Chapter 9

• SARAFINA
• It was past evening when I finished cleaning, the night was already drawing near.
• My stomach growled loudly and placed my hands on it, I didn't want to get in trouble with the palace maids because they obviously didn't like me.
• Though Terai had told me that I would be staying in the palace till my punishment is over. I just hope they let me stay here in peace.
• I sat at the doorstep waiting for Terai, I didn't know the way to the maid quarters, so she promised to come get me before nightfall. She wasn't here yet maybe something held her up.
• "Sarafina" I heard a voice call from afar.
• I stood up, Prince Jafar was coming towards me. He finally got to my front smiling widely.
• "Prince Jafar" I said, bowing slightly in courtesy.
• "My maiden, Ashra really wants us to see again" he said still smiling.
• He dragged my hand down and sat down beside me. I shifted putting a little space between us.
• "Why are you still here? It is almost Eight already" he asked after long minutes of silence.
• I shrugged. "I only wanted to finish this work so that it wouldn't be added to that of tomorrow"
• "That's very thoughtful of you"
• I smiled. "Anybody will do it"
• He shook his head. "I don't think so, some will prefer leaving it, considering how large it is"
• I shrugged again. "Well... "
• " So.... Why don't you tell me about yourself Sarafina"
• As I wanted to talk, my traitorous stomach chose that time to growl. I covered my mouth in embarrassment.
• He laughed. "You haven't eaten?"
• I pouted, scratching my neck. "Ehm.. "
• "Sarafina, you haven't eaten" he asked again this time with a really stern voice.
• "I think so" I muttered.
• "You think so? Why won't you eat anything since morning" he suddenly yelled.
• "But I ate before coming" I replied, confused about his sudden outburst. Why is he acting as if I'm his wife?
• "Get up"
• "What?"
• "I said get up, let me get you something to eat" he said and pulled me up.
• "But.... " I started to say.
• "Sarafina shut up and let me help you.
• "Where are we going to" I asked him as we took a left bending"
• "My chambers" he replied curtly.
• "Your what!" I almost yelled, I covered my mouth and snatched my hand away from his grip.
• "Why will you take me to your chambers?, I'm only a commoner"
• "Do I look like I care" he held my hands again and practically pulled me with him.
• My heart started beating fast, what if I get caught? What if the palace maids saw me? What if is father sees me.
• A lot of what ifs filled my mind and I bit my lips to prevent me from panicking.
• We got to his chambers and my eyes almost fell to the ground as I took in my surroundings.
• Light glittered on the building, giving it a sparkling appearance.
• "You like it" Jafar asked.
• I gulped, embarrassed that he had caught me staring.
• "Its beautiful" I managed to croak out.
• "You can live here one day" He said, staring at me with a strange expression.
• I laughed nervously, fiddling with my fingers. "I hope so" I muttered.
• "I can make it happen" he whispered, he was suddenly so close to me, I moved back only to find my back pressed to the wall.
• "What if I kiss you now Sarafina" he said in a quiet tone, I barely heard him.
• "Sarafina!" I heard Terai's voice. He moved away from me. I quickly shifted some meters away.
• "The head maid his here for me" I said.
• He smiled and kissed my fingers. "I will see you again Sarafina"
• "Sara!" Terai's voice came again.
• "I have to go now" I told him.
• He kept smiling. "Good night" he finally said.
• I nodded and ran to Terai.
• She looked at me suspiciously when I got to her. "Where did you go to? And why are you coming from the Prince's quarters?"
• I rubbed my neck. "Here and there" I muttered, I wasn't making any sense with my words but I didn't want to lie either.
• She smiled at my words. "Just tread carefully in the royal villa, words travel really fast especially among the maids.
• I nodded and followed her.
• Prince Jafar's words still ringing in my ears.
• What if I kiss you now Sarafina?
• ****