11 - Prince Shar - Draft

The day of Prince Shar’s arrival was a highly anticipated event in the palace. No expense was spared in the hopes of pleasing him. Top chefs were flown in from Dunya  to prepare feast after feast in the prince’s honor. Several rooms were redecorated in the style of Dunya to make him feel more at home. Alcohol, which readily flowed in the palace was locked up since those from Dunya found it sinful. Every female staff member was ordered to cover her hair, dress modestly and never be alone with a man from Dunya. The male staff members were instructed to not touch, look at or be alone with any women from Dunya.

Aisha meanwhile had prepared Darcy well to make a good impression on the prince. She had learned a bit of their language, every custom that she’d encounter during his visit as well as their religious beliefs. Aisha even had her memorize all of his favorite things along with his dislikes and pet peeves.

The morning of his arrival, Darcy and Aisha woke up in each other’s arms for the last time. They were both saddened that their time together had to end. Aisha put on a brave face and reassured Darcy that everything would work out. They kissed before going their separate ways to prepare for the busy day ahead.

Prince Shar was welcomed by Queen Narcissus and Aisha upon his arrival. The women extolled the virtues of Princess Darcy before allowing him to get settled in his room.

Aisha accompanied the queen to ensure that all of the preparations were going as planned and nothing was wrong. Nothing was left to chance.

Darcy was left alone with her anxiety about her future until just before dinner. Aisha arrived to put the finishing touches on Darcy’s outfit before they headed down to the ballroom. Aisha entered first and sat apart from her brother. Darcy was instructed to wait before making her entrance.

When Darcy was given the signal to enter, she lowered her gaze and made her way directly to the women’s section. She greeted the queen first and then Aisha, kissing them both on the cheeks. Aisha then introduced the other women whom Darcy greeted in a similar fashion.

Once all of the women were greeted, Aisha escorted Darcy to the couch that held the prince. Aisha introduced Darcy who looked down at the ground.

“It is a pleasure to meet you once more, Princess Darcy,” the prince said while putting his right hand over his heart and bowing slightly.

Darcy mimicked the motion of the prince before speaking in his native tongue their customary greeting. The translation of which roughly means, “Hello. How are you? Hopefully everything is good and nothing is bad.” It sounds much more beautiful in its original words.

The message had accomplished its goal. The prince and those who accompanied him slapped their hands on their knees and squealed with delight. “You are a woman of Dunya,” the prince said, beaming with pride.

Darcy thanked him before making her exit to return to the women’s section. Aisha squeezed her arm to let her know that she did good.

During dinner, she could feel the Prince watching her every move. She felt like a trained monkey on display. She was very careful to do everything as properly, elegantly and above all modestly as possible. Although his eyes were glued on her, she never once looked at him.

After dinner and the obligatory rounds of tea, Aisha led Darcy back towards the Prince. “I am sorry for my lack of decorum, Your Highness. I wanted to thank you and your people for visiting us here in Jahim. It has been a pleasure learning about you and your customs. If there is anything that you desire, you only need ask. Your wish is my command, Your Highness. Layla saida wa ahlam saida, Emir Shar,” Darcy stated while keeping her head bowed and eyes focused on her feet. She put her hand over her heart and bowed slightly to take her leave, “Ma salam.”

The Prince delighted in every word. He replied in English, “Good night and good dreams, Princess Darcy. Go with peace.”

Aisha escorted Darcy to the hallway out of sight of the Prince before daring to speak. “You were perfect, Hayati. Go to your room and wait for me. I’m going to talk to Shar about the evening and you. Ahaybeck!” She looked around to be sure that they were alone before stealing a quick kiss. She squeezed her hands before returning to her brother.

Darcy didn’t exactly enjoy her evening with the prince, if you can even say that she was with him. That one brief moment with Aisha was enough to make it a magical one. She called her Hayati, my life and told her Ahaybeck, she loved her. Those had  become her two favorite words of all time. She floated on air as she returned to her room.

Meanwhile, Aisha returned to the ballroom to find everyone saying their goodbyes and complimenting both the Queen and the Prince. Aisha sat on the opposite side of the Prince than the Queen. She listened carefully to every word spoken to inform what she should say to the Prince.

Queen Narcissus began questioning Prince Shar before the final guest had fully turned around to leave. Aisha didn’t stand a chance. She just listened to them discuss the evening and his thoughts on Darcy. After what seemed like an eternity, Prince Shar finally told the Queen that he would sleep on the decision of marriage and that they’d speak again tomorrow.

This was Aisha’s opportunity to get her brother’s true thoughts. She walked him back to his room, chatting about the highlights of the evening. Once within his room she questioned him more deeply. After a long discussion, he summarized his thoughts before sending her to her room.

“As to marriage, Princess Darcy seems submissive enough for my tastes. I’m sure that you could keep her in line if she makes a misstep. You understand our ways. Her appearance is rather plain and she is a bit on the older side at eighteen but a wife’s main importance is bearing children and being modest. I can always take another wife or a mistress who is more pleasing to the eyes.

My only reservation is her mother. The Queen is very controlling and manipulative of her. Dealing with her before I ascend to the throne as King would be most unpleasant. I can only hope for a short life for her. At least I received the assurances of the Queen that I would rule since her daughter is so weak minded. That makes it all worth it.”

Aisha bid her brother good night before going to Darcy’s room. She knew that her brother’s attitudes were wrong but they were what had become acceptable. She saw similar beliefs in the men of Jahim so believed it to be universal.