I sat on the throne, yawning. I almost fell asleep three times. I think Akila was getting annoyed of having to tap me to wake me up.
My grandfather was with us today, he sent Lord Khafirin to get Tabia, since she was late, but this wasn’t the first time.
Tabia walked in with her hard face on. It was hard to believe that that girl was Tabia. She changed herself so easily when she stood in this throne room.
She bowed. “Forgive me for being late.”
“You are forgiven.” I said.
She gave me a quick smile and then put her mean face back on as she gracefully walked up the stairs and to my side.
The presentations dragged on, taking what felt like years. But it finally got interesting when the royal messenger showed up.
“Good afternoon, my Pharaoh!” He said, and I nodded my head. “I bring the joyous news that your father will be returning soon.”
I just nodded my head. Great. I thought.
“Your father requested that I inform you of gifts he bring as well.” He said.
Gifts? I thought. I wonder what he means. “Thank you.”
When it finally finished, the throne room emptied quickly. Tabia and I were the last ones left. Tabia wasted no time and grabbed my hand, pulling me out into the gardens. “Okay Arius, here’s the deal. You have to tell you that you love her!” She told me.
“What?” I yelled. “There is no way I can even think of doing such a thing!”
“Why not?” Tabia asked smiling.
“Because this will never work out!” I yelled.
Tabia raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”
“Because we are on the opposite ends of the social pyramid! She would never accept.”
“Why not?”
“Because I can’t!”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not… brave enough!”
“Why not?”
I looked at her.
Tabia laughed, “Oh, you two are absolutely perfect for each other!” She said. “Look Arius, never say never!”
“Tabia, you don’t understand!” I said.
“I do, and I really think this will work out!”
“What if it doesn’t, what if she says no? Or maybe she’ll think I am insane!” I said shaking my head.
She started laughing. “Two things Airy, one, you are insane and two, if she rejects you, so what! Move on!”
“What is so funny?” I asked, a little angry.
“Oh nothing!” She replied. “Give it a try Arius, what’s the worst that could happen?”
I thought of ten things in the next second.
“Okay, do you love her or not?” She asked me, getting frustrated.
“I do.” I sighed.
“Then nothing is going to happen unless someone says something! Okay?”
I nodded my head, she was right. “I will do it—”
I saw Tabia jump up.
“When I’m ready.” I finished. I turned around and walked away.
“Arius! You are such a pain!” She yelled.
I wandered the hallways alone. I have to do this before father returns. I told myself.
“Brother!” I heard Akhen call me.
I turned around and smiled.
“Brother! Where have you been! It has been two days since I saw you!” He said, pouting.
“Sorry Akhen, I am so busy, you know that right?” I told him.
He nodded. “You don’t look well.” He said
“Really?” I asked.
“Yes… maybe you should get some sleep.” He said.
I nodded. “Yes, I should.” I replied.
Akhen came with me to my chamber. I tried to fall asleep but couldn’t. Akhen played with some of the jewelry lying around. He put it on and he mixed and matched some of them. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
“Akhen?” I called.
“Yes brother?” He said putting on a necklace.
“Have you ever really wanted to do something but you couldn’t because it was against the rules?” I asked.
“Yup!” Akhen said looking at me.
“Tell me.” I pushed.
“Remember the time we went to that banquet in eastern Egypt, with grandpa and father?” He asked.
I nodded.
“Well, I really had to go to the washroom, but I wasn’t allowed to because it would be disrespectful! The servents kept offering me water and juice and all sorts of watery stuff… it was terrible!” He said frowning.
I laughed. “Anything more serious?”
“That is serious!” Akhen said, pouting. “Why brother?”
“Well…” Should I tell him? I thought. I tried to think of a reason why I shouldn’t but I didn’t have any. I have never hidden anything from my brother before, and if I could tell Tabia, there is no way I couldn’t tell Akhen.
“Are you willing to listen to a long story?” I asked.
He jumped up and sat next to me. “I love stories!”
I told him everything. I started at the day I saved her from Aziza, to refresh his memory, until how Tabia is trying to get me to tell her I love her.
“Wow.” Akhen said. He seemed more than amazed. “I can’t believe that all this happened so quickly.”
“You don’t think I’m insane?” I asked him.
He shook his head and smiled. “No brother! Why would I? I’m actually proud that you don’t expect so much, I really thought all princes’ wanted a princess because princesses were the only ones good enough for them. Plus, if she makes you happy brother I am completely okay with her.”
I was a little shocked. “Thanks Akhen.”
“No problem!” He smiled. “And, brother… I know that you think I’m really young and stuff… but if you ever need anyone to talk to, you can always come to me! You’re my big brother, I always want you to be happy, and I always want to help you. So please don’t be afraid to tell me things.”
I smiled. “Thank you, Akhen… I hope you know that the same goes for you.” I said as I got up and hugged him.
He nodded. “I have always known that brother!”
I sighed. I was glad that I had a loving brother.
“Oh… and another thing, I agree with Tabia, I think you should tell Alexandra.”
I groaned. “How?”
“You’ll figure out something, you always do!” He said and began playing with the jewels again.