Royalty Gone Bad
Chapter 80: 80. Honesty & Storms

***

Saïda's POV:

I stepped out and closed the door behind me. To my surprise, Asahd was standing right there with his lips twitched to the side in amusement. I froze a little, surprised. "Sorry. Couldn't help it but eavesdrop again," he mused. "And I did good to again."

I smiled, very amused.

"You're terrible."

He smirked and his eyes dropped to my lips and back to my eyes.

"So," he started. "You will forever be submissive to my 'fine ass' huh?" he mused, referring to what I'd told Noure, and I giggled a little, my cheeks burning.

"Sort of," I replied, a little nervous now.

He smiled and bit his lip. Boy did my breath hitch.

'Yes you sure are fine.'

"I love the sound of that. Gives me naughty thoughts."

My heart skipped a beat when he said that. And the way he eyed me while saying it!

'Oh lawd, he's killing me.'

"You definitely are a savage, yourself," he smirked again, rubbing my cheek and referring to all I'd said to Noure.

"I like that."

I reddened and smiled shyly.

Just then,

"Saïda?? Noure??" I heard my father call from the library.

"Yes, father?! Coming!" I replied. At the same moment, Noure opened the door of that room and stepped out.

He froze a little on seeing that I was with Asahd.

He frowned at Asahd who smirked back in the most provocative manner, eying him from head to toe like he was carrying some disease. I decided to intervene before harmful words were exchanged. "My father is calling for you and I," I told Noure firmly and he finally looked away from Asahd. "Let's go."

I then looked at Asahd and curtsied a little, excusing myself.

As I started to go, I turned and made sure Noure was following. Immediately he was going to walk past Asahd, the Prince said:

"Shots fired, Noure. You heard her," he teased, reminding Noure of my own words.

Noure halted and stared at Asahd again. Unaffected, Asahd smiled happily and pocketed his hands in the most casual manner, looking Noure in the eye and challenging him. He was so provocative at times and it really amused me. I tried not to laugh and so called Noure again.

"Let's go," I repeated dryly and he finally followed me to the library.

Asahd's POV:

I watched them leave and I couldn't take the smile off my face. Saïda had treated him good!

'And it makes me feel goooodd.'

I chuckled to myself and left for my room.

I was sitting on my bed and manipulating my phone when there was a knock and my mother stepped in. I immediately stood and bowed to her like always.

"Sweet mom," I smiled and hugged her. She laughed and hugged me back.

We then sat.

"You sure are in a good mood today," she mused.

"Yes I am," I chuckled. "Done with your duties?"

"Yes, yes. But I'm quite busy helping Djafar for Saïda's wedding. You know she's getting married after tomorrow, right?"

"Mhm. Wonderful," I smiled.

My mother was silent but then she smiled and caressed my face.

"Darling?"

"Yes mother?"

"Tell me what's going on with you." she started in a gentle and concerned manner. I was confused.

"Going on as in?" I asked.

"Is- is there something wrong or going on between you and Saïda?" she asked, worried. My heart skipped a beat.

"No. Why would you think that?" I lied.

She was silent again but then spoke,

"I saw you yesterday."

"Where?"

"Leaving the building in which Noure's apartment is. With Saïda."

I swallowed a little.

"So?"

"I saw the way you were holding her by the arm and pulling her along. Asahd you were angry. My car drove by but I was still able to see how angry you were as you ordered for her to enter your car and then you slammed the door."

I was silent.

"I was even more confused when later during the day, you were both chatting and laughing with each other like there was nothing."

"Mother, I was pissed at her because she didn't do something I'd asked her to do. Nothing special," I lied.

"And you had to go get her at her future husband's apartment for that? Since when do you behave that type of way? I don't believe what you're telling me, dear," she frowned a little and I swallowed again. "That's what happened, mother. I don't know what you're thinking."

"Should I tell you what I'm thinking? What I've noticed but I'm unable to really explain nor understand?" she asked gently and I could feel my anxiety rush in.

"What?" I dared to ask.

"That you and Saïda seemed normal during your first week here, back from New York," she started. "But things changed to my notice. You seem closer with each passing day, Asahd. Before your crowning ceremony, most of your revisions with her were done here instead of the library."

"So we would not be interrupted, mother. Saïda and I are very good friends now and that's why we're close."

She shook her head a little.

"Asahd, I've noticed looks you exchange with each other. The way you looked at her once, reminded me of how your father looks at me, Asahd. It was during lunch when she'd come to assist the maids, serve

us."

I stood, feeling quite nervous.

"What do you mean, mother? I don't know what you are talking about?" I scratched my head, beginning to feel the heat.

"Asahd, I remember the looks you were exchanging in the library before I entered to announce Hammar's return. I noticed Saïda's stare while you hugged and welcomed Hammar."

'Oh shit.'

"Most importantly, was during your crowning ceremony when you had an anxiety attack like you used to when you were still a child. I expected you to look at me like you used to in the past, back when you were a kid, to regain some courage; but you didn't. You turned to Saïda instead, Asahd. Goosebumps covered my skin when I saw her smile at you and you immediately changed countenance. I know what I saw, Asahd. What I've been seeing," she said gently.

I swallowed, my heartbeat beginning to race.

"That isn't just friendship to me. If it simply was, you would've never missed her dowry, intentionally."

I was finished.

"You didn't look like you were angry about something she didn't do while leaving that building, Asahd. I think you went to get her out of jealousy. I don't know what happened there but you definitely went to take Saïda away from Noure. Please quit lying to me and be honest. I'm your mother," she said softly, hurt evident in her voice.

My eyes prickled and there was a growing lump in my throat. Giving up, I slowly regained my seat by her. She held my face made me look at her.

"What is wrong?" she asked lowly and I swallowed.

"I'm in love with Saïda, mother. Deeply in love with her," I found it hard to swallow. "I've never been in love before. She's the first woman I've ever loved, mother," I muttered.

My mother was silent and then smiled a little in the warmest manner.

"I can see it in your eye," she muttered. "She loves you too, doesn't she?"

I nodded and my mother smiled warmly.

"Oh my dear," she hugged me. "How did this happen? From New York?"

"Yes."

I went on to explain the necessary on how my dislike for Saïda turned into friendship and eventually more. I told her about the moment I realised I loved her and how Saïda confessed her love for me after.

I told her about my altercation with Noure being the cause of my hurt hand and how I ended up going to get Saïda at his place. I told her about Saïda's complete confession in my car later that same day. She listened to everything attentively.

"She doesn't want to marry Noure. I don't want her to, because I want to."

"Y-you want to get married to her?" my mother asked surprised, rubbing my cheek.

"Yes. I really need her, mother. I'm persuaded she's the one for me. Please, don't be against our love."

"How can I be against it??" she smiled. "I've always loved Saïda as my own, Asahd. I would be more than happy and on your side if you married her. I'm happy to see how in love you really are. She's been of very good influence to you. How can I reject her?"

I smiled and kissed my mother's hand.

"Though there is one problem," she said.

"Noure."

I told her why Saïda and I were afraid to tell Djafar, being worried about him.

"True. I can talk to him and clear things up."

"No. I think it's better if Saïda tells him. I will do it with her. Tomorrow," I swallowed at the thought.

"Alright. Make sure you do before it's too late."

'It's never too late.'

"Yes, mother. Thank you for understanding me," I hugged her.

"I'm actually very happy with what you're telling me," she laughed a little and I smiled. "I really love Saïda. She is perfect for you. Who would've thought," she mused and I chuckled a little, hugging her again. "You are the best. Thank you. I love you. I was so afraid to tell you."

"You have nothing to worry about. I won't tell your father or even Saïda. I love you too dear."

***

That night after dinner, I went up to my room and met the guards in front of my door.

"You two should go away. I need some privacy," I told them and they obeyed, leaving and going downstairs.

I wanted to be all by myself without them entering from time to time and asking if I needed anything. I just wanted to be at peace, thinking. It was another windy and cold night. Perfect. I was going to sleep perfectly well.

After my shower, I left the bathroom. I was going towards the dressing room when there was suddenly a loud thunder roar and lightning outside. Immediately, the power went off in the entire palace and sultanate as well. It always happened when an extremely heavy rain was on the way.

"Oh no," I mumbled.

Luckily, the chimney fire in front of my bed was burning. The room was still very dim and so I grabbed matches and decided to light every candle in my room. There were about thirty of them to light for my big

room.

"Work," I grumbled and went to the first candle.

Saïda's POV:

I'd just showered and had changed into my nightgown when the power was cut. Luckily my chimney fire had been burning because of the cold.

There were more thunder roars and lightning and I quickly got under my blanket.

In a few minutes, very heavy rainfall began. Thunder and lightning with it. I could hear the strong wind and blowing trees. It was a storm.

"I should sleep," I mumbled to myself and closed my eyes. The palace was already quiet as everyone had retired to their rooms.

I lay there for some minutes, hopelessly waiting for sleep. But nothing. I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking of the annoying possibility of getting married to Noure. I shook my head and got him out of it. But then, just as I was getting real comfortable, I thought of Asahd.

Asahd, Asahd, Asahd.

'I wonder if he's sleeping.'

Suddenly, thoughts of every single sensual moment we'd spent together, flooded my mind and immediately caused a tingle in between my legs.

'Oh gawd. I should sleep, now!'

I shut eyes tight and tossed in bed at the sound of the rain that was getting even more heavier.

'The way he humped me that other night. I felt his raw skin against mine. Gosh, the way it made me come.'

I hit my face with my pillow, trying to end my thoughts but to no avail.

'The first time I felt his tongue was amazing.'

I helplessly shut my thighs tight, tossing again.

'That shower night, the way he looked at my chest. When he removed his boxers and I felt his-

I should've glimpsed at it. It felt warm against my skin."

"Yalah, I should stop!" I gasped into my pillow as the tingle in between my legs got worse.

'...-I like the sound of that. Gives me naughty thoughts-...'

I remembered his words, my forehead already moist, as well my panties.

'...-You have no idea how crazy you drive me, Saïda. Come to me and I'll keep you warm from this storm's cold...-'

I was finished. I was literally hearing him say things in my own mind now.

'Go to him. It's dark. Everyone's sleeping. Go.'

Slowly, I got out of bed without thinking. I silently left my room and ventured into the palace's dark halls and corridors. The storm outside was getting worse with each second.

I rushed through the darkness, avoiding all places where guards were.

I soon made it to the huge stairway that led to his room. Gulping, I went up and peeped. Surprisingly, his guards were gone. Without much thinking, I rushed down his corridor and towards his door.