The Desert Prince and The Dreamer

Chapter 10

The whole room fell silent for a few seconds trying to process the news then suddenly chaos burst out. The King looked on unbothered, he had expected this and wasn't going to change a thing because he had already decided almost two months ago after he had talked to his friend King Guilliamo. The other King had left everything in care of him and had agreed not to tell anyone until the Sultan had told them himself.

"Impossible Father, I will not run a company alongside a woman, not to mention an inexperienced, naive, peasant." Zayn regarded Lailah with so much distaste. Their Father had announced to them that Lailah would be joining the company, not to work as an assistant or a help but as a board member. Was the Sultan running mad?

Everyone in the room was displeased apart from Sapphire who had a big grin on her face and Shaffik who had a secret smile hidden behind his childish pout. Lailah working with them will bring her closer to him. He thought with a pleased look. On the other hand the Queen couldn't say anything at the moment because She had to side with her husband but her mind was boiling, She just wanted to explode. How dare he bring that girl in their home, then to their company into their lives? This was too much than what She had in mind. She couldn't even afford a smile when She at last managed to look at the King.

Lailah looked on in shock and confusion as Zayn went on and on about how incompetent She was and so on. That wasn't her worry though, She didn't care what Zayn thought of her. She had planned to return to Spain and there is no way the King was keeping her in this poisonous place.

"Zayn," The King spoke, "I am the Sultan, I make the decisions. You will welcome Miss. Nazzir here with much respect and as one of the decision making people in the company. She will not work for you but with you. Don't forget that." Zayn grimaced then stood up and left the room, more silence prevailed.

After a few painstakingly difficult calming breaths, Lailah spoke up at last. "My King, I want to thank you for the opportunity, it is the envy of any employee to be part of your company board, but the truth is I can't take the Job." The King looked on unperturbed, he had been warned that She would say this. When Lailah saw that the King wasn't responding, She frowned and continued, "Sultan, I've already booked a ticket for my Mother and I to travel back to Spain. I wouldn't want us to stay here and burden you any further. You have done enough for us."

The King saw that this was going to continue and decided to put an end to it, he was getting hungry for godsake. "And this is how you plan to repay my goodness to you and your family? By deserting without letting me know?" Yes, guilt, it always worked. He smiled internally when he saw her starting to panic.

"Sultan..." She started.

"I'm not finished. I've already spoke to Guilliamo and your position there has already been given to someone else. I didn't send you to the University to work for someone else child. Now, tell your mother you're not going anywhere and cancel the flight tickets." he spoke finally and he stood up to leave the study then paused, "And before I forget, you will start dining from the Palace from now on. My employees eat of the best meals always." he said finally and left the room.

The Queen turned and glared at Lailah squeezing her eyes in warning then raised her head high and left the room without a word. Sapphire muffled some giggles and looked at Lailah who did not share her enthusiasm. Shaffik too stood up, nodded at Lailah with a smile and said, "Well, I guess congratulations are in order Miss. Nazzir Lailah. Welcome to the Palace and on board."

"Thank you." Lailah answered quietly and Shaffik smiled again and left the room.

"Girl." Sapphire gave a loud squeal and threw herself at Lailah. "Congratulations. Finally you are going to stay forever and with orders from above."

"Sapphire seriously. Didn't you see how everyone was mad about the Sultan's decision?" Lailah said still shaken.

"Like you say, the Sultan's decision." She air quoted on Sultan, "Relax Sister, no one will harm you, the King and the Princess have got your back." Sapphire said proudly.

"Don't you see it Sapphire, I don't even have a choice. If I leave, I'm an ingrate, also my Job in Spain is no more, but I also can't stay here. Your brother and the Queen will make my life so difficult, I don't know much about Shaffik."

"Shaffik is okay, I'll handle Zayn, Dad will handle the Queen. Relax, be happy, let's go tell your Mother the good news. I can't wait to have lunch with you at the same table." Sapphire clapped her hands excitedly making Lailah roll her eyes and shake her head in disbelief. Sapphire was not even bothered at all, She didn't know the kind of fix She was in.

"Go on Sapphire, I'll meet you later." She wanted time to calm down but her friend was having none of it.

"No Lailah, I'm not leaving you alone. We are going down to lunch together. We are sitting next to eachother and I'm going to be with you every step of the way." Sapphire looked serious.

Lailah's eyes blurred and She hugged her friend to her, "Thank you Sapph." She came out of the hug and took deep breaths then sighed, "Alright, let's go dine with the Sultan." Lailah said and the two laughed and headed hand in hand to the dining area.

They sat down when they reached and found everyone was already sitting down apart from Zayn. There was another uncomfortable silence then the Sultan cleared his throat and called for attention. "Everyone, today I want you to meet a new board member of our Coastal Trade and Shipping Company, Miss Lailah Nazzir." A plate broke a few meters away and Lailah followed the sound to see her mother looking at her proudly with unshed tears, She wanted to go to her but lunch was being served and the King was talking so getting up would be disrespectful, a few murmures and eye glances here and there then the King continued, "She may be only twenty one, but She has had enough experience in Spain where She has been studying. She speaks different languages and so will be of much help to the growth of our empire. Welcome her." The King ordered and nods of acknowledgement were sent in Lailah's direction.

A few minutes later Zayn came in and his eyes settled on Lailah. "You've got to be kidding me." he said to himself but a few people heard. He went to sit opposite his sister like always but now that girl was right opposite him too, having seated next to his sister. He glared at her causing Sapphire to kick him under the table, he turned and glared at her too. The Sultan cleared his throat again and the food was blessed, then they all started eating.

Zayn observed her under his long lushes, She may not look like a peasant thanks to his Father taking her to school but to him, she'll never change. She ate gracefully and once in a while he found himself staring unashamedly at her mouth and slender fingers. "Witch." he muttered to himself and shook his head to clear it.