The Unlikely Queens

Four

I wander around the palace, hugging the poetry book to my chest as if it will save my life. Since yesterday I have been obsessed trying to find another reason as to why the sultan especially asked me for my thoughts on the last poem. I wish I could believe that he simply wanted my opinion, but the romantic side of me wants to think otherwise. I look at my feet as I walk, engrossed in my thoughts. I do not even realize I've bumped into someone until I am stumbling back. Arms grip my elbows and put me upright. I drop the book as I look up and see Sultan Zahid.

"Your Majesty, I am so sorry." I apologize, bending to get the book.

"Please, let me." He gets it for me.

"Thank you." I realize I forgot to curtsy and do so.

"Did you enjoy my book?" He smiles.

"Yes, very much. They're wonderful poems. My father had to translate it for me, but it was beautiful."

"You were touched by it?"

"Absolutely." I nod.

Sultan Zahid clasps his hands behind him and looks at me with such comfort and happiness, "Georgiana, would you like to marry me?"

"What?" I say louder than I intended, shocking even me.

Sultan Zahid laughs at how my voice bounces off the shiny granite walls.

"Um, forgive me for yelling." I whisper.

"You did not expect this?" He asks.

"No, Your Majesty. I did not. In Asnor people court and there are betrothals. Sometimes this takes...years."

"That sounds awfully tiring." Sultan Zahid smiles.

"It is, but...it is our way. Yours is different, I see."

"Here in Buran we meet someone and decide we could easily spend the rest of our lives with them, so we ask for their hand in marriage. And we usually receive an answer at that moment, but some women get quite talkative after being asked." He says jokingly.

My heart pounds in my chest. I could be engaged right this second, right where I stand. To a sultan. A kind, intelligent Sultan who does not care that I laugh too loud or cannot do his traditional dances.

"May I think about my answer, Your Majesty?" I ask. "This is a serious question that requires some consideration."

"Of course. Take all the time you need." He nods.

"Thank you." I nervously run my thumb over the book spine.

"Any thoughts to improve my poems?"

"You cannot improve what is already perfect."

Sultan Zahid beams, "Good to know. I suppose I'll get back to work now."

I curtsy, "Good day, Your Majesty."

He leaves and I turn back in the direction of my room, running as fast as I can. I trip over my dress many times and almost fall on the floor. I am practically sliding along the floor by the time I arrive at my door. I go in and close the door behind me, rushing to the connector door to tell Eleanora.

"Eleanora, we must get Father! The sultan--" I open the door and see Father is already in the room. He and my sister are playing the small piano in the corner.

"Georgiana, is something the matter?" Father turns towards me.

"Sultan Zahid," I say breathlessly. "He has just asked me to marry him."

My sister stands abruptly, banging her hands on the piano keys accidentally.

"He proposed?" She whispers. "He proposed!"