---

Prince Suhail lay down for almost five minutes before slowly opening his eyes. He stretched, got down from the bed, grabbed his robe, and put it on without looking at Shahid. As he was about to leave the room, he said, “Wait for me, I’ll be back.”

Shahid, teasingly, responded, “Okay, may your reign be long.”

Prince Suhail said nothing and walked out in his usual majestic manner. The palace guards at the door stood and offered greetings, then got up to follow him, but the prince merely raised his hand without looking at them. Understanding the gesture, they stayed behind as he continued alone. Everywhere he passed, people bowed and greeted him, and he simply raised his hand in acknowledgment. This was his typical behavior.

Eventually, he entered the royal chamber, surprised to see even his parents already seated. He sat on the floor near the throne, greeted the king and his parents, and they all responded kindly.

The king cleared his throat and said, “Alhamdulillah. I know you're all wondering why I gathered you here today, but it’s nothing strange. It’s good news—about Prince Suhail.”

He continued, “I’ve made a decision already, because I know he will accept it. It’s a matter of marriage. I’ve chosen a wife for him, and she is none other than his cousin, Sumayya.”

Suhail’s heart dropped. He immediately looked up at the king, opening his mouth to speak, but quickly closed it and bowed his head, eyes shut tightly in disappointment at the king’s choice. His parents were overjoyed, showering prayers and blessings over the decision.

Prince Suhail just listened in silence.

Then the king asked, “What’s wrong, Suhail? You haven’t said a word.”

After a long pause, Suhail replied, “May your reign be long. I accept your decision wholeheartedly. May Allah prolong your life.”

The king, delighted, said, “Mashallah! I’m very happy. I knew you wouldn’t go against me. You’ve made me happy today; may Allah let me return that joy one day.”

Everyone responded with Ameen, and Suhail offered his respects and left.

Sumayya's mother was overwhelmed with joy. She couldn't wait to break the news to her daughter. She ran to Rahama’s section and shared the news, and Rahama joined her in celebration.

Back in his room, Suhail threw himself on the bed, full of frustration. His plans were ruined. He never intended to marry anytime soon, and even if he would, Sumayya wasn't the kind of woman he imagined. Still, he agreed because of the king, whom he couldn’t defy.

Shahid noticed his mood but didn’t ask any questions, knowing Suhail wouldn’t answer unless he felt like it. He simply continued watching his football match.

Suhail eventually got up and went to the bathroom

---

Later that evening, after the Isha prayer, Suhail visited his parents’ quarters and found his mother lying down while a maid massaged her. Two other women sat nearby chatting.

As soon as he entered, everyone stood to greet him, then respectfully left the room so he could speak to his mother.

Queen Bilkisu sat up with a smile, and Suhail came closer, greeted her, and sat down.

He kept his head down and remained silent.

His mother asked, “My son, what is troubling you? Talk to me; you have no one closer than I.”

Suhail looked up and, troubled, asked, “Ummi, am I really going to marry Sumayya?”

She smiled and said, “Yes, what about it? She's your cousin and very suitable. Calm your heart and try to love her. InshaAllah, you’ll enjoy your marriage.”

He protested, “But, Ummi, you know Sumayya’s character. We are very different.”

She replied, “Who told you that? What you see is immaturity. Calm yourself. She’s not even protesting; why should you? Learn to love her. InshaAllah, it will be a successful marriage.”

He sighed and said, “Thank you, Ummi. I’ll take my leave.”

She added, “My son, don’t worry. Your father has already ordered construction of your hospital to begin.”

Suhail smiled slightly, thanked her, and left.

--

Two days later, the wedding was officially scheduled for two months ahead. Suhail wanted a longer period, but the king insisted otherwise. Sumayya was overjoyed and openly expressed her excitement.

As preparations continued, Suhail gradually became more relaxed. He and Sumayya occasionally chatted, though she dominated the conversations. If they talked on the phone, it was usually because she called him. He often hung up after a simple greeting.

---

After two months, the wedding was celebrated in grand style with five major events. Suhail only attended one, reluctantly, and only because his mother insisted. He avoided the rest, switching off his phones to avoid disturbance.

The marriage was finally officiated on a Saturday, attended by thousands from various regions.

Sumayya looked stunning, and she was settled into a specially designed section of the palace with every comfort imaginable. The setup resembled a royal home in Europe, complete with separate quarters for her, Suhail, staff, and guests.

---

That night, Shahid convinced Suhail to get ready and escorted him to his new residence. Though they teased him along the way, Suhail remained silent, annoyed that he was forced into it.

When they reached Sumayya’s section, they said goodbye. Suhail entered and was surprised to find his guards sitting silently. They quickly greeted him, but he dismissed them with, “You may leave.”

In his bedroom, he found everything perfectly arranged. He bathed, changed, and lay on the bed.

Meanwhile, Sumayya finished preparing and, along with her maids, walked to Suhail’s room. She knocked, and upon his permission, entered.

He was surprised to see them.

Sumayya stared lovingly at her husband while the maids greeted him and explained that her grandmother had sent her over.

Suhail said nothing, just closed his eyes. The maids left.

Sumayya then approached the bed and sat beside him. Without opening his eyes, he said, “Go and perform ablution.”

She pouted but obeyed.

When she returned, he led them in a two-unit prayer and prayed for her. Then he asked her questions about her religious knowledge, only to discover she knew little and gave incorrect answers. He was disappointed but kept it to himself.

He got into bed and said, “Here’s food if you want to eat.”

Sumayya felt hurt. Her friends told stories of affection and pampering from their husbands on their wedding nights. But here she was, ignored.

She quietly lay beside him. After some time, she hugged him from behind. He ignored her. She then turned him around and lay on his chest.

He opened his eyes and snapped, “Don’t you have any shame?”

She responded, “But tonight is our wedding night. Aren’t we supposed to enjoy it?” She kissed him.

He was stunned by her boldness and lack of fear. Eventually, his defenses fell, and they shared their first night together.

Afterward, still surprised by her confidence, Suhail distanced himself and went to bathe. When he returned, he changed the bedsheet and lay down with his back to her. She bathed and came back to cuddle him again.

---

At dawn, Suhail went to the mosque. When he returned, Sumayya was still sleeping. After repeated attempts, he finally got her to pray Fajr, though she rushed through it without proper focus.

---

In the morning, a maid entered, greeted them, and took the bedsheet to deliver to the royal grandmother.

The grandmother inspected it and, seeing no blood, panicked. “Oh no, don’t tell me she wasn’t a virgin!”

The maid replied, “Not all women bleed on their first night. Some don’t show signs, but are still virgins.”

The grandmother sighed. “That may be true. Still, I wish there had been proof to show others.”

In the palace, people were silently waiting to hear the verdict, since it was customary to parade the bedsheet to prove the bride’s virginity. The king would then reward her with gifts.

---

Back in their room, Suhail was ready for the day while Sumayya still slept. He grew angry and said, “You sleep like the earth itself.” He slapped her awake.

She was furious. “Why would you wake me like that? Especially after keeping me up last night! Don’t wake me again when I’m sleeping.”

Suhail was stunned. She blamed me? Wasn’t she the one who started it?

She got up, dressed, and left the room in anger.

Suhail clicked his tongue and continued preparing.

He had breakfast, greeted by his guards, and barely ate before leaving. As he walked away, his guards followed but he dismissed them with, “I’ll call if I need you.” They wished him well and left.

---

He walked alone to Sumayya’s quarters. Her staff greeted him, but he ignored them and went directly to her room.

Sumayya was being attended to by her maids. When he entered, they all greeted and prepared to leave. Sumayya protested, “Where are you going? You’re not done getting me ready!”

Suhail stared at her in disbelief, then gestured for them to leave, which they quickly did.

He walked toward her. She said, “Why would you send them out? They haven’t finished my makeup.”

He sat beside her and said without looking, “Can’t you dress yourself?”

She replied, “Since childhood, they’ve always done it for me.”

He ignored her.

Once she finished dressing, she asked the maid to bring her breakfast. A feast was laid before her.

She looked at Suhail and asked, “Aren’t you going to eat?”

Without looking at her, he said, “No. Eat quickly. We’re going to greet the king and queen.”

She replied, “Already?”

He said nothing.

Knowing his temperament, she just resumed eating in silence.