At breakfast king, Christos announced his sudden departure.

" what happened King Christos. I thought you wanted to meet Sultan Salahuddin"

" Shazain, urgent work came up and I have to depart. Queen Helena has sent me a message"

Shazain nodded in understanding.

" Can I request you something Shazain?"

" you can order"

" Please let Ariana stay here for sometime till she gets better"

" she is our guest" Shazain replied looking at Seher as if asking her approval.

A guest who is like a leech, not ready to leave at all. Seher thought.

" What happened to you Ariana? " Seher asked politely.

" I forgot to mention Seher, Ariana has become very weak. She is not eating her me properly" Shazain replied on her behalf.

You know her better than anyone. Seher was not happy about Shazain replying. her face clearly displayed her emotions.

Seher looked at Shazain who was busy describing Ariana's state. How can you be so naive Shazain? She thought. Seher now clearly knows that Ariana was faking her illness because just a few days back she saw her stuffing a lot of lunch. She even thrashed her maids Martha and Penelope.

Ariana never dared to hurt palace maids as Seher was the Queen they all came under her protection. When Seher heard about Ariana misbehaving with the maids Seher gave her a warning.

"Ariana you are our guest and I expect that you behave like one. The people working here are like my family if next time I hear or see you venting out your anger at them I will not have a choice but ask you to leave"

"As if Shazain will allow that"

"Test if you want, I am his wife, Queen of this palace," Seher said in a challenging tone. Ariana knew that her position has become very weak in front of Shazain and it was better not to challenge Seher but soon she will get back to her.

"same applies Seher you don't have rights on my maids "

"Still I expect you to behave in my palace" Seher left with a warning.

When she heard that Ariana took her anger on her maids she was upset but there was little she could do except tend their wounds.

Those poor girls requested Seher to free them.

" Queen Seher, " A shaken Martha stopped Seher.

" yes dear"

" Please can you buy us from Princess Ariana?? We will be ever grateful to you "

" buy?" Seher was confused.

" please we beg you, we will always be in your service. Take us out from this hell"

Seher understood everything.

" when the time comes I will sneak you into my parent's kingdom and there you will be treated fairly"

Here her poor husband was believing all lies Ariana was feeding him.

"Seher, I heard a lot about your brother, I heard that he is very handsome" Ariana broke her trail of thoughts.

"Which brother are you talking about?"

"Sultan Salahuddin "

"Yes, Abi Salah has his own personality. He carries a powerful aura around him but He is not the most handsome among my brothers"

"What do you mean?"

"My brother Shahabuddin is the most handsome among my brothers" Seher was talking passionately about her brothers.

"More handsome than Xain? " Shazains was all ears.

"If you see my brothers you will get your answer"

A wave of jealousy hit Shazain. He couldn't even bear hearing his wife praising her brothers.

The Breakfast was done in a peaceful manner and soon king Christos departed leaving Ariana behind to execute her plan.

Ariana was hoping that Shazain would continue to have meals with her where she can melt his heart towards her. There was no doubt Shazain cared for her, after all, they were acquainted for a long time.

Shazain was going to his chambers late in the night when he saw Ariana who was running to him.

"Xain, where were you? I was waiting for you at dinner" She tried coming closer but Shazain scooted away.

"You should not wait for me Ariana and since everything is clear between us I don't think it is appropriate for me to be alone with you. I love Seher and I do not want her to misunderstand"

"Shazain, tell me honestly really you do not have any feelings for me?"

"No, I do not"

"What if you did not meet Seher would you have married me? Tell me all those past affections you showered me with were fake?"

"Ariana you requested me to tell honestly I will speak the truth. Yes if Seher did not come into my life I would have married you but not because of love but just as repayment in return for your father's life-saving grace.

With Seher, I have experienced feelings which I can never explain. even though she is so much younger than me, I feel that she is my equal.

I will be a liar if I say that I do not care for you. I have known you for so many years, I do care for you. "

"Really Shazain you care for me?" Ariana was building hopes which Shazain did not want her to what he said next shocked Ariana

"Ariana, we Humans are very complicated, If we keep a pet for a few weeks we get attached to it and you are a human, of course, I care for you Just as a friend nothing more. "

"Shazain, you are my friend just because of my father, does my beauty not appeal to you?"

"Ariana, I do not want to give you any false hopes. My father told me that a man can have many wives, he can treat them equally but love is reserved only for one. Seher is more. My obsession, My love, my life."

He did not wait and walked away. Surprisingly he was greeted by Utbah who returned after a long time. Shazain hugged him.

"How are you?"

"I am fine but you don't seem fine. A lot has changed in my absence."

"What do you mean?"

"I heard your speech down there, surprised that you are talking about love. the mountain princess did change you for good"

Shazain smiled. come to my chambers. He took him inside the guest sitting area. Seher must have slept he thought.

" you tell me how are things any leads?"

"Shazain, Your announcement did stir things up, Jafar is not the mastermind. "

"I knew it, was my suspicion right?" Shazain Asked Utbah.

" come closer I will tell you something. " Shazain did not seem surprised by the revelation.

"Shazain, why do you not look surprised"

"Things did get a lot clear with time but I never knew that the person I cared could have betrayed me "

"Shazain, I think they would try hard to create a rift between you and Uzbeik's"

"I know, That is what I fear Seher still doesn't trust me because of Ariana. I think she is not aware of political conspiracies that run in an established kingdom"

"She should understand after all she is a princess or maybe you should communicate with her. Shazain, there should be no secrets between husband and wife which may later increase chances of misunderstanding." Utbah suggested.

"No, Utbah. she is very innocent. I think her family did not involve her in politics. I would prefer to keep her that way. I don't want her to stress unnecessarily. She has a completely different upbringing unlike me who witnessed your own people betraying you for power. They did not even have mercy on a small orphan child."

Shazain was thinking deeply.

"Utbah, is it possible to dig in the past? I do not know why now I starting to have doubts that King Christos was my savior"

Seher's words did force Shazain to think.

"I will look into it" Utbah promised.

you must be tired after such a long journey, go have a rest. Just then when Utbah was leaving Seher entered. She greeted Utbah.

"Shazain, was with you. I thought he was somewhere else"

"He won't go anywhere. he will be around you always" Utbah smiled at her.

"Oh! I forgot to tell you, Queen Seher your brother will not be coming tomorrow, but will arrive this coming week. They had to rest because of weather conditions."

"What!"

Instead of Seher, Shazain replied. He was feeling disappointed.

Utbah gave a questioning look.

Idiot Shzain mumbled He should have kept his mouth shut.

"Seher you go I will come in a few minutes" Seher left.

"you could have given the news tomorrow Utbah, always a spoilsport"

"I never thought you were eagerly waiting for Salahuddin"

Shazain was upset because he was waiting for Seher to fulfill his condition and now he had to wait.

"Did you not see Seher got upset"

"I do not think she was upset, she looked fine after knowing the reason"

"you don't know her, go have a rest"

†**************

When shazain entered the room he saw Seher dressed in a light pink simple nightdress, sitting and writing something, in what looks like an accounts book.

She looked so ethereal. The pink dress matched her complexion. Shazain felt very proud that she was his.

" What are you doing?"

" nothing just writing down expenses"

" you don't need to do that we have appointed people for this work"

" I know Sultan I am just checking the records, you know we should check things from time to time. People will have fear and will not make mistakes"

" any problem"

" Nothing I cannot manage, you know I am very good at accounts. In my parent's kingdom, I use to be responsible for accounting and managing "

" your parent's kingdom is like a family-run business" Shazain teased her.

Seher childishly sticks her younger out.

shazin pulled her closer.

"Did you have your dinner?"

He shook his head

" I thought you had your dinner with your guest"

"Seher I use to have my dinner with King Christos out of respect for him. Since he left I have nothing to do with Ariana."

"Then why is she still here Shazain? she doesn't seem to have any plans of leaving. she looks like a permanent guest."

"Seher, I cannot just ask her to leave but she did say that she will leave soon. "

"Shazain, I think she is planning something"

"Seher, you have a lot of misconceptions about her"

"I don't know Shazain, I feel that you are bound to her, and it is you who do not want her to leave"

"Seher I love you, place yourself in my shoes and think"

"I don't know Shazain I feel that you just want me for ...... " it was difficult for Seher to express. tears were forming in her eyes

"That is my way of showing my love"

"Shazain, that is not love that is just lust. love is different"

"You have to trust me, Seher, please"

"You always ask me to trust you but when it comes to her you don't even trust me. "

"Seher, She will leave soon and once she goes I will never invite her again. I promise"

Seher knew this discussion will not go anywhere. so she ended it.

" Shall I bring you food?"

" No, I am tired."

" wait " she went out and brought milk and dates for him.

" you could have asked maids"

" it's late they must be tired"

" Seher it's their duty they get paid for it"

"you ordered clearly that as your wife it is my duty to look after you, don't you remember"

" I am very much ashamed for my past behavior, Please can you forgive me? forget the past I was an idiot back then"

" First time you said right about your self" she mumbled slowly.

He pushed her on the bed .

"what did you say? repeat again" he gave her a predatory look.

"nothing, I agreed with you"

he bent and gave a bite on her cheek.

"I feel like eating you raw" he was on her.

"What did you say, your brothers are more handsome than me"

"I don't lie"

"Our kids will be more handsome than your brothers, For that, I need to work hard"

*****************************************************************

Seher was upset with Shazain,

"I told you not to leave marks. It will be embarrassing in front of my brother"

" We are married, He will think that I love you a lot"

"Behaving like a caveman is not love"

"don't be angry I will pick up the dress for you" Shazain scanned her wardrobe. he took a high neck embroidered light blue dress along with a matching dark blue shawl. It was embroidered with silver and pearl beads.

"Don't you think it is too much"

"Seher your brother is coming for the first time, do you not want to welcome him in a grand way"

Salahuddin was arriving in the evening, after getting dressed Seher was busy giving instructions to the workers when Shazain came down. Seher was surprised to see him dressed in a similar clour dress like hers. he was no less handsome than her brother's.

"you are drooling wife" Shazain teased.

Seher spontaneously wiped her mouth.

" I am all yours" he winked at her.

Seher was expecting Salahuddin but to her surprise Shuja and Sahab accompanied. She hugged them tightly. Shuja lifted Seher up. Tears were following down his eyes.

To Seher's amazement, Shazain Hugged her brother and greeted them with respect and politeness.

"Look Seher Ummi and Baba send you a few gifts for you and brother in law"

"They have already sent us many gifts, we don't need anything just their blessing would have been enough" Shazain replied.

"Seher what did you feed him?" Shuja whispered slowly.

"I think she hit him hard on his head Shuja," Sahab replied.

"Both of you are wrong, she molded me in herself with her love" Shazain smiled looking at Seher who was blushing.

Salahuddin gave an angry look to his brothers.

"freshen up, we will meet you at the dinner" Shazain ordered the maids to guide his brothers-in-law.

As soon as they entered the dining Area Seher was surprised to see Ariana sitting on the corner of the table. Seher feared that Salahuddin who was strict like his baba will not like her presence.

"Hello Seher will you not introduce me to your brothers"

Salah gave a single glance and averted his gaze whereas Shuja greeted Ariana warmly.

"Abi Salah she is..."

"MY guest princess Ariana, daughter of King Christos"

"Look like Shazainis not satisfied with one woman" Salah did not like seeing her.

"No brother, Her father saved Shazain's life and since then they are his friends nothing more"

Just then Sahabuddin interfered "so you are the famous greek princess, I heard a lot about you"

Ariana smiled "how do you know me"

"Oh I met your Ex-Fiancee, Prince Andrew, he told me you have trapped a Rich king"

"I was never engaged before, you might have got me wrong"

"you are Greek princess Ariana 28 years old, I am sure it was you"

"I am just 22, I am sure you got me confused with someone else" Ariana was irked with Sahabuddin.

Salahuddin coughed to gain his brother's attention. Shahab knew that he should stop talking.

"But Abi I am not mistaken..."

"Finish eating first"

After dinner, every one was sitting in the seating area illuminated by large chandeliers and a warm cozy fireplace. Ariana tried talking to Salahuddin but he ignored her as if she was nonexistent. She slowly excused herself cursing him from inside and left signaling her minion to keep an eye.

Salah observed each and every movement of Seher and Shazain.

"How are things at your side brother in law?"

"Good, Shazain replied"

Just then Rabia came.

"I hope I am not interrupting, forgive me for my interference"

"You don't need permission aunty Rabia you are our family"Seher was polite like always.

"I heard your brothers arrived that's why I came to meet them"

"I think you me all of them and no need for introductions" Shazain replied.

Rabia asked about everyone she met at their palace a year back.

"I wanted to ask did princess Seher ever sleepwalk before?"

"No, Never" Sakahuddin replied looking concerned.

"You forgot Abi twice I woke up near the kitchen" Seher reminded him.

"you are such a deep sleeper Seher, That was Shuja and saif who pranked you"

Seher was shocked by the revelation "That means Shzain..." She gave an angry look to her husband who tried hard not to laugh.

"Did you prank her brother-in-law?"Shuja asked.

"Is she really your sister? she is so naive" Shazain started laughing loudly followed by her brothers.

"She got up and started hitting Shazain with her small delicate fists.

All the maids peeped inside to see their Sultan laughing. This was the first time they heard him laugh so hard.

"I am sorry Seher, dontbe angry"

"I will see you later, you have a lot of explaining to do" Seher was annoyed.

Rabia blessed them all and took leave.

Salahuddin turned Serious and questioned Shazain.

"Who was behind the attack that happened months ago"

"I am still looking into it, I am surprised that you got the news"

"I have my sources, it is a small world"

Salah wanted to have a private conversation with Shazain.

"Seher why don't you show Shuja and Shahab your palace. "

Salah and Shazain discussed stuff at length.

"Shazain, we need each other support and keep on the facade that we are still enemies. I will not disclose anything to my family till everything goes fine at your end. They will harm the one you love the most"

"Thank you" Shazain replied.

"I might be away on war Shazain, things are not good Chinese border"

"do you need troops," Shazain asked Salah.

"NoShazain, but you be careful you never know what will happen next but do not hesitate to contact me if you need my help"

Utbah who was away came and joined their discusson.

He was thinking how times change two people who were enemies are now talking like allies.

Utbah signaled Salah."I think it's better if you leave people will not be suspicious. They will think that you came to just check on your sister."

Suddenly Salahuddin called for his brothers and abruptly decided to leave.

"Abi why don't you wait till the dawn or maybe stay for a few days."

"Seher dear, It is already dawn you did not realize the time, I will meet you at king Louis palace soon and I will come again later."

he blessed her like an elder brother. Seher thought Shazain might have said something that her brother is leaving.

"did you say anything to him" Seher whispered to Shazain? she was upset that her brothers were leaving so quickly.

"No, He has important work and you will meet them again at king Louis party"

"Take care of yourself and say goodbye to your aunty" Shuja gave a mischievous smile.