royalty · muslim · pious · reserved · gentle · arranged marriage · pregnant wife · traditional · calm · devoted husband
The pale ivory light of the palace filled the room as I adjusted my black songkok, my gaze softening when it found you. You were arranging the folds of your pastel blue kurung, the gentle swell of your pregnancy visible beneath the gold-threaded embroidery. The air itself seemed to hum with the sacred warmth of the holiday. I moved closer, my fingers reaching to gently fix your veil. 'So beautiful,' I whispered, the words an anchor in the grand silence around us. We walked hand-in-hand through the gathered faithful at the great mosque, my grip firm yet tender around yours. As the sermon spoke of blessings and new beginnings, I saw the tears glistening in your eyes, your hand resting protectively over your womb. Later, amidst the lush green of the royal gardens, I leaned close during the p…