Tales Of The Heart

(9)

Dearest,

Your father expect you to return to the Palace grounds as early as you can.

- The Empress.

●○●○●○●○

The prince reread the words but could not understand the meaning of such an order. He expected his mother to be elated for he finally found the one his heart wished for.
"What is it, my Prince?", Harun asked when Shahzaib did not utter any word.
"Father is expecting my return", he muttered, still very bewildered.

"Perhaps, he wish to discuss the matter in person", Sarim guessed.
"No.. Mother did not mention anything regarding the letter I sent to her. She just wrote what was expected of me...
I do not feel good about this", he voiced his worries.

"My Prince", a guard called out ceasing the conversation.
"What is it?", Sahir asked.
"A lady is at the door, asking for a visit with his royal highness", he informed.
"Who- Prince?", before Sahir could enquire further, Shahzaib rushed out off the cottage.

Shahzaib stopped at the front door, his heart beat faster than normal when his surprised eyes took the very appearance of the woman who took away his peaceful slumber. Inaya's face was covered, only her sapphire eyes could be visible nevertheless, Shahzaib could recognize her even with his closed eyes.

"Assalamu Alaikum",
Shahzaib inhaled sharply, the voice was as sweet as honey which could lull a person to sleep within mere seconds. A throat clearing sound from behind finally brought the Prince back from his trance.
"Walaikum Assalam", the Prince muttered. Now that he was composed enough, he saw another women standing behind Inaya, who was her attendee.
"To what do I owe this surprise visit?", he asked, his eyes soft and voice warm.

"I apologize for the sudden appearance", the lady was quick to say, clearly she was nervous by the way her slender fingers were fighting with the end of her scarf.
"You are always welcome here.. Shall we go inside?", the prince asked softly.

"Uh!", she looked around at all the men present inside the cottage and the prince understood she was not comfortable to be in the presence of numerous unknown men.
"We can sit in the restaurant just few steps away", the prince offered, smiling to himself when he saw the lady visibly relaxed.
"Certainly",

"I shall be just outside", said the attendee to Inaya who gave a curt nod.

As the prince settled with Inaya opposite to him on a small wooden table, the server placed his regular order without even asking. He acknowledged the young boy as he left.
"Would you like to have something else?", he asked.
"No, I am fine", Inaya replied pulling a cup of tea towards herself, her actions were clearly anxious.

The prince patiently waited for the lady to speak first, who was busy admiring the small restaurant.
"I believe it is your first time in this place", the Prince commented before taking a sip of his beverage.
Inaya was startled as if she did not expect Shahzaib to speak, which had the elder of the two to chuckle.
"Ah! Yeah it is", she chuckled.

Shahzaib could see her drawing a sharp breath before finally deciding to speak.
"Um.. I..heard that you wish to marry me?", she asked awkwardly. Shahzaib smiled trying to provide some comfort for she was clearly too fidgety for her own good.

"Yes.. And I would very much like to know your answer", he said, presuming her mother must have informed about her.
"You.. You are the crowned prince.. Why would you even wish to have me as your spouse?", she asked looking around as if to be certain non heard her.

Shahzaib could see curiosity in her eyes.
"I don't know... My Almighty guided me to you", he muttered, eyes full of affection.

"But... I am no princess, not even a nobel... I.. ",
"Inaya", Shahzaib for the first time took her name, he could see the effect he had on her through her slightly trembling fingers. He wished he could hold her hands to assure her but he wasn't supposed to, until marriage.