Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Thursday 1:00AM

Behind a large mahogany desk in an oversized office hung a portrait. The recess lighting in the room was such that this portrait was always a glow in light, even when the rest of the room was dark. Much like a painting of a medieval king this figure stood arrayed in all his glory. It would be the first thing anyone entering the office would notice. The gold frame only added to eye catching portrait.

If an individual were so inclined they could look about the office and find twelve other portraits of the man. The portrait behind his desk was the most recent and the most grand. Also above the door to exit the office was another portrait of the man. The first and last thing anyone would see when entering or exiting the office was his face.

In addition to his portraits, one would also find his name etched on all of the stationary in the room. If you needed to borrow a pen, that would have his name on it to. There could never be any mistaking who this office belonged to.

Currently two men occupied the office. The man who owned the office and the man who could not look anywhere without seeing his face.

Faisal Bin Turki Al Rashid starred incredulously. “You know you are wasting my time right?” Al Rashid said as he looked at his watch. It was just after 1:00am in Riyadh and he needed to be getting ready for his trip to Medina.

His personal assistant calmly stated “this is not my fault.”

“I hope you are not trying to imply that this is my fault.”

“No, of course not.”

“Of course not, because it is your fault. Even if not directly…”

Before another word could be said the door slowly swung open. His wife Fatima peaked her head in.

For a full second Al Rashid was silent. He could not believe anyone would interrupt his meeting and he was even more surprised to see that the disruption was caused by his wife.

“What are you doing?” Al Rashid snapped at his wife. “You know that you are never to come in here when I am discussing business.”

Fatima only now realized that the room had another occupant and a slight flash of terror showed in her eyes.

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize you were still working.”

“Why are you here?” Rashid said with disdain.

“Your son had a bad dream and is asking for you.”

“Get over here! Do you think that you can interrupt me over something so trivial?”

“He is your son.” Fatima said pleadingly as she walked across the room.

“He is three, so his mother should take after his needs and not interfere with my time.”

“I am sorry, but he wants his father.”

“You should have more discernment. What I do is far more important than anything you will ever accomplish. Now kneel before me.”

With fear in her eyes Fatima complied. She knew that one false step or unwanted remark would trigger her husband.

“Nawaz,” Al Rashid said as he directed his attention to his aide, “I am sure your wife is not so bold to interfere with your business affairs.”

“No, sir, but I see no harm here.” Nawaz knew he was walking a tight rope here. If he said the wrong thing Al Rashid would just as quickly unleash his anger on him.

“You see no harm because you are not a great man.”

“As you say sir.”

“But I being a great man am greatly affronted by this unwarranted intrusion.”

“Yes, but why sir?”

“Why? Do you really not know why? I am Faisal Bin Turki Al Rashid and now you are wasting my time as well. But you provide a far more valuable service than this one, so I will let you in on a little secret.”

Fatima realized she was acting rashly, but she couldn’t remain silent. Al Rashid had insulted her one too many times and she was only doing what any good mother would do. She was trying to look after the needs of her son. So come what may.

“I am your wife!”

“Your only purpose is to serve me, however I see fit. Do you understand?”

Silence filled the office. Fatima didn’t even know how to respond.

Never tiring of hearing his voice Al Rashid said, k“Nawaz, here is a nugget of wisdom. Those who will not willingly comply must be compelled to comply. Do you understand what I am teaching you?”

“I believe so sir.”

“Then what is the next step?”

“In what?”

“In our present predicament.”

“You allow your wife to leave and attend to her child.”

Al Rashid dropped his head in disgust. “You still have much to learn Nawaz. First, the child is mine. Not hers. Second, she remains noncompliant. To be great you can’t allow that.”

“What will you do sir to teach her compliance?”

Al Rashid removed his shoes and socks as he stood over his wife. “Kiss my feet.”

Reluctantly his wife complied.

“Now stand.” Al Rashid slapped his wife on both cheeks. Then he shoved her in the chest as he said “now leave and don’t interrupt me again or else I will really teach you a lesson.”

After stumbling backwards Fatima regained her balance and quickly exited the room. She was starting to truly hate her husband.

“Now that that inconvenience has been brushed aside let continue talking about how I will continue to build my kingdom.” Al Rashid said with gusto.

However before he could say another word his office door swung open again. He was shocked to see his wife again.

“I will really teach you a lesson now!”

Fatima majestically strode across the room and extended a letter to her husband.

He snatched it and said “this had better not be another waste of time.”

His entire demeanor changed instantly as he read Inimicitia Aeterna. Silence filled the room awaiting his next move. Yet he stood motionless. Everything had just changed in an instant. Now nothing else mattered. It shouldn’t be happening yet. Al Rashid thought he had more time.

“I have to leave. Nawaz you are in charge until I get back. Maybe in two weeks. It could be longer.”

Fatima smiled behind her niqab as her husband rushed from the office.