The Unlikely Queens

Nine

"Your Majesty, do you not want to wear orange today? It is Sunday and you haven't worn it all week." Fatima asks me as I dress in the morning.

"Oh, yes." I answer, remembering the rule of wearing orange once a week.

"Would you like to wear this?" I do not even see the dress she is referring to before nodding. I get dressed and go to pray, seeing Zahid is already in the prayer room. He does not stop to regard me, so I know he is in deep thought. I kneel beside him and try my hardest to concentrate on what I have to say to Al-Qadir. I pray and beg him to help me adjust to the ways of my new home. I promise to be the best wife I can be to Zahid and the best Sultana Buran has ever seen. My actions now reflect both my husband and I. Like he said, I won't have our subjects doubting him on the throne because of me.

I sense some light glinting beside me from behind my closed eyes and feel Zahid's gentle hand on my back.

"My love, are you alright?" He murmurs. "You are crying."

I hadn't even noticed that a few tears have escaped my closed eyelids. I open them and look at Zahid.

"I'm fine." I assure him.

He tenderly wipes my eyes, "What's troubling you?"

"I just want to be a good wife to you," I whisper. "And a good Sultana. I feel...as if I'm failing."

"You mustn't think that, my love." He takes my hand and intwines our fingers. "You are doing all you can. I know you are. Our people will love you. Just give them time to see what a wonderful person you are."

I nod and try to stop any more tears from flowing, "Perhaps I can start doing more? I stay in the palace all day. I should go out and see my new subjects...and help them in any way I can."

"That is a brilliant idea, my gorgeous wife." He smiles, kissing my hand.

"I would like to go as soon as possible. Perhaps tomorrow? Will you go with me?"

"Unfortunately, I have many council meetings and parliament sessions tomorrow. But many months ago I planned a large feast for the nobility and their families. After you return from your tour of the kingdom we will go together. Surely you will shine there."

I sigh in relief, "That would be perfect. Thank you. Will you have a new dress made for me?"

"Of course. What color shall it be?"

"Since tomorrow is a new week, I will wear orange again. I think the nobility will appreciate that."

Zahid kisses me, "They will love you. I am sure of it."

We spend the day together eating meals, planning my visit to the rest of Buran, and helping with the finishing touches for the feast tomorrow. As we prepare for bed, I grow more nervous. How will the people of Buran feel about me? I know the entire kingdom has heard of me by now, so everyone at least knows I am not from here. For some people that might be all the information they need to make their decision about my place on the throne.

"Are you having trouble sleeping, my love?" Zahid asks after I toss and turn for an hour.

"Yes, but I am fine." I say dismissively.

"Are you worried about tomorrow?" He whispers.

"Very worried." I admit.

I have two chances to impress my new subjects and I cannot afford to ruin even one of them. I know now how important appearances are to my husband, so being a good Sultana for the people to look up to will reflect well on Zahid. And I desperately want that for him. No matter what, I will do well. There is no other option.