(This chapter is not edited)
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Writer’s POV:
By Six, the guests were arriving in numbers. Even more than those who’d been present for the dowry.
The main hall was full already, the dining parlours as well. The main hall was occupied by the nobles, close family friends, friends and other important personalities. The royals and future family in-law would also be celebrating and dining in the big hall. The dining parlors and beautifully lighted gardens, were occupied by the sultanate’s people that had been lucky enough to be chosen to attend, as well as curious tourists who wanted to know more and admire the Zagrehan culture. There were also local news reporters, former classmates, former teachers and other relations.
-
By seven, everyone was settled and awaiting the Prince, as well as his future bride.
Asahd’s POV:
“I look goooood. Damn.” I mused, flexing in front of my mirror.
My father laughed.
“You sure do, son.” he mused and I chuckled.
I admired the sherwani I had on and smiled to myself. Saida and I would be wearing matching outfits throughout the process, as from the engagement ceremony.
“I can’t wait to sit with her. I bet she’ll be gorgeous. As always.”
That night was the only night I would be able to sit close to Saïda and even speak to her, before we would get married the next week.
I fixed myself and then there was a knock at the door. My mother walked in.
“Wow. You look great, sweetheart.” she smiled and came over to hug me. “The stylists are doing a great job.”
“Thank you mom.” I smiled back and hugged her.
“I’m from Saïda’s room and she’s just as gorgeous in her attire, as you are. This color chosen is perfect.”
“I agree.”
She kissed my forehead and went to grab my father’s arm.
“You two look amazing, too.” I smiled at them.
“Thank you, dear.” they replied.
“It’s time for us to go downstairs and welcome the guests. We’ll let you know when it’s time for Saïda and you to come downstairs.”
“Alright.”
I watched them leave and then turned to the mirror again.
Sometime later, the guys joined me and we chatted while waiting for a servant to come tell us it was time.
-
Saïda’s POV:
“You look great, Saïda. Oh my gosh. All that golden embroidery.” Yasmin told me.
“Thank you.” I smiled at my reflection.
′Soon you’ll be my fiancé, Asahd. How cool is that?′
I giggled a little at the thought.
“Yup, she’s definitely thinking of him.” Aisha mused.
Just then, there was a knock and Salma joined us.
“Oh my, Saïda. You’re so beautiful! Makeup and everything else is perfect.”
“Thanks, Sal.” I chuckled, “Where were you?”
“I went to check on the guests. Believe it or not, six of the Prince’s exes are here. Sitting in the main hall.”
“Seriously?” I asked, surprised.
“They’re here to see you win.” Yasmin mused and they laughed.
“They’re already gossiping. Funny enough, they’re sitting at the same table.”
“Are you kidding me??” I asked in amusement and more surprise. “None of those girls could stand each other.”
“Guess their failure made them unite.” Aisha scoffed and we all gasped in amusement, turning to her.
“Omg Aisha, don’t say that.” I mused. “It isn’t some competition.”
“Girl, for them it is. It’s a challenge. Whether you like it or not. They’re literally challenging Asahd. They want to see if he’ll be capable of doing so, with them around.”
“How dumb. I thought after dating him, they must have gotten to know him perfectly well.” I said, staring at my reflection. “Asahd will take the challenge and shut their mouths. I don’t know why they’re so bitter. If it didn’t work out between each of them and him, they should try and be happy that he’s found someone suitable. I would be happy for my ex if he found someone that truly makes him happy.” I admitted.
“Oh, Noure’s here.”
“Yeah, I know. He wanted to come.” I replied.
“Not everyone’s like you, Saïda. Unfortunately.” Yasmin said, referring to what I’d said earlier.
“Those girls are probably showing themselves and attending, just to stress you out. Don’t let them get to you.” Salma said.
“Oh but they don’t affect me.” I mused, admiring myself in the glass. “Not a tad bit. I’m happy. I’m getting engaged and then married. There’s no way I’m letting them get in my way. They’re just sore losers.”
“Ha! Facts!”
There was another knock and my father walked in. I immediately smiled and turned to him. The girls left so we could speak.
“My darling.” he said with a bright smile and I went to hug him tight.
“Papa.”
“You look even more beautiful.” he kissed my forehead. I was glad to see him this happy.
“Thank you, father.”
“I came to see you one last time. I have to go welcome the guests, alongside the sultan and queen.”
“Okay, father. Have you seen Asahd?” I asked.
“Mmhmm. And he’s just as good looking as you are. You’ll see each other soon, given that you’ll be making your appearance at his side.”
“I’m nervous already...” I giggled, rubbing my forehead.
“Normal. Everything will be fine.”
We hugged one last time and he left. My friends joined me again.
--
Writer’s POV:
“My prince, it’s time for you to come downstairs.” the servant sent, told Asahd and his men.
“Alright. Go get my sweetheart.” Asahd replied, fixing himself one last time in front of the mirror.
“Yes, your Majesty.” the servant excused himself and left.
“Y’all ready?” Asahd asked, turning to his friends.
“Yup.”
“You guys look great.” he smiled at them.
“You too, bro. Prince material.”
“Indeed.”
They laughed and left the room.
-
Two guards led the way ahead, Asahd and his men following down the huge stairway. Two others followed behind them.
They got to the very large and closed door that led straight into the huge and main hall. It was to prepare his entrance.
Asahd stood in front of it, and waited for Saïda and her maids to arrive. He and his men didn’t wait for long.
They turned and saw the girls come down the stairway. Asahd’s breath hitched but so did Saïda’s, when she spotted him.
′Wow...′
They both thought same on seeing each other.
As she approached him, her cheeks red, she admired how charismatic and elegant he looked in his blue, expensive sherwani.
It fit him perfectly and he looked so damn good. It wasn’t exaggeratedly decorated, embroidered or designed. It was simple, yet sophisticated.
The material was chic, the design was chic, everything about his attire, looked absolutely worthy of a Prince.
Asahd watched her slowly make her way towards him. She was gorgeous as expected. Her attire was perfect and unexpected. He’d thought she would be wearing a gown, but she wasn’t.
The blue color on her was gorgeous and beautiful. The golden embroidery matched her golden jewelry perfectly well. Her hair, her makeup, her shoes. Everything was on point.
Asahd’s throat was dry by the time she got to his front.
“Good evening, angel.” he murmured lowly, to her hearing and only hers. Saïda smiled and her cheeks reddened more.
He grabbed her hand and raised it, kissing the top. Saïda bit her lip a little, wishing he’d kissed her on the lips. He definitely wished same. But with their maids and men watching, they couldn’t. They were there to make sure that the future wedded wouldn’t try to do anything fishy in the meantime.
“Happy birthday, my love...” Saïda murmured in reply.
“Thank you, my love.” he smiled at her. Their stares said it all. They wanted to be all up on each other.
“You look stunning. I sure am lucky.”
“I’m lucky myself. You look great.”
They stared at each other’s lips in silence, fighting the urge to kiss.
“I believe you have exchanged enough words.” Amir mused, stepping forward after seeing that things were getting steamy.
“Right.” Salma laughed and held Saïda’s hand, pulling her a little away from Asahd.
They all laughed.
“This is even harder than I thought.” Asahd said, running a hand over his face and causing his pals to chuckle.
“A little more patience.” Kanaan mused, patting his shoulder. They laughed again and Asahd winked at Saïda who reddened immediately.
Just then, a guard from the inside came.
“It’s time, your Highness.” he said.
“Alright.”
Asahd stood straight and turned, facing the door. Two guards stood in front of him. Saïda stood at a slightly far distance behind him, the maids and men behind her and finally, two more guards at the end.
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