Silver Skies

2. Jealous

A/N: Assalamualaikum and hello Stormers! What a crazy time it has been. The world has been brought to its knees by something so small that we can't even see it with an ordinary telescope. SubhanAllah, Allah's creations are perfect in design. It is time to turn back to Him, and engulf ourselves in His mercy. To any of you directly affected by COVID-19, my thoughts are with you and if there is any support I can provide then let me know. I hope that some more updates at least, will brighten up your day. But make no mistake, wattpad is low on the list compared to the important things in life. If you are Muslim, then that is your worship.

I know I made you guys wait so long for this chapter - I kept writing it and it never seemed to capture what I wanted it to capture. Ideally more would have happened in this chapter, but it didn't seem like the right place.

Lastly I wanted to say that I really, truly appreciate you all. I see all your comments and messages, and it warms my heart to know so many of you wait for these updates. You have a lot of patience, and I am really grateful.

Recap: Hudayfa watched his betrothed approach, and the heads that shamelessly turned to watch her. Those silver eyes flashed.

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F A L A Q
شَوَّال
T R I D A R I

Falaq's heart thundered in her chest the closer they approached the Royal Procession. She could see her brothers, dressed as she had never seen them before, in robes and fur cloaks. She could see Yunus and Ozer, who had turned in their saddles to stare at her shamelessly. A flicker of irritation courses through her. They were so sleazy, it was undeniable.

And then there was the matter of those silver eyes. She could feel them boring into her soul, could imagine the face to whom they belonged - the face that was so cruelly handsome, so utterly carved with contempt for her, that she would lose her resolve before they even reached the Palace. No, Ishtar was right - even though Falaq doubted she could ever make Hudayfa jealous - she needed to ignore him for her own sake.

"How are you feeling?" Nuh asked as he spurred his horse to ride level with hers.

Falaq forced out a dry chuckle, "I fail to see how that is any of your concern"

Her chest felt heavy with feelings. Anger and pain, but most of all the undeniable hurt at losing even Nuh's company. The embarrassment at herself for even believing for a moment that him and his Master had come to accept her.

"Fair" Nuh replied, so quietly Falaq may have imagined it.

She had no time to dwell on it however, because they had arrived to the head of the Army. She was vaguely aware of Nuh excusing himself and riding away. Her brothers, who had patiently waited for her to reach, now surrounded her with greetings. She felt a smile grow, despite herself, as they chatted. Her brothers made her feel so special, even if her betrothed did not.

How is Ishtar?" Ibrahim inquired quietly after they had all greeted each other.

"She is doing well" Falaq said uncomfortably. She hadn't told the brothers about Ishtar's pregnancy yet, and day by day that truth was eating her up alive.

"How is your arm?" Falaq asked Houssam, who had remained largely silent. He was atop a horse for the first time since they'd found him, refusing to enter Tridari on a Palanquin. Underneath his robes Falaq knew there were many half-healed injuries still.