The following morning Ardeth waited for Layla outside the tent she was staying in. "I was beginning to think you were not coming out," Ardeth said as she walked out to him.
"I wanted to make myself presentable for our announcement," Layla said, checking her clothes.
"You have never not looked presentable to me," Ardeth said, looking at the beautiful dark blue gown she was wearing, with the Medjai symbols embroidered on the hem of the long sleeves.
"My love, you are so sweet to say that, however, I know how important this announcement is. I know the council members will scrutinize me. They will want to know if I am worthy of being a chief's wife."
"I do not care if they believe you to be worthy or not. We will be united soon," Ardeth said taking her in his arms for a kiss. "Very soon."
"Shall we go make the announcement, my love?" Layla took him by the hand as they started to walk.
"I think Mother knows what this is about. She kept smiling at me all during breakfast," Ardeth said. "I asked them to meet us at the council tent."
"Mothers know everything. I could never hide a secret from my mother. I am sure it is the same with Zia."
"Yes. Fahim and I can never hide anything from her for too long." Ardeth noticed that she slowed her pace. "Is something wrong, Layla?"
"The council. I wish I could tell them I am a descendent of a pharaoh or that I am a princess, but I cannot," she sighed as they stopped walking.
Ardeth turned her to face him. "You are a queen in my eyes."
"Oh my!" Layla was very flattered by his words. "You do know how to make a woman feel special. You say just the right words."
"I meant every word. I will treat you as a queen every day of my life," Ardeth said with a smile.
Raza walked by them, heading to the council tent. "Do not keep the council waiting, my friend. You know how angry they can get."
"Yes, I know." Ardeth and Layla walked with Raza to the tent. Raza held the flap open as Ardeth and Layla entered. Seeing his grandfather, Ardeth went to him first out of respect for his age.
"Ardeth, why am I up so early?" Mahir asked. It was known all over the camp he rarely rose before midday.
"I am sorry for the early meeting but I have news that will please our family and the council members," Ardeth explained.
"So speak. What news do you have for us?" his grandfather asked.
"Grandfather, council, Mother and Father. I have asked Layla to be my wife. She has graciously accepted," Ardeth said with a very big smile while he held Layla's hand.
"My child you have chose wisely," Zia said with a wink, knowing it was their destiny.
"Congratulations, my son," Harith said, giving him a hearty handshake.
"Thank you both." Ardeth turned to his grandfather. He had a somber look on his face, which made Ardeth wonder if he would accept Layla.
"Are you sure this woman loves you?" Mahir asked.
"Yes, Grandfather. We love each other very much," he assured him.
"Is she capable of giving you heirs?" Zahid asked.
"I am very capable of giving my future husband many heirs," Layla answered.
"When is this uniting to take place?" Zahid asked.
"Two weeks from today. I have friends to contact," Ardeth said, thinking of the O'Connell family.
"I have not given my blessing as of yet," Mahir said, attempting to stand. Raza steadied him as he rose up.
"Is there a problem, Grandfather?" Ardeth walked closer so the elderly man didn't have to walk so far.
"Come here, young lady," Mahir told her. He took her hands and looked them over. Layla looked at them trying to figure out what he was trying to find. "You have calloused hands from hard work."
"Yes, Sir. As I am sure Ardeth has told you, I was once a slave," Layla said, becoming worried he wouldn't accept her.
"I know my grandson very well. He will need a strong woman to keep him in line. I believe you are, after what you have been through. You will make him a fine wife. I accept you into our family. I am sure if Ardeth's Grandfather Bay were here he would agree." Ardeth never knew his other grandfather. He had died in a battle a few weeks before he was born He does carry something very special of his Grandfather Bay's, his full name.
"Thank you, Mahir. Your blessing is very important to both of us," Layla said with a smile.
"You are right, Grandson. Her smile is beautiful." Mahir winked at him. "If I were younger I would steal her away from you." He chuckled.
"Grandfather, I believe you would be a worthy opponent," Ardeth said, playing along.