Aairah has seen so little of anyone except the servant who brings her meals. The woman refuses to reply to her questions and would ignore the very air she breathes in just so Aairah knows she wasn't ever going to regard her as anything consequential.
It's been eight days since she has entered her matrimonial home. But it felt like she has been sent on exile. She began to feel bored with just sitting in the room doing nothing. She isn't used to doing nothing. She decided that she must face reality and take matters seriously.
From what she knows, the emir's wife uses the first three months to get acquainted with the palace life. That is the time given before society begins to condemn her for not doing anything to perfection. But since her own wedding is not a festive affair, she is certain that no one even wanted to remember she was there in the first place. Sometimes, she wondered what the queen is thinking. Does she mean this seclusion as punishment? Or did she mean it as a test?
Aairah knows nothing about Royal etiquette. Her uncle and Aunt just don't care what the royalty did. They were simple people with simple mindset. So she didn't know what was expected of her. Everyone talks about what the queen does, should do or didn't do. But no one cares what the second wife does. It's not something the public cared about. The second wife is either a breeding machine or a political attachment or both. The third and fourth wives are not mentioned except if they were given a title. So Aairah tried to remember some of the things she has discussed with her sister after she got married to the emir.
"It's so strange! I spent three days in this room before the queen had sent for the emir for introductions. I had to sit on the floor next to her as she lectured me on obedience and submission.
"You never speak back to the emir. You don't negate his statements. You do whatever he asks of you and you never ever complain. When you do have complaints, come to me and I will do my best to solve them for you. If you feel uncomfortable, the older concubines are at your service. Pick one you feel closer to and confide in her..."
Aaidah had said she had no complaints and didn't need anyone for guidance. She said the emir came and the queen introduced them to each other as if she was the one who wed them.
"And then she took the emir's hand in hers and kissed his forehead. Then she did the same for me. I swear, my skin crawled when she did. It's so wierd! But shaa I was relieved when the emir hadn't smiled back or kissed her back or something. He just nodded and she prayed for our futures and hoped for a baby. That was when she left"
Aairah waited the first week in a relaxed manner. She didn't think it was all that bad, her novels keep her busy and she never gets tired of them. She focused on fantasy, action, paranormal and mystery stories though. She couldn't be bothered to read romance novels then. It will only remind her of her own condition. It wasn't very romantic when there is no hope for her. Wouldn't it be annoying to read all those happy ever afters when there is none for her to look forward to? No. It will be tiring and repetitive. She told herself. Her tasteless, romanceless and loveless life shall continue without regrets.
The second week, Aairah did feel as if she was being punished. She was tired of reading. She was mentally exhausted from reading so much. Now she wished she has television so she can watch something to take her mind off other things.
The third week, Aairah is becoming paranoid. The shadows seem to move. The room is too eerily quiet, she would be hearing voices at night. She was so scared, she didn't get out of bed unless she was going to pray. The only thing that gave her courage is the power of du'ah.
But when the fourth week is coming to a close, she was beyond caring about what was expected of her. She just wore the dress she was wearing on the day she was brought and decided to venture out on her own. Never mind that in Maicki, a bride must remain in her room till the groom claims her. She would need his permission to go anywhere. But in the Royal house, Aairah knew it's the queen's permission that would guarantee the emir's permission. She is the boss of her husband's household.
Aairah did not have any change of cloth and had to change into the nightgowns she had packed in the small trolley bag she had come with. So her dress is the only available option.
She was about to walk out when she heard a car stop outside the building. She ran to the windows and looked out. There, she saw a monstrous sports car shining in red paint. She frowned to herself. Who could it be? She wondered.
Aairah decided to sit and wait for her visitor. About five minutes later, the queen breezed in with three women trailing behind her. As soon as she saw Aairah, she took in her rumpled gown and the air around her seem to bristle with satisfaction even though she didn't openly show it.
"Oh Aairah! I am so sorry for the delay! You must've been so lonely!" The queen stated dramatically. There is no apology in her tone, just pure mocking.
Aairah smiled timidly. Raising her phone, she said "I had company"
The queen snatched the phone as if she is her mother and she disapproved of the device. "It will not do for you to have a phone this early. Former male company is prohibited now that you are the wife of the emir. You may not carouse with any males including your brothers. To get you acquainted, I would keep your phone safe until we decide you can own one without undue consequences" she patted Aairah's shoulder as if in affection. "Don't look so stricken. I will take very good care of you!" She chirped with measured dignity. "This..." She pointed at one of the elderly women behind her. "..is Madame Yula. She is a widow and has come to the palace for the summer. Her son is one of the emir's newly elected council. You will hear much of him later. He is the new East press advisor to the emir. Madame Yula has raised a fine man and I dare say she would do well for you as an elder companion. So you and her should get acquainted soon..."
Aairah is the new addition to the royal household and should have been able to choose her elder companion. The woman has to be a widow. And she must be a respected member of the Royal strata. She must be well educated and well versed with the goings of the palace so she can guide her through her first year. The fact that the woman would have so much say in whatever she does henceforth calls for prudence and caution. Such a task is normally undertaken by the bride's clan. She would be informed beforehand who she must choose so the act of goodwill doesn't turn sour. When you choose sourly, you might end up regretting it for life-if you lived long enough to see it!
To think the queen will choose her elder companion is appalling for Aairah.
She took in the tall broad shouldered woman with a meaty physique. She has small sharp eyes and a long flat nose that ended to give way to full lips lined by red lipstick. She looks stern and unforgiving. The way she is looking at Aairah didn't help. It's like she is judging her already.
She looked back at the queen and bit back a retort. Aairah stood to her full height and bowed gracefully towards their general area of occupation. She said "I am honored to have your company. But I don't need an elder companion. Even if I do, I shall follow tradition and find one on my own" she replied as normally as she could.
The queen felt the outrage vibrating from Aairah and she struggled to hide a smirk.