Sweet Obsession

Chapter 7 Part 2

I did not want to leave the room with Princess Shaeena still occupying it. Nidal would be with her when I left, and she would seek that opportunity to comfort my Nidal. But I had no choice as the queen dragged me out of the dining area. I followed silently. I did not look at Nidal when I passed him by, but I knew his eyes were shooting daggers on my back.

The queen pulled me out in the hallway where she stopped in her tracks and said with a hint of anger in her voice, “Child, you misbehaved too. But I know why, and I think I would have done the same in your situation.” She sighed, and continued in a lighter tone, “I know you love my son. And I know without a doubt that he loves you too, but I do not understand his behavior. Please be patient with him. He will come around. I promise you, dear.” She gave me a warm hug. “Now run along to your chamber and wait for Nidal. I will send him to you shortly.” And with those few words, she marched back in the dining room, and the guard closed the door.

I was left alone to deal with my pain by myself. I could not bear it if Nidal stopped loving me. Fear gripped my heart at the thought of that. What am I to do now? I hurried along the corridor and opened the door to my chambers. I felt cold in there as I stepped inside. Cold and empty! I will have to play the waiting game again. But what if he chooses to visit Shaeena again tonight? I could not bear the thought of that. I sadly undressed and crawled inside the covers. I closed my eyes and prayed for a miracle.

A few seconds later, the door swung open with a loud bang as it hit the other side of the wall. The picture frame that hung on the wall next to the door dropped to the floor and shattered. Nidal ignored it, and in two long strides, he came to the bed and dragged me out of it. His hold on my arm hurt as he pulled me to him. With his foot, he kicked the door, and it banged once again as it closed. Nidal turned his blazing gaze at me, and I thought for sure he was going to kill me.

When he opened his mouth to speak, it wasn’t with a loud, vicious voice. It was in a low threatening tone. “If you ever do that again, I swear by all that is holy that I will kill you with my bare hands. I will rip your head off!” he warned. His hold on me tightened, and his voice started to tremble as he continued with his threats. “I will hang you outside the window!” Then he stopped abruptly, and he just stared at me relentless.

My blood boiled with conviction. He was the one who was deceitful, yet he wanted to punish me for his wrongdoings. It must be a bad joke! I was speechless. No words could justify the wrongful accusations. No one could take back what was already said. It was too late. I let out a sigh and pulled myself away from his firm grip. Everything that had transpired this evening had hurt me deeply.

We both looked at each other with sadness, for this was a mournful day. What was done could never be undone. We would have to live with this for the rest of our lives. I did not know if we even had the strength to overcome it. My feelings were playing tug-of-war with me. On the one hand, I was angry that he cheated on me. I never wanted him to touch me again. On the other hand, there was no life for me without Nidal. So what am I to do?

I could tell Nidal was getting impatient as the seconds passed, and finally he burst out, “Are you not even going to apologize for what you have done to me today? Your wanton behavior destroyed us!” He ran his fingers through his hair. “You betrayed me to no avail! It was a slap in the face, a knife in my heart,” he accused.

“How dare you judge me!” I yelled. “You of all people, you are the traitor who at first chance ran to Shaeena’s house to sleep in her bed for three nights!” I spat. “I did not betray you. It was you who betrayed me!”

Nidal’s face changed a few shades as he tried to grasp what I just revealed to him. “Loula,” he said cautiously, “who fed you such poison?”