(11)

"Ahmad, I am entrusting you with the duty of protecting my daughter, and I believe you must not disappoint me," Hamad's voice was stern and laced with a warning for the unknown. He certainly couldn't let his dearest daughter go unprotected in a den of hyenas.

Perhaps it was a bit exaggerated, but one couldn't blame a caring father. It wasn't hidden from the world that with royalty came its share of viciousness. The royal court was a place of grandeur and power, but it was also filled with deception, jealousy, and danger.

Hamad knew all too well that his daughter, with her innocence and grace, could easily become a target in such an environment. His protective instincts were heightened, and he wanted to ensure that she was guarded by someone he trusted implicitly. Ahmad was that person, and Hamad's expectations were clear- failure was not an option.

"You have my words, sire. I shall protect lady Inaya with my life", Ahmad gave a curt nod in affirmation. "Very well".

"Papa, do not worry, I shall be alright", Inaya's soft voice did little to ease his mind for this was the first time she would be out of his wing, vulnerable for the vultures to loom above her head.

"In Sha Allah, may my Creator protect you", he wrapped the small frame in his embraced, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Mother", Inaya smiled wiping the lady's cheek that adored with sorrowful tears.

"Always remember, you are your own. You must protect yourself first with the help of your Creator before depending on another soul, and we are always here for you, just one word and we shall be at your vicinity", she patted Inaya's knuckles, her eyes laced with a mixture of worry and affection.

Inaya settled on the carriage with Eira beside her. Other two attendees were in a seperate carriage with Inaya's belonging and the guards mounted the horses, forming a protective shield from all side, as they departed for the anticipated journey.

"Are you perhaps anxious, my lady?", Eira asked, her voice soft and understanding.

"Perhaps", Inaya muttered as her gaze was fixed outside the window.

"It has been three consecutive weeks, I heard from the Prince. I am aware he is a man with great responsibilities, moreover, he gave me his seal. But the anxiety of the unknown future is fluttering my heart", Inaya bared her raw emotions in front of her friend which she couldn't do with her parents for they would be worried.

"Do not worry, my lady. His royal highness's affection is strong enough to fight any handles. I am certain, he must be anticipating your arrival", she offered a reassuring smile as Inaya heaved out a breath.

"It is not he, I am concerned for, it is the emperor and the express. I seem to find it hard to shrug off the wariness", she mumbled, her fingers fidgeting nervously.

"Why do you feel this way?", Eira asked, her voice as soft as feather.

"I am no Royal neither am I, noble", she whispered.

Inaya sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her thoughts. "I've always trusted my instincts, and right now, they're screaming at me. I've been told that the imperial family, are just and kind, but there's something... something I can't put my finger on. It's like a shadow lurking at the back of my mind",

"Everything shall be fine, In sha Allah", Eira smiled warmly as Inaya pushed the thoughts at the back of her mind for the time being.

The clatter of horses' hooves against the cobblestone road echoed through the quiet night, creating a rhythm of clicks and thuds.

The majestic beasts, their breath visible in the cool air, pulled the carriage steadily forward. Each stride brought them closer to the imperial palace, its towering building looming against the moonlit sky.

The carriage wheels creaked and rumbled over the uneven stones, adding a low, constant undertone to the horses' steps. As they approached the majestic palace gates, its pristine presence welcoming the arrival with a silent grace.

"Introduce yourself," came an authoritative command from the royal guard, his face stoic and posture straight, a hand placed on the scabbard, ready for any threat.

"The young maiden is His Royal Highness, the Crowned Prince's guest, Inaya Al-Amir from the Southern Province," Ahmad's voice echoed around the quiet surroundings as more royal guards moved forward.

"We did not receive any words from His Royal Highness for the arrival of such guest as you speak", came a firm reply.

"And it is not a suitable time to receive audience, I suggest for you to spend the night at an Inn and return back during the day when the time is appropriate", the guard dismissed as if it wasn't disrespectful.

"You have the audacity to disrespect the lady who is the Crowned Princes's guest. Why not send words for His Highness and let him decide what is to be done?", Ahmad refused to back down for it wasn't safe for a maiden to stay outside at this hour of night, finding an appreciate Inn might take quite a while, the coldness of the night wasn't favorable as well.

"I do not wish to encourage your meaningless tantrums, return back for His Royal Highness must be resting at the moment", the guard retorted, an aggressive frown adoring his face.

"My lady, what shall be done?", Eira asked softly as they let Ahmad handle the situation.

"Sir Ahmad", Inaya's sweet voice grabbed the attention of the roguish men who was close to unsheathing their swords. It wasn't suitable for her to create a scene as soon as she arrived at the palace grounds, what impression it would form for the King and Queen?

Ahmad, shot a harden glare at the royal guard as he galloped beside the carriage.

"Yes, my lady", his voice soften contradicting his aggravated features.

"Inform them, I have His Royal Highness's seal", she mumbled hopeful, now she might be allowed to enter the palace. "Alright",

"She claims to have His Royal Highness's seal, which he himself gave to her," Ahmad's voice was loud enough to reach everyone's ears.

The guard walked towards the carriage as Ahmad descended from his mount, taking a protective stance in front of the carriage door.

"Show it", he ordered.

Inaya grabbed the pouch where she placed the seal like it was her most precious possession.

"Here", she displayed the coin in front of the lantern that a guard held beside them.

The royal guard seemed surprised as he reached for it but Inaya closed her palm before retreating it back.

"I do not trust you", she was straightforward with her words as the royal guards feature's soften.

"I did not give you the reason to", he stated as he heaved out a breath.

The royal guard was convinced but he refused to let them enter, still.

"I am afraid, I cannot help you at the moment, you must return back during the day. I am doing my duty as is expected of me", he said his final words and turned around to leave.

"Sire, can you at the least convey my words to the Crowned Prince", she asked softly with a hope in her sapphire eyes which was the only feature in her face that could be seen.

"Alright", the royal guard agreed as he turned towards Ahmad.

"In the centre of the main market there is an Inn, appropriate for the lady to accomodate for the night", the guard suggested as he returned to his position, not forgetting to send a guard to convey the message to the crowned prince regarding his guest.

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Praying under the starry night had always been the Crowned Prince's solace. He felt much closer to his Creator, finding the peace he always craved.

He sat on his prayer mat, looking up at the sky, his eyes pleading to his Lord to show him the correct path, one that wouldn't hurt anyone.

His parents were very dear to him, showering him with immense affection. On the other hand, Inaya was his soul, and without her, he might lose himself.

"Yah Rabbi! You have always granted me everything, even before I could ask, and you have never disappointed me.

I only wish for one pure woman, among all the pure women in the world.

I do not wish for riches, but for the happiness of being married to the one my heart craves.

Please, do not make me one of those who lose their true love for worldly affairs. Do not make me a coward who cannot keep his word given to a woman.

Grant me patience and guide me to the right path,"

Tears rolled down his cheeks, wetting his beard once more. He had been in the same position for hours, baring his heart to his Lord.

"Your Royal Highness," his reverie was interrupted when his head attendant, Zaid, approached him, standing by the threshold of the beautiful balcony where the Prince sat, moonlight being the only source of light.

The Prince turned his head slightly, indicating he was listening.

"The guards stationed at the entrance door sent word. A carriage has arrived from the southern province, claiming the young maiden is Your Highness's guest," Zaid informed as instructed.

Shaizaib stood abruptly, rushing out of his chamber without waiting for his royal guards to follow him, caring for nothing at the moment.

He reached the entrance door, only to be disappointed when he found the area empty apart from the guards.

"Your Royal Highness," the guard from earlier approached, greeting him.

"Where is the carriage? Did you show them the path to the visitors' quarters?" the Prince asked, turning on his heel to aim for the place.

"N-no, Your Highness. It is the command from His Majesty the Emperor that none should be allowed to enter without his permission, especially during the night," he stated, nevertheless, taking a wary step back when the Prince towered over him, seething with anger.

"What is the meaning of this? You had the audacity to refuse a young maiden at this hour of night who claimed to be my guest?" the Prince's roaring voice echoed, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

"My apologies, Your Highness, I was just doing my duty," the guard mumbled, not meeting the Prince's eyes.

"Where did she go?" the Prince gritted out.

"To the Inn, Your Highness."

The Prince rushed back inside, barking orders to bring his stallion. He mounted the horse and galloped towards the Inn, followed by his royal guards.

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The fatigue from the journey played a significant role in the young lady drifting off into a deep slumber, the crackling of the fireplace creating a soothing ambiance, the comfortable bedding keeping her small figure warm.

Eira was snuggled in her own single bed at the other end of the suite, while the guards stationed outside the door alternated shifts to protect their young mistress, Ahmad being constant.

The sky was adorned with a layer of blushing hue, indicating the end of darkness and the arrival of the sun's warmth.

A soft knock on the door woke Eira from her slumber. She fixed her appearance before walking towards the door.

"Who is it?" she asked cautiously without opening the barrier, which served as a shield between them and the person outside.

"His Highness, the Crowned Prince, has arrived, asking for an audience," Ahmad's voice was muffled yet managed to elicit a surprised gasp from the attendee.

"Wallahi! Give us a moment, my lady is asleep," she spoke urgently while rushing towards the bed.

"Certainly."

"My lady, wake up, the Crowned Prince has arrived."

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