The Unlikely Queens

Ten

"How were your meetings, my love?" I ask Zahid as we walk together to the feast.

"Incredibly boring," He smiles. "Too many decisions to be made, as always. I am glad to finally be with you." He kisses my hand.

I smile back, "As am I."

"You seem calm. You are not worried?"

"Not at all, which is surprising."

He kisses me briefly as we arrive at the huge golden doors of one of the great halls, "I love you, my beautiful wife. Remember, do not worry. They will see how wonderful you are."

"Thank you, Zahid." I look at him. "I love you too."

Two attendants open the doors from the inside and we are announced, "His Majesty, Sultan Zahid and Her Majesty, Sultana Georgiana."

The long table of nobles, their wives, and older children rises to bow and curtsy. We go the head of the table, we sit, and everyone follows.

"Georgiana," Zahid takes my hand again. "This is my cousin Amir, his wife Layla, and their son Mehmed." He introduces me to the three people sitting next to him. Amir is handsome just like Zahid and Layla is easily one of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen in my life. She has long, flowing black hair and hazel eyes.

"Your Majesty." Amir says respectively.

"It is nice to meet you all." I smile.

"Amir and I grew up together." Zahid informs me.

"No need to feel sorry for me." Amir says in jest.

I laugh and by the wary looks on Amir and Layla's faces, it was too loud. I chide myself for not remembering to monitor that.

"Layla, your dress is lovely." I compliment, taking in the vibrant pink dress she is wearing.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." She smiles, seeming to forget my mistake. "Although, not as nice as your dress."

"Orange is all she wears now. She loves the tradition. Don't you, my love?" Zahid asks me.

"Yes," I smile, squeezing his hand as a thank you.

"His Majesty told me earlier that you visited the kingdom today. Did you enjoy it?" Amir asks me.

"It was wonderful. The people are so kind."

Servants appear out of nowhere and begin serving the food that is displayed on the table against the far left wall. I am always hungry for Buranian food. Ever since I have been here I can barely stop eating all the mouthwatering dishes and delicious desserts. My favorite dish is being served tonight in abundance: Yandoor chicken. Zahid has informed me that the spicy chicken and potato dish was created and named after the Yandoor dynasty, the first ruling family of Buran.

Zahid and I are served first. I pick up my fork to eat and I hear a small, disapproving tsk noise. I look up and see Layla turn her head at the exact moment and whisper something to Mehmed.

"You must wait until everyone has been served, my love." Zahid whispers to me.

"Of course. I am sorry." I place the fork back down on the table. When I look up again at least three more people on Layla's side of the table are staring at me, some with disdain. Dinner has not even started and I have already made two awful mistakes. Zahid puts a comforting hand on my knee as they all return to their conversations.