Royalty Gone Bad

***

Asahd's POV:

Finally, Saïda was done telling me what I had to know. It was finally a few minutes past seven and places were already dark. There was noise from the huge ballroom and music. The soirée had fully begun.

Saïda received a text on her phone and stood.

"It's time for you to appear in front of the guests," she said and I stood.

"Okay. I forgot to tell you, you look absolutely stunning," I admitted and she seemed surprised.

"Uh, thank you, your Majesty. Shall we leave?"

"Yes, we shall."

She led the way and I followed.

***

We got to the ballroom's building and it was beautifully decorated as usual. There were some guests still arriving, beautiful belly dancers performing and there were even fire spitters.

Saïda rushed ahead and informed the guards at the door to prepare and announce my entrance, as always.

Then she joined me once again. A minute after, the royal trumpets were blown and I could hear the noise inside, subside. It was the same routine at every party or ball, organised in the palace. I appeared before the people, first, and then my parents, some time after. I just loved having all the attention. All eyes on me.

"Prepare to welcome, Asahd Usaïd! Son of the Sultan and crowned Prince of Zagreh!" a guard announced as I walked down the red carpet outside, approaching the entrance. Saïda was behind me but at a considerable distance.

The trumpets were blown one last time and I finally walked in through the huge entrance. Everyone bowed his or her head as sign of respect.

"Welcome, lovely people of Zagreh!" I said with a smile and everyone looked up, smiling back. "Have fun, tonight! Be our wonderful guests! Eat, drink and forget your worries!"

That was the similar bullshit I was obliged to say almost every single time there was a ceremony or so.

The people cheered and clapped.

"Have a wonderful time! Music!"

The music was played, the belly dancers continued performing, the people cheered and went on with their fun activities; dancing, chatting and drinking. I rolled my eyes a turned to a smiling Saïda.

"What's funny?" I asked.

"You were great, your majesty. The people seem pleased with how you made your entrance," she said with a little bow.

"Mmm, whatever," I grabbed a glass of champagne from a servant's tray. "So, where are all the boring people, I'm supposed to greet."

"And back to his bad manners," Saïda mumbled, unaware I'd heard.

"Excuse me?" I asked with wide eyes and a little frown. "What did you just say??"

"I don't know what you're talking about, my Prince. Your ears are playing tricks," she said in the most innocent way ever. I wished I could cut her tongue.

did it

me off at times. She was this daring because she knew how much I loved and appreciated her father, and knew I would not dare to hurt her. But if she kept getting on my nerves, I would have to

trying me," I added and sipped my drink, looking around and trying to spot

turned and caught her. The look she'd been giving me, was one that could kill. And she didn't

I asked, pissed and frowning

immediately, clearly intimidated

keep your eyes off me,"

of

a man and his wife. "Mr. Ousman Yarah. Let's go so you

got rid of

***

I had to, it was time for me to finally

is," Saïda said and I

turned. He smiled immediately and I

"Welcome," I said.

much,

about boring things that I had to pretend I was interested in. He introduced his wife to

sent a servant to go get my

"Okay," I smiled.

said proudly and

wasn't going to lie to myself, I was very disappointed. She was beautiful, yes.

than Saïda. Because honestly, Saïda was an 8 or even 9. And if I had to find a woman for

she

Mr

her

furthering her studies, as a

and this clearly made her

Saïda and come up with an excuse so I could leave,

to stick with Zhou.' I thought, trying hard not to roll

were staring at me, like they were impatiently waiting for me to invite

to get to know her. Maybe she's cool to be with. I'm

if I borrow your daughter for a walk?"

at all, my

"Thank you."

Zhou's fingers in my hand, I excused myself and led her out

she stated, rolling her eyes. "My

mused. "So, Zhou.

England but

"Oh, nice."

down the

she went on. "Are

force me into marrying your ass. Of

yes," I gave her a fake

makes

how surprising. I never