Swords of Justice
Chapter 3: Escape from the Palace
Night had fallen upon the sky of Darhamssan. Inside the royal palace, Princess Hasna, daughter of King Hussein, stood alone in her room, staring at her reflection in the mirror and speaking to herself:
"I must uncover the truth… I know that man Taher is hiding something and deceiving my father. I must set things right—before it's too late."
Her maid and childhood friend, Maryam, entered carrying dinner, and asked if she could stay.
Hasna: Maryam, tonight... I must do something bold.
Maryam: Bold? What do you mean, Your Highness?
Hasna: Tonight... you must help me escape the palace.
Maryam (shocked): What?! Have you lost your mind?!
Hasna: No, I haven't. Do you remember when I told you I didn't trust Taher?
Maryam: Yes, but… what does that have to do with this?
Hasna: When I was a child, I overheard him cursing my father. He was furious because my father rejected one of his plans. I clearly remember him saying, "I will kill him."
I told my father, but he didn't believe me. He still trusts him blindly.
Maryam: So… that's the truth?
Hasna: Please, Maryam. You're the only one I trust. Help me escape, so I can uncover the truth.
Maryam: But this is dangerous! You don't even know what the world outside is like…
Hasna: Exactly. That's why I have to go.
Maryam: I don't understand…
Hasna: I don't know what's happening in my kingdom. I don't know how the people live. How can I be a princess when I'm blind to their suffering? I have to see the truth for myself—and help my people, no matter the cost.
Maryam: You have a kind heart… but you could die out there!
Hasna: If death is the price of justice, then I'll pay it.
Maryam (sighs): Fine… follow me. I have a feeling I'll regret this.
Hasna changed into servant clothes and followed Maryam through the corridors. But the palace had strict rules—especially a night curfew—to prevent attacks from rebels or assassins targeting the king and his family.
They moved quietly in the dark halls until a patrolling guard spotted them.
Guard: Hey! Don't you know there's a curfew in place?!
Maryam (nervously): Oh, Fareed! I was just heading to the kitchen to grab something to eat.
Guard: Doesn't the princess need you in her room? And who's this?
(He looked at Hasna, not recognizing her.)
Guard: Speak! Who are you?
(Hasna stammered, but Maryam quickly jumped in, laughing nervously.)
Maryam: Hahaha, this is my cousin. She just arrived—she'll be working in the kitchen starting tomorrow.
Guard: Hmm… then you, go back to the princess's room. I'll escort her myself.
Maryam: No need! I'm heading to the kitchen anyway. I'll take her.
Guard: This is a violation… but… I'll let it slide this once.
Maryam: Thank you, sweet Fareed!
Guard: But why wasn't I informed about a new maid?
Maryam: Haha, maybe they forgot!
They finally made it to the outer courtyard. Maryam told Hasna to get into the carriage that would take her to the city center, promising the driver would bring her back by sunrise.
But suddenly, a stern voice called out:
Voice: Where do you think you're going, Princess Hasna?
She turned in alarm to find six strong men approaching—led by Jalal.
Hasna (surprised): Jalal?
Jalal was the commander of a hundred soldiers in the royal army. He was also her childhood friend and a member of the royal family.
Jalal: Have you lost your mind, Princess? Leaving the palace for the filth of the outside world?
And you, Maryam! You helped her?! You'll be punished for this.
Hasna: It was my decision. Maryam only followed my orders.
Jalal: As a commander of the army, I won't allow this.
Hasna: You don't understand! I need to see the truth with my own eyes.
Jalal: The truth? Out there? In the streets where danger lurks around every corner?
Hasna: I seek justice. You've seen it yourself—children starving while we sit safe behind these walls. Doesn't that bother you?
Jalal (silent, visibly affected): …
Hasna (firmly): No matter how hard you try to lock me in this palace—I will leave. No one can stop me.
Jalal: I won't let you go…
Hasna (angrily): You—
Jalal (interrupting): Not alone. I'm going with you. Along with my six men.
Hasna: But you'll be putting yourself at risk!
Jalal: If your intentions are pure, no one will hold it against me.
Salman (one of the guards): What if the king accuses us of kidnapping her?
Maryam: Don't worry—I'll handle it.
And so, they left the palace with the princess.
As they rode away, Jalal thought to himself:
"The princess has a vision I've never seen before. Her words struck deeper than any sword I've held. I've always fought with steel—but her eyes see what we cannot…"
---
The next morning, good news reached King Hussein:
The prince of Fawza, a powerful kingdom, was coming to propose to Princess Hasna—a step that could seal an alliance and bring lasting peace.
The king rushed to his daughter's chambers to share the news, only to find her missing.
Maryam was there, claiming the princess had fallen ill and that Jalal had taken her to the royal physician before dawn.
The king was furious. He immediately ordered Commander Taher to search for her and bring her back—at once.
But Taher only smiled slyly and whispered to himself:
"At last… I'll be rid of the princess for good."
...To be continued