Not Edited
Hafez sat patiently waiting for Omeed's return, she had been gone a while and he was slowly loosing his patience. Something he's never had to begin with.
The young king wanted to be with his future queen, he wanted to take her in his embrace and show her how much he cared and missed her during her long absence.
They had so much to talk about, he was sure she had questions that needed answering. And if she was anything like she was as a young girl, then he should expect her wrath.
"Amir, I can't take this anymore. Lead the way!" He ordered Amir who immediately got hold of a lantern and led Hafez towards the direction Omeed and the ladies left in.
"Yes your majesty. This way please." Amir replied. He expected Hafez to wait no longer and had been surprised he hadn't reacted much earlier.
"Amir, do you think she'd want to share my chambers with me?" Hafez whispered nervously. He wanted to do everything right by Omeed but at the same time he wanted he close.
Amir chuckled inside, it wasn't everyday you get to see Hafez nervous and to think he is because of a woman makes it all the more ridiculous. "Your majesty, I think you should leave it up to lady Omeed to decide." Amir responded.
"I could have them prepare sleeping quarters for her tonight." He said as an afterthought.
"I don't want her too far away!" Hafez whispered yell realising there were others around. He didn't want them knowing Omeed was his weakness. "Let's hope she wants to stay in mine. We don't have to share a bed, she could take my inner bedchamber."
They heard voices so came to an halt as they listened, without meaning to. They heard the hush conversation Omeed had with her maid and best friend.
Hafez paled at Feriha's insinuation he had asked Omeed to share his bed. Then blushed furiously knowing she was just as big a novice as he was in bedroom matters.
Amir's upper body shook as he chuckled quietly. He thought the ladies were hilarious and the look on Hafez's was a picture worth saving in his head. Amir always wondered what women talked about in their spare time.
"Interesting conversation, don't you think so your majesty." He teased Hafez who could only send a glare Amir's way as they continued to listen in.
Hafez heard the worries in their voices for Omeed's safety should she decide to remain here. But most of all he was glad she had the support of her friend and her maid.
Omeed wouldn't have her father or a minister backing her and that worried Hafez immensely.
"Even though I had passed the law forbidding interactions between consorts and ministers I feel Omeed will need the support of some ministers."
Hafez's words came as a massive shock to Amir who knew how much efforts it has taken for Hafez to keep minsters away from consorts.
"But your majesty, that would be defying your own judgement." Amir exclaimed. He could already visualise the ministers and consorts taking liberties of the proposition. "I don't think this is viable your majesty."
"It is feasible as long as Omeed is sheltered from everyone. I just need a few trustworthy ministers who idolised her late father." Hafez says thoughtfully.
"In that case the present Nazir should be the first on the list." Amir smirked happy to be of assistance. "He's after all her uncle and closest living relative."
"Oh, look into medical training for her friend. It's obvious she wants to remain close to lady Omeed. Although I've heard they both have medical skills." At Amir's confused expression Hafez explains.
"I thought you knew lady Omeed and her friend studied medicine during their travels. She diagnose Zubaida's pregnancy when she fainted during her birthday feast." Amir just nodded his head taking the information in.
"Your majesty?" Omeed's voice rang, Hafez and Amir had been too engrossed in their conversation to hear her silent approach.
"My-my lady." Hafez stuttered too embarrassed to have been caught listening. Thankfully none could see the blush that has crept from his jawline down his neck. Even in the cold winter's night Hafez suddenly felt hot as he perspires.
"Omeed, walk with me!" Hafez orders, he took her hand into his before she could accept or refuse his order. Amir and the ladies remained in place as the pair strolled off with only the moon lit sky to rely on for light.
"I am so sorry about everything." Hafez started. "It was all my fault, of only I had been truthful of my identity when we met so much could have been avoided." Omeed made a move to stop him taking the blame all on his own.
"No your majesty, it wasn't just you. It was me--." Hafez cut her off as they stared at each other lovingly. It was as if an external force controlled them because Omeed took Hafez's other hand.
"Never again Omeed, never again will we part. The fear of never seeing you almost drove me insane. When I saw you that first time all those years ago I knew I wanted you in my life."
"It was my first trip outside the palace and to think I would meet this interesting young girl."
Omeed laughed at Hafez's description for her. "You are the first person to have described me in such phrase. As a child I got people calling me 'deer' 'mischievous' 'stubborn' non heavier thought me 'interesting'."
"I also thought you were the most beautiful creature I had ever seen." Omeed gasped making Hafez laugh loudly.
"Creature? And here I was thinking you had nice words reserved for me." She pouted as her eyes shone with mischief. Suddenly she remembered what she needed to ask him. His reply would determine their future.
"What happened to my Pedar your majesty?" She felt Hafez stiffen at her query as his shoulder slumped. His countenance showed pain and regret and his eyes held a forlorn look.
Could he have ordered my Pedar's death? Is that what the regret I see means? The pain he shows does it mean he's afraid I would leave if I found out? Omeed thoughtfully asked herself these questions as she waited for Hafez's response.
"No, no, no!" Omeed cried coming to her own conclusion. She took Hafez silence for admittance of guilt and even though he Pedar has asked her not to blame the royal family, this was too much for her fragile mind.
There was no way she'd marry Hafez if he were responsible for her father's demise.
Hafez quickly caught her as she began to withdraw from his presence. He saw the defeated look she threw his way as she sobbed painfully.
With a twinge of sadness he decided to explain what had occurred that day. A day he has tried to forget over the years.
"Listen to me Omeed, I didn't have your father killed although I blame myself for not stopping it." Omeed had her eyes trailed on her feet as Hafez continues to explain. "Remember we had been at the health centre that day?" Omeed nodded.
"By the time I returned to the palace it was already too late. I had sent your uncle to stop the execution when I heard the prime minister had acted without my order." Hafez sighed deeply.
"Your father the Nazir had not been tried in court and that seemed suspicious enough for me to act."
"I couldn't even perform his last rite and bury him." Omeed cried as Hafez pulled her into his arms. "I went there that night to collect his remains and it was gone." She said angrily.
"About that, umm your uncle had him buried." Hafez whispered into Omeed's ear.
"He isn't aware that I know he had done that. Knowing he would take such measure I had someone drug the guards so he could collect your father's remain."
Omeed stared at Hafez in awe. For so long she had been guilt ridden not knowing her father's final resting place. Then she thought of her Medar what became of her corpse.
"And my Medar?" She looked pointedly at Hafez waiting to hear him deny any knowledge he has of ending.
"She committed suicide thinking you were gone and she had nothing to live for after the vile minister whose household she lived in tried to violate her." Hafez replied angrily once again being reminded of his failure. "I had her buried."
"Thank you for everything your majesty." Omeed felt appreciative of all Hafez has done. "Where is she buried?" She asked suddenly.
"In your estate. I wanted you to be able to see her upon your return." He smiled sadly, with Omeed smiling as well. He leaned forward and gently kissed her cheeks making Omeed shiver. She has never been in the arms of a man before so this was all new to her.
"Omeed, would you rather remain with me in my chamber tonight or return home? I want to do everything right by you. Your Nikah and crowning before we consummate our relationship."
Hafez looked away, too shy to bring himself to face her.
"I will do whatever your majesty wants." Omeed responded leaving the decision to a flustered Hafez.
"I would like for you to share my chambers with me." He said without thinking until he saw the look of horror in Omeed's face. "I meant you could take my inner bedchamber while I take another. We don't have to share a bed." He rushed out defensively.
Omeed could feel the giggles in her stomach begging to be let out as she restrained herself from jesting at Hafez's expense. Her eyes glimmer as her body shook rapidly. Hafez was mortified realising how much of a wimp he was.
With a playful growl he grumpily said. "Laugh all you want my lady. I am retiring for the night."
Omeed burst out laughing so hard tears streamed own her cheeks. She couldn't help but think when she had last laughed this much as she held on tightly to Hafez.
Hafez watched in amazement, her laughter was music to his ear and it felt nice seeing her so cheerful. "I apologise your majesty, I will stay in your chamber tonight." She teased. "Lead the way."
"What about your escorts? Will they be staying the night?" He asked her.
"Oh no, Feriha and Zoya would rather return home." Hafez took her hands as they walked towards the waiting group.
"It wont be an easy task Omeed. The minsters and a few concubines will want to make your life miserable. But I want to promise you that I will always be there for you. You will always come first." They had stopped walking as he spoke.
"You are worried about me? I have got the biggest supporter in the palace." She says seriously as Hafez threw her a sceptical glare. "I have got you, your majesty." She says with a smirk as he laughed.
"Omeed, come morning during court session they will be fight my decision in wanting to make you my empress." Hafez says softly as he looked in her big brown eyes. "I want you to know that regardless of what they say and think, you are my Queen!"
"And I will support you in anyway I can." Omeed replied with a nonchalant shrug knowing if the ministers decides to play dirty, she had enough dirt on them to bring them to their knees. For now she wanted to see how good a king and lover Hafez was.
Hafez crushed his lips to Omeed's abruptly. He had wanted to do that all night and right now his emotions were getting the better of him. Her words had been his undoing. This was Omeed and Hafez's first kiss.
Although they were inexperienced, their lips moved in sync as Hafez's hands ravished her body like a starved man.
The sound of someone clearing their throat brought the pair out of their stupor. Both their eyes were glazed over with lust as the awkwardness of the situation settled in. Omeed chewed her bottom lip as she stared at her feet at the same time fixing her clothes.
Amir knew he had to stop the pair before the consummated their relationship on the lawn. He had seen Hafez make the first move soliciting a gasp from a bemused Zoya who quickly looked away as Feriha giggled beside him.
"Aw, I thought I would never see this day." Feriha had said dreamingly as they watched Hafez ravish a stunned Omeed. "I think we had better stop them before they make a spectacle of themselves." Feriha had insisted.
"Your majesty, would you be retiring for the night?" Amir bowed his head. 'You are indeed a man.' He thought to himself referring to Hafez tryst with Omeed moments earlier.
"Yes, lady Omeed will be staying." He answered dismissively as Omeed bid the ladies a good night with a promise to see them the next day. "Amir escort the ladies to their carriage!" Hafez ordered.
He grinned cunningly as he pulled Omeed through several hallways. Only coming to a stop when he got to his chambers. Hafez could sense she was nervous as her steps faltered. "Don't worry, I wont dishonour you." He tried assuring her.
Omeed took in the lavishness of the palace, she has never known such luxury and beauty. She ran her fingers along the walls and hanging drapes. "Such fine artistry." She muttered to herself quietly.
"Can I have a pail of water please." Omeed instructed a eunuch who scurried off to fetch some immediately. "I am not worried your majesty. It is bound to happen eventually just not tonight." She says innocently.
"I will wait for as long as you require my lady, it doesn't bother me." He stops talking with the arrival of a different eunuch ready to disrobe him.
"Don't bother with me, prepare the beds in both chambers!" He orders the eunuch who had made a move to undress him.
"Yes your majesty." He replies with urgency before running off.
With the return of Amir, Omeed bid Hafez a good night before settling in for the night. It didn't take long for her to fall into a dreamless sleep as she slept in Hafez's tunic. The events of the day have been beyond tiring and emotionally draining.
Hafez couldn't sleep though, he had so much on his mind. He knew he'd have to face a few ministers wrath come morning. He also feared Omeed would disappear should he fall asleep. He was halfway towards Omeed before he could caution himself.
He listened to her snore lightly, he was fascinated by her face but most of all her lips as her tongue darts out and licks them unconsciously in her sleep.
Hafez remained seated on Omeed's mattress as he memorises her features. Starting from her hairline down to her eyes over to her nose and then to her lips as he ingrain them in his memory. He couldn't help but think how beautiful she has gotten over the years.
"I will fight to keep you with me, by my side is where you belong as an equal." He said to himself as he made his way back to his bed.
Author's note: Well do tell me what you think...
Photo of Amir on the side....
Might update tomorrow if time permits.