13th century- The Middle East.
In the heart of the Arabian desert, Princess Laila of Al-Shujae tribe faces an impossible choice to save her people from an ongoing siege. To secure peace, Laila agrees to marry the fearsome commander of Al-Muharibun...
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Chapter 4
An Indisputable Union
Marriage was destruction, a union which could ruin the best of man. To make a promise of love before the most loving. To be consumed by another till death.
The courtyard was covered in white, curtains hanging from the large pillars which surrounded the place of her matrimony. Laila pulled the hood of her cape further down, attempting to hide herself behind the garment.
"Laila, we must go." She felt a gentle nudge, Wafiyyah urging her to return to her own quarters.
They had only come to see what preparations could have been made in such haste, unknowing that some people of her tribe had already arrived to witness the spectacle which would take place.
"Let us go." She replied bleakly, betrayed. Perhaps she should have loved her people more. Perhaps, if she did, they would have shown more outrage at such an unholy union.
Laila allowed her eyes to wander, absorbing her home for what may be the last time. It had never felt so cold, so empty.
Asiyah awaited her, distraught as her stepdaughter offered a hopeless smile.
"My child," she reached for her, embracing the young girl.
"Could you help me?" Laila requested, pleased as Asiyah nodded.
She was seated on the chair of her dressing table. A veil made of golden coins covered her from below her eyes, accentuating the kohl which outlined them. A similar headpiece was placed underneath her scarf and a second later, she felt a cool sensation around her neck.
"What is this?" Laila asked, grasping the small key which hung from a golden chain.
"A gift, a very precious gift," she answered. Laila stared at the jewellery, a piece which was far too small to fit any keyhole.
"It is beautiful," she said, her heart warming.
"It is, but this key is not from me alone. It is a present from your birth mother, I was only asked to give it to you." Laila felt herself grasp the key tighter.
"What do you mean?" She asked as Asiyah took Laila's hands.
"Perhaps your mother knew a day like this would come, and I am so grateful to have been chosen to raise you and give you this chain." She kissed Laila's hands before helping her stand.
"Your mother told me only one thing, this key will help you when you are most in need." They embraced. A tight hold which neither wanted to cease.
