The Unlikely Queens

Eight

I hear the door to the prayer room open and close. I keep my eyes closed, as I am in the middle of my prayer. I feel Zahid lightly touch my shoulder before kneeling beside me on his mat.

There is silence between us for only a few seconds before Zahid says, "Did you enjoy your gifts?"

"Yes," I say quietly. "They were all beautiful. Thank you."

"You're welcome. How are you coming along with the Book of Faith?"

"Very well."

"Do you like Fatima? She is very kind, is she not?"

"She is. I enjoy her company."

"I was once engaged to one of her sisters."

"What?" I exclaim, breaking my concentration.

"I am only joking." He laughs. "There were negotiations many years ago, but nothing ever came of them, my beautiful Sultana." He takes my hand in his and I playfully rip my hand from his grasp, smiling.

"I am sure you have had many marriage proposals over the years."

"You were my first and only proposal. Or inquiry, for that matter."

"All the men in Asnor must be fools."

~

In the following days, Zahid sends more young women to serve as my ladies in waiting. Most of them are the same women who prepared me for my wedding, so I take great comfort in that.

"We should hold a party." Zahid says from his desk across the room as I read the Book of Faith.

"That sounds like fun," I smile. "When?"

"This evening."

"Can you plan a party in such a short amount a time?"

"Abdul!" Zahid calls out.

A moment later he appears at the door and bows, "Your Majesty?"

"We would like to hold a celebration this evening. In the main ballroom. Do what is required."

"As you wish, Your Majesty." He bows again and leaves. I look at Zahid in awe.

"See? Simple." He smiles at me.

"What shall I wear?" I smile back.

"I could have a new dress made for you in time." Zahid offers.

"No, thank you. I should wear the dresses you just gave me." I stand with my Book of Faith. "I will see you at the party?"

"Where are you going?" Zahid asks, perplexed.

"To prepare." I smile.

"You have hours before this evening."

"And I need those hours to prepare. I have no idea what I would like my makeup to be or which gown I would like to wear. Or jewelry. There are so many decisions to be made, my love." I say as I go over to him and kiss his cheek.

He takes my hand and coaxes me into his lap, "Well, if you are leaving me, I have a gift for you." He smiles.

"No more gifts." I sigh playfully.

He slides open the top drawer of his desk and lifts out a beautiful gold and garnet necklace. He puts it around my neck and clasps it. I reach up and touch it gently.

"Thank you," I look at him. "You did not have to."

"Wear it tonight. If it matches your gown." He teases.