I knew you would accept because you wanted to be rid of me.” Tears streamed down Zainab’s cheeks. The pain of her father’s rejection mingled with disbelief that someone could have gone so far only to find a heart like his. She didn’t know what to say, so she simply asked, “And now? What happens now?”
Yusha gently took her hand. “Now you’re coming with me, to my world, to the palace.” Her heart leapt. “But I’m blind. How can I be a princess?” He smiled. “You already are, my princess.”
That night she barely slept. Her thoughts raced: her father’s cruelty, Yusha’s love, and the terrifyingly unknown future. In the morning, a royal carriage pulled up in front of the hut.
Guards dressed in black and gold bowed to Yusha and Zainab as they stepped out. Zainab held Yusha’s arm tightly as the carriage began to move toward the palace. When they arrived, the crowd was already gathered.
They were surprised by the return of the lost prince, but even more surprised to see him with a blind girl. Yusha’s mother, the Queen, stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she studied Zainab. But Zainab bowed respectfully.
Yusha stood by her side and declared, “This is my wife, the woman I chose, the woman who saw my soul when no one else could.” The Queen remained silent for a moment, then stepped forward and embraced Zainab. “So, she is my daughter,” she said.
Zainab nearly fainted with relief. Yusha squeezed her hand and whispered, “I told you, you’re safe.”
