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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