𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝

Last time I ever let my wife drag me along for girls night.

She quite literally hates me.

[Had to carry bags.]

I still can’t believe my wife volunteered my services.

[He could do the funniest thing and sneak off right now.

But that’s not the type of man he is.]

… alright. I’ll come along.

But I’m not carrying any of your bags.

[He’s going to take all of their bags willingly.]

But why do /I/ have to gooooo?

[He’s like a pouty child.]

I know all you three want is for me to carry the bags. Thea said it herself!

Don’t you dare use that against me.

YOU invited them over for this. Not me!

I know JUST the person. You three will love her.

[Any excuse. But he KNOWS it won’t work.]

By the goddess, listen to that—!

[Cupping his ear.]

What?! Oh, yeah I’m coming…!

Sorry ladies. Sounds like Shahid is acting up again.
Brothers. I’m sure you all understand.

Oh, you ladies will be fineee!

I’ll just be holding you back! I won’t be any help.

So I’m just going to —

[Taking a step back.]

Oh, great.

So you three don’t need me!

[Already slouching. It’s going to be a longggggg day.]

Going /where/, exactly?

[IMMEDIATELY SPITTING OUT HIS SIP OF TEA.]

Dorotheaaaaa what a pleasant surprise.

[Eyes darting to Ingrid. What did you do…?]

Ohhhh, you’d be surprised, Habibti.

Then again. He’s been that way since you were pregnant, dearest.

See. This is why he picks favorites, and it so happens to always be you.

[He’ll have Omar scare anyone else away. Easy.]

We’ve got to bring him food though. He’ll hate us if we don’t.

Habibti. He’d definitely sneak by even if he wasn’t. He’d find a way.

[But, he could arrange for them to be uninterrupted, assuming it’s not an emergency.]

“Isn’t it always…? Can’t ever just lie back and relax.

Not anymore, at least.”

You and me a “come with us”. Let’s do it. Whatever it is.

Oh, you sly…

[She totally got him there. He can’t even argue against it. She’s just. Right.]

I’ll get back to it eventually. My daughter is more important.

Excuse me. Why are you reading confidential documents? You’ve just. Casually read through the proposal and thought I left it to collect dust?

[He did.]

Well, you’re right. But can’t a man enjoy a break?

Oh, dear. How COULD I? Dada showing that nobles should care not only for those within their castle, but the common folk, too?

How awful…!~

Woah, woah. You heard that, Aliah? Your mama’s questioning royalty!

[He’s totally milking this now.]

Oh, please, habibti. I’m the king. The worst they can do is verbally reprimand me.

[He’d hold onto Aliah’s hands, before standing up, holding her in his arms.]

Mama thinks that dada can get in trouble. She forgets I run stuff here.

[He’d hum, booping Aliah’s nose, smirking at Ingrid.]

[Claude immediately stood up, kneeling down in front of the toddler and stretching out his arms.]

Yeah, but family takes priority, doesn’t it?

Yawwwnnn… what a borrreeee.

“Want to go out and get something to eat, dearest?

I’m pretty sure I know of a few good places.”

“Hey, honey. My love.”

[Claude quietly went to the dish on the plate nearest to him, and sniffed it.]

… and you said you did this based off of books?