Lidiya never thought her life would lead her here-to a marriage with a man she barely knew in the remote village of Roxana. But as a poor farmer's daughter, her fate was never truly hers to choose. She hadn't imagined her wedding night would be one...
It was almost dark when Lidiya reached the small village of Prakin. The Prakinaras, known for their tribal customs, were short in stature, their skin a rich, deep brown that glistened in the fading light. Their long hair flowed wildly, adorned with feathers and beads that rattled softly as they moved. The air was thick with the scent of woodsmoke and herbs, creating an ambiance that felt both mystical and foreboding. Lidiya felt a strange mix of fear and excitement as she stepped into this new world.
As she dismounted from the riverbank, Lidiya approached a cluster of children, hoping to find someone who spoke English. The children giggled and stared, their bright eyes wide with curiosity. One brave girl stepped forward, taking Lidiya's hand and leading her toward the head of the tribe.
The leader was an imposing old woman, her body covered in intricate tattoos that swirled like ancient stories etched in skin. Her piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through Lidiya, as if she could sense the weight of her journey. Lidiya's heart raced as she spoke. "I am being chased by the guards of the palace. I'm Zidane's wife," she said, her voice trembling.
At the mention of Zidane's name, the Prakinaras gasped in unison. They all knew him-the son of Aquatina, a legendary witch, and a man of immense power. The tribe's loyalty surged in that instant, and the leader nodded, her expression softening. "You are safe here, Lidiya. We will protect you as if you were one of our own."
Tears filled Lidiya's eyes, a mix of relief and sorrow flooding her heart. Deep down, she knew she was only calling herself Zidane's wife; he had loved another, and that truth cut deep. As she settled into a small hut, applying healing herbs to her wounds, she couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her. Days passed without any news of Zidane, and every moment felt like an eternity, each tick of the clock heavy with anxiety.
One afternoon, while she was trying to distract herself with the village children, a small girl rushed into her hut, calling out, "LuLu, Lulu, Ye Pira!" (Hey, Lulu, come out!). Intrigued, Lidiya followed the girl outside, her heart pounding with anticipation.
As she stepped into the sunlight, her breath caught in her throat. There, striding toward her with purpose, was Zidane. Bare-chested, with herbs applied to his wounds, he looked like a warrior returned from battle. His skin was tanned by the sun, and a beard framed his chiseled jaw, giving him an untamed allure.
Lidiya couldn't contain herself. Overwhelmed with emotion, she dashed toward him. "Zidane!" she cried, throwing herself into his arms. He caught her easily, wrapping her up in a fierce embrace. The world around them seemed to fade away, the worries and fears dissipating in the warmth of his presence.
"Where did you go?" Lidiya sobbed into his chest, her voice muffled. "I tried so hard to hold your hand!"
"I'm sorry," Zidane whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't want to leave you. I thought... I thought I had lost you." He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, his gaze searching for assurance. "But I'm here now. I swear I'll never let anything take you from me again."
Lidiya's heart swelled at his words. "I thought I'd lost you forever. I thought I'd never see you again." Tears streamed down her cheeks, mixing with the dirt and sweat of their journey. "I was so scared, Zidane."
He brushed a thumb across her cheek, wiping away her tears. "You're safe now. I'll protect you with everything I have." Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the weight of their struggles fell away, leaving only the intensity of their connection.
The Prakinaras looked on, their faces a mix of shyness and understanding, recognizing the depth of the couple's emotions. After a moment, Zidane gently pulled back, noticing the crowd for the first time. He couldn't help but chuckle, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, this is awkward," he said, raising an eyebrow at Lidiya.
Flushing, Lidiya looked around, suddenly aware of their audience. "Lulu, ko poyena Chopda," she declared, her cheeks burning as she turned to the children, which meant "Lulu wants to go back to her hut." They erupted in giggles, surrounding her and tugging at her hands, leading her away.
Zidane watched with a mix of amusement and affection as Lidiya interacted with the children. "Lulu," he mouthed to himself, a grin spreading across his face. The sound of her new name danced in his mind, a reminder of how she had transformed since they'd first met.
When Lidiya returned to the hut, the children trailing behind her, she found Zidane leaning against the doorframe, a smirk playing on his lips. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day you'd become so popular," he teased, crossing his arms.
Lidiya rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "Well, someone has to keep me entertained while I wait for my gallant husband to return."
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