Royalty Gone Bad novel Chapter 3

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Writer's POV:

The palace people weren't surprised when the prince returned very late, drunk, high and smelt of cheap perfume from the dishonorable women he probably was with. Djafar had to order the guards to hurriedly take him up to his room before his parents had a heart attack, at the sight of their son. Lipstick stains all over his once, pure white and expensive shirt. Everyone pitied the old King.

--

"He's an airhead," Saïda told her father, while she fixed his bed with new sheets.

"Saïda, the language," Djafar corrected, resting in his armchair and tired from all the day's activities.

"Sorry, father. But it is true. I feel so bad for the king and Queen. They sure are nice people, yet their son gives them high blood pressure. I wish he could be a little more grateful towards them."

"Saïda, my dear. It is better we don't mind their business. I too, disapproves the Prince's attitude, but what can we do? His parents need to firm up a little more. Maybe it's not to late to change him."

"I hope," she stepped back, finished. "I'm done."

"Thank you, my dear," he stood and hugged his only daughter.

Djafar had two children. An older son, Ahmed, and Saïda. Ahmed had been sent to Istanbul for studies and to learn how to be independent. He returned to Zagreh every holiday. Djafar was a proud father because, alone, he'd raised his children into hardworking, independent and very intelligent people. He'd lost his wife two years after Saïda was born.

"You are welcome."

He kissed her forehead and she left.

***

The next day, it wasn't still surprising that the Prince hadn't come down for breakfast or lunch. It was past one in the afternoon, and he was probably still asleep. His parents didn't bother this time as they were busy, making sure the arrangements for the evening's ball were being made. Whether Asahd liked it or not, he would attend it and meet Zhou.

--

"Saïda, your father will give you a list of names of very important people that will attend the ball tonight." the Queen told the young girl, that afternoon.

"Yes, my Queen."

"You know all of them because your father has probably told you about them. They are royal friends and highly recognised personalities, here. You know how my son is," the woman shook her head in disappointment. "He knows none! And to avoid embarrassment, you'll go everywhere with him, tonight, and make him greet all these people. It's his duty as crowned Prince, to gain their favor. Go everywhere with him, and make sure the last person he greets, is Zhou's father and family. So that, he can spend some time with her, right after. After that, you can let him be."

"Okay, your majesty. Should I also stay with him, until he's done talking with Zhou?" Saïda asked.

"No, immediately he starts talking with her, you leave. I want them to spend some time together so they get to know each other a little," the Queen regained her fancy seat. "Hopefully, he will learn to appreciate her and just then, we'll fix things up for a wedding."

"With Zhou?" Saïda asked, a hint of amusement in her tone.

"Yes, my dear."

'Poor girl.' Saïda thought in amusement.

She didn't know the Zhou but already felt bad for her. Or amused, rather. Who could survive a day alone, with Asahd?

"If you won't be needing my services anymore, my Queen, I would love to return to my duties right away."

"Yes you can, dear."

Saïda bowed and left the place.

***

"Saïda will show you every single person you have to greet. And how. She'll tell you whom is whom and what you should discuss with them. Understood?" Djafar asked the Prince that evening, while he dressed and prepared.

It was past six and the guests were quickly arriving.

"Yeah," Asahd rubbed his forehead. His head was still hurting from last night's hangover. It was by miracle that he'd made it back home, safely. It was stupid of him to have driven in that state. He could've died!

"Need an aspirin?" Djafar asked.

"I– I think."

"That'll teach you to act like an airhead, the next time," Djafar mused.