Bride of Elim

CHAPTER 6

** FIRST MEETING **

I stayed there and listened to everything they told me, much to my disapproval. Heaven knows how much I didn't want to be there at all, I kept still without protesting because aunt literally begged me not to do or say anything that might put our family to shame. Not that I cared about their stupid reputation but because aunt was my only kin as far as I was concerned and since she was the one who asked me to comply, I did it for her.

I couldn't care less about the Johnsons. Grandmother was putting on a facade in front of the Bahams but I could not be swayed. I knew exactly where her interests lied and it was not with me, rather with the title of Queen and the benefits that her family would sow when I become Queen.

The elders went to talk in another room. Apparently we where waiting for the king to come back. King Malik. My grandmother said that he was a prince but I later find out from their conversation that he had already taken the throne. No wonder the elders kept calling me Queen. 'Queen' the tittle alone left a bitter taste in my mouth. I was so not ready for it.

After a while grandma came back and told me that I would be spending a few days at the palace. I was tired and sleepy and there she was telling me they were living me behind. I looked at my aunt waiting for her to tell her mother that there was no way she was leaving me behind but she just looked at me defeated. Huh! They couldn't wait to get rid of me.

"It will only be a few days baby and I'll come see you tomorrow." I wanted to cry after she said that. How could she leave me behind with strangers? Didn't she see anything wrong with that? I grabbed on aunts' hand. "But aunt I don't even know these people." I pleaded. "Mimi...." she didn't finish what she was saying, grandma cut in.

"You are not a child anymore, and those people will soon be your family as well." I frowned at her words and held on tight to my aunt still pleading with my eyes.

"Meera please." my aunt said as if she was getting annoyed but I wasn't going to budge. "I'm going to create a seen if you don't take me with." I said audible enough for only my aunt to hear. I was determined to go with them I had resorted to blackmail. Aunt huffed in disbelief. She knew me well, she knew I would do it if they even took one step away from me. They wouldn't want me to taint their perfect family name now would they?

Aunt was about to say something when a female voice ecoed in the living room. Mrs. Baham. "Don't worry dear you'll be in safe hands, and Malik will be back soon." sh*t! I suddenly felt shy. My aunt noticed the sudden change of expression In my face and took the opportunity to slip away. She wouldn't take me with now that I tried to pull a number on her. Hahaha.... I was screwed. She quickly said to Mrs Baham," I was about say that to her, you are here and you'd take good care of her." the corners of her lips curved up slowly revealing a jeering smile.

Mrs Baham was more than happy to accompany me, she assured them that I'd be well taken care of and with that they left. I stayed behind with Malik's mother. She's such a beautiful soul. At first I thought she was uptight and snobbish but that was not the case. We took a walk around the palace chatting and laughing at her stories.

It was already evening by the time we returned inside. A servant came and informed us the dinner was ready. We followed the servant to the dining room and when we got there, a guy was already sitted on the dining table. He was well built, also had curly black hair and brown eyes. Cute. He couldn't have been older than 20 years though judging by his facial features.

He got up as soon as we came on to view. "Mom, finally... I've been waiting for you." he said pulling out a chair for her to sit down. "Matthew, where are your manners." Mrs Baham gave him the look. "Greet your Sister-in-law." she said as she sat down. "Sister-in-law...... Like brother's wife??" He said, his eye so wide they were almost falling off their sockets. Gosh he was staring it made me feel awkward.

"Yes, your brother's wife. Now side down." His mother said seeming annoyed. "Her? Mom are you serious? She's not even that feminine. Does brother know about this?" that little brat really. 'wait. Did he just refer to me as "This"?' I asked in my head. Geez! I was sincerely offended by his remarks. "You....." Mrs Baham did finish what she was about to say and a deep husky voice came from the hallway.

"Know about what?" I turned my head to meet a pair of ember brown obbs approaching us. ''sweet mother of jesus'' I muffled.his tall well built lean body ascended to the dining table slowly like a gentle breeze.'wow... Is he even human?' I asked in my head obviously drooling over him. The second thing I noticed on his face was his lips. He had mouth watering full pinkish lips that looked as though he'd just licked them. I subconsciously swallow a mouthful of saliva. He's hair was nicely cut, thick eyebrows and a sleek trimmed beard. All in all he was a fine male specimen.

"Your wife is here." my soon to be brothers-in-law spoke pointing at me with his index finger pulling me out of my trance. Thank goodness no one noticed I was staring. My heart immediately started beating so fast my hands were sweating. He gazed at me and calmly said." Yes, I see that." with an indifferent face. I involuntary bowed my head. I was a blushing mess and his eyes weren't doing me any justice.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting like this, I'm Malik." He extended his hand to me. ' this is our first meeting and I'm a nervous blushing mess like this. No, I shouldn't let him think that I'm a push over who's dying to be with him. Woman up Mimi.' Internally cheered on myself. If he was going to greet me with that look on his face then I wasn't going to yield to his charm. So I got up wearing the calmest expression I could master and shoke his hand. "Meera Johnson." I said, my eyes fixed on his.

"i know, it's nice to finally meet you in person Meera." He smiled slightly. "it's nice to meet you too." I said returning the smile. ' in person?' He must have known about me before hand, I was mostly likely the only one who was ambushed by the elders compulsion. Now that I think about it, the granny did warn me not to try and escape my fate because the consequences would be dire for both parties.

We were joined by Malik's grandmother. We had our dinner and the little brat wouldn't stop teasing and mocking me and just so you know, your girl handled him like a lady. I just smiled a brushed it off. It was my first time meeting all of them and I wanted to make a good impression. Weird right? Considering how I didn't give a flying f** about this alliance a few hours ago.

For some strange reason I had completely disposed off all my plans to refuse the marriage. All I could think of was whether Malik liked me or not. The thought of him not wanting this marriage didn't even cross my mind. Whatever.... He's the one who needed me not the other way around.

They were nice people, except for that prick Matthew. We finished dinner and Malik offered to walk me to my bedroom. The nerves had gone and even though I was still a bit uneasy it wasn't that bad. Malik accompanied me to the room over small chats along the way and as I suspected he's known about me for quite some time, months to be exact.

Our stroll came to a halt in front of a huge door. " Here we are." Malik said as he opened the door for me. He was so gentle and calm. He had that majestic demeanor about him that commanded respect without pressure. I couldn't help but stare at the gorgeous man leading me inside the bedroom. 'How did I get this lucky. I must have saved a country in my past life.' I thought. Maybe marrying this guy later wouldn't be such a bad Idea.

"I hope it is satisfactory to your comfort." he gave me a meaningful smile my heart flattered.

"It's beautiful, I like it." that earned me a chuckle and I realized that I was actually staring at him instead of looking around. Embarrassment flushed me completely. I coughed awkwardly trying to hide it. 'You dumb b*tch! How could you get caught staring like that.? I secretly scolded myself.

"It's perfect" I said with my head facing the floor trying to hide my guilt. "Alright, bathroom is that way." he pointed at the door on the right side of the room and I simply nodded. "Have a good night then, I'll see you tomorrow. And with that he left.

I heaved a sigh of relief and took a look around. The room was really perfect, I was indeed in the royal house. I took in my surroundings and when I was satisfied, I went and took a warm shower then put on the pajamas that I found on top of the dresser then hit the sack. The minute I closed my eyes my phone beeped. A massage from aunt Liza.

"My dear Meera, give all this a chance. Aunt would never lead you astray. Have a goodnight."