PRINCESS OF THE EAST. Vida Lagodina

this should not be a problem. – We crossed eyes, and again I felt something close to irritation. An inner voice told me to stay away from him.

      Ira, where are you? The guests will come any minute, but here we have… Ali – there was a real surprise on the face of my mother – that is, Hello, Your Highness. She reached out and smiled at him with the friendliest smile. I got to my feet to continue working, but my mother stopped me, grabbing my arm. – Stay with Mr. Ali, and I will do the business myself.

      – You? Herself? – I looked at her suspiciously. Mom was one of those people who could only give orders and monitor their implementation.

      – Yes. – Once again, honoring our guest with a smile, she retired from the hall. All this time, Ali looked at us with undisguised interest. I ran a hand over my face and returned to the bar.

      – More coffee? – I asked him without looking up.

      – Not. – He got to his feet. “I think you have enough worries without me,” he examined me from head to toe (as far as the bar between us allowed). He held his gaze before my eyes, and then turned and headed for the exit.

      – Your Highness! – He raised an eyebrow in surprise, turning to face me. “I don’t know how appropriate my question is, but… when my parents and I were going to see you, my father said that he would be arranged in your honor, but… there was nobody else besides us.” Can I find out the reason you personally invited my family?

      He pondered something for a while, and then looked at me point blank. He seemed somewhat excited, but tried his best to hide it.

      – This technique was as yours as mine. See you later. – He turned sharply and went out, completely confusing me in everything that is happening here.

      CHAPTER 5

      – Honey, where are you in such a hurry? Stay a few more days. Your training is finished, you have not found a job, just enjoy the freedom.

      Mom dreamily watched as I collect my things.

      – No thanks. Such a life is not for me. – I sighed heavily, unable to stay here longer than necessary. This place depresses me. – I want to work. Perhaps I will continue to study. In general, I want to go home… – I closed the suitcase and not without difficulty lowered it from the bed to the floor. – I’m not comfortable here. As if something is about to happen. – I walked closer to her and put my palms on her shoulders. – Please be careful and take care of each other, okay? – She nodded. – I know that now you are in euphoria from all the changes that have occurred, but… remember that sooner or later you will have to pay for everything that you now have. Try not to put off and pay off your debt as quickly as possible. It is not known what the consequences may be. She averted her eyes and pursed her lips, trying to hold back her tears.

      – Don’t worry about us. – The main thing, be careful, okay? And forgive us for everything. – She hugged me around the waist and tightly pressed me to her.

      An hour later, I stood in line at the airport reception. It was my turn, and I handed the passport to a cute petite girl at the counter. She began to actively print something on her computer, but I could only wait.

      – Sorry, but your passport isn’t valid.³ – I don’t immediately understand that they are turning to me.

      – Pardon? It can’t be.⁴

      – I’m afraid you’ll have to wait.⁵ – She took my passport and went off somewhere. I do not understand anything. How is this even possible? Now I am in such an absurd situation. My passport is valid for two more years. I check everything before every trip abroad. The girl returned to me with frightened eyes. – Are there any problems? The last time everything was in order, I …⁵

      – Please, come with me.⁶

      At that moment, two men in uniform approached me. I looked at them, not understanding what was happening.

      – Allow me to take your luggage. – In imperfect, but still Russian, one of them turned to me.

      – Sorry, but will someone explain to me what is going on here?

      – They will tell you everything, but for this you need to come with us. – He took my suitcase and pointed to the reception desk, behind which was a service door.

      They put me in one of the offices and made me wait. There were long minutes of waiting, but I still did not know what was happening. No one said anything, they just looked at me with alarm, thinking that I did not notice it. I do not know how much time has passed, but one of the men who accompanied me here entered. The receptionist girl who started it all looked at me uncertainly.

      – A car came for you, – the man began, looking away to the side, – our employee will guide you. Your suitcase is already there.

      – What car? I have a flight to Moscow!

      – I’m afraid this is impossible, because you are forbidden to leave the Emirate. – I looked at them in shock, feeling how my legs gave way, my head was spinning, and I slowly lowered myself into a chair.

      – How is it… how is it forbidden? Who forbade?

      I do not understand anything. It just can’t be.

      – Sorry, but I’m not allowed to talk about this. – He shifted from foot to foot, nervously fingering his fingers. – You just need to get to the car, and then you will know everything.

      On numb legs, I slowly got up from my seat and followed the girl to the service exit, where a black minibus shone in the merciless sun.

      – Good afternoon, Miss Mironova. Please come in. – A man of about thirty-five with a thick beard on a dark face pointed to the open car door.

      – Who you are? – I crossed my arms over my chest, trying not to lose my temper. I was scared. – What do you want from me?

      – You can trust me. You have nothing to fear. – a slight smile appeared on his face.

      – Why should I believe you?

      – You simply have no other election, – he declared, and my shoulders dropped.

      I looked around, noticing that I had little chance of escaping. Behind two guards, and my interlocutor is not from frail. This person seems to be right, and I really have no other choice.

      I climbed into the car and collapsed powerlessly into a leather chair. I think I’m sleeping and I can’t wake up.

      – The mini fridge has chilled water and some food.

      I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Opening the refrigerator, I took out a bottle of water. I need to somehow come to my senses, start thinking rationally. This is the only thing I did well until recently. I take a few sips of refreshing water (even simple water tastes different here) and feel the coolness flowing through my body, bringing peace and relaxation. I hope that soon everything will become clear, and I will be able to return home.

      CHAPTER 5

      – Honey, where are you in such a hurry? Stay a few more days. Your training is finished, you have not found a job, just enjoy the freedom.

      Mom dreamily watched as I collect my things.

      – No thanks. Such a life is not for me. – I sighed heavily, unable to stay here longer than necessary. This place depresses me. – I want to work. Perhaps I will continue to study. In general, I want to go home… – I closed the suitcase and not without difficulty lowered it from the bed to the floor. – I’m not comfortable here. As if something is about to happen. – I walked closer