As she steps onto the jet, the guilt of leaving her loved ones behind starts to weigh down on her chest. She takes her seat while the staff runs around to prepare for takeoff. A group of men in black suits step onto the jet and bow before Jaimi. She nods and signals them to take a seat. The plane departs within a few minutes. Jaimi engrosses herself in files while the others are quietly chatting.

Jaimi goes to her bedroom, situated in the back of the plane. She takes a quick shower before changing into a white shirt and mid-rise khaki pants. She pairs it with a brown belt and black stilettos. She rolls the sleeves to her elbows and lets her hair fall in loose waves around her face. She retakes her seat as the pilot prepares for landing. The crew and security prepare for the ceremonial arrival of the queen in Dubai as the plane lands. Security uses the back door to step off the plane. They take their position around the jet and a few by the airstairs.

Jaimi walks towards the exit upon receiving the cue from the air hostess. She puts on her sunglasses before stepping onto the red carpeted airstairs. She walks down them with utmost grace and sophistication, seeing a few individuals waiting for her a few feet from the plane. Despite the reporters being held back by the security, the flashes of cameras are continuous. She walks towards the men dressed in kandura and egal. She takes off her sunglasses and the security takes possession of them.

She greets, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai with a firm handshake. He warmly smiles at her.

Hamdan: Mrhban bik fi dubi, ya sahib aljalalati! (Welcome to Dubai, Your Majesty!)

Jaimi: Shukran lak ya al'amir! (Thank you, Prince!)

Jaimi keeps her composure and greets the rest with a nod as Prince Hamdan introduces her to his officials and a few members of the royal family. She feels a bit uncomfortable seeing the family members look at her with disbelief. She keeps a poker face and greets them before moving towards the convoy waiting for her. She takes her seat in one of the cars and buckles in as the car moves towards its destination.

After about an hour of moving through the traffic, Jaimi arrives at Atlantis The Royal. The security checks her in and moves her luggage to the penthouse suite—the security checks in the surrounding rooms. Jaimi grabs a few essential items before leaving for Zabeel Palace with security.

The other princes greet her upon her arrival. She is guided into a lavish living space with her security trailing behind. The chattering quiets down as she steps into the room full of men. She is greeted by the king of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, followed by the males of the family and many government officials. She has a quick chat with the most and others are satisfied with a small nod or a quick handshake. The crowd is dispersed within a few hours. She moved towards the family dining room with the king and family members. She is assigned a seat across from the king at the head of the table with the princes and princesses closer to her in order of rank while senior royals are sitting closer to the king. She is introduced to the females at the table as the appetizers are served.

Her eyes fall on the woman sitting in the middle on her left wearing a gold mask like many females at the table. Her blue-gray eyes strike something in Jaimi that she cannot place a hand on. Jaimi silently watches as the lady tears a piece of bread to dip in the tomato soup with very shaky hands. She glances at her security who come forward to taste the food which a few people look offended to, but none object. The security gives her a signal and she starts with the creamy tomato soup. They are served Indian veg dishes for the main course followed by Rasmalai for dessert.

They all again move to another larger living space to accommodate the large family. She sees that the woman has changed into a burqa covering her entire face, which she finds odd, but lets it go. She is seated at a table in the middle while the others sit facing her.

Jaimi: Madha tatawaqae min hadha almashruei, wakhasatan mini? (What are you expecting from this project, particularly me?)

King: Narghab fi manzil liqada' aleutlat yakun esryan wmryhan wayahtawi aydan ealaa eanasir althaqafat altaqlidiati. (We would like a vacation home that is modern and feels cozy and also has elements of the traditional culture.)

Jaimi: Kam eadad almisahat almukhtalifat alati nanzur 'iilayha? min hayth ghuraf alnawm wamisahat almaeishat watanawul altaeam waltarfih waltasliat bial'iidafat 'iilaa almisahat almaktabiati. (How many different spaces are we looking at? In terms of bedrooms, living and dining spaces, recreational and entertainment as well as office space.)

Hamdan: Yajib 'an nanzur 'iilaa hawalay 100 ghurfat numi, likulin minha eunsur tasmim frid. nurid thalath misahat maeishat rasmiat wa'arbaeat misahat ghayr rasmiatin. sayatimu 'iidraj al'anshitat altarfihiat hasab altafdil waljins waleumur lahqan fi almashruei. min nahiat altarfih, nurid dar sinama, watatwir alsaahil ealaa shakl muntajae mae misahat mukhasasat lilyukhut walzilajat alnafaathat wama 'iilaa dhalik li'iidfa' mazhar nazif ealayhi. (We should be looking at around 100 bedrooms, each with its unique design element. We want three formal living spaces and four informal ones. Recreational activities will be listed according to preference, gender, and age later in the project. Entertainment-wise, we want a movie theatre, a resort-like development of the coastline with designated spaces for yachts, jet skis, etc. to give it a clean look.)

Jaimi: Very well!

Jaimi asks them a questions and they respond all while she jots down notes.

Jaimi: Thank you all! A few of my team members should be coming in tomorrow to ask for input on personal spaces such as bedroom, nurseries, and others.

They agree. She begins to gather her things when a kid walks up to her and takes the candy placed on the edge of her desk. She smiles at the kid who is mischievously smiling at her. He kisses her cheek before running to sit between the King and the Crown Prince, who tickles him. The kids giggles burst into the room spreading the laughter.

Jaimi: I would like to survey the site tomorrow morning.

King: Of course! Hamdan will take you.

She nods before bidding them good night and leaving. She recounts on a few strange things such as people looking at her then, looking at the blue-gray eye woman every few minutes like making comparisons. She shrugs it off and leaves for Atlantis where she gets to work. She sends out a few email to her employees before grabbing a glass bottle from the fridge and sitting in the balcony of the penthouse overlooking the city. She eventually gives into sleep and goes to bed.

The next morning, Jaimi wears a simple white t-shirt paired with black blazer and black jeans. Her hair is tied in a ponytail and sneakers adorn her feet. She lightly sprays perfume and checks her look one last time in the mirror before leaving with her security. She is greeted by the Prince in the lobby. He guides her to their car trying best to avoid the flashes of cameras. They hear the reporters speaking in Arabic as fast as possible to get their share of the hot news. She busies herself looking over the blueprint of the site while the Prince scrolls through his phone.

They arrive at the site. She spots a few members of her team already present there with the security and a few of the male members of the royal family. She puts on her sunglasses and moves towards her team. She gives them a set of instructions and they start working. She goes with the project manager and starts marking various locations across the site. For the next few hours, the prince is following Jaimi around as she explains how she would like the plan to be executed. He makes suggestion and they try to meet in the middle. Jaimi takes off her jacket and pulls her hair back in a bun as her the heat turns her body red like a tomato.

The prince and the members of the royal family depart from the site while Jaimi and her team continue with the work. Around 6 in the evening, they wrap up and head back to their hotel. Jaimi showers and changes into a gray oversized hoodies and jean shorts. She sits on one of high stool by the glass railing as she enjoys Nachos for dinner. She takes another one of the glass bottles from the fridge and stands by the railing looking out at the Arabian Sea. Hamdan, the Prince, makes an entrance onto the balcony.

Hamadan: Jalalatuk? (Your majesty?)

Jaimi turns around and see him standing there.

Jaimi: Al'amiri, madha tafeal huna? (Prince, what are you doing here?)

Prince: I was allowed entry by the security, so I thought you would have been informed.

Jaimi nods and plasters one of her polite smile as Hamdan glances over her and the surrounding. She places the bottle on the table close to her while security steps onto the balcony.

Security: I'm sorry Rani Sa! There was a problem with communication.

Jaimi nods and dismisses him.

Jaimi: What bring you here, Prince?

Prince: I just wanted to check in on the progress. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and the misunderstanding, Your majesty. I should have confirmed my arrival with you.

Jaimi: Don't worry about it, Prince!

Prince: You can address me as Hamdan or Fazza as long as we are out of public eye.

Jaimi: Very well. You can address me as Jaimi or Ms. Patel. Regarding the progress, my team collected the data on the site and everyone's necessity and inputs for their personal space, so give me about a week to sort out the data and make designs. Also, I did not get any design output for your bedroom.

Prince: I want something simple, with a traditional royal touch. The primary colors should be gold and white, but not excessive amount of gold. I also want to see innovative furniture around the mansion.

Jaimi nods and notes down his wishes. They discuss the rest of the details for the project. Hamdan's eye fall on the bottle placed at the edge of the table. He keeps a neutral look. After a few minutes, he bids good night and leaves only to be bombarded by the news media and a few paparazzi.

The week continues with Jaimi meeting Hamdan on various occasion relating to work. At the end of the week, Jaimi visits the Zabeel Palace. She is wearing a black pant suit with black stilettos. All the eyes are on her as she is presenting the designs to the family in one of the conference rooms. She presents her designs and answers their questions along the way.

King: Should we sign the contract, tifli (my child)?

Jaimi is a bit taken back by the endearing term, but nods her head. The king invites the lawyers into the room. Jaxon Harper walks in the room wearing a black suit with specs. He winks at her and she raises her brows in amusement which draws the attention of the female with the blue-gray eyes. Jaxon presents the contract on Jaimi's behalf which is signed by both Jaimi and the King. Jaimi subtly leans towards Jaxon and whispers.

Jaimi: Don't screw me over with this one, Hulk!

Jaxon: Darlin', I'm here to protect you from the big bad wolves and be your knight in shining armor. And, you accuse me of such atrocities. How could you?

Jaimi brings her hand in front of her mouth as if she is covering up a yawn to contain her laughter. Jaxon hands them both a copy of the contract. He proceeds to shake hands with the king, prince, and a few men before walking up to Jaimi who is chatting with the prince. He shakes her hand before starting to walks past her when he whispers in her ear.

Jaxon: See you later, Carebear!

Jaimi mouths him, "in my room" as he walks away. They share a brief nod before Jaxon steps out of the room. The blue-gray eyed woman watches their interaction before approaching Jaimi, her face still hidden by the hijab. The room almost fell silent and the tension increases by tenfold as she stood close to Jaimi.

Woman: What are your plans for the evening, J- I mean your majesty?

Jaimi looks around as her security is on a standby as the woman is less than a feet away from her. Jaimi is a bit reluctant to answer, but sobers her expression.

Jaimi: Nothing.

Woman: Why don't you and Prince dine out tonight at the CÉ LA VI? I mean you both could address your concerns regarding the project and come up with better solutions together.

Jaimi is speechless at the direct approach as nobody is allowed to approach her directly, moreover demand something. She glances at the Prince who is moreover confused, but tries to play it cool. Jaimi wants to deny, but also doesn't want to strain the professional relationship.

Prince: I will pick you up in the evening at 8?

Jaimi nods and slowly draws away from the conversation before bidding them a goodbye. She exits palace and gets in the car with her security.

Jaimi: Who wants ice cream?

The security turns to look at her in confusion.

Jaimi: Let's go get some ice cream!

The security stirs the car towards a ice cream parlor. Jaimi buys ice cream for everyone and they have it in the car on their way back to the hotel. Jaimi goes to her penthouse suite and takes a nap before showering and changing into a simple, but beautiful red dress. Her and the prince have a private dinner on the balcony of CÉ LA VI before he drops her back. She enters her room to and goes to the balcony to find Jaxon.

Jaimi: Finally! One damn normal face!

Jaxon chuckles and passes her one of the bottles.

Jaxon: How are you, Your Majesty?

He speaks with a flirty British accent to which Jaimi throws a pillow at him.

Jaimi: Fuck you, Hulk!

Jaxon: How are you keeping up with the royal status and demeanor?

Jaimi: What the fuck have I gotten myself into?

Jaxon: Isn't this supposed to be fun? Like bitch, you get to tell people what to do!

Jaimi: Fuck no! You have to sit a certain way, talk a certain way, smile a certain way. Wear only a specific range of clothes. Like, why the fuck can't I just walk out there in a fucking oversized hoodie and shorts. And, security on top of that! They're everywhere, I mean literally except my room and bathroom. And, the business! Don't even get me started on that. I have 3000 employee profiles to review, on top of all the projects, and other branches of Patel enterprise.

Jaxon sits there and lets her rant for a few minutes.

Jaxon: How are thing between you and your dad? I mean-

Jaimi: I don't know man. I just want to be away from it all at least for now.

Jaxon: I understand. It will be a while for you both to adjust and be back to normal.

They both sit there in silent for a while looking at the Arabian sea and a few visible stars.

Jaxon: How is Mr. Detective?

Jaimi: Who?

Jaxon: Your ass of an boss who you hated.

Jaimi: I don't know.

Jaxon: You sure?

Jaimi: What you mean?

Jaxon: Like we didn't see you two sneaking into the cherry blossom park before your departure!

Jaimi: I don't know what're you talking about?

Jaxon: Sure, Little Warrior?

Jaimi: Don't call me that!

Jaxon: Didn't complain when he did!

Jaimi: I really want to strangle you right now.

Jaxon: Sure you do, Little Warrior!

She grabs the ice from the bucket before throwing it at him. In return, he throws a few cubes at her. This continues until they both are drenched from the melted ice water that remained in the bottom of the bucket. There is a knock at the door to which Jaimi responds, thinking it was her security. She sees the blue-gray eyed woman standing there in a black hijab. She welcomes herself into the room and takes a look at Jaimi whose cheeks are flushed, hair a mess, and clothes partially drenched. She admires Jaimi for a few minutes before Jaimi is finally able to compose herself and draw the lady's attention.

Jaimi: How may I help you, miss?

Woman: The prince wanted to meet you at the Godolphin stable tomorrow morning at 8. He forgot to mention it to you, but sent tickets for you.

Jaimi is skeptical, but takes the tickets while maintaining a polite smile.

Woman: Why don't you change into something else, dear? You would catch a cold in these wet clothes. And, the air condition is also on high. Lower it a bit.

Jaimi nods in agreement.

Jaimi: tab masawuk! (Good night!)

She cues the female to leave with her words and action. She bid Jaimi good night before leaving. Jaimi feels something off about the female but can't place a finger on it. Her voice and eyes strike a resemblance to something she can't remember. Jaxon and her talk for an hour or so before he goes to his room.

The next day, Jaimi arrives at the Godolphin stable where she meets the Prince.

Jaimi: Good morning!

Hamdan: Morning, Jaimi, I mean Ms. Patel!

Jaimi takes a look at horses around the stable.

Hamdan: What brings you here today?

Jaimi: I was informed last night that you requested my presence here.

Hamdan: I did?

Jaimi: One of the females from your family came last night and told me. She also gave me the tickets.

Hamdan: Ok.

Jaimi: You were unaware of it?

Hamdan slowly nods embarrassed. Jaimi gets second-hand embarrassment.

Jaimi: I am so sorry! I should have confirmed it with you.

Hamdan: No. I am sorry! It's because of my family member. To make up for it, why don't I show you around the stable?

They chat and bond over their love for horse as the Prince introduces her to different breeds of horses in their stable and the facility. They both pick out a horse and take it for a ride around the plot of land close by as they chat. A few of the reporters that came for a interview capture a few pictures.

Jaimi is in Dubai for a few more weeks before leaving for Australia.

*****