PROLOGUE
THE GRAND CHAMBER OF THE PALACE WAS ADORNED WITH BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRIES AND FLICKERING CANDELABRAS, casting a warm glow upon the room. At the center of it all, Sultan Harun Al-Farouk, the regal ruler of Qurac Kingdom, sat upon his ornate throne, his aged eyes filled with a mixture of wisdom and regret.
Wazir Abdul Rahim, trusted confidant, advisor and dear friend, entered, bowing low in greeting, his weathered face etched with concern. He had known the king for decades, witnessing the weight of his responsibilities and the sacrifices he had made for his kingdom.
Harun motioned for the Wazir to approach him. the king's voice, though soft and weary, carried an air of authority. "Abdul Rahim, my loyal friend, come closer."
Abdul Rahim stepped forward, his eyes locked with the king's, waiting for his words. The air in the chamber seemed to hold its breath, as if aware of the importance of this moment.
With a sigh, Harun reached for a small, sealed scroll resting on a velvet cushion beside him. He held it delicately, the weight of his regrets palpable in his touch. "Abdul Rahim, I have a secret to entrust to you, a secret that weighs heavy upon my heart."
The Wazir's brows furrowed in concern as he took a step closer to his King. "Your highness, whatever burden you carry, know that I am here to listen and assist in any way I can."
Harun nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you, my friend. You have always been a strong support to me. I must confess that I have not been the father I wished to be for my son, Malik. I have been consumed by the duties of the throne, neglecting the bond between a father and his son."
Abdul Rahim's gaze softened, his empathy evident. "Your Highness, ruling a kingdom is no easy task. It is natural that some sacrifices must be made."
The king's eyes held a flicker of remorse as he continued. "Indeed, sacrifices have been made, but I fear that in my pursuit of securing the future of our country, I have inadvertently caused my son great pain."
Curiosity mingles with concern, Abdul Rahim leaned in closer, urging the king to share his burden. "What secret do you wish to entrust to me, your Highness?"
With a heavy sigh, Harun handed the sealed scroll to him, "This scroll contains my deepest regret and a request. It is a seal, a promise to my son. I have written that—" he whispers the words to him.
Abdul Rahim's eyes widened in surprise, realizing the significance of the king's words. "Your Highness, are you certain? This is an extraordinary request."
The king's voice grew softer, tinged with a touch of sorrow. "I am certain my friend."
Abdul Rahim bowed his head, his voice filled with reverence, "I will honor your request, your highness, and keep this secret until the time is right. it will be as you wished."
A bittersweet smile crossed Harun's face as he clasped the 's hand. "Thank you, my dear friend. Your unwavering loyalty brings me peace. May the winds of fate guide my son to love and happiness, and may he forgive his father for the burdens he unknowingly placed upon him."
And so, with shared understanding and a solemn promise, Abdul Rahim accepted the sealed scroll, holding within it the King's hopes and regrets.
CHAPTER ONE
EMMA THOMPSON STOOD ON THE BUSTLING STREETS OF THE VIBRANT CITY OF BARCELONA, her eyes wide with wonder. She had always been drawn to the energy of urban landscapes, where art and culture intertwined seamlessly. It was in this city that she hoped to find inspiration, a place where her dreams could take flight. Her parents were not surprised when she informed them that she is heading to Spain for a four weeks training, they already know their child is a free spirited one.
Emma's love for art was right from childhood and her parents encouraged and nurtured it. growing up in the small town of Louisiana and surrounded with people that geniuely love and appreciates her passion for art, she grew to become a great artist and with her drawings she tells compelling stories of the people around her.
It was her love for exploration and desire to learn new techniques that brought her all the way from Lousianna to Barcelona.
It was an opportunity she never imagined will be opened to her. Finally all her dreams seems to be aligning. Having an art gallery and giving back to her community by training young girls has been her desire, and learning under one of the best artist in Barcelona is a one in a life time opportunity.
As she walked along the crowded sidewalk, a melodic tune caught her attention. The sound of a guitar strumming and a soulful voice filled the air, luring her towards a small square. The melodious sound pulled her in like an invisible robe and she could not help but satisfy her curiousity.
There, under the shade of a towering oak tree, she saw him, a man with an aura of mystery that instantly captivated her.
A striking figure, blessed with a combination of classic Arabian features and a modern charm that sets him apart. Standing at a tall and commanding 6 feet, he possesses an athletic build that reflects his active lifestyle and love for outdoor activities.
His thick, raven-black hair cascades in soft waves, reaching just below his ears, framing his face with a touch of effortless elegance. His expressive eyes are a mesmerizing shade of deep, rich brown, sparkling with a mix of intensity and warmth that is effortlessly drawing people in.
Emma could not help but stare at the man, apparently she was not the only one captivated by his looks and melodious voice. The crowd with half of them being women, both young and old stares at the mysterious man with rapt attention.
At Twenty-three she has met few men but none like this stranger that commands her attention.
Malik's fingers danced effortlessly across the guitar strings, his voice connects with a depth that stirred something deep within Emma's soul. She felt an inexplicable connection, as if his music had reached into the very core of her being.
Intrigued, Emma draw much closer to the impromptu gathering of onlookers, unable to tear her gaze away from Malik's mesmerizing performance. As the final notes of his song faded into the air, a hush fell over the crowd, followed by enthusiastic applause and cheers.
Malik glanced up, his dark, expressive eyes connected with Emma's as he bowed to the crowd's applause. His facial features exude a regal allure, with high cheekbones, a chiseled jawline, and a perfectly sculpted nose. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, as if they were the only two souls in the universe. A smile tugged at the corners of Malik's lips, and he extended his hand towards her.
"Care to join me?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.
Emma did not even think to decline as she stepped away from the dispersing crowd towards him. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Without hesitation, she accepted his offer, taking a seat beside him on the weathered wooden bench as he starts parking his guitar.
"I hope you enjoyed the music, im a little bit rusty" he said, his voice coming out husky.
"Yes I did very much" Emma mutters, totally captivated. Despite how casually dressed he was in the free flowing light white shirt and pant he commands a sort of authority she can not even explain, neither does he look like he needed money since he did not even place any hat on the ground, nor keep his guitar case open.
"Pardon my manners, I'm Malik." Extending his hand towards her for an handshake.
He claps her dainty hand in his, not letting go as he rose to his full height, tugging her up with him.
Becca chuckles, "This is not normal you know." Really hoping she is not the only one feeling the unexplainable pull between them.
"I totally agree, I cant just help myself. I think I have met with destiny"
"You will have to release my hand at some point" she pointed out, not really meaning it.
"I guess, but not until you tell me your name and you agree to let me buy you dinner." He said, a smiling tugging at the seams of his lips.
"Fine, my name is Emma, im not sure about dinner but I can do lunch tomorrow" she quickly added.
"Wonderful. It is nice to meet you Emma, I will release you before you start thinking im weird or something, just so you know I don't go about holding young damsel like you captive, this is a first for me" he explained, both now walking down the bustling street.
"Frankly I don't think you are weird, and this has never happened to me before as well."
"Can I have your number please?" he asked, bringing out his phone.
"Sure" reeling off her cell number.
"Thank you, I will call you."
"Alright, this is where I take my leave, see you tomorrow" Emma said.
"See you tomorrow Emma" he said with great relunctance.
"Goodnight Malik" She mutters his name, as if trying to test it again on her lips, before stepping into the cab she flagged down.