After the end of the meeting, I make my way through the dispersing crowd, my eyes locked on Alibaba. He's talking to a few people, his usual cheerful gaze making him seem approachable. As he turns around, our eyes meet, and he smiles brightly.
"Daniella," he greets me warmly, his tone light. "What can I do for you?"
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Alibaba, we need to talk. Now."
His smile falters slightly, but he nods, excusing himself from the others. We find a quiet corner away from the crowd, and I turn to face him, crossing my arms.
"What was that in the meeting?" I ask, my voice tinged with frustration. "Why did you intervene like that?"
Alibaba's expression turns serious, and he sighs. "I did it to protect you, Daniella. Sinbad's support is crucial, but you need more than just one ally. By standing with you, I'm showing the others that you're not alone."
I narrow my eyes at him. "But why didn't you tell me? I could have prepared better. Your sudden announcement caused chaos."
He shrugs slightly, his eyes softening. "Sometimes, it's better to act than to wait and plan every detail. The situation was spiraling out of control. I had to do something."
I let out a frustrated breath, rubbing my temples. "Alibaba, this isn't just a game. This is my kingdom's future."
"I know," he says gently. "And I'm here to help you, Princess Daniella.''
I look up at him, searching his eyes for any hint of deceit. But all I see is sincerity and a stubborn determination.
"Fine," I say finally. "But next time, talk to me first. We need to be on the same page."
I excuse myself and go to my chambers to relax. Hardly had I laid on my bed to rest when an announcement comes in for me. I let them in when I see Lady Nabile and Miss Motan enter the room. Oh no, is the marriage mentoring starting soon? I get up and greet them. We all sit down on the mat in some awkward silence before Lady Nabile breaks it.
"Hope you're well," asks Lady Nabile.
"I'm well," I reply.
She adjusts her position to appear more formal. "If I had known all it took for Sinbad to get married was to let him travel more, I would have done it long ago," says Lady Nabile. "But before any official arrangement, I need to test your virginity as per the court's requirement."
I quickly hold my dress down. "Isn't that an invasion of privacy?" I ask.
"We can do it later when we are back in Solaragrath," she says.
"Miss Motan," I call out, seeking support. "Say something."
"Rules are rules," says Miss Motan.
"What happened to checking one's purity on the wedding night?" I ask, feeling cornered.
Lady Nabile sighs, clearly trying to be patient. "This is more than just tradition, Daniella. It's about ensuring the purity of alliances, especially in a union as politically significant as this one. The court has always been strict about such matters."
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "And what if I refuse?" I challenge.
Lady Nabile's expression softens slightly, but her resolve remains firm. "If you refuse, it could jeopardize the alliance. Sinbad's position is strong, but the court's approval is still necessary. They need to know that everything is as it should be."
I glance at Miss Motan, hoping for some reprieve, but her expression remains neutral. "It's not ideal, but these customs have been in place for generations. We must follow them."
"Princess," Lady Nabile calls out firmly. "It must be done. Sinbad can't propose to you unless your purity is confirmed by the Solaragrath court. And from what I hear, this matrimony needs to be rushed."
"And how does it go about?" I ask, my voice trembling.
"At least a minimum of four senior women need to be present," she explains. "Normally, your mother-in-law would be involved, but she is no longer with us."
"May I be given time to think about it?" I ask, trying to buy myself some time.
Lady Nabile nods her head and gets up from the mat, followed by Miss Motan. "You have until tomorrow morning, Princess. But remember, the court will not wait indefinitely."
As they leave the room, I feel a crushing weight settle on my chest. This is bad.