Aria could tell the next day right from the beginning that it would be different. She had grown accustomed to her routine with Aali so much that the morning felt empty without him there. She woke up alone in the cold bed, prayed alone and recited the Quran like that.

And when she went back to sleep, there was no one there to tease or annoy her to the point that she wanted to throw him out so she could have some peace.

She didn't get why. She wanted to be alone. It was what she had been asking of all along but now that she is alone, she didn't like it.

That day is supposed to be the first day that she would handle the council as the new leader. And because of that, she woke up earlier just so she could be there on time. She took her time to dress up properly, and seemingly, in one of the numerous traditional outfits in her closet. Unlike the first time when she didn't bother with much makeup, this time around she did apply it.

It was dark, and gloomy. Just like how she felt on the inside. But if she is being honest then she'd admit that her mood has something to do with being accused of poisoning Aali. It also has to do with her worries about whether he'll be alright, or not.

She couldn't help but think about that. The doctor did say that there's no guarantee at the moment. Apparently, the poison used was deadly so the only thing they would do is watch, and pray that the Prince would recover and not the other way round.

Sighing, Aria realized that she had gotten lost in her chain of thoughts while she was putting in her earring. She dropped her hands after clasping it in place, her eyes staring at her reflection in the vanity table's mirror.

She really did look gloomy.

A knock on the door had her looking away from the mirror. "Come in" She said, already knowing who the person at the other end is.

Salaha stepped in, only stopping once she's a couple of steps away from the Princess. "Aunty Aya, your breakfast is ready"

Aria shook her head offering her a small smile. "I told you, I'm not hungry Salaha"

The girl frowned, her hopeful expression falling. She was hoping that Aria would change her mind and eat. She doesn't know much, but she knew that going about the day without consuming anything is not good for one's health. "But you should at least consume something"

Aria's smile widened slightly, though it was forced. She didn't feel like there's anything to smile about. "I'm really not hungry. Maybe later" She doesn't know if it's because of how down she felt, or maybe because Aali was poisoned but the thought of eating isn't something that she considered at the moment.

Since she couldn't sleep early the night before, with the thought of the day's activities playing in her head over and over like it's on repeat, she thought about the incident well. If Aali, the Crowned Prince was poisoned then what about her, the woman that most of the people detest. Surely, poisoning her would be easy, right?

Besides, there will be no one to stand for her if she is poisoned since none of them liked her.

She trusts Salaha, but she couldn't trust the other people lurking around ranging from the ones that she could see and the ones that she couldn't. The minute she stepped foot in the palace she knew that her life is going to be in danger. Yet, the danger never came close to her as it did the day before.

What if she was the one that was poisoned? Would anyone care to save her or would she be left alone to die like that? If she does die, what would become of her family?

"Aunty Aya!"

Aria blinked, her attention returning back to Salaha. She had once again gotten lost in her thoughts. "You were saying?"

Salaha stared at her warily, concern etched on her features. "Are you okay Aunty Aya? Should I call the doctor? You look pale"

Aria shook her head, her smile returning. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine" And she was fine, she just got a lot on her mind. "What were you saying?"

Salaha sighed, dropping the topic. "Your guests have arrived. They are all waiting in the front room"

Aria nodded, throwing one last glance at the mirror to make sure she looked representable. "Let's go" She stood up, picking up her phone as she headed out, with Salaha trailing behind her.

Together, they got out of the chamber and headed over to where the meetings always took place. Aria noticed when she stepped out that Amadu wasn't amongst the guards there, and from what Salaha told her, he moved to Umma's so he could keep an eye on Aali.

Aria was relieved to hear that. She doesn't know if she could face Amadu without feeling betrayed. Sure enough the man was only doing his job, but he should know that she would never harm Aali. The least he could've done was to find out who the real culprit is before throwing the blame at her right before Umma and Queen Zarah.

On their way there, she also noticed how everyone threw glances at her before they mutter amongst themselves. That went on amongst the guards, the maids, and even some of the relatives she saw scattered around the place all threw her the same glances.

Her head tilted to the side slightly. She had an inkling on what could be going on but she hoped it's not what she was expecting. Nonetheless, she kept that matter aside to be dealt with later while she focused on the task at hand.

The meeting this time around, just like the last time is taking place in Queen Zarah's front room. That's where it has always been taking place. At a point before, it took place in the East Wing but since it has been sealed off from the outside world, it moved to her chamber's instead.

Aria stepped in with her head held up, and face blank. She didn't go there with the intention of being treated like the last time. No, she intended on taking the lead to change things for the better and that was what she planned on doing.

When she stepped foot in the room, all the women from the last time before were there, except the Queen. There was also an addition of two women that she personally invited because of her trust in them. The first woman being Hudayya, who occupied the seat she sat on the last time and the second woman being Emmarah, Fahad's wife.

From the very minute Aria saw Emmarah, she knew she would get along with the woman. They simply had so much in common and she knew she needed a friend there. Besides, she couldn't think of anyone better.

And from the way she observed the woman, she knew she could trust her. After all, their husbands are best friends and from the way Ali acted around them both, he trusted them and she knew she could too because of that.

Emmarah sat on a seat beside Hudayya. When the two women's gaze met that of Aria's, she offered them an appreciative smile and nod which they returned.

Hudayya had promised herself that she wouldn't get involved in those women's business. But when Aria asked for help, she decided to step in because someone had to end that reign of evil, and she was sure Aria is the one person that could do it.

But she would need help, and that's where she was willing to step in for a sister in need.

The sound of Aria's heels clanking on the marbled floor filled the otherwise quiet room.

Aria made her way over to the chair designated for the head, the place where Queen Zarah used to sit on and settled on it; facing the women who threw her glares from every angle. They didn't even bother to hide it.

She then said her salaam, to which some of them answered while the others ignored. She didn't care about that though. She believed it's their problem to deal with.

"Starting today" She spoke up, her voice loud and clear enough for them all to hear her, "I will be the head of this council of yours"

A couple of scoffs were heard from the women but none of them objected. They already heard about it, and they knew that they couldn't go against her because that will mean going against the Calipha's orders but that doesn't mean they planned on sitting and watching a woman like her dictate how they would conduct their work.

She allowed them to continue their murmurs for a couple of seconds before he spoke again. "Whatever I say, goes. I don't mind you pointing out stuffs that needed to be addressed, but do know how to point it out please. If you have a problem with how I will coordinate stuff from now henceforth, just know that you are always welcomed to leave"

One of the women scoffed loudly. "And why do you think we should do as you say? We all have more experience than you" She pointed out.

The other women nodded in agreement.

"And don't bring up the fact that the Calipha asked you to be in charge, he will take that opportunity from you the minute he finds out what you did!" Another woman stated, making the others chant in agreement.

Each woman, aside from Hudayya and Emmarah threw out claims on why they wouldn't go by what Aria wants.

"And what did I do?" Aria asked, her face blank as earlier and question directed towards the second woman that spoke.

The woman scoffed, crossing her legs. "Do you think we are fools here?" She asked, hand gesturing to her fellow women. "Everyone in this palace knows that you!" She pointed her finger at Aria, "poisoned the Prince for your selfish reasons"

Just like earlier, the others simultaneously agreed.

"And if that isn't enough, you plan on taking over the Queen's role when it's not even your tine to reign yet" The woman added. "At least have some decency to wait until your husband takes the throne before. But no, you choose to be a selfish good for nothing and step in now"

Aria took in long, calming breaths as she swallowed hard. She was already having a hard time because of that poisoning issue. "Do you have proof that I did what you are accusing me of?" She asked, her voice oddly calm and composed.

The woman scoffed, "Do I need evidence over something that everyone knows?" She rose a brow, "Play innocent all you want. But everyone knows that once the Prince regains his health, he wouldn't think twice about throwing you out on the streets where you belong"

"And about taking over the Queen's position as our head" Aria remembered the woman that started that statement. She's the one who almost started a fight with her the last time she was there. "Do you really think anyone of us would listen to you?" She asked, her voice just as calm as Aria's.

Aria darted her tongue to wet her lower lip slightly, "Don't tell me you're now speaking as a council member" She asked.

The woman smirked, "Am I not?"

Aria offered her a wide smile. "As from this moment henceforth, you're not" Her smile fell, just so the woman can see that without an iota of doubt, she meant every word she stated.

Instead of being irked. The woman laughed, like a full blown laughter. It was the only thing that filled the silent room. When it died down, she stared at Aria. "You had me cracking up right there. Don't get too caught up in that position. It's only temporarily. I'm sure you know nothing in life is permanent, right?"

Aria nodded. "Of course I do. Which is why I'm now showing your first-hand how temporary positions are" Her fake smile returned. "Now will you leave or will you prefer I have someone drag you out like you did to that woman before?"

The woman held Aria's gaze for a while, anger masking her features. Realizing that Aria really would do that, she scoffed, pushed herself out of her sat and stormed out.

Aria then moved her gaze to the others who suddenly seemed quiet. "I understand that your title is getting to your headsbut things will change now that I am in charge. If any of you have a problem with that, you know where the door is. Kindly show yourself out before I have someone do that for you. If you're all clear on that, let's head down to business, shall we?"