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I was still doubtful, but his words had a sincere ring to them.
“You don’t have to give me an answer now,” he continued. “Just think about it and let me know when you’ve decided.” He clasped his hands tightly and gazed at me intently.
I nodded, understanding the magnitude of what he was asking me to do. “I will.”
Uncle Mehdi stood up, and I followed him. We walked through his garden in silence. Roses and lilies perfumed the air and bees buzzed around the petals.
He finally spoke as we reached the edge of the garden. “I don’t know Souhir very well. But I don’t think she’d be able to do it. You were one of the prime contenders, and I spoke with the Caid about you, and he said if you’d volunteer, he’d back you.”
My eyebrows raised. “The Caid?”
“He’s the one who makes the final decision.” His eyes met mine. “I’m sorry, Thimsal. I really am. But this is the best thing for our people.”
We took a seat on a bench and uncle Mehdi took my hands in his. His skin was wrinkled and thin, and his grip was weak.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” I whispered.
“I know this is a lot to take in, and I know you’re not ready. But I promise you, we will be there every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone.”
A pixie flew by and landed on my shoulder. It was a sign of good luck, but I didn’t feel lucky. More like I was heading to my funeral. And considering my vision, that might not be too far from the truth.
But the idea of Souhir marrying Prince Maedras was even more frightening. I thought of her delicate features and her soft voice. So young and vulnerable. She couldn’t handle the pressure.
What kind of sister would I be if I didn’t at least try to protect her?
“I’ll do it,” I said finally. “I’ll marry Prince Maedras.” Uncle Mehdi’s face softened, and he squeezed my hands. The pixie flew away, and I looked at uncle Mehdi. “When do I have to leave?”
“Not yet,” he replied. “There’s still time. You might have a few years left. The Lunja don’t view time the same way you and I do.“
I sighed and leaned back. “Years?”
He nodded. “Possibly. But it’s not as bad as it sounds. You can visit home from time to time, and we’ll come to see you as well.”
It didn’t make me feel any better, but I appreciated his words.
I stood up, and uncle Mehdi followed suit. “I should go.”
He nodded and walked me to the door. “I’m sorry, Thimsal. I wish there was another way.”
I walked out of the gate. As it closed behind me, I knew that my life was about to change forever. My sacrificial act would protect Souhir, but at what cost?
∞∞∞
With my head held high, I walked into the Caid’s office. I made my decision, and now it was time to face the consequences.
The Caid looked up from his desk when I entered and motioned for me to sit down.
“So,” he said. “I hear you’ve accepted our offer.”
Behind him, ambassador Bennani sat with her hands clasped in front of her, a pleased expression on her face. Uncle Mehdi leaned against the wall, his arms crossed.
“I have. I want to help my people, and I think this is the best way to do it.”
“Excellent.” The Caid leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “I must say, I’m impressed. Few people would be so selfless. It’s a great honor to meet you. I thank you for your sacrifice.”
Selfless? It was the most selfish thing I had ever done. But I nodded and smiled, pretending that his words meant something to me.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them back. Distracting myself, I looked around the room. It was opulent, with rich tapestries and heavy furniture. But it was also functional, with a large map of Midar on one wall and a well-used desk. The sea-green walls were hung with paintings of his family, and the floor was covered in a thick carpet.
