"Will His Royal Highness Prince Tarek become King, now that his father is now dead?" The whispers among the crowd came to the prince's ears.

"Why is there unrest among the people, Faisal? Do they not think that I am a worthy candidate for the position?" Tarek enquired of his royal advisor.

"Your Highness, the issue lies regarding your mother. She is an American" Faisal concluded.

"But why in Allah's name did they not protest when my father married my mother? Surely, they must have opposed their union then!" Tarek failed to see the cause for their concerns. "I may be half-American, but my loyalty lies with our country and its' people. I have worked tirelessly to upgrade the lives of those within the poverty level by raising their standard of living, having granted them free education, job opportunities locally and abroad, including equal opportunities for women to study. I refuse to bow down to the archaic thoughts of an old regime. It is time for change and I realize that it comes with a price..." Tarek shook his head.

"What do you mean, your highness? Are you considering an abdication?" Faisal's eyebrows raised in shock at the mere conception of the idea inside Tarek's mind.

"No, Faisal. I will not abandon my people. But the council and its' ministers could see fit to depose me. I did not learn business and politics to have the council and its' ministers overthrow me without a fight, Faisal. I know of my monarchy's history all too well" Tarek cocked an eyebrow, which Faisal acknowledged.

"Yes, Your Highness, understood. Your mother and brother are on their way as we speak" Faisal confirmed.

"Thank you, Faisal. I know that even though my mother had issues with my father, she would like to pay her respects, as would my brother. Thank you for arranging it" Tarek nodded.

"it is nothing, Your Highness. I live to serve you with my life" Faisal bowed low. "They will arrive just in time for your father's funeral and burial, Your Highness"

"Excellent. I assume Mohamed and his security force are protecting them during their journey, am I correct?" Tarek perused the itinerary for his father's funeral arrangements, including the solemn procession to his resting place.

"Yes, Your Highness, of course. They will be here in approximately 16 hours and 43 minutes" Faisal stared at his watch, noting the time.

Sure enough, Helena and her youngest son, had just left the royal air carrier and were on their way to the estate. No sooner did they set foot inside the palatial mansion, they were instantly ushered into Tarek's quarters.

"Tarek!" Helena ran towards her eldest son, holding him at arm's length, admiring her firstborn with tears in her eyes.

"Mother! It's been too long! Praise Allah, you both are safe" Tarek exclaimed, embracing her tightly, while clapping his brother on the back.

"Brother!" Aamir came bounding into their arms.

Tarek lovingly ruffled the curly locks of his younger sibling, once Aamir had removed his keffiyeh. Tarek smirked at how long his brother's hair had grown. Normally, Arab men were not allowed to grow their hair too long, for fear that such an act may label them as effeminate or gay. Aamir couldn't care less. He just kept his crowning glory under wraps. There came a knock on the door, and Aamir quickly hid his head again.

"Enter" Tarek called on, and Faisal entered, followed by members of the council.

"They insisted on following me, Your Highness" Faisal secretly rolled his eyes, for only his prince to see. Clearly the man was miffed by the council members' actions and their insistence in accompanying him. Obviously, it was a ruse just to get a look at the woman who once ruled their sovereign's heart – the sole person who defied their logic and married the man she loved, regardless of what his parents wanted.

Abdullah, although 12 years her senior, was a man who got what he wanted, and Helena, a former beauty queen and budding actress at the time, was smitten by the King's charm and wit...

But now, as Helena reminisced during the ceremony, Abdullah's body was held aloft, above the crowd, who worshipped their fallen leader, paying their respects one final time. She couldn't help but marvel at the spectacle, While the women prayed from afar, since they were not allowed on the dais, all the men chanted in unison, calling upon Allah to bestow his blessings on their king, to aid his journey to the heavens.

Helena smirked silently to herself, noting that Abdullah would have many sins to atone for, before he could set foot beyond the pearly gates. But she still held respect for the man, despite his shortcomings, after all, he had blessed her with two amazing sons, both of whom she was very proud.

As she watched silently, dressed in the traditional hijab, she was aware of the people staring at her. Helena was by no means very beautiful and poised, whereas, on the contrary, Sheila made no effort to appear tasteless, by having her hair coiffed and styled inappropriately, and in a state of dress that would even consider her as one of belonging to a brothel.

Helena rolled her eyes, but refused to speak her mind. She knew how the ministers viewed her appearance at the state funeral, and she knew that her sons alone would speak for her, should there be any protest at her presence.

Tarek stood tall and resolute. He had followed his father's wishes to the letter, and in honouring his father, he was blessed in the eyes of the people. He could do no wrong. This was what Helena had hoped for Tarek. He was a man to be admired, followed, trusted and most of all, respected. He was the type of leader they needed right now, especially if there were new reforms to be set in place.

A new Arabia would be born.