Echoes of The Crown

Chapter 11

''Zia, will you please calm down!''

Princess Marzia was pacing back and forth, while Zelda was trying to enjoy her evening tea. The tea room was decorated with exquisite paintings of various sizes from well-known artists all over the world. Small to big pots and vases blooming with colourful and aromatic flowers filled the room blissfully with peace.
Marzia sighed and slouched down on the couch near Zelda, contemplating whether to tell her what was really bothering her. Zelda glanced at her friend, ''You know you can always see him anytime you want right. Even if he doesn't work in the palace anymore?" 
''What?'', Marzia turned to look at her dumbfounded. ''Oh come on Zia! You think I didn't notice the way you look at him. Its pretty obvious you know!'' Zelda smiled teasingly. Even though Marzia understood what Zelda was talking about, her ego resisted her to agree to it so easily. ''I dont understand what you are talking about Zee'', she mumbled softly. ''Really Zia! We have known each other since we were young. You think I wouldn't notice the way you behave and talk when you look at Hamza? Moreover, by the way he looks at you, it is very much likely that he returns the same affection towards you!" Zelda said. Marzia could feel her ears and cheeks turning warm and pink uncontrollably.

''Your Highness..'', a soft interuption from a palace guard saved Marzia from further embarrassment from her best friend. The princess turned to him and he bowed in respect, ''The king request for your presence in his chambers, Your Highness.'' She nods to him and before she leaves the room, she turns to look at Zelda, a bit hesitantly, and Zelda answers as if she knew exactly what Marzia was about to ask, ''Don't worry, I'll let you know if Dr.Hamza drops by!''. Marzia beams like the first rays of sunshine, ''You are the best, Zee!''

As Princess Marzia steps in her father's chamber, she could see him sitting with his hands strapped to IVs and connected to bottles of medicines around him, near the open doors of his chamber's balcony, talking to someone. Her heart tightens at the sight of his fragile arms and tired looking eyes, yet she manages to bring a smile to her face as she walks towards him. ''Good evening father'', Marzia politely greets him, and the king as he hears the melodious voice of his daughter. Only as she comes closer to her father, she notices the familiar person that was talking to the king.
''Dr.Hamza, you are here?''
Marzia was stunned to see him in the king's chambers. She thought he was still with the minister, under inspection. It has been hours since he was gone, she had no idea he was with her father all along. ''I called him here to talk to him, my darling'', the king says, while Hamza keeps his head down, eyes fixed on the patterned carpet on the floor. Marzia turns to look at the king, with a bit of confusion. The king's eyes were stern when he asks Marzia ''When were you planning to tell me about Zaraan?''
Marzia's eyes widened in realisation, and she looked down, fumbling with her fingers.''Forgive me father. I didn't mean to keep it away from you.'' The king sighed and patted the place next to him on the grand sofa for Marzia to join him. As she went to sit beside him, he gently took her hands and gave a soft squeeze, ''It's alright my darling. Dr.Hamza was just telling me how quickly Zaraan seems to be recover." Marzia smiled at her father, feeling delighted that he shares the same love for
Zaraan like her.

Marzia turned to look at Hamza to ask if everything was alright as he didn't speak a single word ever since she came, but Hamza refused to meet her eyes. Marzia's smile dropped as she could feel something was bothering him, and before she could ask, her father spoke, ''I was just talking to Hamza here, and I was quite surprised to learn that he is from Northern Azura.'' The king turned to Marzia, ''Did you know that he is from the house of the Ganiyys?''

Marzia's eyes narrowed, ''What?'', as she turned to look at Hamza. For the first time this evening, those chestnut orbs looked at her, pleading to not to be judged. ''I'm sorry Dr.Hamza. My daughter is not a big fan of your family's business'', the king spoke. ''Neither am I, Your Majesty!'', Hamza objected, trying to convey his hatred towards his family's business as much as possible. But he knew he needs to give the princess a proper explanation, for Marzia did not look happy hearing this information.
''Father, is it alright if I come by after dinner to see you? I wanted to go see Zaraan for sometime'', Marzia asked, as she immediately wanted to leave this place, go some place far away where Hamza's presence doesn't bother her. She didn't just disliked the Ganiyy's business, she hated it, and to think that she liked someone from that family, made her skin crawl . The king nodded, ''Of course my love. I'll see you later. You too, Dr.Hamza."

Marzia walked past Hamza, out through the door. Hamza bowed and quickly walked out, seeing her ahead of him, he quickened his pace before she could leave futher away. ''Marzia..,'' he called out to her softly, yet with desperation. The Princess stopped but did not turn to look at him.

'Oh how much he wanted to see those soft hazel eyes'

''Can we please talk?'', Hamza asked with hope. Though Marzia was upset with him and herself as she realized how little she knows about him, she couldn't say no, especially when Hamza's voice was so tender and pleading. She just gave a slight nod and kept walking. Hamza let out a breath in relief and followed Marzia, holding to a tiny bit of hope in his racing heart.