Chapter 121 - The Turning Tide
With the ink still drying on the treaty of eternal light, the council chamber remained thick with anticipation. The scent of spices and parchment lingered, but the mood was electric. Nuri and Abyssinia had just taken a defiant stand against one of the most powerful empires in the world.
"We need to plan out our next steps," Khisa said, rising to address the room. "With the Portuguese temporarily out of our way, we must accelerate our plans. The port is stronger than ever, but I still need more time. Once we are ready, the Ottomans will withdraw."
A noble seated near the center scoffed. "Excuse me, Prince Khisa. This is the first I’m hearing of naval operations. You sanctioned this, Your Majesty? Without the nobles’ approval?"
The Emperor’s gaze was steady. "I had to take decisive action. Our ports were ransacked. We were surrounded. With him there, we have breathing room. I understand that we lead this empire together, but the situation called for absolute secrecy. I asked Khisa to lead the operations. And so far, we’ve been more than successful."
He turned toward the skeptical nobles. "I now request that you send men to support our efforts. Prince Khisa is in desperate need of manpower."
Khisa remained silent, reading the room. He knew some of these men had ties to the Adal, deliberately undermining Abyssinia’s stability. But that was part of the plan—his plan. Let them send their spies. Let them believe they had access. The false intel would only lead them in circles while Abyssinia advanced beneath their noses.
The nobles, unaware of the trap, exchanged smiles like predators circling prey. To them, this was a golden opportunity to sabotage the Emperor’s authority from within.
The meeting adjourned.
Tadesse wandered the palace corridors, quiet and lost in thought. Despite the golden mosaics and polished marble, the halls felt heavier than they once did. His steps slowed as memories surfaced—his old self, brash and entitled, drunk on privilege.
He remembered the day his father summoned him to speak about Assab.
"You will travel to Assab," his father had said sternly. "You’ll learn from Prince Khisa."