Sahara

Flourished Fall: Moya Sheikar

I cast a subtle glance in the direction of King Caspian, my thoughts shrouded in suspicion. His presence at my daughter's name day celebration perplexed me. What hidden motives lay behind his decision to attend?

As my unease grew, my fingers unwittingly found solace in the tangle of my facial hair. A gentle touch upon my arm startled me from my contemplations. It was Finrah, my beloved daughter. I turned my gaze toward her, my eyes meeting hers briefly. Her hand, resting upon my arm, demanded my attention. A flicker of concern passed through my daughter's eyes, her intuition keen to my disquiet. In response, I offered her a reassuring smile, a silent acknowledgment that all was well.

Yet, even in this festive moment, I couldn't help but return to my musings. This was not the time for petty worries. It was my daughter's name day, a time for joy and celebration. My focus should be on ensuring that Finrah enjoyed herself to the fullest, rather than fretting over trivial matters. My attention shifted to the revelry, though a lingering thought remained – I must keep a watchful eye on the wine, for tonight, the only concern that truly mattered was the worry that Finrah might drain all the goblets of wine before the feast could even commence.

I cast a furtive glance at my daughter again, her silvery-ashen hair cascading down her back, as she remained utterly fixated on the mesmerizing Appocrat dancers. Her eyes remained unwavering, and a subtle radiance of contentment played across her features. At that moment, her happiness became paramount to me, eclipsing all else in this scorching desert kingdom.

Yet, a sudden whirlwind of spontaneity swept through her, a characteristic she undoubtedly inherited from her mother, the Goddess Psamathe. With nary an afterthought, Finrah gracefully rose from her seat, a vision of elegance and grace, and descended into the midst of the bewitching dancers below.

As the intricate dance reached its end, applause surged through the crowd, even Caspian, joined the ovation. His face beamed with genuine delight, and his hands clapped with a resounding fervor. Meanwhile, Finrah remained amidst the Appocrat dancers, an ethereal figure in the heart of the arena, extending her appreciation to their artistry with gracious gestures and spoken compliments. It was a moment of pride and awe, watching my daughter in her element. Eventually, she gracefully left the arena, returning to our elevated dais.

As I witnessed her return, I concluded my wine in a single, decisive swallow.

"That is quite the spectacle," remarked Caspian.

"I am pleased you found it enjoyable," I responded, my gaze fixed on the arena and my people, enjoying the festivities. "They possess a distinctive grace in their movements, which is why they are renowned as accomplished dancers not only here in the East but far beyond, in your western lands."

Caspian leaned in closer, his sapphire eyes capturing my attention. "Indeed, their fame transcends borders."

I reached for my goblet, savoring a sip of the exquisite wine imported all the way from the renowned Beni vineyard. "Is that the reason for your presence here? To witness their artistry firsthand?"

A subtle expression crossed Caspian's face, one that suggested he considered my question somewhat naive. His gaze shifted briefly behind me, and I turned to see Finrah near the long table adorned with a sumptuous feast. I returned my attention to Caspian, sensing a slow surge of frustration, yet striving to maintain my composure. Eventually, our eyes met, and Caspian smiled.

"Your daughter, Emperor Rhaj," he began, "is truly a vision of beauty. Have you, perchance, found a suitable match for her?"

I maintained a stoic silence, my mind struggling to comprehend the audacity of the words that spilled from his lips.

"I am here to request your blessing for your daughter's hand in matrimony," he declared, unveiling the true purpose of his journey to the unforgiving sands of the Sahara.

My gaze remained fixed upon him for what felt like an eternity, before I deliberately averted my eyes from him, turning my attention to the jubilant crowd gathered around the coliseum. Today was a day of celebration, a day when my people reveled in happiness and contentment. They had no need to witness their sovereign incite anger and turmoil on the most joyous occasion. I needed to regain my composure and resist the urge to be provoked.

"The union of two Guardian houses has never been attempted," I responded evenly, my voice carrying the weight of tradition and duty.

A wry chuckle escaped Caspian's lips. "Indeed, but that is not the answer I seek."

Raising an inquisitive eyebrow, I absentmindedly scratched my beard. "Have you ever ventured beyond the confines of our capital to explore our lands?"

Caspian faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated my query. Finally, he conceded, "No, I cannot say that I have."

A sly grin crept across my face as I shook my head slowly. "Then allow me to elucidate the customs of our Eastern realm. We do not dictate our children's partners, nor do we determine their destinies. If you genuinely wish to claim my daughter's heart, you must embark on that quest yourself."

Understanding dawning in his eyes, Caspian nodded in acknowledgment. "Very well, Moya Sheikar. Please excuse my presumptuousness."

"Your Grace," I replied with a courteous nod, my fist clenched tightly as I wrestled with my inner turmoil. This outcome must not come to pass.