Haifa was too preoccupied in her thoughts when the palanquin came to a stop, and only when the guards called out to her did she pull back the curtain and step out. As soon as she set foot on the ground, Haifa brushed away her thoughts whilst straightening out her dress and looked up to see the Prince standing under the shade of the entrance.

Her Prince.

Just the mere sight of him, made her chest tug towards his direction. A smile leapt across her features, unable to conceal her delight. From where she stood, the scar was a faded line across his face but she could have sworn, just below it, the corner of his lips rose a little in response, but their distance made it hard to tell.

Beside him, was his dear cousin, who immediately started speed-walking towards Haifa with a gleaming grin on her playful features.

"Welcome back, Habeebati! I missed your dearest company!" Thaina greeted, engulfing Haifa in a tight hug, before cupping her cheeks. "My goodness, you have lost weight!"

Haifa chuckled.

"I have only been gone for four days! Besides, with all the wedding food I've eaten, I'm pretty sure I have gained rather than lost," she explaining, earning a laugh from her sister-in-law.

Leaning against a towering pillar, Abbas watched the two under the cool shade, Haifa's smile instantly clearing away the stress and anxiousness he felt over the days she was away. He stood patiently waiting with his arms crossed, as his wife and cousin chatted away, taking steady steps towards him.

Oh, how he wished they would walk faster so he could embrace Haifa, as much as he wanted to the moment she stepped out. But of course, dear Thaina had to beat him to it.

The moment they were an arms distance away and their eyes met, Abbas' mind went blank. He stood with his lips parted, as the words slid right off his tongue.

Haifa grinned.

"It is nice to see you too, Your Highness," she smiled, slightly embarrassed to call him informally in front of Thaina. Haifa knew the Prince had spent the whole morning inside his study, by the way, his ebony hair swept to one side. And it was most likely due to his habit of running his fingers through his hair under moments of stress.

"My my, will you look at that! My cousin has been rendered speechless!"Thaina giggled, and Haifa tapped her lightly on her arm.

The Prince cleared his throat. "Ehm...I have no such...problem,"

"Oh please, we all know how happy you are right now, but you refuse to show it," Thaina teased.

"Habeebati, stop teasing my poor brother,"

At the entrance of a new voice, the three turned to see the Crown Prince striding by, followed by a group of ministers behind him. As he came closer, the ministers fell short behind him, out of respect for their privacy.

"I wouldn't miss a chance to tease him," Thaina said, wrapping an arm around her husband's.

"Salam Your Highness," Haifa greeted.

"Wasalam, it is nice to have you back at the Palace again. The atmosphere has definitely become livelier since you have entered, especially because of these two," he said motioning to his brother and wife. "Their moods have brightened for sure,"

"Did something happen whilst I was away?" Haifa asked, noting how Abbas' demeanour changed in an instant.

"Unfortunately yes," Prince Harun frowned, and Haifa immediately sensed it wasn't good news.

"There was an intruder at the Palace," He started when Abbas cleared his throat, interrupting him.

"I'll explain to her later, but I'm sure my wife would like to rest first after her journey here, " he affirmed, gently wrapping an arm around Haifa's shoulders.

At the sudden gesture, she stiffened. This was the first time they had shown any kind of physical affection in front of their family. Haifa looked up at the Prince wide-eyed, questioning his immediate decision for her.

"I didn't travel that far from the Palace-" she frowned, curious about the incident.

"But I'm sure you are exhausted after a week of celebration," Abbas countered, giving her a firm smile, before turning back to his brother with a stern look.

"We shall leave you to rest and will see you later at Dinner, Inshallah. Thaina Habeebati, will you escort me back inside?" Harun smiled, taking the hint.

"But, Haifa just arrived and I wanted to talk with her still," Thaina responded.

"I am sure you will have the chance to over dinner, but for now, let her rest. Come now, the ministers are reaching boredom whilst waiting for us," he replied gently leading her away.

"But-" Thaina stuttered, as she skipped away.

"Thank you for your concern, but I am completely fi-" Haifa retaliated, but the two had already entered the Palace doors with the ministers following.

Abbas grinned as he watched his older brother walk away, thanking him for giving him the chance to finally be alone with Haifa, and explain.

"Habeebi, what was that all about?" Haifa asked, intrigued by the Prince's strange behaviour. But instead of getting a response, the Prince took her hand in his and pulled her into the Palace, finally stopping when they got to their room.

"Abbas, what is the matter?" She asked again when he let go of her hand.

Sighing, the Prince racked his mind, thinking of a way to slowly break the news to her about the break-in. He knew she would be shocked, but even more so knowing that it happened in their room. He brushed his hair back and turned to face her, only to come face to face with an expression that knocked him off his composure. And words, again.

Without a second thought, Abbas stepped forward and wrapped his arms around his wife, holding her gently against him.

The moment the doors shut behind them, Haifa could not stop the anxiousness. The intruder business must have affected the Prince badly with the strange way he acted the moment the Crown Prince mentioned it. Her mind was on fire, trying to go through a list of possible enemies who would dare to infiltrate the Palace (courtesy of overhearing her father), that she had even forgotten about her own incident. When the Prince sighed, she was ready to hear his explanation and prepare for the worst.

But the moment he took her in his arms, the worrying thoughts completely crumbled away. Haifa stood for a few seconds in complete and utter shock, before her arms slowly moved up to hold him.

The Prince felt her energy and warmth, and it gave him nothing but comfort, easing his mind of the sleepless nights he experienced over the past few days. Nestling his head on her shoulder, Abbas closed his eyes, her familiar sandalwood and rose scent light on his nose.

Haifa daringly placed a hand on the back of his head and stroked lightly, feeling his soft strands properly for the first time. Minutes passed as they stayed in this embrace, until Haifa finally pulled back, bringing a hand to cup his roughened cheek.

"Abbas, tell me," she said softly. "What happened at the Palace?"

The Prince held her gaze, readying his words to tell her what he had been keeping from everyone.

"The same evening you left for your parent's house, an intruder broke into the Palace, more specifically, our room" he sighed, earning a gasp from her.

"How did they manage to break in?"

"They did so with casualties. Sadly, a few guards had been murdered that night,"

"Why didn't you tell me the night it happened?" Haifa asked frustratingly. "You should have at least written to me about it!" She dropped her hand and walked over to their bed to take a seat.

"I knew that if I did, you would come straight back, and I didn't want to bring bad news on such the occasion," The Prince replied, his gaze watching her. "Also, I apologise for not being able to attend the wedding,"

"Abbas, that doesn't matter to me," she sighed.

"You're angry," he muttered.

"Indeed I am! This whole time, I was enjoying myself completely unaware that my husband suffered sleepless nights!" Haifa huffed, unpinning her hijab and neatly folding it.

Abbas smiled. She had noticed his haggard appearance.

He walked over and sat down beside her, wrapping her hand in his.

"I would rather have one of us be happy than the both of us be miserable," he replied, swirling a chestnut strand around his finger. "Besides I didn't want to dampen your excitement during the days you were spending time with your family,"

Sadly, her mood had already been spoiled, but the Prince didn't need to know that.

"Was anything missing?" She questioned a little calmer than before, but the Prince shook his head.

"Mysteriously, nothing was but instead, the intruder left something behind," Abbas finished, before walking over to the vanity, grabbing a small wooden box from the counter. He brought it over to Haifa and opened it, showing her the contents inside.

Haifa took the folded parchment out, and slowly unravelled it, the Prince watching, as her eyes traced over the maroon lettering, before landing on the glinting ring of silver settled in the box. She didn't know what to say, or how to react.

"The ring," Abbas gulped. "It's the exact replica of-of the one he wore,"

"But it can't be the same one, right?" Haifa stuttered.

"No, I-we buried it with him,"

"Then how-"

"I don't know, and there is no way anyone else could have the same design because it was his father's. Not once did I ever see him take it off. He-he always wore it no matter what," The Prince replied, brushing his hair back.

"Harun and your parents are not aware of this, are they?" She asked, immediately knowing the answer when he winced.

"I didn't tell them because the intruder directly addressed his attack on me, besides, I-I am the only one who can resolve this,"

They were both silent.

After finally absorbing everything, Haifa sighed. "What are we going to do?"

"What do you mean we?"

"The person who wrote this will be back, won't they?"

"Yes, but I'll make sure you're in safe custody when it happens,"

"Abbas," she retaliated, but the Prince shook his head.

"Haifa, I can't risk you getting caught up in this. For all we know, they could use you to hurt me, and I-I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if you get hurt," he explained softly, cupping her cheek.

"I appreciate you telling me everything," Haifa reasoned. "But how can you expect me to stand on the side after telling me that you plan on confronting the intruder on your own?"

"Hayaati," Abbas sighed.

"Habeebi, you can't do that to me. You can't expect me to let you face this alone, you can't!" Haifa protested, grabbing his arm.

"I must, for the sake of your safety. With my enemies growing by the day, I am constantly worried that they will do anything or try anything to hurt me and my family, so please please let me do this alone,"

Haifa wished she could tell him, wished she could tell him that there was so much more to her skills with her dagger than what he saw before. After the incident that caused her scar, her father had not wasted a minute in teaching her and her sister the basics of defence with a sword. But, of course, he had to do so in secret, for if others found out, he would be ostracised.

She came to a suitable conclusion.

"Then train me, train me how to defend myself. That way you don't have to constantly worry about my safety," Haifa stated, and immediately the Prince met her frustrated gaze.

"Haifa-"

"You know I can hold my dagger well, so it shouldn't be so hard with a sword," Haifa continued.

"Haifa-I" the Prince stuttered, completely taken aback by her suggestion.

"I can't? If that's the problem, then fine, but I don't understand why our people think it is so illicit for a woman to even hold a sword," Haifa huffed, crossing her arms.

"No it's not that you can't, but-"

"But what?"

"First of all, I am not that shallow and discriminating like other members of our society, who think it is blasphemous to teach a woman how to defend herself," Abbas countered, and the serious tone in his voice set Haifa back.

"And second, I just want to make sure you're serious about this, that you are sure about what you have just said and want to do," Abbas continued.

"Of course I'm sure," Haifa replied, faster than intended.

"Then you also understand that if I were to teach you how to use a sword, there may be others who will feel unsettled by our actions,"

"I understand," she sighed, knowing all too well.

"And you realise that sword training is not as easy as it seems. It requires a lot of effort and strength," Abbas explained.

"And I'm willing to do so, for the sake of alleviating your worries and for my safety,"

The two held their serious gaze.

"The General taught you, didn't he?"

Haifa's eyes widened.

"You already know how to handle a sword, don't you?" he teased, lightening the atmosphere.

"Ehm, well...you're not wrong," she stuttered, dropping her gaze to her fidgeting fingers.

Abbas smirked. "Of course,"

Haifa pressed her lips together.

"Is there anything else you want to tell me Hayaati? Any other hidden skill you have?"

"No..." she mumbled.

"Then we start tomorrow morning,"

***

Diya gulped nervously as the enormous gates creaked open.

She knew she could turn back if she wanted to but before her fear kicked in, she started making slow steps towards the inner barracks of the Military Precinct. As she entered, many men turned her way, completely taken aback by the fact that there was a woman present in a male-dominated domain, but Diya continued forward with her gaze lowered, ignoring their intrigued stares as she followed the guard to the left of the extensively spread structures that formed the main Military Base of Balqaas.

As she was guided, Diya took her time to survey the expanse, slightly in awe at the location her father spent his entire life, to become the general commander he was today. The architecture of the buildings was truly awe-inspiring, almost in-par with the Palace, however, the only difference was that each etching of the walls here seemed to scream out a sense of ferocity and strength.

The precinct did feel bigger now that she was inside. As they came closer, the racket of young boys chattering and howling became clearer, especially after entering another set of large doors that looked like the entrance to the Military Academy.

Had she been a boy, her father would have sent her here to spend her youth, the school's primary purpose of educating and training the sons who were of military background. Alongside normal studies of literacy, mathematics and Islamic studies, pupils were also taught methods of self- defence and swordsmanship, alongside horse riding and historical arts of war and defence.

And why would Diya be here at this particular moment of time, may you ask?

As part of becoming a teacher, it was required of her to participate in a number of hours of training and experience before she could be certified. Without a choice in where she could volunteer, she had been sent to the Military Academy as they were low on staff. And boy, had she not been pleased with the news. Word from previous volunteers told stories of how difficult the position was due to the fact that the whole school consisted of over-energetic young boys. Had she been sent to a girl's school like her other two friends, she would have spent an easy three months earning her certification.

But the choice wasn't in her hands, so instead, Diya tried to push away the negative thoughts and proceed with her situation. The guard led her to a small desk where a plump woman sat with her head down, busy shuffling through stacks of parchment paper, before leaving.

Realising that the woman was not going to spot her any time soon, Diya cleared her voice and shuffled forward.

"Salam, I was sent by the Education Ministry as a volunteer for my teacher training," Diya explained in the most polite voice she could muster. The round lady, grumpily looked up from beneath her spectacles and abruptly dropped the papers on the desk.

"This way," she mumbled, before waddling down the corridor to her left. Diya followed silently, as they made their way down a long outdoor hallway that overlooked a wide space where young boys stood in formation waving wooden swords whilst a stoic young man bellowed commands at them.

"Just through this door," the lady ushered before waddling back the way they came and leaving Diya alone once again. Taking a deep breath, Diya calmed her pounding heart and knocked on the doors, before turning the handle.

Four pairs of eyes greeted her, two were women and the other two men, all of which looked to be around the same age as her own parents or younger.

Diya repeated the same dialogue she had said to the receptionist, and one of the female teachers stood up and took her hands.

"Ah, yes, I do remember being told about some new volunteers, but we were told there would be four," the lady inquired, her brows scrunched in confusion.

"Um, I was only aware that I would be the only volunteer," Diya replied a little quietly.

"I see, well this does tend to happen every year. I hear our school is not very popular when it comes to volunteers," the lady frowned. "But nevertheless, we are glad that one showed up this time! What was your name again, azeezati?"

"Diya," she replied politely.

"Well, from today, you shall be addressed by Ustada Diya!" The lady clapped joyfully. "I am Ustada Jameela! I teach the older classes, and this is Ustada Yusra, Ustad Kalam and Ustad Hamza. " she finished, pointing to her colleges seated behind.

"Is this all the staff here?" Diya whispered to Ustada Jameela, once she had greeted the other teachers.

"Although understaffed, we do have more teachers present. There is Ustad Laith, who you probably heard bellowing at the students outside, and-ah Ustada, I was just about to introduce you to our teacher-in-training!"

Diya turned to face the person who had just entered, and she could have sworn she felt her jaw hit the floor.

"Ah! It's nice to meet you-" the teacher started, before abruptly stopping. "You're Diya, Khalid's cousin!" she beamed, grabbing both Diya's hands.

"Uhm, yes," Diya smiled tensely.

"I'm Ameera! Remember we met at Kawthar's wedding!" she gleamed, her face as bright as the sky outside.

Diya nodded, trying to mimic her overjoyed smile. Of course, she remembered Ameera. How could she forget the girl who was going to potentially marry her cousin?

"So the two of you know each other already?" Ustada Jameela smiled. "That's brilliant! You can work with Ustada Ameera then for your training!"

Her day could not get any worse.

"That is a great idea! I would love to have your help! Despite their liveliness, my pupils are a joy to teach! Are you ok with teaching young boys?" Ameera asked.

"Uhm, I guess?" Diya replied before Ameera engulfed her in a hug.

"I can't wait!" she exclaimed, buzzing with excitement. Diya, on the other hand, was using all of her energy to keep that smile on her face.

"Now now, I appreciate the excitement but let's not forget that Ustada Diya is also here to receive her training," reminded Ustada Yusra from behind them.

"Of course! I'll take good care of Ustada Diya, and make sure she uses her time here well," Ameera smiled, her features lighting up the whole room. "Lunch should be over soon, so we can take you over to introduce you to