Page 47 of Only If You Dare

“What do I need to do?” I asked giving in.

His smile became broader, and he turned and barked out orders. Again, we were moving fast as I was shuffled from fashion stylists, to make up artists, to hair stylists. I had never been pulled and fussed over, so this experience was more than overwhelming. Besides that, there was a knot in my stomach about what I had gotten myself into. Though I wasn’t speaking out loud, the conversation I held with myself was shunting, to say the least.

Desiree Stevens, you are an investigative reporter, not a model. Have you lost all of your mind?

I had lost my mind and I noticed a pattern. Julian was manipulating me with his charm. If that were even possible.

What’s gotten into you?

I just didn’t know, but they say there was a first time for everything. That statement couldn’t have held more truth. Within twenty minutes I’d been transformed into an Arabian queen. Standing in a full-length mirror, I gawked at my reflection. The maroon silk material covered my head, while another piece wrapped around my face leaving only my eyes on display. The dark mascara sat shaded on my lids giving me an exotic appeal. My brows had been arched and jewels trailed a pattern down my forehead to the bridge of my nose.

Overhead, an arrangement of jewels sat on the edges of golden tassels hanging from my scarf just above my brows. The silk shawl material traveled down my image, weaving in and around my arms, waist, and legs. More makeup feathered my hands and jewels sat crowned around my knuckles. In my mind, the childhood song from Aladdin, ‘A Whole New World’, sang a tune throughout. I smiled and giggled, catching myself before I started to dance.

The door burst open and Kelsey came through snapping her fingers at the models as some of the stylists finished completing their looks.

“We need you all in place,” Kelsey said. “Where’s our Arabian queen,” she shouted.

I turned from the mirror and she glanced at me, her eyes popping. “Ms. Stevens?”

Shyly, I nodded.

“Guilty,” I said.

“Lady, you are gorgeous!” She walked over to me and my cheeks tightened as I held in a blush.

“Thank you,” I said.

“No, thank you, if you hadn’t have stepped in I don’t know what we would’ve done. Consider yourself the hero for today. Come, let me show you to your king.”

Kelsey grabbed my hand and pulled me from the room. Behind me, other models bobbed and weaved through the ongoing traffic of designers making their way to the set. We pushed through a double door and entered a banquet style room. Long mahogany tables sat around the walls in a fashionable, elegant demonstration. They were covered with golden cloths and decorated with what appeared to be expensive china. The background held a blue glow as if setting the scene for royalty. Kelsey pulled me along, walking hurriedly, and I was proud of myself for not stumbling.

When we approached a table at the front of the hall, my footsteps slowed when I saw Julian. He also wore the head covering of an Arabian king, and it hung down his head, past his masculine neck touching the robe covering his broad shoulders. His stance was strong, unwavering and striking. I’d never seen a king that looked as arrestingly handsome as he. My mouth dried instantly, leaving my throat parched. He’d stepped into his role effortlessly as if it was in his nature to do so. It was when his gaze landed on me that I felt my whole body incinerate. His invasive stare claimed every part of me as his eyes fell dark and wandered all over.

“Sabia que harias una Hermosa reina…”

I squirmed at his words although I was clueless to their meaning.

“You do know I don’t speak Spanish, right,” I said.

He pulled his bottom lip in with his teeth.

“I knew you would make a stunning queen,” he reiterated in English.

I’m sure my cheeks flamed. I cleared my throat and glanced around nervously before settling my eyes back on him.

“Thank you,” I said.

Julian held his hand out and I accepted it. The force of his pull was deliberate but steady and firm.

“You’ll sit here.”

Three people approached me helping me into the perfect position for the camera shots. The chair I sat in was outlined with gold trim that I was certain cost a fortune. The thick arms on the chair were covered in the same golden material that lay across the banquet tables. Julian took his position in a high back chair similar to the one I occupied. There was no table in front of us and the layout told me we were the centerpiece. More models crowded around us, each dressed in a different Arabian gown and jewels. I didn’t know much about kingdom life, but from everything going on around us, I guessed which role each person played as their true to life imagery came alive.

The photographer stood in front of us with an assortment of camera’s, tripods, and different lighting. My heart beat a million miles a second and I was sure at any moment I’d mess up my makeup when a bead of sweat glistened across my forehead. As if sensing my nervousness, Julian’s hand covered mine. I looked at him.

“You’re fine,” he said. “And beautiful.”

“You need to stop doing that,” I said.

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