Layla

Chapter 14

Layla

I hugged Nour close to me enjoying the warm embrace, although I don't know this girl, she has a very welcoming aura surrounding her. I held on for a second longer before pulling away. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I am Layla." I smiled radiantly at the energetic girl in front of me.

Her eyes widened, her smile growing, "You're Layla?" I couldn't read her expression, but nodded my head slowly. "Oh my! You're the Layla that Habib has been going on about. Well he sure did your beauty no justice, you are more beautiful than what I had imagined. I now understand Habib's obsession with you."

Habib let out a growl of disapproval from beside me as I tried to mask my laughter. Obsession? Habib is obsessed with me? The thought made my heart rate pick up. I still don't understand my feelings toward the man. He keeps me locked away in his castle and tells me he will give me whatever I desire, but yet he won't give me what I treasure most. My freedom. He is a strong ruthless King, yet in my presence he is a soft, sweet, and kind gentleman. He promised me that I would fall for him in three months time and as much as I would like to deny it, he's accomplishing his promise. I want to hate him, I truly do, but he is nothing short of magnificent, I thought as I glanced over at him jesting with Nour.

My heart warms at his affection and love that he portrays to his younger sister. I think I'm falling for Habib and I'm falling very quickly. I honestly don't know what to do.

"Layla," Habib's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Yes?"

"Nour had asked if you would like to spend the day with her, but you weren't responding. Simply staring in our direction." He stated. His expression was almost smug as if he knew my thoughts.

"I apologize, my thoughts were with my brothers at home." I fibbed. His expression changed to guilt and I felt guilty as well. "Any how, Nour," I turned to her, "I'm sure His Majesty has better things to attend to, so we should continue our introductions elsewhere?"
I saw Habib's face fall a little when I called him by title rather than by name. Nour smiled graciously and grabbed my hand pulling me forward.

"Yes of course, let's go!" She pulled me out of the room, but just before leaving I spared one last glance at the handsome King. Nour all but dragged me to her chambers where she sat me down on her bed.

"Now, I know we don't know each other all that well, but I have always wanted an older sister and for the first time I'm going to have one! I hope that we become the best of friends." She gushed at me. "I want to know more about the girl who will eventually be married to my brother." 

She came to sit next to me and grabbed my hand, "Tell me Layla, how are you liking my home? I am hoping that you're being treated well?"

I went into detail about my stay at the palace and how I am very much treated like a queen. Although I am not too fond of being treated like a royal, it is a lavish and comfortable lifestyle and frankly I can't complain.

We continued to talk and laugh as though we were sisters when suddenly a thought occurred to me. "Nour?" I questioned.

She hummed, looking up from the ring on her finger.

"So, I have heard that you're engaged?" I treaded carefully afraid not to cross any lines.

She smiled softly, "Yes, well no, but in technical terms I am engaged to the future King of Thajj. I am sure you have heard of my sad predicament."