Tales Of The Heart

(8)

"If Allah wills, I wish to marry your beloved daughter, Inaya Al-Amir",

As soon as the words slipped passed the prince's lips, the eldest of the two had a surprised glint in his features. Hamad had no knowledge why would a trader from a different land would wish to marry his daughter. He did not even know the man personally to offer an expected response.

"I-", Hamad heaved out a sigh before speaking, "I do not know what to say of this sudden proposal. We are practically strangers apart from the fact we had a business deal.. I am but a father after all", he expressed his concern honestly.

Shahzaib offered a small smile, understanding his words clearly. But before he could speak, an annoyed Sahir interrupted the conversation.
"Do you have any idea to whom you are speaking with, Sir Hamad",
The elder man frowned at the arrogant tone of the other young man but remained quite.
"Brother-",
"No one can disrespect you, at least not in my presence", he said to the disguised Prince.
"With all due respect you should be elated rather than rejecting the proposal without any knowledge of who the groom is", he continued to speak.

Shahzaib visibly exhaled at the offending words, he could not  blame the either of them for Sahir was defending his Crowned Prince and Hamad was protecting his daughter without knowing who the man standing infront of him was.

"I do not care even if you both are of nobility.. For me my daughters well being is most important. And you have the audacity to speak with me in such a way... I would much appreciate it you both leave my estate right away", came a furious retort  from the elder.

"Sahir", Shahzaib's thundering voice forced the aforementioned to stop his next sentence.
"My apologies", he stepped back reluctantly.

"Sir.. Please excuse my companion for his unthoughtful words.. But I would like to request for a private meeting with you to disclose my true identity", Shahzaib spoke which had the elder to frown.
"What do you mean?",
"I cannot tell  you anything here for numerous ears are around us, please for once", Shahzaib was almost desperate, he did not want to let this chance to slip out of his hands before it was too late.

"Why should I trust you?", Hamad enquired.
"I believe this shall convince you", Shahzaib took out a gold coin with the first letter of the kingdom engraved on a sparkling blue stone attached to it, which Hamad could recognize without a doubt. He stared at the coin in utter surprise before gazing up at the young man. It was a royal seal which no citizens could own other than the royal family.
"Who are you?", his voice was filled with amusement and bewilderment.
"I need a discreet place to speak with you..", Shahzaib muttered.

"Very well then, I shall invite you to dine with me tonight", Hamad said still quite surprised.
"I will be honored", Shahzaib said without an ounce of arrogance in his voice.

●○●○●○●○

"Why are you not telling me who the guests are?", Sarah enquired for the ninetieth time, yes, Inaya counted who was settled with her parents in their sitting room for evening tea they always had after Hamad return from work.
Heaving out a breath, Hamad muttered the same reply,
"I do not know.. It's the same traders from earlier, that is all I know, no amount of queries can change my answer, Sarah".

"Wallahi! I am just curious, why are you getting agitated?", she huffed before sipping her tea. Hamad exchanged a glance with Inaya who shrugged with a smirk, knowing her mother was annoyed and she did not want to be at the receiving end. Hamad gave a betrayed look at her who somehow managed to stifled her laughter.

"We will know when they arrive. I expect the meal to be extraordinary-",
"That is what I asked the cook to prepare", she cut him short in the middle, a clear indication she was still very upset.
Shaking his head, Hamad turned his attention to his daughter,
"Inaya, I wish for you to have your supper in your bedroom tonight", he stated not wanting her to encounter unknown men, who also happened to ask her hand in marriage.
"Alright, papa", she agreed without any further argument.