...Description:...

...The Crowned prince...

...Shahzaib Al-Qadri, set out to explore the southern kingdom for the very first time. He was exhilarated for the adventurous trip with his companions but what he did not expect was, he would come across an ethereal Maiden...

...Inaya Al-Amir, who managed to steal his breath away at mere first sight....

...Even though the lady belonged from a wealthy merchant family but she was no nobel....

...A royal prince was expected to be marrying a royal princess for it would determine the future of the Empire....

...A formidable emperor needs a vehement empress....

...Marriage between Royals are more of a convenience where feeling had very less value....

...Will the ruling emperor accept a citizen, as the Crowned princess and allow for her to rule beside the crowned Prince?...

...What will Shahzaib choose when he was given only two choices, the throne or his love?...

Preview :

Who are you?", Inaya asked, her voice was stoic and commanding. She pressed on the well built male's chest more, pressing the knife on the throat as a warning to obey her or she wouldn't hesitate to slice that neck.

For the first time in his life he was surrendering willingly.

"Can not you speak, you ignorant disrespectful hooligan", she exclaimed in frustration,

"Considering our current situation, I shall not be the one to be addressed as hooligan", came a heavy manly voice which gave shivers down the lady's spine.

"Do not try to twist the situation.. It is you who has been following me like a shameless stalker", she pressed the daggers more which gave a scratch on the prince's throat nevertheless, he did not even blink.

"My dignity would never allow me to commit such hideous act, my lady", he stated firmly,

"Your words extremely contradict your action", She narrowed her eyes at the other who let out a gruff chuckle which sounded unreasonably attractive.

"I concede that my actions may seem like the accusations you have pressed upon me, but have faith in me for I am a slave of the Almighty, I shall never dishonor a woman", he exclaimed sincerely.

Inaya's fierce facade faltered for a mere seconds but she again narrowed her eyes.

"I am no fool.. Nevertheless I do not wish to be seen with an unknown man", Inaya finally retreated her weapon.

"If you claim to be innocent then do not show me your fa-well do not appear before me", she cleared her throat awkwardly for the male's face was already covered. Shahzaib bit his lips to stop the laugh that almost slipped out but he remained unmoving nonetheless.

She glared at him before storming off.

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...This story contains:...

...Muslim characters....

...Medieval Royal setting....

...Fictional Empire/kingdoms....

...Halal romance fantasy....

...Drama/angst....

...Happy ending....

...*+:｡.｡　｡.｡:+*...

...Family Tree:...

...Shahzaib Al-Qadri...

...Age - 25...

...Height - 6 ft....

...Crowned Prince of Azurah Empire....

...Mother - Zahra Al-Quraishi. (present empress)...

...Father - Nawaz Al-Qadri. (present emperor)...

.......

.......

...Inaya Al-Amir....

...Age - 20...

...Height - 5'6 ft....

...Mother - Sarah Khan....

...Father - Hammad Al-Amir. (wealthy merchant)...

...*+:｡.｡　｡.｡:+*...

...Disclaimer:...

...The characters in the book follow the religion of Islam....

...But name of the kingdoms are fictional....

...The characters are not perfect because humans can never be and this book is nothing but a product of my own imagination, thus DO NOT RELATE THE STORY WITH REALITY....

...I tried my hardest to portray the beauty of my religion but as I said my characters are not perfect thus they do not represent the religion...

...itself....

...I repeat DO NOT TAKE THE STORY TO YOUR HEART AND MAINTAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REALITY AND FICTION....

...Feel free to ask if you have any questions.....

...*+:｡.｡　｡.｡:+*...

...Copyright © the_amethyst_...

...The book is published in the year 2024....

...All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced,...

...distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including...

...photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical...

...methods, without the prior written consent of the author, except...

...iN the case of brief quotation embodied in critical reviews and...

...various other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law....

...The resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, locales,...

...or events is entirely coincidental....

White shirt, made out of fine fabric were glided through the toned, buff, veiny arms, brushing past the honey toned skin before the buttons were clasped hiding the puffed out chest, prominent abdominal muscles and tucked inside the fine fabric of black trousers.

Two attendants, tied the thin thread securing the wrist making it look more elegant. A black robe was held behind for the taller male to slide his arms through the sleeves before holding the colars and jerking it closer making it comfortable as per his preference before allowing the attendents to secure the threads.

A pair of black riding shoes, were placed on the ground as he put his feet inside, letting the server to tie the laces tightly.

The dark raven hairs which matched the color of the mid night sky, were styled properly before, wrapping a fancy black turban, leaving a corner to fall on his side to cover half of his face later. Completing his appearance by applying some expensive Itr (perfume), extracted from a rare flower brought from far away land which gives a fruity yet manly fragrance, complementing his own natural musky scent.

"Greetings, your Royal highness", Zaid, his personal loyal head attandant, greeted, receiving a curt nod in return as the aforementioned was studying his appearance in the beautiful floor-length mirror.

"His majesty, The emperor and Her majesty, The empress wish for you to accompany them for breakfast before you depart for the hunt, my Prince", the head attendant spoke with his eyes casted down on the ground, showcasing his respect for the royal.

"Certainly", mumbled the crowned prince.

The sound of boots striking the porcelain floor echoed through the silent hallways as the Crown Prince of the Azurah Empire walked with his head held high, his posture exuding power and dominance.

"Assalamu Alaikum, mother, father", said the prince with a respectful gesture before he stood in front of the royal dinning which could hold the capacity for twenty people to feast on at once but at the moment only the emperor and empress was seated at the far end of the massive wooden table.

"Walaikum Assalam",

His greeting was returned with a prideful smile of his father , as his mother smiled warmly before saying,

"Come join us for breakfast, my dearest",

The prince walked towards his parents before sitting down opposite to his mother with his father in the middle, allowing the server to place his food in front of him.

"When are you departing for your desired adventure, son?", asked Emperor Nawaz before taking a sip of his freshly extracted orange juice.

"At noon, father", replied the prince receiving a nod.

"What's your destination this time?", came a question from the queen.

"The south, mother. It is amusing how the palace ground is near the southern kingdom, yet we never explored the referred land", the prince let out a chuckle before taking a bite of his food.

"Right.. Because my son loves adventure and what can be more intriguing than exploring far away land of different kingdoms and giving worries to his mother, isn't it?", the empress humoured but the prince could clearly feel the somberness behind those words.

The empress was never fond of the idea of the prince going on adventurous trips regardless of distance, direction and days. No matter how strong her son was or how many men are accompanying the prince, a mother's worry filled heart would always beat for her child's well being.

The emperor cleared his throat and chose to remain silent because it was between the mother and son, and his involvement would only lead to unnecessary argument. Not that, he wasn't worried for his only son, but being a prince and next heir, he should learn to be brave enough to face all kind of situation. And getting familiar with the lands and spending time with commoners as a disguise also had it's own benevolent perks. This way the prince would know his people's need, happiness and sorrow more clearly.

Heaving out a soft breath, the prince kept the spoon down and looked up at his mother whose pretty eyes were glistening with unshade tears, it always did whenever he depart for his trips around different kingdoms or far away lands.

"Mother, this has been a never ceasing conversation. I always assure you my return without any scratch on my body and I always do. Please mother try to understand me.. I want to explore as much as I can before I take over father and involve in political affairs. Once I am crowned, will be caged between my responsibilities but untill then I wish to enjoy my freedom to the fullest, please mother", the prince completed his explanation with a plea.

The empress replied with a timid nod in reply without looking up from her cutlery.

"Zahra, azizi (my dear).. We should respect our son's decision untill he is bound within the four walls of the palace ground, is not it? You, above all should understand him more", the emperor muttered in a soft voice, rubbing his empress's hand that were placed on the table.

"I understand, Janem (darling).. I have never restricted you, my son, nor will I. It is just my worries are clouding my sanity.. Live your life to the fullest azizem (my dearest)..", empress Zahra said with a small smile on her beautiful face.

The prince stood up and walked around his father to reach his mother before turning her and kneeling down in front of the older, taking her hands in his.

"Thank you, mother", he placed a kiss on his mother's knuckles making his parents smile.

"Now tell me what you wish for me to bring as a present?", came a cheerful question from the prince.

The empress chuckled at the enthusiasm,

"Return back my son without a scratch that is all I wish for", she said caressing the young male's cheeks lovingly filling his heart with warmth.

"As long as your dua and my Rabb is with me, no harm can touch my skin", the prince assured, which brought a smile on the empress's face as he stood up before returning to his seat.

"Shahzaib.. After your return, I would like for you to consider all the matrimonial proposals. You need a Princess by your side before the coronation", the emperor stated firmly, considering the matter was serious.

"As you wish, father", Shahzaib nodded nonchalantly.

"Does your heart belong to someone, my dearest?", the empress asked with a sweet smile.

"I believe not, mother", Shahzaib replied.

"wonderful.. I will prepare everything and arrange the royal meetings with the eligible Princesses before your return", the empress chirped in excitement.

"If that is what makes you happy, mother", Shahzaib smiled, there was nothing more he wants than the happiness of his birth-givers and his empire.

A guard walked in, informing Shahzaib about the arrival of his three companions who are the highest rank generals of the army, happened to be his close friends as they were trained under one master.

"Give me permission to depart, father, mother", Shahzaib said respectfully. The emperor and empress hugged him dearly before the prince bid his farewell and left to prepare for his departure and meet with his companions.

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"Greetings, your highness", three men said in unison with a exaggerated bow which had the prince to crack a chuckle.

"You may rise, peasants", the youngest played along as the others scoffed at him with the choice of his words.

"Whom are you calling peasant? We surely know your deepest secrets which can end you within seconds", scoffed the oldest among them.

"It wasn't me who started these formal greetings, Sahir", said the prince with a roll of his eyes.

"See this ungrateful excuse of a brother, rolling his eyes at his elders, huh?", the second eldest exclaimed wrapping his arms around the prince's neck such a way to imitate chocking him which had the others to laugh at the actions.

"My guards would have your head within a swift movement of my fingers, at such audacity, Harun", the prince playfully said which earned him a playful smack from another.

"Well we are you highest generals, who would dare to have their sword on us", smirked Sarim.

"My Prince, the horses are loaded with necessities and ready for the journey", informed a guard interrupting the fun conversation.

"Alright.. Let's start our journey then, shall we", Sarim exclaimed with immense excitement in his voice.

The three men mounted on their own horses as the prince walked up to his own white stallion which matched the color of snow. Even though it has a look of an angel, yet, it's size was as majestic as a beast. It was believed that the crowned prince's stallion was the prettiest as well as strongest throughout the entire empire.

"Hey there, Aqwa, how have you been?", Shahzaib's eyes were soft indicating his affection for the animal, the stallion neighed as if providing a positive reply to the prince who chuckled in adoration before he mounted on it.

Turning around he was met with the emperor and empress who were standing on the balcony smiling down at him sweetly. The prince returned the smile with a nod of his head as he left for their journey followed by three of his close friends and seven other royal guards.

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Clopping of hooves on the solid mud road and the neighing of horses resonated around the thick forest interrupting the peaceful silence of the starry night. The brightness of the moon was the only source of light, showing the path to the prince and his companions.

The crowned prince raised his hand indicating to slow down which his companions followed suit.

"It is time for Salat-ul-Isha (night prayer) we should find an appropriate place to set out camp for the night", came a command from the Prince.

"Your Royal Highness.. Shall we shelter around this area, there is a small lake in few meters distance", hollard Harun from the west side.

"If there is water, then the area is prone to have wild animals", the prince stated.

"No need to worry, my prince, we will take turn to guard throughout the night but we need water as the last drop has been consumed hours ago", a guard suggested.

"Alright then.. Let's make the temporary shelter here itself", announced the prince as he hopped down from his dear stallion and tied the knot securely around a tree, near a thick bush for the animal to fest on.

"Provide some water to the horses as well", instructed the prince before walking away.

It had been three days, they were on their expedition, exploring the forest and hunting their desired animals. They were heading towards the ocean and would like to explore the town near the beach. Most of the Empire's merchant and traders resides in the southern town, making it a richer place than other villages, ocean being the fastest route for their shipments.

Generally, it takes a full rotation of earth to reach the town from the palace ground, if taken the fastest route without stopping. However, the prince chose the lengthy route through the forest as he wanted to hunt, which was his favourable hobby.

The prince walked through the narrow path with his companions laughing and goofing around to reach the lake and drank water to quench his thirst. A guard placed a wooden bucket filled with water for the prince to perform wadu (ablution).

After the refreshing moment the generals along with the prince got ready to offer the Salah (prayer). The prince stood at the front, leading the prayer as his companion stood behind him in two rows.

"Allahu Akbar (Allah is greatest)",

After the prayer, everyone settled around the fire created by the guards, to start roasting the dear meat that they hunted the day before.

The prince was clad in black cotton trouser and loose white shirt, the others wore similar clothes as they would like to take rest comfortably before they start their journey again at dawn.

The warmth of fire was complementing the coldness of the night. Fortunately, it was not winter otherwise it would have been difficult to stay under the open sky.

"Would you like to fasten the journey or explore the forest more, my Prince?", asked Sahir before tearing the roasted meat with his teeth.

"The town is near hence we would not stop any longer", Shahzaib replied as he chewed on the loaf of bread before grabbing the chunk of meat and putting it in his mouth.

"Certainly",

"Ohm! the meat is really tender and delicious", exclaimed Harun as others agreed with a satisfied moan.

"Here have some sweet juice, my Prince", Sahir offered a wooden glass filled with brewed grape juice.

"Oh! Seems like your stock isn't empty yet", the prince received the glass chuckling.

"Ahh! can't let that happen now, can we?", the remark made everyone laugh.

And soon the surrounding wasn't peaceful anymore as the late night fun talks started messing up with the men's sanity. Harun and Sahir were narrating some local poetry, imitating a professional shayaar as the others laughed at the weird gestures and expressions. The prince was having the time of his life as he accompanied them in their silliness.

I always let my guards down when I am with you guys, once said the prince to his fellow generals. It was when they were mere adolescence training to become strong warriors.

That was how Crowned Prince of Empire of Azura, Shahzaib Al-Qadri was. He had never discriminated among the people neither cared for social ranks because he believed human are all equal, nothing but a slave of the Almighty.

He always allowed himself to enjoy with his companions during his journey, forgetting about his Royal status.

He felt suffocated in the palace because he had to maintain his princely behavior and protocols to show the dominance a royal had over the commoners, moreover out there in the open ground under the wide night sky, he felt free as if he could finally breath.

His parents were the sweetest, most loving people he had ever met but when it was the matter of duty they were strictest. The Empire laws were formed by giving priority to the instructions in the Quran, they followed them strictly and taught Shahzaib to follow their footsteps.

Although, he loved them dearly, but he also wished he could live like a commoner. With high rank comes bigger responsibility and expectations, at some time it gets really exhausting to fullfil it.

Shahzaib was certainly aware, this trip would be his last as a care free bachelor, because as soon as his return, he would be engaged with a royal blood whoever would manage to grab his and his parent's attention, to fullfil the most important duty of finding an eligible Crowned Princess of Azura.

He did not dislike the thought of marriage for it was a holy bond very dear too the Almighty but he wanted to feel the pure serenity of love before marrying any Princess which would be a marriage of convenience. He did not wish to form any haram (forbidden) relationship, just wanted to allow his heart to choose his spouse and leave the rest in the hand of his Creator.

The guards took turns to sleep, needing to protect the area and their prince. The three men slept in their own places along with the prince when exhaustion filled their nerves.

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The sun rose decorating the sky with orangish hue, sooner than expected which woke the peacefully sleeping men. They freshened up in the lake before offering Salat-ul-Fajr (morning prayer) and changed into commoner's clothes before starting their journey again.

It was almost mid noon when the men arrived at the town. The prince was leading them in front letting his stallion to walk slowly through the cobble stone road, looking around in fascination.

The town was really beautiful but chaotic. They were passing by the main market, the shoop keepers were shouting the prices and best deals, some were quarreling regarding the price and quantity, some were laughing and giggling among themselves specially the women, numerous adorable children were playing around. Everyone was busy in their own world.

The sudden arrival of the group of men in horses did not surprise the citizens, the town being famous for trading, many men around the empire stop by for best deals.

The prince was admiring the surrounding, feeling more happy when no one came forward to greet him formally. He was in disguise, wearing common clothes like brown cotton trouser and white long shirt with a brown wide belt around the waist, his Keffiyeh (turban) was tied in such a way that his face was covered and shoes were no longer polished leather riding boots rather it was made of cheap material just like the commoners use. Even his companions were clad in common attires.

The Prince did not like the way even clothes were discriminated as per the social ranks nevertheless he could do nothing but to oblige. He wished to change numerous rules when he would be the Emperor.

They hopped down from their horses as a guard led them towards a cottage which they rented for their stay. They couldn't explore much due to the exhaustion and everyone slept early when the night fell, after offering the timely prayer.

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The peaceful slumber of the Prince was disturbed when the first ray of sun fell on his handsome face which came in through the open curtains. He forgot to close them when he woke up for morning prayer. Groaning softly, he stood up to close the curtain and laid again, wanting to sleep more but it wasn't possible any longer.

After minutes of tossing and turning on the single bed, the prince gave up on sleeping and sat up while yawning and stretching the sore muscles of his toned bulky body.

Walking out of his room which he shared with Sarim, for the cottage had only four rooms, came across two sleeping guards, without alerting them of his presence, he walked outside towards the well. Two buckets were already filled with water hence he took a quick bath and completed his morning activities.

He changed his clothes into simple clean ones and grabbed his dagger along with a pouch of coins, not forgetting to hide his face with his keffiyeh before leaving the cottage without disturbing his fellow men's sleep.

The prince was certain that other than rich merchants who generally traded with the Nobels and the Royal Palace, no one would recognize him but still precaution had to be taken.

The roads were almost empty considering the time to be very early hour of the morning, surrounded with peaceful silence. Chirping of birds and cool breeze was giving a more mesmerising experience as the prince walked towards the town square.

Only few shops are open and some were preparing to start their day where as some are closed. Bakery stalls and flower shops were open explaining the few people who were buying breads and fresh flowers, some were just walking by indulged in their own world.

The prince bought some freshly baked bread and settled on a bench near the fountain, built in the middle of the square. He was chewing the mentioned food while looking around but his sharp hazel almond orbs halted on a particular flower shop, more specifically on a particular maiden.

Cool breeze brushed over the silky smooth material of the hijab scarf slightly swaying it backwards, revealing the flawless forehead before it returns back to it's original place.

Cute little nose scrunched up adorably, inhaling the sweet fragrance from the pinkish flowers, the enormous eyes flutter open revealing a pair of unique Sapphire-blue lenses glistening like the brightest star, long think lashes brushing on the natural rosy cheeks, a sweet smile formed on the ethereal face, glimpses of sparkly white teeth peeking out from the pair of lucious cherry lips, adding more beauty to the surreal face.

The prince was awestruck seeing the mysterious woman. There wasn't any proper words which would give justice to the beauty she held or perhaps the prince might not be properly literate to know the exact term.

The royal man had explored numerous lands since his adolescent age but never did he come across such enchanting beauty, ever in his span of 27 years of life. Even the purest royal bloodline did not possess such features.

The remaining small loaf of bread fell from the prince's hand as his mouth remained ajar. His breath was caught inside the throat but he did not feel suffocated rather felt like inhaling the pure fresh morning air. Heart was thumbing inside his chest but he did not feel the pain rather felt refreshing as if all of his organs were renewed after years of rust.

Before he could return back to reality, the mysterious beauty was gone.

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