A wide pathway stretched between a sea of golden savanna grass, leading to a grand estate nestled against the eastern borders of Garin Gabas. The thundering hooves of a procession of horsemen echoed across the countryside as they galloped down the path, kicking up dust in their wake. At the head of this entourage rode the Waziri, his face etched with worry and fatigue.

As they approached the estate, servants and household members poured out to welcome their master home. The Waziri had been absent for three grueling days, tending to matters of state in the Emir's palace as Garin Gabas endured its relentless siege. His estate, far from the bustling capital, offered a stark contrast to the tension-filled atmosphere of the besieged city.

Servants rushed from the estate, their hurried footsteps stirring the dust as they swarmed around the returning party like ants around spilled honey. One took the reins of the Waziri's horse, the animal snorting and pawing at the ground, still charged from the long ride. The air buzzed with the sounds of greetings, the quick shuffle of feet, and the murmured exchanges of questions—life surging back into the estate as if it had been waiting for its master's return.

Amidst the commotion, the head of the household, a stern-faced man named Lawal, approached the Waziri with measured steps. "Welcome home, my lord," he intoned formally, bowing his head in respect. "I trust your journey was safe?"

Usman nodded absentmindedly, his thoughts still trapped in the ruins of Filin Kasa, replaying the morning's fateful negotiation. The Emir's words echoed in his mind: "My Waziri has a daughter." With those five words, Abdullahi had thrown Usman's only child, his precious Mairo, to the fennic - the vicious desert predator that was Prince Rashid.

The shock still gripped Usman. He had opened his mouth to protest, but the Emir's gaze froze the words in his throat. It wasn't the friend he'd known for decades, but the ruler of Garin Gabas—whose word was law.

"My lord?" Lawal's voice cut through Usman's thoughts. "Is everything alright?"

Usman blinked, forcing himself back to the present. "Yes, Lawal. Everything is... as well as can be expected." He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Where is my wife?"

"She prays for your safe return."

"Send word of my return. I need to see her right away."

As Lawal hurried off to carry out his instructions, Usman stood rooted to the spot, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings of his home. The lush gardens, the sturdy walls, the sounds of life emanating from every corner - all of it seemed suddenly fragile, as if it might crumble away at any moment.

How could he tell his daughter, Mairo? His fierce, independent Mairo, who'd once defiantly ridden into the desert alone to prove she could? He could already picture the fire in her eyes, the sharp retort on her lips. The idea of caging her spirit in a marriage with a man like Prince Rashid felt like sentencing a hawk to a gilded cage. She was headstrong, intelligent, with dreams and ambitions of her own. This arranged marriage - to a prince known for his cruelty, no less - would crush those dreams like delicate desert flowers under a sandstorm.

Yet, as the weight of duty pressed down upon him, Usman's hands clenched into fists, nails biting into his palms. The heavy title of Waziri sat on his shoulders like a boulder, crushing his breath. He could almost feel the fate of Garin Gabas tightening the invisible chains around his family's future.

With a heavy heart, Usman made his way towards the main house. Each step felt like lead, carrying him closer to a conversation that would change his daughter's life forever. Behind him, the sun climbed higher in the sky, its harsh light a reminder of the unforgiving world they lived in - a world where even the most precious things could be sacrificed in the name of survival.

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Usman sat heavily on the intricately woven cushion in his chambers, the lavish surroundings both comforting and suffocating. Richly embroidered tapestries adorned the walls, their vibrant colors muted in the warm glow of oil lamps. The familiar scent of incense curled through the air, mingling with the plush textures of silk and velvet that draped over ornate furniture. He was still reeling from the morning's events when the soft rustle of fabric announced his wife's arrival before he even saw her.

Larai, chubby and beautiful, entered the room with the grace of her royal upbringing. Her ladies-in-waiting remained respectfully outside as she knelt on the mat opposite her husband. "As-salaam-alaikum, my husband," she greeted, her voice warm and melodious.

Instead of returning the greeting, Usman's words came out heavy and abrupt. "Your brother has promised our daughter's hand in marriage to the prince of the Gwari Empire."

Larai's eyes widened slightly, but her composure remained intact. She took a moment to process the information before speaking. "I see," she said carefully. "And what are your thoughts on this, my husband?"

Usman's shoulders sagged. "It was not a request, Larai. It was a proclamation. The Emir has spoken."

Larai nodded slowly. "I understand. But surely, there must be some reason for such a sudden decision? Our Mairo is young, and the prince... well, his reputation precedes him."

"It's politics," Usman said bitterly. "A desperate attempt to save our kingdom from siege. Your brother offered our daughter's hand in marriage to secure an alliance."

Larai's brow furrowed. "And you agreed to this?"

"What choice did I have?" Usman's voice rose slightly. "The fate of Garin Gabas hangs in the balance. Thousands of lives against our daughter's future..."

Larai reached out, placing a calming hand on her husband's arm. "Peace, my love. I do not judge you. But have you considered how Mairo will react to this news?"

Usman's face fell. "That is what worries me most. She is so headstrong, so full of dreams and ideas. This marriage will be like a cage to her."

"Perhaps," Larai said thoughtfully, "but our daughter is also clever. She may find a way to turn this situation to her advantage."

Usman looked at his wife, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "You always see the best in every situation, my dear. But tell me, where is Mairo now? I must speak with her immediately."

Larai hesitated, her gaze darting to the window before returning to Usman's. She smoothed the fabric of her gown, a small, guilty smile tugging at her lips. "Ah... well, about that... Lawal mentioned she rode out with Jibril. Dressed ...as a man."

Usman groaned, rubbing his temples. "That girl will be the death of me. How did I end up with a daughter who refuses to behave like one? I swear, even the camels are easier to reason with."

"She takes after her father," Larai said with a small smile. "Always seeking adventure."

"Adventure is the last thing we need right now," Usman sighed. "Larai, listen carefully. The Sultan and his son will be coming tomorrow for the introduction and wedding."

Larai's composure finally cracked, her eyes widening in shock. "Tomorrow? But that's impossible! There's no time to prepare, no time for Mairo to—"

"I know," Usman cut her off gently. "But we have no choice. When Mairo returns, you must prepare her. Help her understand the gravity of the situation."

Larai took a deep breath, collecting herself. "Very well. I will do what I can. But Usman, promise me something."

"What is it?"

"Promise me that we will do everything in our power to protect our daughter, even in this marriage. She may have to wed the prince, but she doesn't have to lose herself in the process."

Usman reached out, taking his wife's hands in his. "I promise, Larai. We will find a way to keep our Mairo safe, no matter what."

As they sat there, hands clasped, the weight of their daughter's future pressing down upon them, the sounds of the estate continued around them. Servants bustled about, unaware of the storm brewing within the Waziri's chambers.

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