ROYAL-TEA [ON HOLD]

2.

"Aaliyah. Come here."

Standing up from the Persian rug on my mum's bedroom floor, I stood up and made my way forward. She stood in front of her mirror, looking beautiful as always.

"Why aren't you dressed up?" She asked, looking at me in surprise.

"Mother, you know how much work I have dealing with Khadijah's baby," I said quietly. "She is not a burden, it's just that she is the kind that..."

"Can't sleep unless she's held, I know. That is why we have nannies Aaliyah. Now, go dress up. And make sure you look presentable.You do know Edward is coming..."

I spun around to stare at my mum's back on my way out. "What did you say?"

"Edward is coming."

"Yes mother." I turned and started to walk away.

Today, I was going to meet Prince Anthony. He wasn't exactly the kind of person I would dress up for. However, as it was, we had the royal fanily of England and for once in over ten years, Anthony was visiting.

A return visit was already being arranged by my parents. They found the concept of Anthony and I in each other's presence amusing. As an obedient daughter, I found myself smiling reluctantly at my mother's suggestion.

My feet led me to my chambers. The air was warm tonight as it was still autumn. Since we were so close to the sea, the weather patterns were a little messed up.

I took a shower before wearing something my chamber maid had already set aside for me. She then proceeded to fix me up for the dinner. Despite my attempt to act like nothing was wrong, my stomach was acting in a completely different fashion.

Stupid stomach.

*&*&*&*&

I walked to the great banquet hall quietly escorted by my lady-in-waiting. Her name was Sofia.

"You look beautiful," my lady-in-waiting said.

"Thank you Sofia," I replied quietly. Her eyes showed a bit of discomfort. "Are you okay?"

"I am."

I wanted to call her out on her bluff but I couldn't. She would pretend like she didn't know what she wanted.

I smiled at my reflection though, and loved what she had done on me. My hair looked good, and the dress fitted. It was a little looser though. UAE was a hot country, but Britain was cool in autumn.

"Thank you Sofia. As usual, you did a wonderful job."

"You are welcome," she smiled before starting to put away some things. Her hands were shaking... literally! I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't.

Why was she so nervous?!

"Sophia, are you okay?" I asked quietly.

"I am fine. Truly fine. Yes. Woot woot!"

"Prince Kasseem from Leicesteg is coming."

She dropped my hair brush, and it followed along with a glass of water I had been drinking to rehydrate myself. She looked up at me rather guiltily as she realized I had figured her out.

"I will clean that up Your Highness," she called, before dashing off to get a broom and sweep it up.

Despite my insistance that she don't bother to clean up, or escort me (after she cleaned up), or to get me food, she did all that, and more. My attempts to buy time so that i would not have to meet a certain English prince were thwarted. Sofia was 'breaking my heart' as I so claimed, but her eyes were trained on someone else the entire time.

"I can't wait to get out of here."