Charades

Chapter 2

     My uncle was pushing for the wedding to happen as soon as possible.

     Emir and my uncle were together, walking down the grand ballroom that had beige walls and a floor made of fine, dark wood. On the walls hung tapestries of my ancestors and my eyes lingered on the tapestry of my parents. The were seated in their thrones, their faces expressionless. And they looked stunning. With their large dark eyes and thick, black hair, they were know for their beauty. And at the memory of them, my heart ached with pain. Yanking my eyes away, I looked to my uncle and Emir.

     My uncle and Emir stood by a long white table where snacks and drinks were usually placed on, deep in conversation. I lingered behind them, only a meter away. They were so deep in conversation they barely paid attention to me. And craving to hear what they were talking about, I strained my ears to listen.

     "You must announce your engagement to Amara," Uncle Azad said. "We'll hold the celebration in this ballroom. We can prepare it as soon as you want it to be ready."

     "That would be perfect," Emir said, smirking. "And we'll wed the next week."

     My uncle nodded, looking pleased and nausea rose in me. My uncle and Emir had gotten close in the few days they spent together. They constantly planned and talked about the future. And despite it involving me, they never asked me to participate.

     "What tips would you give me to improve our Kingdom of Narakha?" Uncle Azad asked.

     "Well sir, I would say that you are too light on your people," Emir said. "Make them pay more taxes. Anyone who is either disabled or poor should be thrown out immediately."

     Uncle Azad chuckled and horror rose in me. My uncle was smirking, looking pleased with what Emir said.

     "That sounds like a plan, young man," Uncle Azad said. "I like the way you think."

     My eyes narrowed at Emir. I crossed my arms over my chest, furious he was the man I must marry. A part of me prayed I could escape this, but a part of me worried I would be forced to marry Emir.

     "Amara, why do you look so mad?" Uncle Azad asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

     I concealed my expression and straightened myself out. Smiling at my uncle, I took a few strides closer, hoping I could fool him. As long as I was a perfect princess who obeyed his every command, he would leave me alone. And that what I needed, given I didn't have much.

     "Nothing, Uncle," I said. "I just have a lot on my mind."

     "Why don't you and Emir go on a walk?" Uncle Azad said, smiling. "You barely spend time together. You must get to know each other more before the wedding."

     I was smiling, but I so badly wanted to scream. I wanted to run and just shout at the world for putting me in this positon, but I couldn't. Not when my uncle existed.

     "I'd love that," Emir said, extending a hand out towards me. "Shall we, princess."

     I hesitated before I reached over and took his hand in mine. Emir immediately smiled when our hands touched, but it was a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. There was something about Emir that left me shuddering. Something about him that left me knowing I couldn't do this. But before I could say anything, I was whisked away onto a walk with Emir.

*****

     Emir and I walked side by side down the path in front of my castle. It was a cobblestone path and surrounding the path was our garden. Roses, daisies and a million other flowers surrounded us. It was a colourful mess and if Emir wasn't at my side, I would have enjoyed my time outside.