Conversation and chatter were heard amongst the maids of the new palace. Today was going to be a big day at the palace. It was the day Anisa would address all the incidents that happened before she ended up in the hospital.

The press conference was going to take place in the courtyard of the palace. Every person entering was put on extra security, including the workers. New rules were being built as the country's hope began to fall. The royals were their only way of hope. It was now time to regain that hope.

"Quick, the princess it to arrive soon," Prince Yasir urged the workers to pick up their pace. He was preparing this event just for her.

The other royals were getting ready in their designated rooms.

It was in King Salman's will that Anisa becomes queen. He made it clear that without her on the throne, the country would tumble down to the steepest of heights, recommending no other.

Just as Prince Yasir looked at his phone, he heard the prominent steps of a woman wearing heels. Only one person was able to display such intimidation as they walked and it was Anisa.

She was dressed in an emerald dress with pearls and gold on it. The abaya she wore on top of it held no less of a statement and Prince Yasir couldn't help but smile upon seeing her.

Tahir took notice and clenched his jaw as he glared him straight in the eye. But, of course, Prince Yasir only focused on his cousin.

"Yasir? When did you come back from the states?" Anisa questioned with a smirk.

"It's been a while," Prince Yasir nodded

"Well, it's nice to be greeted by you," Anisa grinned

While the two walked together, catching up on the missed time, Tahir tried to contain his anger. In the meantime, he contacted the other guards through his earpiece and told every single one of them, "I don't want any of you to take this event lightly. Abbas is still out there and it's only been three days since the princess got out of the hospital."

"Yessir!"

Tahir watched Anisa greet the rest of her family members. He stood against a wall with other guards beside him. But, Prince Yasir was still troubling him. He never left Anisa's side. Tahir didn't know why this was bothering him. Either way, he wasn't going to let this continue.

"Your highness, the press conference is to start in ten minutes," a woman walked up to her with a clipboard tightly held in her hands.

Anisa nodded and gave her a smile.

But, today wasn't just Anisa's day of return. Layla was also scheduled to attend and perform this press conference with her. She had only left the hospital yesterday and no matter how many times Anisa told her to rest, she wanted to attend.

"Alhamdulillah, our house is full again my dear. We've suffered a great loss but in the end, it's family like this that will help heal it all," Anisa's aunt spoke.

"Indeed it is mother," Prince Yasir replied.

Anisa excused herself from the group that gathered under the terrace and walked up to Tahir. He looked down at her. He was much taller than she was. Anisa looked up at him and tiptoed, reaching for his ear. Tahir leaned for her to have a better angle as she said,

"Stop looking like you're going to kill someone,"

Tahir furrowed his brows and brought himself back to his previous posture with arrogance.

"I'm being serious," Anisa chuckled.

Clearly, he wasn't going to answer her verbally, so she read his expression and shook her head.

"You're so childish sometimes, you know that?"

Tahir scoffed and just as there were five minutes left to hold the press conference on live television, Saif walked through the door across from them, followed by Layla.

Anisa turned to see that her sister arrived and it was her first time in years to see that Layla had worn an abaya. Normally, she was the type to show some sort of skin on her body. But not this time.

"You're just in time. How are you feeling?" Anisa stood in front of Layla.

Saif walked over to stand beside Tahir and while the sisters greeted each other, he told Tahir, "I hate press conferences."

Tahir let out a small chuckle while Saif continued to overlook the scenery in front of them. One in which was filled with people. There was a large fountain in the middle of the courtyard that caught his attention. But, after observing the whole place, he couldn't help but ask Tahir,

"You think these people ever run out of money?"

"They control the money. How would they run out of it?" Tahir answered.

"Who knows," Saif shrugged. But, just then, he was reminded of what Yasin told him.

"Oh, that's right. Yasin wanted me to convey a message to you. He's not here and won't be attending which is why he asked me to tell you he's going to do the right thing and go in search of his mother. He'll be keeping his royal status for the time being and will step down once he feels that it's safe."

Tahir turned to look at him, "How does he even know where to look for her? Even the agency has a subunit in search of her."

"It's different when it's your mother. He would know certain things we don't. I say we leave it to him. Also, speaking of a mother, have you not visited yours since the whole incident?" Saif asked

Tahir slowly shook his head.

"Your highness, take your position, we're going live right now,"

Anisa followed the woman that announced the statement and went to the middle of the courtyard. Tahir followed and stood just behind her. Anisa stood behind a microphone and adjusted it below her chin.

As soon as the cameraman gave her a countdown from three, she began speaking with Layla standing just beside her.

"Salam," Anisa began, "Every time it's said there's a sense of welcome and a sense of peace. It's the literal meaning of the word and I say it to the people of this country with an open heart. For the past few weeks, we've all been experiencing conflict. The news media never makes it any better with their speculations and suspicions. But, during my absence, I've come to realize that I need to make a change and create an environment where the ones who possess power shall use it with privilege, not arrogance."

The audience in the courtyard of the palace which included her family watched her speak gracefully. Despite the complications that welcomed her the past week, she was able to make it seem as though she hadn't faced any hardship.

"Power has the ability to blind those who are unworthy of it. It was how it enabled Abbas to make the grave mistake he did. He's still out there. He might be watching this and he might be among us. But, I want to remind everyone that this man is alone. He's powerless and filled with rage. But, the goodness that exists with the people of this country is able to overcome his wrath of evil. I have confidence in all of us. So, as soon as you see him, don't be afraid to take action and do the right thing by reporting him. Even if he threatens you or does anything to manipulate your actions, I can assure you that as long as I'm a part of this administration, he won't be able to lay a finger to those who are innocent."

Tahir listened as her words continued. It was no doubt that Anisa was filled with wisdom. He understood why so many looked up to her, especially other women. During every meeting, she was the only person that exerted such elegance and honesty. She was the definition of a leader.

Finally, Anisa stepped over to the side and allowed Layla to speak into the microphone. For the first time in years, Anisa noticed how nervous she was, especially with just a camera in front of her. Tahir saw her expression and grew confused. It was not long ago that this woman was trying to seduce him but here she is, almost a completely different person.

"To everyone who is watching this right now, I just wanted to say that I apologize for the things I've done. All the scandals I have opened up for the media to witness, ruining the family image and reputation. I once was that girl, but today, I stand resilient and plan to ensure safety for everyone. That day of Abbas's press conference, I did something I'd never do but somehow, I grew a strong need for justice and hope to appear again. My mother abandoned me and became the person she is today. She's done so much and I feel that it's my responsibility to tend to the damage she's brought to the family."

Anisa smiled at Layla. She was proud of her. Proud of what she was capable of. Layla was much younger than Anisa. So, she had much to learn. But her sense of justice was the beginning of all her lessons that were to come.

Media outlets were going crazy after the press conference. Numerous articles had already begun to surface for the people to read. Mostly, they were all positive. They were mostly about Layla and her brave act of apology in front of the whole nation. But, most were also about Anisa's return from abduction and her current condition.

Tonight, Anisa decided to host a family dinner at the new palace. Preparations were in full swing and the dining room was going to be the fullest it would ever be in years.

Tahir had been having meetings with other guards one on one, gathering any information he could of any possible witnesses that could lead him closer to Abbas. So, he wasn't around Anisa much for half of the day. Her family was around her, ensuring her safety.

But, Tahir was still not informed about the details discussed in the meeting between Saif, Mr. Latif, Nadia, his father, and Mr. Hakim. The only thing he was informed about was Mr. Hakim's return to the agency.

"Was there anything unusual you noticed the day Princess Layla got shot?" He asked the next guard that entered and took his seat.

"There wasn't anything in particular. My team was trying to stop his men when they charged at us, attacking from every corner of the room. But, I did happen to hear him tell his men something before he disappeared from the site," He said.

Tahir leaned closer to show his full attention and motioned for him to continue.

"He told them to follow the mother. It almost sounded like he was trying to go to someone," he replied.

Tahir thought about the statement. All he could ever think of was Anisa's step-mother as she was under his control this whole time. But, it could also be the mother he faked to threaten Anisa. While he was thinking away, there was a knock on the door and once it opened, Anisa walked right through it.

The guard was signaled by Tahir to take his leave and he did so after he nodded. Then, Tahir returned his attention to Anisa who walked in with a sly smile and he noticed that she changed her dress.

"You've been in here all day so I wanted to come and see what you were up to," She told him.

While Tahir still sat on the chair, facing her, she stood, towering over him.

"I was just about to go to you, but I guess you beat me to it," He held her hands and brought a grin to her face.

"You seem tired. When was the last time you slept?" She asked.

"Don't worry about me. How are you?"

Anisa rolled her eyes and turned around to walk around the desk.

"You always do this. Never leaving room for me to worry about you."

Tahir stood up. He walked over to where she stood and came behind her, grabbing her right hand.

"Aren't you supposed to be hosting a dinner?" He asked, teasing her.

She turned around with a frown on her face, "Are you telling me to leave? If that's the case I'm -"

"You think I want you any farther than we are right now?" He cut her off and whispered into her ear.

It sent a chill up her spine causing her to arch her back. The days she spent recovering made their bond grow closer and stronger than it ever was. It felt like it was growing every second. This also meant that Tahir had a much greater effect on her. It was as though he could easily kill her with his words and wouldn't bother atoning for it.

"Tahir," she began, "This distance alone isn't enough, it seems, for you."

A/N:

Hi guys! How do you like the new cover of the book? Let me know your thoughts ☺️. Also, how was this chapter? Hopefully, it didn't bore you guys. Just like Saif, I'm not a fan of press conferences either 😂

Anyway, don't forget to express yourselves by leaving a comment wherever you'd like and hitting that star button to show this book some love!

Thank you ~