Chapter 85：Her Father

***

Asahd's POV:

I was happy. Very, very happy. I returned to the living room where Hammar was still waiting for me.

"Wasn't that Saïda's boyfriend?" she asked when I sat with her.

"Mmm." I called it off so she wouldn't ask any more questions. "So, why are you here, dear?"

She raised a surprised brow at me.

"Why am I here? To see you of course. It's been days now and I've scarcely been seeing you recently." she held my hands in hers. "Are you avoiding me?"

I smiled a little.

"I think we should be honest with each other." I started.

"Um, okay."

"We're very good friends Hammar. I appreciate you a lot and you know it."

"I appreciate you too, Asahd."

"Thank you." I looked straight at her, "Hammar, before it's too late, I don't want you to think that we're gonna be something again."

She froze a little.

"I don't understand."

"Don't get me wrong and correct me if I am wrong, but I know my parents want us back together and I'm sorry if because of them, you feel obliged to come here and–"

"No, Asahd!" she cut in immediately "I'm not obliged to anything, I promise." she held my hands tight and looked me in the eyes.

"I'm gonna be honest, I want us to be something again. I want us to be what we were before we parted due to our studies."

"That's not possible." I replied, surprising her.

"Why??"

"Because time's flown and we've both changed. Well, I have in some way."

"But, Asahd. You used to like me very much. Remember we were almost making plans, though very young."

"Like I said, Hammar. Things have changed. And so have my feelings. Okay? I still like you but as a friend and only as a friend."

She frowned a little and pulled her hands away from mine.

"You," she frowned a little more, "You're seeing someone else? That's it! You're seeing someone else??"

'Here comes her usual tantrums.'

"Hammar, chill." I mused.

"This isn't funny, Asahd. Who is she??" she retorted.

"If you really want to know, yes, I'm seeing someone else. I'm very in love with her and I plan on marrying her. Now you know. So please dear, stop wasting your time with me."

Her mouth dropped slightly open and I knew she wasn't going to give up at all.

"I said, who is she??" she literally demanded. Typical of her.

'I wonder how we are able to stand and date each other for that long.'

"Hammar, I am not telling you. Deal with it." I mused and stood. "If you want us to remain in good terms, then you better comport yourself."

She stood too.

"Asahd, this isn't right." she complained.

"What?? That I'm in love with someone that isn't you? I really like you Hammar but you're still the same person. The girl who thinks everything is and should be about her. I'm telling you that we're friends and can only be friends, that is, if you stop annoying me like you are right now. So, what do you say?"

She was frowning like a stubborn kid and literally stomped her foot. It amused me greatly. Hammar hadn't changed one bit since we'd lastly parted.

"This isn't fair." she grumbled.

"Be happy for me, Hammar." I chuckled, "You don't even love me and you know it. We're more of buddies now than anything else. I bet my mother convinced you to try and get back with me telling you that hopefully I would accept to marry you, blah blah blah so you would be Queen and so on."

She stared silently.

"Admit it." I mused. She was silent and then unfolded her arms, her frown vanishing.

"Well, yeah." she rolled her eyes and I laughed. "I thought it would be cool to be Queen and stuff."

"Probably. But it comes with a lot of duties, and I know you Hammar. You're lazy as hell, plus, you go out and party way too much. Being queen will stop you from living the way you like, Hammar."

"Truuue." she agreed with wide eyes. "But you're the same. Yet, you'll be sultan."

"Cuz I don't have a choice. I'll carry out my duties as much as possible. Some part of me has completely changed, while another is still changing. It's for my own good and I'm willing to."

"Hmmm." she sighed, "You're right. And I'm happy for you." she smiled and stepped closer to hug me.

"Thanks." I laughed and hugged her back.

"So, you're still not going to tell me her name?" she mused.

"Nope."

"But why?"

"You'll probably cause a scandal. I know you." I laughed.

'And plus, you really don't like her.'

"I know her?"

"Nope?"

"She's noble?"

"Yes."

"Hmm." she was desperately trying to guess a name but I knew she never would guess.

"Bye, Hammar." I mused, kissing her forehead. "Return safely."

I said before leaving. I had to find Saïda so she would explain better, the little Noure had told me. Nothing could spoil my day.

'Well, unless Djafar refuses my love for Saïda. Oh I don't even want to think of that possibility. I love Djafar, but if he refuses, I'll find some way to wed or run away with Saïda. Point.'

--

I entered the living room in search of Asahd but found Hammar who was already leaving.

I turned to go before she could see me but she immediately spotted me.

"Saïda??" she called and I halted reluctantly, rolling my eyes. I turned to her.

"Yes, Hammar?"

She approached me with a little frown.

"I believe you know a lot concerning Asahd and all that's happening in his life, because you're his Royal adviser after all."

"Mmhmm?" I folded my arms.

"He just told me that we couldn't be together because he's in love with someone else and wants to marry this person."

"Oh really?" I said, acting surprised and in the most sarcastic manner ever. She frowned a little.

"Why do I feel like you are making fun of me in some way?" she frowned "I'm serious."

"No, I don't know what you are talking about. I don't know of this Asahd being in love, issue."

"You don't know of any woman he is seeing?"

'Me.'

"Nope. Now if you'll excuse me." I turned and left.

-

Writer's POV:

Asahd searched for Saïda while on her side, she looked for him. Finally, they met in one of the halls. He approached her immediately.

"The wedding's called off." Saïda whispered with a bright smile. There were guards around and so they kept their conversation low.

"So it's not a dream." the Prince mused lowly. "Noure told me on his way out. What did he tell you."

She explained all that Noure had told her.

"It surprised me. But I'm happy he finally understood." she smiled.

"Yeah, right. You scared the shit out of him after you threatened him. That's what made him change his mind." Asahd scoffed, rolling his eyes. Saïda laughed out and he chuckled.

"Asahd, you're terrible." she giggled "You can stop hating on him, now that he's given up, don't you think?"

"Nah. I'll stop hating after I put a ring on your finger, babe." he smirked in amusement and she giggled again.

"Damn right." she smiled and bit her lip. But then, she snapped out. "My father..."

"Oh right. Djafar actually is the major and most important obstacle."

"I'm nervous, Asahd. He'll probably come home to announce the news of my cancelled wedding to me without knowing that I'm aware."

"I said I will talk to him. I will."

"No." she bit her thumb, "I will."

"Baby, I don't think you will have the courage."

Saïda really was nervous to announce such, to her father.

"I'll try, Asahd."

"Under one condition."

"Which?"

"I'll be with you. Just in case. Okay?"

She swallowed and nodded a little. Asahd stepped closer with the intention of kissing her, but halted, remembering they were surrounded.

*

Later that afternoon, the Prince and Saïda were busy with organising a balanced schedule for the Prince's Royal activities when Djafar stepped into the library. Both froze. He looked so saddened.

"Good afternoon, father." Saïda immediately stood, her heart racing.

"Good afternoon, my dear. Good afternoon Asahd."

"Good afternoon, Djafar."

The man who seemed a little off, faced his daughter again.

"Come with me to the third living room, my dear. I have something to tell you."

Saïda swallowed.

"Okay, lemme fix these."

"Alright. I'm waiting for you." he excused himself and left.

Saïda took a deep breath. Asahd stood and made her face him.

"Don't be so nervous my love. I'll come with you."

"Okay, but not now. Wait a little, first."

"Okay. Everything will be fine."

She nodded and hugged him tight.

"I love you, Asahd."

"I love you even more."

She raised her head and kissed him. He kissed her back. Reluctantly, she let go and left. Asahd ran a hand over his face.

'Everything will be okay.'

--

Saïda joined her father and he made her sit close to him. He held her hand in his and his expression said it all.

"My dear," he started, "I have bad news. I'm so sorry."

She swallowed.

"Yes?"

"I don't know why Noure decided to take such a decision, but I need you to be strong." he seemed so hurt as he spoke. "My darling, he cancelled your wedding."

Saïda took a deep breath.

"I'm so, so sorry. I thought Noure was a serious gentleman. But he's proven me wrong by·"

"Father." Saïda cut in, her chest heaving a little.

"I know you are shocked, my dear. I promise you that–"

"Father, listen to me please." she cut in again, holding his hands tight. DJafar looked at her, wondering why she looked rather nervous than disappointed and why her hands were so cold.

"He– he cancelled because I wanted him to. I asked him to."

'Literally threatened, rather.'

Djafar froze, confused.

"What??"

"He only did it because of me. I didn't want to marry him."

Djafar was surprised and very confused.

"But why?? Did he do something to you? Why?"

"No. I am the problem here. I–" Saïda felt some heat take over her and she seemed to be running out of breath.

"Saïda, what? My dear, why?" Djafar asked, worried and in wonder.

Just then, Asahd appeared. At the right time without him even realising.

"Asahd dear, come here please." Djafar motioned him over. Asahd swallowed and approached them.

"Yes, Djafar?"

"Sit."

Asahd sat opposite them.

"Noure called their wedding off. And Saïda is telling me that he did it because of her." the confused and worried man explained, "But she's unable to tell me why. You two have grown closer, she'll surely be comfortable to say it when you're here. Ask her why."

Asahd swallowed and bit his lip, a little nervous. He and Saïda exchanged looks.

Then Asahd looked at Djafar again.

'It's now or never.'

"Djafar..." he started.

"Yes?"

"I asked her not to marry Noure."

Djafar's eyes widened.

"What? What are you two telling me? Why, Asahd?" Djafar had never been so confused.

"Because," the Prince cleared his throat, "I love Saïda, and I want to marry her."

'There. I dropped the bomb.'

Djafar froze. It hit him like a wrecking ball. A lot went through his mind and he frowned in confusion, thinking he hadn't heard right.

"What?" he muttered.

Asahd swallowed again.

"I love Saïda, Djafar. I– I'm deeply in love with her. I want to marry her."

Djafar had wide eyes and stood abruptly, he stared at Asahd.

"Asahd, what are you telling me?? Is this some joke?? You made my daughter cancel her wedding for a joke??"

Asahd stood, his chest heaving a little and his heart was palpitating.

"It isn't a joke. I'm sincerely in love with her."

"Asahd!" Djafar raised a finger at him, "Be careful. Don't you try your nonsense with my daughter."

"Djafar, please believe me. You know I would never do anything to hurt you or Saïda."

"You made her cancel her wedding!" the man retorted and Saïda stood.

"Father, please."

"Djafar, you know me." Asahd gulped.

Djafar didn't even know what to think at that moment.

"A few months ago you despised each other. Now you're telling me you love her??" the man muttered, unable to believe his ears.

"Djafar, please." Asahd put his hands joined in front of him. "I swear on my own head. I love Saïda."

Djafar stared at Asahd in the eyes. Goosebumps covered the man's skin. He saw it Asahd's eyes. He saw how serious Asahd was. He'd known Asahd all his life. He'd watched him grow into the young man he was. He recognised that serious and sincere look in Prince's eyes and it shocked him.

"You love Saïda?" Djafar couldn't realise it.

"To death." Asahd muttered, still begging him. "Please, Djafar. Don't take her away from me."

Djafar was still shocked, he turned to his daughter who had her hands joined too, her eyes watery.

"Saïda, you love him?" Djafar murmured in disbelief.

"Yes, father. Very much. I'm sorry but it's true. I didn't want to marry Noure because I didn't love him that way... And I knew I would never be happy..."

"But why didn't you tell me? Your happiness comes first."

"I saw you being so happy and I decided to keep you happy. I was afraid of your reaction if ever you discovered that I didn't want to marry Noure because I was in love with Asahd."

"Please Djafar, don't be angry with me. Please don't hate or despise me." Asahd begged, "You're a father to me too and I don't want you to hate me. I assure you that my feelings for Saïda are the purest I've ever felt for someone. The most sincere... I'm ready to do anything to prove it, Djafar."

It was still shocking to Djafar.

"I'm shocked. I don't know what to– How did this happen?"

"I started having feelings for her."

"In New York." Djafar cut in, surprising them. "It crossed my mind. I didn't want to believe. I noticed a few things but thought it was just your friendship and nothing more."

They stared silently at him. Djafar stared at one then the other.

He was silent for a long while and then faced his daughter.

"I know this boy since he was born. I know him. I trust him. But do you, Saïda?" he asked softly, "My dear, I see that he is sincere about his feelings."

Djafar held his daughter's hands.

"But do you trust him? Do you really love him, Saïda?" he asked seriously.

Asahd watched with hopes, his heartbeat racy. Saïda stared into her father's eyes.

"Yes father. I love and trust him. Wholeheartedly."

Asahd bent over and touched Djafar's feet.

"Djafar, please. Give me her hand. I promise to make her happy."

Djafar, still shaken, made Asahd stand and face him.

"I believe you now. I know you will." Djafar smiled a little and relief washed over the Prince and Saïda.

"That means, you'll let me be with him father? Please...." Saïda begged and Djafar looked at her, still so surprised at how evident their shocking love was. Even Saïda's courage to ask such a question, surprised him.

"If it were only up to me, you'll be married as fast as possible. But it's not possible."

"Why??" both asked, their hearts sinking.

"The nobles. You're not of the eligible class my dear."

"So??" someone suddenly said and all three turned, surprised to see the Queen. They bowed.

"I've spoken to the sultan who is away but will be back before tonight. He, just like myself, approve my son's relationship with Saïda, Djafar."

'Yes, mom!'

"I approve it too, my Queen. But the nobles."

"Come. I have summoned them. I'll speak to them. We will. And they will accept. Come along now."

Saïda was surprised at the Queen. Djafar went to her. She turned to her son and Saïda.

"I promise you. We'll be back with an approval from the nobles." she stated and led the way out. DJafar, still finding it hard to believe what was happening, but pleased about it, smiled a little at them.

"Fingers crossed. Let's not jump to conclusions." he said and then left. Deep down, he hoped the nobles would accept, though he was afraid and doubtful. This doubt and anxiety were holding him back from being fully happy. If the nobles confirmed it, Djafar would rejoice more than anybody else. For now, he didn't want to jump to conclusions and later on be disappointed if the nobles refused. And so, he waited patiently and tried not to get too excited.

-

When they left, the lovers immediately hugged each other as relief washed over them.

"I'm glad you came here and spoke... I couldn't do it." Saïda murmured.

"I'm happy he isn't angry with us."

"Me too. Yalah. I hope the nobles will accept, Asahd."

He smiled warmly at her.

"I trust my mother. They will."

"You told her about us?"

"Yes. And she's a 100% with us." he kissed her. "We'll be married. Okay?"

"Mmm." she nodded and kissed him.

"I love you so much, my Darling."