Exiled Prince Part 3 Complete Hausa Novel

Straight to Her Room
 
He went straight to his part with her; he didn’t care about the people in the palace. He knew they were watching him but he didn’t let go of her. He took her straight up to the fourth floor.
 
They entered the parlour and he put her down at her feet. As he set her down she hurried as if she might leave the place. Before she could, he grabbed her arm and turned her so they faced each other. He asked her, “Where are you going now?”
 
“Leave me — I’m going to bathe,” she said, clutching her robe. He looked at her face for a long moment, then slowly let her go without saying anything. She quickly turned and walked down the corridor toward their bedroom. After she entered the corridor he did not walk slowly; he followed her quickly into their bedroom.
 
As soon as he entered he passed through the dressing room. A short while later he came out holding a small red box and placed it at the head of the bed. Then he turned toward the toilet and stopped at the door. He knocked and, without waiting for her reply, said, “Here are some clothes I put out for you on the bed.” After saying that he turned and left the bedroom.
 
She took about forty-five minutes before she came out of the toilet, wrapped in a towel across her chest. She went straight to the bed and reached out to take the box he had left. She heard his voice greeting her behind her. Slowly she lifted her head, turned and returned his greeting with a smile.
 
He walked into the room wearing his white sleepwear, the scent of his cologne in the air. He stood before her, put his hands in his trouser pockets and said, “Now decide to come out.” She gave a cool little smile, moved closer, slipped her arms around his back and laid her head on his chest. He let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes. She laughed quietly and said, “I missed you so much.”
 
He quickly opened his eyes, leaned down and rested his head on her shoulder, saying, “How did you know I missed you?”
“Ummm, I felt it in my body,” she said, closing her eyes.
 
He softly pressed his lips to her shoulder and kissed her neck. She laughed softly and tried to withdraw her body from his. He pulled his hands out quickly, wrapped them around her waist and held her tightly against him.
 
“Baby, let me go — I’ll put my clothes on. I’m beginning to feel cold,” she told him in a soft voice. He whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry, I’m here — I’ll warm you,” then tugged the towel from her and it fell to the floor. Gently he lifted her, laid her on the bed, then stood and removed his clothes leaving only his shorts, climbed on the bed and pressed his chest against hers.
 
(END OF MALIK SCENE — I RETURN TO THE SIDE SCENE)
 
The Next Day (Prison)
 
Malik sat in Hakim’s cell on his bed with his laptop across his lap, looking at Hakim. Ten minutes passed before Hakim hurriedly said, “There — that’s her, the day we entered Turkey.” Malik immediately turned his laptop toward him and watched the airport hall video. It was full of people, but he could make out Hakim standing with a young woman, no older than twenty, wearing a blue abaya with a veil over her head.
 
Slowly Malik raised his head and asked Hakim, “Are you sure you stayed two weeks in Turkey?” Hakim quickly replied, “I’m sure.”
“Is there any way to identify who planted this operation?” Malik asked.
“Since the beginning I told you — every time we met his face was covered,” Hakim said as if about to cry.
 
Malik nodded, stood up and said, “Alright, I’ll come back to you — later.” He began to walk toward the cell door. At the doorway he turned and said, “May your life be long — I can recognize his voice.”
 
Malik stopped, looked back and asked, “Are you sure you can recognize his voice?” Hakim nodded and said, “I’m sure. Also there’s a bracelet I once saw on his wrist — the pattern looks like the marks on your wrist and it was gold, double-stranded. I think he wore that bracelet.”
 
Malik hesitated a moment, then said, “Alright,” briefly, and left the cell.
 
He left the prison and walked to his car where Diya was already waiting. He opened the back door for him and got in; the driver started the car and they left. Calmly Malik said to Diya, “Take us to the palace.” Diya nodded and told the driver to head for the palace.
 
The palace courtyard was already full; everyone was outside, including Rafik and Aymane, and there was much chatter. Malik entered the palace with dignity, greeting in his usual reserved way. When people saw him they stopped and stood quickly, bowing in respect. He did not go around them but went straight to his seat. Diya sat beside him.
 
He opened his laptop and played the same video he had shown Hakim, turning the screen so everyone could see without saying anything. All became silent and watched intently, as if Malik had narrated everything.
 
“As you will see in this video,” he said, “you will see the young man General Abdallah arrested — the one who shot Malik — and you will see a woman with him.” Then he turned off and closed the laptop.
 
Hussein, confused, said, “But — what is the point of this video?” Malik, composed, answered, “This video is one piece of evidence that proves the truth about that young man.” Mohammed stood up angrily: “What truth? General Abdallah himself brought that youth and claimed he killed Malik — are we waiting or what?” General Abdallah calmed him: “Please, Sultan’s men, sit and listen to what will be said.”
 
Mohammed insisted he could not remain silent: “This young man killed Malik — why haven’t we sentenced him yet? Act, people!” Voices rose — some called for more investigation, others supported Mohammed, arguing for immediate punishment.
 
Malik remained silent, eyes closed, listening. With irritation he opened his eyes and shouted, “Silence!!” Everyone fell quiet immediately.
 
He then looked at Diya and she bowed her head listening to his command. He nodded once and continued, “You witnessed that day I took this position, and I promised to right every complaint brought to me, even if the accused is guilty. Just as the man was caught with the name for killing Malik, he brought his complaint so I may save his wife. We should not sentence him without hearing him and listening to his reason for killing Malik. One thing I will tell you: Abdoul Hakim told me the truth about what happened and explained why he killed Malik. I promise you that whoever ordered Hakim to do this work, I will find them and punish them according to their crime. First, for ordering the killing of Malik, and second, for the woman he kidnapped — whoever I catch will face justice, whether inside or outside this palace.” After saying this he stood and left the palace in dignity. Diya quickly followed him.
 
Everyone watched him go; fear showed on many faces. Malik’s words were no empty threat — now whoever had ordered Hakim to do the job would be in danger of being exposed.
 
Malik handed his laptop to Diya and said to take it to his quarters; he planned to go to Malikatin Inas. Diya took the laptop and walked away. As Malik left, he asked, “Diya, how is Nesrine? Is she feeling better?” Diya smiled and replied, “Don’t worry — it was only a fever; she’s better now.”
 
Malik nodded and continued walking. He headed straight to Malikatin Inas’s part, knowing she alone could answer his question.
 
Malikatin Inas’s Parlour
 
He entered the parlour and found Malikatin Inas seated with Rianna, both smiling but her face was tight. Malik greeted and sat on the sofa beside Rianna. He said, “Good morning, Ammie.”
 
“In good health,” she replied curtly, not looking at him. Rianna laughed softly and patted his shoulder: “Brother, I see Ammie is upset with you.”
“Really, Ammie?” he asked gently. She scowled and turned away.
 
He rose slightly from the sofa, moved closer and sat on the carpet in front of her, taking her foot and massaging it. “Even if I don’t know what I did, I ask your forgiveness. You know I hate to see you angry — please Ammie, don’t be mad at me. I swear I won’t be happy.” She sighed and then said, “Nawfel, what I did is not because I’m angry with you.”
 
He rested his head on her lap and said, “I know — it wouldn’t take a small thing to make Ammie angry.” She added softly, “I’m angry with you — between me and God now, Nawfel, when next will you come to my place? Will you even stand to greet me properly?” Her voice trembled.
 
He closed his eyes like someone sleepy and said, “I’m sorry, Ammie. You know the work that has taken me.” Calmly she cut him off: “Don’t worry — I know. May God help you stand for the truth as your father did.” They both said “Ameen,” and Rianna added, “By the way, where is my baby? I haven’t seen her for two nights.”
“What baby? Sister, I notice you spoiled this girl — she’ll kill me and then you’ll be at rest,” Nawfel joked.
 
Rianna laughed loudly and even Malikatin Inas laughed with her. Rianna then said, “Nawfel, tell the truth — are you the one troubling my baby? I heard she even scolded you.” He looked up surprised: “How do you know that?” Rianna laughed again: “Brother, news in this palace is never hidden.”
 
He leaned back and said, “Well, none of your business.” Rianna pressed, “Tell me honestly — what did you do to the baby?” He closed his eyes and said, “Since she is like an angel and not at fault, I thought I’d remarry and calm her quarrels.” At that, Malikatin Inas pinched his ear. Like a child he lifted his head and said, “Ammie, stop — my ear hurts.”
 
“Shut up, you shameless one. Now you want to make my baby a rival? In your talk I swear I won’t accept that,” she scolded.