The Queen

Prologue

           The news of his death hit the entire Kingdom of Zazzau and beyond. People were crying and lamenting. Some couldn't even believe it. They thought it was a joke until sunset on Saturday when his lifeless body was brought to the palace. You could feel and almost see the pure agony and sadness among the people that day. He was a good ruler and even when he got dethroned, he still cared for his people. He did all he could on other to bring justice and unity to the kingdom. It wasn't supposed to end just like that. They mourned for days.

Meanwhile, in another place, quite close to where the people were lamenting and crying their hearts out, Zara was getting dressed for her coronation as the Queen of Zazzau.

She touched the pearls on her neck. "I love these."

Salamatu smiled up at her. "I am glad. I picked those out for you myself."

"Oh Salma. What would I do without you?" she said, still admiring the pearls and herself as she stared into the mirror in front of her.

Salamatu chuckled. "Are you okay?"

Zara fling her hand dramatically touching the side of her face. "I am about to become the most powerful woman in this city. Of course I am."

Salamatu wanted to add the bit about the loss, but decided against it. "All done," she said.

"I look so pretty," said Zara, smiling. "Now, take me to my King."

Salamatu smiled and escorted her out. She watched as Zara smiled and walked gracefully past the people that all got on their knees for her. She knew, for sure, that the girl was hurting. She has changed so much throughout the years and she wasn't sure she liked this new Zara. This cold mean arrogant person standing in front of her. But who she resented the most were the people who turned her into this monster.

They stopped outside the chambers, waiting for the entourage. They could hear the jeering maids and court ladies were giving them. Soon, they arrived and led the way to the royal field where people were waiting to witness history. Zara got a little nervous at the sight of them. They all bow their heads down greeting her until she passed and climbed up to her chair.

Nuri was grinning from ear to ear as she sat beside him. Even though he couldn't really see her face, he was overjoyed. He moved closer and whispered something in her ear.

The mallam, dressed in a silk robe, approached them. Behind him was another man carrying the two rolls of paper that will change Zara's life forever. He sat down and began to pray for the King and Queen while the people answer with Amin. He prayed for their long life and begged the Almighty to bless their marriage. He finally finished and took one of the rolls from the man.

"Fatima Zara Hamisu," the mallam said with a powerful booming voice that surprised Zara, as he was just a frail old man. His long beards and bushy brows made him look even older than he probably was.

"With the power of the Almighty and the love of His majesty, along with the people who are willing to be your loyal subjects as witness, I now announce you the 49th Queen of Zazzau in accordance to the teachings of the Qur'an and the hadiths."

"Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah," the people yelled.

Zara smiled through her Alkyabba. This was it. She is now the Queen of Zazzau.

There was a banquet right after the coronation and people ate and drank to their fullest. It was a celeberation like never before. Musicians played their music with instruments like harp and flute and women danced in Zara's chambers. It was as if another royal son hasn't died merely 5 days ago. After praying isha'i, she was escorted to her husband's chambers.

"You still don't love me, do you?" Nuri asked her later that night.

She sighed and looked away. "No," she looked abck at him. "But I promise to stay by your side forever."

He smiled. "That's enough for me." 

Thank you for reading, sweetie.

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