The Unlucky Bride Is Loved by the Fortunate Desert King - Chapter 21 – A Long-Awaited Rendezvous

“What—!? What did you just say, Ishaq!!” Al stood up so suddenly that his teacup nearly toppled over.

Apparently, Al had threatened everyone around him—saying things like “Let me see Yuzu, let me rest, or maybe I’ll boycott the entire festival!”

Thanks to that tantrum, he managed to secure a brief break for the morning and came to see me.
It felt like I hadn’t seen Al’s face in years.

When he suddenly appeared, I was so surprised I nearly fell off the sofa.

“Al!!” I rushed to him in a panic, and Al pulled me into a strong embrace.

“Yuzu!! Finally… I’ve found you!” Wrapped in Al’s arms, carrying the scent of sunlight, I felt completely safe.

“Al-sama, are you all right? Please don’t push yourself too hard…”
“I was born sturdy, so I’d like to say I’m fine… but not seeing you, Yuzu, has been hard. I missed you.”

His warm fingers traced the outline of my face, as if memorizing every curve. Then he gently tilted my chin upward.

“Yuzu…”
Al’s face drew closer, slowly. He was going to kiss me—I could tell. But I had no strength left to push him away. Even so, I reminded myself—I was to marry Asaad.

“No… Al, you can’t…” Just before our lips met, Al gave a small, bitter laugh and pulled back.

“This feels like torture. Maybe I should just declare war on Asaad. ‘Yuzu is my bride,’ I’ll say.”
“Al, that’s not funny—”

“It’s not a joke. I’m serious. I’ll steal you from Asaad if I must. Tell me, Yuzu—what would it take for me to have you? What do you truly desire?”

Like a prince from a fairy tale, Al took my hand and traced it gently with his fingertips. He brought it close to his lips, as if to kiss it, but stopped just short.

My lips parted—but then I realized what I had almost said, and shut them tightly.

I couldn’t wish for anything more from Al. That would only be taking advantage of his kindness.

“Thank you, Al. Just hearing you say that makes me really happy.” I slipped my hand free from his and hid it behind my back.

“Yuzu…”
Al’s eyes followed my hand longingly.

If I stayed with him any longer—if he touched me again—I knew I’d never be able to leave.

Al’s voice trembled as though he were holding something back. “You’re going to marry a man whose face you don’t even know. Aren’t you afraid?”

“I… don’t know. Honestly, I am scared. But it’s already been decided.”

Even if I tried to act strong, my heart was full of fear. The truth was—I wanted to be Al’s bride. If only that were possible… how happy I would be. But that dream could never come true.

Al’s clenched fist trembled. “You’ve never even met him! He could be violent—he could be a womanizer with several wives already! You know as well as I do that this land isn’t entirely safe. There are even slavers here.

He might be some pervert who collects human bodies. Once you enter his mansion, you might never come out again! Yuzu—do you still intend to become Asaad’s bride?”

“Al…”
It was rare to see him like this. I thought he was angry—but no, he was genuinely worried for me.

And because it was Al—because of that—I could feel at peace.

“I don’t know him at all, but I heard that Asaad is your acquaintance, right? Then it’ll be fine. If he’s someone you know, he must be a good person. You’re the only one I trust in this country, Al. So… I’ll be okay. Oh! Of course, I trust Ishaq too!”
“Yuzu…”

I was terrified of marrying a stranger. But knowing that Al and Asaad were acquainted—that alone was enough to keep me calm.

“Are you… truly fine being apart from me?”

Al’s words were so soft I almost missed them. “Al, sorry—could you say that again?”

“No—it’s nothing. My mistake. Since I have a rare break, let’s have some tea.”

Al called to a servant in the hall and asked for refreshments.

Perhaps they had already prepared for this—because within minutes, a full spread of colorful cakes, nuts, and dark, fragrant tea was brought in.

Soon after, Ishaq burst into the room, panting heavily. It was rare to see him so flustered.

“What is it, Ishaq? Did something happen?”
“My deepest apologies… Al, your father has forbidden you from any free activity during the day of the festival. You are not permitted to visit the stalls with Yuzu.”

“What—!? What did you just say, Ishaq!!” Al’s face drained of color in shock.

We had promised to explore the festival stalls together during the day.

(I was… really looking forward to it…)

Why is it that the things I most look forward to—God always takes them away first?

But the thing I hate most… is myself—for already giving up on everything.