HADEWA CALIPHATE,

NIGERIA.

It happened as expected.

After Eric and his men raided the dinner, it got ruined for everyone—especially for the bride that couldn't stop holding her husband's hand tight. She was scared to say the least. She had seen what Eric could do before to people he 'suspects' and she fears being the victim on his cruel sadistic list.

She doesn't know what she would have done without her sister appearing. She had no idea why Eric is after her. Unlike the others in the family, she's no lawyer.

Besides, how can he suspect her of being the one behind what happened? It affected her as much as it did to everyone in the family.

He's obviously targeting her, but why?

To anyone who knows the case, it is really stupid to blame her for it. She couldn't have any motive for it. She's innocent and a victim in it all too.

Although some people weren't particularly happy with the event being called off, they had no choice but to follow the orders seeing as it came from the Queen. No one could go against her, not with the look she's sporting on her face.

It's that 'don't mess with me' look.

That to say didn't mean they did not throw curious glances at the Attorney that marched in her glory and put Eric to shame. They had heard stories about Maya's sister, but haven't met her aside from those that went to deliver the bridal gifts.

They also have no idea she's married to Aali, since the news is only known in between the Prince, the Calipha, Amadu, and a couple of men the Calipha trusts most. That was all. No one else knew, not even the Queen.

She made her way over to the bride once the people started dispersing out. Her guards provided space for her to head towards the bride smoothly who was surrounded by her family. Fahad, Muneer and Aali stood talking to Muneer about the security. Muneer hadn't let go of his wife's hand one bit despite the fact that he was talking to his friends while she is talking to her sister.

When the Queen arrived, she placed a hand on Maya's shoulder. "Let's go together, I won't rest knowing you aren't safe"

Maya's lips curled into a small smile as she nodded slightly. Despite the Queen not being her mother in law, she had been treating her better than her real mother in law has been. Speaking of which, she's sure the woman has left without caring whether she's in safe hands or not.

In simple words, the woman hates her for reasons she's unaware of.

"Muneer, let's go" The Queen moved her gaze to him, who also nodded. Her gaze fell on Aali, who gave her an assuring smile that stated he will fare well on his own. She didn't have to worry about him. If there's one person that can handle himself better than everyone there, it's him.

The next person her gaze met was that of Maya's parents. She offered them a warm smile, reaching her hand out to hold Maya's mother's hands. "Don't worry, I promise, I'll take good care of her"

Maa offered the Queen's hand a small squeeze, "Thank you" She smiled back. "I feel better knowing my daughter is in safe hands"

Abu nodded, a small smile on his face that signifies he agrees with what his wife just said. He didn't have to say it since she did. Besides, his worries simmer down knowing his daughter is in good hands.

With that little exchange over and done with, the three bid the others farewell and made their way out.

Maa turned her gaze to Aria who stood beside her, "You should go too" She said, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.

Aria shook her head slightly, "I'd feel much better if we go together, I don't trust Eric to not harm you in any way"

"I mean; you should go with your husband to your house"

Aria's mouth hung open. "Huh?" Surely they can't just send her off on the very same day she returned.

What sort of arrangement is this? Judging from what she has seen from Maya's wedding—even though she wasn't there to witness it—she knows this isn't their tradition. Isn't there some fancy way of delivering bride to her husband's house? Not that she wants the fanciness or the attention considering she has her own motive for agreeing to marry him but still, they should give her time at least.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten that you're a married woman now?" Maa rose a brow, lips tugging into a slight frown and eyes narrowed slightly in that way that Aria knew she shouldn't mess with her.

Ever since she was a kid, Maa had always spoke of how important and sacred a marriage is. She gave her that same lecture when she agreed to marry Aali, reminding her that she should marry him whole heartily not for some stupid reason. Even though Aria hasn't told her, she knows her daughter better than most.

She won't agree to this marriage simply because she believes he's a good man. Oh please, that would be the biggest lie of the season. Aria must've agreed to the marriage for a reason benefitting for her. Else, she would've turned it down outright.

Not to mention with the little outburst she had when she found out he had asked for her hand in marriage.

"Well, no...but..."

"Great! Everything's settled then. Your stuff has been moved to the palace already so have a good night" Maa grinned, successfully shutting the girl up.

It's as though she's trying to send the girl away. Aria pouted slightly at the thought. If not that there were people around, Aria would've stomped her foot and threw all sorts of tantrums like the kid she is. She is not the baby in the family for nothing.

Before she could part her lips to whine, Maa's eyes moved to the figure that had somehow manage to make his way over to Aria. For how long he has been standing there? Aria had zero idea. "I hope that won't be a problem for you?"

Aali shook his head, offering his mother in law a smile, "No. Not at all Maa"

Maa? When did that one start? Aria wondered.

All Aria wanted to do was to turn around, glare, and then strangle the man. Can't he say something like 'No. She can stay where she wants till she's ready to move?'

How saddening.

Blowing out a low breath, Aria resisted the urge to turn around and glare at him for real. She wasn't angry at him. No, she's annoyed. This was not the space he promised to give her when they talked over the phone that one time.

Does he need her to define space to him? Or maybe she should get him like five dictionaries so she could show him the real definition so it would sink in.

Maa grinned, "Well, that's settled then. You should leave too before it gets late"

Aria moved her gaze to her father for help, but he only shrugged slightly signifying he has no say in it. It's pointless, they both know how stubborn Maa is when she sets her mind to do something.

Blowing out a long, loud sigh; Aria swiveled around to glance at her assistant who stood watching the scene unfold quietly. "You should head back home with Maa and Abu, we'll figure out what to do tomorrow since..."

"No need, I've arranged an accommodation for her" Aali cut her midway.

For the first time that night, Aria swiveled around to glance at him, a brow drawn in and the other raised, "You did?" How could he have arranged an accommodation that fast? It's not like he knew they were coming?

Or did he?

Aali looked down to meet her gaze. Aria wasn't particularly short. No, she's tall; just not like him. But with those heels of hers, she's only a couple inches away from being as tall as he is. "Yes" His lips curled into a smile, "I did"

Aria blinked, lips falling apart slightly, "How..."

Aali glanced back at her assistant, then gestured to Amadu, "He'll take you out. There's a car waiting for you already"

The woman nodded. She has no idea who he is, or how he is related to Aria but she trusts Aria with her life. If the woman didn't speak up to say anything that will show she's unsafe in wherever he's taking her, then she'll do as she's asked.

Without another word more, Aali offered his in-laws a smile before he reached his hand out and held Aria's, pulling her away from them gently.

Aria's eyes widened slightly from the unexpected action. It's official, the man does not know the definition of space. She tried to tug her hand out of his; making a mental note of how there were only a few people left in the hall. Thankfully, he didn't lead them through the front door but rather, through the back door where no one saw them slip out. His guards hid them well from prying eyes so they didn't gain much attention.

To everyone, the guards are just protecting the Crown Prince considering what just happened.

When they stepped out, there was a car waiting for them already. Fahad who had stepped out to get the car earlier, stood from straight from his leaning position on the car. When his eyes met Aria's, he offered her a small smile and threw Aali a questioning look.

The man never said anything about knowing her. Nevertheless, he kept his mouth shut after giving Aali the 'we need to talk later' look. Aali simply nodded. He has earnestly forgot to tell his best friend about his sudden marriage. Fahad threw the key at him which he caught in time.

With one last glance at the two, Fahad shook his head and headed back in.

Aali let go of Aria's hand and headed to the passenger's seat, where he opened the car door and gestured for her to get in. Aria folded her hands over her torso, face blank; she rose a single brow. "Really? You really want to do this whole gentleman thing?"

Aali offered her a small grin, then shrugged. "Why not?"

She stared at him as if he had grown two heads. Deciding she doesn't want to spend the night standing there, she shook her head and got in while he closed the door behind her.

He made his way over to the driver's seat and got in. Glancing at the rearview mirror, he spotted Amadu's car. He couldn't see who else is in the car but he's sure it's Amadu along with a couple of guards, maybe two or three.

How the man was able to escort the Assistant to her ride and pitch a ride remained a mystery to him. He didn't bother telling them to not follow them, it's pointless to do that. So, he simply shook his head slightly and revved the car to life.

Soon enough, he was driving down the lane that will take them to the palace. A couple of times, he would throw glances at Aria who had her eyes fixated on the scenery. It's not like she couldn't feel his gaze on her, she could. She just chose to ignore it. Acknowledging it won't do her any good. The man is still basically a stranger.

At a point, Aali focused his whole attention on the road, the drive filled with silence.

"What is your reason?" Her voice came eventually, filling the once eerie silence that filled the car.

He glanced at her for a brief second before returning his gaze back to the road, "Reason for what?"

"Your reason why you asked for my hand?" She finally turned around to stare at him, "I doubt you did that out of love" She resisted the urge to scoff at the thought.

Love. That's amusing.

Aali released a barely audible sigh, turning the steering wheel with his left hand while he used the other to glance at his phone that pinged. All it took was one glance for him to read the message before, just for that split second, his expression went from his playful and easy going demeanor to a stoic one.

He blinked, keeping the phone aside; masking off his expression with his original expression. "How would you know? What if I fell in love with you at first sight huh? What then?"

Aria eyes narrowed slightly as she took note of how his hold around the steering wheel tightened. Aside from that, nothing about his expression gave off the indication of his mood shift a minute ago. If she wasn't observing, she wouldn't have caught on it. She didn't say a word about it though, even if she would do whatever she can to find out the reason behind it. It was just the natural curiosity of hers and the fact that she does not trust any Royal. "Impossible" She went on with the conversation, even though she knows he really isn't interested in it.

It was obvious from his mood shift earlier. He has something on his mind but he obviously doesn't want her to know.

Aali wasn't able to reply, because as she said that, he arrived at the palace where the guards were quick to open the gate wide open for him recognizing his car.

She didn't press for any further information out of him, as she moved her gaze to take in the palace that she had never been to before. She had heard stories about it from Sofia. The girl said the place is stunning and now staring at it, Aria would say stunning won't even cut it.

Aali didn't stop the car till he reached his chambers. When he turned off the car, he turned around to stare at her, offering her a wide smile, "Welcome home, wifey"