The Journey of No Return

Far into the Middle East rested a kingdom called Taluma. Although not highly populated it was rich in gold and crude minerals and lots of other expensive jewels. The sultan was getting older as the years went by. He and his wife were blessed with only one child, the prince Amir. But he was a thorn in his parent’s side. Due to all the luxury and pampering he got while growing up he turned out to be a very horrible person with no sense of mannerism. He went after cheap women, drank a lot of alcohol and kept bad company who were of no help to him. What he lacked in character though he had in brains. He was very intelligent and always had the best results at the end of every school year. He bagged a degree in computer engineering and a doctorate in data analysis. The prince was due to return from his vacation in Dubai and everything had to be perfect on his arrival. The sultan and his adviser, Ali were in his chambers discussing the issue at hand. “The prince will be landing by 5:00PM tomorrow,” Ali said. “I do not know what to expect this time. The last holiday he returned from seemed to have worsened his behavior only. He was always coming back to the palace late at night and dead drunk,” the sultan replied. “With all the bad friends he keeps you should expect nothing less, Your Highness.” “He will be turning twenty five in a month time and is expected to be ready to take over the throne from me anytime soon. He is also obligated to be married by then,” he shook his head as he spoke. “How about his childhood friend, Zainab Your Highness? They would make a perfect match. She has a very respectable family background and well educated as well. She is a beautiful girl and I’m sure the prince would love her,” Ali encouraged him. He was worried for the sultan and looking for ways to calm him down. All of the prince’s bad behavior was bound to give him a heart attack and might drop him dead even before him time. “I hope you’re right, Ali because I wouldn’t know what to say to my council members if anything goes wrong,” he sighed. “How about your daughter Jade? How is she doing? I saw her chatting away with the maids this morning.” “She is doing well thank you for asking. She just completed her degree program in home management. Her engagement to Sa’id is fast approaching as well. It is set to take place after her 22nd birthday in October.” “May Allah bless their union. I am happy for you, my dear friend,” the sultan smiled even with pain in his eyes. Meanwhile Jade and three of the palace maids were in the garden chatting. “How can you not like the prince?” Ameera who was her closest friend among them exclaimed. “He is so handsome! I could marry him in a heartbeat!” another one said. “I really don’t know what you see in him honestly. He is so rude and disrespectful. He never appreciates anything his parents do for him. I saw him the other day with so rugged looking men. I can assure you they were definitely up to no good,” Jade scoffed. “I couldn’t care less,” Ameera sighed, already daydreaming. “I could lick him all over!“ They all burst into giggles except for Jade whom didn’t understand what she meant. “You guys can be so weird sometimes,” she rolled her eyes. They dispersed after that to continue with their chores. Jade went up to look for her father to deliver a message from one of his friends. She found him in the library area. “Good day to you, father. Why do you look so tired?” she asked. “Nothing, my dear. I just need to rest. I was discussing with the sultan earlier about Amir. Two days after his arrival a welcome party will be thrown for him. All the dignitaries will be in attendance. I am earnestly hoping he doesn’t do anything that will disgrace his parents,” he replied. “You can never tell, father. Amir has no sense of reasoning and he treats everything like a joke,” she pointed out. “Don’t talk about the prince like that, Jade. We should be praying that he has changed instead of speaking ill about him.” “We pray so then. Babou sends you regards. I met him in the market this morning.” “Ah…..my old friend. I will try and pay him a visit soon then.” She stood up from the chair she was seated on. “If you will excuse me, father. I have to go back to my chores.” “Gossiping with the other maids, I presume,” he said and chuckled. “Go ahead. I will see you later in the evening. She laughed silently as she left the library. Her father knew her so well. The following day arrived and everyone was getting ready for the prince’s return. His chambers were cleaned up, the best dishes been prepared, the best wine brought out and everywhere in the palace decorated extravagantly. The royal driver and a couple of guards were sent to get him from the airport. He didn’t even spare them as much as a glance when he saw them. He simply got into the car and ordered them to drive. After about an hour they arrived at the palace. The sultan, his wife and everyone else were outside waiting to welcoming him. He alighted from the car without even as much as a smile. He walked up to his father first and bent to kiss his ring. “Welcome home, Amir,” his father said. “Thank you father. I am happy to be home,” he smiled halfway. He went to his mother next and she wrapped him in a tight hug. “Amir, my child! I have missed you so much!” she cried. “I have missed you as well, mother. I hope I meet you well,” he said. “Very well now that you are back home,” she replied. After all of the hugging and tears they all proceeded to the dining hall for dinner. While eating little conversations were engaged. “So how was Dubai?” asked his mother. “I hope you were eating well over there.” “Yes mother. Dubai was perfect and I really enjoyed myself. So much luxury and freedom all at my own expense,” he replied. Everyone at the table understood what he meant by freedom of course. Ali was standing at the corner try Jade. She turned and gave him the ‘I told you so’ look. There was a brief moment of silence as they continued to eat. “There will be a welcome party in your honor in two days time and I expect you to be ready. There will be lots of affluential people present so I expect you to be on your best behavior, Amir,” the sultan said but Amir didn’t give him an answer. He continued with his food. “Didn’t you hear me, Amir?” He dabbed at the sides of his mouth with his serviette. “I heard you, father. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say to that.” The sultan ignored his comment. “Also your coronation is not far away anymore. Your mother and I are waiting for your bride. You knows the rules. You must be married before you can ascend the throne.” “And I’m back to all of this,” Amir muttered under his breath. “Did you say something?” his mother asked. “No, mother I didn’t. If you would excuse me I’m tired and I need a bath. I’m going up to my chambers.” He stood up and left the food halfway through. His parents looked at him with anger and sadness in their eyes. This was what they feared. Their son hadn’t changed a single bit. The prince upstairs was fuming with annoyance. This was why he never wants to return. His parents would resume with their daily going on and on with the whole marriage and coronation blah blah blah. He wasn’t ready for any of that yet. He still wanted to flex and chill and enjoy every single thing life had to offer. Why get married when there were so many beautiful women around to have fun with. “Oh women…….,” he sighed. All in different colors and shapes and sizes. ‘Hell no! I’m not getting married. They can do their worse. I’m not done living my life yet.’ He stood up and went into the bathroom with his phone in his hand.