The Segment (Completed)

39. Apple Juice

(Unedited)

"This would be an absolute nightmare, Your Highness. First this ridiculous segment and now, Prince Richard is thinking about converting? To Islam?!" Allan blustered. "No one will accept this...this mockery!"

Richard inhaled deeply and looked at his father, who was seated next to him. His father looked deep in thought. He knew Allan would throw a hissy fit the moment this was mentioned, but there was no way around it if he was really to convert. The Palace had to know, The House of Lords had to know, the people will have to know.

Pushed by Vicky, he had already discussed this with Phillip before the meeting with Allan and their father.

"I'm not entirely surprised, to be honest," Phillip had said as he sipped on his whiskey.

Richard snapped his gaze up to look at Philip. "You're not?" he asked quizzically.

"Tch, no. I am not. I knew there was more to your relationship with Ms. Khan the moment you mentioned her idea of the segment. And then I saw the way you looked at her..." Philip trailed.

Richard raised his eyebrows and motioned for Philip to continue and with a cheeky grin, he said; "Like the sun shone out of her arse."

There was a pause then both brothers broke out in loud laughter. Richard ran his hand through his hair and exclaimed, "Oh God, I was such a stupid teenager! I can't believe you still remember that." Richard shook his head smiling

"I will never forget it," Philip sighed heavily leaning back into his chair. "You and Vicky were the only ones who took a stand by me when I wanted to marry Cate."

"What do you think Father will say to this?" Richard asked sombrely.

"I honestly have no idea. Allan though; he might just get a stroke," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "But, forget about the others. Is this what you really want? Think about it, converting to be a Muslim...it's a big responsibility. What if things don't work out between the two of you? Then what?"

"I honestly don't know. I want to be optimistic, but I know that the reality is that not everything works out the way we want it too. But if...if I don't...you know, take this leap of faith; I will regret it for the rest of my life," Richard saying swallowing thickly. He took a sip of the golden liquid in his glass.

"Well, at least you can stop pretending to drink whiskey," Phillip motioned his head to Richard's glass. "And we can finally stop ordering apple juice by the crates now. Has it been three years already, since you started your sessions?' Philip continued.

"Something like that," Richard shrugged noncommittally.

"Are the sessions and new treatments working better this time?" Phillip asked in all seriousness.

"Better, but I suppose I have added incentives that also help me cope with things," Richard answered lightly.

"How much does Farrah know about your anxiety and depression?" Phillip asked without beating around the bush.

"She's...aware, but we haven't delved into the details yet," Richard said, he sat thinking with his fingers around his lips.

"Don't you think you need to give her...well, the details? You are thinking of changing your entire life for her, what if she can't accept this part of you?" Phillip continued gently while frowning.

Richard looked at his brother, with confidence shining in eyes and said, "That's why it's called a leap of faith, Phil. I'm choosing to put my trust in her Phil, my blind faith."