Prologue
The Emir, his excellency, Alhaji Aariz Almustapha fillo, feels quite energetic today. even though it was tiring having an eighteen hour closed door meeting with the various investors of his company, he still felt renewed energy. this is as a result of the success they had achieved during the meeting.
Now he does not need to worry about Thiltes attacking his family properties. Or convicting so many if his subjects just to maintain peace and order at the borders between Raome and his mother village, Kayum and Likit.
He checked the time and saw that it is still quite early in the evening. his queen would still be over at the ceremonial ball being thrown for two of his cousins who had managed to graduate from military school.
He didn't like attending parties of any kind. And he didn't wish to go home and be all lonely with his thoughts. He would only end up ruining his mood by going deep into thoughts that would eventually make him worry. As Emir if a conflicting country like Maicki, Aariz has too much on his plate.
"stop at the nearest mosque" he ordered.
It would be nice to stay at a new place and relax by reading a few verses from the Quran.
The nearest mosque happens to be in the Linked Doo city which happens to be the second most prestigious neighborhood in Raome.
This reminds him of Aaidah and as usual, a wave of sadness engulfed him.
Her father's home is in this area.
Even though she was his wife, she was more like his little sister.
Both his queen and himself had showered her with a lot of love and affection after what had happened to her. But still, she had died of a heart attack while she was pregnant!
Weird story to tell, yes. but its very much complicated.
Aariz was about to enter the mosque when his eyes suddenly saw a familiar face which made his heart screech to a sudden and immediate halt!
She is just about to enter the gate to a certain link 8 just a few paces from the mosque.
Aairah?! his heart whispered feverishly.
He so desperately wants it to be Aairah. Mayhap today, his eyes aren't deceiving him.
"find out who she is" he commanded his personal servant who froze there standing.
He has never seen his king looking at a girl. Honestly, its a bit weird.
This is a man who didn't care for the many concubines he has inherited or the many beautiful and stylish ladies being advertised to him. It was a miracle that he married Aaidah and even cared for her at some level.
The Queen, at least, is a part of his ascension to the seat of Emir.
So he knew that he must never mess this up or he would be in trouble.
So he hurriedly contacted the royal secretary and placed an order to monitor the girl.
It was nightfall when the Emir finally demanded news.
"she seems to be a beggar your highness..." Babu, the loyal servant replied respectfully.
Impossible! He thought without hesitation. How can she be a beggar? She is just too proud! Aariz acknowledged internally. The Aairah he had known, a part of his mind reminded him cautiously. What if, he is just seeing what he wants so badly to see and as usual, she is just a random girl?
The atmosphere around the emir grew mundane. His turbid mood began to diffuse through the air, permeating its surrounding with a gloomy edge.
Babu didn't blink. he has been besides his Emir since he is a child. These moods weren't common. but when they came around, they weren't nice.
"I wish to see Asim." he commanded.
The middle aged servant nodded swiftly, calculating how best to keep an eye on the girl as well as tie her down to a particular area so she doesn't disappear. And then, how best to arrange the visit with the Emir's younger twin without causing even a little stir.
"As you wish your highness" he replied succinctly.
And when the Emir finally looked upon the same face he himself is wearing by nature's decree, he felt renewable anger surge to his throat.
His eyes projected detestation and something akin to hate as he stared unblinkingly at this one man who had destroyed so many lives on pursuit of self gain.
The man behind bars smirked ever slowly. "did you come to gloat brother?" he asked with a raised brow.
the Emir did not speak in a long while.
"as much as I would love to excuse you.." he gestured to the steel anchor holding him captive. "I am a bit tied for that" he paused. "so excuse you" he muttered dryly.
The Emir continued to ignore him. He watched him silently for a really long while until all the false calm his brother showed began to crack and disappear.
"if mother knew you have me here, she would disown you" Asim spat with deep rooted anger clouding his better judgement. "you chose a girl over me, your brother!" he said it with so much anger that the Emir's eyes twitched.
Then he finally deigned to speak.
"I will choose her again"
He turned around and left, leaving a baffled Babu behind and a ball of flame that is Asim Almustapha Fillo!
None of them get what he comes to see whenever he makes these visits.
Even though Asim might think his brother only comes to enjoy seeing him in pain, Babu knows the Emir enjoys little. least of all, pain.
And who is this girl they are talking about?