– I agree, but only on one condition – he raised his eyebrows inquiringly, and I got to my feet, feeling trembling all over my body. Do not be afraid. I should not be afraid of him. – This marriage will be fictitious.
I gathered my last strength into a fist and looked into his eyes, full of some strange feelings.
– And what is fictitious marriage in your understanding?
I turned away and went to the stone railing, pondering his question. Fictitious marriage? What does marriage mean to me? My parents lived together for many years, but I would not call them an ideal couple. Yes, they could always find a compromise, agree on most issues and absolutely did not know how to live together, but I did not see the love between them. Rather, a habit that only intensifies over time.
– This marriage will only be on paper. I do not know what you had in mind when concluding this crazy agreement, but… I am ready to give the impression that we are married, but you will not touch me with your finger without my consent. – I straightened the plaid that fell from my shoulders.
He came up to me and, putting his hands on the railing, looked at me over his shoulder.
– Good. But… I cannot touch you without your consent, and not a single person will be able to touch you, even if you agree, even if you yourself ask about it. You will accompany me on trips, receptions and dinners every evening. You will respect my father and our environment, as well as the people who live on our land, but at the same time not go beyond. As for family meetings…
– It’s not obligatory. – He looked at me in surprise, and then continued his speech.
– Before the wedding, you will need to sign a marriage contract. And immediately after our marriage is concluded, I will give you a bank account on which there will be more than enough funds so that you can allow yourself to enjoy life.
– And this is not necessary, – I said in a lifeless voice.
– You are not a prisoner, you are my future wife, the future queen of this country. – I looked at him anxiously.
– Won’t you let me go right after my father gives you the money back? – He grinned and shook his head.
– I doubt your father is going to get the money back. – He hesitated. – Do not be offended, but it creates the impression of a frivolous person.
I have to come up with something. I need to get out of here somehow.
– And more … – He pursed his lips. – You will have to renounce your citizenship.
– What will happen if I do not refuse? I looked defiantly at him as he headed for the exit.
– Think of your family, – he said clearly at the door. – And yet … – I turned around to see his face illuminated by the moonlight – you do not need to remind me and yourself about how exactly you got here at each of our meetings. I know everything perfectly and I hate myself for that. – At that moment, he looked so broken that I felt sorry for him, but remembering what he was going to do with my life, this feeling instantly evaporated. – And the last… you don’t have to change. Be yourself. – He sighed heavily and quickly went out, leaving me alone with his thoughts.
CHAPTER 12
Servants circled me for a week. I was forbidden to watch TV and go online (I got the phone back, but I still can’t call anyone and honestly, I don’t want to talk to anyone), but I learned from Samira that the whole country is discussing our upcoming wedding and about me there were a lot of rumors. For example, everyone said that I escaped from my country, hiding from the government, that they kept me here forcibly (if they knew how close to the truth) and a bunch of other different stories, because of which Mr. Ali decided that we were going today to the restaurant, after which we will have to communicate with reporters.
– Madame, what do you prefer to wear? – Samira circled over my head, twisting the last strand of hair on curling irons.
– To be honest, I’m fine, – I said as I exhale, casting a glance at myself in the mirror.
Lifeless eyes, small wrinkles in their corners from constant tension, pale, I would say, painful face. This place sucks life out of me.
– You probably worry? Mr. Ali will take you to one of the best places in our country! – In the mirror, I saw how she dreamily patted her eyes, which made me smile.
“Samira,” I caught her eye in the mirror. “Have you ever been outside this house?”
– Of course! Every week I go with Nur, well… this is the main servant of this house, I go with her to the local market, and also … – she unwound my lock, repairing it with varnish – last year I was taken to a neighboring village to the wedding.
– And it’s all? – I turned to face her. She lowered her eyes and nodded. I took her hand, which made her stiffen.
– I’ll take you somewhere as soon as everyone settles down here, okay?
– Oh, what are you, madam! Mr. Ali will not allow this.
– What do I need your master? Will I be a princess? That is… I want to say that this will be my gratitude to you. – She wanted to say something, but I interrupted her. – And I do not accept any objections! Now come on help me choose a dress.
I abruptly got to my feet, which made me dizzy, and I had to grab the edge of the sink so as not to fall.
– Madam, are you all right? – She grabbed my elbow.
– Yes, – I took her hand, – do not worry, everything is fine.
– You look tired, – she led me to the bed and helped me sit down. – I will bring you several options for dresses. – She hid in the closet, and I tried to calm the trembling in the body. Samira came out with dresses on hangers in her hands and carefully laid them next to me. – I chose five different options for you, but … – she took one of the hangers. – But I liked it the most. – She put on a black silk tight-fitting bell dress with large pink flowers.
– Did you really like it? – She nodded her head, delight was read in her eyes. – Then I give it to you.
She looked at me anxiously and shook her head.
– You can not! It is all yours. I can not accept it.
– It’s mine, right? – I got to my feet, and she nodded. – So, I give it to you, and you have no right to refuse it.
She laid the dress aside and rushed to hug me, which took me by surprise.
– You… You are the best… the best! – Tears rolled from her eyes.
– Samira… I don’t want to upset you even more, but… I’m late. – She pulled away and looked at me anxiously, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
– Sorry, madam… I…
– It’s all right, – I looked at the outfits Samira selected, picked up the hanger with a red trouser suit, pulled a simple white T-shirt from the dresser (the prince thought everything through, including the underwear and pantyhose that were in the dresser), and picked up the beige pumps colors. My image was very cute.
– Here’s a clutch bag that fits with the shoes. – Samira handed me a small bag.
– Conservatively, but with taste, and most importantly – conveniently. And quite in my style. I smiled weakly and looked at Samira. – Thank. I don’t know what I would do without your enthusiasm.
She smiled shyly, dropping her eyes to the floor.
– You