Annulment

The sun had risen, and Khari got ready for the day, but she paused as she reached for the door handle. She inhaled a deep, shuddery breath and put her hand on the doorknob. Her stomach churned with a sense of dread. She had to be strong today, for herself and for Azim. Would she be able to keep her composure if someone approached her and expressed their sympathies? She felt her insides would unravel, but she gathered her resolve and opened the door.

She swept into the hallway with her chin in the air, her footsteps echoing on the polished floor. Outside, the gardens were alive with the scent of greenery and the tinkling melody of a water feature. The Shishi-odoshi, a bamboo fountain, tipped over with a hollow thunk every few seconds, calming her frazzled nerves. Wren was already seated nearby the pond; his gaze focused on a distant point. He noticed Khari’s presence and smiled warmly. “Good morning!” He said, guiding her over to the blanket, “I’m glad you made it.”

Her mouth pulled up into a tentative smile, and she squeezed her eyes shut as if trying to contain her fear. “I know I have to be brave and face everyone eventually,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “So thank you for giving me that push.”

Wren smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling, and chuckled lightly. “You’re welcome,” he said, his voice softening as he cleared his throat. His gaze grew more serious, and he placed a hand on Khari’s shoulder. “I know this isn’t easy, but I’m here for you if you ever need anything.”

Khari nodded slowly and offered a grateful smile in response. “Thank you.”

Wren’s eyes were locked on her; his gaze transfixed with admiration. He shook away the trance and quickly began to unpack the picnic basket. “Well,” he said as he emptied the wicker basket, revealing a selection of fruits and other morning treats, “I bought a few things for us to eat this morning.”

Khari’s stomach growled accusingly as her mouth watered at the thought of the spread. “What did you bring?” she asked, eyes wide with delight.

“Just a few things,” Wren said as he pulled out a loaf of sourdough, a wedge of sharp cheddar, some eggs from the nearby farm, a bunch of grapes, and smoked brisket.

“Smells great,” Khari said, taking in the fragrant aroma of the beef. They ate in companionable silence, listening to the peaceful sounds of nature around them - the occasional splash of fish breaching the placid pond, birdsong in the canopy overhead, and a light breeze rippling through the trees. The sun shone on them, and Wren decided to break the peaceful calm. “Listen, I overheard my father talking with the priests. They are thinking of annulling your marriage to Azim.”

Khari’s heart leaped up into her throat, “What?” she shouted, her voice echoing off the trees. “They can’t do that.”

“The priests are saying that the marriage can’t be considered valid,” Wren said, “They’re arguing that you weren’t able to consummate it,” he averted his eyes and cleared his throat.

Khari’s cheeks had turned scarlet as she exploded with rage. She rose to her feet, “That’s not true!” her voice quivered with indignation. “We were already married before that ceremony. Our union has been consummated.”

Wren raised with her, “I’m sorry. They aren’t counting that marriage as it was in secret.” Wren’s words were like daggers in her heart, and Khari thought she might actually be sick. Her face twisted in a fury as the reality of their conversation sunk in. How could they believe it was okay to annul her marriage without consulting her? She felt a fire light in her belly, and her fists clenched tightly as she hastened towards the palace. “Khari, where are you going?” Wren called out after her, but Khari didn’t stop.

She spun on her heel, her long skirt twirling as she did, and yelled back over her shoulder, “To see your father!”

Wren leaped to his feet, nearly knocking over their picnic. He grasped her hand in his and quickly led her away, saying, “He’s in his office. Follow me.”

When they reached the King’s office, Khari was trembling, and her face flushed. The doors flung open, revealing Khari, wrath radiating from her. King Nashir had been standing by the window, looking out into the gardens, but he turned towards them when he heard them enter. “Father, I’m sorry,” Wren said. “I had to tell Khari.”

The King’s gaze softened as he looked at Khari, his brows knit together in sympathy. He sighed heavily and lowered himself slowly onto his office chair, his heavy robes cascading around him. “I understand you’re upset,” he said in a raspy voice.

Khari’s eyes widened in disbelief as her words spilled out. “Upset?” She balled her fists, her body trembling with righteous anger. “How could you even consider annulling my marriage without my knowledge, let alone consent!” she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls of the King’s chamber. When Khari realized she was yelling, she calmed down and took a deep breath. She respected the King greatly as he had become a father figure to her. She softened her voice, steeling herself for his response. “Please tell me it isn’t true,” she said softly. “Tell me they aren’t annulling my marriage to Azim.”

The King’s shoulders slumped as he shook his head, a deep frown on his face. His kind eyes seemed to search for the right words as he apologized, “I’m sorry, my child. The laws of this Kingdom are strict, and they won’t recognize the marriage you had while away on your tour.”

Wren looked pleadingly at his father, desperation in his eyes. He bit his lower lip, trying to control his mounting emotions. “Father,” he said softly, “Please, it isn’t fair. We have to think of Khari! What will become of her?” his voice trembled as he finished the sentence.

Her brow furrowed, and her breathing quickened. “What do you mean?” She asked, her voice rising an octave. “Does this affect me in any way? Is this going to hurt me?”

King Nashir heaved a deep and weary sigh. “Somewhat,” he finally uttered. “As the Atea, you are a symbol of independence and freedom. But your marriage to Azim made our Kingdom feel more stable. Ever since he disappeared from the castle, the people have been worried. They fear that if it can happen to a prince, then no one is safe,” he said, his eyes dark and hollow.

“I see,” Khari said solemnly.

Wren glanced at Khari and sighed. “I still have faith that Azim will be found,” he began, “but if he can’t be….” his voice trailed off, and he looked away, expecting Khari to reject his proposal. He cleared his throat before looking back at her, “...you and I could always marry.”

“No,” Khari quickly answered.

He held her hands in his, her palms damp with apprehension. His voice was soft, but there was an undeniable strength behind his words. “I know how much you love my brother, but I need your help to show the people that the King and Atea can protect them. Doing this will keep them from feeling hopeless.”

“No,” she repeated, her voice more resolute than before. Marrying Wren was out of the question. Not when there was Azim, the man who had stolen her heart. Despite knowing that marrying Wren could help ease their people’s worries, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She was stuck between holding onto her love for Azim and fulfilling her duty as Atea. Tears started to silently fall down her face as she tried to form a sentence that expressed her inner conflict, “I can’t. I just can’t,” she said, swiftly spinning on her heel and running out of the room.

* * *

Wren slowly descended into the musty dungeons, his feet echoing across the damp stone floors. He arrived at Azim’s cell and pulled up a chair, trying to ignore the smell of sweat and despair. Wren tossed a chunk of stale bread into the cell, then cleared his throat before he spoke, “The priests are annulling your marriage to Khari since you were declared missing before you could consummate it.”

Azim’s face twisted in confusion as he sat in front of the prison bars. He tore off a piece of bread from the stale roll, popped it into his mouth, and chewed slowly. “It was already consummated. That ceremony was only a show for everyone else. For Khari and I, we were already husband and wife.”

Wren’s mouth pulled into a smirk, and his eyes glittered with amusement. “You know, Khari said the same thing,” he laughed and continued, “Doesn’t matter. With you gone and everyone believing you were taken, there’s now a suggestion that Khari should marry me instead. For the Kingdom’s sake, of course.”

Azim’s knuckles whitened around the loaf of bread as his voice shook. “She wouldn’t go along with it,” he said, his jaw clenched.

“When it comes down to it,” he began slowly, “She may not have a choice. The Kingdom depends on the King and the Atea to safeguard them,” he said.

Azim furrowed his brows as he considered Wren’s words. He glanced off into the distance, his gaze difficult to read, then slowly smiled. “She’ll never go along with it,” he said with absolute certainty, reaffirming his opinion on the matter.

Wren raised his eyebrows and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “And what makes you so sure?” he asked.

He smiled, popping another piece of bread into his mouth and chewing thoughtfully. “Because she loves me,” he said simply, his eyes twinkling with happiness.

Wren scoffed, the sound echoing off the walls of the empty room. He stood up from the dust-covered chair, his face full of triumphant confidence. His devilish grin revealed the twisted desire in his eyes, “Once we are married,” he said, stepping closer to Azim. “I’ll show her what real pleasure is.”

Azim’s gaze hardened as he stood and inched closer to the bars. A deep, bellowing growl erupted from his chest, “If you touch her in any way, you won’t like the way I touch you when I get out here.”

Wren let out a low, derisive chuckle. “I’m bored of your empty threats,” he said, his voice echoing off the stone walls of the cellar. He turned and began to walk slowly up the steps, casting a shadow on Azim as he retreated. “You are never getting out of here,” he finished, his footsteps fading as he left Azim alone in the dark.