2-CHAPTER.
The Beginning of a New Life
That day, Amira left her homeland of Qomar and set out for the Kingdom of Shams. She could never have imagined that a new life, countless trials, happiness, and true love awaited her there. After several weeks of travel, she finally arrived at the magnificent palace of Shams.
Amira had seen her husband only once—during the wedding ceremony held in Qomar—and even then, only from behind a veil. A curtain had separated them during the marriage, and even during the celebration, they had not dared to look directly at one another.
Will I be able to adapt to this place?
What kind of man is my husband?
My father told me to rely only on my husband and to trust him always… but how can I trust someone I barely know?
Lost in these thoughts, Amira did not even realize how she had arrived at King Umar's chamber.
Umar stood before a bookshelf, a book in his hand. Upon seeing Amira, he gently returned the book to its place and walked toward her. Amira kept her eyes lowered. For some reason, she felt afraid to look at him—no, it was not fear. It was nervous excitement. The thrill of standing alone in a room with a man for the first time in her life, other than her father.
Umar stepped closer and slowly removed Amira's veil. Her long, jet-black hair spilled freely over her shoulders. Umar could not take his eyes off her. Before him stood a fairy-like woman—porcelain skin, rosebud lips, long lashes, eyes as dark as her hair, and lips as red as a blooming rose.
After a brief silence, Umar spoke softly:
"They say half of the moon's beauty is reflected in you… but I believe those words are untrue. Allah has granted you such beauty that even the moon itself would blush in your presence."
Amira's heart began to race, her cheeks flushing with color. Slowly, she lifted her head and for the first time met Umar's gaze. Deep black eyes, arched lashes, and thick brows like a dense forest looked back at her.
In a soft voice, just loud enough for him to hear, she said:
"Thank you for your compliment…"
"I have heard that you are fond of books," Umar said gently. "Come with me."
Holding her hand firmly yet with great care, Umar led Amira to the bookshelf.
"These are some of my favorite books. You may choose any you like. And whenever you wish, you are welcome to visit the palace library and read whatever you desire."
"These books are very rare… thank you so much. I will certainly read them," Amira replied sincerely.
When she looked up at Umar, he was holding out a beautiful red rose, as crimson as her lips, taken from between the books. Amira accepted the flower, breathed in its fragrance, and smiled softly, her heart beating faster at everything unfolding before her.
"You are very gentle in the way you treat women," she said.
"No," Umar replied quietly. "I have never treated any woman the way I treat you. Will you accept my rose?"
"…Of course. How could I ever refuse such a flower?"
Thus began the first conversation, the first love, and the first night of two young hearts—through simple yet warm words. It took Amira some time to adapt to life in the Kingdom of Shams, but just as her father had said, Umar was always by her side. He spoke with her often, and when they were together, the entire world seemed to fade away.
"My Amira, Amira of my heart… your existence is the greatest blessing bestowed upon me. Praise be to Allah who, through this peace, allowed me to meet you."
"Yes," Amira replied softly, "the peace between two kingdoms united two lovers."
"Amira, will you promise me something?"
"What promise?"
"That you will belong to no one but me… and that in Paradise, you will be my wife."
"What are you saying? I have always been yours, and you are mine alone. We were created for one another."
"Of course, my Amira of the heart."
"Yes, my king of the heart."
Everyone admired their love. Yet among people, there are always those who cannot bear the happiness of others—those driven by envy and ill intent. Vard, Umar's younger brother, could not accept that Umar had become the king of Kusuful Shams.