– The wedding will take place in a month. This time is enough for you to come to your senses and get used to this thought.
I did not answer, but only wandered powerlessly into my room, where Samira met me.
– Madam, I … – remorse was read in her eyes, but at that moment everything was even to me.
– Samira, do not say anything – I entered the room, but she followed me. I stopped her with a gesture and pointed to the door. – I want to stay alone.”
– But… madam.
– Please, Samira, – I looked tiredly at her, waited for the door to close behind her and lay on the bed, allowing tears to slide on the pillow and emit emotions, devastating me.
CHAPTER 11
The next two days I spent in bed, sometimes getting up to drink water or wash. I still can’t believe that all this is happening to me, but it seems that the time has come to accept my defeat. However, from the realization of my powerlessness in these circumstances, I want to howl, which I am doing right now. Hiding behind a blanket with my head, I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep, but the same question “what should I do?”
– Madam? – I flinched in surprise when I heard Samira’s voice. Pulling the blanket to the chin, I looked at her questioningly. “Mr. Ali wants to see you.”
– He needs, let him come to me himself. I will not leave this bed until they let me go home. – I turned my back to her and climbed back under the covers.
The room became quiet, and this meant that Samira came out. I began to fall asleep when suddenly someone pulled a blanket from me. Opening my eyes in horror, I met the prince’s evil gaze, whose only steam did not leave his ears. Fine! We will deal with everything without delay. I sat down slowly, taking on his mood.
– What do you think of yourself? I said I want to see you!
– Well, and I said that I did not want to see you. – Calmly, as if he did not understand the obvious things, I answered.
– You are in my house, therefore…
– I’m not at my own will in your house! You forcibly keep me here! – I unconsciously began to raise my voice. This man not only annoys me, he upsets my balance in every sense.
– Whether you want it or not, but you must obey, – he pointed a finger at me, towering above me.
I will never marry you! I’d rather die in this bed from exhaustion than at least once again look in your direction!
I don’t think that in all my life anyone ever spoke like that to a crown prince. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath while I tried to hide the treacherous tears. You can not show weakness in the eyes of this person.
– Put yourself in order and go down to the garden, I will be waiting for you there. he said more calmly, heading for the exit and turning around at the door itself. – If you don’t go down in fifteen minutes, I will send for you servants who will forcefully bring you to me, okay? – Do not force to use force.
He went out and the door slammed behind him. I fell into the lair of a monster, and all this happens to me thanks to my parents. Is there a greater thirst for wealth than feelings for your child? Is it really so easy to give up native blood, literally selling it?
I washed, threw on the first dress that caught my eye, and ballet shoes and left the room, without even looking at myself in the mirror. The worse I look, the better. You need to let the prince know what he bought. His Highness was waiting for me on the porch. I walked past, ignoring him, deep into the garden to the gazebo, sitting on the edge of the bench. The prince followed me and sat across from me. I looked at the swaying trees, trying to hold back the tears that had not stopped since the moment I learned the terrible truth.
– Why did you buy me? – I asked in a trembling voice, suppressing sobs. – Do you… do you have few of your girls? Why do you need a foreigner who does not know any traditions, customs, or even another religion? – I looked at him, unconsciously noticing that he looks tired.
– I did not buy you. – I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
– You and my father made this agreement, according to which my family received money for me, is this not a purchase?
– No, – he shook his head. – This is a good investment, – he looked into my eyes, his expression serious.
– That is, I am your property.
– Again this word! You are not property! You are a beautiful young girl who will marry me. – I jumped to my feet, preparing to defend myself. – You will marry me if you want everything to be in order with your loved ones.
I looked at him in surprise.
– You are threatening me?
– No, – he answered calmly, – I am just telling you everything as it is.
– I want to meet my father, – I returned to my place, burning my eyes through a hole in this vile person who considers me a thing.
– Not. Until I am sure that you will not do anything stupid, I cannot let you see your family. – My eyes were covered with a veil of rage and hatred. “But… you can make one phone call in my presence.” – He took the phone from the inside pocket of his white jacket, dialed the number and handed it to me. Father answered after the second beep.
– Your Highness? The sound of his voice made my throat tighten.
– No, – I replied in a hoarse voice. – It’s me, dad.
For a moment, silence hung in the telephone.
– Ira. I did not expect you to contact us so soon. – I closed my eyes, holding back the tears. You must not show weakness, otherwise the prince can use it against me.
– Why dad? Why did you do this to me?
My voice faltered, and a few tears rolled from my eyes.
– This is necessary, daughter. For us. For you. Everything will be fine, believe in fate. You are very lucky, daughter. Happier than your father. It has always been that way.
– It cost you nothing to sell your own daughter! – Is this, in your opinion, luck? I will never forgive you, hear? Never! Until the end of my days, I will hate you. I wish you happiness with your millions!
I threw the phone on the table and ran to my room, barely recognizing the road through tears.
The next day I told Samira that I wanted to see her master. On this my conversation with her ended. She tried several times to talk to me or apologize, but each time I interfered with her attempts. In any case, this will not change anything in my life. I sat on the balcony, wrapped in a coverlet, when the prince came to me after sunset.
– Irina? – I turned to the sound of my name, meeting his curious look directed at me. – Samira said you want to talk to me.
I nodded, wrapping myself tightly in the covers.
– I wanted to … – I nodded to the chair. “If you want, sit down.”
– Are you okay? – He looked at me appraisingly, dropping into the chair that I proposed, to which I answered him with an annoyed look. Who is he to worry about me?
“Don’t pretend you’re interested in my condition.”
He sighed wearily, running a hand through his hair.
– Good. Your truth. If you want to swear again, now is