YAN GIDAN HAYA book Complete .txt

<p>The Emir’s Dilemma</p><p>The Emir remained silent, deep in thought after his friend left. He hadn’t expected to hear Amadu’s voice again so soon. But there he was, standing beside him.</p><p>Amadu asked, “But Your Majesty, don’t you already have four wives?”</p><p>The Emir opened his eyes and fixed them on Amadu. Then he simply said, “Go tell Barde to take you home. I will come tomorrow.”</p><p>Hearing this, Amadu left, his steps slow and heavy. The Emir closed his eyes again, lost in thought. After a long pause, he called one of his servants and instructed him to summon his younger brother, Kamal.</p><p>The servant left and soon returned, with Kamal following behind him.</p><p>As Kamal entered, he smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I was out riding my horse when I was summoned. I hope all is well.”</p><p>The Emir focused on his brother and asked, “Kamal, if I were to give you a wife, would you marry her?”</p><p>Kamal nodded. “Yes, as long as she is not disrespectful, has not ruined her reputation, and has not brought shame upon herself.”</p><p>The Emir was quiet for a moment before asking, “And what if she did not meet one of those conditions?”</p><p>Kamal smiled. “To be honest, if it were an order from the Emir, I would obey. But if it were merely a request from my elder brother, I would not.”</p><p>The Emir studied Kamal for a while before smiling and changing the subject. “Did you check on your son?”</p><p>Kamal grinned. “Abdulmalik is fast asleep, exhausted from the celebrations. Today, everyone is rejoicing over the birth of the Emir’s heir.”</p><p>The Emir’s smile widened. He felt the joy of being a father before dismissing Kamal.</p><p>Once alone, he continued contemplating. According to tradition, an Emir is allowed four official wives, as Islam permits. However, he may also take concubines, usually women captured during war or acquired through other means. These women, however, had no claim to the throne.</p><p>Today, he had made a decision without knowing its consequences. But he had done so to protect the honor of his dear friend.</p><p>Then his thoughts turned to his youngest wife—the one he had married just last year. He realized she was the solution. Not out of anger or frustration, but because he knew she had never wanted to be his wife in the first place.</p><p>She was only 12 years old when her father—brother to the Emir of Daura—had given her to him in marriage. He himself was already 40 at the time. Everyone knew she had been denied a choice in the matter. That was why he had never touched her or even considered seeking intimacy with her.</p><p>With that resolution, he stood up and instructed his servants to summon Magajiya to his chamber.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Magajiya’s Delight</p><p>Magajiya sat in her chamber, receiving a steady stream of visitors offering congratulations. She barely acknowledged them, merely nodding her head in a regal manner.</p><p>Inside, she was filled with deep satisfaction. Her dream was almost fulfilled: her son, Abdulmalik, was now the Emir’s heir.</p><p>A servant approached and whispered the Emir’s message in her ear. She rolled her eyes and scoffed inwardly. Why should I go to him? Why can’t he come to me?</p><p>She took her time, waiting over thirty minutes before finally making her way to his chamber.</p><p>Upon entering, she found him seated on his cushioned seat. She walked in confidently and sat down a short distance from him. With an air of superiority, she said, “I am here, Your Majesty.”</p><p>The Emir looked at her and asked, “Magajiya, did I interrupt your gathering?”</p><p>She smiled slightly. “It seems you have something important to discuss.”</p><p>He sighed before saying, “Even in a time of celebration, there is a matter I must discuss with you.”</p><p>She focused her attention on him.</p><p>“I want to give Rabi’atu her divorce papers. I believe we have wronged the girl enough.”</p><p>Magajiya stared at him in disbelief. “I don’t understand. Have you ever heard of an Emir divorcing his wife?”</p><p>He responded calmly, “Then let it start with me.”</p><p>She scoffed, “And do you think any man will marry her after that?”</p><p>The Emir replied, “I will ensure she remains in this palace under my care until she finds someone she wishes to marry.”</p><p>She watched him, ready to argue, but then changed her mind. Why should I care? My son has secured his future. Nothing else matters.</p><p>Realizing she was silent, the Emir understood she had no objections. He wrote out a single divorce statement and handed it to her.</p><p>“Inform her that she will now stay in your quarters or with my mother, Hajiya Umma.”</p><p>Magajiya smirked. “She can stay with your mother. I have no interest in unnecessary complications.”</p><p>Her words slightly irritated the Emir, but he didn’t show it. She took the document and left.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>Rabi’atu’s Relief</p><p>When Magajiya summoned Rabi’atu and told her of the divorce, the young girl felt no sadness. Instead, she was relieved. She was even more delighted to learn she could remain in the palace, as her biggest fear had been facing her father again.</p><p> </p><p>—</p><p>The Grand Celebration</p><p>The naming ceremony was a grand affair. Money was spent lavishly. The townspeople rejoiced. There were horse-riding displays, sword fights, and even performances by men who entertained the crowd with fire and tricks.</p><p>After the festivities, everyone returned to their homes, and Magajiya settled into her new status.</p><p>She called for her trusted servant, Unguwar Zoma, to stay by her side.</p><p> </p><p> </p>