Bride of Elim

CHAPTER 8

***FLASH WEDDING ***

Malik's P.O.V

I watched as she slowly ascended the altar. My Bride, God she was so beautiful. She looked a bit disturbed to tell the truth but cute as well. I couldn't believe there was a time I thought she was gone forever. My heart clenched as guilty filled me. I had only just find out this morning that we were having the wedding ceremony today which was not part of the plan by the way. Okay maybe I didn't have a plan of my own. To be honest Mother was initially going to plan everything according to Meera's liking of course. You know women and weddings.

I could not understand why the elders had to get involved and fast-pace everything. There was so much I needed to deal with before tying the knot with Meera but now everything was ruined. How In the world was I supposed to explain everything to her. The fact that I'd been in a relationship with her cousin for the past 2 years, would she even listen or give me a chance to make amends. At this point I dare not have any expectations, we would cross that bridge when we get there.

The wedding was happening anyway, I dismissed all negative thoughts as Meera stood right In front of me. She smiled slightly seeming a bit hesitant. She was nervous of which I understood, we'd only just met yesterday and now we were getting hitched, it was quite overwhelming.

"Is this really happening?" she murmured, man she's adorable even when she's freaking out. "Seems so." I gave her a small smile trying to erasure her that everything would be okay at least I was hoping they would. She took deep breaths calming herself down. "It's gonna be okay Meera. It will be over soon. " I stated before Sabah cleared his throat demanding our attention.

Sabah officiated the ceremony and helped us perform all the binding rites as per tradition. "Before men and all of creation, I pronounce you one. Long live the King and Queen. " He proclaimed and all those who were present followed suit. I was already sitted on the throne yet it was the first time I stood before my people and felt whole as though a part of me that was once removed had been restored.

I admit that marrying Merra like that was very inconsiderate of me but I also trusted that there was a good explanation for the elders sudden involvement. The ceremony was not a huge event like most royal weddings but still Balito's most influential families attended. I could tell that Meera was exhausted after ceremony but mother still urged her to mingle with the guests as their influence on the people was important so long as they were in support of the throne.

By the end of the day I was exhausted, Meera had long sat down her aunt came along with some girl I did not recognize and asked to steal her for a moment which I did not mind at all. I got myself a drink and went to get some air outside and as I stood on the balcony I felt hands enveloping me into a hug from my back, her perfume filled my nostrils. Naomi. My girlfriend of two years had come to my wedding. My body suddenly stiffened, how could she be there? I had told her that I was on a business trip but she showed up like this.

I swallowed hard and turned towards her. "Naomi.." I called out and she gave me her brightest smile which kind of creeped me out because I'm sure she knew what was going on otherwise she wouldn't be in front of me at that moment. "Darling... Came back early from your trip? " she asked. I cleared my throat. "Y- yeah.... When did you g-get here? " I stummered, a nervous smile tugged on my lips. What am I going to do now? What if Meera comes and finds us in this compromising position? I need to get her away from here. All these thoughts came to my head simultaneously. I couldn't afford to let Meera find out like that, I needed time to prepare myself before dropping the ball on her.

"You seem disturbed, what's the matter? " she asked me and not a slightest concern was heard from her voice. "No, I'm okay. Just tired it's been a long day. " A vicious smile flashed on her face as she stared intently into my eyes. "Is that so? Then you should rest baby"she replied taking my hand into hers leading me out the balcony. Before we could be seen by other people Naomi's hand was grabbed by her grandmother. "You, come with me. " she commanded as she dragged her out of the hall not giving her a chance to protest. Phew! That was close. Had anyone saw us it would have raised questions. And Meera, I don't know what she'd have done.

I mean she didn't strike me as a woman who would be tied down by rules and traditions. My people and I would suffer a great deal if she were to leave us. At that moment a thought came in to mind, no matter what happened in the future Meera had to be mine, mine and mine alone. Oh wait..... I had already married her so she was mine, all that was left to do was rid myself of mine and Naomi's relationship then tell her the truth and convince her to stay by my side.

You must be wondering why I'd tell her the truth when I could just rid myself of the relationship and bury the matter without her knowledge but I figured if I were to keep it from her, someone else would tell her. I mean who am I kidding? The palace is a battlefield. People are always looking for ways to disarm the king and gain more power even with Elim on my side. They knew I'd be left vulnerable if she were to leave me now that we were tied together.

Meera seemed to be in a better mood, so I let her be and went to sit with Matthew. That little rascal is always up to something but surprisingly today he has been sitting at the corner avoiding everyone which was weird because he would usually be out there chasing women just like every hot blooded young men. "I didn't tell her I swear. "He said nervously the moment i sat on the chair opposite to him. "You didn't tell who? " I pretended not to know what he was talking about. "Naomi! She was with you a while ago, wasn't she? "

That kid really. Anyone could tell he did it, he was trying so hard not to shake but his eyes gave him away. "Alright. " I glared at him. He would talk without me asking I knew. "Brother come on, you know Naomi man. She is scary okay and she had crazy eyes" He made a face, his eyes trying to imitate her which was hilarious because he looked like he was breaking out.

"I know.." I chuckled. I knew how Naomi can be. If she wanted something, she would get it. Especially from Matthew. He sighed and relaxed a bit. "So... What are you going to do? The tomboy is of great importance to the throne, isn't she. " He stated, that i***t really. He knew just how important Meera was yet he yielded to Naomi, guess he is that unreliable. "Yeah, she is. " I answered drifting into deep contemplation. Stalling this matter would be catastrophic.

Naomi is a Johnson and all the Johnsons knew that my bride was born in their house, that she'd disappeared when the accident happened. Someone in that family knew where she was seeing how she reappeared with her aunt after so many year of searching with no luck of finding her. If anyone was aware of her whereabouts that would be the grandmother. As for Naomi showing up at my binding ceremony, it must have been plan. The granny wouldn't have let her come.