The Things I Lost In The Desert

Chapter 10 - His Royal Bride

It took a while to convince Raheem's henchmen to let Sofia and Jono go but eventually they did what I said, believing my intention to marry their prince was real. When they left, I had gone down a rabbit hole on Google. The kind Alice fell into, but this wasn't wonderland. These were articles and articles, gossip column after column of all things Amir Ali Raheem Al Jabir. I practically spent the whole night surfing the internet trying to piece together who Raheem was.

Jono was right, he was the people's favourite. He was generous with his time and money, donating to charities, visiting schools, and supporting youth programs. He was always breaking royal protocol to greet and hug his people, and even partake in some of their events. There was this one time he got out of the car to help an older lady at her food stand. Her daughter fell sick so he filled in for the day. When word got out that the prince was serving food, the lady had made so much money she joked she'd retire.

He was a style icon, and his sense of fashion was praised in every second article. But he was most notable for his rings, he always had an expensive set of rings on. Rumour has it, that his jewelry collection costs more than Queen Elizabeth's. He also had a very successful luxury jewelry brand called AmirRah.

He was also second in line. His brother Amir Rayan Tahir Al Jabir was to take over if the current ruler, Khalid Al Jabir could no longer lead. The king and his wife only had two sons, so according to this article third in line was the king's sister's son, Zayd Ayad. After that, no one knew to who the crown should go. That's why it was such a scandal that Tahir's wife hadn't produced an heir. Sarika Kumar-Al Jabir, Tahir's wife, was stunning. I got why she caught the attention of a soon-to-be king. It could've also been the fact that she's the daughter of a tycoon.

I found it interesting that his dating life was still somewhat of a mystery.

I locked my phone, this had to be unhealthy. Out of the corner of my eye, a dark movement caught my attention. Just as I looked, the guard stepped away. I was under no illusion that I was alone, Raheem probably had the hospital clear this entire floor and after this afternoon's fiasco, I was sure he had beefed up security. Suddenly I felt claustrophobic under the weight of everything. This all felt slightly unfair, I didn't sign up for any of this.

Rome: I wish you had just told me who you were...

Before I could delete the text, I could see he was typing a response. And then he stopped. A minute later my phone chimed.

Raheem: Would it have changed anything?

When I didn't respond he sent another text.

Raheem: I do not regret a single moment I have spent with you and I will not pretend like I do.

Rome: I know you're outside...

I didn't but there was the huge change he was. I was silently hoping he was because we had a lot to talk about. Almost immediately the door swung open and Raheem stood there in all his royal glory. His hair was wet, indicating that he had probably taken a shower before he came and even from my bed I could smell him. He was freshly shaven and looked phenomenal in all-black jeans and a leather jacket.

"I wanted to give you space." He said with an uneven smile. "May I come in?"

I nodded, knowing I was giving him permission for so much more. He gently closed the door and I sat up as he approached, he used his one hand to balance himself on the headboard as he dipped his head to kiss me.

When his lips touched mine I felt a shock of pleasure run through me. His other hand gripped a hand full of my hair at the back of my neck, holding me in place as he intensified his sensual assault.  I could feel myself losing air and even then I didn't want to stop, thank God for his will to live because he broke the kiss coming up for air but when he moved to continue, I turned my head to the side.

"We need to talk Raheem." When I was sure he wasn't going to try to kiss me again, I looked him in the eyes. He had a slight smirk on his face but he straightened to his full height.

"Yes, we do." He took a seat on the table near my bedside and crossed his arms across his chest, manspreading his legs to get comfortable. How such a big man could fit in that tiny seat was beyond me. "Rumour has it, I have a fiancé. Last time we spoke, you said you needed to think about it."

Of course, those men told him what I had said, the people he planted around me reported everything I do and say to him. I mimicked his body language and crossed my arms too. "Well, I've thought about it. If I agree to this marriage-"

"There are no ifs, Rome. You have no choice." He interjected but I ignored him. "If I agree to this marriage, I have some non-negotiables."

Raheem chuckled as he shook his head. "What are your non-negotiables?" He said as if he was entertaining a child's senseless rambling out of boredom.

"The crown has to promise that this baby will be taken care of."

His brow furred, "Of course we will, that is our heir."

"No, I mean, regardless of what happens. Even if she doesn't take the throne or when I'm no longer around or..." my words trailed off as I tried to cover all bases. "I don't know even if she decides to renounce your side of the family and walk away. Regardless of what happens, promise me you will always take care of her."

I had no family, if anything happened to me, and the royal family wanted nothing to do with her, this baby would find its way back into the shitty foster system I had worked my whole life to crawl out of. Raheem's expression was serious but he gave me a curt nod. "You have my word."

I nodded back, feeling the tension subside in my shoulders. "And I want full control over how I raise her. Any royal nannies or servants or whatever you call them," I waved my hand, "are second in command to me. My baby, my parenting style. Nothing concerning this child gets decided without my say-so."

Again he nodded but this time I could see his lips tuck up in a smile. "Of course, you will be the princess. They have no choice but to follow your command. Anything else?"

"Yes. I am under no obligation to give you or the crown another child." This time Raheem did laugh. He swiped at his nose before sitting forward, resting both elbows on his knees.

"You understand it is a royal protocol to produce a spare, right?"

"No, because that violates my next condition." I folded my arms in defiance to show him I was not going to compromise. He rolled his eyes and expelled a breath. "What's the next condition Rome?"

"This marriage will remain a marriage in name only." I held my breath and his gaze. His smokey eyes darkened as he mentally assessed the situation. The air around us remained thick as Raheem responded with silence.

After what felt like forever Raheem sat back, still holding my eyes captive but his flirty playfulness had vanished. "As you wish. I would never force you to do anything you wouldn't want to do."

My chest collapsed as I released the air I was holding in. I didn't expect him to give in so easily but I was glad he did because I wouldn't be able to give myself to him like that. Never again. It was better this way, Raheem and I were nothing to each other. We just so happened to have a kid. "But you can take mistresses, I understand that men have needs and since I won't be-"

"Are we done here, Rome?" He interrupted sounding bored.

"One more thing. Should anything happen to this child," I lowered my eyes, not wanting to see his expression when I said my last condition. "Should anything happen that we no longer have a child together, it's an immediate termination of this arrangement."

When I looked up the unmistakable look of fury flashed across his face. The muscle in his jaw ticked and I knew I had pushed him a little too far. "Are you planning on harming my child?" He whispered dangerously, eyeing me with scrutiny.

"Of course not! I'm simply saying-" He rose to his full height, cutting me short. I had to lift my head to keep eye contact with him.

"Fine. I will agree to your ridiculous conditions but I have two of my own. You will not take a lover-"

"But I let you-" I tried to protest this absurdity but he raised a finger silencing me. "And if you do anything to deny the crown its heir, our side of the deal is off."