"Have we ever pressurized you children into doing something you didn't want to do? How could you hide the truth from us?"

The hurt and anger was evident in the Queen's voice. Yusuf had narrated the entire tale to his parents, and while the king was still quiet and staring at his children..it was their mother who looked extremely angry at all of them.

When Haya entered her father's study, Illyas and Shahid were already there along with Yusuf. One look towards her mother and she knew that the woman was not happy.

"And Haya? you kept on nagging me that there was something wrong and the moment you found out the truth, you decided to go and play mother instead?" She asked, raising her voice at her daughter.

Haya wanted to argue back, but one look from Yusuf made her stay quiet.

"Do you children think that your mother and father are not smart enough to figure out what to do?"

She went off, her frowned up face reminding Haya that she would also look the same after a few decades. There were not many fine lines and wrinkles on her mother's face, courtesy of the Royal family aesthetician. The fillers kept her skin tight and laser treatments kept it looking bright and beautiful.

Haya couldn't really taunt her mother over it, knowing that she would hate to turn old as well. Up until now, she had only done a brow lift. Other than that, no treatments involved the use of needles and fillers.

"And Yusuf, why did you not tell us that you were hurting? How could you hide this from us?"

Her voice softened when she looked at her son, seeing the way he seemed exhausted and drained. He was the most responsible one out of all of them, the one who would sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of others. He was often straightforward, but since the past two or three years..Yusuf had started to turn more and more diplomatic. It was required from him as Prince.

"What was your plan? Were you thinking that you will get married and figure everything out on your own? What would have happened when she had delivered that baby? Would you call that baby yours?"

He looked down, because he didn't know what he would have done. His personal life had got completely ruined in the past few weeks.

"Would you have made that child your heir? Is this the Crown Prince that the world talks about?"

He stared at his mother and let out a soft sigh.

"Mother," He tried to apologise, but it wasn't of much use.

"No, Yusuf. You should have come to us the moment you found out."

The last thing she wanted to see was her son sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of their reputation.

"And Illyas, how could you be so stupid? You have always shared everything with me, why not this?"

Illyas let out a groan, knowing that they shots were going to be fired at him now. His mother had already lectured Yusuf and Haya. It was his turn now.

"I only found out when Haya found out the reality. We wanted to figure things out first and then tell you. Even Shahid didn't know."

He replied, hoping that she wouldn't drag it any more. The Queen only shook her head and sat back down, putting her head in her hands.

"Yusuf didn't want Dad to stress about it." Haya murmured, staring at her father who really hadn't said a single word up until now.

He had only listened to everyone around. The look on his face clearly showed that he was not happy.

"Yet here I am, stressed." The King said, standing up from his chair with one hand supporting his back and the other on his son's shoulder.

He squeezed Yusuf's shoulder as a gesture of comfort, then looked around the entire room as he spoke up.

"Now all of you will remain silent. Only Yusuf will be the one to talk." He said, specifically staring at Haya more because he knew she would be the one to interfere the most.

"Dad-" and he was right, since Haya was the one who was already trying to say something.

"If any of you says a single word, I will ask you to leave the room."

He firmly said, finding his daughter letting out a sigh as she sat beside Illyas and nodded.

"Yusuf, do you want to handle this matter publicly or privately?"

The King questioned his son, knowing that he would never let him get married to Sara after all that had happened.

"Hmm?"

"Would you like to send out a statement saying that your fiance cheated on you or would you rather have the matter done and dusted in private?"

He asked, clearly this time.

In all honesty, he was embarassed to even ask such a question. He had been seeing Sara with Yusuf since their childhood. They always played together. She was from an honorable family. She made a mistake and now she was paying the price for it. Life was fickle like that.

"I don't want Sara to be shamed like that, she doesn't deserve it." Yusuf answered, because even now he considered Sara's respect as his own.

He didn't want her to live a life with her head bowed down.

"Yes, she does!" Clearly, her sister didn't share the same sentiment as she stood up and clicked her tongue in protest.

"She cheated on you, on a Crown Prince. She is pregnant with another man's baby and yet she was going to marry you and I am so sure that she would have claimed this baby was yours instead of leaving you!"

Haya exclaimed, interfering in the conversation even though her father had specifically asked her not to.

"Haya, did I not ask you to remain silent?" The King asked, not paying heed to her words.

He knew his daughter was impulsive and protective about her family. She didn't understand the impact of a single comment over someone's life.

"One more word and out you go."

Haya heard her father say and Illyas pulled at her arm, bringing her back down on the sofa.

He shot her an amused look, since she looked all worked up.

"Good, I wouldn't have wanted you to do that either." His father said, appreciating the fact that his son was more like him in some ways.

"People make mistakes. we can't forget them but we can forgive them and move on in our life." He advised, making him nod.

"And you of all people should understand this, Haya. How many times have you made mistakes and we have been the ones to cover them? How many times have we hid the truth from your father because you didn't want to disappoint him?"

Haya looked at her mother with wide eyes, as she got pointed out in front of everyone. She looked up at her father, then frowned at her mother and leaned against the sofa.

"I realise why you hid the truth from us. I realise that you didn't want to create issues for us, son."

King Najaf said, continuing when Yusuf listened with intent.

"Still, we are your parents. I know your duty towards your country comes first and so does mine but you can not do this to yourself." He instructed, earning a nod.

"What would you like to do?"

At this point, he literally just wanted to run away and not look back at anyone for a while. He needed to collect his thoughts.

"I don't know, dad. I really don't. I don't want to marry her but I will if it comes to it." Yusuf replied, because even now there were guests all around with more to come.

How were they supposed to handle it? How was he supposed to marry Aaliyah? Would no one question of his the bride suddenly changed?

"No, you can't marry her. You can't burn yourself like that." His father shook his head, letting out a sigh as he saw his daughter literally mock him.

Haya had her hand raised and one finger on her lips, as if she was in class and the teacher was not letting her talk.

"Yes, Haya. You can talk." He said to his daughter, she spoke up.

"We decided if we couldn't stop the wedding, we could at least change the bride." She told her father but it was her mother who was looking alert all of a sudden.

"What are you even saying?"

"Yusuf was concerned about everyone already being present at the wedding and people from all around the world coming for the wedding so we thought that we could replace Sara with someone better."

Illyas said, speaking instead of Haya.

"And how would that be any good for all of us? People wouldn't stop talking. Yusuf and Sara's wedding is on every media outlet, what happens when the bride isn't Sara?"

The Queen asked, the idea not being very convincing for her.

"Amir said something like that too," Haya mentioned, both Yusuf and Illyas looked at Haya with a surprised face.

"You told Amir?" She nodded, not understanding why that was so surprising.

"So?"

"Amir is a part of this family, it's alright if he knows." The King reminded, knowing that this would cause another argument between his children.

He had raised all of them with the same values. Each and every one of them had developed a distinct personality over the years. The one thing they did have in common, it was arguing for what they believed in. They could go on for hours, just to prove their point.

"Wait a minute, how were you going to find a bride for him in such a short time?" The Queen asked, frowning at her children as she stood up as well.

"Well, we kind of already selected someone." Haya admitted, sheepishly looking at her parents.

"I literally don't understand how I birthed you four idiots." The woman grumbled in return. Shahid stared at his mother with a shake of his head.

"Mother, I had no idea."

He was still so shocked over the entire thing. Sara seemed like such a sweetheart, she was so loving and kind. He really couldn't believe that she would not end up with Yusuf after all.

"Of course, Shahid. I'm sorry."

The Queen apologized and Illyas wanted to laugh, the change in her tone was so evident. Usually, he was the one who never got lectured by his mother.

"Anyway, it's someone we already know and love. Someone we wanted for our brother all along but he fell in love with that wench." Haya grumbled, Yusuf clicked his tongue.

"Haya." She had not only cursed but she was also being too mouthy about Sara. Yusuf had a good time of his life with her, sure he wouldn't be able to forgive her or forget it for a very long time but he wanted to respect the time he shared with Sara.

"Haya." It was her father this time, a disappointed look on his face.

She exhaled and nodded at him.

"What I mean is, It's Aaliyah. I talked to her." She finally said, a pleased shock on her mother's face.

"Our Aaliyah?"

"Who else?"

"How did she take it?"

"She took some time to think and then she said she was okay with it. I mean, we all know she had a crush on Yusuf since childhood."

She gestured towards her brother and the Queen smiled, knowing that she was always into the idea of Aaliyah officially becoming a part of her family. She just didn't want to impose her own ideas on her children.

"And I love Aaliyah, I won't even have a problem with her. She's my sister." Haya added, chuckling.

"Our brother shouldn't have to marry based on your likes and dislikes." Illyas retorted with an eye roll, she nudged him with her elbow.

"Because the one I disliked was so right for him, yeah?" She shot back, Yusuf only sighed.

"Haya, Illyas..grow up. He is your older brother and his word is the only one that matters right now." King Najaf said to both his bickering adult children, who fell quiet once again.

"Tell us, Yusuf."

He waited for his son to speak.

Yusuf could have said he didn't want to marry his cousin. He could have said he didn't want to marry anyone right now. He could have said he wanted to heal from the hurt that had been there because of Sara.

But, he was a Crown Prince. He had duties towards his country. He needed to get married. He needed to have children. He needed to have a wife who would be able to understand his life and walk side by side. Aaliyah was the perfect candidate for that.

Sure, he would never be able to love again. Not the way he loved Sara. But, he would give her the respect that she deserved. He would remain loyal in that relationship, he would make sure that she was happy with him.

"I have had some time to collect my thoughts. I don't have a problem with marrying Aaliyah, she's been a part of this family for a long time anyway. She has Royal blood, she will do good as my wife too." Yusuf replied, exhaling.

"It's just that I don't want to disrespect her by marrying her in such a hurry. I want to take some time before that."

He expressed, since had had some time to think about this.

"So we cancel the wedding? It's going to be very tough." His mother stated, he understood that and he knew she was right.

"Mom, every girl dreams of the perfect wedding. We all know how crazy Haya was when it was her time. Sara planned for it all since months. I want to give Aaliyah the same."

Yusuf explained, a smile formed on Haya's face. Her brother deserved the best and so did Aaliyah. Both of them were the most selfless people she knew.

"She shouldn't get married to me in a hurry to save our reputation. Her heart is big enough to agree with all of this but she deserves better." He further said, gaining some of his rhythm back.

"You're absolutely right, Yusuf."

His mother beamed, seeing how thoughtful her son was. He turned to look at his father.

"I am thinking that we can release a statement saying that Sara could not deal with the pressure of being my wife. She was overwhelmed with the constant attention and limelight. Therefore, we have decided to part ways."

The King hummed, nodding because he had somewhat of the same idea.

"That will not be enough but we can get a proper statement made and released by nine."

He assured his son.

"I need to talk to Hammad as well."

"Uncle Hammad will be very happy, dad. I'm sure."

"Yes but he is her father and he has to give permission first." He told his daughter, she frowned.

"You're the King." She pointed out.

"I am also a father, am I not?"

She only hummed, understanding.

"Okay. Haya, help your mother in cancelling all the events other than the reception and the nikah event."

Her father started to narrate what needed to be done.

"For the nikkah day, we will announce that Yusuf and Aaliyah are to tie the knot by the end of this year. It is an arranged marriage and both the families are very happy. We will celebrate and formally welcome our future daughter in law."

He looked at Yusuf, who was listening with attention.

"For the reception, we can host an engagement ceremony. This way, we will not have to cancel on our guests and both of my children will get some time to know more about each other."

He meant Aaliyah and Yusuf. She had been such a huge part of their lives, that no one even had to think twice before happily accepting her as Yusuf's wife.

"Alright?"

"Yusuf, if you're not okay with any of it..you have to tell me."

Yusuf shook his head.

"No, dad. This is perfect."

"Alright. We will let our people handle everything and you only focus on yourself."

He advised his son, asking him to step away from everything for now.

"I don't want you to talk to Sara, Yusuf. I will have a talk with her myself and show her the way out. I'll deal with her family too." It was the Queen who said it, but the King didn't agree.

"No. Sara is not only Yusuf's childhood friend but her family is very respectable and we have known them for a long time. I do not want anyone disrespecting them."

He announced.

"Illyas, you will go and talk to her family." Illyas nodded.

"Yusuf, you go and have one last talk with her. You need to have your closure."

He instructed his son, who wanted to do this all along.

"Haya, have a talk with Amir's family. I want you to tell them the truth that we are telling the world. Okay?"

Haya nodded, knowing that they all needed to work together as a family right now.

The King turned to stare at his wife.

"And will you deal with the guests, please?"

All of them chuckled, hearing the please at the end of the sentence.

The King motioned for his youngest son to get up.

"Alright. Shahid, come with me. I want you to record a statement. You speak from the heart and we need that right now."

Shahid stood up, nodding. He wasn't fond of being in the spotlight but he couldn't exactly refuse in such a situation.

"Should I not be the one to give the statement, father?" Yusuf asked, since it was all about him and he understood that his youngest brother was not very comfortable with the idea in the first place.

"No, son. You are the Crown Prince. You cannot discuss your private matters with the public. Shahid will be very vague and will only tell what needs to be told."

He said, as Haya stood up too.

"Why can't I give the statement, dad? Shahid hates the spotlight, you know that." She pointed out.

"Because everything you say will be directed back to who your husband is. You are the daughter in law of Maraaish. It's better if Shahid goes for it."

Haya didn't want to argue for now. She let it go.

"And me? Why not me?" Illyas asked, as he stood up too.

"Because you, my son.. you are too calculated to give a heartfelt statement."

Illyas couldn't really argue with that point either. Their father knew best. He was right.

"Basically, Dad called Shahid better than all of us." Haya joked, laughing alongside Illyas.

"That isn't true."

"Good luck, Shahid." She nudged him with her arm, smiling as the door opened.

"Yusuf, send your Uncle Hammad inside."

"Alright. Is everything clear to everyone?"

"Yes."

"All of you out now. Shahid and your mother will stay here."

Illyas and Yusuf walked out of their father's study, leaving Haya in front of the man.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier." She murmured, since she always shared everything with her dad.

He looked at her face and instantly understood that Yusuf was not the only issue bothering her.

"I'll have a talk with you once all of this is over. Hmm?" He patted his daughter's cheek, she only smiled at him.

"Okay."

"Now go."

"And the expression on your mother's face, I literally wanted to laugh."

It was early morning, they were outside the Palace and since it hadn't snowed in two days, the weather was beautiful enough to take a walk.

It was still so cold that Haya would shiver every once in a while and Amir would have to put his arm around her and pull her close. She was already in a pile of warm clothes, but her nose was cold and the cold wind would blow against her face.

After she had explained everything to her in-laws, they had tried to look as understanding as possible. it was obviously clear that they were very shocked and they didn't really buy the story of Sara being overwhelmed but they couldn't call Haya out on it.

Her mother-in-law had looked the most upset and since her husband had returned to the suite before her, The exhaustion of the day had lulled him to sleep.

The only plus point of him sleeping early was the fact that after being done with his fajr prayer, he had worked out and showered. Later on, he had woken Haya up and insisted on a walk outside.

So now, here they were. Haya was narrating the entire story of last night and her husband listened with intent.

"It's obviously shocking."

"No, she wasn't just shocked. She was so upset, you have no idea. As if that was not enough, when I told her that Aaliyah and Yusuf are going to get married now.. she literally started to cry."

Haya told Amir, who knew his mother always took such tragedies to her heart.

"If my family was not in such deep shit, I would have laughed my ass off."

He gave her a look, raising an eye at his wife.

"Has it been twenty four hours already?" He reminded her of the promise that she had made less than a day ago.

When she sheepishly looked at him, with a pout on her face and playful eyes, he couldn't help but feel content as well.

"It hasn't. Princess Haya, you cursed when you promised you wouldn't curse for at least one complete day." He played along, looking around to see if anyone was around.

They were far away, in the middle of the huge garden that had a beautiful pathway. It was the back garden of the Palace, mostly used by the King himself.

"Now what am I going to do with you?" He asked his wife, leaning in close.

"Whatever you want." Haya played along as well, surprised to see the happiness that was clear from his body language and face.

"Okay, baby."

He whispered, planting a kiss on the top of her head.

"Then I'll kiss you here," he whispered, placing a kiss on her forehead.

Haya smiled at the tenderness, but then inhaled sharply as his hot breath fanned her cold face.

"And here," he placed another kiss on the side of her eye, her eyes crinkled as her smile widened.

"And right here." He quickly pecked her lips and then took a step back, looking around to make sure just one more time.

Haya laughed.

"So much love. Should I be concerned?" She asked, he shook his head and only held her hand as they walked.

"I'm just happy."

"Yeah?"

"Mhmm, the idea that there might be a child inside of you right now..it's just magical to me."

She stiffened, the relaxed and happy smile on her face disappeared. He noticed instantly.

Okay, he understood that the idea was for in an uncomfortable for her but she didn't have to look so disgusted at least.

"What, Haya? I literally mention a child and you make that face." He pointed it out, frowning at her because her disgusted face had literally ruined his entire mood.

"Because unlike you, I am not sure if I want it right now." She said back, not holding back on how she felt.

"Alright. So what do you think you will do if you find out that you are pregnant with my child?"

She couldn't do anything, of course. She will have to move on with her life and become a mother.

"I wouldn't be happy. My plan did not include a child for at least three years."

She told him, Amir looked at her with a surprised look on his face. Was she serious? Three years?

"You were marrying a Crown Prince and the idea of a child was not in your plans for the next three years? Astaghfirullah, Haya."

He showed his disappointment and surprise, it pissed her off.

"What? I don't think I am ready to be a mother right now. I don't think I have a motherly instinct within me to take care of a baby in the first place."

She was starting to get annoyed too. The whole conversation was just too much. Had she not said that she didn't want to discuss this until they left Buredaan?

"No one is born with the motherly instinct. It develops when you are pregnant with a baby. It's God gifted."

Amir stated, she shook her head.

"Unlike you Amir, I'm not that confident or that content with all of this." She replied, continuing.

"Instead of supporting me, you are putting all this needless pressure on me. Are you not seeing the stuff that is going on with my family?"

She tried to turn the conversation around but Amir wasn't having any of it today.

"I am. And your family is mature enough to handle it. They have it handled, Haya."

He firmly said.

"Why do you think you are not out there handling it? It's because you are my wife now. You are a part of my family, so start thinking about that."

She rolled her eyes at the way he talked her down. She was not a child. She knew she was a part of his family but she was also a part of the family which had brought her up until now.

"You are being extremely bitter." She grumbled, he shook his head.

"No, I just cannot understand why why you are so bitter about a child. It's not like it will be here tomorrow, there will be nine months."

He stopped and took a hold of her arm.

"I am a Crown Prince, Haya. I need a child, an heir. You know that." He pointed out, she clicked her tongue in utter annoyance.

"Yes, because the house of fucking Maraaish is still stuck in the eighteenth century."

He let go of his hold, taking a step back as anger coursed through his veins.

"How many times have I told you not to disrespect my house? The next time you curse my house like that, I'll believe that you cursed at me!"

He raised his voice, loud enough for Haya to feel angry too.

"It's just a word, you are so pompous at times. It's really annoying."

She murmured, he took offense to it. Infact, he became offended the moment she cursed using his country's name.

"I am pompous? Alright," He turned around, ready to leave because he didn't want to argue anymore.

How dare she disrespect him and his country over and over again?

"What? Where are you going?" She walked upto him and held his arm, frowning because he had walked away.

"If I am pompous, you are spoiled, you think you are better than everyone around, you are a liar and you need to start learning how to behave with your husband."

She stilled, surprised at the sudden burst of words from her husband's mouth. When she couldn't get a word out, Amir took that moment to walk away again.

"It's time for breakfast, I'll see you in the Palace."

"Hey, wait!"

Haya stilled, turning around only to find her brother leaning against the pillar as he had his phone against his ear.

"You're still here?" She asked, but he put a finger against his lip. She clicked her tongue.

"Don't hush me." She murmured and Illyas let out a very annoyed sigh, as if he was so freaking tired of the conversation he was having over the phone.

"No, that was not my other girlfriend. It was actually my sister." He pointed out, she frowned as she heard him talk.

Who was he talking to?

"And who the hell give you the right to question me and my relationships? Did I not tell you that I am not looking for anything serious?"

She crossed her arms against her chest, confused that he was talking to some other girl this way. At the same time, he had Suhoor in his life.

"That's the entire problem. I went to Paris for business, I was in Saudi Arabia before that. I don't go into different countries to fuck women."

He said, angrily. Haya would probably grill him for answers later but she already knew she was late. Knowing Amir, he was probably there already.

"Watch your tone. You are talking to a Prince. I am not one of your fellow Hollywood actors you can boss around." Illyas warned, spiking back the curiosity.

"I'm not angry, Nikki. I just don't understand this sudden behaviour." He further talked and it didn't seem like he was going to end this conversation any time soon.

"Illyas, I'm going." Haya said, ready to leave.

"No, wait a second." He stopped his sister, considering her current look.

"Nik, I got to go. I cannot come to Newyork right now, it doesn't work that way. Call me when your mind is working,"

He ended the call with a sigh, putting the phone back in his pocket as he stared at Haya.

"What was that all about?" His sister asked, curiosity in her voice.

"My personal life." He dismissed, staring at her.

"Then why did you ask me to wait?"

"Because what the hell are you wearing?"

Oh.

Right.

So she was feeling petty after the fight, Amir had been a little more bitter with his words than usual and she wanted to piss him off.

"My personal choice." She replied, using the same tone that he had used on her before.

"You had a fight? And now you are being stubborn by wearing something that your husband will not approve?"

"Yes." She answered.

"Haya, don't be this way."

"Illyas, shut up."

"Look at you, all dressed up to impress." Haya noticed the moment she laid her eyes on Aaliyah.

"I was just feeling good today." She replied, tucking a strand of her curl and fixing it properly.

Haya only smiled at her best friend, who was in a sky blue dress with her hair and makeup obviously done by a professional.

Since everything had been extremely stressful lately, Illyas had proposed a breakfast together without any parents or uncles around. At the same time, he didn't want to make it too crowded by inviting their close friends and cousins.

"Uncle Hammad talked to you already?"

Aaliyah nodded, still not being able to wrap her head around the entire thing.

"I don't remember the last time he looked at me with so much love in his eyes, I think a part of him was just waiting to yell at me when I would say no I am not ready but I said yes and now he is looking like he is on the seventh sky."

She explained, earning a laugh.

Haya fixed her sweater dress, her bare shoulder on display as all of her hair was gathered on her back. She narrowed her eyes at Haya, looking her from head to toe. Her dress was a little above her knee, long legs on display.

"What's up with you? Why are you dressed slutty?"

"Slutty?" Haya repeated, mocking offense.

"I mean, you have dressed worse before but ever since you got married you have been looking super modest. What's with the change?"

"It's just a dress and it's going to be just us." Haya lamely answered but her friend obviously did not believe it.

"You fought with him and now you are looking for a way to get back at him so you are being extremely petty."

After Illyas, Aaliyah had also noticed the same. Haya didn't even deny it, knowing that her cousin knew her too much.

"Yes, that sums it up."

"Typical Haya." She rolled her eyes, walking towards the dining hall.

"So, how are you feeling? Like seriously?"

"You are going to laugh because it's not how I usually am but I'm feeling shy." Aaliyah admitted, sheepishly.

Haya let out a laugh, finding it a little funny.

"Shy?"

"Yes. It's just like all of a sudden my world has shifted and now everybody is looking at me and I don't even know what to do."

Well, that made sense.

Although, she had practically been raised within the walls of this Palace. She had no reason to feel shy or embarassed.

"Flip your hair, put your best lipstick on and be confident. This is incredible, this is what you deserve in life."

Haya advised, but Aaliyah let out a shaky sigh anyway.

"I'll sit by your side, okay? It's weird."

She shook her head, since she would have to sit with Amir anyway.

"No, I'll make you sit by my brother's side and even if you both do not talk, you will at least get comfortable with one another."

Haya replied, walking down the few stairs that led to the dining hall. It was the dining hall surrounded by glass walls, and all they could see outside was the beauty of Buredaan.

"Haya, he's my cousin. I'm super comfortable with him."

"You just admitted you're feeling weird and shy."'

Before Aaliyah could say anything, Illyas diverted everyone's attention towards them.

"Oh look, there she is. Aaliyah, we've all been waiting for you." He playfully said, walking upto her.

He eyed his sister with a shake of his head, knowing that her choice of a dress was only to get back at her husband. It was immature of her.

"How are you feeling? You good?" He questioned his future sister in law, who swallowed.

"I think this is the first time you have asked me how I am feeling without mocking me. It's freaky." Aaliyah admitted, earning a laugh from both the siblings.

"Yeah, I just realised I will have to respect you now. Come on,."

Haya spotted her husband standing beside her older brother, both of them looking out of the glass wall. They seemed to be lost in a proper conversation, only diverting their attention when they heard Illyas' greeting for Aaliyah.

Adil was already sat on the dining table, with Shahid sat on the left. Suhoor and Najma were also there, which meant Haya and Aaliyah were the last ones to arrive.

"Haya, it's not summer yet. Is it? Where's the rest of your dress?"

Yusuf murmured in her ear, hoping that she would be the only one to hear his thoughts out loud. Only looking at her, he had realised that she was only trying to rile up her husband and you was not really fond of the idea.

"My thoughts exactly." Illyas had heard his brother anyway, rolling his eyes at Haya as she let out a grumpy groan.

"It's a sweater dress and it's beautiful. Besides, it's just family."

She excused, walking towards Amir.

He had only looked at her once and then looked away. However, he could feel the warmth within his body and how angry he felt because of it.

Fine, it was only family but Adil was here as well. She was his wife, she knew that such acts made him think too much and yet she went on and did them anyway.

As they got served with breakfast, Haya could feel Amir's stare at her after every few minutes and then he would just look away, not saying a word.

She had managed to piss him off.

A part of her was satisfied. Another part of her felt guilty and stupid for even going with this petty idea.

On the other hand, Yusuf and Aaliyah sat by one another. Both of them feeling way too awkward than anything else. They hadn't even got the opportunity to talk after everything that had happened. Aaliyah didn't even know what she would say. Yusuf didn't either.

Haya watched them with adoration, her dream was finally coming true after all.

Illyas noticed her expression, because his own mirrored the same. There was something about Yusuf and Aaliyah sitting together, they looked perfect.

"You know Amir, Haya has wanted exactly this to happen since she was sixteen. We were always afraid that she would scheme and make it happen somehow."

He said, throwing a playful glance at his own brother and then looking at Haya. She gave him a smug grin, but then narrowed

"I really don't understand why you keep on calling me a schemer." She grumbled, but Illyas shook his head and continued anyway.

"And now, Yusuf and Aaliyah are together. Who would have thought? Oh wait, Haya."

Everyone laughed giddily, the one people who shared the same awkward chuckle were Yusuf and Aaliyah themselves.

"Feels like it's Haya's world and we're all living in it."

She let out a knowing smirk, glancing towards Amir who only had a few pieces of fruit on his plate.

She frowned, shaking her head.

She had come to know of alot of his habits after living with him, one of them being his lack of appetite when ever he felt upset.

She silently put a piece of the freshly baked bread with date and cheese filling on his plate, not looking to meet his eye.

Since they were being served, it was quite surprising that Haya was the one putting food on her husband's plate. Her brother Shahid noticed and smiled at his sister, she just shrugged and went back to eating her eggs.

"So Haya, you're really a schemer?"

It was Najma this time, Amir's sister. Both the girls had been quiet so far, simply smiling and listening to the conversation.

Suhoor constantly avoided Illyas' stare and Najma had her focus on eating the breakfast.

Adil, well..he wasn't exactly a morning person.

"No Najma, I'm not. I really don't do anything. I have been on my best behaviour ever since I got married."

Haya answered, shaking her head and completely denying the accusation.

"That's something for Amir to answer, yeah?" Yusuf murmured, staring at his counterpart.

Amir swallowed his bite first, watching as everyone's gaze was directed at him. Even Haya looked at her husband, holding a breath.

She knew he would never disclose their personal matters but they had an argument and both of them had said some bitter things.

The Prince let out a smile, enough to show everyone that he was in a good mood but not enough to show off the dimples that his wife loved.

"A gentleman never tells." Amir finally said, and she smiled despite her annoyance.

"That means she hasn't but he's too much of a nice person to say that." Illyas spoke up, she clicked her tongue.

"I will have to agree with Illyas here. Haya's given me alot of headache in the past many years." Yusuf said, she groaned as everyone seemed to enjoy the conversation.

Even Shahid hadn't jumped to her defense.

"Shahid, they're all picking on me and you're smiling too? What in the world is happening?"

Shahid shook his head, putting the glass of oatmilk back on the table.

"It's just banter, Haya. You know we love you more than anything."

She hummed, eating another bite. As everyone indulged in the food once again, Illyas spoke up again.

"Aaliyah, the food is on the plate so you can eat it. You know?"

He had noticed that Aaliyah was just playing around with her breakfast, not eating more than a few bites. Usually, she would order and sit in the lounge or the cinema with her legs crossed and face shoved with food.

She swallowed, nodding.

"Yeah, I know. I'm eating." She murmured, embarassed because everyone was now looking at her.

"This is you eating? Aren't you supposed to cross your legs and order everything and eat like there's no tomorrow?"

Haya found Aaliyah's gaze on her, eyes narrowing as if she was telling her that she was really awkward here. Before Haya could even understand her expression, Yusuf was already telling his brother to stop it.

"Illyas,"

Yusuf said, shaking his head at his younger brother.

"Oh, look at him. Already defending her." At the comment, she felt her cheeks burn.

She had always wanted something to happen with Yusuf. A first kiss. A date. Many things. And yet here they were, too entangled and too much in a weird position.

"This is a sight I'll never forget. Aaliyah's blushing and Yusuf is awkward. God, I love life." Haya gushed out, since both of them were trying to get a grip of this sudden new relationship.

"Me too." Illyas said with a laugh, going back to eating.

"You're both unbelievable." The Crown Prince said, continuing.

"Eat your food and put a stop to the commentary."

Yusuf scolded, but they only grinned at him. He looked awkward even scolding them. They could not take it seriously.

He let out a tired sigh and turned to look at Prince Amir.

"Amir, you said that you will be visiting the Ammam mosque today."

Yusuf stated, and Haya frowned since the new piece of information was foreign to her. She had no idea that he was going to visit the oldest mosque in Buredaan's history.

"Yes. Actually I always wanted to visit the mosque but I couldn't make the time, I guess now I can. These few days have given me some time to relax and just focus on what's important."

Amir replied, looking calm and collected. Haya noticed that he had not touched the piece of bread she had put in his plate.

He wasn't one to waste food. It was only when all the fruit was eaten that he looked at the bread and shook his head, cutting through it.

Haya smiled. Sometimes, his own values caused him to not act irrationally.

"Will Khalifah go with you?"

"Yes, infact I called him for breakfast as well. I've no idea why he hasn't arrived yet."

"I had good chat with him the other day. He is very clear with everything, very stable."

"Yes, he is."

"Amir, why don't you take Haya with you? She'll need an attire change of course but God knows she needs to visit a mosque."

Haya narrowed her eyes, staring at Illyas who had suddenly proposed the idea. She looked at Suhoor, then back at her brother.

Seriously?

"You want to?" Amir turned to stare at her, mouth clipped in a firm line.

She knew she couldn't say no to him.

"Yeah, sure. I haven't been there since my childhood."

"Infact, Yusuf you should go as well. Take Aaliyah with you and just pray that things go well this time. It will be a good media strategy as well." Illyas further added, and Haya knew he was just trying to get rid of Aaliyah as well.

Since Aaliyah knew about him and Suhoor, and she would tell Haya if she saw anything.

"If you are comfortable with it, Amir?" Yusuf asked his Maraaishi counter part, hoping that he wouldn't be intruding at all.

Amir shook his head and smiled.

"Of course, the more the better."

"Aaliyah?" He turned to look at Aaliyah, who swallowed feeling absolutely shy under his gaze.

Her throat dried up but she managed to nod, gulping.

"Yes, I'll just need to change." She said out, earning a hum from the man she was now supposed to marry.

As they ate, a servant entered the dining hall and announced that Khalifah had arrived.

"Yes, send him in." Yusuf affirmed on behalf of Amir, going back to eating his food as they waited for him.

Haya looked at Aaliyah for a moment, seeing her neutral expression.

Haya found her husband's stare on her, but she didn't want to stare back at him. Finally, with a sigh the Crown Prince knew he had to do this.

Amir stood up from his seat and took off his coat, while everyone stared at him with curiosity and surprise.

He looked at Haya, who was only looking at her food instead of staring at him. She was being stubborn because of their argument.

He put his coat around her shoulders, covering the bare part of her body. Her bare legs were underneath the table and he knew that he would have to take Khalifah out of the dining hall before she could stand up.

When Khalifah arrived, Amir met him in the traditional way and then asked him to take a seat.

As Yusuf also stood up and met with the man, Aaliyah also kept looking down at the piece of fruit on her plate instead of up at everyone else.

"I apologize for being late. My son was not letting me leave, I had to eat with him first." Khalifah excused, looking at Amir who shook his head and smiled.

"You should have brought him with you."

"He is extremely naughty. He would have turned the palace upside down."

He joked, sitting down as he greeted everyone around. His eyes lingered on Aaliyah for just more than a second, he looked away before she could gaze back at him.

"Suhoor, why are you so quiet? Usually, you're chatting like it's the end of the world."

Suhoor had been quiet most of the breakfast, which was definitely a little weird.

The black headscarf she wore losely hung over her head, as it would slip every moment or so, revealing her hair.

She fixed it again, smiling at Khalifah who had been a brother to get growing up.

"As if you're ever around to see me do that, brother. It's like you went to Oman and never came back." She answered as a matter of fact, and the man only grinned in return.

"There she is. Women and their taunts."

He dragged, Aaliyah looked up but didn't say anything. His words took her back to first time they had met. He had used similar words that night.

"How's Buredaan been treating you, Khalifah?" Haya asked him, taking a bite of the cheese bread even though she had promised herself she would eat healthy.

It just looked too delicious and the eggs weren't helping.

If she really was pregnant, atleast she would be able to eat anything and everything.

"It's been very beautiful, actually. I explored it for two days straight and now I am in love."

Khalifah replied wholeheartedly.

"This city is too big to be explored completely within two days. Sounds like you're in love with something you haven't even seen properly." Aaliyah smartly answered, a glimmer of something serious in her eyes.

Before anyone could take notice of it, Haya joined in.

"I agree, two days aren't enough." She murmured.

"Don't mind these girls. They haven't even seen the city properly, they were traveling the world when it was actually time to look around their own country."

Illyas intervened but that wasn't true.

"That's not true. Yaman, Haya and I have snuck out way too many times to have a look around." Aaliyah shot back, suddenly realising what she had just said.

Yaman.

Things would never be the same. They would never be the same. She wouldn't be able to be friends with him because of his betrayal to Yusuf. Haya wouldn't be able to be friends with him because he had hurt her brother.

"Yeah, we used to be inseparable." Haya whispered out, suddenly feeling like shit because Yaman had to go and ruin everything.

He didn't even care about their friendship.

"Now I don't even want to look at his stupid fucking face." She cursed in annoyance, rolling her eyes.

"Haya." She heard Amir's voice, and she knew he was frustrated because she had cursed.

"Sorry." She said, out of habit.

Illyas gasped playfully.

"Allah Allah, Haya is apologizing. It's the end of the world."

"Shut up, Illyas."

After she had finished her prayer, she waited for him to do the same. She was in a long black gown, with a light colored head scarf to adorn with it.

The moment she had stepped out of the suite and he had laid his eyes on her, all of his anger had melted away. Sure, he had seen her once or twice with a head covering but it was never in this way.

She looked beautiful, too beautiful to even put into words.

Unconsciously, he had held her hand on his way to the mosque. Haya hadn't said anything, as she squeezed her fingers against his.

He kept on reciting all these verses on the way, so Haya only remained quiet and listened to him.

When they reached the mosque, Yusuf, Khalifah and Amir prayed Zuhr together.

Haya and Aaliyah did the same, in the women's section of the mosque. They met up with a few women, most of them being tourists.

While it wasn't really allowed, Haya still managed to take a few pictures with the women. They hadn't emptied the entire mosque for the Royal visit, since it was large enough.

They had only managed to clear out a few areas, with maximum security around as Future Leaders of two countries were in the same space together.

Now, Haya sat while her husband prayed and prayed. She only saw him as she mumbled several verses over and over again, hands joined to make dua.

She did the same, only her Dua was much shorter than his.

Being in the mosque, it made her humble. She wanted to fix things. She knew how much he loved his Homeland, and she knew she would hate it if he even commented negatively on hers. She had no right to curse the entire country, only because she was angry.

On the other hand, his words seeped through her. He had called her a liar, spoiled and had even pointed out that she had a superiority complex. She wanted to stay angry at him, but a part of her wanted to just let it go.

If anyone else had used the same words for her, she would have fought back like anything. She would have literally screwed the person up. With Amir, he just wanted to let it go.

"If there really is a child inside me right now, I won't hate it."

She quietly said, fiddling with her fingers. She felt him still, and his hands lowered. He turned around and crossed his legs again, staring at Haya with curious eyes.

"I won't fight against it, I won't be angry that I'm pregnant because how can a hate a life that's going to be born because of our love?"

She asked, shrugging.

"But I can't be excited and happy the way you are. I can't be excited to have something in my life that I didn't plan."

She tried to explain better, he let out a sigh.

"I am in a mosque, Haya. I can't argue with you here and I don't want to." Amir replied, continuing when she kept on gazing at him with vulnerable eyes.

"Not when you're home," he added, exhaling.

"I didn't mean to belittle you, it wasn't my intention. I'm sorry about that."

The one thing about Amir, it was so easy for him to apologise. He didn't take it over his ego. Haya didn't understand how. He was the most pampered man of his country, the most respected, the one everyone was willing to serve every minute of everyday. How the hell was he still so humble?

"But it gets on my nerves when you curse the way you did. You need to respect my country, I've always been clear about it with you."

He clarified, Haya nodded.

"And did I ever force you to have a child? No. My only point was that if we are being blessed with it now, we should be grateful. That's all."

He elaborated, his hand reaching out to hold hers.

"I am ready to be a father and I know you will make a wonderful mother, you have to stop belittling yourself."

"Whatever it is, we'll be together and we will face it together."

She moved closer to him, he looked around. The security was there, Yusuf and Aaliyah were on the further end of the mosque sitting at a distance and in deep conversation. Khalifah was still praying, Amir didn't remember the last time he had seen him pray with such devotion.

"I'm sorry I called you pompous." Haya apologized as well, he shook his head.

"And I'm sorry I acted so petty, I was just annoyed." She murmured in a hurry, embarassed at her own apology.

The Crown Prince only smiled with a softer expression.

"It's okay."

"You look very beautiful with a head scarf, you know."

She had been noticing his eyes on her throughout. She knew he was fond of this outfit, this look. It reminded him of home.

"What did you pray for?" She asked instead.

"I prayed that I see you like this, always."

"Like what?"

"Like, not showing off your legs and shoulders..with your head covered."

Right.

"And I also prayed that you stop cursing,"

Ugh. Was that even possible?

"So you basically complained to God about me? You're probably His favorite anyway."

She grumbled, pouting. Her husband chuckled, shaking his head.

"And I thanked God for you," He stated, she raised an eye at him.

"Even though we were fighting?"

"Not everyone is lucky enough to find someone they love and get to married them. I did, Haya. I'll always remain grateful for that."

Haya smiled, her heart warmed at the idea of it.

He had also asked God to give her some hidayah. He wasn't going to tell her that.

"What did you pray for?"

"I prayed that if there's a life growing within me, then God should give me courage. If there's not, then He should give me some more time."

She told him honestly. The Prince hummed.

"I hope it's the first."

She rolled her eyes, ofcourse he would want that.

"No rolling eyes at your husband inside a mosque." He reprimanded as he stood up, giving her his hand to maintain her balance.

"So it's allowed outside?" She questioned, cocking an eyebrow at him.

"No."

@Haya : peace.

___

Thoughts?