In the middle of the night, two European ships attacked an Omani sambuk ship. Despite the darkness, the sambuk's distinctive features made it unmistakably part of the Omani naval forces, while the exact identity of the European ships remained unclear.

  The crew of the Safavid fleet watched with bated breath from a safe distance as the battle unfolded.

  The identity of the European ships was hard to determine, but the sambuk's features made it clear it was part of the Omani fleet. The vast expanse of sea trembled with the roar of cannon fire.

  The sambuk appeared to be 50-80 feet long (15-24 meters), a narrow ship with a single mast and teen sails. Known for its agility, it found itself unable to maneuver as it was caught in the bombardment.

  In contrast, the European ships were clearly heavy-weight carracks, heavily armed with cannons. Although not as formidable as galleons, they were still formidable adversaries. One carrack, rger and weighing around 500-600 tons with a length of 80 meters, was the first to attack. The other carrack, weighing 300-400 tons and measuring 50 meters, took its position.

  From the deck of the sambuk, the crew's cries of fear could be heard amidst the loud explosions. The first cannonball hit the sambuk hard, breaking through its wooden hull and making it shake violently, while some debris flew up into the ocean.

  Soon after, the second carrack fired more cannonballs, which exploded on impact. One cannonball hit the sambuk's deck, causing a fireball to burst out and ignite into fmes.

  The crew rushed around in panic, their actions visible against the spreading fmes. The fire quickly spread to the sails and network of ropes, burning fiercely and making loud crackling sounds as it destroyed the ship bit by bit.

  With each explosion, the sambuk's demise seemed inevitable. The fire grew louder and more destructive. The crew's cries faded as the fire overwhelmed the ship, causing it to colpse and sink. Sailors leaped into the water, though gunshots continued to ring out from the carracks.

  The distance was too great, and it would take time for them to row in, but the spectacle was crystal clear. By this time, the Safavid fleet could have turned and left if they wished, but they stood as something felt amiss.

  The carracks, having completed their attack, stayed back. They likely noticed the Safavid fleet but made no move, as if waiting for something. Their patience was rewarded when a significant fleet of Omani ships appeared on the horizon, signaling a new phase in the conflict.

  It was the 6 baghh ships supported by the 4 sambuk ships. Although the baghh ships seemed to be of medium weight, they were no match for the carracks individually. However, the situation was different with their numbers. These ships were approximately 200-300 tons and 30-40 meters long, armed with lethal cannons that could pose a serious threat to the European ships if they came within range. The situation had become more critical than tense.

  The admiral's eyes widened, while the princess looked on with amazement. He requested with concern, "Sehzadi, the scale of the battle has shifted. Please return to your cabin for your safety."

  Princess Nusrat, however, remained resolute. With a dismissive wave, she replied, "I am not going back. Things have just turned interesting. Do what you must."

  By this time, the ship's crew had already gone on edge from the sight of the bombardment. They worked with frenzied urgency. Sailors hurriedly adjusted ropes as if their lives depended on it. Men barked orders and secured loose equipment. The once orderly deck had turned into chaos, with fpping sails and flying ropes, and men constantly barking orders.

  The captain of the fgship, breathless and wide-eyed, approached the admiral with urgency. "Dariah Sar, we are in Omani waters. It appears the Omanis and Portuguese have a dispute. What are your orders?"

  The admiral, still keeping his composure, responded, "We are at a safe distance for now. Pass orders to stay vigint and fire on any vessel that comes too close."

  But the captain, with experience, interjected, "But Dariah Sar, please consider changing direction. More Omani ships might arrive from unexpected directions, and we risk being caught in the crossfire."

  After a moment of contemption, the admiral gave his command, "Raise the fg to change direction. We need to avoid conflict and ensure.."

  But before the naval commander could finish, the princess called the captain back.

  "Wait, Kaptan (captain). How much dey will we face if we change the route?"

  The captain felt panicked, as addressing royalty was the st thing he wanted to do. This was unexpected, but he replied with a respectful bow, "Sehzadi Sahiba, if we alter our course to avoid the conflict, we will need to move northeast. Most probably, we will be deyed by only a day."

  Princess Nusrat's eyes narrowed, but this time she addressed the naval commander directly. "Dariah Sar, are we capable of handling them?"

  The naval commander knew from one gnce the outcome of the battle. Whoever survived would not be able to pursue, and he still had backup. Though there were uncertainties at sea and he did not want to lose his resources, he reluctantly tried to persuade her. "Yes, Your Highness, but.."

  She locked eyes with him and replied, "Then do it. I don't want any deys. Blow up anyone who comes in our way."

  The admiral, resigned to the princess's decision, nodded. With a deep sigh, he gave the final orders. "We will continue on our current path. Maintain vigince and engage any approaching vessels."

  With a dull face, the captain turned back to the wheel while the admiral returned to his command. The sailors, startled by the new orders, redoubled their efforts. The ship's course remained unaltered, slicing through the sea as storm clouds gathered above, preparing for the battle expected at a far off distance.

  The princess, standing on railing, smiled as it was all her pn to enjoy the beautiful scene which she had only glimpsed for a short moment.