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I hope Prince Khalid gives me another chance to meet him.
Khalid
I was trying not to show my impatience, anger, irritation and concern, taking a sip of wine. I did not enjoy the bitter, stingy taste it left in my throat.Did she dare stood me up? Me? Prince of Azmia?How dare someone waste my time like that? But I stayed seated on the chair, glaring at the empty seat across from me.
I wanted to see if she would arrive hastily, apologizing for her delay or if she wouldn’t arrive at all.
Most of all, I was concerned that something might have happened to her. I didn’t know why, but I knew the Valeria Dunne I talked to last night was an intelligent, sweet woman who wouldn’t be late if something hadn’t happened to her. She had insisted that I shouldn’t be late.
Is she okay? Should I call her? Ask her to reschedule or check up on her in person?
I was about to reach for my phone when it started ringing. Relief passed through me when I saw it was the same number. Without hesitation, I picked it and asked,
“Where are you?”
“I am at home, your grace, if you must know. Thank you for asking.”
Gritting my teeth in annoyance, I said, “Where is Valeria? She told me to meet her at seven. She’s late.”
Benjamin had called me that morning to ask me about my intentions with his daughter. I had been honest that I wanted to have dinner with her. I didn’t tell him what I had planned to do with Valeria afterwards.
He cleared his throat. “About that, Mr Khalid. Valeria is extremely apologetic for not being able to meet you this evening. She was disappointed because of the circumstances—”
“What circumstances? If she was busy, she could’ve called me earlier.” Letting out a frustrated sigh, I looked over at the enormous view of London. “Did something happen? Is she okay?”
Why was I so concerned? She is a stranger.
“I am not sure how she will behave if I let you know about this, but if you insist, I will tell you. Valeria was ready to meet you when she had to postpone this meeting because of a sudden medical emergency regarding her health.”
My heart started pounding in my ears. I urged, “Will she be okay?”
“Yes, the doctor told her to rest, which made her throw a fit. I believe she will be well by tomorrow.”
“Good. Tell her to meet me atLazizrestaurant. Tomorrow. At seven.”
Before I could hear Benjamin’s reply, I ended the call, hoping she would be able to make it.
I had to see her before I left for Azmia.