Veiled Desires of the Crown

Chapter nine

Happy reading!

       It is our choices that show who we truly are,

far more than our abilities.

-Albus dumbledore

I sat in my chamber, my thoughts still mulling over the upcoming grand ball and the dreaded topic of marriage. I went to see baba today and hinted that I didn't want to attend the ball but he was adamant that being the vizier's daughter it would seem rude if I don't attend.

 Amna and Aminah, my trusty helpers, bustled about, excitedly chattering about the ball, pulling out dresses for me to wear. Their enthusiasm both annoyed and intrigued me, and I couldn't help but get a bit caught up in the hustle and bustle of the palace.

"Look, this royal blue gown would look absolutely stunning on you, Noor," Amna gushed, holding up a magnificent dress. Aminah nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I sighed, partly annoyed by the constant chatter but also a little interested in the dresses. "Alright, fine, I'll wear it," I conceded, giving in to their enthusiasm.

With the gown decided, Amna and Aminah finally left my chamber, and I found myself with a bit of free time on my hands. I decided to take a stroll through the palace to see how preparations for the ball were coming along.

As I wandered through the palace's grand hallways, I noticed servants and palace staff working tirelessly. They were busy decorating the palace with twinkling lights, polishing every surface, and making sure everything was perfect for the grand event. I overheard some of them talking about the upcoming ball, their excitement and anticipation filling the air.

Continuing my exploration, I soon found myself on an open palace balcony that overlooked the grand hallway. It was there that I spotted Burhan, making his way towards the balcony. I contemplated for a moment and then decided to approach him.

As I joined Burhan on the balcony, I greeted him, "Assalamu alaikum, Burhan," offering a brief smile that revealed a hint of my inner turmoil.

Burhan, always one for mischief, responded with a playful grin. "Well, if it isn't the mighty Noor again. What brings you here?" His eyes twinkled mischievously as he spoke, his tone filled with a hint of sarcasm, which was a common feature of our interactions.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his teasing, a gesture that had become almost instinctual in our exchanges. However, as I turned my gaze back to the palace's bustling activities below, my annoyance began to wane, and I found myself appreciating the momentary distraction.

The topic of the ball naturally emerged as we continued to watch the preparations. Burhan, ever the curious conversationalist, couldn't resist asking, "How are your preparations for the ball going, Noor?"

I responded thoughtfully, my words tinged with a touch of reluctance, "It's going fine, I suppose." My gaze lingered on the palace courtyard below, where servants were busy decorating and arranging for the upcoming event. I then hesitated for a moment, seemingly unsure whether to reveal my true feelings.

Burhan noticed my hesitation and, with genuine intrigue pointed, "You don't seem excited."

"Yeah because I don't want to attend it!" my annoyance spoke out.

"But honestly, why don't you want to go to the ball? It's supposed to be a grand event, a chance to meet the king, and perhaps even become the queen. Most girls dream of such opportunities."

I sighed, my unease evident in my response. "I don't like the idea of the ball, and I don't understand why girls eagerly embrace such opportunities, willingly surrendering their freedom to live in this palace. The thought of being forced into a loveless marriage with a king I haven't even seen doesn't sit well with me. I've heard he's old, and... it just doesn't appeal to me." My voice bore the weight of my apprehensions, and I cast a brief glance at Burhan, hoping he would comprehend the depth of my concerns.

Burhan, being the eternal optimist, nodded in understanding. "You know, Noor, it's not as daunting as it seems. The king has to choose from among so many girls at the ball. And all the girls present there are going to come because of their own will. Additionally, the odds of the picking you as his queen are quite low. I am sure you will find yourself a corner to enjoy the night. Besides, the king might not be as old as you think." He adds in a lighter tone.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes once more, a small smile playing on my lips as I did. After a moment of contemplation, I finally gave in to the idea. "Maybe you're right. I'll go to the ball after all." My voice held a hint of acceptance, and I seemed a bit more at ease with the decision.A warm smile spread across Burhan's face as he nodded in approval. "That's the spirit, Noor. I'll surely see you at the ball, then."

Just as our conversation was ending and I felt a glimmer of excitement for the upcoming event, we noticed a servant approaching the balcony, clearly coming for Burhan. It was a sign for him  to take his leave, and he did so with a parting remark. "I'll leave you to your thoughts, now. Until the ball."

I watched him go, feeling a sense of camaraderie I hadn't expected. As I remained on the terrace balcony for a while longer, the daunting prospect of the grand ball seemed a bit more manageable. I hoped that the ball evening in two days might turn out to be more bearable than I had initially imagined.

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