus, her mission was over. She stayed behind in the large room, by herself, thinking. "All of that just for some words... Ha..." Aviris chuckled lightly before turning around and regrouping with her friends, finally ready to leave this civilization deficient desert.