My First Choice

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

She has a free soul
With a free mind.

"My life was once a tranquil sea, but now it's a raging storm. The tides of fate have brought me to this moment, and I'm not sure if I'll ever find my way back to shore."

In the heart of Qalb as-Sahara, the castle is built of sandstone, its color shifting from golden to soft rose hues with the movement of the sun. The tall, arched windows are adorned with intricate geometric carvings, reflecting the artistry of the desert people. The turrets rise like watchful sentinels into the azure sky, while the battlements, lined with vigilant guards, keep watch over the vast expanse of the kingdom. The castle is surrounded by a sturdy wall, with an arched gate and a wide pathway leading to the main entrance. Crossing under the grand gate, one can feel the presence of ancient power and the weight of tradition, stepping into the heart of the royal family’s domain.

The landscape surrounding Qalb as-Sahara is a breathtaking desert expanse. Rolling dunes stretch endlessly, their sands shifting and rippling like waves frozen in time. Rare patches of hardy vegetation dot the landscape—acacia trees, desert grasses, and thorny shrubs, clinging to life amidst the arid terrain. The occasional oasis appears like a miracle, with palms and cool pools of water providing respite from the heat. A broad wadi, a dry riverbed that fills during the rare desert rains, carves a path through the dunes, sustaining life and providing water to the people.

The nearby town is small but lively, with mud-brick houses that are clustered close together to shield each other from the desert winds. Flat rooftops serve as a space for families to sleep under the stars during warm nights. The streets are narrow and winding, filled with market stalls selling spices, textiles, and other goods. The scent of fresh flatbread and the sound of laughter and conversation fill the air, as the people, clad in loose robes to protect against the sun, go about their daily lives with a strong sense of community.

The weather in Qalb as-Sahara is harsh and unpredictable. Scorching days bring a relentless sun, casting golden light across the desert, while cool nights bring a chill that creeps into the bones. When the desert rains do come, they arrive suddenly and fiercely, transforming the dry wadi into a flowing river, and bringing blooms to life from the seemingly barren sand. The sky, often clear and vast, is sometimes swept with fierce sandstorms, covering the castle and town in a veil of golden dust, a reminder of the raw power of the desert that shapes the lives of all who call Qalb as-Sahara their home.

In the still of the night, Princess Huuda bint Julaybib sits in quiet contemplation, her dark, straight hair, lightly curling at the ends, cascading down her back like a flowing oasis stream. Her deep, kohl-rimmed eyes, the color of rich Arabian coffee, gleam in the moonlight, reflecting her fierce spirit and unyielding determination.

Her slender figure is draped in a simple yet elegant abaya, its deep black fabric adorned with intricate silver embroidery that reflects the traditional artistry of Qalb as-Sahara. Her only jewelry consists of a pair of small, golden hoop earrings and a silver ring on her right hand, set with a black gemstone. The ring, a gift from her father, the king, is a symbol of her royal heritage and her destiny.

Her skin, kissed by the desert sun, has a warm, golden glow, with a few freckles scattered across her cheeks and shoulders, telling tales of her days spent beneath the vast, open sky. The subtle tan lines hint at her love for venturing across the dunes and exploring the wild beauty of her homeland.

Despite her tender age, Huuda exudes an aura of quiet confidence and strength, her very presence commanding respect. Her voice, soft but resolute, carries the conviction of one destined for greatness—traits that have earned her admiration throughout Qalb as-Sahara.

As she rises from her seat, her movements are fluid and regal, her footsteps echoing through the stillness like whispers of ancient power. A subtle intensity surrounds her, a reminder that this young princess is as fierce as the desert she calls home, a true daughter of Qalb as-Sahara.

As she rises from her seat, her movements are fluid and regal, like a desert wind gliding over the dunes, her footsteps echoing through the silence with the promise of greatness. Her presence casts a commanding shadow, an aura of intensity and quiet power—a reminder that Princess Huuda is as fierce and unyielding as the desert night, a true daughter of Qalb as-Sahara.

Growing up in the palace, I was surrounded by my loving family. My father, the king, was a wise and just ruler, respected by all for his strength and fairness. My mother, the queen, was a gentle and compassionate soul, a beacon of kindness, always putting others before herself. My older sister, the princess, was known for her beauty, but it was her warmth and generosity that truly captured the hearts of our people. My two older brothers, the crown prince and the prince, were my heroes. The crown prince, strong and serious, was destined to lead our people, while the younger prince was a free spirit, adventurous and charismatic, always ready with a smile and a story. Together, they were the pillars of my childhood, shaping my dreams and ambitions.