You will be the most beautiful bride this village has ever seen. Samira smiled as her mum praised her while she decorates her long hair and part it into segments to give it a befitting look. Her wedding was in two hours time and guests were all over the palace as the youngest princess was getting married to a wealthy crown prince of Alda village. Although she was happy and getting married, a part of her was worried about her elder sister Zainab who was 21 and was yet to get a suitor. Zainab was the first princess of the king and her mother was the first wife of the king. King Ali of Ndawati kingdom married his first wife at an early age but she couldn't produce a child after seven years so being a king, he married his second wife Umi who bore him a son, the crown prince and after a year, Aisha gave birth to Zainab.
Are u thinking about that old witch who's ugliness has scared men away from her? she has bad luck like her mother. you shouldn't even be associating with her. mother she is not not ugly and she is not a witch. she is actually a very nice person why not stop badmouthing Samira loved Zainab as a sister would but her mother Queen Umi disliked the girl and her mother because she was actually the king's favorite even though the king never showed it. the king even treated Zainab and her mum like outcast especially when Zainab turned 15 and no man showed interest in her. oh Samira u are just a child and so innocent. the door opened and Hawau came in. aren't you beautiful thank God you did not follow ur sisters footsteps. she is already too old and I don't think any man will show interest in her. I hope your other sisters will follow your footstep by finding husbands as well. I here Price lawal is here. I should go prepare my daughters you never can tell, he might choose one of them. Oh Hawau isn't she stupid thinking prince lawal will marry one of her daughters and why not? he is single and they are. oh Samira, you are too naive. now let's hurry we don't want you getting late for your wedding.
In a room down stairs, Zainab got dressed as well as it was her little sisters wedding, she wanted to look presentable as well. mother, you don't have to be worried about me. I believe someone someday will be interested in me and ask for my hand. I know it will happen said her mother. I'm just worried for you. I'm worried about the gossips going on and I wouldn't want it to affect you. it won't affect me I promise. her mother smiled at her saying, I gave birth to a strong princess. and while they were ready to go out, her mum held her had and said You are beautiful Zainab. don't ever feel you are not okay? yes mum. Zainab has always look strong and happy outside but deep within her was sorrow. her father never liked her because she was born a female while he had wanted a male, the other 4 wives he later married made him turn his attention from her mother and neglected her. let me go see Samira before it's time I have a little gift for her. she excused her mum and went to find Samira. on reaching where Samira was, she heard her sisters talking about her and laughing, making jest of her so she ignored them and went straight to meet Samira but before she could hug her sister, queen Hawau blocked her by saying she will bring Ill luck to her sister and asked her to keep her gift and go back. Samira was about to object but her mum pulled her out as it was time to meet her father who will hand her over to her husband. Zainab followed behind the other princesses. they were all richly dressed and beautiful. the other queens took their positions in the hall were the event was taking place and soon the arrival of the king and princess was introduced. As the celebration started, everybody was getting acquainted with each other, there were laughter, chatters some drinking and others eating while some were dancing, Zainab decided to step outside for some fresh air and while at it, her veil fell off and while she was trying to fix it, one of the servant to a prince bombed into her ' sorry I wasn't looking she apologized oh no I should be the one apologizing princess Zainab, he smiled at her and left. Zainab was surprised that he knew her name. she was happy and felt little butterflies in her tommy because for the first time, a man smiled at her. the little encounter changed her mood and was now looking happy she found herself smiling without realizing it.
In the main hall were the celebration was taking place, Queen Natasha of kalum kingdom asked Aisha it's a pity the younger princess is getting married before the first princess. why didn't you do anything to sabotage this wedding? don't you think it has given your daughter a negative name? she shall remain a spinster forever. I believe we all have our destinies besides Samira getting married before Zainab doesn't mean Zainab will forever remain unmarried replied Aisha quick answer as she didn't like the tone of the conversation. I will be back please give me a moment let me find Zainab. I was about telling you to bring her to spotlight were men can see her. she might get lucky Natasha said and Aisha only smiled and excused herself. while Aisha was walking outside, she heard people murmuring about her. some were avoiding her as if she was infected with a dreaded disease but she was already used to it and didn't care. Queen Hawau was at her best trying to find rich suitors for her 2 daughters while the King was enjoying himself with his guest and straightening their alliance with the other kingdoms. Zainab here you are! oh mother u startled me come I have good news for you mum. I met a man who smiled at me and he knew my name too. Zainab told her mum happily her mother smiled just to encourage her but deep down she was saddened that her grown up daughter for the first time in her life, got the attention of a man. what made her sad was that it could be just normal politeness and her daughter was taking it to heart. Wao that's great. you are a beautiful girl with a beautiful soul. it will take a good man with a good soul to know your worth. come let's go inside let me introduce you to a friend.