‘These happen before the wedding?’ Safiya asked.
Aisha nodded. ‘First, we have the Promise Exchange, where we each ask a promise of the other. It’s engraved onto a silver token and exchanged before witnesses. We wear them only if we’re prepared to keep that promise.’
That tradition seemed simple enough.
‘Then comes the Binding Feast,’ Lilah said. ‘The couple interact only with each other under the watchful eyes of the nobility. Any disconnect, arguments, awkward moments, or unhappy expressions reflect poorly on the union.’
Safiya laughed. ‘How ridiculous.’
Lilah continued. ‘At the end of the evening, the guests confirm whether the pair are a good match.’
‘So, an evening of fake smiles,’ Safiya said. ‘Welcome to the life of a queen.’
‘And there’s a dance,’ Lilah said. ‘A symbol of how in sync they are.’
Safiya looked over at Aisha. ‘Dare I say no one will be watching your feet closer than the queen.’
‘Thanks for that,’ Aisha said drily.
‘Have you learned the dance?’ Lilah asked.
‘Maryam showed me all the steps.’
‘That’s not enough,’ Lilah said. ‘You need to practise.’ She rose and straightened out her dress. ‘Come on. I’ll do it with you.’
‘And I’ll play the role of the queen,’ Safiya said, moving to the edge of the bed.
Aisha shot her a tired look.
‘Lilah, I’m surprised you still remember the steps,’ Safiya said.
‘When Zara is your teacher, you don’t dare forget.’ Lilah dragged Aisha to the centre of the room. ‘You begin like this.’ She positioned Aisha. ‘Imagine I’m Tariq.’
‘But try to refrain from kissing her,’ Safiya said.
‘Chin up,’ Lilah said. ‘There you go.’
They bowed to each other, then began to step, with Lilah counting, ‘One, two, three, four. Back, side, forward, side.’ She smiled. ‘Good.’
Aisha tried to make her movements graceful and effortless, like Maryam had told her to.
‘Look at those narrow hips,’ Safiya said with an exaggerated accent. ‘How on earth will she birth my son’s large-headed sons?’
Aisha stopped dead and turned to her.
‘What?’ Safiya said. ‘I told you I was playing the role of queen.’
Lilah tutted. ‘Ignore her. Your children’s heads will be perfectly average. Keep your eyes on me.’
As they continued, Mira grabbed hold of Aisha’s ankle mid-step, causing her to lose her balance and fall into Lilah. They both went down.
‘Is this part of the dance?’ Safiya asked.
Aisha and Lilah both burst out laughing. Gods, it felt good to laugh again. And laughing with her sisters was a special kind of good.
Rolling onto her back, Aisha caught her breath, one side of her ribs aching. ‘I’ve missed you both so much.’
Lilah reached out and took her hand, and Safiya came to join them on the floor.
