"How about we have a duel?" Malik said, surprising Safiya. She furrowed her brow, unsure of what he meant.
"A duel? What do you mean?" Safiya asked, trying to understand his intentions.
Malik walked closer to her, whispering right into her ear, "I want to have a duel with you, Safiya. I want to see how far you can go with this. Can you defeat me and continue living your life this way? Or will I defeat you, and you will conform to the traditional etiquette of being a woman?"
His mouth close to her ear sent a shiver down Safiya's spine, but she gathered her strength. She couldn't deny the tingle caused by his closeness, yet she remained determined.
"Very well then," Safiya responded, maintaining her unwavering gaze. "I shall eagerly await that day when we face each other. Let's see who comes out on top."
Malik took a step back, nodding in acknowledgment. "I will have a message sent to you when the day comes. Until then, live well Safiya"
After his words, he walked towards his midnight black horse and effortlessly mounted it. Safiya observed as young maidens gravitated towards him, eager for his attention.
Safiya spotted Nia on her horse with another woman, who appeared to be a skilled horsewoman. During long journeys like this, it was common for individuals who could not handle extended rides to have a companion along for the journey. She wondered why she didn't ride with Malik.
Although Safiya still sensed Malik's lingering gaze, she chose to ignore it and proceeded towards the area where Meka and her mother stood. However, just as she was about to reach them, Jelani suddenly appeared in her path.
"Hey," he said, "Would you mind if we talk? I promise it won't take much of your time."
Safiya nodded and followed him, stepping away from where Meka and her mother stood. She noticed Malik's gaze still fixed on her, but that was all - simply staring and not dismounting his horse.
"I know you are worried about your sister," Jelani started, looking over at where Meka was, now saying goodbye to her cousins. "But rest assured that she is in safe hands."
"The place where you are from, I've never been to such a place," Safiya said, folding her arms over her chest. "So don't be offended if I am being protective, Jelani." There was still a hint of caution in her voice.
"I understand how you feel. Just remember that you can always come visit, and I will send horses to you if you need any," Jelani reassured her.
Son of a wealthy man, Safiya inwardly sneered.
"But there's one thing you need to know, Safiya, and that is the love I have for Meka. It's surreal, and being with her makes me so happy. Just know that I only want what's best for her, and I won't let anything happen to her nor hurt her."
Safiya nodded, though she still had doubts about him and didn't even believe in love. Besides, it was pointless now – this man was already Meka's husband.
"Fine, but you must keep your word," she said.
"Certainly," he smiled. "Thank you, Safiya."
Safiya smiled back faintly, though she still had lingering questions about his place, his people, and why his parents didn't show up. But she decided to let it be.
Maybe her mother had an idea about the place, because Safiya doubted she would let Meka go off with strangers.
"I will go to Meka now. Travel safely," she said and walked away.
However, she failed to see the grim expression that appeared on his face as he stared at her back, clenching both his jaw and fist.
"Meka," Dede's voice caused the newlywed to turn to him.
Safiya was about to reach her sister when she noticed Dede walking up to Meka, so she paused in her step.
"Dede," Meka beamed, "I was worried I wouldn't see you outside. Thank you for coming out."
Safiya observed their interaction. It wasn't a new thing for Dede to remain behind closed doors. At some point, everyone had thought that he might attempt suicide.
"Farewell, Meka," Dede said, his voice strained as he mentioned her name.
Meka smiled. "Goodbye, Dede. I hope we will meet again."
"I hope so too," he replied faintly.
Safiya could see pain in his eyes. Having engaged in fights before, she could easily see through her opponents' eyes, and right now, she saw a fleeting emotion pass through his.
Something is happening to him.
"Safiya," Meka spotted her and signaled for her to come closer.
Safiya walked up to her sister, and this time, Dede walked away.
"Oh no, I can't believe I won't see this adorable face for a while," Meka said, touching Safiya's cheek and playfully pinching them. Safiya pouted.
"I'm not a baby. Please stop," Safiya complained, but Meka continued to playfully tease her. "Look how beautiful you were on my wedding day. I lost count of how many men couldn't take their eyes off you."
Safiya rolled her eyes. "Come on, Meka. You're exaggerating."
"No, really," Meka said, stepping closer and whispering. "Even now, Jelani's cousin can't seem to keep his eyes off you, despite you wearing men's clothing."
Safiya snapped back, "Lies!
Why don't you look for yourself?", Meka replied.
Safiya clenched her fist, trying to resist the urge to turn and look. But her body betrayed her, and she couldn't help but steal a glance in Malik's direction.
Her heart skipped a beat as she saw his piercing gaze fixed on her. He was leisurely biting into a ripe mango, he seemed to savor each bite slowly, with his eyes never leaving hers.