Eventually, Kanda, the newly appointed Patriarch of the Badilites, legitimized the North African Badilites. He believed we had earned that status after establishing dominance over the political and economic landscape of North Africa.
This decision solidified my father's position as Patriarch of the North African Badilites, granting him full recognition within the family's hierarchy.
It was January of 2028 when Patriarch Kanda visited the North African Badilites for the first time. The chosen location was Rabat, Morocco's national and political capital.
Accompanied by his wife, Matriarch Balela, and their children—Benesha, Sansula, and Maria—Patriarch Kanda stayed in our family's palace.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Malik," he expressed to my father over dinner.
"My home is also your home, brother," my father replied with a smile. "We are both descendants of King Benda. This reunion has been long overdue, and I am grateful that you are here to officially recognize the North African Badilites."
My parents, my two younger sisters, and I dined with the Badilite Royal Family. As tradition dictated, we began our meal with Moroccan tea.
"Hello and welcome," I greeted Benesha, Sansula, and Maria warmly.
"Thank you," Sansula replied, offering a polite smile. "You speak Dutch?"
"Yes!" I nodded. "My family immigrated to the Netherlands in anticipation of Adanna's birth."
Benesha sighed. "A lot of Badilite nobility did. She truly disappointed us all... Adanna was destined to surpass even me, but things did not unfold as we expected."
"There's nothing we can do about it now," I said. "Anyway, do you like Moroccan tea? This is your first time in Morocco, right?"
"Yes, and yes," Sansula answered. "The tea is incredibly sweet—just like the people here."
I felt my cheeks flush at the compliment. "I'm glad to hear that."
Then, my eyes fell upon Maria.
And in that moment, I was captivated.
I had never seen anyone quite like her. Her beauty was... extraordinary. Almost otherworldly. Though she bore a faint resemblance to Benesha and Sansula, she was clearly not their sister. Perhaps a niece?
Her features were striking, an exquisite blend of Moroccan, Black African, European, and East Asian heritage. It was as if she embodied the beauty of the world itself, a harmonious convergence of the most breathtaking traits from each ancestry. She wasn't just beautiful—she was unforgettable.
I wasn't the only one mesmerized. My younger sisters and even my mother were studying Maria with the same awe-struck expression.
"That's an interesting girl you've brought along, Balela," my mother finally remarked, unable to hide her curiosity. "Is she even a full-blooded Badilitess?"
"Yes," Balela answered smoothly. "Her name is Maria. A distant relative. We took her in after her parents passed away in an accident."
My mother narrowed her eyes slightly. "I've never seen a Badilite with her features before. The closest would be Benesha, with her blue eyes and whitish hair... But still, something about Maria is different. I just can't put my finger on it."
"Not only is she beautiful," Balela said, "she is also remarkably talented."
My mother tilted her head. "She isn't engaged to your son, is she?"
"Well..." Balela paused, then smiled. "She's one of the options."
Her words seemed to catch Maria, Benesha, and Sansula off guard. I wasn't sure why.
"Can you make my daughter one of the options too?" my mother chuckled. "I was hoping to pair up my Amira with your son."
I nearly choked on my tea. "Mom!" I exclaimed, my face burning with embarrassment.
Maria, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. "That's too bad..."
Just then, our tajine arrived.
"Besaha," she said, offering the Arabic blessing, have a nice meal.
"Lay'atik saha," I responded instinctively, still flustered.
As we dined, laughter and conversation filled the room. But just as we were settling into the evening, the ruling North African Badilite families from Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt gathered in the palace's main hall.
Patriarch Kanda set down his napkin and wiped his mouth.
"It's time to begin the ceremony."