Zara’s Loneliness The scene opens in a dimly lit stone chamber within the ancient palace, its walls cracked from years of neglect. Princess Zara, a frail 12-year-old with braided hair and a faded royal dress, sits on a wooden stool by a narrow window. Outside, the dry plains stretch endlessly, dotted with emaciated cattle and children scavenging for scraps. Her large eyes well with tears as she whispers to herself, "Where is Father?" The sound of distant wind whistling through the cracks adds to her isolation, her small hands clutching a tattered doll—her only companion. 2. Zainab’s Arrival The palace gates creak open under the harsh midday sun, revealing Zainab, an elderly woman with a weathered face framed by white hair tucked under a vibrant orange headscarf. She leans on a gnarled walking stick, her basket of dried herbs swaying slightly as she approaches. Two guards eye her suspiciously, but she speaks with quiet authority, "I am Zainab, healer of the village. I seek the king."