Part of His Game

Chapter 2~ Husani

*Husani*

"Husani? Husani wake up!" My little sister Halima nudged my shoulder. I pushed back grumbling under my breath, slowly removing the sheets from my body.

"Oh, Im glad you're awake, guess what day it is?" she chirped.

"I don't know, Coronation Day, I hope?" She giggled.

"Nope, guess again," she teased smiling at my reaction. Her giggles always brought smiles to my face. I know she's only 6, but she resembled our mother so much. Her green eyes and black, wavy hair. It was a little mini version of mom. She was a beautiful woman. And yet, she married a grumpy, old man. Mother says it was love at first sight, but I believe she was forced to marry my father. How can women go through that? Being forced to devote your life to someone you barely even know? They can't even pick who they will love forever. Do they just learn to love them over time or-

"Husani."

"Wha-?"I was slowly being brought back to reality.

"What day is it?" she looked pretty impatient with her arms crossed against her chest. I forgot that I was supposed to play along.

"Oh right, erm, your birthday?" I asked. I really didn't know. Both her eyes closed and her head shook, as she rubbed her fingers against her temples, mimicking the gesture when Father gets headaches.

"What day is it then?" I was starting to get a little impatient myself.

"It's your birthday silly!" she screamed flying into my arms. Her weight pushed me backwards, sending me tumbling off the side of my bed onto the cold, hard, marble floor. I was still holding onto her when I landed on my back. I expected her to start crying in shock, but was surprised to hear laughter instead. Even though my tailbone was in pain, her radiant smile sent a smile to my face too.

"Happy 18th Birthday Husani!" She wrapped her arms around my neck, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I chuckled with her. Wait... 18. My eyes widened in horror.

" I'm going to be late!" I screamed picking up Halima and placing her on my bed.

"For what?" she asked.

"A meeting with father!" I was pacing around the room now, trying to gather my things.

"Umm, Halima, I need to change,"
I said pointing toward the door.

"Oh, no problem brother," she said getting up and shutting the door. I slipped on my tunic, and reached for my chest jewelry. I ran toward the mirror and carefully started applying my eye makeup. Then combed my tuff of hair into a side ponytail, tying it with ribbon. I was still trying to adjust my heavy jewelry while running through the halls, and before I knew it, I was in front of the main hall doors.

You can do this Husani, how mad can he get? After all it is your birthday right? I took one deep breath before pushing both of the heavy doors open revealing my father sitting in his throne, cheek in his hand, obviously waiting for me. The hall was empty. I thought the whole palace board would be here.

"Sorry I'm late father, but may I ask, where is everybody?

"They all left, the meeting ended early today. Besides, I thought we needed some privacy to talk about something."

"Oh."

"Husani, since you are turning 18 that's one step closer to becoming Pharaoh, am I correct?"

"Yes you are correct."

"Yes, and so you must seem more mature and capable of ruling a country by becoming a leader. And in order to become a leader, you must be a man."

"I'm already 18 father, aren't I officially a man already?"

"Yes, but you must need something else to officially become a man."

"And what may that be father?"

He let out a long sigh."You need a wife Husani." Wait, did he just say "wife".

"A wife!"

"Yes a wife. Listen I had already prepared an engagement when you were merely a child. The family has to return the woman to marry you."

"Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. A forced marriage?" I asked.

"Yes, Husani a forced marriage, keep up."

"But father how can I go through with this, I don't even know the girl, how can I marry her?"

"You don't need to love this woman, you just need to bore babies with her. I don't care if you have nine wives, you need children. We can't let this mighty dynasty go down without an air to the throne!"

"But father it isn't right!"

"I can't deal with this anymore, Husani you are going to have a wife and you are going to like it!" he yelled rising from his chair.

"But father-!"

"Enough Husani, our discussion is over! Now leave!" That's it. I can't say anymore. I've obviously been beat. I snarled, knowing that I will have to go through with his plan. I swiftly turned toward the doors and marched towards them. With the little pride I still had I walked down the halls heading towards my chambers.

Once I entered my room, I collapsed on my bed. I felt an aching pain starting to form inside my head. My brain probably can't take all the information I've been given. Oh Ra why me? What a "great" birthday present I've been given.