Aamir was in a daze the entire time. As the young prince sat there, listening to the countless soliloquies regarding Abdullah's tireless work for the community, his faith and the improvements and projects that he was working on up until the time of his death, he found his thoughts drifting...drifting to his newfound life...in America.

He also found his thoughts dwelling on a certain young man – a new friend, and he was hoping that this person would...could be more than just a friend...Alexander Murad.

One month ago...

One month ago, young Aamir was happily settled in the university of his dreams, working hard to get his degree, and finally met someone, silently hoping that this someone would be the man of his dreams – the one who would take him out of this current world he lived in and showed him how to live a simple and happy existence...

Alas, it was not going to be easy for here he was, only to be whisked back home to attend his father's funeral, and celebrate his brother's ascent as ruler of the tiny arabian kingdom.

"Hey, does anyone have any idea who's in the nice room with the big bay windows overlooking the football field? I didn't see anyone register at the front desk, on the way in..." Ainsley, a bright-eyed young blond in his sophomore year, scratched his head, pushing his glasses back up atop his head.

"Me neither, and I thought I knew about all the new students around here" Thom shrugged his wide shoulders. "Well, I'm going to drop these off, guys! See you back at the lockers! Let me know what you guys find out!!!" Thom waved to his two friends before grabbing his gear.

Thom and Ainsley had been best friends and buddies since childhood, making it all the way to high school and into university. Who would ever believe that the friendship between the jock and the nerd would remain steadfast in spite of all the silly rumours surrounding their friendship. It all started when some bullies were picking on a young Ainsley Hale from Ohio whose family just moved into the neighbourhood, and began his first year at the local school.

In came Thom to the rescue. The boy was already a foot taller than little Ainsley. Thom felt sorry for the boy and stepped in, saving Ainsley from a brutal beating. Since then, the two had become fast friends, with Ainsley helping young Thom ace his studies with a lot of tutoring. Their parents too, hit it off well, and when the boys were sent to high school, it seemed only natural for one to follow the other since they were stuck together like glue. The boys bumped fists, before the tall, strapping 6ft. 2 in. brunette sauntered out the doors lugging his football gear, to store it before practice later that afternoon.

Aamir had heard the commotion downstairs as he stepped out of his shower. Today was his official first day at the college, and he was itching to meet his new frat brothers.

He could hardly sleep a wink last night, since the excitement was overwhelming him. But he had to remind himself that he was NOT His Highness Prince Aamir, but Khalil Ibrahim, a simple Middle Eastern boy, who came from a very wealthy family.

He wasn't even going to mention his famous actress mother. It was too easy to Google-search people these days, and all sorts of information would pop up, not that Aamir was always in the news. Unlike his older sibling Tarek, Aamir never relished such opportunities at popularity. He preferred to hide from reporters, always keeping his face under wraps in his keffiyeh, only allowing his eyes to be seen.

But seeing what the press had to say about those perfect green orbs of his made Aamir wary, and uncomfortable, that he eventually hid from the press completely, and refused to accompany his brother to certain events, unless it was absolutely necessary. So, the press dubbed him the 'elusive' one. Tarek, on several occasions had to persuade his brother to come with him, for their father's sake.

Crown Prince Abdullah loved his sons but tirelessly worried about Aamir not being sociable in the public eye. He even threatened the boy on a few occasions but failed to persuade the young prince, promptly giving up, thus leaving his brother Tarek to do the deed, with some degree of success.

But here in California, alone and in college, he would be going about his daily life barefaced, without the consoling keffiyeh to hide him at all. Aamir quickly wiped down, throwing his towel into the large wicker basket by the side of the door, reserved for laundry. Students would have to do their own laundry and ironing in the laundry room, one day per week. Aamir was looking forward to that. He'd never had to wash his clothes a single day in his life!

But something about the independence, made him feel more of being his own man. His spacious room, had a built-in kitchen equipped with a stove, utensils, a good-sized fridge, which was empty – a stark reminder that he would have to go out later after classes, to buy some groceries and cook for himself, if he was to survive.

At least, there were some affordable restaurants around campus and just outside of campus, should he choose to venture out, which he was definitely looking forward to. But he was also largely aware that Mohamed and his men would not be too far behind. His security men were headed by the top elite marksman of the country.

Settling on a short-sleeved navy blue tee, a light grey hoodie and a pair of black de-stressed jeans and sneakers, and a simple non-descript backpack, Aamir checked himself out in the full-length mirror, making sure that he was presentable. He donned his spectacles, nodded at his reflection, and with an air of confidence and a deep breath, he stepped out into the hallway, after locking his door.

It was a bustle of students coming to and fro, gently nudging him aside with a polite 'excuse me' or 'sorry', as he made his way to the top of the stairs before coming down. Some students nodded, while hurriedly passing him, some literally knocking him over, if it weren't for a pair of strong hands that shot out of nowhere which held him up.

"Whoa, easy there. Are you okay?" The deep, baritone arrested Aamir's form in his place. A young, olive-skinned, dark-haired male beauty stood in front of him, staring deep into his eyes. "Wow, you've got the most stunning eyes I've ever seen" The voice remarked.

"What?" Aamir was suddenly shaken from his stupor, as this blue-eyed beauty kept talking. The words seemed muffled, as Aamir, for lack of concentration, kept focusing on the kissable mouth where those words came from.

"You must be the secret student everyone's been talking about" The guy smirked, his own dazzling blue eyes mesmerizing Aamir captively.

"Secret? Me? No... I just came in late in the semester I guess" Aamir finally found his voice, responding feverishly to his words. "My name's Aah...Khalil" Aamir shrugged sheepishly.

"Khalil, nice name – Middle Eastern?" The guy asked, curious as to Aamir's looks.

Aamir could only nod, as his eyes scanned the face of the young man addressing him. He was very handsome, too handsome for words, and he possessed a pleasant smile which made Aamir feel calm and relaxed.

"My name is Alexander Murad. I was born here but my mother's family is originally from Pakistan, but just call me Alex" The man introduced himself with a smile, offering his hand in a friendly gesture.

Aamir took it, shaking his hand vigorously, "Nice to meet you. I'm a little lost. It's my first day and I don't want to miss my first class."

"No problem, follow me. I'm heading to the main building anyway" Alex grinned, opening the door for Aamir to pass through.

Aamir gracefully slipped past his arm, and as a gentleman should, waited until Alex came through the doorway. They chatted along the way, mostly small talk, about the courses Aamir had decided on, discussing his interests in film and documentaries. Alex listened intently, while perusing Aamir's facial expressions.

"What about you?" Aamir politely asked him.

"I'm on the swim team, and studying business law" Alexander proudly stated. Alex spotted his friends, Thom and Ainsley, grabbing their books from the lockers nearby, and waved them over.

"Hey guys, this is our mystery addition to the frat house. Meet Khalil" Alex introduced him to the boys, "This is Thom, an amazing football quarterback, and this is Ainsley, a genius mathematician..."

"Cool, welcome to the house, Khalil! What's your major?" Ainsley peered at Aamir through his glasses, pleased to see Aamir wearing specs as well.

"I'm majoring in film, videography and documentaries" Aamir nodded, shyly.

"Wow, such cool subjects! At least, it's nothing boring like mine...I wish I wasn't such a smart ass. But my father is a professor of mathematics. I guess, you could call me a lost cause" Ainsley feebly joked.

"Hardly! That's not boring at all. In fact, I find it simply fascinating that you would pursue science and maths " Aamir replied, looking truly intrigued.

"I like this guy!" Ainsley declared, throwing a friendly arm around Aamir's shoulder.

Aamir was beginning to feel like one of the boys, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from Alex...

"Aamir...Aamir" Helena nudged her son out of his reverie, catching him chuckling softly to himself. "Would you like to say a few words? They're beckoning to you, my son..."

"Hmm? No...I can't" Aamir shrank into his seat, refusing to come up to the podium to speak.

He shook his head vehemently at the ministers of the council. Tarek stood up instead, and nodding towards both Aamir and their mother, took his place at the podium.

He began by praising the people for their tenacity, embracing their heritage, and that it was a time not of mourning, but in rejoicing and celebration of their father's life, and that the work for improving the lives of all their citizens would continue to push through as promised by their father. He then pulled Aamir up, by his side, as the two stood together to say farewell to their father, as he was laid to rest.

"Long Live His Royal Highness, Sheikh Tarek Din Mohammed. Long Live Crown Prince Aamir Din Mohammed!" The shouts rose through the rafters, as they all hailed the two princes who stood upon the dais.

Helena stood, tears streaming freely as Faisal stood beside her silently. He had prayed for this moment, hopefully, that the council and their people would finally accept Helena. Soon, the throng of dignitaries came towards them one by one, expressing their condolences, to both princes and their mother.