2
“And putting money into their pockets dat isn’t dependent upon de whims of de king and his debts for the month dat exceed his income.” We shared a smirk because pissing off the king was always top of our list of priorities.
“Many will be more than happy about that. I just wish—” He’d grinned but it faded as his good heart shined through.
“So did your brother. But we have been waiting for a man to change zhe ways he’s been set in for over seventy years. Zhat makes us as foolish for our hopes as he is for his actions.”
Afshin only nodded but he sighed and put a small smile on his face. “Well, I am here. Allow your uncle to impose upon you for dinner. Ve have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
The building was magnificent. The resort style amenities were surely going to attract people initially from Tehran to this portion of the country. Bandar Abbas was a port city that specialized in trade with many other countries. The ability to build a resort and shopping district that would take advantage of the high average temperatures in a place that was specifically welcoming to people of all nations was an area of commerce that hadn’t been explored in Iran as effusively as it had been in other Middle Eastern countries.
Many Persians would hop flights and visit other nations not allowing the beauty of their own country to be explored. We needed to improve that. There was a lot of national pride within the country, but some fled and never looked back to avoid the overly strict rules my grandfather attempted to impose.
I’d removed the horses I still had within the stables that the royal family had access to. I preferred the idea of having a major source of income away from their hands because I knew they were skimming off the top of their already overly generous portions of the profit. The idea of having a second facility in Bandar Khamir, a town that was close to the resort was done for multiple reasons. The first was that few of my relatives would want to leave the comforts of Tehran. But with the completion of the resort, we would host our own horse race to celebrate its opening. Having stables for people to board their potential winners just over an hour away and enjoy the sea and culture. The idea of not being able to enter a potential champion was irritating to me, but Afshin was right when he said it would look rigged if we did that. So I defaulted to him. At least I would for the first race. I wouldn’t mind our horses winning in every other country if necessary.
The stables in Bandar Khamir were especially close to my uncle’s heart. The town was known for their sustainability and emphasis on ensuring all buildings there were done with the local ecosystem as its priority. For our designs to be approved by the local government and residents in the area was impressive.
“Everyzing looks good. How you’ve kept all of zhis going and do your work is a mir—”
“His majesty is here.” Shoaib quietly interrupted us and stood with his hands behind his back. He wore a thobe with a keffiyah the same as my uncle and I.
“Zhe king or his heir?” Afshin was too kind for me because I would never address either with that much respect unless I had to.
Shoaib glanced between the two of us before he gave us a smile. “All of zhem.”
I glanced at Afshin, and he looked tense. I knew it was more from the irritation of having them around, but I hoped he realized he wasn’t alone. “Ahh, time to put zhem on zheir way to death, then.”
“Are you sure you vould not vant to vait until ve are back in international vaters?” Sho was concerned, but I knew it was more about planning out my safety and the safety of my uncle than having any actual fear of my grandfather.
I pat his shoulder smiling and he could only shake his head because he was used to my antics. “Vhy prolong zhe inevitable?”
“Dangerous game, Shahzadeh .”
“Not vhen you hold all zhe cards, Sho. Besides, does zhis mean you are vorried about your ability to perform your duties?”
“Never zhat.”
I clapped him on the shoulder playfully and his lips barely formed a smile. “Zhen don’t vorry. It’s a volley. One zhey won’t be able to ignore but will zhink zhey can avoid. But I am not moving on my volition. I am karma’s vessel; nozing more or less.”
“ Khodavand be ma barekat ata farmayad . (May the Lord grant us blessings).” Afshin’s tone was sarcastic, the idea of dealing with our insufferable relatives put an even bigger damper on his day than mine.
My grandfather walked into the building with all the pomp and circumstance of a monarch who didn’t know how to read the room. He was flanked on multiple sides by men armed to the teeth and several women were surrounding him. He had long started to arrive with what he referred to as his ladies-in-waiting. Anyone with common sense knew he was potentially using them as human shields. They would bear the brunt of any assassination attempt and he would use any of them to protect himself before he tried to protect them.
My grandfather had long ruled this country but had made no significant impact on it or the people. Beyond holding up that status quo. It meant that he was popular with those of his peer group who were wealthy, but those who were younger expected more from their monarch. And he wasn’t willing to give it. My uncle, his heir, was even worse. He understood that this was a changing economy but instead of wanting to invest in something other than oil, Mohammed wanted to compete with the other countries who had already learned the lesson of only relying on oil but he spent no energy on diversifying the economy. My cousins who were in line for the throne, all male because of archaic rules, were addicted to how they looked on social media instead of working to ensure they could maintain their lifestyle. It was sad that they expected my father, who they had no respect for, and me to continue to make shit shake for them. But awakenings were often uncomfortable and theirs would be far more bloody than rude.
“My grandson and my son. Good to see you both earning your keep for zhe family.” No affectionate greetings were exchanged, no hugs, handshakes or kisses on the cheek. Afshin who was nearly as tall as I was, stood to his full height as he looked at his father.
“Zhe two with zhe most in common always seem to find zheir vay to each other. Brother, I vasn’t made aware you vould be helping out on zhis project.”
Afshin ignored the barbs his brother sent to him by his brother, instead greeting his father with respect since all eyes were on him. I followed behind him doing the same but also greeting my uncle since he was technically my elder. It was humorous to watch as their eyes danced with assumed power all because I followed tradition for now. When those tables turned they would be the ones dancing to my tune.
“Ve, of course, needed someone who was an expert in zhe area to come and provide us viz information on how to be successful in zhis endeavor. It wouldn’t make sense to step to someone outside of zhe family in order to be advised. Vhy vould Afshin not be zhe likely choice?” My question was polite and pointed. A way to prick my uncle Ibriham’s pride in a subtle way. True to form, he couldn’t help but try to stay the center of attention.
“Vhy not me? I am zhe crown prince, after all. Am I not your favorite uncle?” It was a test and a weak one. One he knew I wouldn’t give into. His sons sucked up to him because they expected the old man to die at any moment and for their father to become king. I wasn’t one who needed him to eat.
With a quirked brow and a sly grin on my face, I expertly avoided his question and put him on the spot instead.
“I vas not aware zhat you held a degree in sustainable architecture viz a focus on ecology. Amoo Afshin, is zhat why you wanted to study zhose areas? To be more like your big brother?”
My uncle Ibriham’s face tightened into a scowl, and his nose flared. Too many eyes were on him since my grandfather went nowhere without a camera crew unless he was up to no good. Being seen at this project made him feel as though it was his to control even though he knew nothing about it.
Ibriham and my father vaguely resembled one another. Their mothers were of different ethnicities and it showed in their sons.
“It is not, baradarzadeh. Just an area of interest of mine dat I vanted to be more knowledgeable of vith zhe changing times.”
“How fortuitous was your curiosity. Shma mood loft khoda npastid. (You are favored by God). ”
“Khoda bah man barkat dadeh est. (God has blessed me.” Afshin bowed his head humbly, his keffiyeh fluttering around his face as he did.
We all bowed our heads muttering the same sentiments with reverence. Seeing the hour, I knew my grandfather and his entourage would be heading back to Tehran soon so they wouldn’t miss maghrib .
“Before we go. Zhere is someone I vould like you to meet.” My face remained the same blank mask as my grandfather’s smiled in triumph at having successfully cornered me.
Behind him, a young lady in chador stepped forward with her head slightly bowed.
“Zhis is Farah. Her father is a good friend of your uncle Ibriham.” If my grandfather thought that would impress me, it didn’t. This woman would be offered to me as a bride and become a trojan horse within my home. Something that I would never allow to happen.
“ Az didar shma khoshhalam .” I greeted her with a smile and a bow making sure I didn’t physically touch her. It was improper and given the chador on her head, I could tell she didn’t have a more liberal upbringing. You had to cover your hair in public spaces in Iran, but most women used a simple scarf down to a cap. She was wearing a full chador that prevented any part of her hairline from showing.
“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Her English was stilted, not uncommon for someone I was sure didn’t speak it often. My father’s family felt the need to speak English around me under the guise of ensuring I understood them. Truly, it was a way to distance me and my father from his heritage. I was American through and through, but nobody was going to segregate me from any part of my history.
“ Oger bacpehtar est mi tavanam bah farsi, arbi ya englisi ba shma sahbat konam. Khanavadeh azizam faramush mi konand keh man bah besiari az zaban cepa mosalt npastam .” I ensured my inflection was perfect as I told her I could speak to her in Arabic, English, French or Persian, depending on her preference. I threw a shot by saying my beloved family often forgot I knew multiple languages.
“It is so difficult to remember vhat you know vhen I did not have zhe chance to watch you grow. Entering a namazdi with Farrah would cure all of zhat.” The king’s eyes were glimmering and I tried not to sound too arrogant when I spoke.
“I am not sure how, since all of my business dealings are central to my location in the United States. And we do not know if zhat is somezing zhe lady would be open to.” I sure as fuck wasn’t, but that was neither here nor there. The assholes wouldn’t be forcing me into shit.
“Zhings always change, Xerxes.”
“Zhey do. I may have a home here, but home is always zhere.” I put a hand over my heart to give the appearance of me being respectful.
“Zhat is true. Ve know zhe culture here is so much different from yours.” My uncle tried to be slick but his words didn’t bother me.
“I still observe zhe culture and had an excellent teacher in my father zhe prince. I know you all need to head back now if you are to make it in time for maghrib .” I glanced purposefully outside of the window and toward the falling sun.
“Are you not joining us? Stay at zhe palace tonight for dinner.”
He had me fucked up. I knew that my meal would be drugged and this woman would be discovered in my bed by her father who would subsequently demand a wedding. They attempted to do the same thing years ago but Shoaib had been stationed in my room and held the would be woman at gunpoint at the door when she tried to sneak in. That reinforced my desire to never sleep in the palace.
“Please, Xerxes. It vould please me to get to know you better.” Farah stepped forward with lowered eyes but a hopeful almost cunning smile.
“Some other time, Farah. My business here is concluded and I have a flight to catch.”
“But it is your plane and you could tell zhem to stay vhere it is.” My uncle’s words were two-fold. To impress upon the daughter of his friend the life of luxury she could enjoy if she were to ensnare me, and to pressure me into staying. Neither of those things were to come to fruition.
With an apologetic smile that held no sincerity, I ensured my face was filled with remorse before I spoke. “I could. But I will not. I have meetings zhat are already scheduled based on my arrival back home and I will not delay zhem. Despite zhe graciousness of my potential dinner companion.” A slight acknowledgment of Farah was the only respect I would give before I had to be more firm with them all. That seemed to be too much before her eyes lit up far too excitedly for me.
“I’m sure zhey can vait. Zhis is family.”
Ibriham’s insistence was annoying but not unexpected. When you studied your adversary long enough, their moves were almost habit. My father’s family loved to force their will on people. My maman had long since taught me that you could catch more flies with honey than shit. The shit had a stench and you could leave but the same nasty smell would follow you. But honey kept you stuck. Allowed you the idea that its sweetness wasn’t offensive even if you struck poison in its depths. You would linger longer and let the deceptive sweetness kill you.
I was the honey and they were the flies feeding happily. That would soon come to an end.
“As much as it vould be vonderful to stay, I cannot. Zhe obligations are not ones zhat vould look good on the family’s honor if I broke zhe meetings. Ve are men of our vord, after all. I vould not vant to dishonor zhe family by breaking promises.” My hands were behind my back so they couldn’t see the way I had my fists balled up in order to keep from lashing out.
The standoff lasted several moments where I strategized the next move depending on how they tried to convince me to do what they wanted. Finally, I could see my grandfather giving up on the request.
“Of course not. Hopefully, ve will see you soon. Maybe zhere vill be news of a vedding so zhat zhere can be an even more joyous occasion for us to celebrate and velcome you home. Have a reason to bring zhe horses back to zhe stables vhere zhey belong.” He gave Farah a once over as she stood with her eyes slightly down but a pleased look on her face. I had to wonder what they’d promised her or her family that made her so happy, but that was a question for one of my spies to find out. I had more important matters to attend to.
My grandfather slipping in his request to bring the horses back was lighthearted, but his displeasure at moving them was clear.
“Zhey are exactly where zhey belong. But please, do not let me keep you from ensuring you make prayers on time. I know dis place is not equipped to praise Allah zhe vay He deserves.” I motioned around the unfinished space that lacked the necessities for prayer.
“Always zhe zhoughtful grandson. I vill be in touch.” He embraced me briefly before he moved away.
My uncle and the rest of his entourage barely acknowledged me and said nothing to Afshin as they moved away to the cars waiting outside. I hated the way he was constantly overlooked, especially since none of the progress the family had made would’ve been possible without him. In our family’s eyes, we had the same cross to bear: being only half Persian. Even though my grandfather himself was only half Persian. Afshin’s mother was at least muslimah and he still didn’t get the love he should’ve.
Afshin waited until they were completely out of the building before he spoke. “He is worried.” His tone was amused and I could tell he was happy to watch his father and brother put in their places.
“He’s more dan worried. He’s going broke and de horses are just another vay he doesn’t have money coming in.”
“You vould zhink with zhe amount of oil zhat he allows to be drilled zhrough his people’s lands he vouldn’t be so worried about money.” I glanced at Shoaib as Afshin vented who gave me a nod showing that the king had in fact left the premises.
That was a reason sustainability was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. The business of oil was a messy one and many in the royal family wanted to start the practice of fracking to ensure we had full access to the natural oil and gas reserves. It was a practice that would devastate many parts of the country without providing recompense for the loss.
“Wiz zhe number of descendants he has attempting to keep up vith zhe Joneses and his desire to appear to be bigger zhe Emiraties, I’m surprised he hasn’t lost all of his money yet.”
Afshin looked thoughtful before turning back to me. “I zhink you should check into his banking, Xerxes.”
“Vhat makes you concerned?” Afshin wasn’t one to publicly pick a side. His methods were ones I completely understood. To the family he was expendable and his perceived indifference allowed him to do what he desired. I knew he was calculating, having seen how he interacted with everyone he knew how to pick his battles. The relationship we’d enjoyed over the years wasn’t something that was easy to come by. He’d had many opportunities where they’d attempted to pit him against us and he never folded despite how it meant he became their new target. Many of the people who worked in the palace loved my uncle because he was traditional but also didn’t mind growing. He was a man of faith, but not bigoted towards others. He had a balance that was necessary to bring harmony to this country and the king didn’t see he had the answers to his prayers right under his nose.
“You and your father—”
“And you—“
He smiled at my acknowledgement, and I knew he wished I would stop. I refused to not acknowledge that he was our partner in all things. “And I own over half of zhe oil wealth. Zhey share the rest. His expenditures don’t match his income.” One of the many ways my mother helped save my grandfather’s ass was by giving him the firearms he needed to assert himself as dominant against those who opposed his rule. Between that, human resources and the funds needed to keep outsiders at bay, my father negotiated payment to the Cannon family as ownership in the lands with oil and gas. Which meant we had an almost seventy percent stake between my uncle and the Mahdavi Cannon Corporation.
His words held weight and I wouldn’t ignore his warning because something made him take note. I never worried about them getting loans or having massive debts because it always benefited me. But who held the debts might be of interest to me.
“I’ll check and see who holds zhe loans. Zhe only zhing he has to leverage are zhe jewels but even zhey are in trust to zhe title and not to him. Zhank you for zhe heads up.”
“Any time. But let us depart. I too need to get ready for prayers. Are you sure you don’t mind me staying in your home?”
I had a second home in Iran near the resort that he would be staying in to oversee the construction. We were still about a year from completion, but I knew Afshin was happier to be out of the palace and even further from Tehran.
“You’ll need a place zhat is closer to here zhat you can trust. Tehran might be zhe capital, but for now your business is in zhe souz. It is more your place zhan mine, consider it a palace near zhe sea.”
“Still have your eye on zhe penthouse.”
We embraced and I gave him a pat on the back affectionately. “Of course. I’m better suited to vatch your back from the sky. Now, take your leave, I have important business back home to attend to.”