HOUSE OF HAYDAR 2 - THE WARRIOR OF HAYDAR - completed

Chapter Three

Nearly a week had passed and finally Bella and family were coming home. Most of Zoe's time had been spent in preparing the nursery ready for its newest arrival that was adjoined to the master bedroom. Actually there hadn't been much to do. Bella had been well organised so had just spent many hours just going over the beautiful things she had bought for her baby. Everyday she visited Bella in hospital, always short to see she was getting a little bit stronger yet still so weak. Now the queen was coming home and there was a buzz of excitement through the palace.

Zoe stood at Kahlil's side who had insisted on her presence as they stood on the steps of the entrance of the Palace as a row of black limousine drove in flags flying in the front even a crowd had gathered outside the Palace gates hoping for a glimpse of their queen and future king. She took a step forward ready to run down and greet Bella and Assad back home only to have her arm caught by Kahlil to look up. He shook his head causing her to stay at his side, wearing full traditional clothes while she had donned a caftan of layers of orange and coral chiffon over a coral dress with a wide belt empire style beaded with gems that glisten under the sunlight, hair pulled to one side to tumble down on her right side exposing her face that was perfectly made up in soft tones to Kahlil.

She watched as Bella was helped out of her car by her husband who was so gentle with her. An secure arm around her as she took the steps slowly wearing a loose caftan of gold, Assad in just a robe as they ascend to pause in front of them. She still looked so pale, yet Zoe was so happy to see her and wanted to help her only to have her hand taken to stop any such thing. Kahlil slipped her hand through his arm.

"Welcome back brother and sister," he greeted. Zoe wanted to hit him. He was being so formal. Assad squeezed his arm then smiled at Zoe. Bella eyed her closely running a critical eye over her.

"Where is Philip?" she asked, since he wasn't at Zoe's side.

"Had to go back to England," Kahlil answered. "He was called back," he added by the narrowing of Bella's eye.

"So why the cat is away I see the mouse is playing up. You look very lovely Zoe," Bella said at Zoe's frown.

"Oh, this, all thanks to Kahlil, it seems my clothes are most unsuitable," she smiled. "Please don't stop because of us, you must want to be back in your own quarters."

Assad guided Bella into the palace where the staff were lined up to bow and greet their queen back who spent time with them telling them how much she appreciated their well wishes and looking after Zoe and Kahlil so well in her absence. Her son held by Bella's personal handmaid who showed him off to the staff while Zoe and Kahlil hovered in the background.

Zoe leaned into Kahlil to bring his head down. "What did Bella mean about the cat and mouse?" she asked. She got the reference but not its circumstances. "She actually called you a mouse," she chuckled with delight. "You could never be a mouse."

"Just our Bella's little joke, no?" More like a warning.

"No." She eyed him sideways. "So fess up, what is she having a go about?"

"Fess up? Having a go? Really you Australian have the strangest saying, care to explain that?"

"Confess up, you know don't you what she was talking about."

Kahlil shook his head. "I have no idea at all, another strange Australian habit I guess making strange remarks that no-one can understand so why don't you ask Bella, since you're such good friends."

"Well, there is no need for sarcasm, and before you deny it I heard it in your voice and don't think for a minute I won't, however, not today," she stated seeing that Bella was beginning to struggle to head toward her before Kahlil could stop her or say anything. She came up to Bella and slipped her arm through hers to give her added support so she could finish seeing all the staff then helped Assad take her to her room where Assad put her to bed while she waited in the main room.