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In the Red Palace room, two days after the poisoning, Maxan regains consciousness. His condition remains critical, his eyes filled with weakness, but his will is strong. His family is asked to gather around him. Everyone arrives: Abdullah, Tamim, Sarah, Selina, and Prince Badis Ben Habous. Maxan feels their profound sadness and begins to speak with difficulty:
Maxan: (In a faint voice, looking at Prince Badis Ben Habous) "Father... I'm sorry. I see the sorrow of a lifetime in your face, and the years have added wrinkles to you. I didn't think time would pass so quickly, and I feel that I'm going now to join my brother Balqin."
Prince Badis Ben Habous: (Sighs deeply, his eyes full of tears) "Maxan, don't speak like this. You are still strong, and we need you. But if this is what you see, know that I am proud of everything you have achieved."
Maxan: (Turns slowly to Sarah, speaking with regret) "Sarah, I know I was distant with you at times. I wasn't always as close to you as you wished. When I look at your face now, I remember my wife Halima... and I feel regret. I wish I had spent more time with you and understood your feelings. Forgive me."
Sarah: (, crying silently) "Maxan, don't blame yourself. You always acted to the best of your ability and I forgave you a long time ago."
Maxan: (Emotionally turning to Tamim) "Tamim, my nephew... I missed your laughter and the happy times reminded me of my childhood and joyful moments. Don't forget those times,."
Tamim: (Puts his hand on Maxan's shoulder, his eyes full of sorrow) "I will never forget those times, Uncle. You were always a source of pride and honor for me. I will always remember and cherish our beautiful memories."
Maxan: (Looks at Abdullah and smiles slowly) "Abdullah, don't be afraid. I trust you. You are as brave as your father and wise like your grandfather, and I know you will be fine. Keep the family spirit alive and continue to be a support for our family as you always have."
Abdullah: (Whispers with emotion, holding Maxan's hand) "I will do my best, Maxan. I will work to achieve everything you dreamed of and ensure that our family remains strong and united."
Maxan: (Looks up at the ceiling, as if recalling memories) "Remember to stay humble and don't let power overcome you. Always be as you were, generous and kind. I want you to maintain this style of leadership."
Abdullah: (Bows his head, his eyes filled with tears) "I will remain true to your advice, Uncle. I will uphold the values you taught me."
Maxan: (Closes his eyes slowly, breathing heavily) "I'm sorry I couldn't achieve more. I am going now to be with Balqin... I wish all of you well. I bid you farewell, and leave you in the care of God."
Sarah: (Sobbing) "Don't say goodbye yet, Maxan. There is hope, and we will stay here for you."
Maxan: (Closes his eyes again, seeming to surrender to exhaustion) "The beautiful times... the good memories... Don't forget to always be together and support one another."
Maxan: (His eyes close completely, and he loses consciousness once more.)
(Everyone remains around him, filled with grief and sorrow, reminiscing about the moments of his life.)
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As Maxan closes his eyes again and drifts into unconsciousness, he is transported back to the distant past. Amidst the chaos of battle, he finds himself in a scene where he is trapped with his brother Balqin.
Maxan: (Shouting over the sounds of battle) "Balqin, the situation is getting worse; we are surrounded! Do you have any idea how we can get out of here?"
Balqin: (Looking around anxiously, then turning to Maxan) "There's something strange... I feel they know we're coming. How could they know?"
Maxan: (Smiling faintly, trying to ease the tension) "Brother, don't think too much about it. We are here together, and we will find a way. Welcome, and let's work together to save ourselves."
Balqin: (Smiling lightly, trying to keep his composure) "Welcome, Maxan. I will stay here with you, and we will succeed in this."
Maxan: (With a puzzled expression, looking at Balqin) "But, what about the plan?"
Balqin: (Takes a deep breath, then leans towards Maxan and speaks firmly) "I will do what I can. Go to the other side, and I'll handle the situation here. Don't forget, we are family and we must support each other."
Maxan: (Nods, heading towards the path Balqin indicated. But he is surprised when Balqin strikes him on the shoulder, feeling dizzy) "Why?!"
Balqin: (With a determined expression, instructs his assistant) "Take Maxan to the opposite direction, let him separate from me. I don't want him to get harmed. Ensure his safety."
The assistant: (Takes Maxan away, concerned about Balqin's situation) "I'll try to protect him as best as I can, my lord."
Maxan: (Continues to feel dizzy, until he collapses unconscious. Later, he wakes up to find himself in a completely different place. He clearly remembers Balqin's death, who sacrificed his life in the battle. Maxan's face shows deep sorrow and grief)
Maxan: (In a calm, reflective voice) "Balqin... you have departed this world, but you live in my memory with courage and sacrifice. You were always ready to do anything for us. How can I live without you?"
Maxan: (Closes his eyes, feeling Balqin's presence in his life, even though Balqin has been gone for a long time. The memories continue to shine in his mind, giving him hope that there is a place for both of them together in the afterlife.)
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After a full day of Maxan's deteriorating condition, all family members gathered around his bed in the palace room. Silence filled the room, only the whispers of sorrow and tears streaming down faces expressing their deep feelings. Abdullah and Tamim, along with their father Prince Badis Ben Habous, Sarah, and Selina, looked at Maxan lying on the bed, teetering between consciousness and unconsciousness.
Maxan took a deep breath, glanced around slowly, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them again. He looked at the faces around him, feeling the increasing pain in his chest, but it seemed he suffered more from the sorrow he saw in the eyes of his loved ones. He spoke in a faint, shaky voice, "Balqin... Halima..."
As moments passed, Maxan closed his eyes again, his heart narrating a life filled with challenges, love, and regret. As silence prevailed in the room, the family's tears spoke of the pain and sorrow that words could not describe.
He suddenly stopped, his face contorting as if trying to gather distant memories, his eyes full of tears. A tear fell down his cheek, and the doctor gently covered Maxan's face, taking a deep breath, his face reflecting profound sadness. He whispered softly, "Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return."
Sarah tried to hide her tears but couldn't. Her heart was breaking seeing her husband suffering. Her tears flowed abundantly down her cheeks, and Selina embraced Sarah to comfort her. Abdullah, who had always believed Maxan would stay strong till the end, tried to control himself but couldn't, as grief overwhelmed him, tears streaming down his face. Tamim, too, tried to conceal his feelings behind sad eyes.
Prince Badis Ben Habous, who was used to being a symbol of strength and wisdom, couldn't hide his emotions. He tried to show strength for his family, but his eyes sparkled with tears, and sorrow was evident in his features.
When the silence took over, and the moment of grief settled in,
The silence persisted for a long time, with everyone trying to process the immense loss that had befallen them. Each had their own way of coping with the grief, but all hearts were bleeding with pain, and the cherished memories would always remain etched in their minds.
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After Maxan's death, the grief was deep in everyone's hearts. A large crowd gathered in the city to join his family in his final farewell. The streets and alleys were filled with mourners, all coming to express their sorrow and respect for the man who was loved by all.
On the day of the funeral, there was a large crowd around the mosque where the funeral prayer was held. People from all directions, men and women, old and young, gathered to witness Maxan's final farewell. The impact of his departure was evident in their eyes, and prayers and Quranic verses were recited for his pure soul.
Abdullah, Tamim, and Prince Badis Ben Habous arrived, all standing with the people during this sorrowful moment. They joined the worshippers, praying for Maxan with supplications and takbir, wishing him mercy and forgiveness. Everyone wore mourning clothes, their faces marked with sadness, as if expressing the loss of a part of their soul.
After the funeral prayer, people began to bury Maxan. The digging was slow and sorrowful, as mourners placed soil on the
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grave with heavy hearts. There was no sound except for the sobbing and the recitations of takbir echoing in the distance, as everyone participated in this painful moment.
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