Binti

Ready or not….

"You should know better than to run into muddy waters with boys."

My mother's scolding words reached my ears, as her comb worked through my tight curls after I had had a very long bath.

I did know better. It was why I had considered my options before fulfilling Donga's dare. According to my calculations, my mother would be too occupied with her meeting with some of the women leaders to notice my return, I would sneak in through the back, find her maid and get her to help me clean up before my mother learnt of my shenanigans.

Imagine my surprise when I returned, and the first person who saw me was my mother, leading the other women through the back entrance. I had not remembered the garden lay in that direction.

The meeting came to an abrupt end, and now, I had to listen to my mother complain about how dirty I got.

"It was a dare." I replied, as if I expected my mother to know the rules that guided our play time.

My mother sighed loud enough to reach my ears, "You forget that you're a woman, Binti." My mother stated, "One day, you will be married, and you will have to become a lady."

My face wrinkled at the thought of marriage. Such things did not appeal to me. At 12, I knew a few girls of my age who would constantly talk about being married, but there was nothing appealing about being under the thumb of a man. I hadn't imagined it a lot, but I figured some day when I was older, marriage would probably fall in line for me, it would be much later, after I had traveled through most of the world. Not anytime soon though.

It was why whenever my mother brought it up, I was filled with instant irritation.

"And when that day comes, I will put you in a lovely dress, and make your hair just like this, for your husband." Mother continued, now clearly losing herself in her own imaginary world. A world I was more than happy to let her explore, as long as she didn't bring up how careless I had been by getting so muddy.

And when that day comes, I will put you in a lovely dress…

That day did not come for my mother. She never got to put me in a dress and make my hair, instead, a few maids of the Medira kingdom were gathered around and fussing over my looks.

I indulged them, because once again, they weren't the reason I was stuck in a strange kingdom and set to marry a man whose presence filled me with a loathing I could never have imagined I possessed.

"You look so beautiful, princess." One of the maids, whose name I couldn't recall now said, as she beamed at me with sparkling blue eyes. She looked to be around my age, maybe younger, but by a few years if I were to guess.

"She's correct, madam." Niasse stated.

I stared back at my reflection on the standing mirror that had been brought to my chamber along with the rest of the items to prepare me for my wedding. I was not dressed in my traditional Adavi wear, partly because Hannon had insisted I wear a dress Niasse had informed me was a family heirloom, and partly because I didn't wish to dishonor my kingdom by donning our fine wears at this abomination of a wedding. I was almost thankful that plans had been made for me to wear something else, the selling off of an Adavi daughter could not happen in our clothes.

This family heirloom dress however, was not the most comfortable thing I had ever worn. I couldn't even imagine it had been worn for a wedding like Niasse had informed me. Never mind what the maid said, I didn't feel beautiful, I felt…exposed.

I had never worn anything that left me this bare, that showed off so much of my skin. The dress draped over my form, the white fabric contrasting heavily with my dark skin. There were high slits on both sides of the dress, so that if I moved, my thighs would certainly be seen.

It had no sleeves. A wedding dress without sleeves, I had never seen such until now, and as if to worsen my lot, the supposed neckline dipped low between my breasts, so that the curve of both breasts were obvious. As soon as I slipped on the dress, I knew it had been made for someone with smaller breasts and slimmer hips, and even on such a person it would be too much bare skin.

I was unsure if I was supposed to be the bride at this event, or the entertainment for male guests…then again, wouldn't that be what Hannon was going for? To parade me as his plaything among his court?

My hair was pulled up atop my head, basically exposing more of my skin. Maybe if I had it down, I would have felt a bit more comfortable, had some more cover…but Hannon wanted it up. I would be pulling it down before the end of the ceremony, that much I was certain of.

"King Hannon will be very pleased with how you look." Another maid stated, as if they would be getting some special credits from Hannon for how I looked. Heaven knows what he must have promised them.

"Is it time?" I asked, unwilling to spend any more time in this room. If I had to go through this sham of a wedding, I wanted it to be over and done with as fast as possible.

I noticed the faces of my admirers fall at my question. I couldn't be bothered sparing their feelings this time. It felt like I was in an alternate universe where no one thought it was odd that their king had brought an unwilling bride. They just expected me to go through everything with a smile and sweet words.

Niasse gave an awkward cough, "Uhm…I'll go and see if they're ready for you." She gave a quick bow and scurried out of the room.

I looked back at my reflection, as I regulated my breathing and forced away the tears pooling in my eyes. I had to be strong. I was alone now, I didn't have either of my parents to lean on or my friends. It was just me and a big bad wolf, who wanted to humble me. I was going to give him a fight and I wouldn't give him my tears while at it.

****

6 people.

Aside himself, only six people were in the room in which himself and Binti would be tying the knot. Six of his closest allies and friends, six people who mattered the most to him.

The wedding was possibly the smallest wedding to have been organized in Medira. His father would disapprove. Hennan had always been extravagant, he loved a big party and a large ceremony.

There would be a big party afterwards, and it wasn't because he particularly liked parties, but he imagined Binti would absolutely hate it, and that was enough reason to have a big party.

A wicked smile hit his features just imagining how uncomfortable Binti would feel in a room filled with Medirans.

"Are you ready, my king?" Gio, the priest who was set to join himself and Binti asked.

"I have never been more ready for anything." He replied, as he stood straighter.

Gio nodded and gave a signal to one of the guards. Moments later, the announcement came.

"Presenting, Princess Binti Shaeed of the Adavi Kingdom!"

Hannon had just told Gio he was as ready as he could ever have been, however, as the door came open, and the maids who had escorted her gave way for Binti, Hannon had never felt more unprepared and less ready.

His eyes glazed over as he took her in. No, he was definitely not ready for the hurricane that was Binti Shaeed.