Chapter Two.

The Warrior's Bride

Fareeda feared as she stared at the man. She was sure he was going to run away with her fruit basket. After all, it was her fault. She had let him hold the basket. This was all her and her father had. She would use the money to buy them some chickens and seeds. She was sure this would be her death. Her father would hate her more than he already did.

Just like that, the man took off and she took off after him shouting for help, but there was hardly anyone on the street this early. She wanted to get a nice spot for herself because all the other traders were too violent. As she ran, there were tears flowing down her eyes. He was gainng more distance and she was running out of breath.

All of a sudden, she stopped. Someone was fighting the man with her basket and she ran to the both of them. She was glad none of her fruits fell. She picked up her basket and made to run away when a hand stopped her.

"I believe I should get some of that fruit for helping you out, " The man said, scaring her even more. HIs voice was thick and face void of any emotion.

"Relax. I will not take your fruit," Alexander finally said, he could tell she was really scared.

"Call me Alexander and you're welcome. " Alexander said looking at the fruit.

"Alexander, " Fareeda said, testing the name on her lips. She had not heard a name like that before. She was sure he was not from here.

"Yes." He said, looking into her eyes. It was like he could see into her soul.

"Thank you for helping me. I am Fareeda. " She said, looking at the hand he placed on her shoulder. It was not right and he should not that, but he was a very attractive man.

*******

Fareeda smiled remembering how she met Alexander four years ago. Since then they had begun their friendship, that ended turning into a love story of sort. She feed the chickens before she made her way inside. Today, she was going to watch the challenge and she didn't care if her father would rant about it. Nothing would stop her from watching Alexander today and she had really prayed for him so she hoped Allah would answer her prayer.

Fareeda washed herself, she needed to wash all that sweat from working in the little field before she dressed up in a nice dress that Alexander had purchased for her. It was her birthday and he had surprised her with it. He would always say it wasn’t much, but she loved the little he could give her and she was content.

The journey was not long. There were a lot of people and the stupid prince's carriage was taking space on the road. She cursed internally as she stared at how the prince was being fanned and fed grapes. She heard stories of how lazy and weak he was. In the market, she heard anything and everything possible for a woman to hear. She heard that the prince didn't even know how to fight like a man. His mother, the Queen, made it so everything was served to him on a silver platter. She felt sorry for him and anyone that would choose to marry him. She despised lazy men.

*********

Fareeda jumped up and down when the winner was announced. Alexander had won and it hurt her to see how badly he was injured, but she was glad he won even if it meant the other man would die. She could not wait to meet him tonight at their secret spot. Her father would be asleep so she was glad.

When she was done, she realised that maybe she had been the only one that was filled with excitement. People were just to boring for their own good. She began to make her way home. If she wanted to meet him tonight then she had to make dinner was ready early and her father would not be on her case.

Fareeda gasped and put her head down when her eyes caught the Prince's. He had been staring at her or was she just imagining things. That was very strange, she thought. What business would the prince even have to look at her. She laughed at herself as she walked home.

*******

"When will someone ever come to this house to marry you?" Her father started again as she placed his dinner in front of him.

“Father you do not even think to ask me how my day was? You do not even talk about the food.” Fareeda said, annoyed. She would never give him the joy to know that Alexander would be coming for her soon.

“That is none of my business. Your food is horrible, even I can cook better. I am just too busy to do anything. “ Her father said, eating the food as if there was no tomorrow.

Or you mean lazy, she thought to herself. She would never say it aloud.

It was not long before her father decided to retire. He was disappointed that about the result of the challenge, but she was too happy to even let him spoil her mood.

******

Fareeda sat on the rock. Where was Alexander? She wondered if he was too hurt to come and her heart broke for him. She remembered the blood. He was so brave and strong and now she wondered why she ever doubted him.

Strong arms wrapped around her as she was pacing. Her heart immediately stop beating fast with worry, but with passion. She loved being in Alexander’s arms even if she had known no other man’s arms, she knew didn’t need to know any other person’s arms.

“My love. Why are you pacing so?” Alexander said into her ear.

“I was worried about you. “ Fareeda said turning in his arms. She could tell he had cleaned up really well, but his face was paler than normal.

“Come sit. “ She said leading him to the rock. “I am so happy for you. You won the challenge and now you will the head of the warriors. “ She said before she kissed his cheek and slipped her hand in his.

“I am very happy I can do what I have been wanting to do for the past two years, “ Alexander said, staring at her. Her beauty was just too much to behold. Her dark eyes and full lashes that adorned them, her full pink lips and the lovely smile that was also on her face when she saw him. He could not believe that finally he would wake up to her face every morning.

“Fareeda Bakir, you know I love you more than words can explain. You complete my soul and make me whole. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? “ Alexander asked, looking into her eyes as he stood holding her hands waiting for her reply.

Tears filled her eyes as she squeezed his hand tightly. She could not even speak.

“Yes, Alexander. “ She said hugging him. “I love you so much. “ She said into his chest. She was finally going to be married to him. She could hardly wait. Her father would all, but give her up when Alexander came for her hand.

They shared a few sweet words, kisses and embraces together before he realised it was late and she needed to be home if she wanted to be up early tomorrow.

He kissed her goodnight and walked her home before he left.

********

“Mother I am going to make her my wife. “ Alexander said, he woke up happy today. It was the day after the challenge. His mother congratulated him, but she was still upset about his decision.

“Who?” Anna asked, giving him all her attention.

“Fareeda. I asked her to marry me yesterday and she said yes. “ Alexander said proudly to his mother.

Anna smiled brightly. She hugged her son.

“You made the right choice. That girl is very good. I always knew she had a spot for you. She could not be coming here everyday to see a lonely old woman. “ Anna said, smiling at the memory of Fareeda.

“Mother you are neither lonely nor old . She was trying to make a good impression, so you would like her as your daughter. “ Alexander said, he knew his mother would support him anyway.

“I have liked her since the first moment she walked into this cabin. “ Anna said as she continued folding the clothes.

“That is great. I will go for her hand this evening. “ Alexander said as he walked back to his room to rest.

******

Fareeda was glad when Alexander arrived that evening. He was looking so clean and handsome. All her man. Her husband soon.

“Who is at the door, Fareeda?” Before Fareeda could answer, Alexander spoke up.

“It is I, Alexander Costas. “ Alexander said walking in.

“I know you. You are the new head of warriors. “ Bakir said, looking at the visitor. He wondered what this man would be looking for in their home. Had his daughter offended him and he would like to be punished? He would all, but give her away.

“Yes sir. I’m glad I can be here today. I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. “ Alexander said, he was trying to show that he wasn’t nervous and he hoped his bride to be would not be able to know.

Bakir stared in shock. He didn’t think this day would ever come. He was elated. That was until he remembered the bride price.

The smile quickly wore off Alexander’s face as he watched the man’s face change.

“Are you aware of the bride price on her?” Bakir asked, in all seriousness.

“Father-“ Fareeda said before Alexander could reply.

The look her father threw way made her shut her mouth.

“You do not speak when men are talking. Get to your room now. This is not something you should be present in. “ Bakir said angrily to his daughter and he didn’t take his eyes off her until she scurried away.

“Forgive her. She is lacking in that aspect, but she has been blessed with her looks, “ Bakir said, remembering how his wife and daughter looked so alike.

“I think your daughter will make a wonderful wife. “ Alexander said, he had to act calm. He didn’t like the way the man spoke to Fareeda at all.

“Yes. She is a wonderful cook too “ Bakir added as if he was selling an item.

“I am aware of her bride price and I have come with it all. “ Alexander watched as the man’s eyes widened when he saw the money. “There is a goat outside too and a few chicken. That is my gift. “

“You are the son I have always wanted. Thank you for everything. “ Bakir said, he was so happy about this.

“Fareeda! Fareeda!” Bakir called wondering his daughter was not answering now. She was really a case.

“Father, you told me to stay in my room. “ Fareeda said, a frown on her beautiful face.

Alexander tried hard to hide his smirk.

“Stop with that attitude. This man here is going to be your husband and it will do you well to be nice to him. When he leaves, take the goat and chickens to the farm. “ Bakir watched how his daughter’s eyes widened, but that was not his business now.

Bakir grabbed his coat and went into his room, locking the door.

“You did not have to bring goat and chicken. “ Fareeda said, embracing him.

“Yes I do. He is my wife’s father. I have to make sure he is taken care of. “ Alexander said, kissing her head.

“But he did not take care of me. “ She said, frowning at her husband to be.

“If it is any consolation, he said you are a good cook. “ Alexander said smiling down at her.

“He always insulted my cooking, but still ate my food. I think I already know that. “ Fareeda said, a smile reaching her own lips.

“I can’t wait to be eating your food for the rest of my life. “ Alexander said, softly kissing her nose.

“Don’t let your mother hear that. “Fareeda warned him.

Alexander laughed before he took her hand.

“I have been given a house here in town. I will take you there tomorrow. I want you to help convince my mother to stop worrying about me and to come and move in with me. She is not safe there alone. “ Alexander said to her again.

“All this because you are the head of warriors. “ Fareeda said with her eyes wide. “It is not a problem. I will see your mother tomorrow. “

“Yes. I promise you will not lack for anything. You already have everything my heart.” He said placing her hand on where his heart beat. “My life, my soul and my wealth. They are all yours. “

“I do not care how wealthy you become. I did not fall in love with you because of your wealth, but because of the strong man inside. “ Fareeda said, she was so happy.

“I love you. “ Alexander said before he walked them to the door. “If I had my way you will spend the night in my arms, but we will be married in a week do not worry. “ He kisses her head before he took off in his black stallion. Kontos. Kontos was her friend too.

Fareeda waved goodbye to them before she walked inside. Oh she was going to give her father an earful this time. He just sold her.

“Father!” Fareeda said, making her way to his room.

“What do you want?” Bakir said, coming out of his room and closing the door.

“Why would you just sell me off like that?” Fareeda asked hurt.

“You should be happy I was fast about it. What if he changed his mind? You know you don’t have any suitors. “ Bakir said, he was in a good mood. The money was complete and he had a few more chickens.

“Is that enough reason to sell me ?” Fareeda asked, her hand on her chest.

“Yes. Who knows what you did for him to come and ask for your hand. The first person in nineteen was years, Fareeda. “ Bakir said, taking a chicken from the pot.

“What do you mean, father?” Fareeda asked.

“You know what I mean. I hope you don’t go about spreading your legs just to get a husband, you have already brought enough disgrace to this family. I will miss your cooking still. “ Bakir said, before he walked back to his room locking the door.

Fareeda stood in shock. Her father had just called her a whore. Off all people to accuse her of that, her only living relative. Fareeda pulled herself to her room and cried herself to sleep, even if she was meant to be happy today.

******

“My favourite daughter in law. “ Anna said, embracing Fareeda as she entered the cabin with Alexander behind her.

“Mother. I am your only daughter in law. “ Fareeda said smiling and embracing the woman.

“Yes that is true. “ Anna laughed before she told Fareeda to sit. She would treat her like a queen today.

Anna didn’t even acknowledge her son. It seems there was something going on that Fareeda had no idea about.

“You are going to be treated like a queen today. I am delighted to have you as a daughter. “ Anna said, she got a bowl of fruit and placed it in front of Fareeda.

“There is no need for that. I am still the same Fareeda. “ Fareeda said, she didn’t want that.

“No you are not. You were Fareeda the little girl that liked my son before. Now you are Fareeda my daughter in law and you will be treated like so. My mother always told me to treat my daughter in law like my own. “ Anna said as she got busy with what she was doing.

“Mother. “ Alexander whines from where he stood at the door.

“Get inside and shut my door,“ Anna said, with no form of joke that had Alexander obeying fast.

Anna left the two of them, saying she was going to get a cup of water.

“What did you do to your mother?” Fareeda asked as she enjoyed the grapes.

“I may have raised my voice at her. “ Alexander said, causing Fareeda to gasp.

“That is not the way to make her come and stay with you, Alexander. You have to persuade her. “ Fareeda said and just then Anna walked in.

“I want to apologise profusely for Alexander’s behavior. I want you to forgive him because of me. Please, Mother. I’m asking as your new daughter in law.  “ Fareeda said to Anna with a playful smile on her face.

“You are my only daughter in law.” Anna said, sighing before she continued.

“Already taking responsibility for your husband’s mistakes. “ Anna said smiling. “ I could never stay angry at my son. “ She sighed.

“I understand that a mother can be frustrating, but you do not raise your voice at the woman who pushed you out. I will move Alexander. If that is what makes you both happy. “ Anna said, smiling.

“Also, I have no one here so I will be lonely. “ Anna said smiling. She had never been angry but she just knew where all this would end and she was preparing her heart and self for the worst. One thing she knew is that she would fight to her death before they took her son away.