PRINCESS OF THE EAST

– Not. he answered calmly. – Since then, you are in the status of my bride. There are small formalities regarding documents, but we will solve them immediately after you come to your senses a bit.

– I’ll come to my senses from what? This is real bullshit! You don’t think that I will believe it and marry you? – I laughed nervously, realizing the absurdity of the situation.

– No, I do not think so. – I breathed a sigh of relief. – I’m sure of it.

I ran a hand over my face, convincing myself that all this does not happen to me in real life. It just can’t be.

– Yes, I have nothing to do with either your Emirate or you personally!

– You have a relationship with your family, and they, by a lucky chance, are connected both with our Emirate and with me personally. – He answered calmly. – You almost became a citizen of this country. You just have to sign these documents. He shook another folder in the air.

– I will never do it!

– Good, – he answered simply. – Then read the last paragraph of the contract.

I lowered my eyes and felt how everything inside me was chilled with shock. The bottom line was that in the event of my resistance to the fulfillment of all the provisions of the contract and my father’s failure to fulfill his obligations, my family undertakes to pay money to Crown Sheikh Ali (be he not good) Ibn Amir al-Azar in the amount of one million dollars at a time, regardless, at what time this contract is valid (it is valid indefinitely), the parties will want to terminate it.

– Not. I refuse to believe it! My father could not sign it. He… he could not do this with me!

– I’m afraid you know your father very poorly. – He signed it, almost without hesitation. The prince looked at me sympathetically.

– What does it mean? Until someone from my family returns you a million dollars, will I be your property? He smiled a little, rising to his feet.

– It’s too rude. In addition, I do not need property, because I have so much of it – he looked around the room. – I need a wife, a life partner.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. It seems that at that moment my soul died.

“It would be better if you killed me right away.” I got to my feet and, staggering slightly, wandered off to the exit.

– 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 not the best time for this.

– Not. – I shook my head. – I wanted to say that I thought about everything that happened, and… it seems that I have no choice but to give up and obey the circumstances, – he sat and listened carefully to me. – I will marry you, – I said, barely audible.

He jumped to his feet, smiling broadly and just not bouncing with joy.

– Well! Tomorrow we will solve all paper issues and…

– 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 are the best, and I will do everything to make you comfortable here.

I tried to smile, took off my shoes, picked them up and headed for the door. The weakness in the body was no longer so obvious, but the head continued to spin. My acclimatization seems to have dragged on.

– Madame … – I turned around, laying my palm on the doorknob – our lord… he… is good. – She looked at me uncertainly. – You will understand this as soon as you know it better. Just… give him a chance.

For a moment I thought about her words.

– He may not be a bad person, but his methods suggest the opposite.

I left the room and headed down the empty corridor to the first floor. The fleecy carpet enveloping my bare feet distracted me a little from gloomy thoughts. The main thing is to survive this evening and not forget the legend invented for me. One of the young servants opened the door for me, and I went out onto the porch, where Mr. Ali was already waiting for me. He seemed to be thrilled with something, but only until he saw me.

– You look wonderful! – A slight smile appeared on his face.

– Thank you, – I answered quickly. – Let’s go so that this evening ends soon. – He nodded, continuing to smile, which annoyed me, but I tried to control myself. In the end, I need to get used to this, if only so that I can safely be in his company for more than two minutes.

We went to the restaurant in the same minibus that drove me from the airport, only this time the driver was different, it seems his name was Zakir. The prince sat opposite me, and from time to time I caught his eyes on me, which I could not understand. We were accompanied by two guarded cars, one in front and one in the back. Several guards also accompanied us to a restaurant in which our appearance aroused unprecedented interest and excitement. Of course, none of those present addressed us, here excessive attention to women and people occupying a high position in society is punishable.

– Do not forget, we are a couple in love, so relax and try to enjoy this evening, – the prince whispered in my ear at the entrance to the restaurant, to which I tried to smile, as if he had told me some romantic words.

– I doubt that I will succeed. – I answered with a sweet smile on my face. – It is good that your country does not welcome the public display of feelings.

A girl came up to us and greeted in Arabic, then Ali told her something that made her smile, after which she nodded her head and pointed us to our table. He was at the other end of the room behind a small breadth. Ali took me to my place, unzipped a button on his jacket and sat across from me. A waiter came up to us, greeted us, handed out a menu and informed that he would return as soon as we were ready to place an order.

– Do you have any special eating habits? he asked me as soon as we were left alone.

I thought, looking directly at him.

– I dont know. Perhaps Italian cuisine is closest to me.

– Pizza, pasta, various sauces? – I nodded.

– This is what makes me feel better even on the darkest days. – I returned to studying the menu. Wonderful! They have pasta bolognese.

– Have you had many such days?

– Quite a bit of. – I sighed heavily, prepared to voice my order.

I chose orange juice, vegetable salad and pasta bolognese. Ali also ordered beef tenderloin steak, grilled vegetables and some local drink. While we were waiting for the order, Ali began to get noticeably nervous, looking at my hands lying on the table.

– I understand that all this is strange, but … – he put his hand in the inside pocket of his jacket – two weeks later we have a wedding, and… in modern society, it seems customary that there is an engagement before the wedding. – He took out a black velvet box and handed it to me. – Since our situation is not quite traditional, we will be guided by European standards.

I looked around, and making sure that no one was watching us with trembling hands, she took the box and carefully opened it, not believing my eyes. Elegant white gold ring with a small diamond in the middle. My throat was dry and I could not believe my eyes. Instead of delight and joy, I felt a panic and realized that everything that was happening to me was real.

– I … – I swallowed, trying to level my voice. – Will I have to wear it? Is always?

– Yes. This is another rule. From this moment and all the time that we are married. – I looked in panic at Ali, who hesitantly reached for the box. – If you will…

I handed him a box from which he carefully removed the ring and extended his hand to me. I hesitantly put my hand into her and looked at Ali, who was as excited as I was. He put a ring on my ring finger and covered my hand with his hot soft palm, while piercing me with the look of his dark eyes. I felt heat spreading all over my body, which made me feel uncomfortable. The ring went perfectly. Ali still held my hand in his hands for a while. Fortunately, at that moment they brought us food, and I was able to remove my hand, hiding it under the table. I took a big sip of juice to calm my nerves and looked around again. Nobody seems to have noticed anything. Ali started dinner, and I continued to sit, not knowing whether I should eat, because of the excitement I felt nauseous.

– Irina? Why aren’t you eating anything?

– I’m almost not hungry, – I said uncertainly, looking towards the window, behind which there was an endless stream of cars and people hurrying somewhere. – They will photograph us secretly or …?

– No, – he shook his head, chewing vigorously on the food he sent to his mouth a minute ago. – At the exit, we will be waiting for journalists who will ask questions that were given to them in advance.

– That is, they will not ask for anything superfluous? He shook his head.

– Do you want some coffee? – I looked at him suspiciously, noting his ability to quickly change the subject.

– Isn’t that a strong coffee?

– Then you need to eat something, – I raised my eyebrows in surprise. – Over the past few days, you have completely withered. Samira said that you eat very little, but … – he looked straight into my eyes – you did not look worse.

From his remarks, I was embarrassed and looked at the plate with vegetable salad, while he took the fork and attacked the vegetables in my plate, ruthlessly sticking them on the fork.

– What are you doing? I asked in surprise, looking at him.

“Saving vegetables in your plate. They are not to blame for the fact that you do not want to eat them. He said with a serious expression on his face.

“And you decided to become the one who will save them from a painful death in the form of a slow decomposition in a bin?”

– Yes exactly. – I laughed soundlessly, not believing that we really talk about vegetables, when we have much more important topics for conversation.

– So that? Would you let these guys die? They were grown for a better life, long struggled to charge you with strength and vitamins. – He defiantly ate everything that was on his fork.

– Good good! – I could not stop smiling. – Just let’s end this conversation, otherwise someone will think that we are crazy.

– I don’t care what people think of me who don’t know me at all.

– Well, yes… who else but me should know this, I said without a word, lifting my fork. – You know, your food affects me badly, – he frowned, not understanding what I mean. – After I eat it, I constantly want to sleep, and even for my stomach it is too sharp. – I hesitantly looked at a piece of tomato attached to my fork, and then put it in my mouth and began to chew slowly.