Chapter 4
An Indisputable Union
Marriage was destruction, a union which could ruin the best of man. To make a promise of love before the most loving. To be consumed by another till death.
The courtyard was covered in white, curtains hanging from the large pillars which surrounded the place of her matrimony. Laila pulled the hood of her cape further down, attempting to hide herself behind the garment.
"Laila, we must go." She felt a gentle nudge, Wafiyyah urging her to return to her own quarters.
They had only come to see what preparations could have been made in such haste, unknowing that some people of her tribe had already arrived to witness the spectacle which would take place.
"Let us go." She replied bleakly, betrayed. Perhaps she should have loved her people more. Perhaps, if she did, they would have shown more outrage at such an unholy union.
Laila allowed her eyes to wander, absorbing her home for what may be the last time.
It had never felt so cold, so empty.
Asiyah awaited her, distraught as her stepdaughter offered a hopeless smile.
"My child," she reached for her, embracing the young girl.
"Could you help me?" Laila requested, pleased as Asiyah nodded.
She was seated on the chair of her dressing table. A veil made of golden coins covered her from below her eyes, accentuating the kohl which outlined them. A similar headpiece was placed underneath her scarf and a second later, she felt a cool sensation around her neck.
"What is this?" Laila asked, grasping the small key which hung from a golden chain.
"A gift, a very precious gift," she answered. Laila stared at the jewellery, a piece which was far too small to fit any keyhole.
"It is beautiful," she said, her heart warming.
"It is, but this key is not from me alone. It is a present from your birth mother, I was only asked to give it to you." Laila felt herself grasp the key tighter.
"What do you mean?" She asked as Asiyah took Laila's hands.
"Perhaps your mother knew a day like this would come, and I am so grateful to have been chosen to raise you and give you this chain." She kissed Laila's hands before helping her stand.
"Your mother told me only one thing, this key will help you when you are most in need." They embraced. A tight hold which neither wanted to cease.
"You look more of a princess today than ever before Amirah. May Allah forever be with you on this journey, as my prayers will be." It was minutes before her marriage, with only a second to say farewell.
"Goodbye mama."
Laila walked towards Wafiyyah, who had tears pooling in her eyes.
"I will miss you." She wept, taking hold of her friend.
"And I you Wafiyyah. I will miss you more than you know." Laila replied, her voice breaking. She squeezed her hand reassuringly.
The sound of the imam's voice echoed throughout the quiet building, their footsteps slow as they proceeded to her designated seat. She was shielded by a sheer curtain, still being able to see the place where her betrothed would be.
A stillness was in the air as people returned from their prayers. Laila clutched onto her clothes.
"For surely after hardship comes ease." She repeated, watching as the area beneath her began to fill again. The people were separated by man and woman, the top of the courtyard covered by a large piece of fabric to shield them from the sun.
This was a wedding absent of tradition. There was no joy in the union to come, only relief for the people who had been starving in the siege.
"He's here," Waffiyah suddenly whispered, capturing Laila's attention.
A silence filled the crowd as her father walked first, face void of emotion. He met his daughter on the prepared platform, ashamed to seek her eyes.
Her betrothed arrived after, powerfully he strode into the crowd. Compelling their attention, the people stood to merely catch a sight of the prince and his warriors.
.
He wore a traditional white thobe, his keffiyeh coloured in red and white. A single dagger hung from his belt, not another weapon in sight. He would not need any, his men were already armed as though prepared for battle.
Abu Ul-Khayr stood tall, refusing to bow to the authority of his guests. He greeted Usman with peace.
"And to you too." Usman replied, briefly glancing at his bride to be. Laila looked down, embarrassed by her own regard.
"I will be a witness for my daughter. Who would be yours?" Her father asked as an older man came beside Usman.
"This is one of the advisors of our sultan, Abbas. He shall be our witness." Abu Ul-Khayr nodded his head.
"Despite the circumstances, we shall follow the religious teachings. What is the Mahr required?" Abbas asked.
It was almost disgraceful to ask for a Mahr after they had essentially forced her hand. Laila shook her head, Wafiyyah conveying the gesture to her father.
"We have no requirements." He informed.
Laila felt his eyes on her. This time however, she did not look away. She met his gaze through the sheer curtain, battling with his stare as he raised a brow in amusement.
"You have until the imam asks you to accept me as your husband. I will give you whatever you desire." The words were spoken directly to her.
Keep your kindness, she thought, turning her face in contempt. Wafiyyah squeezed her hand, urging restraint.
"Begin the ceremony now."
Her father nodded, allowing them to take their positions.
"Today we shall celebrate the union of my daughter with the prince of Al-Muharibun, Usman. Let this be a beautiful union which shall unite two strong tribes." Abu Ul-Khayr approached Laila. She saw his eyes glistening with the tears he refused to surrender, and she knew.
This was inevitable.
Sometimes you must concede to destiny.
The imam began to read verses from the holy book. Words of beauty which began to prepare Laila as she accepted her fate.
"A marriage is a great bounty from our lord. It is a union which binds a man and a woman in an everlasting partnership which grants ease to their hearts." The imam's voice echoed around the quiet courtyard.
"With good intentions, we ask for blessings from the almighty that this marriage be successful and bring great happiness. Our destinies are written, and this union is only a plan of the greatest planner. For surely, our lord has created us in pairs, and our lord knows best."
The imam turned towards Usman.
"Usman Al-Muharibun, do you accept this union with Laila Al-Shujae, daughter of Abu Al-Khayr?"
His acceptance was loud as Laila felt her heart race.
Although permission had already been granted, the question was then raised to her.
"Laila Al Shujae, do you accept this marriage?" he asked. She hesitated, looking towards her father, and then her betrothed.
"I-"
The sound of heavy footsteps suddenly forced their attention. Men began to approach the podium, dressed in armour, their swords pointed at Usman and his warriors.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Her father rose from his seat, along with Usman. The men around them were already in combating positions, their weapons pointed back at the enemy.
"Forgive me sheikh, but this wedding will not take place." Abdul walked up the courtyard, his eyes bloodthirsty as he reached for his sword and pointed it towards Usman.
Abdul, no.
Laila jumped up.
The soldiers of Al-Muharibun unsheathed their swords, intending to kill Abdul and his men. Usman raised his hand, stopping them.
"This is a dangerous game you are playing." He stood calm, glancing at his foe ominously before looking around at his warriors.
Unable to stop herself, Laila pushed up the curtain and came before them, capturing Abdul's attention.
The second distraction was enough for Usman to kick his opponent's knees, forcing Abdul to fall to the floor, losing hold of his sword.
His men instantly struck their weapons against the swords of Al-Muharibun. Chaos reigned as the people around them rushed to escape. Laila stepped forward, reaching for Abdul before she was held back by her father.
"Not here Laila please!" Her father begged.
The action seized Usman. He saw the fear, wide in her eyes as they paced between him and Abdul.
She was heaving, pleading with her gaze.
Stop this.
Usman held onto the boy.
Still, as Abdul struggled.
.
She loved him.
.
.
"Enough!" Usman's voice silenced the disarray. He kicked Abdul's sword away, pulling him closer by the collar.
"I challenge you to a duel." The question in his words were clear. Honour or dishonour?
Abdul looked to him in arrogance.
"I accept."
"Very well. Till death." Usman stated as Abdul pulled back and held his sword.
"Exactly as I intended."
Usman smirked with a knowingness any experienced warrior would recognise. Laila stepped forward, stopping as her father held her.
"Enough!" Abu Al-Khayr ordered as Abdul looked to him with disbelief.
"You should have said enough when this snake tried to take your daughter. Do not stop me from saving your honour." He hissed his words of treason.
"I knew your tribe was weak but I did not expect to witness a coup." Usman mocked her father as he grabbed a sword. Laila shook her head in disbelief.
"How dare you." She whispered, trying to release the hold of her father.
"As per ancient law, no one is to interfere, lest they wish for death." Usman jumped off of the podium, approaching the now empty courtyard.
"Let's begin."
Abdul did not spare another moment before jumping down and rushing towards Usman, his sword aimed for the heart.
Usman immediately dodged the attack and struck his own sword, cutting Abdul's shoulder as he moved out of the way. Abdul held his shoulder in pain.
Using this opportunity, Usman quickly turned around and slashed his sword on Abdul's back, the impact forcing his opponent to his knees.
He immediately pulled his sword back to strike again before Abdul kicked the back of his legs, causing him to fall to the floor.
"So this is how you battle?" Usman asked, rolling out of the way as Abdul stabbed the sword aimed for his chest. Usman laughed, rising as their weapons clashed.
Fury fuelled them, blood in their eyes as they pushed against each other.
"Tell me, have you ever fought outside of these walls?" Usman mockingly asked, allowing his strength to bring his opponent down.
Abdul felt his legs weaken as he stepped back and quickly swung his sword forward, Usman ducked before dropping his own weapon.
"You are not worth my sword."
He planted a punch on Abdul's jaw and then to his nose, kicking his chest with all his might as he fell to the floor. Abdul attempted to stand, falling back as his body resigned.
The crowd around them stood back, afraid.
Usman looked towards his prey, reaching for his sword. He had won, and his prize would be to put a sword through the heart of the man who had opposed him.
He pulled the weapon down, as a scream suddenly sounded throughout the courtyard.
A scream which stopped Usman's hands mid-air.
"No!" Laila ran down the stage, ignoring the pleas from her father. She ran till she landed beside Abdul, tears pooling in her eyes.
"You said you would give me whatever I requested." She met his eyes, fury growing within her.
"I ask for my Mahr right now." He seethed, his own heart racing at her meaningless courage.
"Spare his life," she demanded.
Usman froze.
"No one is to interfere in the duel." He finally spat out, his heart blazing with an unknown emotion.
"You said you would follow islamic teachings." Laila changed her tone, looking to him in defiance. He returned her stare.
They looked upon each other in challenge, waiting for the other to concede.
I dare you to go back on your word.
Show me how you lack in honour.
Usman roared, dropping his sword.
He grabbed her hand, pulling her up as she fought against him. He dragged her back to the podium, glaring at her father.
"I accept the condition, he is your prisoner now." Her father nodded his head, shame filling him.
"Do you accept this marriage?" Usman asked, turning to Laila. She looked between him and Abdul's fallen figure. A single tear fell as she stared into his furious grey eyes.
"I accept."
It was done.
Laila felt her father's hands on her shoulders as she stepped forward to embrace him for the last time.
"Forgive me, my daughter." He whispered as Usman stepped forward.
"My father will send envoys to your tribe within the next month. For now, all our soldiers will retreat," he informed.
Laila spotted Asiyah behind the curtains around the courtyard. Wafiyyah stood behind her, offering an aching smile.
The silent goodbyes were cut short as her hand was held and she was forced away. Usman's soldiers followed suit, guarding them as they reached the exit.
"Laila..." Abdul's quiet voice reached her ears. She froze as Usman tensed.
"Don't you dare." It was a warning that could not be ignored. Laila ached to turn, to see him one last time.
"I already spared his life for you. You are mine now." Usman tightly grabbed her hands, pulling her forward. She dared to turn her head back, only to see Abdul's broken face.
"Laila!" He screamed as two guards pulled and dragged him away. Laila breathed hard, unable to stop the sobs escaping her mouth.
"I will not forgive you." A promise.
"I will never forgive you." She swore, needing for him to hear her rage.
"I do not seek your forgiveness." He replied as they left her home, abandoning everything she once knew.
It was a marriage witnessed by all.
An indisputable union.