Once upon a time, as these stories go, in a land now long-forgotten, there lived a man who valued honor above all else. He was the beloved son of the Vizier, advisor to the Ruler of the kingdom. Strong, bold, handsome and intelligent, all of these were qualities he possessed in abundance. He was a man of passion and great kindness, generous to his friends, loyal and brave. His strong jaw, dark hair, chiseled face attracted admiring glances from many of the women in the kingdom. Offers of marriage were brought to his father by many of the noblemen of the kingdom, dowries promising great riches. Yet, Amar and his father declined them all – nothing had seemed to their liking. Oh, Amar was by no means celibate – many a young beauty had known his touches, imploring him to become their lover, he would have had mistresses aplenty, should he have so decided. But it was not yet his time, Amar knew.
The Ruler of the kingdom had ruled long and fairly for many years, few could remember a time where he and his beloved Queen had not blessed them with their benevolence. So, when the Queen passed away into the hands of the Gods, the whole country went into a state of mourning. A week-long festival was declared in the Queen's honor, wine and song both flowing in tribute to her memory.
At the end of the week, the Ruler called the Vizier to his side. He looked a bit haggard, tired and sad. It broke the Vizier's heart to see him in this fashion.
"What is it you wish of me, oh beloved ruler? You need merely ask, if it is in my power to grant you this wish, I shall do so."
The Ruler smiled, it was the first smile that had crossed his face in well over a week. "You are a good and loyal servant, honest and true. How fares your son, Amar?"
"Quite well, your highness. My thanks for your inquiry."
The Ruler nodded, waving his hand. "My most loyal of servants, do you recall my daughter, the Princess Fawnsha?"
The Vizier sighed lightly. He knew well of Princess Fawnsha. Her beauty was nearly beyond description. She possessed the best qualities of both parents, her eyes were dark and full of life. Her body was tall, lithe and moved with a sinuous grace. Hair, long, jet-black fell down to her buttocks and there was nary a blemish or mark on her that would mar any of her beauty.
Yet, the Vizier recalled, she was arrogant, sometimes even cruel. Rumors that her servants and handmaidens were afraid of her wrath abounded. Fawnsha wanted things her way and it was said woe to any that denied her that.
"I see in your face that my daughter's reputation precedes her, beloved servant?"
"I am sorry, my liege, but yes, it does."
A slight grin came over the face of the Ruler. "It is all right, my friend. As our only daughter, my beloved wife and I were, perhaps, a bit too indulgent, somewhat lenient. Her brothers went out and made their mark in the world, but Fawnsha wished to remain close to her mother and I."
"This is not necessarily a bad thing, your highness."
Again, the Ruler grinned. "No, you are correct. She is a doting daughter, and I think, with proper assistance, she will rule well, with loving guidance, over the Kingdom. It is this I wish to speak of with you."
"My liege?"
"My dear friend, I know your son Amar remains unmarried. I wish him to marry the Princess Fawnsha. I will not be here forever and it is my fondest wish for them to wed and be the heirs to my throne, ruling wisely when my time comes to join with the Gods."
The Vizier had not expected this. He knew that a great honor was being accorded him, but he did not think he could speak for his son. He began to speak, but the Ruler spoke again.
"I know this may be an imposition, my dear friend, but the Princess is beautiful. I believe Amar strong enough, smart enough, loyal enough to us both to be a loving, caring husband who will teach her the compassion she lacks. I know this is a great favor I ask of you both, yet I ask it in the name of our long friendship. The marriage will not be without rewards. Amar and you will lack for nothing and when I pass, it shall be Fawnsha and Amar who guide the Kingdom forward."
The Vizier nodded, still incredulous at the Ruler's words. He promised he would speak with Amar that evening and have an answer in the morning.
Over their evening meal, Amar and his father spoke at length. As a dutiful son, he had no wish to dishonor his father by not granting his request. Still, he too, had heard of the fire of Princess Fawnsha. He had also wanted to fall in love and have loving, wonderful children with the woman he loved. His sense of honor won out, of course, he knew he would do what was best for the Kingdom, the Ruler, and his beloved father.
The next morning, Amar presented himself to the Ruler and bowed. "I am honored at the offer of Princess Fawnsha's hand in marriage, my beloved liege. You have my word of honor not to be cruel to her, to dishonor her in any way. I will give her my love and fealty, I promise you that."
The Ruler rose and took Amar by the hand. "Your words do me honor Amar, and for that, I am grateful. From today forward, you shall live here with me, you will want for nothing. You shall be treated as a most-beloved son. As I wish for you and Princess Fawnsha to become friends, I am placing you in quarters close proximity to her own."
Amar bowed again. "As you command, my liege."
This time, the Ruler's face took on a serious expression. "However Amar, I ask of you this favor. You MUST not lay with her – or any other female - before the night of your wedding, no matter how much she asks or other offers are made you. Do I have your word on this?"
Amar knew this would be difficult, the hardest thing he had ever done. His passions ran high, yet he knew the honor accorded him and his family, the rewards in this life and the next would make it worth the while.
"As you wish, my liege."
The Ruler clapped his hands and smiled. "Excellent. Come, my son, allow me to escort you to your quarters and then, we shall meet your betrothed. Servants shall be sent for your personal belongings, they shall be here within hours."
Amar walked with the Ruler, taking in all the opulence of the Palace. Rich tapestries hung everywhere, fixtures of gold and silver gleamed, polished to a rich lustre. The floors were cool and made of beautiful stone, with intricate patterns set in deep. Amar knew that someday all of this would belong to him and his soon-to-be bride, yet all he cared about was doing his duty.
Amar's own quarters were opulent, with two attending servants, one male, one female. He had never known such luxury, but as the Ruler guided him into the quarters of Princess Fawnsha, he saw the most spectacular thing of all.
"I will leave you two alone now, to become acquainted." The Ruler left the room and Amar and Princess Fawnsha were alone for the first time.
Any word of Princess Fawnsha had been inadequate to truly describe her great beauty. It was flawless, the gods had bestowed on her untold beauty. She moved towards him with cat-like grace, she was not demure and did not look away. Those dark eyes flashed with fire, her gentle hands touched his and then she spoke.
"So, you're the one father has chosen to make an honest woman out of me!" she said with some derision. Then, she snorted derisively. "Well, at least you're good-looking."
"Umm --- thank you, Fawnsha."
An angry look crossed her face. "PRINCESS Fawnsha."
Amar shook his head. "We are to be wed, there will be no formalities between us. You will have no secrets from me, nor will I keep any from you."
Fawnsha's eyes narrowed, she looked at him with suspicion. "None? Pfft. Men know little of honesty or honor. Do you have lovers? You do not come to me a virgin?"
