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AMYRA
Lanterns filled the navy blue hall like little stars in the vast night sky. Lively chatters and laughter sung the tune of joy and cheer that even the music at the reception could not compare to.
"Mrs Johnson is falling behind," Jamal whispered, leaning towards Amyra so only she could hear.
"And Johnny is in the lead," Amyra replied smugly, pointing with their interlaced hands towards the little 3 year old. "Woo, he is high on sugar."
The newlyweds were standing near the chocolate fountain, looking at the chaos unfolding in front of them as the toddler raced towards the wedding cake, his mother in pursuit with the look in her eyes that could kill millions.
"and Johnny reaches the cake first. Ha!" Amyra reached her palm out towards Jamal, a smirk playing on her lips as she added, "you owe me how much?"
Jamal rolled his eyes playfully before handing Amyra twenty dollars.
"Jamal, the famous scholar of this town—"
"Yeah, yeah, you won. No need to rub it in."
"—lost a bet to his 'homeschooled' wife."
"Well, she is the daughter of a professor."
Amyra let out a fake gasp before exclaiming, "So you are admitting that I am smarter than you!"
Jamal gave a playful smirk, but before he could say anything, their conversation was interrupted by a commotion outside the reception hall.
The newlyweds passed each other a look before leaving the warmth of the hall to investigate the situation outside. The emotions of confusion and fear slapped Amyra in the face as she exited the hall, sending her thoughts in a downward spiral.
"We are here for Ms Amyra," a guard bellowed.
"What matter do you have with her?" Nasir asked, Lilah following the raven haired man as he walked closer to the guard's stallion.
"Who are you?"
"I am Amyra's guardian, good sir. Tell us, what brings you here?"
"I have orders for no one but Ms Amyra, so you—"
"I am here. I am Amyra." The healer emerged from the crowd, a fistful of her dress balled up in her hands to keep her from tripping over her gown. Jamal followed her, grunting as he pushed himself out of the crowd of stubborn people who denied moving even an inch from their spot.
The guard did not reply, but unmounted the stallion, the other guards following his lead. Amyra deduced that he must be the captain of the guards.
Two guards quickly took hold of Amyra's arms, restricting her from moving while the others pushed the crowd back. She could hear Jamal and her family shouting her name.
