𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦

01

The grandeur of the throne room was unmatched; ornate tapestries depicting battle scenes lined the walls and the air seemed to hum with anticipation. The sunlight shone through tall windows, sending shafts of light into the space that shimmered off of the intricate gold-leafed pillars. A deep purple carpet ran down the center aisle, leading up to a grand throne where a figure sat perched atop it, surveying their domain as if they were above all else. Sweet jasmine incense drifted through the room, adding an almost otherworldly ambiance.

Khalifa's mind was a raging storm of emotions, pulled in multiple directions. He felt his duty to uphold traditions that had been passed down for centuries and yet, Halima's influence made him doubt what he thought he knew. She had earned the respect of the kingdom, her courage and compassion inspiring admiration in everyone she met. With every word that came out of her mouth, Khalifa felt her words hammering away at the foundations of what he believed, making him question everything. He wanted to honor tradition but something inside him insisted that Halima deserved more. His heart and his head were at war within him, and he wasn't sure how to reconcile the two.

 He couldn't help but steal a glance towards Halima, who stood off to the side with a look of determination etched onto her features. The grandeur of the throne room seemed to fade away at that moment as he realized that he needed to make a choice. He could continue on with tradition and leave Halima to rot in obscurity or take a chance on something new, something different.With a deep breath, Khalifa lifted his head high and stepped forward, ignoring the whispering and murmuring of those around him. He knelt before the throne and folded his hands together in supplication as he prayed for guidance. His words were barely more than a whisper, lost in the sound of the sweet jasmine incense permeating throughout the throne room.As he rose to his feet, he looked up at the figure sitting atop the throne, unyielding and regal. He spoke,  his voice trembling with emotion. "We were told to abandon everything that we knew and believed, and instead use our power to bring suffering and pain. We betrayed the trust of our people and took away their homes and lives. I cannot make amends for all of the wrongs that have been done, but I will do whatever is necessary to try to ease the burden."

Halima's voice was strong and clear, her gaze unwavering as she spoke. She leaned forward slightly and looked Khalifa in the eyes. "I have but one great wish, Khalifa," she said solemnly.

"You may speak."

Her voice softened but still held its conviction. "I wish for your hand in marriage."

Halima's unwavering words broke through the silent barriers between them and resounded in Khalifa's ears. He felt the wall of hesitation crack, and her boldness seemed to awaken something deep down within him. The room blurred as he raised his eyes to her face, and a single thought emerged from the dimness of his mind: Are these words real?

The memory of his ancestors formed like fog around him, reminding him of their bravery when faced with life-altering choices. With newfound resolve, he stood taller and pulled back his shoulders. The weight of his crown suddenly became a symbol of responsibility. "I faltered in my duty," Khalifa admitted, his voice now unyielding. "Halima, you have given me an opportunity for growth and courage--one that I cannot ignore. I accept."

Tears welled in Halima's eyes as a surge of emotions washed over her. The entourage of courtiers and advisors had already begun to buzz behind them like a swarm of bees preparing for winter. Soon their conversation would shift as they made plans for the lavish wedding ceremony that would unite the two kingdoms.

As the crowds dissipated, Khalifa and Halima were left in the grandeur of the throne room, basking in the warm glow of the sun that streamed through the stained-glass windows. Khalifa's eyes traced the intricate patterns of the glass, marveling at the kaleidoscopic view. Halima's voice broke the silence, her tone tinged with teasing. "You seem to be more entranced by the window than by me, Khalifa."                                                                                                                                            

Khalifa turned to her, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes now filled with warmth. "I could never be entranced by something as fleeting as beauty when I have the pleasure of your company, Halima."

The stars shone in Halima's eyes as she laughed, "Smooth words, Khalifa. But you still have plenty to learn about winning a woman's heart."

Khalifa chuckled, the sound echoing through the throne room. "Then I will have to rely on your guidance, my queen."

-------

The crisp mountain air danced around Halima's body as she ascended the peak. Khalifa walked ahead of her, his silhouette backlit by a fiery orange sunset that glowed off the distant horizon. The wedding was small, with few attendants, but Halima felt an immense sense of importance at the moment. As they reached the altar and clasped hands. At this moment, it seemed like nothing could split them apart and that together they would bring about a resplendent future for their people.

Khalifa leaned in to whisper in Halima's ear. "I may have been hesitant at first, but I now realize that meeting you was the greatest gift Allah has ever bestowed upon me."

Halima blushed at his words, feeling as though her heart would burst with joy. As they descended the mountain, they were met with a magical sight. The stars began to twinkle brightly in the sky, forming intricate patterns and shapes. The moon hung low, casting a silver light over everything it touched.

Halima and Khalifa walked hand in hand towards the reception, taking in the breathtaking view. The scent of delicious food filled the air. Their families and friends greeted them with open arms, congratulating them on their nuptials.

It seemed as though time stood still, and Halima and Khalifa cherished every moment they spent together. They knew that their journey would not be easy, but they were ready to face any challenge as long as they had each other. As the night drew to a close, Khalifa and Halima snuck away to a quiet spot away from the festivities. The stars shone brightly above them, casting a romantic glow over the couple.

Khalifa took Halima's hand and gazed deeply into her eyes. "I promise to always love you, to protect you, and to stand by your side no matter what comes our way."

Halima's heart swelled with love as she looked at Khalifa. "And I promise to be your partner, to support you, and to love you with all my heart," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they broke apart, a shooting star streaked across the sky above them. Khalifa smiled in amazement. "It's a sign from Allah that our love is blessed."

"I believe it," Halima said, giggling at his childlike wonder. 

Khalifa could not ignore the overwhelming grandeur of the throne room as he knelt beside his beloved. The ceremony had gone off without a hitch, but still, something felt amiss. He was always a perceptive man and even the slightest cues did not escape him–the nervous twitches of the guards' hands on their swords, the darting of their eyes. There was an air of tension that seemed to linger in every corner of the room. Though Khalifa tried to shake it off, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. As they retired to their chambers for the night, his unease only grew. Once they were tangled in the sheets, he felt a chill run through him as if something wasn't quite right, though he couldn't explain what it was.

_____

confession & a wedding already? 

 just watched princess diaries, and now i wish i was secretly a princess.  

huge, huge thanks to usagye for her wonderful cover. i wish i was as talented as you.