Okay, my first fanfic on this site...hopefully not my last.(That all depends on you guys and how much you like my storytelling) The title is a bit ironic as the story takes place in a desert sort of land...hmmm, Um, this is a fairy tale story based on like two or three tales be they disney, Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Anderson...you decide, and I'll let you figure out which fairy tales you think this story is a mix of!

This story is rated T for safety in future chapters, though I won't spoil the fun!

Please read and reveiw...can't wait to hear what you all think...and now...the moment you've been waiting for, me to stop talking.

The hot, blazing, Arabian sun beat down upon the unknown kingdom of Keheal. Heat waves rose, dancing above the sand that littered the ground completely, emitting rather a mirage like feel to the imperial palace that stood like a beacon to the desert-like surroundings that encased the stronghold. A faint and gentle breeze steamed through one of the windows of the kingdom, brushing against the sun kissed face and ruffling the dark brown hair of the prince. Prince Ahal, the very apple of his father's eye, the future king of the land his father now reigned over. The prince stirred in his sleep, sitting up from the covers of his bed

Groaning Ahal stood, stretching and silently preparing himself for another heated day in the land. Ahal listened as the trumpets at the gate alerted any who heard of the presence of another royal, perhaps, yet again, a princess. Ever since King Hamod had chosen not to arrange a marriage, princesses from every kingdom came to see the handsome prince. Ahal had no doubt in his mind that his father had something to do with this. Hamod was always tedious in his ramblings on about his son's love life. How Ahal needed to find a wife before Hamod passed into the heavens, how if Ahal stayed unwed, how terrible it would be when the advisors overtook the kingdom.

An older man, with graying hair, and a rough beard waltzed into Ahal's room as the young man changed. It was King Hamod himself. His steely eyes danced with the wisdom that years of life brought upon a man. Coughing, to alert Ahal of his presence, he spoke casually, "Look sharp my son, we have another girl for you to converse with...perhaps she is the one?" He spoke gently, proud that so many wished to be with his son and yet in his voice, a silent distress screamed to be noticed. Ahal was not only the apple of his eye, but that of the whole kingdom.

Ahal smiled, throwing on a light tunic, "Father, I highly doubt she is the one. All women have at least one ghastly tribute, and this guest is no different." The prince concluded. He always appeared arrogant and snobbish to the women who visited. It was one of the reasons he had continued the legacy of being single. Humans of the female sort just did not understand him.

Hamod looked as though a spear had just ran him through, "Please Ahal, I am asking you, just try to accept her, try to get along...please?" he pleaded. This was indeed the last chance for Ahal. A sorcerer had told him that. Should the prince not find one to love by his twenty third birthday, he would be doomed to roam the grounds of the desert for eternity, a monster to all. Hamod had kept this silent from his son. As a father he did not wish to worry the future king. "Do it for your mother my son." He added quietly, barely a mumble. Hamods wife had passed away from a terrible famine seven years ago. The king sensed it had a great effect upon his son.

Catching his father's plea, and hearing the faint voice speak of his mother, Ahal felt a ping of guilt settle in his stomach. His mother had always spoken of finding true love. Seven years later and her son felt as though he failed this concept miserably. Looking to his father, Ahal sent a grudged sigh, "All right father, I will try, though I cannot make any promises. I will attempt to overlook the quirks I usually cannot stand, and perhaps this princess will be the one." He concluded sadly.

What was marriage anyway but bondage between a man and woman? Ahal had always been a free soul, why now did he need a significant other in his life? Women were useless in his business. They seemed to be only sent on earth to bear young and please men. The latter was not so bad, but to be tied down with just one woman? Where was the freedom? Ahal turned his visage to his father and put on a convincing smile, "I will go and greet her father, and as I have said before, I will try hard for this one...for mother." He spoke.

Hamod's eyes brimmed with quiet tears as his son retreated down to the main gates. His love would be proud. Ahal may not understand just yet what marriage was, but he would learn, he would learn. Speaking to no one in particular, Hamod's voice rang through the air, "Some day my son, you will understand, it takes time." Breathing deeply, Hamod set off for the comfort of the cellar, a cool place that blockaded him from the heat of the son, the curse of the sorcerer forever increasing the ulcer in his stomach.

Ahal walked primp and tall towards the ancient sandstone gate of Keheal. He passed many marketers already greeting the afternoon bargaining with commoners. The never ending sand sunk beneath the prince's feet as he walked. Slowing as the stables came in view; Ahal meandered to the familiar stall that housed his very best friend, a dapple grey Arabian stallion named Nero. Nero turned as he saw his master, nickering and expecting feed. Nudging Ahal's hand he snorted, where was the food?

Ahal chuckled at the steed's antics, "Later my friend, after we go on a jaunt to our thinking spot." He spoke to the horse, "As of now, I have an appointment with another lady." Hearing another snort emit itself from the horse's nostrils, Ahal patted Nero's neck, "Until then my friend." Then, heading towards the gate once again, Ahal put on a brisk waltz.

The guards were conversed in speaking with the foreign kingdoms king. The king himself had jet black hair, cold and power-hungry, ice blue eyes and his finely chiseled chin added to his haughty appearance. Ahal could not help but think the man a sorcerer. His eyes strayed to a fathomless beauty dismounting from the snow white Arabian she rode. Covered in veils, save for her eyes, Ahal saw the same cold and greedy look. He sighed, why did he vow to give this a chance? Oh yes, it was for father. Putting on his best act, he smiled charmingly and welcomed the guests, "Welcome to Keheal, I hope your journey was not too treacherous?"

The king, his name Cillian, glared at Ahal, "What would you think traveling amongst the deserts would do to ones temper Prince?" he snapped, "Tell me, where is your father?"

Ahal was taken aback by such brash rudeness. "He is in the cellar, my guards will escort you." He spoke. Watching the guards and the dark kings retreating figures, he felt the greedy eyes of the princess upon him. Turning, he saw her eyes roving around his body, bringing an extremely uncomfortable feeling to his soul. "Um, can I help you miss..." he stopped, hoping she'd get the point to answer.

Breaking eye contact with a more personal space of the prince, she removed her veil. A fine and delicate face greeted him, thin and scowling lips moved in voice, "Princess Kidi, Ahal."

Ahal glared at the girl, "Do not address me so informally princess." He spoke, dangerous tones emitted from his voice. As always, his arrogance had shown through to the ladies.

Kidi looked calmly at the prince, "As you wish, but be warned..." she faded off, walking away from the prince. They would meet again no doubt, and he would be begging for mercy.

Ahal felt his heart beat slower in relief as Kidi left the premises. Ambling to the stables, Ahal did not waste any time saddling Nero. Mounting the steed, he galloped into the desert. Nero did not need to be guided for the path they took was well known to both. They were off to Ahal's thinking spot, a quiet oasis, about two miles in the desert. Scenery was a blur as the hot desert winds created by the horse galloping blew in Ahal's face. Two miles seemed forever in the hot sun. Ahal sighed in relief as he saw the few trees and sage grass and brush of the oasis. Nero slowed and waded into the small, shallow pond that stood in the shade.

Ahal let his content smile return to his face as he relaxed on the cooler sand in the shade of the trees. Not even one fourth of a mile, this oasis was heaven on earth for Ahal. Dozing in sleep, he wished he never would have to leave. His last sights rested on Nero rolling in the sand. The prince knew his steed would wait for him.

Humming emerged within the ears of Ahal as he slept. The voice altered into louder, beautiful humming, a few open notes in the voice. It was as though an angel sang. Ahal wished to follow her voice under his sleeping eyes. Then there was a grunt of an animal and the nicker of a familiar horse. Ahal's eyes flickered open to see the moist nose of a beast, and his nose caught the whiff of the unpleasant creature's breath. Coming into focus, it was a camel no doubt. Bridled and saddled it stood, its' sable eyes staring at Ahal.

Quietly Ahal stood, the humming continued. Where was the voice coming from? Undoubtedly it was a siren, wooing him with her voice into unknown dangers. His calloused bare feet stalked the shadows as Ahal hid behind the brush and bushes. He was eager to find what housed such a voice. The splash of water led his eyes to the pool. Ahal gasped. Another in his heaven? He thought not. It was a young maiden, in her early twenties. She hummed to herself as she filled the canteens by her side, no doubt the daughter of a shepherd. They usually wandered the deserts with the camels and sheep they owned.

Suddenly Ahal felt disgusted that he thought she was some fathomless beauty with the voice of an angel. Her light, silky veils covered her body and face; all but her eyes. The gentle green orbs gazed into the water, concentrating at the job on hand. Her humming continued.

Feeling angry, Ahal walked into view and cleared his throat. The humming ceased as the lass looked up to him and gasped. "What are you doing in my oasis?" he questioned sharply. He had no time to bother with peasants poorer than commoners themselves.

The girls eyes glared haughtily back to his own eyes, "And since when does the Prince of Keheal own the land two miles from his kingdom? Just to state a fact, this is no mans land, not some petty resting place for yourself only." She snapped back, arising from her sitting position, staring at Ahal.

Ahal felt his anger surge deeper, "I control what I want, and you have no power over me!" he growled, glaring back at the lass.

The shepherd's girl chuckled softly, "Oh my, no wonder the kingdom of Keheal is in a dilapidated state, what with being run by someone such as you. Oh and by the way, I don't have power over you, in a way, we are equal." She spoke, smirk lines appearing under her eyes.

Ahal looked bewildered, "What?" he pondered, studying the girl. She did seem familiar in some unreal way. Was she at a ball? A formal dinner?

She rolled her emerald eyes and examined her fingernails, sighing as though exasperated, "Yes, I suppose one with your brain capacity could not comprehend such things. My father, King Amondi, is in alliance with your father. He and Hamod are two of one, therefore, upset me, and I'll tell father." The princess replied with a sickly confident air about her, "Hmm, I wonder what Hamod will do when he discovers his wonderful son has upset an alliance?"

Ahal continued his glare, a defiant smirk upon his face, "So Princess Mikimi, we finally meet. I am surprised, as I heard you were an outstanding creature to see, though in reality you are as gorgeous as the camel you ride. I never thought you would be one built for haughtiness and arrogance, but it does not surprise me, just like your dependency on your father does not surprise me as well." He retorted to her face, growing closer.

Mikimi continued to glare at the prince, anger from his words filled herself with loathing, unadulterated hatred "Such nonsense you speak of...I am no...no haughtier than you, you pompous brained idiot, and as for looks, I'd rather speak to one hundred camels hindquarters, than look upon your ugly mug!...And I do not depend on my father." She stuttered, her walls of defense were faltering as she could not think of anything else to say.

It was Ahal's turn to smirk, "It amazes me that the daughter of such a great man has to resolve to child like insults to try and win such silly word arguments, now if you will excuse me Princess, another awaits me at Keheal." Without waiting for another snide remark, Ahal galloped away on Nero, enraged that that girl had discovered his secluded thinking spot.

Perhaps rage seemed to shorten the trip back to Keheal, or maybe it was because Ahal's attentions were elsewhere. Whatever the reason, Ahal seemed to arrive at the palace in no time at all. Still fuming at the words Mikimi spoke he paced around the dining area. How dare she speak to him, the crowned prince like that! Sighing, he looked to the sun, almost time for the afternoon feed. Hamod and Cillian should enter anytime, along with that Kidi. The princess did not seem dangerous, but something about her made Ahal think twice about being around her.

As if being summoned by his mind, Kidi walked into the room and smiled coldly at the prince. "Good afternoon your highness." She sneered, walking closer to him, eying him up like a hungry hawk watching a hare.

Ahal felt the color rise to his cheeks as she came closer. Her eyes not upon his face yet again. Though uncomfortable as he was, this Kidi seemed quite beautiful, like a viper. He felt his anger return as she stepped even closer. This lass did not seem to care for the boundaries of personal space.

Kidi looked into Ahal's eyes, Yes my prince, squirm under my father's power, she thought. For so long she had awaited the day when her father Cillian would introduce her to Ahal. Cillian himself was a mighty wizard, and with the right threats, Hamod had been none to pleased to meet the needs of Cillian. What king would want his son transfigured into a hideous monster? Oh the threats of her father, such entertainment they were. Her eyes trailed down the prince's body. He was quite handsome, and well toned in certain aspects. Meeting his eyes again she put on a seductive smirk and moved to her seat.

Ahal let a sigh of relief fill the air as Kidi left. How could he keep his promise to his father when Kidi was so...annoying, self obsessed, and crude? A jumbled conversation struck him as his father and Cillian came into view, Cillian still wearing a scowl. Hamod, looking exhausted smiled at his son. "We have but two guests to join us." He spoke as the three standing sat.

Ahal looked intrigued and had to ask, "Who else is coming?"

Hamod grinned, "King Didion and his daughter, princess Mikimi." He spoke, chuckling at the shocked look on Ahal's face. Ahal sat in silence, she was coming? Mikimi, the already future pain in his side. Closing his eyes he groaned hearing the trumpets announce the twos presence. Why?

The room was silent with tension so thick in the air; it could be cut with a knife. Ahal, Hamod, Cillian and Kidi all waited for the entrance of Didion and Mikimi. Footsteps echoed throughout the staircase as muffled voices became louder. A dark brunette man, older than Hamod came in, the silence was broken. "Hamod! So good to see you! Ahal, my have you grown!" Didion exclaimed. Mikimi stalked silently past the happy reunion and took her seat. Her eyes locked onto Ahal's, as the fire began to emerge from them. Ahal sighed. This was going to be a long night.

Well what did you think...what will happen to the hero? What is Cillian and his nasty daughter planning? Do I need to describe anything in future chapters? Please let me know what you think:D