Chapter 78 - Riot

Benjamin

"Ughh…" Jasmine groaned.

"Don't be like that." I said as I bit her neck. "Hey!" She shouted. "Did you not know I was a vampire?" I said showing her my teeth.

My phone buzzed. My screen showed a Saudi number. "I have to get this." I said to Jasmine. "Maybe you can get ready for bed or go see my mom." I gave her some options.

I kissed her cheek and quickly went out of my home theatre. "Yes." I said as I picked up my phone. "They are demanding that you decline the crown when time comes." My guard told me. "Where are they keeping her?" I ran my hand through my hair.

"We don't really know, but we are guessing in the mountains." I balled my fist. "Jasmine is going to kill me." I said mostly to myself. "I don't think I can do that." I shrugged.

"And my grandfather?" I questioned. I walked into our backyard. My brothers were swimming in the outside swim-paradise and were yelling. I turned around to find a more quiet place to finish this call and walked towards our tennis fields. "He is save." The guard stated.

"Can I speak to him?" I asked worried.

"He thinks it is not safe, so no." He said. "How does my grandfather want me to proceed?" I asked. I already knew this answer, but I asked anyway.

"Gain support." Was the only thing he said. "Okay, I will." I sighed. "Will the so called freedom fighters let her go if I step back?" I tried to keep my voice steady.

"I don't think she is with us, if you ask me." Panic rose in me. "What makes you say that." I blurted out. "Raina is not one to stay quiet." My guard said softer.

I blew out sharply.

We hung up the phone and I walked around our property for some time. I should go back in, before I made Jazz suspect anything.

When I passed the pool area I saw that Jasmine was talking to my younger brothers from the terrace. The lights that were surrounding the pools shone on her hair. It was a funny sight, seeing her here on American soil in her long Arabian dress and headscarf. I'd have to talk to her about not needing to cover herself so much when we were with family.

She saw me at last, and I waved at her. "Where were you?" She asked. "I needed to make a few phone calls." I said while stroking my hand through my hair. "Your mother said that there was paparazzi outside the house." Jasmine said.

I sighed. "Well… That was to be expected." I said trying to keep my face straight. The fact was that I hated this. I hated everything about being a public figure when I was in Saudi. I could always find my peace here. "How are you holding up?" She asked me. "I am fine, we are going to be fine." I told her as I watched my siblings play in the water.

I walked up to Jasmine and sat down. "Do you see him?" I pointed to an armed man in de the dark. "And him, and him, and him." I went on for a while. "They are all here to protect us." I promised her.

"Although this house is what they call a 'safe house', you are not to leave a room, without someone accompanying you." I spoke in authority. "What's going on Ben?" She asked, her eyes ever big.

"We will all be just fine." I said trying to sooth both her and I. "I have an online meeting with the white house." I said. Jasmine was fumbling with the fabric of her dress.

"Good evening love birds." My sister Lynn cooed. "Hey sweetheart." I greeted her. "Can you do me a favor?" I asked Lynn. Jasmine looked at me. I smiled at her. "Can you take my lovely wife to spend some 'lady time' as I finish some business before we go to bed?" I asked Lynn.

Lynn smiled from ear to ear. "I would love that." Lynn said addressing herself towards my wife. Jasmine looked at me and I saw that she was reluctant to leave me. She stood up anyway and briefly looked at me.

I took her hand and pulled her towards me. I stood up and scrutinized her face. Then I kissed the crown of her head. "I'll be with you soon enough." I told her. "Okay." Was the only thing she said.

Saphira

We were at our grandparents house tonight and I had been meaning to talk to Sierra all evening, but we were surrounded by family.

Grandma made us a rice dinner. Normally I loved her food, but tonight I did not have the stomach to eat. My grandfather was watching the news when I saw Benjamin and his wife on the screen. I looked at Sierra and she smiled smugly.

"Turn up the volume!" I said loudly. My grandfather put his glasses off and looked at me. He did as I said and watched me taking in the news.

They were talking about 'the house of Saud' and how a prince had lived among us in secret for all his life. He was now crown prince which led to a feud.

It seemed like I was in trance. They showed a small interview, at I guess what was our airport.

My mouth fell open.

"You did not know?" My grandfather noted. He looked at Sierra. My grandfather cleared his throat. "It is not my fault grandfather." She said sourly. "That Ben hadn't trusted her with this true identity."

Tears started to flow down my cheeks. What did I know about him? I wasn't sure…"You were right." I stated to Sierra. "I know nothing about him." I said as my voice cracked.

"I'm sorry." She said and it actually sounded sincere.

"He should of told you." She whispered. "You all knew?" I asked baffled?

The whole house was silent.