Page 21 of Bound By Wishes

Leon hit the ground again, bowing deep, and I couldn’t help but feel like a heel for speaking to another human being in such a way. “Right away, Your Highness. I will get the servants to clean it immediately.” He rose from the ground, beckoning me to follow him in the opposite direction.

As he led me down the dimly lit halls, I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. The concept of an angel standing on one shoulder and a devil on the other was a common metaphor used to represent the inner conflict between good and evil, but in my case, all I had on my shoulder was a tiny genie. Lucky me.

Iwas led into a large room that was massive and airy, with high ceilings supported by elegant columns embellished with swirls of gold. Plush cushions and low sofas were scattered across the floor, inviting me to relax.

“Make yourself comfortable, Highness. I will make haste in preparing your rooms.” Leon scurried off like I had lit a literal fire under his butt.

The room flooded with servants as I sank onto the silken pillows. They crowded around me, each eager to serve. The attention was making me uncomfortable, but I remembered Ranen’s warning about looking like I belonged, so I leaned back into the pillows, allowing them to fan me with feathered fans and cater to my every whim. I drew the line when one servant tried to feed me fruit. I took the bowl from her, appalled by the idea of someone putting food in my mouth.Thankfully, she didn’t argue and instead poured me a refreshing glass of water.

The pampering went on until I was past the point of being aggravated with it. At least Ranen was no longer perched on my shoulder, squawking orders in my ear like a bird. I glanced around, wondering where he had gone off to.

Leon walked in and bowed low. “Your room is ready, Highness.”

I rose from the pillows, more than happy for a chance at some peace and quiet. Leon led me down the halls in silence before stopping in front of intricately carved double doors. He pushed the doors open and then stepped out of the way for me to enter.

I stalled in the doorframe, completely mesmerized by the luxury and elegance. The room was massive, with high arched ceilings. Richly woven tapestries hung on the walls.

A grand canopied bed dominated the center of the room, draped in luxurious silks and velvets in deep jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, and onyx. The bed's wooden frame was intricately carved with motifs and inlaid with precious stones. Plush cushions and embroidered pillows were carefully arranged on the bed. I was so exhausted, I couldn’t wait to dive into the silky sheets.

“Is there anything else you require, Your Highness?” Leon interrupted my exploring.

“No, I wish to be left alone to rest,” I replied firmly.

Leon bowed before closing the door behind him.

As I stepped into the room, I noticed the floor was covered with thick handwoven rugs that felt like I was walking on clouds. Delicate curtains of fine, sheer fabric framed thearched windows, allowing a soft breeze that carried the scent of jasmine and rose from the gardens outside to flow through. I ventured closer to the balcony, completely amazed by the sheer size of it and the beautifully carved stone balustrades.

In one corner of the room, a dressing area was set up with a large mirror framed in gold. An assortment of perfumes, oils, and cosmetics were meticulously arranged on a carved wooden vanity, along with delicate combs and brushes made from ivory and silver. I walked over to it, running my fingers across the finery.

“Are you pleased with my rooms?” a deep, sensual voice rumbled behind me, and I nearly jumped out of my skin as I twirled around.

Ranen was stretched out across my bed, black smoke still settling from where he had materialized. His hands were lazily placed behind his head, one leg bent at the knee and the other stretched out. The sight of a genie sprawled across my bed, coupled with the intimacy of being alone with him, caused my fear to spike tenfold.

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “Can you get out of my bed? I’m tired.”

A smile brushed across Ranen’s face, igniting a wicked gleam in his dark eyes. “This is my bed, ya amar, and my rooms. Looks like you’re going to have to learn to share.”

“I’m not sharing a bed with you,” I growled. “I’ll sleep outside first.”

Ranen poofed before me so quickly my heart lodged in my throat. He lifted his hand as if to touch my face, and a tremor coursed down my spine. Ranen’s hand slowly fell back to his side. “Are you still that shaken up from last night?” The change in his tone from mocking toserious caught me off guard, and my gaze climbed to meet his.

“Yes,” I lied. My fear of men had intensified last night, but the base of the problem was buried so deep within me that nothing could ever uproot it.

Ranen’s eyes searched my face before he took a step back. “You can have my bed,” he said.

Relief washed over me. “Where will you sleep?” I asked, my voice still tight with concern.

“In that cursed lamp right beside you,” Ranen grumbled.

And then the fear returned. “Can’t you find your own room?” I asked.

“Unfortunately not.” He sighed. “I don’t trust anyone around here, so until these shackles are off, I’m not leaving your side.”

I rolled my eyes. “How gallant. Your concern for me is touching.”

Ranen shrugged.

A timid knock on the wooden doors of my room halted the conversation. Ranen vanished from sight as I turned to the door. “Enter.”

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