Layla

Chapter 17

Storming out of the room I push past the guards and hastily make my way towards my room, wanting nothing more than to get away from here. I hear shuffling from behind me and a guard call out, "My King!" This followed by the sound of running allows for me to conclude that the wild man is trying to chase me down. I hasten, hoping that he can't catch up.

In my mad dash I notice a stranger wandering the halls, but before I can see his face, I was pulled back. I turn, ready to remove the hands that claim me only to have lips come crashing down on to my mouth. They capture mine hungrily, desperately, and I realize that it is Habib's. My anger melts away as he pulls me closer encouraging me to kiss back. I oblige the silent command, desire coursing through me as I wrap my arms around his neck, and his hands come down to tightly grip my waist.

Unfortunately, our moment doesn't last long, for I was snatched again to be pulled into a hard chest. "Unhand her you fiend!" Came a dark voice. Coming out of my dreamy haze, I recognize it to be Zaid's. With a loud gasp I meet his gaze.

"Zaid!" I cry out pulling him close, missing my brother's comfort. His arms come around me to return the embrace, but once again, I am pulled away.

"How dare you touch what belongs to me!" Habib's voice thunders as I turn to glare at him. I most definitely do not belong to him. He is still so arrogant.

"What belongs to you?" Zaid seethes. "She is my sister, and she does not belong to anyone!"

I smile gratefully that Zaid made this point clear. At least he respects the fact that I am my own woman if not anyone else in this kingdom. Hearing the commotion, guards come rushing out to see what is happening. From behind Zaid, I notice Shakeel, Amir, and Khalid approaching. Each of them shocked to see what is occurring.

"Fine! She may not belong to me now, but she will be my wife by the end of this month. By that I still have my rights over her, she is in theory mine."

I open my mouth to argue that statement, getting annoyed with his behavior. Zaid beat me to it, charging forward, "Your wife?!"

I notice his hand move to the hilt of his sword as if to attack, but I quickly step in his path while my brothers all come from behind to grab at him. The last thing I wish to worry about is Zaid being put in prison, or worse, sentenced to death.

"You do not want to do this. Please Zaid, calm down." I reason.

He strains against their hold as I catch his gaze, pleading him with my eyes to drop the matter. If Zaid knows me, he knows that I can stand for myself if I have to. A lesson Habib clearly learned the hard way. Something got through to Zaid as he dropped his sword back into its sheath.

"How about we all calm down, and sit to speak like civilized people. You all should return to the event that is happening, Habib and I will come join you soon." I calmly suggest while shooting both Zaid and Habib a look, daring them to argue.

Both men nod and my brothers turn to move away. Before they could return to the hall, I grab Shakeel's hand and throw my arms around his neck. Blinking away my tears I hold him close. "I have missed you brother." He returns the tight embrace and gives me a small smile before turning away to leave.

After they had walked away, I turned my attention to Habib. "Let's go." I rolled my eyes, and shove past him making my way to his chambers. He chuckles and follows after me.

Reaching his room, I shove open the doors and stride in as if I owned the place.