"Covenant of Hope
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The next morning
(knock on the door)
Sarah: Who's at the door?
Fatima: (Answering from outside) I am Fatima.
(Fatima enters, looking at Sarah with concern)
Fatima is Sara's loyal servant, who has lived with her since childhood. She was raised in the same palace that witnessed Sara's happy and sad moments. Known for her courage and loyalty, she traveled with Sara to Malta when she married Maxan. However, she had to return to Belize to take care of her sick mother before Sara could head to Granada. Throughout her years of service, Fatima was Sara's emotional support, listening to her concerns and thoughts.
Fatima: (Looking at Sarah) Madam, you look tired. Didn't you sleep last night?
Sarah: (Looking out the window, her eyes foggy) I couldn't sleep, my mind was busy.
Fatima: (Sitting next to her) What's weighing you down, ma'am? Is it the marriage they're talking about?
Sarah: (sighs) Yes. How can I agree to marry Abdullah, my late husband's nephew?
Fatima: (tenderly) I understand how you feel, but you must think about the meaning of this alliance. It ensures safety for your family.
Sarah: (smiles gently, but sadness fills her eyes) I was married to Maxan for the sake of the alliance, and now another marriage is being forced upon me for the same reason. I feel like I'm trapped.
Fatima: (encouraging her) But Abdullah has noble qualities, doesn't he?
Sarah: (Remembering) Yes, he is calm and sensible, and loves his family passionately. I remember when he tried to tame his horse, and no one succeeded, but he managed to do it.
Fatima: (Curiously) He seems strong and brave. Do you think he would be a better husband for you than Maxan?
Sarah: (Takes a deep breath) Maybe, but it's complicated. I couldn't love Maxan, he was cold-hearted.
Fatima: (asking seriously) Did you ever have a desire to love him?
Sarah: (Looking at the ground, hesitantly) I tried, but there was a gulf between us. He was like a stranger to me. I realized he could have been a successful ruler, but we just didn't get along.
Fatima: (Putting her hand on Sarah's shoulder) But now, how would you feel comfortable in another marriage? Do you think Abdullah would be better?
Sarah: (Looking out the window) That's what scares me. Will I find comfort in this marriage? I just want to be a good mother, but I'm worried.
Fatima: (tenderly) Remember, madam, that you are not alone in this. This marriage may bring security to you and your child.
Sarah: (sighs) Maybe, I can be satisfied with a marriage based on politics in order not to destroy the citizens more, and this is the fate of the sons and daughters of princes.
Fatima: (encouraging her) You may have a chance to develop good feelings with Abdullah. Maybe your heart can find a place for him.
Sarah: (Thinking deeply) I will go to my father now and tell him of my approval. I don't want to be a cause of instability.
Fatima: (smiling) Wise move, ma'am. Remember that you are strong, and your feelings are valuable.
Sarah: (smiling gently) Thank you, Fatima. I'll go now.
Fatima: (She greets Sarah) Remember, you are not just a political tool, but you have the right to choose your life.
Sarah: (smiling gently) I'll keep that in mind.
Scene: Sarah's father's room
(Sarah enters the room, looking confident in her choice)
Sarah: (Takes a deep breath) Dad, can I talk to you for a moment?
Prince Mustafa: (Looking up from his book) Of course, my daughter. What's the matter?
Sarah: (In a confident voice) I have thought a lot... about the subject of my marriage to Abdullah.
Prince Mustafa: (seriously) And you know that this marriage is important to our family.
Sarah: (looking at the ground) Yes, I understand. I've decided to agree.
Prince Mustafa: (Smiling with satisfaction) That's a wise decision, Sarah. Abdullah is a noble young man, and has a good reputation.
Prince Mustafa: (Advancing towards her) I believe you will find a way. Life requires some risks, and sometimes happiness does not come the first time.
Sarah: (Looking at her parents) I'm just afraid of being locked up again, like I was with Maxan.
Prince Mustafa: (Putting his hand on her shoulder) Don't carry the burden of the past. Every person is a new experience. Give yourself the chance to discover Abdullah.
Sarah: (smiling gently) I'll try, Dad. I want to be a good mother and find peace in my life.
Prince Mustafa: (Proudly) I am proud of you, my daughter. Follow your heart, and let me know that I am always here to support you.
Sarah: (sighs in relief) Thank you, Dad. I'll do my best.
Prince Mustafa: (smiling) Let's talk to Abdullah and set a time to meet. Everything will be fine.
(Sarah leaves the room, while her Prince Mustafa looks relieved to support her.)
Granada streets
(The city celebrates the appointment of Prince Abdullah as Crown Prince. The streets are decorated, flags are flying, and people exchange congratulations. Two men stand by a kiosk.)
First Man: (Looks around curiously) What do you think about the announcement of the new Crown Prince? Looks like the city is in full swing!
Second Man: (Smiling, but his face is a bit worried) Yes, it's a wonderful celebration, but it's really strange that the Emir chose his youngest grandson, Abdullah, instead of Tamim, the eldest grandson. Isn't that right?
First man: (Nods) That's right. It raised a lot of questions. I heard from a relative of mine who works in the Red Palace that Minister Al-Arabi Al-Nayeh was the one who convinced Prince Badis bin Habous of this decision.
Second man: (surprised, raises his eyebrows) Minister Al-Naie? Why would the prince accept someone's influence over him?
First man: (smiling seriously) It is said that Prince Badis gave the minister great powers after the death of his son Maxan. It seems that Nayeh took advantage of the opportunity to support Abdullah, since he is still young, which allows the minister to control him.
Second man: (He looks worried, looking around as if to make sure no one is listening) God help us from what is happening. If things continue this way, we might find ourselves in a dangerous situation.
First Man: (Takes a deep breath) Yes, and there seems to be something else that is surprising. Abdullah's engagement has not been much mentioned, as strange as it is. He is engaged to his late uncle's wife, Maxan. Could this be a wise decision?
Second man: (looking confused) What? Proposing to the wife of the deceased's uncle? How could this be so easy?
First Man: (seriously) Yeah, people don't seem to care much about it, but I see something strange in it. It's a strange marriage that's mostly for political purposes.
Second Man: (Nodding anxiously) If things are going this way, there might be a lot of pressure on Abdullah. Wonder how he'll handle it?
First Man: (Puts his hand on his shoulder) Let's celebrate today, but let's keep our eyes open. The pledge of allegiance will be tomorrow morning, and it may bring with it many surprises.
Second Man: (Smiling cautiously) I think you're right. Politics is always a dangerous game, and we don't want to be its victims.
(Sounds of joy and celebration increase in the background, as they exchange looks of concern for the future, and determination to continue watching.)
The next morning
(Outside the Red Palace, people gather in large numbers, preparing to receive the Crown Prince after taking the pledge of allegiance. The atmosphere is full of excitement, and people are wearing ordinary clothes, but their eyes shine with joy and anticipation.)
(Inside the palace, the minister and members of the ruling family are present. The minister is wearing luxurious white clothes, while Tamim is also distinguished by his elegant and similar attire.)
(After a short while, Prince Badis bin Habous enters, followed by his grandson Abdullah, who is dressed in sumptuous white. The sounds of drums and musical instruments rise, giving the occasion a festive feel.)
Prince Badis: (brilliantly) Distinguished assembly, today we witness the beginning of a new era. The pledge of allegiance represents your trust in us, and we must be worthy of this trust.
(Prince Badis sits on the throne, while Abdullah sits on a small throne to his right. This is followed by the entry of the ministers.)
Minister Al-Arabi Al-Nayeh: (in a loud voice) We are here to witness this historic moment, and for each of us to pay our loyalty and concern to the future of the country.
(The minister calls the army commander.)
Minister Al-Naie: Commander of the Army Omar, please stand in front of the Holy Quran.
(Omar enters and stands in front of the minister. He extends his hand towards the Holy Quran.)
Minister Al-Nayea: (seriously) Say, Omar, I sell you Abdullah.
Omar: (Respectfully) I accept, I promise to be faithful in my service.
(Omar goes to Abdullah, takes his hand and kisses it, then returns to his place. After that, the other ministers are called.)
Minister Abu Al-Rabi': (smiling) I offer my allegiance to Prince Abdullah. Together let us achieve security for Granada.
Minister Ali bin Murad: (Confirms) I pledge to support him with all my strength.
Minister Adel: (Seriously) I am here to help him in all the difficulties we may face.
Minister Abdul Rahman: (Optimistically) Let us all work for a prosperous future for our country.
(The turn comes to the Arab Minister Al-Nayea, who advances with steady steps.)
Minister Al-Naie: (Seriously and sincerely) I pledge allegiance to you, Abdullah, and I swear to be your guide in all matters of government.
(The minister Al-Naie goes to Abdullah, takes his hand and kisses it, which adds more respect to the situation. Then he returns to his place.)
(Now it is the turn of the only member of the ruling family, Tamim. Tamim appears smiling, taking the oath in front of the audience.)
Tamim: (in a strong voice) I pledge allegiance to you, Abdullah, and I assure you that I will always be by your side.
(After the oath, Tamim goes to Abdullah, takes his hand and kisses it warmly. Suddenly, Abdullah hugs his brother Tamim, which surprises some and makes others smile.)
Prince Badis: (smiling proudly) This is how the relationship between two brothers should be. Let us work together for the good of the country.
(The good relationship between the two brothers is evident, and the atmosphere becomes more festive, as everyone expresses their hope for a bright future under the rule of the new Crown Prince.)
After the allegiance ceremony
(Under the bright lights and festive atmosphere, Abdullah heads outside. His royal motorcade awaits him, decorated with flags and flowers.)
Arab Minister Al-Nayea: (Whispers to him) Your Highness, you must ride the horse. These are traditions that express prestige and status.
Abdullah: (Smiling modestly) I know, but I want to be close to my people. I want them to feel that I am one of them, not just a distant crown prince.
(Abdullah refuses to ride the horse and gets down to the ground. People watch in amazement.)
Man from the crowd: (whispering to his friend) Look, the prince refuses to ride! He's really close to the people.
: (smiling) That shows his humility. I hope he will be a wise leader.
(Abdullah starts walking, showing off his smile and confidence. The horse, "Black," follows him as if participating in this unique show.)
(People shout in the street.)
People: (joyfully) Long live the Crown Prince! Abdullah! Abdullah!
(Abdullah approaches the people, extends his hand to them, and feels the warmth of the reception. Then he turns to the guards carrying the boxes of gold.)
Abdullah: (loudly) My beloved, I want to share my joy with you! These are gifts from my heart, to be a new beginning together.
(He opens the gold boxes and begins distributing the gold coins to the people. Some accept with joy, while their eyes show surprise and happiness.)
Woman in the crowd: (emotional voice) God bless you, Abdullah! You are truly our crown prince!
Abdullah: (Approaching her) Thank you, but these are not just gifts from me. They are an expression of my appreciation for all of you. You are my strength, and you are the ones from whom I draw my determination.
(He continues to distribute gold, and talks to people.)
Abdullah: (In an enthusiastic voice) Let's be together, building a better future for Granada! I want to hear from you, your opinions, your ideas. I am here to serve you, because you are my family.
Another man: (shouting from the crowd) We want justice, and we want safety for our children!
Abdullah: (Nodding) I promise to work towards that. Together we will build a better society, where everyone has a voice.
(People's cries of celebration increase, and the scene becomes full of joy and positivity. Abdullah, as he distributes the gold, assures everyone that he seeks to strengthen the bonds between him and his people, making him a symbol of hope and change.)
Abdullah: (holds up some coins for all to see) These are not just coins, they are a promise of change. Let's face the challenges together, hand in hand.
(Voices rise and excitement builds in the air as Abdullah continues to demonstrate his true leadership and desire to improve the lives of his people.)
The first volume has less than five chapters left and it will end. That's why I need to clarify some things.
First, the marriage between Sarah and Abdullah is just to serve the drama and also to keep Sarah and Balqin appearing more
Second, there were major historical mistakes, I don't deny this, but I think it was unintentional.
Third, do you want the poems to continue in the second volume or not?
Thank you.