'Did you perhaps come to fail? Why are you acting this way?' Zakariya's voice echoed in Zuneir's head.
He bit down on his tongue. The prince had no clue where the sudden hostility came from. There was something about the woman that put him on edge.
He was aware of their current state as well. Things were going wrong so fast that he was losing it. 'I don't know. I just feel uneasy around the woman. You know how I get when people try to throw their subordinates at me.'
Zakariya's laughter echoed in his mind.
' Something isn't right with you. Look at her. She is covered from head to toe. You can hardly see the hues hidden beneath her Burka. Does that look like someone who intends to seduce?
You should know better. As the old man said, it's up to you to ensure your quest ends. If you wish to make it longer then, I am afraid I won't be around to help. We are running out of time.'
He bit back the retort on his lips. This won't do. The coldness on his handsome features gave him the look of deadly beauty.
Too cold to the touch. The kind that should be admired from a distance but never approached.
"A piece of news is circulating among the five kingdoms. History isn't lost on any of the esteemed members present here.
After the division of the world into the five Kingdoms, we were never completely at peace with each other. The constant wars and crimes against each other have become a part of us.
Unlike the Zamarad Kingdom, the rest of us fight for resources now and then. Recently, we are experiencing a hard time trying to retain peace with The Lulua Kingdom.
The Kingdom of Jamrat and the Kingdom of Tubaz are as peaceful as they can be. The rest of us, however, can't seem to find common grounds to agree on.
That was before the rumors that were spreading like fire. The reason for our impromptu visit to your dearest land.
A prophecy was told by the famous seer, Taimiyah. A tale of the five kingdoms reunited as one. Its key lies with the desert dwellers, a flame unlike any that has graced the world.
We don't know what the flame is or who has it. What we managed to find out before the rest was its location.
The flame dwells with the Bedouins. Sheik, you are the most powerful leader among the different clans of the desert. We came to ask you to join hands with us." Zuneir briefly explained.
Abdullah was tempted to look at the woman who stood frozen behind them. So, the hour was upon them. He anticipated this day for a long time, yet he also dreaded it.
Taimiyah must be up to something. That old man was always playing tricks to attain some amusement from the oblivious beings.
Abdullah knew about the prophecy. He was indeed in contact with the flame, but it wasn't a thing. It was a person. Unfortunately, the flame was linked to the pride of Almaas.
The sheikh shook his head in pity. He wasn't impressed by the so-called Pride of Almaas Kingdom. Up to this point, Prince Zuneir was just another pompous royal.
From the second he chose to walk through his lands and cause discomfort for his people, he showed his carelessness.
A good leader thinks about the well-being of the citizens. He could have easily done things discreetly. Send a bird with a message and let the Bedouins welcome them properly.
Zuneir not only neglected the protocol but also erred against his people. None of those actions impressed the man. As for the flame, it wasn't his to give.
He knew more than most about its existence for a long time. Yet, he was unwilling to make things easy for the haughty prince.
"Your highness, it's unfortunate that you came all this way for something we know nothing about. Look around you. Why would such a precious thing appear or exist in this barren land?
The desert is filled with nothing but sand. It's far from the lush green richness of your land. We hardly live from hand to mouth here. I am sorry. We know nothing about what you seek and have nothing to do with it."
Each elder echoed Abdullah's words. Unlike the rest of the world, the Bedouins were loyal to their own. They lived like a big family, sharing the little they had.
With the attitude the prince showed, none of them wanted him there. It was no secret from their demur.
Abdullah took a deep subtle breath. At least she was relaxed again. This person should leave their lands as soon as possible. They were making his people uncomfortable in more ways than one.
Zuneir's eyes flared with anger. Although the answer was polite, he was certain that they were lying. Sadly, he couldn't force any information or alliance on them.
Unlike his people, the Bedouins lived by their rules and stayed clear of the rest. As long as they were left alone, they minded their business.
His fisted hand shook in anger. Before he could raise it, Yussuf held him back with a shake of his head. Zuneir looked towards Zakariya who mirrored Yussuf's expression.
To contain his anger, Zuneir chose to stay silent. "My dearest elders, I apologize on behalf of our prince. We seem to have angered you with our presence. We failed to follow protocol and caused harm to your people.
We shall take our leave soon. As for the urgent matter that brought us to your door, please consider our sincerity. We could have sent guards to negotiate on the issue.
The prince took the time and made the tedious journey to show respect. Since you are not ready to receive us today, we shall come back when it's convenient for you. May I make a request? " Yussuf asked.
Abdullah's hard features softened a little. At least the man knew how to speak. Playing with his long beard, the sheikh permitted him to continue.
His demur was more relaxed than when he was addressing Zuneir. The contrast didn't go unnoticed by the prince.
He felt humiliated for the first time in his life, but he could do nothing about it.
"My esteemed elders, Can you perhaps give us an appointment for when we can visit again? It would help us make amends for our shortcomings."
Abdullah finally looked back without hiding where his gaze went. He was waiting for an answer from the woman.
Following his gaze, all eyes turned toward the woman. The guests didn't understand why any of their matters concerned her.
The elders knew better. They waited for her to say something. At least the visitors did. Instead of giving a verbal answer, she turned around and gave her attention to Abdullah.
Her knees gently hit the ground as gloved fingers took the old man's open palm in hers. She wrote something in his hand before standing up.
Her movements were fluid and silent. Once again, her back was turned away from the men as she assumed her position.
For whatever reason, Zuneir's gaze never left the woman after that. His eyes bore into her back as though trying to get answers to the many questions in his head.
It was the sheikh's voice that pulled him back to the current discussion.
"We shall send a bird your way when we are ready to receive visitors. It's not in our customs to drive guests away, but you must leave now.
The sandstorm is affecting the pair of twins born a few hours ago. Unless you have other agendas, we would appreciate it if our children survived."
It then hit Zuneir, the extent of the damage his grandeur entrance would cause. While the older Bedouins are used to the air getting all dusty, the newborn babies have weaker immune systems.
He stood abruptly, finally letting his heart take over. The rest stood with him and bowed respectfully to the sheikh as they took their leave.
He was so distraught that he forgot to pay proper respect as he stormed out. Abdullah shook his head watching the man leave.
It didn't take long for the sandstorm to clear off their land. The air slowly regained its clarity as the sand settled down exhausted from the dangerous tango with the wind.
The elders walked out and watched the camel riders disappear. "Such a hot-blooded young man. At least he has a kind heart. Nothing a firm hold can't shape. His temper I mean. What do you think, my little flame?"
His gaze turned soft as he looked at the woman standing behind them. The other elders moved away ready to check on their families.
Abdullah took the slender gloved hand and walked back inside. The Burka came off showcasing beautiful amber orbs.
Her face was covered by the half veil she wore beneath her Burka. "Esteemed teacher, I don't like him. However, it was our first encounter with him. Perhaps we judged him quickly.
I do not have the mandate to judge another being. Like him, I have several flaws that I keep discovering by the day. Old man, I think you went a little hard on him."
Abdullah chuckled. Gone was the stoic man whose features hardened in dislike. In his place was a comfortable man having a chat with someone he regarded as a daughter.
"My precious girl, this is indeed my fault. Unlike you, I do not have the patience to entertain arrogance. You were born to rule. Patience is a part of you.
Tell me truthfully daughter, did you get enchanted by his good looks? It's understandable if that's the case. He is the most good-looking man currently known in our world."
He could see the scrunched nose and the furrowed brows. His teasing words didn't amuse her one bit.
"Old man, if your student's judgment gets swayed by someone's looks, then you have failed as a teacher. It's an insult not only to me but to you as well.
I care little for men and the luxuries that the world offers. I live to avenge the death of my mother. If I want to achieve that I have to get strangled by the arrogant man, so be it.
Old man, I need your blessings and prayers. The battleground is set. We need to prepare for war."
The light in his eyes died down as his fingers caressed her covered cheeks.
"Beloved, you have my blessings. Go on your way. As of this minute, your timer is set. Do not forget, you have an ally in me. Seek me out if the need arises. I and my own shall come to your aid."
She smiled, closing her eyes in bliss. His touch warmed her heart. It felt like the gentleness she had yearned for from her father for years.
A father who forgot about his eldest daughter the moment his wife died. "My old man, your daughter shall always seek you out when she needs a father.
She shall run to you when she needs shelter. She shall hide behind you when she needs protection.
As of this moment, the little flame stays hidden. I took on my identity. The one that is known to the world. Maha, the illegitimate daughter of King Gul. The first princess of the Kingdom of Lulua."
Abdullah let a single tear drop from his eyes. His heart ached for Maha, the fragile mistreated daughter. A princess who became a servant in her own home.
He revered the warrior he taught. His fierce little flame. Sharper than a knife, swift and meticulous in action. Diligent in attaining her goals and patient in enduring her pain.
Maha or His little flame, he cherished them both. It was time to bid his little girl farewell. For how long, he didn't know. He only prayed for her safety away from his protection.