Many days later, early in the morning, Abdul and his mother were outside taking care of the chores. I was deep in thought as I was sweeping the kitchen floor and did not hear the commotion outside. Suddenly, the door burst open, and I looked up, startled to find Nidal standing in the doorway. My heart pounded loudly in my ears as I froze and stared back.
I saw the raw emotions that played on Nidal's face. First, there was surprise. Then relief. And then pure love was written all over his handsome face.
But quickly it changed to anger as his jaw clenched shut. He marched right up to me and barked, "Madam, have you any idea what you put everyone through these last two weeks? Have you any idea the humility we have suffered because of your selfish acts?"
I looked at him with disbelief. How dare he throw his words around as if I had done him wrong when he had tore down what we once shared! His gaze swept the room as if he expected an answer. His face looked more mature with tiny fine lines on his forehead I had not seen before, and it looked as if he had not shaved in the two weeks that I was gone.
"Well, are you going to talk, or are you going to stay silent and admit to treason?" He sneered.
He was so arrogant and sure of himself. My eyes were shiny with tears, but I pulled my back straight. With a firm and unwavering voice, I said, "How dare you march in here as if you own the place! How dare you try to scare me into submission! I will not yield to you, Nidal! Go back to where you came from!" I turned my back to him.
Immediately, I regretted everything I said, but it was too late to take it back. In an instant, Nidal's hands grabbed me roughly and turned me around. His eyes searched my face. His beautiful lips were tightly closed, and a miserable silence followed.
"That was a very bold statement, my fair lady," he finally said. "Are you sure it is what you want?" he asked in a dangerously low tone and released me from his iron grip.
I struggled for a reply, but none came. I glanced up at him. My chest tightened. I wanted to kiss his lips so badly, but instead, with a hint of desperation in my voice, I called out his name. "Nidal."
Nidal was unsympathetic to my feelings. He raised his eyebrow and said coldly, "An answer of yes or no will suffice, Madam."
In that moment, Abdul's mother rushed in and fell to the floor at Nidal's feet and tearfully begged, "Have mercy on the young mistress, my lord. Please do not punish her. She is young and innocent. Punish me instead," she cried.
The prince immediately lifted the old woman from the floor and gently pushed her to the side. "Women, leave us be." The whole time, his eyes were not wavering from mine.
The woman left, and Nidal closed the door behind her. He turned his gaze back to me and said roughly, "Well, what will it be?"
I did not like the way he was treating me. He was so arrogant. I pushed past him. I was not about to surrender. But Nidal grabbed me tightly in his hold and pulled me to him. "I will have your answer, Madam!" he said with a rough edge to his voice.
"I will come with you on one condition!" I said angrily.
Nidal lowered his eyebrows and gritted his teeth. He tightened his hold on me and waited.
"You must promise me that you will not punish these good people for harboring me here. They were good to me, and I will feel responsible if your wrath were upon them."
Nidal threw his head back and roared with laughter. "Madam, you are in no position to be asking for promises. I will do as I see fit. Do not worry. The punishment will fit the crime." He looked amused.
