Tales Of The Heart

(18)

"Her Majesty, the Empress arrives", came the firm announcement, which had Shahzaib to set aside the letters he had been reading. The tension between them was still there, yet he managed a genuine smile when the door swung open, revealing his mother.

However, that smile quickly faded, replaced by an unreadable expression as his eyes fell upon an unfamiliar figure beside her.

It was doubtlessly the princess.

With reluctance, Shahzaib rose from his royal chair.
"Assalamu Alaikum, Mother", he greeted, his gaze locked on the Empress, who returned his greeting with a warm, almost cheerful smile, as if nothing had happened between them.

"Walaikum Assalam, my dearest", she replied in her usual elegant tone, her eyes softening as they met his. Shahzaib's voice remained polite but laced with a hint of edge.
"What do I owe this visit, Mother?", he asked. The Empress let out a small sigh before smiling again.

"You have been avoiding our summons, Shahzaib", she remarked, her tone firm yet understanding. But before he could respond, she continued to speak.
"Anyway, I wish for you to get acquainted with Princess Anam Quraishi", She gestured gracefully toward the young woman beside her.

Shahzaib's gaze remained on his mother, studying her for a moment before finally turning his attention to the princess. She was, without a doubt, beautiful, her delicate features, her eyes wide and beautiful, but even that did not stir Shahzaib's heart or waver his love for Inaya.

The princess curtsied with a shy grace, "It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Royal Highness", she spoke softly.

"Likewise, Princess", Shahzaib muttered, his tone formal, his nonchalance catching both women off guard. The Empress's smile faltered slightly, a warning glint flashing in her eyes as she met her son's gaze.

"Shahzaib", she warned, her voice sharp, a clear indication that she would not tolerate any disrespect.
"Yes, Mother", he responded, his tone lacked the warmth of their earlier exchange.

"I am leaving the princess under your care. Get acquainted with her, for you both are to wed", she stated firmly, her words leaving no room for argument as she turned and walked out of the room.

A heavy silence fell upon the room, thick and suffocating. Shahzaib and Princess Anam stood awkwardly, the tension between them noticeable. Zaid who stood at the corner of the room, could feel the unease settling over them.

"Shall we have some tea, my prince?", the princess suggested, her voice tender as she attempted to ease the tension between them.

"My apologies, but I have some important matters to attend to", Shahzaib replied curtly, returning to his chair. He picked up his quill, intending to bury himself in his work, to avoid further interaction.

Yet, Princess Anam offered a soft smile.
"I can wait until you are done", she suggested, settling herself gracefully on the couch beside the fireplace. Shahzaib resisted the urge to sigh, knowing that he had already been rude enough. It wasn't her fault, it was his parents who had arranged this meeting. There was no reason to humiliate her when she had done nothing wrong.

The room fell into silence as Shahzaib pretended to be engrossed in his work while the princess patiently entertained herself with a book, which she had requested from her attandee. She read silently, her presence almost invisible.

Hours passed, the sun outside dipping lower into the horizon. Shahzaib finished summarizing the letters from the alliances and found no further excuses to avoid the princess. His schedule for the day was light and it seemed inevitable to not acknowledge her presence.