Chapter 91: 91. First Ceremony
(This chapter is not edited)
***
Writer’s POV:
The next day, the pce people were up early for thest preparations. The birthday and engagement
ceremony were going to take ce by evening, as from Six PM. But the dowry was that afternoon, at
one.
The sultanate was already prepared. Those invited were adding final touches to their chosen outfits,
and some choosing theirs that same day. Everyone had chosen their outfits for the first and second
ceremonies to hold that day.
-
Asahd was awakened by his mother. She entered his room and opened the huge curtains so some
Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.
daylight would shine into the dark room.
“Maa...” Asahd groaned sleepily, “Close them, please.”
“Get up. You don’t you want to get engaged?” the Queen teased knowingly.
Asahd smiled in his half sleep.
“I sure want to.” he mumbled, forcing himself to sit up.
“Happy 23rd Birthday my love.” his mother said happily,ing over to kiss his forehead.
“Thank you very much.” the Prince chuckled happily “I almost forgot it was my birthday. All I have in
mind is that it’s my engagement day.”
“I felt same when I was going to marry your father.” the Queen replied and he smiled.
“Can I see Sa?da before we get engaged? Even before the dowry ceremony?” he asked “I saw her like
seven times this week. That is, once every single day. And only during dinner. I hardly had time to have
my breakfast downstairs.”
“Nope.” the Queen mused, “Especially not today. Customs set in. You’ll be unable to see Sa?da
throughout. You’ll only see her during the dowry and again tonight. Once engaged, you won’t be able to
exchange words with her until your wedding day. Your best men and her maids will see to it that you
two don’t meet secretly because they’ll follow you around until then.”
Asahd’s mouth dropped open.
“Are you kidding me??”
“Zagreh’s traditions, honey.” the Queenughed.
“How’s this even legal?” he mused, though in shock.
“ording to our ways, it’s to build a greater need for each other between the future husband and wife.
We believe that this will make their marriagest longer and cause them to actually desire each other
for as long as possible.”
“Trust me mother, I do not need that.” Asahd chuckled, “I’m already dying to be with her and you’re
telling me that I have to wait another week?”
“Mmhmm.” she mused and stood, “Freshen up. Your father, Djafar and stylists would soon be here to
make you try your outfits for today onest time. You’ll not leave your room and so will Sa?da. You’ll
only do so for the ceremonies. Your food and whatever you need would be brought to you whenever
you need them. It’s just for today.”
Asahd nodded.
“I really wish I could see her.” he copsed on his bed again.
“You will. At one. Landry, Amir and Kanaan will soon be here. In time and before the dowry.”
The three guys mentioned were Asahd’s best friends. They’d known him since childhood and had
grown with him. He’d even studied with them in Dubai. When he’d finished studying and went to
Australia for a vacation, before returning to Zagreh a few months ago, they’d decided to stay back in
Dubai and visit ces they hadn’t yet. They were always in contact, though he’dst spoken to them
the night before he travelled to New York with Djafar and Sa?da.
But he’d called them a week ago to announce his wedding. Of course they were sure toe!
They were going to be his best men and so would spend their days and nights in the pce till every
ceremony would be over. Each boy was a highly respected noble’s son, belonging to the royal family’s
closest friends.
“Okay! I can’t wait. I missed those guys.” Asahd replied happily.
“Me too. Sa?da’s aunts are also here, as well her cousins and other extended family members.”
“Alright.”
“Get up now, darling.” she smiled and then left his room.
--
On the other side was Sa?da with her two aunties, both Djafar’s younger sisters. The oldest of the two
would be represented as Sa?da’s maternal figure since her mother had passed away. They helped her
get ready too.
The Queen met them to know how Sa?da was doing that morning and discovered that she was very
happy.
She was told the same rules as Asahd, concerning the ceremonies and how they couldn’t speak to
each other or meet. Sa?da, knowing the customs and traditions by heart, wasn’t surprised. Though she
was still a little disappointed by them. She already missed Asahd like crazy. She’d almost not spoken to
Asahd the previous week. They couldn’t even text or call each other. Every night, for the past week,
she would sleep thinking of him and even dream about him.
The lovers couldn’t wait to be married and all alone. They both had the same thoughts in their
individual rooms. They wanted to kiss, cuddle and make love. But there was no way. Plus, they had
seven more days to wait. How frustrating.
***
By 11, Asahd was done trying his outfits for thest time. Everything was in the perfect order.
“Let it pass real quick.” Asahd muttered, removing thest outfit and still thinking of Sa?da.
“Patience, son.” the sultan who’d heard him, mused. He and Djafarughed a little as well as the the
stylists.
Asahd shook his head in amusement and turned to them.
“Seven more days. And they haven’t even started yet.” Asahd chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
“It’ll pass. You’ll see.” Djafar mused.
“True. But it won’t be easy either. I almost lost it when I had to marry your mother.” the sultan chuckled.
“True. And I when I had to marry Sa?da’s mother.” Djafar added.
Asahd stared at them.
“Wow. Thanks a lot. Makes me feel better.” he said in the most sarcastic manner and the menughed.
“Don’t worry. Let’s leave you for now to go prepare. We have only two hours left. I’ll be back at 12 to get
you ready. The guests will surely be arriving by then. You’ve still not touched the breakfast that was
brought to you. Go eat.”
“Alright father.”
The men excused themselves and left the Prince.
Asahd left his dressing room and entered his room, sitting at the little table in a corner where his
breakfast had been kept.
-
He was still eating when his door slowly opened and three people walked in. He literally jumped. His
best buddies.
“What the hell?!” all four of them shouted in a chorus, jumping and immediately running towards each
other.
They hugged happily,ughing out loud.
“Maaaan! You were gone missing for months!” Kanaanughed “And when you call again, it’s to tell us
that you’re getting married?!”
“To Sa?da, bitch!” Landry and Amir added in a chorus and Asahdughed.
“How in the world? Sa?da?!”
“HAHAHA! I missed you idiots!” Asahdughed and they hugged happily again.
“It’s a longplicated story. I swear.”
“Son!” Amir started, jumping on Asahd’s bed, “We got all the time!”
They allughed and the two others joined him. Asahd remained standing to exin.
“We have forty five minutes, actually. We gotta get ready at twelve. So start talking.” Landryughed.
“Hahaha, okay.” Asahd started, “First of all, I’ve changed guys. For real.”
“Seriously??” they asked in a chorus and surprise.
“Yeah.” Asahd chuckled, “I’ve learnt to give my parents the respect they deserve, I’ve stopped with the
tantrums, the excessive drinking, being unbearable in general.”
“Thank God!” Kanaan eximed.
“Are you serious??” Amir asked.
“I am.”
“That’s great, man! You used to be an asshole.” he mused and theyughed.
Unlike people would probably expect, Asahd’s friends were the type to advise him when they could.
Yes, they all partied, drank, wooed women and did the craziest of things with him, but they were never
for him being disrespectful to his parents and elders, bring rude and insulting towards those under him,
throwing useless tantrums, even with them. They weren’t for him, starting to do drugs, drinking
excessively and without moderation, and many other bad habits he used to have.
They always tried to advice him but he would give them deaf ears or call them off. Sometimes even get
angry with them.
-
“I know.” he chuckled, “And I don’t know how you still took in my nonsense and never left me.” the
Prince added.
“We love your ass man.” Landry said.
“Facts.” the others agreed.
“I love y’all too. I want to apologise for my wrongs. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Now speak! Time’s running out!”
Asahdughed and then told them his story. The reason he changed being the fact that he was tricked
into going to New York. His friends understood why they’d been unable to reach his phone for months
as he’d changed number to an American one, once in New York.
The young men listened to the entire story. Theyughed their asses out when Asahd told them funny
instances like when he saw the apartment for the first time and realised he had to live in it, how he got
robbed, his new clothes and his first days, looking for a job.
He went on to tell him how he and Sa?da started getting close, how he was gradually changing and
how things got better with each day.
He told them about their first kiss, his sudden need to be with her, his jealously towards Noure and how
he seduced Sa?da without her even realising. He told them everything that happened in New York!
Even the little sensual moments they had, though he didn’t give details. That’s just how close he was
with them.
“Whuuuuuttt??” all three guys almost lost it, shouting like they always did and Asahd almost died of
“You humped and ate her out with Djafar in that house?!” Amir gasped.
“Shh!” Asahd hushed in amusement and theyughed.
“Finish! Tell us what happened next.”
He told them the rest and their eventual return to Zagreh when things got even more serious. He told
them how he confessed his love, couldn’t stand Noure’s presence and even told them about their
heated encounters when Sa?da had told him the truth. He told them how Sa?da confessed back and
fully, how she defended him in front of Noure and literally threatened him. How Noure called off the
wedding and they confessed their love to Djafar and all that happened after.
“What a story.” Kanaan pped and they chuckled.
“It’s so surprising. You really are crazy for her. It’s even shocking.” Landry mused, “We’ve all witnessed
your cat and dog fights, her provocations. There’s a time you threw a book at her in front of us.”
“A time?” Amirughed, “Several times, we witnessed him throwing objects at her.”
“And pulling on her hair.” Kanaan added with augh.
“I know right.” Asahd chuckled.
“How did your exes take the news?”
“Terribly.” Asahd shook his head and the boysughed.
“So,” Kanaan wriggled his brows yfully, “...you’ll get topletely feel your future wife for the first
time, in a week.”
The others cooed and Asahd’s lips twisted in amusement. His friends froze, their smiles fading and
mouths dropping. They knew him too well and could read his expression.
“Wait.” Amir muttered.
“Have you already–” Landry couldn’t evenplete his sentence.
“Have you??” Amir asked impatiently.
“Mmhmm.” Asahd mused.
They literally took deep breaths, ready to shout. Knowing them too well, Asahd immediately hushed
them before they could.
“Shhhhhhh!” heughed.
Their mouths widened as if they were shouting but the only sounds that left their mouths, where
wheezes. Asahd almost fell because ofughter. It was always great having his buddies around.
“Keep the secret.” heughed.
“When?! How many times?!”
“Twice. Last week. End of topic.” heughed at their shocked/amused expressions.
***
Finally, the guests had arrived! It was a few minutes to one and both lovers were prepared, each on
their own sides.
It was the first stage. The dowry. Organising a Royal wedding and any other wedding was a process
that usually took up to a year or so. But Asahd had wanted to get married to Sa?da real fast and so
theseplicated ceremonies had been squeezed into a timespan of two weeks.
For this ceremony, the lovers wore very simple yet chic outfits,pletely different from what had been
bought for the engagement, traditional and modern wedding. It actually came from their own
wardrobes.
--
“Are you ready to go? It’s time.” the sultan told his son.
“I am.” Asahd smiled at his reflection in the ss.
“You look great.”
“Thank you, father.”
“Wee. Let’s go.”
Both men left the room. On the other side were his three friends, all dressed up and ready to
apany them. As well some guards.
Asahd and his father leading the way, they all went downstairs.
**
The ceremony was holding in the huge field. The ce was crowded with most invited personalities as
well local news channels.
Everyone was seated. At leat a hundred people were present. Asahd was led to another side of the
pce, outside. Every single thing he’d bought for Sa?da’s dowry was right there, carried and led by the
male servants.
“You’ll be informed when Sa?da and her parents will arrive the field.” the sultan told his son, “Everything
will go on perfectly well.”
“Okay.” Asahd took a deep breath, his heart threatening to burst out of his chest.
His father kissed his forehead and left.
“Rx, bro.” his friends patted his back and shoulders, standing behind him.
“Hopefully I don’t pass out.” the Prince managed to joke and they chuckled.
“Not today.”
--
Sa?da, walking behind her father and aunt, with Aisha, Salma and Yasmin behind her; made her way
into the field. The royal horns were blown.
They walked down the path that separated each side where people were seated, like a wide isle. All
eyes on the future bride. Sa?da stared straight ahead, her heart beating so fast that she was sure to
copse real soon.
′Breathe...′
They reached the front where a beautifully decorated canopy had been made. Under it was a beautiful
sofa.
Djafar sat down and so did Tara, Sa?da’s aunt. Sa?da, her head bowed just like her maids, walked
round the sofa. They stood behind it, Sa?da standing in middle of her parents from behind. Her maids
stood a little distance behind her.
′Oh my gosh.′
She kept her head bowed, as per their customs.
The sultan and Queen sat at the front row, watching with proud smiles.
-
A servant then rushed to inform the Prince.
-
About five minutes after Sa?da and her parents had arrived, the royal horns were blown again and
everyone seated turned. Sa?da and her maids finally raised their heads.
“All hail!” the chief guard started, “Prince Asahd Usa?d! Heir to the throne of Zagreh!”
Horns were blown again and every single person stood.
Sa?da’s heart was pounding and it skipped a beat when she spotted Asahd appear from a corner of the
pce. He was so handsome.
′Gosh, he’s so cute.′
Sa?da thought, unconsciously biting her lip nervously.
Behind Asahd were his three men, and behind them was a long trail of servants, carrying different gifts.
Bags of sugar, bags of rice, bags of spice, bags of grains, bags of fresh almonds, gallons and gallons
of milk.
Some servants carried about four silver containers. Big ones with conical covers. Those containers as
per tradition, were full of perfumes, caftans, saris, shoes, lotions, henna etc, all for Sa?da.
-
Everyone bowed once to wee the Prince.
Asahd took onest deep breath and started walking, his men and servants following closely behind.
The elegant Prince made his way down the huge middle path with only his men. The servants had
stopped at a particr ce.
When he got to the front of the canopy, everyone sat again. Every single person appreciated how fresh
and charismatic he always looked.
Asahd got to their front, his eyes on Sa?da who reddened. She was already breathtaking in her simple
gown. And Asahd’s own wear was already making her wish she could jump on him.
He smiled a little at her, their hearts beating at the same rate, even at a distance. And then he gave his
attention to her parents who stood and bowed a little.
As sign of respect, Asahd touched their feet and they blessed him.
“Dear, parents of the person that I cherish with all my heart.” Asahd started, aloud and to the hearing of
everyone present. “I’m here–”
He joined his hands in front of him. His three men did same behind him.
“–to get your blessings, as well as to ask your permission. I’m here for your most valued possession.
Your daughter.”
Everyone watched silently, smiles on their lips and camera phones out to film the sweet moment.
“Which of them?” Djafar replied, showing Sa?da and her maids behind him.
ording to their tradition, the maids were considered as the future bride’s sisters.
“The one in the middle. Sa?da.” Asahd replied and cheers and coos were heard from the big and
excited crowd.
“Get her, son!” the Queen eximed happily and everyoneughed, including those involved in the
dowry ceremony.
Sa?da giggled shyly, covering her mouth. Asahd stared at her, a little smile on his lips and his heart
beating. He wanted just one thing, to go up to her and kiss her.
“What dowry do you bring?” Djafar asked as per traditions.
Asahd turned and showed all that he’d brought with him. He listed every single item. From the ten bags
of spice, to the twenty bags of rice and so much more.
The crowd cheered, whistled and pped even more.
“She deserve more. You deserve more.” Asahd turned to her parents again, “But please, ept what I
present to you, as sign and proof of my love for her, and my readiness to wed her as soon as possible,
with your permission.”
Djafar nodded.
“Will you cherish her?”
“With all my heart and soul.”
“Will you love her and do her no harm?”
“To death and I swear on my own head, not to hurt her. Ever.”
More cheers, causing Asahd’s men to chuckle as well as Sa?da and her maids.
“I am convinced. But is her mother convinced?” Djafar turned to his sister.
“I am convinced.”
Cheers and happy screams. Everyone pped happily.
“One more thing.” Djafar cut in.
“Yes?”
“She has to decide if she epts your wooing.” Djafar turned to his daughter, “Come child.”
With red cheeks and her head bowed, Sa?da went round the couch till the front. She stood by her
father. Asahd could hardly take his eyes of her.
′I hope the days fly, Sa?da. I can’t wait for you to bepletely mine.′
“Do you ept his proposal, my dear? Give your response, symbolically.”
Everyone watched attentively.
Sa?da took a few steps forward till she was in front of him. She still had her head bowed. Her sweet
perfume was killing him, and his killing her.
Everyone watched as Sa?da slowly removed the scarf hanging from her shoulder. She finally raised her
head and looked him in the eyes. Her cheeks reddened and people cooed.
Then, they watched her raise her arms and pass the scarf over his head and down so it was now
hanging from his neck.
Everyone pped and cheered louder. The lovers stared endlessly as each other, smiles on their lips.
And then, Asahd removed his own scarf, and veiled her head with it.
More cheers.
“She’s epted you!” Djafar announced happily, “A marriage will hold!”
ps, cheers, whistles!
The trumpets were blown and everyone stood, pping.
Sa?da curtsied onest time and turned. Led by her parents and followed by her maids, they eventually
left the field, all followed by the Prince’s servants who were carrying the gifts.
Asahd turned and led by the sultan and Queen, began walking down the path, followed by his men.
People cheered them all the way until they entered the pce.
-
Right after, the guests ate and drank before leaving to go prepare for the second ceremony in the
evening. That one was sure tost longer. Plus, the other guests that had note for the dowry,
would definitely show up in a mass. At least three hundred of the people invited were sure toe that
night.
~~~~