“I want to thank everyone here for honoring us on this special day . . .”
I don’t hear a word of what he says next, totally focused on the face of the man I love, wanting to run away and surrender myself to his arms, away from social conventions.
Only when people start clapping do I realize the speech is over.
The servants come in with boxes of jewels, which he explains are my gifts. Nawra has told me about the significance of gold to their people, so I widen my smile as if I’m delighted,when in truth, I would love him just the same even if he covered me in plastic bracelets.
One of the gifts, however, catches my attention: a beautiful pear-shaped diamond ring that symbolizes the commitment we’ve made today.
My hand shakes as Kamal takes it to put the diamond on my left ring finger.
“You are now mine before the world,” he whispers, indifferent to the curious looks of our guests.
“I have always been yours, my Sheikh.”
He smiles seductively. “We need to introduce ourselves officially as a couple to the people,” he says, offering me his arm.
On the balcony of the main hall of the palace, I’m thrilled to watch as people greet my Sheikh and congratulate us on our future union.
I don’t understand much of what they’re saying, and I decide that I will make an effort to learn their language, even though I know it will be a difficult task with my dyslexia.
Fifteen minutes later, he turns to me. “We can go. I’ve shared you with the world long enough, my Madeline.”
It may go against modern concepts of how women should think, but every time he uses the possessive pronoun to refer to me, I melt.
He gives me a chaste kiss on the forehead and then on each of my hands.
The crowd cheers ecstatically, and I smile, happy. I’d rather be hailed by his subjects than scrutinized by his relatives.
“They adore you, and now they are your people too, Madeline.”
I nod, and my fiancé looks satisfied.
However, despite what he said, we still spend about half an hour posing for photographs with reporters who were allowed to come in after we left the balcony.
Timidly, I answer some of their questions, but most of the time, I let Kamal satisfy their curiosity because I’m nervous and afraid of misspeaking. I have no intention of hiding my dyslexia, but neither do I intend to reveal it today when I’m so nervous.
I say goodbye to my sisters-in-law and mother-in-law, thinking that I will finally be alone with Kamal, but then Adil walks towards us with a man I was introduced to a few hours ago; I remember he is one of Sintarah’s ministers.
“Your Excellency, I apologize for interrupting your engagement celebration, but there has been an incident. A group of rebels has invaded one of our power plants and is threatening to blow it up.”
Despite the disappointment, as it means we won’t be spending the night together, I watch fascinated as Kamal’s expression changes. From a sensual fiancé making promises of a sinful night, he transforms into the leader that his people idolize.
“Give us a minute,” he tells the men. When they leave, he turns to me. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
“Please be careful,” I beg, concerned.
“Don’t let it keep you up,ayouni[21]. I’ll be fine.”
Chapter 45
The Next Day
He didn’t come back, I’m sure of it. I know that if he were in the palace, he would have come to our room.
I don’t want to seem clingy, calling to find out where he is, but I’m worried and call my future mother-in-law. I find out that the negotiation with the rebel group has been concluded and that Kamal will be here soon.
I’ve just disconnected the call when the phone rings again. I don’t feel like answering, but when I look at the screen and see that it’s my mother, I’m not surprised at all.
