Altair - Marian Tee Page 0,13

her, but Safiya determinedly reminded herself to focus on the bright side.

Ever since Mushriq's emergence as one of the world's best college towns, it had become common practice for the wealthiest families in the region to send their children to study in Mushriq. Moreover, it was also nowadays known as the training ground for royals. Since the city was situated at the southernmost tip of the kingdom of Najma, this also meant Mushriq shared borders with the neighboring kingdoms of Ramil (where Safiya was from), Kivr (which Khal ruled), and Layla, whose Crown Prince Mihail was Aurora's husband.

Safiya had originally been worried that her unconventional upbringing would make her unfit for Mushriq's small circle of royal students, but to her surprise, the two other princesses had quickly taken her under their wings.

When one compared her present to the life she led just a year ago...

I really have become too greedy, haven't I, Mama?

Less than a year ago, Safiya hadn't any friends or a single Ramilian dollar to her name. But now...she had Aurora and Ella, and back at home she also had Lady Yara. Her room in the dormitory was lavish, and with the sheikh insisting it was his responsibility to pay for all of her expenses, Safiya never had to worry about money either.

But most importantly of all, she was the betrothed of Altair Al-Atassi, and so for her to even think of complaining...

Ella glanced at Safiya and was no longer surprised when the younger girl seemed busy praying. She had asked Safiya once about it, and Ella could've pinched the other princess' cheeks at how adorably serious the girl had been when telling Ella she was praying to thank God because He had allowed the sun to shine for another day.

Remembering it just made her want to pinch Safiya's cheeks again, but then—-

"I truly mean it this time, akh," Ella heard their other friend say morosely over the phone. "I don't think I can survive another minute without seeing your gorgeous face."

Ella made a face as Aurora went on to say more mushy things, but when she glanced at Khal, her husband didn't appear to have any problems enjoying his coffee. "How can you eat with so much of that—-" She pointed irritably at Aurora. "—-polluting our ears?"

"It's actually quite refreshing," Khal drawled.

"Refreshing?"

"For a girl not to be as contrary as you..."

Ella angrily bit the tip of her pizza off. Contrary? She took another bite. She was contrary? She finished her slice of pizza, not realizing she was doing exactly as Khal wanted, which was to have her finish her food before lunch break ended.

Khal glanced at his watch. "I should go now so you won't be late for your next class."

Ella's pizza fell back to her porcelain plate. He was leaving already? She forgot all about being mad and turned to him immediately.

"Gotcha." The prince cupped her chin and stole her mouth with a long, deep kiss.

When Khal lifted his head, he was amused to find Ella's eyes filled with a mixture of desire and consternation. She loved him, but she also hated how easy he turned her head around with his kisses.

In one word: contrary.

"I hate having to leave you," he said gruffly.

"Uh oh. You're starting to sound clingy." But while his wife's tone was flippant, her eyes were pleading with him not to go, and Khal's lips pressed together to keep himself from smiling.

He ruffled her hair, murmuring, "Be a good girl, and try not to bully Safiya into being as contrary as you, yes?"

All thoughts of wanting the prince to stay were instantly forgotten. "Jerk!" A scowl accompanied the insult, but the prince didn't mind. It was always better to have his beautiful girl angry than sad.

Ella watched her husband walk away until he disappeared from view. I'm not feeling sad, I'm not, I'm not. Aurora, already done with her daily phone call, nudged Safiya's side to make her look at Ella. Poor girl, she mouthed.

Safiya nodded. Poor girl.

The way Safiya mouthed back the words with such a grave expression on her face had Aurora torn between laughing...and wanting to throttle a certain sheikh's neck. Although she and Ella were careful to not to let Safiya know their thoughts, both of them were seriously pissed—-

Oh!

A group of guys had just approached their table, and Aurora and Ella exchanged looks when they saw the way one of them was staring at Safiya.

Although their university was exclusive to female students, its facilities were open to the