Saja couldn’t believe how much Mona knew about Al-Basrat as she listened to her talk animatedly about its history. Her excitement and love for her country was evident as she spent hours talking to Saja about its past, many of the early families and some of its treasures. Saja was sad to admit that she hadn’t considered that her maids would have passions and interests outside their work. It was judgmental of her to think that they were always maids. She vowed that when they got out of here, she would take the time to learn more about Amber as well. El-Tamar opened the door and walked in holding a tray of food.
“And the mastermind finally decides to make an appearance,” Saja said sarcastically. She was sitting with her back against the wall watching him. El-Tamar walked slowly in and placed the tray on the ground. The tray had croissants, almonds, scrambled eggs and orange juice.
“Breakfast,” El-Tamar said.
“It's noon,” Saja said looking at her watch. She never really liked watches but the King had bought it for her as a wedding gift, that and many other things. The watch was beautiful and looked expensive, so of course she had to wear it.
“Just eat your food,” El-Tamar turned on his heel and headed towards the door.
“You're not even going to explain yourself?”
“Why should I?”
Saja stood up and crossed her arms over her chest. “You kidnapped me. You owe me an explanation,” she said. Her voice was deep and her tone was calm. She stared him down. El-Tamar placed his hands on his hips.
“Do you think you are something special?”
“Clearly, you think I am. You brought me back here and now you are holding me hostage for your personal gain.”
“Don't be smug.”
Mona just sat there chewing on her croissant watching them exchange words. It was the first time they were given decent food. It felt like it had been decades since she had eaten properly.
“You need me to better your life because you are too pathetic and not manly enough to look after your family,” Saja taunted. El-Tamar's face turned red. He took a step towards her. Saja took a step towards him. “What? You want to beat me the way your wife did?” she challenged him.
“Just like your mother,” El-Tamar said. Saja had a fiery temper like her mother. Pamela never let anyone disrespect her and get away with it. At first, he had found it attractive. She was in the middle of shouting curse words at him when he slept with her. Now that alluring temper had been reincarnated and was not so appealing this time around.
“Yes, just like my mother and not you,” Saja said disdainfully. Saja was proud to take after her mother. She was a strong, independent and passionate woman.
“It is nothing to be proud of.”
“My mother raised me well. Look how your sons turned out.”
“You are really not that special,” he said and walked out. Saja shook her head and sat back down.
“It is peculiar that he is your...” Mona paused. Saja did not want him being referred to as her father. “Sperm donor,” she added.
“Sperm donor?” Saja burst out laughing.
“Yes, he only donated the sperm, he was not a father.” Mona smiled. The two of them leaned on each other as they laughed.
El-Tamar kicked the chair in the living room. Saja's words had angered him, especially because they were true. His sons were once his pride and joy but lately they were a letdown. The embezzling, the kidnapping and the back talk. His sons had not turned out the way he wanted them to. Even his wife was showing him a side that he had never seen.
* * * * *
The Quabeca sun was scorching hot. The sky was clear; there was not a single cloud in sight. There was a subtle breeze blowing. Basil stared into the distance. It had been a while since he had been to Noor City. All he could think about was Saja and it was killing him.
They took a short break since they had been riding for a few hours. Basil opened his water bottle and gulped down half of it. He groaned in satisfaction. He passed it to his brother. The King took it and drank some.
“How is the conceiving of an heir coming along?” Basil asked. He figured it was better to talk about something else. Thinking and talking about Saja was ripping his insides apart. Besides this was a subject that had been hot for years. Everyone was eagerly waiting for the King to have children.
“It is not,” the King replied. Their mother along with the nation had been pestering him about having children. He had been married to the queen for almost ten years and they still did not have a son. It was cause for concern.
“Why
not? You have two healthy women,” Basil said disdainfully.
“Okay, brother, I get your point. I should have one woman only.”