Chapter Twelve-----twelve----- You look like your mother

The gently swaying breeze blew slowly on Ameera's hair making it dance like twirling bamboo leaves.

Ameera stood quietly observing the gigantic mansion, memories deluged her mind and she sees her mum as if she was alive.

Calling to her younger, bubbly self. playing with Rasheed's siblings. She swivelled her head to the side and she saw the canopied roof that Rasheed likes to sit under while he watched them play.

Tears fill her eyes but she held them in. She sees two silhouettes standing closely together examining her as she was doing the same in an unbashful manner.

It became a contest for she was not willing to break the eye contact, her stubbornness kicked in so she looked at them squarely without ado.

Suddenly, the two people burst into uncontrollable laughter that amused Ameera then reality hit her and she realized those two were the king and queen.

She bowed her head in embarrassment and her face started heating up. She was completely flushed like peach fruit.

Rasheed saw her countenance, he understood her concern so he moved close to her and whispered into her ear not to worry.

"Are you sure?" She worriedly asked.

Rasheed smiled at her "yes, I am, so don't worry at all,".

" I swear, I didn't know,".

"You were a child when you last saw them, Ameera so I believe they understand that,".

"Okay, if you say so," she smothered her skirt.

Rasheed smiled remembering, she used to do that a lot as a child, smothering creases on her skirt that don't exist when she is nervous.

Some things never change, he mused. "Come now, they dying to meet you, let's end their suspense,"

He held her hand and took her to where his parents were standing at the entrance of their palace.

They must have been so curious that they couldn't wait in their east wing which is where the king and queen reside and also where all political activities take place.

The palace is extremely massive and a stranger gets lost inside without a proper guide. The west wing belongs to him while the south wing belongs to his younger siblings.

The north wing is for guests like her. The palace was like a second home for Ameera's parents so the north wing was left entirely for them.

Any guests that come to the palace are taken to the newly built guest house in the palace or taken outside to the luxurious inns made for occasions like that.

Finally, they got to where his parents were standing and the queen couldn't contain her joy and dragged Ameera into a tight bear hug while tears run down her eyes.

"Little moon baby, I am so sorry. I am so sorry for letting you down," she weeps.

She releases Ameera and then brought her hands to her cheek. "I thought you were dead. I have not been able to control my emotions. I failed my beloved friend Suhana by failing to protect you. I am so sorry,".

Her husband pulled her into an embrace to console her. He has seen how losing Suhana whom she grew up with and takes as her sister almost killed her.

When learned of Ameera's disappearance, she had passed out for days... He was so scared then. He kept on comforting her then, even till now.

Immediately, his son told him about the child. He had informed his wife to cheer her up a bit so she can forgive herself.

The news had cheered her up but with the information came her nagging, pestering him and their son to bring her home.

He had talked to their boy and he wouldn't listen. What made him change his mind, he can't understand still, he is very happy the girl is back home.

Now, he hopes his friend can rest in peace and also forgive him for not being able to protect their daughter.

He had always blamed himself every night and day, he had believed the girl would be safe with her stepmother. Who knew she was a devil in disguise as a human.

Selene Bajhat freed herself from her husband's embrace to meet Ameera again. "Will you ever forgive me little moon? I know this fairy godmother of yours has failed you,".

Ameera sadly smiled at her and said "godmother, I was never angry at you. Whatever has happened to me, I know you were not aware of it,".

" I can't get it out of my mind that I have disappointed you. You look so much like your mother, she was the most beautiful maiden in her Phoenix clan. You are the carbon copy of her,". Queen Selene said.

"I am glad. I have not taken notice of my appearance while trying to survive, all I know is that I am comely. To be told I am a carbon copy of my mom is a great honour," she bows respectfully.

"Rise, little moon. This away all these formalities when you are with me. Besides, you are the crown princess of this nation meaning we are of the same calibre,".

" Thank you, my queen." She smiles shyly.

"Can we keep all these discussions for later, I believe they are worn out from the trip and they need rest,". The King mumbled.

" Yes, yes honey, you are right," she said looking at her husband.

Whirling to Ameera, she said "I am sorry little moon for not thinking about how tired you must be. The north wing is ready for you waiting for you to occupy it. If you need anything just ring any of the servants and they will attend to you or call for me," she smiles.

"It is not a problem godmother, you have not disturbed me and I thank you for arranging the north wing for me," she said. She moves close to her then Beck's her on her cheek.

"I will take her to her quarters mother. You will see us at dinner later in the evening,". Rasheed said to his mom.

"Alright, my mom," she took the outstretched hands of her husband and they left them heading to their wing.

"Will you want your sister and your maid to be staying with you? Though, there are servants in your wing already," The prince said.

Ameera smiles at the prince still in her good mood, and she answers him "Yes, that would be wonderful. There are numerous rooms in the north wing so yes they can stay in the north wing with me. I want Samiha close to me. She is a friend and not a maid. If she wishes to help me then it will be by her choice not a forced decision,".

"Oh, whatever you wish little moon," Rasheed replied to her.

"My princess," Samiha began "I wish to serve you if you will allow me. I feel horrible for all the bad things I did to you please give me a chance to atone for my sins,".

"Samiha, you have done nothing wrong. You were simply doing as you were told and I understand that so, please set your mind at ease, if you wish to help me then it is your choice but don't belittle yourself," Ameera berated her.

"Yes, my princess, it will be my greatest pleasure to help you. Sitting down and doing nothing might make me lose my mind," she said playfully.

"Very well," she smiled.

What a smile! Samiha thought she is the most beautiful lady she has ever seen with such a beautiful smile.

Her rows of teeth are perfectly set and surprisingly white. Her beautiful dimples each on the two sides of her cheek.

Now she knows why they call her little moon for she shines bright as the goddess Selene.

"Samiha, are you okay?" A worried expression on Ameera's face.

"Yes, my princess... I was only lost in your dazzling beauty. You are like a million stars when you smile," Samiha said.

"Oh, thank you," Ameera said flushed once again.

The prince noticed this and a great wave of unpleasant emotions started swelling in his heart... He felt like disappearing Samiha back to Kafata.

How dare she sweet talk his woman, that's his job and not hers. The weather soon enough became chilly and Rasheed directed the cold to Samiha.

She started shaking, her teeth chattering making sounds. "Adeel, I want you here right now" Rasheed mind linked to his personal guard.

comment.❤❤❤