Dynasty of Shadows

In the great oppulance of the Rahman Empire, a wedding that people now welcome is that of Emperor Rahman's himself.

"You're Highness, we're running late. His Majesty is on his way! You're highness we must make haste!" I bursted with my words in the joy of seeing her highness getting ready for her niqqah (wedding), hopefully the only one. Aasiyah Al-Rashid Khalid, the princess of Khalid Dynasty, Kabul, is engaged to the great emperor of the Rahman Empire, Sultan Al-Mansur Akbar - Ibn Hakim!..but I'm just Zaina Hossain, a maid of an honourable princess. Yasmin Her Highness, step-mother of Aasiyah said that Akbar has married 3 times, Faria, Farzana, Aisha. Roumour has it that they despise eachother. Faria Abdullah is  35, the eldest and the first consort of the sultan, she takes pride in it, it seems. Well that goes against Qu'ran. She's the mother of the crowned prince Mohammad Ibrahim Ibn Akbar, she has 1 more son (Yusuf) and 3 other daughters (Ruqqhsar, Layla, Ruqqhsya) I have worked with many Ladies from the palace, the eldest one is always manipulative in my experience, Faria isn't any unusual I suppose. Coming to Farzana, previously Temina, she has no history of recieving education, but has quite a history of being the whore of the town. I mean it literally, she was a prostitute and a non-muslim. When she was arrested under the laws, Akbar was amazed by her beauty. He asked the best Islamic leaders of the country to counsel her to make her a Muslim. He wanted her to surrender to Allah and leave prostitution to her past. The result? Now she even veils her face - fascinating. She's 30 and bore Sultan 3 sons and 4 daughters. Her outward charm may be a mere façade, concealing a venomous nature that lurks beneath the veneer of sweetness. She certainly has a way with her words, probably she used her cunning charm to lure Sultan into marrying her. We must be knowing of our actions with her. Aisha Al-Farouqi, the most decent Sayyida that I heard about. She has borne 5 children (Abrahim, Ismael, Azar, Abdullah, Amir) so far and is at the tender age of 20, which means that she's still fertile enough to birth more. There are whispers that she's giving birth soon but I haven't seen anything with my eyes to confirm. I heard that she's good adherence to Islamic principles, inshallah. She is good with modesty and is assertive. She is well educated, and is one of the hardest to manipulate to have your way with her. But I also heard that none are supposed to be trusted from the other maids - "Beware of their outward sweetness, for beneath the surface lies a nest of serpentine motives."

NIQQAH

:)

The gown, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, lay before me like a canvas waiting for the brushstroke of a painter. The ivory silk cascaded in gentle waves, and my fingers glided over the intricate lace that adorned the bodice. Each delicate pattern seemed to tell a story, weaving together tradition and elegance in a seamless dance. The anticipation in the air resonated with every pearl button I fastened along the back, each one whispering promises of joy and love. The long sleeves, sheer and adorned with meticulous embroidery, added an ethereal touch, embracing Aasiyah in an aura of modest grace. The cascading train, a river of silk, trailed behind her like a regal proclamation of the union about to unfold. As I adjusted the hem, the embroidered patterns seemed to dance with every step she took, a silent celebration stitched into the fabric.

Completing the ensemble, the delicate veil, as light as a gossamer cloud, framed Aasiyah's face with a soft radiance. Adorned with subtle embellishments, it added a touch of mystery, preserving the innocence and purity that defined her character. Stepping back to admire the transformation, I marveled at the vision before me. Aasiyah stood as a living embodiment of dreams, the wedding dress enveloping her in a garment that captured the essence of a love-filled union. In that moment, I felt privileged to play a part in preparing her for the journey that awaited—a journey intertwined with the threads of love and commitment. Her eyes, veiled modestly, spoke volumes of innocence and sincerity. Her highness is adorned with regal jewelry, each piece meticulously chosen to complement her modest elegance. Delicate gold necklaces gracefully embrace her neck, and intricately designed earrings dangle from her ears. Her wrists showcase ornate bracelets, and her fingers gleam with the shimmer of all the diamond rings. Each piece, while opulent, maintains a tasteful simplicity, accentuating her beauty. The grandeur of Aasiyah and Akbar's wedding unfolds beneath a resplendent canopy, adorned with rich fabrics and fragrant flowers. The air is filled with the rhythmic melodies of traditional instruments. Aasiyah, draped in an opulent bridal ensemble, walks with measured steps, escorted by her father Sultan Mansur.

Sultan Akbar, adorned in a majestic robe of deep crimson and gold, exhibits a regal presence. The fabric is intricately embroidered, telling tales of valor and heritage. His turban, adorned with a majestic plume, adds to his kingly aura. The well-groomed beard and penetrating gaze reflect dignified masculinity. As he moves with grace through the grand corridors of the palace, the silk of his garments rustles, echoing the timeless authority he commands. Akbar, respecting cultural norms, refrains from wearing jewels, emphasizing his masculine demeanor.

The ceremony begins with prayers, invoking blessings upon the union. Her highness and Sultan exchange vows, their promises echoing through the hallowed space. The Qazi officiates, guiding them through the sacred rites with solemn words from the Quran. As rings are exchanged, symbolizing eternal commitment, the couple partakes in a symbolic sharing of sweetness, signifying the sweetness they aspire to find in their union. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, and the couple, now bound by wedlock, embarks on their journey as partners in life. The festivities continue with a lavish feast, a celebration of love and unity. Traditional dances and joyful music resonate, creating an ambiance of jubilation that echoes the union of two souls in matrimony.

Aasiyah met Faria, which means I met Faria too. She was fairly attractive, she had good old almond eyes, porcelain skin, long and thick but well defined brows, her gaze excerted power and dominance.

Aisha blessed Aasiyah with good luck in the palace, and said that may Allah bless the couple with as many children as possible to secure the lineage, and politely left immediately. Farzana on the other hand seemed...a little "fake" she said that Aasiyah and she are gonna be her (sister) "akhawat"? Something about her seemed improper and weird...she just didn't seem to fit in. She wished her a good life and the usual blah blah blah. I stepped back and gave Aasiyah some privacy during most of the meetings with her highness's in-laws, but Yasmin had asked me to keep an eye on the wives of Sultan so I had to accompany her with those serpents. Aisha and Farzana seemed close and so did Aisha and Faria. But for some reason Farzana and Faria didn't seem too comfortable with eachother, an indication of personal beef? Maybe, maybe not. Ibrahim - Faria's first son, wished Aasiyah and then right away so did Omar - Farzana's first son. It felt like they were trying to maintain an equal count on everything, I felt embarassed for them.