Page 37 of Bound By Wishes

Arwa came in moments later, and I made myself scarce as she took Caleena to the bathing house. I stepped out onto the balcony, the humid breeze easing some of my tension. My gaze traveled across the gardens below. Tall date palms and citrus trees laden with golden fruits provided dappled shade over winding pathways. Flowers of every hue, from the deepest purples to the purest white, bloomed in carefully tended beds, their obnoxiously sweet fragrances mingling in the warm, dry air. Their captivating beauty reminded me of Caleena, souring my mood once again.

My mother's words resurfaced in my mind. "No girl will ever be good enough for you, my son, but at least choose one of our stature." A tremor of contempt coursed its way through me. She was long gone now, and I couldn’t say that I missed her overbearing personality, but she was right. When the king of Jalam marries, it must be someone of equal standing, not an archaeologist who had somehow wormed her way beneath my skin.

A sudden thought brightened my mood. Razoul seemed interested in Caleena, and he and I were true brothers,always wanting what the other had. Perhaps that was why every time I looked at Caleena an uncomfortable ache gnawed at my chest. That had to be it. It was simple brotherly jealousy.

A weight was lifted off my shoulders at the realization, and I sat down on the settee on the balcony. My eyes traveled beyond the great walls surrounding the palace. Nestled among the harsh desert landscape, the village was overrun with humble clay houses with flat roofs, their walls weathered and cracked by the relentless sun. Narrow, dusty streets wound through the town, bordered by makeshift stalls with meager basic necessities and handmade goods. It wasn’t much, but it was mine and would be again. Caleena’s words blared in my head. Maybe I should try a little harder to ensure the people were better cared for. Djinns rarely gave humans a second thought. Their lives were but a wisp, a breath compared to ours, scarcely worth a passing thought, but they were my responsibility.

Caleena’s voice floated down the hallway like a butterfly with delicate wings. As she neared the room, I remained where I was. They couldn’t see me unless they ventured out onto the balcony.

I tried to drown out their relentless chatter, but my attention clung to Caleena’s every word. Each syllable seemed to carry a spark that ignited the uncomfortable ache in my chest, a lingering torment of this genie curse.

The sound of her laughter brought a bittersweet mix of longing and frustration, further stoking the fire of my rage. My patience had long turned to cinders. If Razoul dropped no hints about that cursed book during his ride today, I would have to send Caleena into his chambers to search forit. I had turned this castle inside out looking for it to no avail. The only place I hadn’t searched was his chambers. Every time I approached, his djinn magic prevented me from crossing the threshold. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t break his invisible force field with my powers dimmed by the genie’s curse.

I watched numerous people go and come, so Caleena should be able to enter his rooms without the magic stopping her. It was strictly forbidden to enter the king’s wing unsummoned, but if she were caught, everyone would simply assume she was a marriage candidate, using every opportunity to sway the king in her favor. Her presence would be seen as ambitious rather than suspicious, especially with the wedding negotiations ongoing. Still, it was dangerous and unsettled me more than I cared to admit for her to enter his wing without me.

“She’s gone,” Caleena called to me, shaking me from my plotting. In a puff of smoke, I appeared before her.

Arwa had tied her dark locks back in a long braid, accentuating her delicate facial features and the elegant sweep of her high cheekbones.

Caleena’s lip curled in disgust. “This is even worse than the riding outfit you chose for me to wear,” she complained.

My gaze traveled down the length of her body as I fought back a smirk. A tight pink bodice with an uncomfortably high collar framed her neck. It looked like it was choking her. Below her waist, the skirt flared slightly, with ruffles in shades of pink that seemed to span an obnoxious spectrum I hadn't realized existed.

“Do something with this,” she grumbled. “Change me into something else.”

“I can’t.” I withheld the laughter bubbling up in my chest.” I have no doubt that Razoul picked that monstrosity out himself.”

Caleena brushed past me, anger trailing in her wake. “I’m getting really sick of all of this.”

“As am I, sayyida,” I replied. “But it will end tonight, one way or another.”

She swirled back around, the ruffles on her skirt dancing. “What do you mean?” she demanded, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny.

I stepped closer to her, my gaze tracing the contours of her flawless face. The desire to run my fingers along her jawline was nearly overwhelming, but I froze in place, refusing to give in to fleeting whims. “Tonight, when he is at court, I’m sending you into his chambers to find the book.”

I stepped around her, heading for the door.

“Into his chambers? Are you mad?” she asked.

“Some say that I am.” I smirked at her, igniting her ire that drew me further in.

“I can’t go into his chambers. What if I’m caught?” she argued.

I faced her again as she stopped a few feet from me. “I thought you were sick of all of this,” I mocked, sarcasm dripping from my lips. “Don’t you want to get back to your life and away from me?”

There was an uncomfortable pause in her answer before her gaze rose to meet mine. “I’ll do anything to get away from you,” she growled.

She curved around me, her skirt swishing as she walked out into the hallway. The ache in my chest turned to ahollow emptiness. I hadn’t expected her answer to feel like an elephant had just stepped on my chest.

Gathering up my wounded ego, I turned myself invisible and followed her out of the palace. The gardens were bustling with servants and guards. In a small circle stood the four marriage candidates, their expressions brimming with anticipation and anxiety. I guessed the purpose of today's ride was to decide on his final bride.

They exchanged polite smiles and guarded glances, each one hoping to secure their place. Razoul, ever the strategist, would be weighing every word and gesture. This decision was not just about a bride but about alliances, power, and the future of the kingdom. Unbeknownst to him, his future was grim. I was just waiting for my opportunity to strike.

My gaze ventured to Caleena’s steep competition. Each woman was armed with her own unique charm and beauty, coupled with immense wealth.

Princess Elenor radiated an ethereal beauty, her long wavy hair the color of autumn leaves. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with both intelligence and warmth, drawing people without any effort on her part.

Princess Lyanna, with her striking features, had a captivating presence. Her raven-black hair always fastened in an intricate braid framing her face, while her piercing blue eyes seemed to slice through anyone she looked at.

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