– Good… only, is it possible to somehow make sure that “Madame” does not contact me? I am not their mistress, and they are not my subjects. – From my words he grinned, continuing to look at me.
– I’m afraid to disappoint you, but it’s impossible. Traditions. – He answered my unspoken question. – Despite the fact that you are not from this country, your position is high since you are the bride of the crown prince. For the citizens of our country, you are a commoner. – I rounded my eyes in surprise. I didn’t think it sounds so insulting. – But you are respected simply, because the prince considered you worthy to make you his lawful wife.”
– In short, they like me because you “loved me”? – I portrayed air quotes.
– Yeah. “Loved.” – He repeated my gesture.
– And I just can’t get rid of these formalities?
– Never. He shook his head, trying to suppress a smile.
– But I do not want this to be so! All the inhabitants of this house are the same as you, I, your father. Everyone has rights and obligations from birth, of course, also has them, but they are not slaves! – I jumped to my feet. – And I refuse to behave with them as if they belong to me. No one deserves such an attitude! —
I finished my fiery speech and fell silent.
– You are right, – he began cautiously, – but historically everything turned out this way and not otherwise. – He hesitated, choosing words. – You can go and tell them: “You are not slaves. You are free citizens, you can go wherever you want and do what you want, but they will not go anywhere.
– Right! – I crossed my arms over my chest to feel confident. – Because they are afraid to be punished.
– No, – he smiled sadly, – all because they themselves want it. – This is not slavery, it is such a form of life, a little strange for you or any other foreigner, but… people get good money for their work, they are sincerely happy to help, and not serve. This is what they do. – I got up and looked at him embarrassedly, not understanding what he was trying to convey to me. – I want to say that the laws of our society are different from the European ones, but only because they are based on the Quran. I hope you know what it is? – I nodded, fingering a simple pendant of ordinary inexpensive metal around my neck – Lerka’s gift for a housewarming party with her. Ali looked at my neck, got to his feet, went to the railing and leaned on his hands. Now he stood with his back to me. – Something got us wrong. – He said thoughtfully. – I was looking for you to discuss the wedding.
I was a little puzzled by such a statement.
– In my opinion there is nothing to discuss here? I will fulfill my promise, in return for this you will not allow yourself anything bad or dangerous in the direction of my family.
– I didn’t mean it – over his shoulder he shot me an annoyed look, as if I didn’t understand obvious things, and then turned away again. – It is necessary to discuss the holiday itself. Even if it does not matter for you, then for my country, I would say this is a historical event.
– Then you better know how to behave. I guarantee my presence at the wedding, so don’t worry.
– I’m not worried about that! You just need to say what you want! – Wow! The prince got angry and right now burned me with a fierce look. – I don’t know… what do you women want on such days? A fabulous dress from a fashion designer, expensive shoes, a bunch of guests, a huge cake, decorations? What would you like?
– I don’t need all this, – I said indifferently, noting that the street had become completely dark. – I just want no one to pay attention to me, and that all this will be over soon. – Choose a dress of your choice. In the end, all this is done for you and for your sake. I do not need anything. – I swallowed a lump in my throat. – Just let the wedding be in a narrow circle. No big cakes, luxurious dresses and other tinsel.
At this moment, Samira came to us. She stopped at a safe distance with a tray in her hands and stood there until Ali noticed her.
– Samira, you can get through.
She bowed slightly and looked at me worriedly.
– I brought herbal tea and berry pies. With wild berry. – She added with satisfaction.
– Where are the wild berries from? She cast a short glance at Ali, and then looked at me again.
– I’ll bring them here. Especially for you. – I raised an eyebrow in surprise and looked at Ali. He seemed a little embarrassed. Blimey! The prince decided to feed the captive himself.
– Well then, thanks.” – I smiled faintly, taking from her hands a cup of fragrant tea.
Samira bowed once more and left. I looked at the cake, evaluating the degree of my desire to eat it.
– There is one more question. – Ali sat opposite me and tried to catch my eye, which I stubbornly hid in a cup of tea. – What to do with your family? After talking with your father… do you want to see him among other guests? – I stopped the cake halfway to my mouth and returned it to the plate and shook off my hands, pondering his question.
– Not. I do not want to see him or my mother. But Alina… I think she deserves to know that I still love her. – I felt a lump growing in my throat, and hastened to take a sip of tea, burning my tongue, because of which tears appeared in my eyes.
– Are you okay? – I closed my eyes, nodding my head and not understanding what saddens me more: the fact that I got burned or that my family continues a carefree life while I spend time locked up in this huge house. – I’m sure there shouldn’t be a problem with your sister. Tomorrow I will send someone to her to be warned and prepared. If you need anything, just tell Samira.
He got to his feet and left without a word.
CHAPTER 14
This “family” dinner of preparation went more than a day. There were many people in the house who moved, rearranged, decorated and shouted at each other. Today, for the first time since I am here, I voluntarily decided to look irresistible. This whole story that happens to me has a rather negative effect not only on my moral state, but also on my appearance. The skin became pale, almost transparent and very dry, under the eyes lay huge shadows. Someone seemed to be slowly taking my life.
– Irina, this dress is hanging on you. If you continue to torment yourself in this way, it will not lead to anything good – Samira scolded me, fastening my Greek-style dress with a long floor in black chiffon with a small neckline on the chest and sleeves that reached the elbows.
– To be honest, I myself do not understand what is happening to me, probably all of this from excitement. I hope that everything will work out soon. So do not worry. – She tied my waist with a black belt and, bowing, ran out of the room.
I looked at myself in the mirror, which Samira pulled from the wardrobe into the bedroom and started. Against the background of the black dress, my skin seemed terribly white, and the eyes on the emaciated face were large and scared. I flinched at a sudden knock on the door, cleared my throat and confidently answered for the visitor to enter. To my surprise, it was Ali in a white kandura and a scarf attached to his head with a black stripe. The traditional Arabian men’s outfit matched perfectly with the Arabian prince, who looked slightly excited.
– I decided to personally come after you, – he cleared his throat, and then I noticed a flat, long velvet box in his hands – and give it. I think, just for