The finale. Well here is the last chapter of the story, hopefully things will make a little more sense to you after you read it. It's been an absolute pleasure writing this story and all my readers and reviewers have definitely given me more than enough feedback to maybe inspire another story. I make no promises though, we'll just have to see how things go. Anyways, I will be posting the epilogue in a few days for those of you who, like me, don't really want this story to end. It's been a great ride and I can't wait to see what you guys think!
Happy reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original characters from the movie and/or video game.
Chapter 15:
The next few days flew by for Dastan. The only time he and Tamina had alone together was late at night when they had both finished whatever task required their attention that day. They hadn't woken up with each other once since the day before the battle. As it was, they were both so tired at the end of the day that they barely had energy enough to say good night to each other before one of them was already asleep. Dastan was starting to think that he much preferred his obligations as a Prince of Persia to the ones he now had as the Prince—and future King—of Alamut.
The Alamutian soldiers and generals were coming to him for decisions now as Tamina was otherwise engaged. Dastan, though expecting newer and larger duties, was now responsible for the general safety and security of the city. Of course his decisions were still subject to Tamina's judgment as she had the final decision over any matter in Alamut.
Tamina was twice as busy as he was, with the political and spiritual responsibilities she had. She and Tus were busy setting up the committees to rebuild the damaged parts of the city and negotiating the terms of their alliance. Dastan smiled as he thought of Tus trying to negotiate with Tamina. He had never met anyone who was as stubborn as he was, and when it came to her city, Tamina was almost immovable. Dastan was more than sure that Tus would not be able to find any sort of compromise with Tamina if she did not whole heartedly agree with him. But when she was not meeting with Tus, Tamina was in the High Temple preparing for Siriah's funeral.
He could see that Siriah's death had affected her deeply, and that she wanted to honor her most loyal Guardian. The rest of the palace was either oblivious to her devastation or knew better than to call attention to it, but he could clearly see what she hid under her serene mask. As he was unfamiliar with the customs of the burial, he stayed out of her way and allowed her to complete her duties without interference. He assumed that the heaviness in her eyes was due to exhaustion, but after Siriah's funeral he knew it was more than that. As he sat with his brothers in the main hall after the feast celebrating the young Guardian's sacrifice, Dastan noticed that Tamina had disappeared. He wandered around the palace, with a vague idea of where he was going, and luckily stumbled across his weeping wife in the gardens. As he approached, she tried to hide her tears, but Dastan wouldn't allow it. He managed to pull her despair out of him and she confided in him that she had yet to grieve her friend's death she was so busy making sure that she received the proper honors. Dastan sat with her for a few moments before they both returned to the feast. Underneath the table though, Tamina had not let go of his hand.
Now, Dastan and Tamina stood at the top of the steps of the palace waiting patiently for Tus and Garsiv to join them. Both were dressed in ceremonial white robes, garnished with gold trim. The intricate scarlet and gold henna adorned both of their hands, but Tamina's bare arms and wrists also revealed the delicate designs.
Tamina stood still calmly, looking every bit the Princess and future Queen of Alamut. Dastan stood next to her struggling to keep the discomfort off of his face. Clearly, disguising his true emotions was difficult for him.
As if to add insult to injury, not only was he uncomfortable and hot in the heavy robes he was forced to wear, he was also forced to wear a silly looking white turban that came to a point at the top of his head. When the servant had brought the turban to him, Dastan had flat out refused to wear it. Tamina had laughed at him as he stormed around the room grumbling. But, as his temper escalated and he actually threw one of the servants out of the room, she began to get irritated. She stepped in and resolved the situation.
Dastan was unhappy with her solution though. He whined and complained about the entire outfit, but mostly about how his wife had forced him to wear the turban, all the way to the palace doors. Tamina had to remind him to control his temper once the doors were open. Now he couldn't stop moving.
"Stop fidgeting," Tamina scolded him under her breath as they stood in front of the whole city and the Persian army. "You're drawing attention to yourself."
"I wouldn't be in this mess had you just allowed them to leave and not insisted that we send them off," Dastan hissed back.
"It's called hospitality, something you Persians know nothing about. Most people ask before entering a holy city." Tamina teased. Dastan looked at her through narrowed eyes expecting to see a triumphant smile on her lips. He was amazed however, at how easily she had managed to keep her face so composed, until he saw the playfulness in her eyes. "Besides, this way the people of Alamut can see that the Persians are our allies."
"It's ridiculous," Dastan said. "They're going to be back in less than a year for the coronation."
"Dastan, we really need to work on your diplomacy skills," she smiled subtly.
"What diplomacy? They're just returning to Persia."
"Thank you for proving my point."
Tus and Garsiv walked out to the steps where Tamina and Dastan were standing just then. They bowed respectfully to the two of them before stepping forward to embrace Dastan.
"Remember, you can't go off on your silly adventures anymore. You have a duty to the people of this city now, not to mention a duty to your wife," Tus said when he pulled away from his youngest brother.
"Yes," Garsiv chimed in with a smile. "Maybe you should let her lead the army as you never seem to stay conscious long enough to do any good."
Tamina couldn't hide the smile that was forming on her lips. Garsiv had not relented his teasing of Dastan once he had discovered the events that had transpired in the High Temple. Dastan had tried at first to fight back, but once Tus had joined in, he knew his cause was lost.
"He's usually not this helpless, Your Highness," Tus chuckled to Tamina. "I'm not entirely sure what is wrong with him. I almost feel bad for leaving you to clean up after his messes."
"I'm sure it is nothing that can't be fixed. Who knows, I may be able to make a decent king out of him," Tamina smiled.
"Good luck, he's never been one for following orders," Tus scoffed.
"But he's so good at it."
"I am standing right here," Dastan interrupted. The other three laughed and a smile tugged at Dastan's lips.
"Goodbye, Dastan. If you ever need anything," Tus said not needing to finish the offer.
Dastan nodded and gripped his brother's shoulder.
"Goodbye, Tus."
Tus kissed the back of Tamina's hand, bowed again and walked down the steps toward his horse.
"I don't want to have to come back here to save your city again, little brother," Garsiv smiled.
"How about for a visit then? You know that Nasaf is going to be boring with only Tus around."
"Yes, that is true. I'll have to find a way to stir something up."
"Goodbye, Garsiv," Dastan laughed quietly.
Garsiv followed Tus' lead and kissed Tamina's hand before walking to his horse.
When both were mounted, they looked back up at Dastan and Tamina. Dastan nodded his head with a smile. His brothers did the same and turned their horses to leave the city.
Cheers from the crowd sounded through the city's streets as the Persians made their way to the gates. The new allies smiled in response.
Dastan took a deep breath and clasped his hands behind his back. He was sad to see his brothers go, but knew that his place was in Alamut and theirs in Nasaf. The last soldiers of the army disappeared from sight before Tamina and Dastan returned to the palace.
Silently, they strode back through the white corridors and passageways as they made their way to their bedchamber. Dastan sent the servants away and closed the doors behind them. He leaned against the door for a second and rubbed his eyes.
He ripped the turban off his head as he walked into the room and threw it toward the bed.
"Why is everything in this city so ceremonial?" he complained more to himself than anyone.
"Because it is a holy city," Tamina answered from behind the changing screen. Dastan shook his head. He couldn't believe she had heard him.
"The Gods selected Alamut to protect the Sands of Time and tradition—"
"I wasn't really looking for an answer," Dastan called. "More just wondering why there's cause for me to get so dressed up to say goodbye to my brothers."
"Do I really need to explain that to you?" she said with a smile poking her head out from around the screen.
"No," he replied as he narrowed his eyes at her. "I just don't want to have to wear these robes again."
"It sounds to me like you are complaining about your duties as a Prince of Alamut already," Tamina teased as she walked out in a long white silk top that was embellished along the sleeves with gold weaving and white silk pants. The shirt flared out at her waist leaving the slightest bit of skin showing around her stomach.
"No, just the clothing."
Tamina smiled as she lay down on the bed to relax. She took a deep breath as she stretched out on her stomach and folded her arms under her chin. She watched as Dastan struggled with the fastenings on his robes.
"There's just too much ritual in everyday life here. There's no room for adventure."
"If what we have just been through doesn't top your adventure list, I'm not sure I want to go on one of your adventures," Tamina said.
"That wasn't an adventure," Dastan stated boldly.
"Then what would you call it?"
"A lucky break. It's a wonder we all came out alive and in one piece."
Tamina huffed, sat up and crossed her arms over her chest.
"What?"
"I still can't believe that after everything that has happened, you still have no faith at all."
"Don't tell me you think this was part of some plan that your Gods had in store for us the whole time. I'm pretty sure that changed when Nizam plunged that damn knife into the Sandglass."
"Our faith in the Gods is what made that 'lucky break,' as you call it, possible. Without it, who knows if we would have survived."
"I don't know what battle you were just a part of, but I'm pretty sure we survived because we were prepared. I don't think the Gods had any part in that."
"So you're telling me that you don't think the Gods watch over us."
"Correct."
"That all they do is set up challenges we either conquer or fail?"
"That's right."
"So you don't believe that they guide our destiny?"
"You're very perceptive," Dastan smirked glancing over his shoulder at her.
"Then why do you wear the necklace of the Guardians around your neck?"
Dastan stopped undressing. His hand moved to pull at the jewel hanging around his neck. He didn't know that Tamina was aware that he wore it. It remained tucked away under his shirt throughout the day, and he always made sure to take it off before going to bed.
"It's all right to believe in something larger than yourself, Dastan," Tamina said as she got off the bed and walked toward her husband. "And I think you're starting to realize it."
"I believe your Gods gave us a second chance, but beyond that, I still think that we make our own destiny."
"In a way, I think you're right," Tamina said after a moment.
Dastan looked at her.
"You're actually agreeing with me on this?"
"Only partly, definitely not whole heartedly."
Dastan only continued to silently stare at her trying to understand what she was telling him.
"Our destiny is what the Gods have planned for us, it cannot be changed. But the way in which we get there and the circumstances in which we achieve our destiny, is very much within our own power."
"You sound as if you've discovered something in the past few days," Dastan said.
"I have," Tamina replied. She grew silent for a moment contemplating how to explain her revelation.
"I was in the temple praying before Siriah's funeral when I remembered one of the last conversations I had with her. She had some very interesting thoughts on the prophecy that was initiated."
Tamina paused to see if Dastan was following her explanation. He nodded for her to continue.
"She reminded me that the events of the prophecies always come true, but the reasons behind them change with time."
"I don't understand," Dastan said.
"You discovered the betrayal and alerted me to it. That changed the circumstances of the prophecy."
"So you don't have to sacrifice yourself for the world?" Dastan asked hopefully.
"I must still return the dagger to the Gods. As I said, the events of the prophecy always happen."
"Then I don't understand," Dastan said gruffly. "Nothing has changed; you're still going to die."
"Yes I will. I am charged with ending the Guardianship, but not because the dagger is in danger. I am to end it because the Gods have seen so much good in man, that there is no longer any need for the Dagger of Time. That is what Siriah helped me to understand."
"It doesn't change the fact that I'm still going to lose you."
"Dastan, because the dagger is not under any danger, there is no need to rush its return."
"But we still have to keep it safe in the mean time. You either make the sacrifice or someone else comes after the dagger to abuse its powers. That sounds like a double edged sword to me," Dastan muttered bitterly.
Tamina moved closer to him and held his face in her hands.
"We've just proven that we can protect the dagger better than anyone else and I do not have to make that sacrifice until after we have lived a long and happy life together," she said. "Our daughter will be a Princess and High Priestess of Alamut, but she will not be the Guardian of the Sands of Time."
Realization swept across Dastan's face. Tamina had been telling him that they were going to be together this whole time. So many feelings swelled through his chest that he did not know what to do first. He opened his mouth a few times to respond, but nothing came out.
"Are you sure?" he finally managed to stammer.
She smiled up at him and nodded her head. Dastan pulled her tightly against his chest and just held her. Relief and happiness washed over him.
"Maybe I should have faith in your Gods," he joked.
"Our lives were connected by a sacred calling; a calling that time could not interfere with."
Dastan held her tightly as he buried his head in her neck. He kissed her shoulder sweetly as she returned his embrace. When he pulled away from her, he could see tears brimming in her eyes. He gently wiped them away before they could fall.
"All right," he said trying to lighten the mood. "Now that there is no danger hanging over our heads, no threat to your dagger, what are we going to do?" Dastan asked with a large smile. He pulled off the top layer of his robes and let it fall to the ground.
"Well, you still have to learn your duties around the city."
"Minor details," Dastan shrugged.
"They are a little more time consuming than you think," Tamina warned him. "You will have to meet with the High Council and generals in the next few days, as well as help me to appoint an advisor to oversee the repairs in the city. We're going to have to start making preparations for the coronation as well," Tamina rambled as she listed off each new thought.
"I like the last one best of all," Dastan said over his shoulder as he sat down on the bed to start removing his boots.
"The coronation?"
"Yes, King Dastan has a nice sound to it don't you think?"
Tamina laughed at him as she crawled up behind him on the bed and ran her hands down the front of his chest.
"You do know the Queen of Alamut holds more power than the King, don't you?" she whispered in his ear and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"That's fine with me," Dastan smirked. "It just means more time to stir up trouble. I'm sure there are tons of forbidden places I'm not supposed to know about."
"Well considering your knack for discovering what you're not supposed to know, I'm sure you'll find them."
"So you're not going to tell me where they are?"
"Now where's the fun in that for me?" she smiled playfully. She kissed his cheek and again, stretched out on the bed next to him.
"So that will take a whole week, what else do I need to attend to?"
"Those few things will keep us pretty busy for a while. And, as you already know about the dagger, the only thing left really, is the children," she responded nonchalantly rolling onto her side.
Dastan froze. He whipped his head to the side to look at Tamina.
"That's the second time you've mentioned children in the last few minutes," he noticed. "Are…are you trying to…to tell me th-that you're with child?"
"No," Tamina replied. "But as the rulers of the city, we will need an heir."
"But you said 'children,'" Dastan pointed out.
"Anything is possible," Tamina replied. "If we happen to have more than one child…" she let the sentence hang as a large smile appeared across her face. Dastan, catching on to her thoughts, turned to face her.
"Well, there's not much I can do about most of these duties today. I guess I'll have to settle with helping you produce an heir."
"I thought that might be your favorite one," Tamina teased.
"You know me, always one for duty," he grinned.
"Really?" she arched an eyebrow at him.
"What can I say? My wife's influence is overwhelming. She likes giving me orders and I'm so good at following them."
"It'll be a few months at least before we know anything," Tamina reminded him. "You think you can handle that much responsibility?"
"I think so," he said. "We wouldn't want to disappoint the people of Alamut would we? Just to be safe, I think we'd better get plenty of practice."
"I think you're right," Tamina whispered back.
Dastan captured her lips in a searing kiss and leaned over her.