Charades

Chapter 25

     I stood in front of the mirror in my wedding dress - the gown of red and gold; the colours of a wedding to be, and my heart ached. I could barely look at myself as Zaha curled my hair.

     "You look beautiful," Zaha whispered, smiling. "I know that doesn't really help, but at least you look stunning for your wedding."

    "I don't want to be beautiful," I whispered. "I want to save Ronan. I want to be free."

     Zaha nodded, her lip quivering before she stepped away. Her eyes then darted to the door.

     "There will be a way," Zaha whispered. "A way for you to save him and escape."

     "How?" I asked. "Do you have any advice?"

     Zaha paused, lifeless for a moment. She shook her head and then jumped when we heard a familiar voice.

     "Hello, is Amara ready?" Uncle Azad asked.

     "She is."

     Zaha scurried off and I turned to face my uncle, who's eyes beheld me like I was his prize possession. My eyes were locked on his as I felt a surge of hate rising within me.

     "Are you ready to begin your new life?" Uncle Azad said. "As the Queen of Narakha, married to the King of Vispur."

     "No," I spat. "I rather die than live to see this fate."

     Uncle's Azad's eyes hardened, a look of fury clouding his eyes. He stormed towards me and days ago, I would have cowered, but I stood straight and glared right back, my own fury rising within me.

     "We will put a muzzle to shut that pretty mouth of yours," he sneered. "Keep speaking and we'll behead your lover faster."

     My knees wobbled and I faltered at the thought of Ronan losing his life. But, the rage kept rising, setting every nerve in my body alight.

     "You're a murderer," I blurted out, unable to hold it back anymore. "You killed my parents."

     Uncle Azad was startled and he studied me, trying his best to hide his surprise. "Why do you think that?"

     "Emir told me."

     Uncle Azad scowled and grabbed my arm and yanked me forward. I stumbled and he kept lugging me down the hallway.

     "You will be wed now!" he roared.

     "You killed your bother!" I screamed. "You think you'll win by controlling me, but you will always live with the guilt of murdering your family. I would never want to be you."

     Uncle Azad threw me forward and I tumbled to the hardwood floor. I whipped my head to look at him, eyes flying wide as he loomed over me.

     "Enough," he hissed. "My brother was too soft and his wife was useless. I will better this world."

     I scowled at him, but said nothing. He was trembling, the muscles bunching on his arms and I rose to my feet. Straightening myself out, my jaw clenched and I descended the staircase and soon, out to our garden. We went down the dirt path and soon, an altar came into view along with the audience of the wedding to be.

     Emir and Ronan were on the altar and Ronan was shirtless. He was on his knees and his arms were handcuffed to a post in front of him, and his eyes were on me. They were full of panic, full of a fear I'd never seen him wear before. My heart lurched at the sight of him and I had to dig my nails into my palm to stop myself from racing to him.