" Hope for tomorrow "

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Two Months After the Battle in the Cedar Forest

The atmosphere in Granada was filled with joy and celebration. Today was a special day—the wedding day of Crown Prince Abdullah and Sara, who had become a new symbol of hope and renewal after all that the city had gone through. Despite the sense of alienation Sara felt as the wife of Abdullah's deceased uncle, the celebration was grand, and everyone participated in these joyous moments.

In the streets of Granada, flags flew high, and people gathered from every corner. Children ran through the streets holding flowers, while women wore traditional clothes adorned with bright colors, offering cheerful comments. The air was filled with the scent of jasmine and plum, as if the entire city was celebrating the arrival of this happy occasion.

Prince Badis bin Habus, accompanied by Abdullah, headed toward the palace room where princes, ministers, and advisors had gathered to welcome Prince Mustafa. The place was vibrant with life, and the faces bore mixed expressions of pride and anticipation. Everyone was waiting for Sheikh Muhyiddin, who would officiate the wedding.

After a short wait, the figure of Sheikh Muhyiddin appeared, a dignified man whose eyes held the wisdom of the years. Upon his arrival, a sense of respect filled the room as everyone bowed in greeting. He approached Abdullah and warmly shook his hand, knowing him well as one of his devoted students.

"Congratulations, my son. Today marks a new beginning for you and your bride," the Sheikh said, surrounded by joyful voices.

Then the Sheikh turned to shake hands with Prince Mustafa, who regarded him with respect. Everyone understood that his presence lent a special dignity to the wedding.

The ceremonies began as Abdullah and Sara stood facing each other, surrounded by family and friends. Sara wore a traditional Arab dress reflecting Islamic heritage, her long and wide gown made of soft dark green silk, intricately adorned with golden and silver embroidery.

Sheikh Muhyiddin recited verses from the Quran, reminding everyone of the significance of this day—not just as a celebration but as the beginning of a new life filled with responsibilities and challenges.

The Sheikh then stood to emphasize a very important matter. "Before we finalize this marriage, I would like to mention the dowry that has been set for Sara. It is not merely a symbol; it is her right, her right alone."

He directed his gaze towards Sara. "The dowry that has been determined consists of jewelry and land, and we must remember that it is solely yours, and no one has the right to interfere with it or act upon it without your consent."

Silence fell over the room, and everyone exchanged looks filled with appreciation and admiration.

"This dowry, Sara, is an expression of respect and appreciation for you as a woman, and as a person who deserves all the beautiful things in life. Ensure that it is your right and belongs to no one but you."

Sara smiled, feeling a sense of empowerment and recognition. "Thank you, Sheikh. I will strive to be strong and deserving of this right."

The Sheikh then turned towards Abdullah, "And now, do you accept, Abdullah, to be a husband to Sara and to ensure her a dignified life with her rights preserved?"

"Yes, I accept!" Abdullah replied, as he sought to create a new future with Sara despite all the complexities.

Then the Sheikh turned back to Sara, "Do you accept, Sara, to be the wife of Abdullah and to share all aspects of life with him?"

"Yes, I accept!" Sara replied, her voice clear and reflecting her determination.

The official Islamic marriage ceremony commenced. Sheikh Muhyiddin recited the opening chapter of the Quran, and everyone echoed his words with emotion. He then mentioned the conditions that the couple must adhere to, such as kindness, fairness, and affection.

"The husband must be gentle and compassionate, and the wife must be supportive and loving. Each of you is a partner to the other in this life," the Sheikh explained, looking at the couple.

The Sheikh then moved to write the marriage contract, sitting at a small table surrounded by family members. He picked up the pen and began recording the details of the contract, including the dowry, the names of the bride and groom, and the witnesses. Among the witnesses was Abdullah's brother, Tamim, who had come to support his brother on this significant day.

"I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger," the Sheikh said as he signed the contract. The witnesses followed suit, representing both families.

As Tamim smiled proudly, he remembered his brother in this moment and wanted this day to be a beautiful memory for him and his family.

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After the Wedding Ceremony

After the wedding ceremony, guests began to disperse, and the sounds faded into the distance. Abdullah headed toward the couple's chamber, which was decorated with bright colors and soft lights, creating a romantic atmosphere. He gently opened the door to find Sara standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by an air of shyness and tension.

Upon seeing her, he was struck by her beauty. Although he had known her before the marriage, this moment felt different. He slowly approached her, driven by his feelings, and raised his hand gently to remove the veil from her face. For the first time, he was able to see her features fully—her hair, her sparkling eyes, and her shy smile.

"Why You agreed the wedding?" Abdullah asked with a smile, gazing at her with passion.

Sara replied, her face serious, "For the same reason you married me."

Abdullah smiled, feeling the warmth of her words and the depth of their meaning. This simple exchange carried within it much hope and understanding.

After a moment of silence filled with emotions, Abdullah turned to the candle on the table. He leaned closer, blowing gently on the flame, causing the lights to flicker and illuminate the room with a dreamy atmosphere. This was a symbol of a new beginning, a shared life filled with challenges, yet also filled with love and hope.

Abdullah looked at Sara and said, "Today is a new beginning for us. Let us face whatever comes together."

Sara nodded, her spirit infused with confidence and faith in this new relationship. She knew they had a long journey ahead, but she was ready to face it by his side.

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The Following Morning

The next morning, Abdullah woke up first, his heart still embracing the joy from the wedding night. He decided to start his day by opening the windows to let the sunlight stream into the room. The atmosphere was filled with the scent of jasmine wafting from the nearby garden.

He heard a faint sound and turned to Sara, who was struggling to wake up. "Good morning," he said kindly. "Why don't you go outside to breathe in the fresh air?"

She looked at him tiredly. "Why now? I feel like I need some time. I'm still a bit exhausted."

"Don't worry," Abdullah smiled. "You'll feel better in a bit."

He left her for a moment to take a shower. While Sara tossed and turned in bed, she found it difficult to get up, but she knew she had to start this new day.

After a while, she finally managed to rise and decided to take a warm shower. This moment refreshed her, as she felt the water revitalizing her.

Meanwhile, Abdullah went order breakfast. Shortly after, the maid brought breakfast to the room, carrying delicious aromas from the traditional dishes.

Abdullah waited eagerly for Sara's return. When she entered the room, she smiled and asked, "Why are you waiting for me?"

"Nothing happened," Abdullah replied playfully. "I just want to share breakfast with you."

They sat together at the small table and began eating. The conversation flowed comfortably between them, as they learned more about each other with each bite. Those moments strengthened their relationship, making everything seem brighter.

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After a Week of Marriage

As they walked through the gardens of the Alhambra Palace, where the sunbeams danced on the leaves of the trees and the scents of fragrant flowers mingled in the air, Sarah felt a heaviness in her chest. Each step she took was accompanied by mixed feelings of gratitude and fear. She glanced at Abdullah, who walked beside her with calmness and serenity, questioning herself: "How can he be so kind?" But she couldn't suppress her questions any longer.

In a soft voice filled with hesitation, she said, "Abdullah... why do you treat me with such kindness?"

Abdullah suddenly stopped walking and looked at her with eyes full of concern. He gently asked, "Why shouldn't I treat you kindly?"

Sarah hesitated for a moment, then decided to open her heart, saying, "I was your uncle's wife... and our marriage was not based on love or choice. It was a political alliance, and no one chooses their spouse this way without feeling some resentment or aversion. Doesn't that make you feel angry?"

Abdullah looked up at the sky for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, then replied, "Sarah, I understand what you're saying, and I know that circumstances may not always be as we wish. But... I cannot see you merely as a wife due to a political alliance. You are a person, with your own feelings, and you deserve respect and appreciation regardless of the circumstances. You are now my wife, and that means a lot to me."

Sarah didn't expect this response, but she felt his words beginning to penetrate her heart. She hesitated before asking him again, "But... couldn't you feel anger? Or even avoid me?"

Abdullah smiled gently and replied in a calm, deep voice, "Sarah, even if we married for political reasons, marriage in our faith holds greater meanings than mere interests. In Islam, it is the husband's duty to treat his wife kindly and to do good to her. Just because our marriage is the result of an agreement does not mean I will treat you poorly or that I will hate you. On the contrary, this alliance is an opportunity for us to start our lives anew. And I have been raised to believe that a wife deserves all care and attention."

Sarah kept looking at Abdullah for a long moment, feeling his words express strong principles, deeper than she had imagined. She didn't know that someone could see things with such simplicity and purity. Then she smiled slightly and said, "What a good upbringing, indeed. I didn't expect to hear these words, but they make me see things differently."

Abdullah felt a sense of relief at seeing her smile, the smile he had hoped to see from the start. He reached out gently and touched her hand, saying, "Sarah, I don't want you to feel obligated to anything. I want us to start this new life together with contentment and comfort. And if it takes time for us to feel secure with each other, that's fine. I'm here to support you and stand by you."

Sarah felt a sense of calm washing over her. Abdullah's words reassured her, and she saw in him an unexpected sincerity. She replied softly, "I'm grateful to you for this... I didn't think I would find such understanding in you."

Abdullah smiled and said, "Life is not always as we plan it, but it gives us opportunities to prove what we carry within us in terms of values. Now, let's put our worries aside and enjoy this moment, this beautiful garden."

The two of them admired the surrounding flowers and the soft sounds of water flowing from the fountains. After a moment of silence, Abdullah looked at his watch and said, "I'll go visit my grandfather now. I have some matters to discuss with him, but I won't be long. Is that alright with you?"

Sarah smiled and replied, "Sure, I will be here waiting for you."

Abdullah smiled and tilted his head slightly before walking away, leaving Sarah to ponder their conversation. She began to feel that this marriage, which she had thought was merely a political arrangement, could be the beginning of something deeper and more beautiful than she had imagined.

---

After Some Time

In one of the corners of the luxurious Alhambra Palace, Prince Badis Ibn Habus sat in his heavy chair, leaning on his ornately carved cane. His body was weary from the years and the illnesses that had begun to consume him, but his eyes still held the gleam of the wisdom he had gained over the years. A cold breeze wafted through the open palace windows, carrying the fragrance of flowers from the palace gardens. Abdullah, his grandson, stood beside him, gazing at his grandfather with deep love and respect, knowing that these moments held great significance.

After a long moment of silence, Prince Badis spoke in a calm yet strong voice: "Abdullah, I have missed you in the councils. You no longer attend as you used to."

Abdullah replied with dignity, "I know, my grandfather. But you know I have been busy with many matters."

The prince smiled lightly and said, "Many matters? Is there anything more important than the councils and the authority that will soon be in your hands? Tomorrow, you must be there. This is an order, not just an invitation."

Abdullah felt the weight of his words but nodded and said, "I will be there, my grandfather. I will fulfill my duties."

The prince relaxed a bit in his chair, then spoke in a quieter tone: "Abdullah, before I leave this world, I want to see my grandson. I want to see who will continue to carry the family name after you. I want to be assured of our future... I want to see him before death comes to me."

Abdullah felt the depth of the request, but he tried to remain calm as he answered, "God willing, my grandfather. You will have a grandson to hold in your hands and rejoice in."

The prince nodded slowly, then sighed, saying in a weary tone: "I do not think I have much time left. My body is wasting away, Abdullah; the illness is not just in the bones but also in the soul. I feel as if I am fighting windmills."

Abdullah approached his grandfather slowly, speaking with tenderness, "Do not worry, my grandfather. We will do everything we can. I will call the best doctors in Granada to take care of you. We will not leave anything to chance."

Prince Badis gestured with his hand slightly, as if discussing his health no longer mattered to him, and spoke more firmly: "Doctors cannot stop time, Abdullah. We must accept what God has decreed. But you... you must be ready. Soon, authority will be in your hands. Councils, discussions, decisions—all will become part of your daily life. You must bear that responsibility."

Abdullah sat down near his grandfather on a small chair, reflecting seriousness in his features as he said, "I am ready, my grandfather. I have learned a lot from you over the years. You have always been my role model. I will bear the responsibility, and I will be worthy of the trust you have placed in me."

The prince sighed and said in a somewhat weaker voice: "Trust me, authority is not easy. People will surround you; each one of them has their interests and agendas. You must be smart and know who is a true friend and who is a hypocrite. Therefore, always listen to the advice of Minister Al-Arabi and Minister Omar. They will stand by you. You must trust them as I do."

Abdullah looked at his grandfather firmly and said, "I understand, my grandfather. I will follow your advice, and I will learn how to rule wisely and justly."

The prince smiled, but it was a weary smile that reflected many years of work and challenge, and he said: "This is what I want to hear from you. I will not be here forever, but I am reassured that you will be able to lead the family and the emirate after me."

He paused for a moment, weighing his words, and then said: "Life will not be easy for you, my son. Do not forget that you have a responsibility before God and before your people. A true leader is one who serves, not one who dominates."

Abdullah held his grandfather's hand tenderly and said, "I will be a leader who serves. I will be worthy of the trust you have placed in me. I will not let you down."

Prince Badis closed his eyes slightly, as if his final words had drained him. Then he spoke in a faint voice: "Good... now, go and rest. The coming days will be filled with trials. Be prepared, Abdullah."

Abdullah leaned down and kissed his grandfather's hand before saying, "Good night, my grandfather. I will be ready for whatever is to come."

Then he slowly left the room, leaving behind Prince Badis, who seemed to be diving into his thoughts, anxious about the future of the emirate and Abdullah, who would soon bear the heavy burden placed upon his shoulders.

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