62. Welcome Back
Writer’s POV:
The next morning, they were all ready and grabbed an Uber. They definitely were very happy to leave that city and go back to their home.
Once at the airport, they did all they had to and sat to wait for their flight.
Djafar went away to answer a call while Saïda went to buy snacks. She was very happy that the day had finally arrived. She returned and Asahd was sitting there, watching her and smiling a little.
Reddening a little, she smiled back and handed him some candy she’d bought.
“Skittles?”
“Sure. Thanks,” he took the candy.
“Remember what we spoke of yesterday?” she muttered, to make sure he really was going to keep his promise.
“I only remember what happened after.”
Her smile faded and he laughed.
“Please stop. It’s not funny. You know I never want to talk about such again. It’s over now. I’m sad you don’t take me seriously.”
“Chill, sweetheart. I was pulling your legs. It’s fine. I remember and I haven’t changed my mind.” Asahd replied with a smile.
“Fine. Thank you,” she felt relieved and sat down too.
A few minutes later, their flight was announced and they grabbed their bags.
--
During their flight, Asahd was seated with Saïda. While she slept, he would stare and admire her.
′She’s so beautiful. On the outside and even more on the inside. She’s too good for me.′
He reached out and softly caressed her cheek, careful not to wake her up.
′That’s why I want her so much.′
He swallowed and felt a sting in his chest.
′Yet all she cares about is Noure. Noure, Noure, Noure.′
The thought made him scoff out loud.
“I reaaaaaally don’t like that guy,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.
“Huh? You said something?” Djafar who had the seat right in front of him, turned and asked.
“Oh, no,” he chuckled a little. “Don’t mind me. I’m thinking out loud.”
“Guess all that happiness makes you talk to the air now,” Djafar mocked and Asahd laughed a little.
“Back with your teasing Djafar,” Asahd mused. “I’m so happy we’re going back home.”
“Ain’t the only one. Finally,” the man laughed and put his earphones back on.
Asahd smiled and stared out his window.
“Would you like some champagne, Sir?” a flight attendant asked and the Prince replied.
“Sure. Thank you,” he grabbed a glass but then stopped the attendant. “Please is there alcohol in this?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, thank you but I’d rather some orange juice,” he put the glass back and the attendant nodded.
“Right away, sir,” and with that, she left.
He looked at a sleeping Saïda again and leaned in to kiss her shoulder. Then he took her hand in his.
Asahd’s POV:
After long hours of flight, we finally arrived Casablanca. All three of us could hardly keep the smiles off our faces.
As we left the tunnel and entered the airport, we recognised one of the Royal drivers in his uniform. He had two guards with him and had a cardboard with the words:
-WELCOME PRINCE ASAHD, DJAFAR AND SAÏDA.-
My smile literally grew wider. It seemed like a dream. I was finally in my country.
They spotted us and we went to them. They smiled and welcomed us. I actually hugged all three men who were very surprised and amused.
“I missed all of you! I swear!” I exclaimed happily and everyone laughed.
“We missed you too, your Highness.”
The two guards went to get our bags and we left the airport. In front of the building, we had a black limo and another big black car with tinted windows, waiting for us. The limo was empty while the other had another driver in it. He stepped out and bowed to me then welcomed us.
“Thank you!” I mused and Djafar laughed at how happy I was.
The two guards carrying our bags put mine in the limo and Djafar and Saïda’s in the jeep.
The main driver entered the limo while one of the guards opened the door for me. It felt all awkward to be back into this life, but I was grateful.
The other guard opened the jeep door for Djafar and Saïda. Djafar went towards it to get in. Saïda was going to do same but I grabbed her hand.
“You’re coming with me,” I smiled at her and she reddened.
“I want to sit with my father,” she replied with a nervous smile.
I’d kind of expected her to say that. I wasn’t angry though.
“Alright, sweetheart,” I muttered, very tempted to kiss her but I withheld myself from doing so.
She smiled and bowed a little before getting out of my grip.
“I don’t want you bowing, Saïda.”
“We’re back in Zagreh, your Highness,” she replied casually and with another smile before rushing to the jeep.
I smiled a little to myself and finally entered the limo.
The guard closed the door and went to sit with the driver at the front while the other guard entered the jeep.
There was a TV in, a mini bar and a fridge.
“I’m really back,” I muttered, feeling breathless all of a sudden.
After another road trip, we finally arrived Zagreh at 5pm. I felt goosebumps cover my skin as we made it through the little town. The citizens would whistle and cheer at the car, some shouting and welcoming me. I swallowed, feeling nervous all of a sudden. I was going to be a ruler to these wonderful people real soon. I hoped to be a wonderful sultan like my father was to them. He cared so much for the people and I was afraid I might not be up to the task.
′Breathe.′
I thought and inhaled deeply. Everything would be alright.
--
The large gates slowly opened and we drove into the big property, led by the jeep in front of us.
Goosebumps covered my skin when I saw the jeep stop ahead and Djafar as well as Saïda stepped out. There were male servants lined up on the right side of the huge and long stairway, and maids on the other side, in front of the palace’s main entrance. They were about fifteen on each side.
“Phew. There’s an AC in this, yet I feel like I’m gonna pass out.” I murmured to myself, feeling very nervous.
′I’ve been away from this life for a while, and now it seems all awkward to me. How ironic.′
I hadn’t been the center of attraction in a long while. But now, things were different again.
Saïda and Djafar stood at the bottom of the stairs and waited for me. They couldn’t enter before me.
The limo pulled up in front of the stairway and I fanned myself with my hand, though there was an AC!
I heard the guard in front get out of the car. Soon he came to my door and opened it. I took a deep breath and stepped out. Djafar and Saïda immediately bowed their heads and so did all the servants and guards around. Goosebumps!
I swallowed and gave Saïda a side glance. She was looking at me and smiled in amusement. I smiled a little and faced my front again.
The maids threw petals on the stairs and I started making my way up the stairway, my heart threatening to burst out of my chest.
There were two guards at the top with trumpets. Immediately I got to the top, they blew into the instruments and I literally shook. They then said in unison:
“Welcome the Heir to the throne! PRINCE ASAHD USAÏD!”
I stepped into the huge hallway and there were more guards and servants. They all bowed.
I walked down the large red carpet while they all smiled at and welcomed me. I smiled back, feeling quite nervous still.
Just then, my parents walked into the room. My smiled widened and they smiled happily. I rushed to them and got on a knee to touch their feet and get their blessings. Then I stood and both hugged me immediately. My eyes watered on the spot.
“My dear son,” my father said happily while we hugged tight. My mom wasted no time and started to sob, kissing my face continuously. I actually started shedding tears. I’d missed them so much.
“I missed you,” I sobbed, feeling all emotional and very happy.
“We missed you too,” they replied with watery eyes and hugged me again.
“I– I have so much to say. So much to apologise for,” I muttered, the tears rolling down my cheeks more than I could control. I wiped them but they just poured out.
“We have enough time to talk, my darling. First you need to go rest,” my father said.
“Yes. Get some sleep. We’ll feast with some family friends tonight to celebrate your return, tonight.”
“Okay,” I wiped my eyes again.
Just then, Djafar and Saïda walked in and bowed. I moved aside and they touched my parents feet. My parents made them stand immediately and hugged both, happily.
“Thank you for everything,” my mother smiled happily at them and they bowed again, happy themselves.
“You must feast with us tonight. You are all welcome.”
“Thank you, your Majesty.” they replied happily.
“Now you should all go rest. Your rooms have been prepared. Welcome again.”
They bowed one more time and excused themselves. As they left, I stared at Saïda. We wouldn’t be around each other as often as we used to anymore. It caused a little sting in my chest but it wasn’t going to stop me.
“Let’s go upstairs,” my father said and I followed them.
--
I collapsed on my beautiful king bed all covered in satin and silk sheets. I inhaled their sweet smell and enjoyed the feel of the soft, comfy mattress.
“Fuck, I missed you baby,” I muffled the words into my bed.
I was finally back in the palace.
~~~~
•AN: The prince is back, people!•