The new Sultan (9)

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