I decided to go back to my rooms.
I don't care what Nadir ordered me: staying at that banquet was just a
humiliating experience that took away from me the energies I need for
my night searches.
There is a beautiful sky tonight... It gives me a sense of inner peace...
In these moments I can almost forget my misfortunes...
- "Karima! Where the hell are you?"
And now the moment of peace is over... My brother is coming. He has
already noticed my absence at the banquet.
- "I'm here, Sultan. I'm not feeling very well. I need to rest in my
rooms."
- "Nonsense! You are the Sultan's cousin: you must make yourself
known by the princes and dignitaries who came to the banquet. A
prolonged absence of yours could be considered an insulting act.
Besides, you are a woman, a beautiful woman. You must use this
beautiful body of yours to bring honor to our family by being admired
by our guests. Come with me now."
- "No, I told you I need to rest!"
- "Are you refusing to execute my order? Maybe I've been too
permissive with you these last weeks..."
-""Permissive"? You? You took everything away from me! You took
the throne that belonged to me! You humiliated me in ways I couldn't
even imagine! And now you don't even allow me to rest in my rooms?!
You must be ashamed of yourself, Nadir! You are a man worse than
our father!"
- "Enough! You exaggerated. You must be punished. Tonight I received
several requests for political marriages for you. I wanted you to avoid
such an experience, but perhaps it will do you good to become a wife. It
could teach you to show some respect and to appreciate more your role
as a woman. Don't worry, I will choose one of the best princes among
those interested in you. I will talk to him, and tomorrow you will meet
him. Goodnight, cousin."
He's bluffing, right? He wants me to be back at the banquet. But I won't
give up!
The day after:
- "Princess, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Prince Aamir, and I will
soon be your husband. Tonight your cousin, the Sultan, and me
discussed the details of the alliance that will follow our wedding."
- "You...what?.."
- "I understand that the decision was sudden, but I was enchanted by
your beauty, and our peoples need a strong alliance. And which alliance
can be stronger than one based on a marriage? I would prefer to marry
you as soon as possible. We could leave in two days and get married
within a week in my city. What do you think about it?"
Oh dear... This man wants to marry me! And now he is approaching...
He wants an answer... He is even stroking my hair...
How am I supposed to behave?
Should I smile and pretend to agree so as to avoid further punishment
by Nadir?
Or should I show my disgust for this idea and this situation?
You smile
You show your disgust