Bride of Elim

CHAPTER 9

*** SOMETHING IS UP. ***

Meera's POV

The wedding wasn't that bad but it was a little strange. There was no wedding reception instead we had to intermingle with the guests like it was one of those cocktail parties where business people meet and make business deals. We just got married yet no one asked any personal questions like how, where and when we met. I guess no one cared enough to ask. They all seemed to be absorbed in the state's affairs and how the king was handling his new position.

Then there was me, their king's new wifey. I was getting more attention than a shark would if it were put in a zoo. The women were a bit too friendly for my liking. Fake. I wasn't interested in making friends anyway, I doubt that a person could make true friends in a place like this. Speaking of friends, I needed to call Zoe. Gosh I can't believe I got married without her, it still felt surreal to me like a very confusing dream I dreaded waking up from because deep down I knew nothing would change in my waking.

After a while I sat down, I couldn't take it anymore. My heels were killing to the point of numbness. Man I hate heels. Not that I'd never worn them, I just think wearing them is pure torture. Clearly the person who invented then had never worn them for more than two freaking ours. Malik was still at it with the so cold "Nobles" and my aunt, well she was missing in action. I leaned back on the sofa thankful that no one came to introduce themselves to Malik's little bride.

I took deep breaths to relax then started pondering on how I would break the news of my sudden marriage to Omar. How in the world was I going to tell him. I mean where would I begin? "Hey babe, how are you doing. Yeah... Look, I had been betrothed to a prince since before I met you and I decided to marry him because my aunt said I was destined to. " Hahaha! Preposterous. "Maybe I should just ghost him for a while. " I thought. Classic, right? Yeah whatever, I obviously couldn't think properly in that place.

Malik came to ask if I was or if I needed anything. Guess I seemed stressed out, huh? "Yeah, I'm good." I tried to assure him with a smile. "Alright I'll get you a drink" weird, the guy had a multiple servant to do that, but he just offered to get me a drink. "No, it's alright. I'm okay thank you. " I foiled, even if I'm his wife now he shouldn't be doing such in front of his subjects.

"Can I ask you something? "I asked before he sat down next to me. "Yes go ahead. " He smiled at me. Girl... The smile, mmmh. It was so charming and infectious I couldn't help but return it. His lips were so inviting that I drooled just imagining what they tasted like. "Meera" I heard him call out. "Yes" I snapped back. "Everything okay? " His lips slightly curved up into a smile again. "Ya, yes I'm fine" I got caught drooling over him again. Ah it's so annoying, he must have thought I'm a creep or something but I didn't have time to dwell on my embarrassment so I asked what I wanted to know.

"Why was it rushed like this? "He stared at me in anticipation. "The wedding, or b-binding ceremony... " I continued. He looked deep into my eyes and sighed. "well, I do not know the real reason at the moment. " What? Did he just say he doesn't know why he married me? I tilted my head as my eyebrows knitted. "What? " I scoffed feeling a little derided . "No no no, it's not what you think. What I mean is the elders. They are also advisors to the throne" He tensed up while I kept my eyes fixed on his. He'd better say the right words or I was going to live that place and never come back.

"They came to see me this morning and urged me to have the binding ceremony this today, they wouldn't say why everything was rushed. What I know is the Baring ritual is held first. " He spoke up now back to his usual state."The what ritual?" I questioned. "The ritual you performed before dawn. You know the one that reveals the mark. " He gave me the look that says "you know the one you did butt naked. " I blushed, geez did he have to make that face. "uhm, yeah. "I suddenly felt shy wishing he'd stop staring already.

"Yes that one. After that we were to decide when we wanted to have the binding ceremony which would be our choice to make but surprisingly, the elders got involved meaning that whatever the reason is, it is big or they wouldn't have pushed for this wedding. They never get involved unless it is vital to do so. " By the time he stopped talking I was just muted, I couldn't utter a word. All I kept thinking was "Are we in some kind of danger,? Is someone trying to steal the throne from him?" I remembered that grandmother said he needed his bride by his side. Was something bad going to happen if I didn't marry him?

I was about to ask what would have happened if I weren't around or chose not to marry him but he spoke up again. "Meera, I married you because you are my destiny. Because even if I didn't marry you today, I would end up marrying you anyway or I would not marry at all. Though I was competent for succession of the throne, my reign wouldn't last long without you. You are of great importance to me, to our people. " He held my hands as he spoke and my heart, girl my heart flattered like never before. It felt good hearing those words from him, It warmed my heart knowing I was that significant to him. 

I wasn't someone who could easily be swayed by words but I found myself staring in admiration. He was the king yet he didn't shy away from admitting that he needed me. On top of that he wasn't uptight and formal as a king would be, I though it was cool. Apart from all this one question still stood unanswered, what was the reason behind the elders involvement. I could not help but feel that something was up and aunt knew about it.

"I guess we're both in the dark then. " I finally said as I gave him a meaningful smile. "Meera" a familiar voice called out my name, I turned to meet Zoe's grinning face. "Zoe, oh my God you are here. " I got up to give her a hug. "How? " I asked. "Your aunt called. " right then my aunt showed up from behind. She bowed her head greeting Malik then asked to steal me for a minute.

"Oh my gosh Mimi you are married! I can't believe you got a hottie like that without for a husband! "Zoe shouted which earned us a few curious stares. Goodness! This girl will kill me with embarrassment today. Zoe had no filter sometimes, how could that i***t shout "HOTTIE" like that in front of so many unfamiliar faces though? "Dude don't be loud" I giggled awkwardly out of dismay. Her eyes were still popped out in utter amazement and honestly it was kind of cheering to know she wasn't mad, rather ecstatic about my sudden marriage. 

"Yeah. I think I am. " I said with a grin on my face then I realized something. I was actually not bothered by the fact that I married Malik, the basis of our marriage did not matter at all. Right then I admitted in my heart that a part of me didn't mind being with him, that I was just concerned because everything was quite foreign for me. These people lived a completely different life from mine.

The truth is that after I met Malik, the thought of marrying him didn't seem so bad. The problem was that this marriage would not be out of love. Not only would it not have love but I would also have to change my way of life which is something iwasn't ready to do and I still wasn't even in my moment of realization but one thing was for certain. I was drawn to Malik in more ways than I'd ever been drawn to anyone, there was something about him that I found intriguing. I couldn't help wanting to explore it.