After brunch, we went in the tea room. The princess sat between Nidal and the queen. She was smarter than I thought. I have to really watch my back with this one.
Conversation was going smoothly so far, but I was getting restless, I just wanted the princess to leave. She had overstayed her visit. Nidal was oblivious to anything around him. He was in his own little world.
The princess was telling us about the construction of her new sunroom in her palace when suddenly, without a care in the world, she laid her hand idly on Nidal's knee. Nidal tensed as she did this, and he quickly stood and walked over to the French doors, pretending he was observing the rose gardens. I, of course, knew better. He did not want her to touch him, and he knew not what else to do but remove himself without being rude. I sat in the chair across from them, and I did everything in my power not to scratch out her eyes. I contained myself, sporting a fake smile on my face. I knew she saw right through that smile, and she arrogantly smiled back. I was restraining myself out of respect for the queen; otherwise, Princess Shaeena would feel my fist down her throat. This woman brought out the worst in me, a side of me I never knew existed.
When the princess announced that her stay was ending, the queen and I rose from our chairs, and the three of us walked out in the hallway by the huge entranceway. Nidal followed closely behind us. Once again, the princess kissed him on the mouth, and Nidal's eyes swept over to mine. He searched my face, silently begging me for forgiveness. Princess Shaeena hugged the queen, glanced over, and looked at me with ice-cold eyes. A chill ran up and down my spine. I knew at that moment that I had an enemy. She wanted what belonged to me, and I knew she would stop at nothing to get it. I was not about to let her take my man. I walked up to my prince and made myself cozy in his arms. Nidal automatically wrapped his arms around me and held me tight.
The expression on Princess Shaeena's face was priceless. I almost choked laughing at her. But I took control of myself and smiled good-bye to her with satisfaction. She turned her back and walked gracefully out of the palace. The queen followed after her. I turned and hungrily kissed a startled Nidal, reminding him that he was mine. His response reassured me that I had nothing to worry about.
***
It was almost time for dinner, and we were still in bed, unable to tear ourselves away from each other. Nidal was playing with my hair when the call from the other side of the door came and announced that dinner would be served in a half hour. Just then, Nidal rested his head on his elbow and looked at me with a smile on his face and a glint in his eyes. He was up to something. I could tell. His hand slid under his pillow, and he pulled out a diamond necklace. It was a magnificent piece, and I stared at it, speechless. Nidal pushed his body up in a sitting position and clasped the diamond necklace around my neck.
"Happy birthday, Loula," he said tenderly.
I looked at him, confused, but then I remembered. It was my birthday, and I had forgotten all about it. "How, pray tell, did you remember my birthday when it never once crossed my mind?" I asked him, surprised.
"I would never forget the day your mother brought such a treasure into the world," Nidal said hoarsely. He claimed my lips one more time.
I pulled away from his embrace. "Please, Nidal, do not tell anyone that today is my birthday. I prefer to share this special day only with you." I hoped he would abide by my wishes, but Nidal's response was another kiss, which took my breath away.
We walked into the dining area with flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, which was not missed from anyone who sat there looking right at us, as if we had committed a crime. I felt a little uncomfortable, but Nidal never let go of my hand, and that gave me a little comfort. I stole a quick glance across the table at the queen, and she was once again giving me that look of disapproval. My heart sank. Without even realizing it, I tightened my hold on Nidal's hand, and he looked at me concerned, still unaware of his mother's real feelings toward me.
I plastered a fake smile on my face for his benefit, not wanting to upset him. He had other issues at hand here, like the fact that there were many guests tonight for dinner. I counted thirty in all, and that did not include Nidal and me. Besides the queen, I was the only other female at the table. All the men, with the exception of Nidal, were wearing their uniforms. This must be an important dinner meeting. Something is happening right under my nose. I am sure Nidal knows what it is, but he has not shared the information with me.
