<p>In a voice filled with quiet resignation and a tone devoid of energy, like someone overwhelmed with pain, Prince Sageer knelt before his father, King Askirama, so close it seemed he might merge with him. Speaking in a soft, faltering voice, he said:</p><p>“May Allah grant you long life, my father, but I wonder why, ever since I returned from Amsterdam and brought forth my request to marry Sultana, my opinion on Sa’adatu has not been sought? By Allah’s grace and your wisdom, had you revealed your intention for us earlier—back then regarding the choice you made for me—I would have willingly set aside my own desires despite my feelings. This is because I know every decision you make for me is for my good, a goodness my limited years could never foresee.”</p><p>Tears welled up suddenly and streamed down Sageer’s face—not of sorrow but of a profound joy, a contentment unlike any he had ever felt. In that moment, Dr. Sageer experienced a completeness that filled every void in his life. For so long, he had felt that despite his numerous accomplishments, something fundamental was missing, something vast and elusive within his soul. Today, he realized it had always been Sa’adatu he was unknowingly waiting for—a silent yearning now fulfilled beyond expectation.</p><p>Before this day, his life seemed devoid of meaning, despite owning everything a man could dream of, including an Asian wife. But now, as he knelt before Askirama, sharing this joyous news, he felt as though the king had granted him dominion over the entire world—over all its women and all its joys. It was as if Askirama had handed him a reign greater than the city of Askira, surpassing even the great El-Kanem Borno Empire. This reign was embodied in Sa’adatu, the daughter of Bilkisu and Mallam Hashimu.</p><p>"Thank you for this immense favor, my father. Thank you, King of Askira," he said with heartfelt gratitude, his hands clasped tightly together. "I pray to Allah, who is greater than my gratitude, and I accept this with open arms. I promise that from this day forward, you will hear no cause for complaint from me about my past mistakes.</p><p>“I admit, my father, that I, Sageer, am a sinner—a man prone to disobedience, who has strayed from the principles of the upbringing you gave me. Yet you never gave up on me, always wishing and praying for my return to the right path. For that, I am constantly seeking Allah’s forgiveness. May He grant me the ability to care for your daughter-in-law with utmost integrity.”</p><p>He paused, then added, “Extend my gratitude to Queen Bilkisu—or better yet, I will go thank her myself.”</p><p>At this, Askirama gently restrained him, urging calm. “Don’t go now and cause a scene before the servants and maids. Besides, Bilkisu has said Sa’adatu locked herself in her room yesterday, upset, which shows she’s not happy about this marriage. Unlike you, who seem overwhelmed with joy.”</p><p>Prince Sageer smiled nervously, scratching his head. Upset? That our marriage is seen as a grievance to her? Yet he wasn’t surprised, as they had always maintained a respectful distance from one another. Any affection she might have harbored, he had never encouraged or confessed to.</p><p>He glanced at his father, who was now intently watching him, reading his unspoken thoughts. Sageer quickly pulled himself out of his reverie, fearful that Askirama might detect his growing agitation. For the joy filling him today was unprecedented. The thought of Sa’adatu as his wife—something he had longed for secretly—now overwhelmed him.</p><p>When Queen Bilkisu entered, her regal presence and carefully measured footsteps captivated her husband, Askirama. Sageer lowered his head deeply in respect, more bashful before her than he had ever been. Until this moment, he had regarded her more as a caring elder sister than his father’s wife.</p><p>With a warm smile, she teased, “So, our groom is glowing today!”</p><p>Askirama turned to her, saying, “What preparations are you making for the wedding?”</p><p>Queen Bilkisu adjusted her position, speaking with the respectful tone she reserved for her husband. “Oh, great one, I haven’t seen Sa’adatu since yesterday when I told her the news. She locked herself in her room. Perhaps she’ll come out when she hears the guests from Tsanyawa have arrived. As for the wedding arrangements, Your Highness, that’s usually Gumsu’s responsibility. Unfortunately, she’s angry with me over something that’s not even my fault.”</p><p>The king replied, “I’ll send for Yaa Maira to help with the arrangements. She’s on her way with Murjanatu, and they’ll join you soon. As for Sageer, he requested to see you, but I told him to wait until I called you here to avoid any drama.”</p><p>Queen Bilkisu laughed, and Sageer bowed his head even lower. In a subdued tone, he said, “Queen Bilkisu, may Allah bless you with a long life. I thank you. May Allah bless our forebears. I have accepted the marriage to Sa’adatu with both hands. I pray Allah grants me the ability to ensure fairness between her and my existing wife.”</p><p>The queen was deeply moved by his sincerity, half of her worries about him mistreating Sa’adatu—given that she was a commoner and he already had a foreign wife—dissolved. She replied, “To me, both you and Sa’adatu are equal, my dear Sageer, just as Askirama has never treated me any differently from his other wives. My only request is that you give her her own household. Sa’adatu cannot live in the same house as Aisha-Sultana. Their age, mindset, and dispositions are worlds apart, and such an arrangement would only bring strife.”</p><p>Sageer glanced nervously at his father to see if he had overheard, but Askirama was preoccupied with a phone call to Yaa Maira, who informed him they were nearing Biu. Sageer exhaled in relief and replied, “Insha’Allah, I’ll find her a separate residence. As for your other requests, I’ll address them in due course. Rest assured.”</p><p>With that, he bid them farewell and rose to leave, but Askirama stopped him once more. “Be a man, Sageer, not just a prince. A man who is firm in his convictions and understands the delicate nature of women. Handle your mother’s resistance with wisdom and ensure she blesses this union. Now go and plan everything with Awaisu. May Allah bless your life and your union.”</p><p> </p><p> </p>
