Swords of Justice
Chapter 9: The Princess's Savior
The ministers' sons entered the royal hall, awestruck by its beauty and elegance—it was their first time inside. As they wandered here and there, the sound of a trumpet rang out, and a herald announced:
> "Now entering, the heir to the king's throne—Her Highness Princess Hasnaa, radiant and exquisite in her finest attire. Bow before her!"
Everyone bowed, including Jalal. From the top of the grand staircase, little Princess Hasnaa descended gracefully in a breathtaking gown, accompanied by her companion Maryam. She smiled warmly, and the boys were instantly enchanted. She finished her descent and took her seat upon her elegant chair.
One by one, the ministers' sons presented their splendid, lavish gifts. Jalal, however, hesitated—his gift was small and humble. Just the day before, he had asked Minister Younes for money to buy a present for the princess's birthday.
> Minister Younes: "I won't give you anything, Jalal."
Jalal: "But how can I attend the party without a birthday gift?"
Minister Younes: "I never said you'd go without a gift—that's unacceptable."
Jalal: "But you refused to give me money to buy one."
Minister Younes: "You already have some savings. Buy her something with your own money."
Jalal: "It's not much…"
Minister Younes: "Listen well, Jalal. I could give you the money, but then it wouldn't be a real gift. A true gift comes from the heart, not from wealth. The value lies in the love behind it. Even if you think it's cheap, the person receiving it will see the care you put into choosing it."
Now, it was Jalal's turn to present his gift—so small that the other boys began whispering and snickering.
The princess accepted his gift last, and at last, the celebration began. They feasted on the finest sweets and chatted about who had the best chance of winning the princess's heart. While serving them juice, Jalal overheard them mocking him:
> "That poor Jalal—no girl would ever choose him. Even Maryam, the princess's maid, wouldn't have him!"
Laughter erupted. Humiliated, Jalal quietly stepped out onto the balcony alone.
Noticing his absence, Princess Hasnaa decided to follow.
> Maryam: "Where are you going?"
Hasnaa: "I'll be right back."
On the balcony, Jalal gazed sadly at the moon.
> Hasnaa: "Why are you out here all alone?"
Startled that the princess was speaking to him, he stammered:
> Jalal: "N-no… nothing at all."
Hasnaa (teasing): "Hmm… I see you're very humble."
Jalal: "No, no, I'm not humble—wait, I mean, humility is a good thing—oh, what am I saying?"
Hasnaa stepped closer onto the balcony. Jalal, worried, warned her:
> Jalal: "Careful! You might fall!"
But she only turned to him and said:
> Hasnaa: "Do you know what my life's goal is? It's to make every single person in my kingdom truly happy."
Jalal was struck silent by the sincerity in her voice.
When she moved to step down, her foot slipped—she teetered backward, about to fall—when Jalal grabbed her hand just in time, pulling her to safety.
> Jalal (anxious): "Are you hurt, Your Highness?"
Hasnaa (eyes sparkling): "Amazing! You were like a brave knight rescuing a princess."
Maryam appeared at the doorway.
> Maryam: "Your Highness, it's time to open the gifts."
As Hasnaa headed back inside, she glanced at Jalal.
> Hasnaa: "You should be a knight, not a minister."
The princess began opening her presents—grand swords, massive paintings, elegant statues. Finally, she reached Jalal's small gift.
> One boy muttered: "That poor kid is going to embarrass us all."
Jalal lowered his gaze as she unwrapped it—a simple yet lovely necklace.
> Hasnaa: "Who gave this gift?"
Everyone: "Jalal, over there."
Jalal braced for mockery—but instead, Hasnaa smiled brightly.
> Hasnaa: "Your name is Jalal, then. This is the most beautiful gift. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
The boys were stunned. So was Jalal.
Earlier that morning at the market, Jalal had searched for a gift with his meager savings. Everything beautiful was far too expensive—until he spotted an old woman selling trinkets on a rug. She waved him over.
> Old Woman: "Come, boy. I have something you'll like."
He noticed a beautiful necklace and picked it up.
> Old Woman: "Looking for something special for a girl, aren't you? Take it—whoever she is, she'll love it."
Jalal: "How much?"
Old Woman: "How much do you have?"
Jalal: "This…" He showed her his coins.
Old Woman: "It's yours. A perfect bargain."
At the party, Hasnaa had adored the necklace, wearing it immediately and calling Jalal to stay by her side all evening. They exchanged smiles and laughter, which angered the other boys—how could an adopted boy enjoy the princess's company while they, the ministers' sons, could not?
When the party ended and the guests began to leave, Hasnaa said to Jalal:
> Hasnaa: "I hope we meet again, my brave knight. I'll never forget what you did tonight—or your gift. You should become a knight so you can rescue me again."
Jalal left overjoyed. But in the corridor, a group of boys confronted him.
> Boy: "Poor boy, who let you stay with the princess?"
Jalal: "None of your business."
Two boys grabbed him while another punched him repeatedly in the stomach. They threw him to the ground.
> Boy: "Die, you poor wretch. You don't belong here."
This time, Jalal refused to take the humiliation. Remembering Hasnaa's words, he shouted:
> Jalal: "I'm not afraid of you! I'll protect the princess from the likes of you!"
Enraged, they attacked—but Jalal dodged, struck back, and knocked them down.
> Jalal (victorious): "I will become the knight who saves the princess—no matter what!"
Back at the inn, Princess Hasnaa was crying after harsh words from Hamza.
> Jalal (loudly): "You don't know Princess Hasnaa. She will cleanse the world of its filth! She's the key to our kingdom's victory and to spreading peace. She is the true peacemaker!"
Hasnaa stopped crying, moved by Jalal's resolve. She wiped her tears, thinking, "Jalal always saves me."
Hamza rose to leave.
> Hasnaa: "Suleiman, help me outside."
The three of them stepped into the dawn. Suleiman asked Hamza where their soldiers were. Hamza pointed toward graves.
> Suleiman thought: "He spent the whole night burying them."
Hamza mounted his horse, ready to depart, but Hasnaa stopped him.
> Hasnaa: "Wait!"
Hamza: "What is it?"
Hasnaa: "I want you to travel with us."
Jalal (shocked): "No, Your Highness, we can't go with him."
Hasnaa (to Hamza): "As I said, we're weak and can't defend ourselves in this kingdom. It seems I'm being targeted for assassination. I want you to protect me. I'll prove my determination—I'll do anything for my people."
Hamza: "Know this—I'm not headed where you're going. I'm bound for a place steeped in crime."
Hasnaa: "Then it's decided—we'll follow you."
Suleiman: "But, Princess, that place is dangerous."
Hasnaa (smiling): "Don't worry—Jalal will save me."
Their new journey with Hamza began. Jalal thought to himself, "You saved me when you wore that necklace… the one you still wear to this day." And indeed, the princess still wore the beautiful necklace.
…To be continued