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SARAFINA.
The meal was finally over and the maids had already cleared the table.
"I should leave now, Maximus" I said and stood up with Jafar.
"Ah, Sarafina it was a pleasure meeting you" Maximus replied.
I grinned widely, it was really nice meeting you Prince Maximus Egor, only that accepting me into your house is the beginning of your woes.
"It was an huge pleasure meeting you and having a meal with the royal family" I replied and placed my hands over Jafar's shoulder.
"And it was nice seeing you again, Stepmother... My regards to my step sisters" I said to Kayla and winked at her.
She gasped and nodded and quickly averted her gaze from me. I grinned again "let's go Jafar" I said and pulled him out.
"Hey, what's the relationship between your father and my stepmother?" I asked Jafar as we made our way back to his chambers.
"Uhm..... Actually they are kind of friends" he replied, stammering.
"Oh, friends... How come I never knew? You know I tend to know all of her friends, this is all just sudden.... Is it a recent kind of friendship, maybe one that started while I was away huh" I pressed on.
He stopped and looked at me. "Are you alright, Sarafina?"
"Sorry, what? What kind of questions is that?" I asked stopping as well.
"You don't know? You've been acting so out of character today I don't seem to understand why... Is there something you are not telling me?"
A full smirk formed on my lips as I turned to him, my hair whipping to my back in the process. "How about you Jafar Egor" I said.
"What?"
"Is there something you are not telling me?" I asked folding my arms across my chest and peering right into his eyes.
He took a step backwards, carefully avoiding my stare. "I can't possibly hide something from you, can I?"
"Is that an admission to guilt?"
He shrugged, running his hands through his hair. "Probably" he replied.
"So I am right if I say there more to your father and Kayla than being just friends?"
"Yes and that's all I'm going to tell you, besides you should avoid me and my father from now on, we are not good people" he stated.
Like I didn't know. "Why?" I asked feigning ignorance.
"Stop asking questions Sarafina and do as I say"
"You saying that is making me more curious, what are you hiding Jafar" I asked using my skeptical look on him.
"Why can't you just take it that I want to protect you and I don't know how, this is the only way I can do that.... Stay away from me"
I scoffed inwardly, did he say protect me... Was he thinking of that when he used me? Who does he even think he is fooling.
"I have always been known as an obedient lady, but you asking me to stay away from you is piquing my curiosity and awakening a stubborn side I wasn't even aware of having" I said, clicking my tongue.
"Nothing I say will convince you right?"
I nodded vehemently. "Nothing, absolutely nothing"
"Then do as you wish" he stated and turned around to leave, he faced me again. "Don't say I didn't warn you Sarafina he said finally and left.
I stared at his retreating back and chuckled "Doing as I wish as always been my priority Jafar, so I really intend to do that" I whispered and started walking back to the maid quarters.
Only that unfortunately for me Ditya and her maids, Insia and Sherry were standing at the front of the quarters. I totally forgot I was working for Ditya.
"Hi Ditya" I said smiling.
"Huh... Did you just call my name without the title?" She said furiously and I could practically see the steam coming off her ears.
"Ah... I'm so sorry princess Ditya, mind my manners" I replied, sarcasm dripping in my tone.
She scoffed, fanning herself with her fingers she moved a step towards me. "Did you suddenly forget you work for me Sarafina?" She asked.
"I think so, I was so engrossed in my other jobs that I totally forgot working for you, pray forgive me dear princess for my forgetfulness" I said bowing my head a little too much.
A mock bow to be precise.
"Follow me" she said.
"Of course, princess" I replied and winked at Sherry who was just looking at me with sheer surprise while Insia glared at me.
I grinned at her and faced front.
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Mila fiddled with her fingers as she stood before at Forbes sitting on the throne.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" He asked her, seeing her uneasiness for the past five or so minutes.
"Yes but I think some privacy will be required" Mila replied looking around at the guards and maids present.
"Okay then" Forbes said and got up. "Let's go to the chambers"
Mila agreed and followed him, they met Jamal and Khan on their way going.
"Ammi, Appa" Jamal walked towards them.
Forbes narrowed his eyes and looked at Mila who had her head bowed. "Ammi? Appa?" He asked, Jamal has never used the native pet names for parents before, why was he suddenly using it. Forbes was confused..
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about"
"Ammi are you okay?" Jamal asked.
"I'm fine, just go on ahead... I need to speak with your father"
"Of course, but I have to steal him away once you are done" Jamal replied with a smile and patted his father's back.
"See you later Appa" he said.
"Be careful son" Forbes replied quietly, still staring at his son in shock.
Jamal smiled again and walked out while Mila and Forbes entered the chambers.
"Start talking Mila" Forbes ordered.
Mila nodded shakily. "Jamal has been cured" she stated.
"What!!"
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SARAFINA.
"On second thoughts, I think I need to see my betrothed first, right Insia?" Ditya suddenly said when we were already halfway to her courts.
"Of course princess, it won't be polite if you have not seen him in two days" Insia replied.
No! Please don't turn. Please don't turn. I closed my eyes, squeezing my knuckles tightly. "What are you still doing there Sarafina !!" I heard Ditya scream at me.
I opened my eyes to see her already four feet away from me. He can't remember you, right? I reminded myself.
Right he can't remember me, I completely wiped his memories if me away and that's because it is for the best.
Yes! I squared up my shoulders and followed.
"Speaking of the prince, here he is" Insia announced.
What! I looked up to see that we were directly in front of him and Khan.
So much for avoiding him. I took a step to Sherry's back hoping he won't see me. His eyes looked like it was fixed on Ditya as Khan whispered something to his ear.
"Hi Jamal" Ditya purred, he smiled at her and then peered right at me? Me?
Scratch manners! I gathered up my skirt and took to my heels.
"Wait!" I heard his voice.
It is not me, is it.... I kept running until I heard footsteps behind me. I stopped breathing heavily and turned around.
"Huh!" He was standing there, his chest rising and falling.
"I asked you to wait"
"Me?" I blinked.
"Me?" I asked again, already taking steps back.
He suddenly grabbed my hands and pulled me close. "Ja....Jamal?" I stammered.
"Where did you think you are running to?" He asked, his breath fanning my neck as he was so dangerously close.
I shivered. He forgot me right? Or did he?
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