“Yes. A real home, not the apartment I lived in when I was single. A place where we can relax in London too. Where you’re happy, like you are when we’re in Scotland.”
“We’ll look for a house when I get back,” I say, emotional, because I know this is a huge step for him.
“Would you have come back if I hadn’t called?”
“Yes. I never planned to stay here. We can buy another house if that’s what you want. I like the idea—I prefer houses to apartments—but not because we need a home. You are my home.”
“I want us to have a religious wedding, both according to my traditions and yours. I’m thinking of flying to Rheadur. Would there be time to organize a ceremony?”
“Are you sure? Weddings here, even if we limit them to only the closest people, are long and full of rituals.”
“I’m sure. You’ll have everything you deserve, my duchess. Maybe I’ll never be able to offer you enough, but I’ll spend the rest of my life trying.”
“I love you, Rodrick. Our marriage may have started as a contract of convenience, but it became real. It could never have been with anyone else.”
“No, it couldn’t. You’re mine, Jazmina. You always have been.”
After we hang up, I sit on the bed, hardly able to believe it. I imagine how hard it must have been for him to take that first step and decide on therapy. Rodrick is proud and closed-off, a dangerous combination when help is needed.
As willing as I am to talk with him about his past, I know there will be things he won’t feel comfortable telling me, and I understand.
I don’t need to know everything; I want him to resolve his ghosts within himself.
He didn’t bring up the subject that’s become our Achilles’ heel—children—but it’s probably too much for him to process all at once.
Days later
“You look more beautiful than ever, my daughter. I’m glad you decided on a religious ceremony here as well.”
“I want something simple, Father. I’ll follow all the rites to please you, and because Rodrick wants it too, but it won’t be a wedding like Adeela and Kaled’s, with counselors and high society present. Just family.”
“What did your brother think?”
“He understood. Besides not wanting a huge celebration anyway, I don’t think it’s wise to flaunt my union with a Westerner in the face of the opposition.”
“Has anyone disrespected you?”
“Not with words, but I’ve noticed certain looks. I won’t allow anyone to belittle my marriage or be prejudiced against my husband. I love him, and no creed or social rule will change that.”
He smiles with that serene, unshakable calm. My father is a fortress. He’s been through so much and never lost the kindness in his heart.
“When you told me you were getting married, my greatest fear was that you were entering a loveless union. That might work with my other daughters, but not with you, Jazmina. You’re the kind of girl who won’t accept less from life than she deserves. Now that I see the devotion to your husband in your eyes, I’m at ease.”
One week later
“You can’t stop smiling. You’re happy your husband will be arriving soon, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I don’t know whether I’ve thanked you yet with all the chaos of the last few days, but thank you so much for organizing our wedding ceremony so quickly.”
As we walk with a dozen bodyguards behind us, people watch us from a distance.
There are only a few shopkeepers around. A full-scale security operation was organized so we could come to the gold market. Only five establishments are open this morning, by order of my brother. Kaled is obsessed with our safety.
I promised Josephine I’d manage contacts with local dealers so she could show her jewelry. I spoke with Kaled, and he advised me to come. It’s a good way to help my friend. If all goes well, the merchants here will supply the raw materials, she’ll do the design, and the final product will be sold here.
Josephine doesn’t want favors—she wants to build things on her own, which I admire.
“I would have preferred a larger celebration, but I agree with you that it would take too long and the moment isn’t right. While these internal conflicts persist, it’s best to stay under the radar.”