Royals

It took most of the work week for Alandra to forgive her boyfriend, especially when she learned that a fight had broken out over dinner. He was careful not to buy her jewelry or flowers; knowing instinctively that such things would only enrage her more.

"I'm sorry," Ms. Scryer said smugly. "Ms. Shaveed has already said that she will not speak to you. She is consulting with a client right now and will be until the end of the day. If you would like to book an appointment then…"

"No! No, I will not make an appointment, Ms. Scryer! It's been a week. I want to see my girlfriend!" With that, he forced his way into her office over Elspeth's protests. He was brought up short when he saw his woman talking compassionately to a little Filipino lady.

"Sino ito? Anong nangyayari dito?" the woman asked in fear, shrinking from the man at the door. (Who is this? What's going on here?)

"Okay lang po Mrs. Luxor. Iyon lang ang bobo kong boyfriend. Hindi ka niya sasaktan," she soothed the woman while glaring daggers at the prince. "Patawarin mo ako kahit saglit lang? Naniniwala akong may ayos ang isang pasaway," she sighed. (It's okay, Mrs. Luxor. That's just my idiot boyfriend being a moron. He won't hurt you. Would you excuse me for just a moment? I believe a reprimand is in order.)

"Huwag masyadong mahigpit ang bata, anak. Mukhang desperado siyang makita ka nang pumasok siya sa kwarto. Naniniwala ako na natutunan niya ang kanyang aralin," the older woman said with a glint in her eye. Landi bowed her head and stood up to confront him. The force of her presence was enough to herd the two uninvited guests out of the room and she was sure to close the door behind her. (Don't be too hard on the boy, child. He looked desperate to see you when he burst into the room. I believe he's learned his lesson.)

"What the heck is the matter with you?" Landi said sharply. "You know you just interrupted a rape victim when I finally got her to open up to me? And you, Ms. Scryer! Why didn't you call security when he became unruly?"

"Apologies, Ms. Shaveed. It won't happen again," Elspeth said, knowing that while Landi might cut her a lot of slack, she was clearly the boss.

"You were ignoring me," Tyr said sheepishly. "I thought I was asserting dominance."

"Nuh-uh! Not at my place of business! I refuse to play those games in our relationship. Unless you are cool with me marching into your board meetings and demanding you submit to me." She glared at him until he shook his head miserably. "I need to finish this consult. Ms. Scryer, please book my boyfriend in for some time tonight. Oh. And Tyr?" He looked up, too ashamed to speak. "I'm still angry at you about my family." She gave him a half-hearted smile and entered her office.

Tyr turned to the secretary and cringed when she laughed at him.

"Goodness, lad! I've never seen anyone look so thoroughly chastened! I'm sure yer woman will forgive you in time. What time would you like to meet up with her?"

"Never. I don't think I can face her. I've never seen her so angry."

"Oh, don't be like that, Mac," the woman said kindly. "Mo sheud's rage may burn bright, but it burns out just as quickly. She's free at nine tonight." At his continued reluctance, she sighed. "She won't be happy if you reschedule for another day, Tyr. That'll just give her time to get angrier." (Son. My Jewel's)

"Nine o'clock it is then," the man said, sounding more like himself.

"Good boy," she said with a grin.

… …

Landi had circles under her eyes by the time nine o'clock rolled around. It felt like she'd been arguing all day. She wasn't looking forward to another fight. Then again, she'd been putting this off for a week now and he deserved to have his say.

Wishing that she wore makeup so that she could cover the bruising under her eyes, the woman sighed and finished washing her hands. It was finally time to go home. Tyr was outside her office building as usual. He looked good enough to eat and it suddenly occurred to her that she hadn't eaten today. "Well shit."

He frowned at her words and she found herself annoyed to note that even his frown was attractive.

"What's the matter, baby?"

"I was just thinking that I should have fueled up before my fight with you." She shivered when he caressed her cheek.

"I'm not here to fight, Alhamia. Mostly I wanted to make sure that you were okay after my thoughtless interruption this morning." She leaned into his tender touch, trying to decide if food was worth it tonight. "Where do you want to go, my love? The city is ours." (Protectress)

"Pablo's down on 39th. He makes the best burgers, greasy in all the best ways. And his shakes…" She sighed happily. Tyr chuckled as he led her to the car. The burgers were worth it. Landi munched happily on her burger and fries, sipping on her vanilla milkshake and reveling in her good choices in life, when Tyr interrupted her bliss.

"Better, little one?" he asked in fond amusement, eating his food at a slightly slower pace. This got her out of her food daze. The woman looked up to see all three men eating with amused looks on their faces.

"Hey," she said defensively, nodding at a sign behind the counter as she finished the last of her food.

"What does it say, Alhamia?" The man asked softly, caressing her cheek again. That's when she realized that the sign was in Spanish. (Protectress)

"Oh, right. It says-"

"It says 'only come here when hungry'. I've been meaning to put a translation up," a middle-aged man said firmly, his arms suddenly full of laughing lawyer. "Hey there, chica! You've got circles under your eyes, been saving the world?"

"Doing my best to make it a little better."

"Good girl," he smiled, tousling her hair bun a little.

"Guys, I'd like you to meet Mr. Pablo, owner of this establishment. He and his son are the ones responsible for this delicious meal." Patrick waved his spatula jauntily from the grill.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Pablo. I'm-"

"Tyr Anasazi, the sterile prince," the man said with a warm smile. He shook his hand with a chuckle while still holding onto Landi. "Your girl here helped me out with a legal matter some time ago and she's been like family ever since. You'd better treat Brittany's and my baby girl here right." Her man practically had a vein sticking out of his forehead, but he managed to remain civil as he answered the man.

Pablo chuckled and pushed the two together afterward. She noticed that he seemed calmer with her in his arms. The exhausted woman laid her head on his chest, breathing in his manly scent. Now that her stomach was full, all she wanted was her bed. His arms wrapped around her and she purred. She couldn't help it. In response, he started rocking her slightly back and forth. The woman was dozing comfortably on her feet while the men talked when Omar said something that froze her blood.

"Yajib 'an nadhhab ya jalalat almalki. Ead waliduk 'iilaa alfunduq," Landi sprang away from her boyfriend as if the king had just entered the shop. (We must go, your Majesty. Your father is back at the hotel)

"Aietaqadt 'ana walidak lam yusafir," the woman said in a panic. (I thought your father didn't travel)

"Yabdu 'anah wajad sbban lilsafar," Tyr said flippantly before noticing his woman's trembling. "Mrhban, sayakun al'amr ealaa ma yuram, habibi. Sayuhibuk biqadr ma 'uhibuk." (It seems that he's found a reason to travel. Hey, it'll be okay, baby. He'll love you as much as I do.)

"'Iinani 'ashuku bijidiya," she responded with a nervous smile. (That I seriously doubt.)

"What's the matter, Landi?" Pablo asked. "And what language was that? I thought you only spoke Spanish that well."

"Sorry, Mr. Pablo, but I speak many languages. Arabic is just one of them. As for why I'm freaking out, the king of Alibhai is here."

"Ah! Your turn on the hotseat, eh, chica?" he laughed

"Very funny," she said with another nervous laugh. The bodyguards seemed to be as nervous as she was. They paid the owner and ushered the couple out of the eatery quickly.

"We'll drop Landi off and then-"

"Forgive me, your Majesty, but I just received word. King Barbarossa wants to meet her tonight."

"Now," she gulped. But I'm not ready! My suit is wrinkled and I'm dead on my feet. I-"

"Forgive me, highness. But when the king issues a decree, it's best not to disobey. He's had a thirteen hour flight. I doubt he's at his best either, if it helps." After that, the two bodyguards argued the fastest route to their hotel, The Ritz-Carlton. Landi found herself being ushered up to her boyfriend's suite faster than she would have liked.

"Just relax, Alhamia. No matter what happens, remember that you are my choice. He can't harm you and he can't change my mind." The prince grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it as they ascended in the elevator. Alandra did her best to straighten her suit skirt and redo her bun after her long day at work, but Tyr wasn't making it easy, refusing to let go of her hand. (Protectress)

"Marhaban abni," a booming voice sounded from down the hall as they disembarked. Alandra turned to the voice and did a double take. Standing in the middle of the hall was an older version of her deliciously handsome man. His attractiveness didn't whip her hormones into a frenzy like Tyr's did, however. (Hello, my son)

"'Ahlan walidi," he said in turn, bowing in respect. "Welcome to New York, Sire. Forgive my tardiness, my Lord. We had no notice of your arrival." (Hello, father)

"That's fine, my son. Can a father not surprise his child? You must come and greet your mother and sister. We will be staying in the suite beside yours for a week. 'Linah li'amr jayid 'anak tawaqafat ean firash alkalbat fi alwaqt alhalii. 'Lih ya binay!" The man laughed boisterously, and the others in the hall picked up his mood awkwardly, casting looks at Landi. (It's a good thing you have stopped bedding bitches for now. Eh, son!)

"Your Majesty, may I introduce my woman, Alandra Shaveed," Tyr said once the laughter choked off at last. Landi executed the perfect court bow that she'd practiced with Mama Ceeta after that disastrous dinner with Joshua Myers' family. Thanking God that she didn't wobble from exhaustion, she held the bow and waited for the egotistical man to acknowledge her.

"Very well done, my dear," he said in a condescending voice. She looked up out of the corner of her eye to see him nod for her to stand. "Kan dhalik jydan lieamat alnaasi. Hal kunt tudaribuha?" (That was quite good for a commoner. Have you been coaching her?)

… …

"La 'ab. kanat tatadarab bimufradiha. Min almuhtamal 'anaha taealimtuha min mudabarat manzil rayiysiha. Anahum qaribun," the prince ground out angrily, wondering why Alandra wasn't ending this charade that she didn't understand. Her hand closed over his and he decided not to ruin the surprise. (No, father. She's been practicing on her own. Likely she learned it from the housekeeper of her boss. They are close.)

"'Iinaha shay' saghir jdan. 'Ana muejib bidhawqik, suari. Lakiniy 'ahdart amra'atan min sulalat milkiat satafeal dhalik aydan. hi-" (She's quite a pretty little thing. I admire your taste, Tyr. But I brought a woman of royal lineage that will do just as well. She-)

"Hi ghayr maqbulat 'ayana kanat," Tyr said angrily. Another squeeze of her hand in his and he started trying to think past his fury at his father. His 'women are interchangeable' attitude was partly responsible for his son's womanizing ways both here and in his own country. (She is not acceptable, whoever she is)

"Kun eaqilan ya binay. 'Ant lam tuqabilha hataa alana. Mahma kanat alsifat al'iijabiat alati wajadtuha fi hadhih almar'at, fa'ana muta'akid 'anak satajiduha fi al'amirat 'iilwra. Bidafat 'iilaa 'anaha milkiatun. bialtaakid, la yumkin lilfataat alati akhtaratha 'an takun jayidatan fi alsarir lijaeliha mushkilatan," the king laughed arrogantly, causing Tyr's teeth to grind. Why wasn't Alandra standing up for herself? (Be reasonable, son. You haven't even met her yet. Whatever favorable traits you've found in this woman, I'm sure you'll find in Princess Ellura. Plus, she's royal. Surely, the girl you've chosen can't be that good in bed to make it an issue.)

"'Ana la 'anam mae 'Alandra, mwlay. 'Iinaha thaminat bialnisbat li walaysat shkhsan yumkin aistibdaluhu. Lan 'atazawaj hadhih al'amirat 'iilwra. Qalbi ealaa Alandra," Tyr said forcefully, thinking how rude it was that his father was refusing to acknowledge his girlfriend and had essentially left her to watch them talk. His father finally lost his indulgent smile. (I'm not sleeping with Alandra, sire. She's precious to me and not someone that is replaceable. I will not marry this Princess Ellura. My heart is set on Alandra)

"Alan, aistamie huna, sur. Laqad anghamasat fi raghbatik fi alqudum 'iilaa hadha albalad almali' bialuathaniiyn, laqad tahamalat wujuduk beydan ean shaebik wa'adeuk tazrae shufank albariyi huna. Lakina eumurak wahid wathalathwn sanatan. Lam taeud tflaan yumin bialqisas alkhayaliati. 'Anshar hadhih alkalbat wataeud 'iilaa almanzil litatazawaj 'amira," Barbarossa said furiously. (Now, you listen here, Tyr. I have indulged your desire to come to this country full of heathens, I have put up with your being away from your people and let you sow your wild oats here. But you are thirty-one years old. You are no longer a child to believe in fairy tales. Bed this bitch and come home to marry a princess.)

"The bitch doesn't want to be bedded," Alandra said with authority, glaring at the monarch. The king blinked in shock. "And I find it interesting that you think I'm interchangeable with this Princess Ellura, your Majesty. Tyr has given his heart to me and - commoner or no - I intend to spend the rest of my life with him. So it seems we are at an impasse." The man glared at his opponent - his female opponent - before trying to regain some of his calm.

"You recognize Arabic as if you were born to it, child. Forgive me for not realizing-"

"Naeam ... Yabdu 'ana taqrirak eaniy lam yakun shamlaan kama kunt taetaqidu. Rubama ladaya 'akthar mimaa hu mawjud ealaa alwaraq, jalalat almalik," she told the man with her most imperious voice. It was her mother's voice, Tyr recognized it and was proud of her. Barbarossa was not so impressed. The prince could see his father attempting to regain his equilibrium from this latest upset. But his lawyer woman was pressing her advantage. (Yeah… It seems your report on me wasn't as thorough as you thought. Perhaps there's more to me than what's on the paper, your Majesty)

"You are speaking about things you don't understand," Barbarossa told her angrily, his pompousness taken down a peg and his ego hurt.

"Truly?" she said with a quirk of her eyebrow. "I took the time to listen and learn my opponent in the minutes since we've met. What was the plan here, your Majesty? Expose the drained country bumpkin for your supposed fairytale swan and then the prince and the princess would live happily ever after?" the king could only glare at her, shocked speechless that that had been his plan all along. "It seems a little ill-conceived now, does it not?" she let that sink in, still holding her man's hand. "Shall we meet this Princess and see the rest of your family before I leave for the night?" The king pulled himself together enough to nod at her stiffly. "Thank you," she said politely, passing into the suite without a backward glance at the man panting with fury in the hallway. All of the bodyguards were gawking at her openly, never having seen the king put in his place like that. The only person that could reduce the ruler to this level of impotent rage was his father!

Tyr had a smile a mile wide as he entered the suite, grazing her knuckles with his lips as they walked in. He was sure that even his father's bodyguards were in shock and would spread the tale of Alandra's introduction to the king of Alibhai.

"Mother, welcome to America," he said happily, wondering how his woman was going to play this.

"Marhaban bik fi baladi ya jalalat almalaki. 'Atamanaa 'an yakun waqtuk huna thaqban wmryhan," Landi said with a courtly turn of phrase. His mother stared at the woman in shock. She obviously hadn't expected that from the American. (Welcome to my country, your Majesty. May your time here prove insightful and relaxing)

"Thank you for such a gracious greeting, child. I appreciate it." Landi smiled mischievously and turned to his sister.

"You must be Tyr's sister. I'm Alandra. It is a pleasure to meet you. Your brother speaks of you with pride in his voice. I would love to hear all about your studies." Jubilee smiled joyously, ready to start describing her school career. "Unfortunately, that will have to wait for tomorrow. I'm afraid that I have had one heck of a day at work and it's shaping up to be another tomorrow. I would be glad to meet up with you tomorrow night or over the weekend to have serious girl talk." the princess nodded rapidly, not having said a word yet and not minding for once.

"I'm afraid that I don't know you, your Majesty. I'm Tyr's woman, Alandra Shaveed. And you are?" Landi kept her tone light and inquisitive, not giving away that she knew of the king's plans. Ellura smirked at the aggressive opening move. By identifying herself as Prince Tyr's unofficial consort, she'd left precious little room for her to assert her own dominance.

"I am a friend of the family. I am Ellura Bereng, Princess of Lesotho." Landi shook her hand vigorously before letting her go.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess. Tyr and I are looking forward to meeting you properly either tomorrow or over the weekend. I hear that you will all be staying for a week. I'm hoping that I'll have a chance to meet with you all and get to know you better. For now, though. I bid you all goodnight, ladies." Tyr smirked at this. His woman was a wily one. She'd pretty much steamrolled the conversation, not allowing anyone to get a word in edgewise, and they'd all but thanked her for it. Mine, his mind told him, knowing that she was going to make one hell of a Queen.

By the time the couple returned to the hall, King Barbarossa had composed himself somewhat.

"I require sleep, your Majesty. Thank you for the… enlightening introduction to Alibhain culture. I look forward to seeing you and your lovely family a lot over the next seven days. Good night." The king nodded her away, but stopped them when Tyr moved away with her.

"What is this?"

"Since you summoned me, I was sure you or your son would be taking some form of responsibility for my safe return home. As I am not your favorite person right now, your son has stepped in to take this task off your hands." It was a perfectly reasonable, perfectly logical request. Tyr could tell that his father hated it and was about to shoot it down completely. Rather than have another verbal spar break out and embarrass his father again, he decided to compromise.

"How about if Omar and Hazma take her home? I'll stay and visit with the family," he proposed. Landi's face showed no sign that she was upset by this plan.

Unless you knew what to look for.

"That is acceptable," Barbarossa said begrudgingly. "Hurry back," he added as the trio got on the elevator. Tyr stopped the elevator closing to kiss his woman senseless. She smiled dreamily as the doors closed.

"I don't know why you are encouraging her and her dreams of royalty," the king grumbled, obviously more comfortable now that the woman was gone.

"You've met her," Tyr smirked. "You know that she is going to make a fantastic Queen. Mostly because she doesn't want the job."

"Give Ellura a chance. I'm sure that she will prove-"

"You realize that you're talking about my girlfriend behind her back and trying to get me to cheat on her, right?" Barbarossa glowered at his son before heading back into the room. Tyr followed him and was immediately struck by the change in the room's occupants. Victoria and Jubilee were discussing the commoner in wonder, but his supposed fiancée was holding her peace for the most part.

"I have sent Alandra away for the night," Barbarossa told his wife. Everyone paused at this blatant untruth. "I feel that Tyr needs to spend some time with his family."

"She seemed lovely, my lord husband," Victoria said. "She was trying without trying too hard," the woman commented with a pointed look at the Princess of Lesotho. "Besides, she seems to be keeping our son in check, a miracle if I've ever seen one."

"A king doesn't need to be kept in check," the father said with an arrogant smile. The smile dimmed a little at her pointed look. Jubilee and Tyr exchanged an amused look. Their mother rarely put her foot down, but when she did, it was worth noting. The Queen was clearly on Landi's side.

"Alandra seems like an interesting person," Ellura mentioned, coming up close to Tyr. "But she's a little bit outspoken, isn't she? Maybe a bit too rough and tumble? A princess should be demure and refined. That's something-"

"Yajib 'an takun al'amirat hi ma yahtajuh shaebuha, la 'akthar wala 'aqala bialtaakidi. Ghalban ma qalat landi 'iina 'iilahaha yuetina ma nahtajuh eindama nahtaj 'iilayh walays ma nuriduh tawal alwaqti. Wa'ana 'amil 'iilaa almuafaqat ealaa ruyatiha wahi taemal khilal al'ashhur alqalilat almadiati. "Rzin wamuhadhibi" jayid bialnisbat lak, jalalat almalik, lakinahuma lan yafeala mae malakat ailibay almustaqbaliati. Lan 'ubie nafsi ealaa almakshuf bialqabul bi'aqala min dhalika. Tusbihun ealaa khayr jamiea. Sa'usharikuk fi wajbat alsabahi," Tyr bowed to his parents before storming out of the suite. He was furious that his father thought this gutless, simpering miss could replace his fiery angel. The two were nothing alike. (A princess should be what her people need, nothing more and certainly nothing less. Landi often has said that her God gives us what we need when we need it rather than what we want all the time. Seeing her in action these past few months, I tend to agree. 'Demure and refined' are fine for you, your Majesty, but they will not do for the future Queen of Alibhai. I won't sell myself short by settling for less. Good night, all. I will join you for the morning meal.)