THE BLACK KNIGHT

Chapter 5

Zainab

Wedding pre ceremony: henna night

The lanterns of Damieski's Mansion draped women wearing heavy jewelry, designer gowns and magnolia flowers tucked into their braids. They pranced around carrying large trays filled with sweets, lassis, henna tubes and flowers to prepare for the special night. Zara sat there looking at the stars from their large spacious rooftop lounge.

She was wearing a dark green gown bejeweled with golden designs and pearls. It was so incredibly soft on the inside and glamorous on the outside. She had never worn something so expensive. It was the first dress from the groom's side she had put on and was meant for the henna event. A matching jewelry set embodied with emeralds and diamonds sat like a choker on her slender neck. Her hair and makeup was never this flawless, she didn't look like herself. Two girls on either side were holding her hands carefully and gliding the slender tube of henna back and forth, artistically filling her palms with the most intricate designs.

They were sitting amongst many of her female cousins clapping and singing traditional wedding songs. The lounge area on the balcony was covered with thick persian carpets, large cushions and throw pillows and handmade glass lanterns to add soft glows to the beautiful scenery. Drinks of all colors and tastes were being passed around by hired ladies and children ran around dancing to the music of tablas, claps and singing. Occasionally one of the elder ladies from her side of the family would come and shower her with kisses and hugs, congratulating the event. A soft breeze hit Zainab in the face and she closed her eyes.

She was in the middle of this celebration, being honored like a queen yet she never once felt short of a prisoner. Her heart felt caged and forced into submission. The night seemed to be endless and the sound of music and singing were starting to give her a headache. The henna designs had now reached all the way to her inner arm area and her shoulders hurt from being in this position too long.

Suddenly she felt warm liquid running down her cheeks and instinctively reached to touch them but the girl on her right side stopped her. The girl whose name Zainab had forgotten smiled sadly and gently dabbed at her cheek with a handkerchief. The tears however would not stop and her breathing kept accelerating. The gown felt too suffocating along with its 10 pound jewelry.

Without thinking, Zainab snatched her arms back from the girls, smudging much of henna and rose, the singing and clapping quickly died down. She started walking away in  haste without once looking back. Voices called after her but she didn't care. She was struggling halfway down the marble staircase due to thick gown material dragging 3 feet behind her. Just when she was a few steps away from the first landing she spotted a tall dark figure heading up the same staircase. She quickly wiped her tears and looked sideways to avoid showing her face. The man seemed to notice her and stood his ground a few steps down.

"Is everything ok..?" She recognized his voice right away.

She looked back at him with slightly reddened and puffy eyes, ruining much of the delicate makeup. Her head cover was no longer draped over her head and instead lightly fell down back on the balcony, revealing her dark brown curls. She had hardly noticed.

Seth seemed to have no shame and stared up at her with an intense gaze. His eyes traveled along her beautifully cut face surrounded by the dark tones of her hair. It was the first time he had seen her without a veil. His jaw hardened as he saw her henna smeared along with her makeup. Zainab ignored him and continued to go down the stairs, passing him on her way. She was halted as a large hand wrapped around her arm and reeled back a bit roughly. His face leaned down towards hers and she could see concern mixed with annoyance in his eyes. A musky and cedar scent hit her nostrils hard.