Layla

Chapter 15

My heart beats accelerated as I realized that I had been found out. I slowly stepped out from behind the bush, my eyes cast downward in shame. I can not believe I had been caught! I wondered silently if he had known I was here the whole time.

"Rohi what are you doing hiding in this bush? Not only were you hiding, but you were also eavesdropping on my private conversation." Habib inquired.

"I am truly sorry. I wished to see you and came here, but you were already in a conversation with Sarah." I explained.

"I see. How much did you hear?"

"All that I needed to." I smiled.

"All that you needed to?" He furrowed his brows in confusion.

I nodded my head in agreement.

"And what was it that you needed to hear?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I laughed as I walked past him. My heart was doing flips in my chest and quite frankly, it worried me. I still have not decided my feelings for Habib, but one thing for sure is that if I wanted to leave and go home, I can't fall in love. I cannot fall for his charms, yet I find myself being swept off of my feet by him.

Habib did not follow, so I decided to call it a night and head back to my chambers it was getting late anyway. Perhaps I should not have visited. I sighed at my conflicted feelings as I entered my room and prepared for bed. I changed into my robe and settled into the comfort of my lavish bed. Although I am not supposed to fall in love, Habib has slowly wormed his way into my heart; no matter how hard I fight it. That was my last thought before drifting off to sleep.

I awoke early the next morning with a pounding on my door. I groaned and hoisted myself up to go and answer it. I found Sharif standing on the other side looking particularly excited. "Rise and shine, sunshine. Today is the day in which your brothers should be visiting the castle! Hurry and get dressed, and I shall take you to them." He rushed out before walking away.

A few moments after his departure there was another knock, but this time there were my two handmaidens, Inayah and Iman. "Good morning your majesty!" They chimed in unison.

I sighed knowing that these two will never give up with that title. I guess I just have to get used to it. The two rushed to prepare me for the day in a flowing black kaftan with sleeves that fall to the floor because of their length. I honestly really enjoyed the dress; I never realized how much I loved these lavish clothes until now.

I left the room to search for Sharif; I assume that he is in the throne room, because that is where Habib should be at this time. I made my way to the extravagant room with a smile on my face as I remembered why Sharif came to wake me. This means I get to finally see my brothers. Hopefully, they all chose to come here today. I really want to see them a-

I froze from my walking as I approached a big crowd and noticed a tall man with with a long brown qamis in the middle. His skin was brown as if he had spent countless hours in the sun and his face as kind as a man who would defend his little sister against the bad in the world. Tears pooled my eyes as I watched Shakeel mingle from a distance. I very poorly attempted to keep my composure as I neared.

Only a few feet away, I was disrupted from my path by Sharif. I glared at him for stopping me. "What?" I snapped. Snatching my arm from his hand.

"Sorry sunshine. The King has requested your presence," He said while smiling.

"He can wait." I pushed past him only to realize that Shakeel was gone. I searched frantically to spot him in the crowds of men, but it was as if he was never there. The tears which had previously pooled my eyes, now fell freely down my face as I missed the chance to embrace my brother.

I composed myself, walked to where Sharif was waiting, and quietly followed him as he led the way to Habib. I do not believe I have ever been this upset to see him. I could have been with my brothers. I almost tasted my freedom from this grand place.

My mind was reeling with hundreds of thoughts of how they would react once they saw me. Would they be happy? Or would they be upset with me for not coming home? My heart ached with the thought of them worrying about me while I lived this life of wealth. I am enjoying my stay here as much as I hate to admit it, and I am falling for my captor, which is even worst than enjoying this place. Guilt gnawed at my heart as I thought of all these things.

Suddenly I was overwhelmed with thoughts of my home, my family, my Asad. I wish to leave this place. It is like a trap, Habib woos me with his nice life and showers me with attention, all the while I am only leading myself to get caught with emotions and attachments. I must keep my eye on the prize; I must keep my determination for freedom.

As soon as my eyes fell on Habib, all my previous thoughts vanished. That strong determination to leave washed away as I was met with the desire to be gathered up into his arms instead. I craved the comfort only his presence seemed to offer me, and I found myself furious at him for doing this to me. Furious for being put in this position, furious that I actually like this man, furious that I am torn between my family and a potential lover.

I groaned internally as he looked upon me with his beautiful brown eyes as if I was the only thing he's ever seen. "Habibti! " He called out while coming closer.

"Habib." I responded coldly.

His eyes gleamed as he noticed my discontentment. A look of anger flashed before his face as he turned to Sharif. "What have you done to her?" He asked in a deathly serious voice.

Sharif raised his arms in a surrendering position, "This was all on you." He scurried out the room like a mouse. I almost laughed.

Habib turned to me with a confused expression, "Rohi, what is wrong? Have I upset you?"

My lip quivered as all of my bottled frustrations and emotions came bubbling to the surface at his question. I opened my mouth to speak, but instead, burst into tears.

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There you guys have it! The newest chapter.

I sincerely apologize for the wait. I have been so busy and on top of that experienced a bad case of writers block, but I am working through it. Thanks for sticking with me!

Enjoy!