Today was a dreadful morning, especially for Anisa. She didn't dare to get up and prepare for Mr. Amin's funeral that was soon to happen in just an hour.

Yesterday, when he had gone back to the palace to help others get out safely, he was too late in getting out himself.

But, so was half the security team. Their funerals were all being held today, in honor of King Salman who personally decided that the royal family would host and pay for all the expenses needed for those who lost their lives saving others.

"Anisa, the highness would like to leave the palace as a family. They'll be ready in half an hour."

Reem slowly walked in her room but she didn't bother turning around. She just nodded.

Reem couldn't handle seeing her like this. Mr. Amin was the closest thing she had and someone who had more of a stance than her father. Now, she was feeling the loneliest amongst them all.

Once Reem closed the door, she turned to go back to her duties. Along the way, she bumped into someone's shoulder, and luckily, it was Yasin.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

He seemed like he hadn't slept. His dark circles were just visible and his eyes contained a red pigment from tears.

"Nevermind me. Are you alright?" Reem asked.

Yasin sighed and tilted his head up, closing his eyes for a light moment before returning to reply to Reem.

"Mr. Amin held a place in our hearts for us all. I just don't get why someone like him had to be such a sacrifice."

Reem couldn't help but feel bad. She too had memories that she cherished with Mr. Amin. He was a father figure to them all. Someone who only spoke the truth and someone who spoke with wisdom.

"How's Anisa? Is she ready?" Yasin asked after wiping the tears that hadn't even left his eyes.

"She hasn't moved from her position for the past two days. I don't even think she's eaten. But, it's not like we can force her. At times like this, she turns against herself." She replied.

Yasin nodded, "Alright. I'll convince her somehow. You go ahead from here."

He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a small squeeze while giving a short smile before he let go and walked into Anisa's room.

When he entered, he saw her sitting on the ground by the edge of her bed, leaning on it. He slowly approached her from behind and sat beside her, placing his head on her shoulder.

"I'm not going to ask if you're fine because you won't be for a while," Yasin started, "but, just know Mr. Amin was like a father to me as well."

Although Yasin wasn't able to see the expression on Anisa's face, he knew too well that she was fighting her tears.

It took a moment of silence before Anisa finally said something, "He... he'd be here right now...and...he would be drinking his tea on that chair," she turned her head towards the chair in the corner, "sipping his tea, and reading the reports from the security team."

She sobbed silently and Yasin lifted his head from her shoulders and wrapped his arms around her, engulfing her in an embrace.

"Sssh, it's ok. It's ok. Inshallah, everything will pass. Things happen for a reason. We'll get through this." He kissed the top of her head and the both stood there embracing each other.

"Now, it's time to say our last goodbye and get ready. I'm not leaving this room until you're ready."

Slowly and eventually, Anisa used the support of Yasin to get up and make her way into her closet. Because her clothes were color-coded, it was easy for her to grab a black dress and put it on, followed by her hijab and accessories.

When she came out of her closet, she saw Yasin, standing by the door with his arms crossed over his chest. Once he saw her, he stood up and gave Anisa his elbow for her to wrap her arm around.

"Amiin."

Slowly, the men began to shovel the dirt back onto the coffin where Mr. Amin's body was placed.

King Salman was one of them but he was only doing this to gain Anisa's favor. King Salman wasn't close to Mr. Amin. They'd exchange conversations but they were just briefings related to work around the castle.

Despite his efforts, Anisa wasn't able to fight her tears. She didn't even try to. She held onto Yasin for support. She could barely stand on her feet.

The weather wasn't as easy as well. The skies were filled with grey clouds emerging from the east, all welcoming a crowd of royals and non-royals, attending the funeral of Mr. Amin, and the rest of the brave souls who sacrificed themselves that night.

Once the last shovel was moved, everybody started making their last few prayers. Anisa slowly detached herself from Yasin and walked over to Mr. Amin's grave.

She placed the roses in her hands just on top of the dirt that now sealed his coffin underground.

"You left me, Mr. Amin," she sobbed, "you were supposed to protect me...but you couldn't protect yourself."

Yasin was barely able to watch her. Even King Salman had to look away because he couldn't handle her heartbroken state.

On the other hand, Humeyra and Layla stood silent. No tears were wept from either of them as they stood to hold each other.

But, a figure stood in the distance. Everyone was busy watching Anisa cry her heart and so was the figure. It tilted its head to see that she had even placed her forehead on the dirt, making small prayers.

Eventually, when everyone started to leave, the figure disappeared.

"Anisa, let's go. We have to leave now."

Yasin pulled his arms out for her to grab but she refused.

She shook her head once and said, "I want to stay longer."

Yasin sighed from helplessness. He couldn't bear to watch her in this state.

(A week later...)

Today was a busy day in the castle. There was much more work to be done, especially for Anisa.

While Anisa stood locked up in her office, working endlessly, her father prepared a surprise for her. He had this prepared just a day after the passing of Mr. Amin. But, he felt that it was wrong timing then.

As Anisa continued to write on her glass board, collecting every information she needed from the responses of the hotel customers, there was a knock at the door.

"Yes"

She simply said, continuing her work

King Salman opened the door and entered alone. He had a nervous smile as he didn't know how she'd react. But even if it wasn't the reaction he wasn't expecting, she didn't have a choice.

"Anisa, I've got something to inform you about," he started.

She turned around with her full attention towards him.

"Come in," King Salman said while facing the door

Shortly, there was a tall, muscular, tan man that appeared wearing all black with full black hair and a perfectly lined beard.

Anisa was captured by his blue orbs but only for a moment before she quickly turned her head back towards her father and asked, "what's the meaning of this?"

"Meet Tahir. He's your new bodyguard."

Anisa's facial muscles tensed up and glared at her father. But, King Salman kept the smile on his face. Nothing she said or did was going to change his mind. She was his only daughter from his first wife and her security mattered to him more than his life.

"I don't want another bodyguard," she turned back towards the bodyguard, "so you can leave."

"Anisa," King Salman threatened, "He's going to be here, whether you like it or not."

"I don't need another bodyguard. I only need Mr. Amin and he's not here anymore. No one else can replace him!" Anisa explained slamming her desk

"Who taught you your manners! Do you yell at your father!"

King Salman started to get angry with the tone she used on him and he was especially angry at the fact she did it in front of the new bodyguard.

Tahir just made sure to keep his gaze low and stood silent, waiting for their argument to end and for him to officially start his job.

"You of all people don't get the right to lecture me about manners. Please, leave my office, this instant."

King Salman waited and watched Anisa's expression. But, she looked away from him. That signaled him to take his leave and before he did, he paused and looked at Tahir.

"Whatever she says about you, you're staying."

Tahir nodded once and with that, King Salman left Anisa's office.

Now, it was just the two in the room.

After a short moment of silence and ignorance, Anisa finally noticed the file in Tahir's hands and asked, "Let me see your resume."

Tahir gave her an intimidating glance before walking up to her desk and handing her the folder he held in his hands.

Anisa lightly grabbed it and placed it down for her to read through it and she did so, out loud.

"You're 27, early graduate, no family..." Anisa paused after realizing that and looked up at him to see him staring back straight into her eyes.

She didn't know why he had such an effect on her because she even felt her breath hitch upon being greeted by his blue eyes. She held eye contact for as long as she needed before going back to read his resume.

"You seem too good to be a bodyguard, don't you think?" She cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact this time.

"Everyone has their reasons." Tahir simply said.

"What might yours be?"

Tahir paused before he said, "let's say this job will get me answers I'm looking for."

He seemed suspicious to Anisa but she held a belief that you're able to have more trust when you first meet someone than if you knew them because then, they wouldn't know what can trigger you.

"Is my father paying you for any special tasks? Like, spying on me for example? Or for any of his benefits?"

She questioned him directly and Tahir thought she was too straightforward. But, it didn't bother him and he replied, "No."

Anisa sighed and laid back in her chair, closing her eyes for a brief moment.

"Listen, I don't know how else to say this to anyone, but I can't handle another bodyguard. People close to me end up dying...I can't go through the same pain. So, just turn in your resignation letter already. You're wasting your time here."

Her words intrigued Tahir. He tilted his head and looked at her while her gaze was elsewhere. But he knew too well that this was just an act of hers. He was taught never to trust any royals and it didn't mean she was an exception. But, if he was going to carry out his mission right, he needed to gain her trust. That was his current goal.

"I don't know what you experienced with the past bodyguard, but I didn't come here to step out the moment I stepped in. You're wrong for thinking that's possible," he daringly replied.

Anisa's attention was officially back to him. No one spoke to her like this and she wasn't accustomed to it.

"Excuse me?" She asked, offended.

"You heard me correct. I signed a contract and I'm not planning on going against it. I'm technically not considered your subordinate either so your words, your harshness, violence, nothing can stop me from what I've set my mind to."

Anisa scoffed in disbelief. His words somehow directly affected her. That was what Tahir was aiming for. So, she stood up from her chair and walked over to where he stood. Once she felt she was close enough, she glared up at him as she only reached beneath his shoulders.

Both maintained an intense gaze over the other, almost like they were at war with each other through glares. Eventually, Anisa replied, "We'll see about that. I've got a lot of enemies and since you're so determined to hold this position, I won't be responsible for any of the damage you'll go through."

"I don't need your responsibility to resolve my conflicts. I can handle things on my own, without the help of a privileged royal."

A/N:

Hi guys! Here's a long-awaited chapter! Hopefully, you're all staying safe and healthy:)

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