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– If you are ready, then we can go.
For two days I did not see the prince, and I really hope that during this time my problems have been resolved, and I will soon be able to go home. Samira escorted me to the office and waited for me to hide behind his doors. The office was empty. I walked over and decided to sit on a chair when I suddenly noticed some movement on the balcony. It turned out that Mr. Ali was sitting in one of the wicker chairs, thinking about something and did not even notice me. His face took on a tense expression, long dark eyelashes sometimes moved, and it seemed that they created this light breeze that was caressing my skin right now. As if I see a person from another planet, we are so different from each other. A person who is known about the whole world, who is respected and afraid of everyone who lives in his country, and I am an ordinary student whose head was clogged with the final exam and defending a dissertation a couple of weeks ago. I wonder what’s in the head of kings and princes?
I tapped the doorway with my fingers, attracting his attention. Today he was wearing a blue shirt and white trousers. I involuntarily wondered if everyone was sitting on it so perfectly.
– Irina? Good morning! – He got to his feet, towering above me and making me feel insignificant.
– Good morning. Samira said you wanted to see me.
He slowly looked at me from head to toe and nodded thoughtfully.
– Sit down – with a gesture he pointed to a chair, separated from it by a small wicker table. I tried to gracefully go down to the place that I was offered, wishing I had put on such short shorts. Now my legs were in all their helplessness before the Arab prince. You do not need to know local customs to understand that I made the wrong decision. It was necessary to wear the dress proposed by Samira. He returned to his place and looked at me, as it seemed to me, with a tense smile on his face. – I was gone a couple of days. How are you?
– Everything depends on you. – I looked expressively at him, dropping my hands on my knees. – Did you manage to solve my problem? Can I go home? – I hope the hopelessness in my voice was not so obvious.
– You want to get home so badly. Even amazing. Is it so bad with us?
– Honestly, – I hesitated, – for the first time in many years, I was able to truly rest. I have not been so calm for a long time.
– Then what’s the problem? – It seems he was glad I liked it here.
– Is it so hard to understand? I am alone. In an unfamiliar country, in a house of strangers to me. Something strange is happening around and no one is telling me anything, and you ask, what is my problem? – I jumped to my feet, panting, unable to stop. – You are sitting here in your house, not a man, but peace itself! And inside me, everything burns out due to the unknown. Tell me what you need from me! – I started to tremble. Everything that I have accumulated in myself over the past few days is now pouring out on this stranger. You forcibly brought me here, took my phone… by the way, where is he? – I asked demandingly, which only amused him. – But with all this, you gave me a huge room with a dressing room, where all the clothes of my size, and even its stocks, cannot be worn out in ten years! Isn’t that strange? What’s happening? Is this related to my parents? What did you do with them?
He calmly listened to everything that I told him, studying my face, and after a pause he gave an answer.
– As far as I know, your family is fine. Their restaurant is working fine and brings a good income.
– Do you think they are not looking for me? Someone will definitely lose me… sooner or later. I added more restrainedly.
– Right. he answered calmly, rising to his feet and coming so close to me that I could feel its slightly harsh spicy aroma, which filled all the space between us. – You’re right … – he began cautiously, taking a step towards me, which made me feel uneasy – they will look for you, but now… your family knows that you are safe and your friends are sure that you decided to stay with parents a little longer.
– Did you dig into my phone? – All the air disappeared from my lungs, but he calmly stood opposite me. – How can you? This is an invasion of privacy! – I closed my eyes. An urgent need to calm down, otherwise nothing good will come of it.
– I just saved you from having to lie to your loved ones.
– Well, you know … – I viciously flashed my eyes in his direction. – I’m over it!
I turned and quickly headed for the exit.
– Irina! – I stopped, not turning to face him, but feeling him approaching me. – I want to warn you that you cannot even go beyond this house without my permission.
– We’ll see! – I glanced over his shoulder and left the office, closing the door behind me with a roar.
CHAPTER 9
– Well, there must be at least one loophole! – I’ve been asking Samir for how many hours how I can leave this house, bypassing the guards.
– No, – she shook her head, – this never happened. The house is located a few dozen kilometers from the nearest village. Even if you go beyond the fence, which is impossible, you will not know where to go. Therefore, I advise you to abandon this idea.
With a groan, I covered my face with my hands, trying to figure out what to do.
– Your prince… – is the last word, I said through clenched teeth, – said that there is a rest room in the house, and I can watch TV there at any time.
– Yes. Oh! I didn’t even suggest you take a house tour.
– It is not necessary. Just take me to the rest room. I need at least a little distraction. – I took a deep breath. – No, not today. I want to go out into the garden, I need fresh air.
This place had a strange effect on me. I was tormented not only by headaches, but right after I eat, I feel like sleeping. Perhaps acclimatization or stress affects me in this way. In any case, fresh air will do me good.
– Do not be angry, – Samira began uncertainly, – but I would advise you to change your clothes. – Apparently, the puzzled expression on my face did not escape her, because she immediately rushed to explain her proposal to me. – Your body is too open, and because of this you … – she tried to find the words – confuse all the servants of this house.
I sat down on the bed and could not stop the hysterical laughter.
– God, why do I need all this? – Samira sat next to me and hesitantly put her hand on my shoulder.
– Irina, everything will be fine. I looked at her incredulously. Will it? – The main thing is to be patient.
Taking another deep breath, I got to my feet and went to the wardrobe to change into my long cotton sundress with bare shoulders and took sandals with me.
– I’m ready, we can go. – Samira looked me up and down, but said nothing.
She led me through the whole house and led me out into the garden, which from the balcony did not seem so big. Smooth lawn, hedge, which was located on the cuts of a stone path leading to all sides of the garden. I went to the fountain, from which I felt freshness and coolness, and sat on its edge to run my fingers through the water, revealing my face to the bright sun. Samira quietly disappeared somewhere, and now I am left alone with myself. It’s time to admit – I fell into slavery, otherwise it can not be called. Although… I do not feel danger from anyone. But what if… Exactly! I jumped to my feet, feeling excitement and fear. They want to sell me! I heard somewhere that this is still practiced here. I looked around and, finding no one, decided to act. I urgently need to get out of here.
I took a quick step along the path to the stairs leading to the gate, but there were at least ten guards along their perimeter. Then I decided to walk along the fence at a safe distance from them, but all to no avail. A deaf high stone fence surrounding the house. Nothing I could hold on to. I need to find out somehow whether there are neighbors behind the fence or at least something that can help me get out of here. Looking around, I did not find anything better than a tree standing about fifteen meters from the fence.
– I will find a way to get out of here – I lifted the hem of the dress, took off my shoes and quickly went to the tree. – Well, with God!
Throwing my foot on the lower branch, I climbed to the very top of this powerful tree. Having hooked my leg over the edge of the dress, I almost fell, managing to catch the next branch in time and maintain balance. Finally, having reached my goal, I turned to look beyond the fence, and could not contain a groan of disappointment. Not only was there a limitless plantation behind the fence that erased my already illusive plans for salvation, but now I realized that I could not get off this terrible tree.
I do not know how much time I spent in this position, but all my limbs were numb, and from fear of local insects I was on the verge of jumping to the ground. So what? One step and all my problems will be solved immediately. Not. This is not an option.
– Irina! Irin, where are you? Answer me. – It was Samira, I had no doubt about it. I saw her approaching a tree, bend over to pick up my shoes, and then look around. “Miss, where are you?” Irina!
– Samira, – she began to turn her head, trying to find me. – Samira, I’m here! – I said to her in a low voice. – Lift your head. She found me with a look and burst out with a loud, rolling laugh. – Not funny, Samira! – I continued to hiss.
– Sorry, miss, – she tried unsuccessfully to stifle laughter. – I’ll call someone for help now.
– Not! Samira, no need to call anyone. Can you bring me a ladder or a strong rope, only … – I looked at her expressively – please, don’t tell anyone where I am, okay?
She ran away, and I remained to wait for salvation. It was not enough that one of the inhabitants of the house saw me in this position.
– Where is she? Drive on. – I barely had time to grab the branch, so as not to fall from the tree in a panic, when Ali was approaching the tree. – Irina, you do not cease to amaze me.
I let the upstart prince pass my ears, evil eyes flashing in the direction of Samira, and I felt that I was blushing.
– Since you came, take me out of here. – I eagerly turned to him.
– This is what I’m going to do right now. – At that moment, two guards came up and put a ladder near the tree, making sure that it could stand two people, and then quickly left.
– Can you come down yourself? – Ali asked mockingly.
– Not! I shook my head. – I’m afraid of heights.
Taking a deep breath, he began to climb the stairs, and when he was on a par with me, he looked into my eyes, from which a slight tremor ran through my body.
– Why are you doing what are you afraid of? – I turned away, not knowing how to make excuses, while he held out his hand to me. – Will you allow me to help?
I looked at him and hesitantly put my palm in his hand. He took a step back, helped me cross the branch and step onto the stairs. At that moment, I felt one of the hard, dry branches glide over the open area of my skin on my back. With a start, I tried not to pretend that my body was pierced by unbearable pain. Almost without distinguishing what I see, with the help of the prince I began to descend the stairs. When I felt the ground under my feet, adrenaline slowly flowed through my veins. I looked at my savior and was not without difficulty able to squeeze out words of gratitude.
“Thank you for helping me get down,” I swallowed nervously, feeling aching pain. It looks like the branch left a mark on my back.
– Always happy to help.
– But you did not need to help me yourself, you could send me one of your subjects. – He grinned and shook his head, catching my gaze.
– Mandatory. This can only be done by me. I looked at him questioningly, waiting for an explanation. – Everything that concerns you, I can do only. he answered in a serious tone.
Such a statement discouraged me, and I did not immediately find what to answer.
– Speak as if I am your property.
– Well, why so rude? You are my guest, and that means a lot.
Samira looked at us with curiosity.
I moved to the house when suddenly His Highness grabbed me in my arms.
– What are you doing? Put me on my feet! – I screamed and tried to escape from his hands.
– Do you want to hurt your legs? – He asked in a calm tone.
I clung to his neck, afraid that he would drop me, but it seems that he is in control. Crazy! He brought me into the gazebo, which was under the windows of his office (I saw her from the balcony this morning). I got to my feet, straightening my dress, when I was horrified to find that the sleeve of the prince’s shirt was saturated with a small strip of blood, in the place where he had recently touched my back. Mr. Ali first looked at his shirt and then abruptly approached me and carefully followed me.
– Nothing… I began to defend myself.
– Samira, bring a first-aid kit immediately, – a stern voice pierced the silence of the street.
– Do not worry… I myself… in the room… can handle this, – I turned to face him, and from his gaze I began to get confused in words. In less than two minutes Samira returned to us and handed the first-aid kit to her master.
– Thank you, – I smiled at Samira, realizing that she could not wait for gratitude from her master. She answered me with a modest smile, peering anxiously behind my back at Ali.
– How did you manage to get hurt? – began my interrogation, my “doctor”, who treated his hands with some kind of liquid.
– A branch … – I swallowed nervously, feeling extremely awkward at that moment. I can’t imagine whether one can be disgraced more than I am now. The Prince sighed heavily and asked me to turn away from him so that he could clearly see the wound. – Why are you doing this? I can settle everything on my own or, in extreme cases, ask Samira.
He muttered something under his breath and began to heal my wound, which is why I frowned and bit my lower lip.
– So what did you do on the tree? – he decided to change the subject and distract me a little when he finished treating my wound. – Are you really looking for ways to escape? – I did not answer, and in the meantime he began to gently apply the ointment with his long warm fingers, which caused a slight trembling in my spine. – All is ready. – He barely audibly informed me, bending so close to my ear that I felt his hot breath with my neck.
– Th… thanks, – I said, stammering, and sat on a bench covered with soft pillows.
– Before going to bed, you will need to process it again. – I nodded, hiding my eyes from him. – So there with the tree. I’m right? – He added cheerfully, and I broke out, evil eyes flashing in his direction. – Wow! I’m really right. You are an amazing girl! Warlike, although at first glance this cannot be said.
I took a deep breath and dropped my shoulders wearily.
– My name means “peace”, but… my mother always said that I was the exact opposite of my name. – I don’t know why I decided to talk about it, but Mr. Ali listened carefully to me.
– I brought iced tea and a sweet cake, – Samira told us. I didn’t notice how she came. – Anything else you want? – She put in front of us a carafe, glasses and a plate with a cake, and taking a tray, she stood in front of her master, her head down.
– Not. You can pick up the first-aid kit and go to rest. And further. Miss will need to wash the wound before going to bed. Help her. For the rest, I’ll let you know when you need it.
– As you order. – She bowed and left quietly, and Mr. Ali himself began pouring tea into glasses.
– Thank you – I thanked, taking the glass from my hands.
– The third “thank you” for the day. This is progress.
– Are you intentionally trying to piss me off? – I asked, looking at him point-blank from bottom to top.
– Not. – He smiled and sat across from me. – Everything happens on its own. Samira said that you eat almost nothing, should I follow these?
– Do you feed me for slaughter?
– Do you question every word of your interlocutor and are looking for a trick, or does this only apply to me?
– I generally trust very few people, and… in most cases it turns out that this is not in vain.
– Well … – he hesitated, – that makes some sense, but …, – he caught my eye and looked at me with a serious expression on his face – you can trust me.
For an instant, an innocent smile lit up his face.
– I doubt. – I took a sip of refreshing tea, which I really needed. – True, you have nothing to do but get me?
– Am I getting you? – He raised an eyebrow in surprise, assuming an offended look.
– Yes. And I know, now you will say that this happens on its own.
– Horrible! I’m still so predictable. – For the first time in all the time spent here, I wanted to sincerely laugh, which I did, and the prince smiled back. – Laughter is as good for you as growl.
There was something in his gaze that confused me.
– I think there are enough walks for today. – I finished the tea in one gulp and got to my feet. – Thanks again.
He nodded and followed me.
– I will take you to your room; you are still barefoot.
I followed his gaze and realized that it was really still without shoes.
– Don’t try to pick me up again! – I looked at his bloodied shirt and felt uneasy. It’s always like this. You try to deliver as little inconvenience as possible, but it turns out exactly the opposite.
– And there was no thought. He assumed an insulted look and held out his hands in a defensive gesture. – After you. – Mr. Ali politely showed me the way out of the gazebo. – How do you like the house? Does everything suit you?
– To me? – I did not hide my surprise. We walked with him hand in hand.
– Yes, to you. Is the bed comfortable, is the room temperature comfortable?
– I think so, but… it would be better if I were now lying in my bed in my room.
He did not answer, but in the meantime we went to my room.
– See you at dinner. At seven. – I nodded my head, disappeared behind the door and, despite the aching pain, pressed my back to it.
It was a terrible day, and I urgently need to take a shower to wash off all the dirt from myself, and from my thoughts a nascent sympathy for the prince. We will not be friends until I find out what is happening here.
CHAPTER 10
Before our dinner ended, which we spent in almost complete silence, I immediately wanted to sleep. The next morning I decided to go to the rest room. I need to find out what is happening in the world. Inside me was the hope that they were looking for me. Samira explained how I could find the room I needed (fortunately, she was on the same floor as my bedroom), and I went to wander these cold, wide, soulless corridors when I suddenly saw that Ali was approaching me together with an elderly man in a strict business suit. I quickly looked around and came up with nothing but to hide behind one of the walls until they noticed me.
– … on the one hand, I understand you, and on the other… in your place…
– With all due respect, but you are not in my place.
– But your traditions … – the prince’s interlocutor wanted to continue his thought, but the prince interrupted him again.
– I know our traditions very well.
– And your father…
– My father, of course, knows everything perfectly, of course, not without effort, but he accepted my choice or at least pretended to agree.
– What about the girl? Did she give her consent?
– It’s a matter of time, – I heard the prince was somewhat annoyed. – The main thing is that she does not know everything in advance. Maids must be warned.
They passed by, and, fortunately, I went unnoticed. I looked out into the corridor to make sure once again that nobody was there, and was able to calmly continue on my way. Finding the door I needed was not so difficult. Turning the handle, I easily opened it and went into a dark, cool room, looking at a large brown sofa and two armchairs matching it, a large transparent glass coffee table and a huge plasma TV on the wall, as well as many bookcases and bookshelves, various figures and other trinkets.
I sat on a soft leather sofa and allowed myself to enjoy its comfort for several minutes. Having reached the remote control lying on the lower tier of the table, I pressed a button and started flipping through the channels. One image replaced another, and so it went on for some time. The Arabic channel, the channel in English, the Arabic news with English subtitles and vice versa, a couple of Russian channels, but in general, nothing interesting until I accidentally stumbled upon the morning show, which was watched by the latest newspaper issues. The issue of impending sensation was discussed.
– Very soon, dear viewers … – I began to translate English subtitles out loud when suddenly the hair on my hands stood on end and my thoughts became completely confused. Samira came in and looked at me in horror. – What does all of this mean? – With yelling, I attacked her, poking the remote control into the TV.
– Madam…
– You knew everything and you didn’t tell me! – She pursed her lips, looked down at the floor and cringed, as if expecting a blow from me. – Lead me to this immediately… I don’t even know which word to choose!
I left the room, seething with anger. But how is that even possible! I went the usual long way to the prince’s office in two minutes. Without bothering to knock, I burst inside and quickly went up to the surprised prince.
– Irina? – He got to his feet, and I looked at the man sitting opposite the prince, with whom they had recently talked in the corridor. At that moment Samira burst into the office.
– Mr. Ali, – she tried to catch her breath, – sorry… I didn’t have time…
He nodded his head and motioned her to stop.
– You immediately explain to me what is happening here! – I demanded.
Ali looked at me and for the first time since I recognized him, she saw how nervous he was.
– Please leave Ms. Mironova and me alone.
The gray-haired man and Samira immediately left the office.
– Why are they discussing your upcoming wedding on your local television… with me! – With every word, my voice grew louder and toward the end of the sentence turned into a hysterical screech.
– Have a seat, – he pointed to the place where the old man was sitting a minute ago.
– Now explain everything to me! – I did not budge.
– I will explain, to begin with, calm down and sit down.
He went to the cabinet behind him, slowly opened it, dialed the code on the safe and took out a folder from there. I took a deep breath and sat in the place that I had been offered before.
– What is it? – I looked suspiciously at the papers offered to me.
– These are three copies of the contract with your father. One in Arabic, Russian and English. Check it out.
Without understanding anything, I looked at the prince and with a trembling hand opened the folder.
– What does this have to do with what I saw on TV a few minutes ago? – I looked at him, puzzled.
– The most direct, – he answered in a businesslike tone and sank too gracefully into a leather chair.
I cast another look at him and began to examine the papers. Having chosen a variant of the agreement drawn up in Russian, I quickly began to study it. Mr. Ali waited patiently while I read it.
– I do not understand anything. – So far it is talking about your rights and obligations, and not about my father. – I looked at him point blank, which caused a smile on his face.
– The last page of the contract, the highest point.
– In exchange for all the money provided to the borrower, he, his wife and their youngest daughter undertake … – I swallowed a lump in my throat – some kind of nonsense…
– Read to the end he ordered.
I blinked several times, seriously thinking if I had lost my mind in this house.
– … he undertakes to give his eldest daughter Mironova Irina Yuryevna to marry the crown prince of the emirate Sheikh Ali ibn Amir al-Azar, that is, to ensure the stay and acquaintance of Mironova I. Yu in the UAE, not to interfere with their communication, cohabitation, and also Do not violate the rights to their privacy. Communication of the Mironov family and I. Yu. will be carried out with the permission and only under the personal control of the Crown Prince of the Emirate Sheikh Ali ibn Amir al-Azar or his authorized representative. – I put the papers aside and looked in shock at the calm prince, feeling a little dizzy. – This is a joke?