Chapter 64：Unexpected

***

Writer's POV:

After all the guests had left, Asahd went to have a private discussion with his parents in their chamber. They had a long touching chat during which Asahd apologised sincerely to each of them. He told them about how the people he was surrounded by, including Djafar and Saïda, helped him realise that not everyone was born with a golden spoon in his or her mouth. Not every one had loving parents, not everyone had what to eat, what to wear and where to stay. He was sorry for the way he'd treated them and everyone else around him. He begged for their forgiveness, crying at their feet while on his knees.

This had surprised and touched his parents very much. They were so happy to see that he was sincere and truly remorseful for his past behavior. They were grateful he'd been able to realise most of his mistakes in a few months. They couldn't ask for anything better. Their prayers had been answered and a whole new and different Asahd had returned to them.

***

A week passed since Asahd had returned and everyone could clearly see the change. He wasn't rude with the palace's employees like he used to be. Even when he wanted something, he would ask politely instead of giving them orders in the rudest of manners.

Cherry on top was, on the fourth day since his return, he went visiting the empoverished and less privileged people of Zagreh. He brought food along with him which he provided to the poor families and people. He even visited hospitals and orphanages, donating enough money for the care of poor patients that weren't able to pay for proper treatment.

Fact was, he noted all these problems down and wrote down some possible solutions he could give his father to come up with. Or some which he himself would accomplish, once crowned sultan in a few years. His parents were definitely proud of him.

Everyone was happy with this new Asahd and knew everything was well but that wasn't completely true. The Prince might have smiled every single day since his return and would make the other people believe that he was fully happy, which in some way he was, but there was a problem.

Something that would make him toss in bed at night and think endlessly. Something that would frustrate him and make him feel that he was lacking something or someone. Someone was lacking in his life. It had only been a week but it felt like eternity since he'd kissed or hugged Saïda.

They never had time to meet privately, one of the reasons being that Saïda avoided being alone with him. And when they did meet, there were other people around.

Saïda was just as frustrated as Asahd but she hid it better. She had her friends who constantly surrounded and distracted her during the day. She also had Noure's calls to remind her that she was supposed to be with him. Everything was fine most of the time for her, but only during the day. At night, no matter how hard she tossed and tried, Asahd invaded her senses. So much that sometimes, she thought she was feeling the pressure of his lips against hers. It was a confusing and frustrating experience for both. Most especially for Asahd.

**

Asahd's POV:

It was the weekend and I'd just returned from an important meeting with my parents and the nobles, concerning the first ceremony to be carried out for my future crowning.

I was tired and my head ached because throughout, I kept thinking of Saïda. So much it hurt. I couldn't spend another day or night without kissing.

I was halfway up the huge stairway when I stopped.

'I need to see her. I need to talk to her. I need to kiss her. Fuck the damned rules and promise.'

I thought, feeling the vein at my temple pulse. I turned immediately and rushed down the large stairs. I reached the bottom and asked one of the servants walking by.

"Please, do you know where Saïda is?" I asked, feeling breathless all of a sudden and uncomfortably loosening and pulling my tie, which suddenly seemed tight, completely out.

My heart was beating real fast for a reason I ignored. I really thought it was going to burst out of my chest. That was how desperate I was to have Saïda in my arms again. Right there, I felt like some dependent drug addict that needed his doze of drugs. Saïda was that drug.

'A whole week. A fricken week! I waited way too much. Waaaaay too much.'

"I don't know, my Prince. I've not seen her around. I last saw her at around 12 this afternoon." the boy replied. "Are you alright, my Prince?"

he asked, worried and staring at how restless I seemed. I smiled and immediately played it off.

"I'm fine. Just feeling the heat." I stated with a little chuckle, unbuckling the first three buttons of my white shirt and folding the arms to my elbows.

"I'll shower and everything will be fine. Here." I took my suit off and gave it to him, as well as the tie I had in my hand.

"Take it to my room, please."

"Yes, your Majesty." he bowed and left.

I looked around.

'Where the fuck is she? She better not be with Noure, somewhere. She still doesn't understand she's mine, does she? Yes cuz I've decided that she's already mine.

Now I have to make her accept it. Even if I have to beg.'

I swallowed and started walking towards the other living room.

I searched the library and other places where she could've been but she wasn't in those places. I then thought of one place, her room.

'But I can't go there. It's not right for the Prince, me, to go to the rooms of the palace's employees. It's degrading, according to tradition here. Apparently if I want to see an employee, I send for him or her. I don't go in search of them, myself.'

"Bitch, Saïda isn't an employee." I muttered to myself and left the room where I was.

I had to sneak my way through the pantry, pass in front of the kitchen without being seen and making sure I wasn't seen by any guard I came across. Believe it or not, I succeeded. I got to the long corridor with many doors. I tried to remember which one was Saïda's. I had never actually gone there myself.

-

Saïda's POV:

I'd been lying in my bed for more than an hour, unable to rest. I'd retired to my room to have siesta, but I'd ended up thinking about Asahd and all that had happened between us back in New York.

"Oh gawd..." I muttered, breathless. I shut my thighs tight at the memories. I felt so confused. So helpless.

'Oh please, help me get over him. I need help. I'm back with Noure. Asahd get out of my Head!'

I shut my eyes tight. It was always the same issue since we'd returned. Whenever I was idle and alone, Asahd automatically popped onto my head.

'Call Noure! He'll change your thoughts!'

I got off my bed and went to get my charging phone. I unplugged it and dialed Noure's number. It didn't ring. His phone was off and my heart sank.

'Go chill with Aisha and the others. Go help them in the kitchen and distract yourself. Yeah.

I'll do just that.'

I inhaled and put my phone down. Almost immediately, my door opened slowly and I turned. My eyes grew wide and my heart skipped a beat. Asahd?

"My prince, what are you–"

"Shhh..." he hushed me immediately and I watched in shock as he closed the door and locked it. He seemed breathless and I admired how slightly restless he seemed with his top buttons loose and part of his smooth chest and chain, exposed.

'Gosh, he's so damn sexy.

-GET A GRIP!'

I snapped out immediately.

"W– what are you doing here??" I asked, feeling drowsy due to the sweet smell of his perfume.

"You shouldn't be here!"

"Baby, we need to talk." was his husky reply, his chest slightly heaving. I almost passed out at how sexy his voice was.

'Uh no...'

I stepped back, knowing what was coming.

"No. Asahd, stay right there, please." I begged, stepping back again. "We have nothing to talk about."

"I just need you to listen." he said and stepped closer. I nearly stumbled while trying to take another step back.

"Y–you promised, Asahd."

"I don't remember. Fuck that, Saïda." he replied breathlessly and launched for me like I was some prey.

Before I could dodge and run, he'd wrapped his arms around me.

"Asahd–" I tried to say something but the next thing I felt was his lips on mine. I knew it was finished.

I melted automatically and soon he had his warm tongue in my mouth. He kissed me deep and it caused the sweetest tingle in between my legs. He moaned softly against my lips, kissing me like he'd been craving to do so all day.

I was completely brainwashed. I was so weak when it came to him. My body betrayed and abandoned me every single time, giving in to his charms. I was doomed whenever he touched me. The fact that I loved it and couldn't control myself made me want to sob...

"Asahd, please, no..." I cried weakly against him. He ignored my pleas and kissed me deeper, making sure no other sound left my mouth but soft moans. Oh how I loved his touch. Never had I been so confused and frustrated!

He slowly broke the kiss, pulling my bottom lip along and leaving my lips, kiss-swollen and pink. Our breathing were raged and goosebumps had covered both our arms.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I sobbed weakly.

"Look at me, my love." he whispered and I slowly opened my eyes. He stared straight into them and then, said the words I never ever expected to hear.

"I'm in love with you, Saïda. So deeply in love with you."

I froze.

"No, please don't say that." I begged and got out of his grip, "Asahd don't– don't do this to me, I'm begging you. My head hurts enough. I'm confused enough. Please..." I begged with watery eyes. My hands were shaky now.

"I love you, Saïda. I love you to death." he admitted with a nervous laugh, completely deaf to and unaffected by my pleas.

"No, Asahd!" I cried and stepped back, "I love Noure!"

"I didn't come here to listen to your blabber, my love." he smiled, still unaffected. "I came here so you would listen to me. You have. Now you know I love you, Saïda."

He approached me and caressed my cheek.

"Yes, you probably don't love me, for now." he smirked devilishly and my breath hitched, "But you will, my love. Hopefully, I never see you with Noure in this palace. Cuz a jealous me, is twice as savage." he chuckled and a cold sweet feeling went down my spine. "But don't worry, I won't do anything that'll tarnish your reputation."

He kissed my forehead and then, left my room. I stood there with a palpitating heart, wide watery eyes and unsteady breathing.

'Why? I can't believe he loves me...'

I sat on my bed, my knees shaky.

'Yalah, what am I going to do?!'

I buried my face in my palms.