Chapter 21: From Dream to Nightmare

ALIAH

Aliah froze. 'Eldest daughter? Me?'

She clenched her fists. This could not be happening.

'But surely you can't give in to this man. You always told me if you give in once to a bully you are leaving yourself open to be bullied again,' Aliah spluttered as she tried to gather her thoughts.

'I am sorry, my darling, matters of state are a little different to courtyard politics. We, my advisors and I, can see no way around his request at this time. It is not as if you did not know that your marriage would be arranged to benefit the state.' He stroked her hand, but Aliah would not meet his eyes. She was frowning and it was like a darkness had clouded her vision.