Page 9 of Bound By Wishes

The pool called out to me, beckoning me to take a dip and wash off some of the grime clinging to my skin. With hesitant steps, I approached the edge, feeling the cool breeze whispering through the trees as I dipped my toes into the water. It was warm and inviting, like someone had just poured me a hot bath. Naturally, someone had—becausewhy wouldn’t I have a genie draw me a large bathing pool? My very own magical servant, catering to my every whim. How utterly convenient. I nearly snorted at the irony.

As I waded into the pool, the cuts and abrasions on my skin protested with every gentle brush of the water. I clenched my teeth until the tingling sensation gradually subsided, replaced by a soothing numbness that eased the ache in my body.

I ducked beneath the surface, allowing the water to wash away the filth and grime. Breaking back through the surface, I reached for the expensive-looking bottles of oils and soaps that lined the edge of the pool. The tantalizing scents mingled, wafting through the air when I uncorked the bottles. I lathered the rich oils into my hair and skin, feeling a thousand times better as I washed away the harrowing day. Even though my world was brimming with craziness, I allowed myself a fleeting moment of indulgence.

I froze when a plush towel poofed on the boulder closest to me, along with a shimmering silk robe.

“Ranen, you promised me half an hour,” I hissed through clenched teeth, ducking deeper in the water and crossing my arms tightly over my chest.

“I have allowed you nearly an hour, ya amar. My patience is running thin,” his voice grumbled, vibrating in my head.

“Don’t call me your moon!” I spun in the water, looking for him. “Where are you? How are you speaking to me?”

“You can calm yourself, I am nowhere near the oasis. A genie can whisper into his master’s mind.”

“That is very disturbing,” I said barely above a whisper. “How do I turn that off?”

“I am your genie, you are my sayyida. You are in control. No matter how horrific that sounds.”

“Then get out of my head.” I growled.

“As you wish, little sayyida.”

Seconds ticked by, and Ranen was silent, so I assumed he had vacated my mind. Had I really been in the pool for an hour? I pulled one of my hands from the water, and my skin was shriveled like a raisin. I guess I had.

I glanced around, still not trusting him to not show up unexpectedly. As tension coiled between my shoulder blades, a dressing screen materialized by the edge of the pool. Some of the tightness in my muscles eased as I waded toward the edge and to the sanctuary of the screen.

My gaze flickered between the coral robe draped over the boulder and the tattered remains of my old clothes. Though the robe was clean and dry, I knew I would feel too vulnerable in it. With shaky hands, I reached for my old clothes. But before my fingers could make contact, they dissolved in a puff of smoke, leaving nothing but wisps of ash in their wake.

A lump lodged itself in my throat. “What are you doing?”

“Stop being difficult and put on the robe,” he scolded. “That hour-long bath you just took will be pointless if you put those dirty clothes back on.”

“I thought I told you to stay out of my head?” I seethed.

His voice rumbled in my mind like the soothing sound of a distant thunderstorm. “You invited me back in once you spoke to me.”

Frustration oozed through my body like molten lava. “You could at least give me something more appropriate towear,” I said, snatching the towel from the boulder and quickly ducking behind the screen.

“Little sayyida, put that robe on before I decide to take that away from you as well.” There was a growl in his voice that had me grabbing the robe and pulling it over my shoulders before he had a chance to fulfill that threat. I wasn’t pleased with him calling me his little mistress in his tongue either, but it was better than his moon, so I let it slide.

“Happy?” I asked, walking from behind the screen with my hands on my hips.

Ranen appeared before me in a billow of smoke. “Not in the least, but it will do for now.” He waved his hand, and a banquet table full of mouthwatering food appeared before me.

As I approached the table, the appetizing aroma of spices and herbs filled my senses, setting my taste buds tingling with anticipation. Each dish seemed crafted to tempt me in every way. There were platters full of vibrant pomegranates, their skins glistening with natural juices. Figs, dates, and grapes were piled high in fancy bowls. Towering stacks of freshly baked flatbread taunted me with their buttery goodness, mingling with the savory smell of slow-roasted lamb and chicken.

Ranen motioned to the closest chair. “Sit and eat. I know you must be famished by the way your pupils have dilated.”

I did as instructed, only because my stomach felt like it was rubbing against my backbone. “Don’t concern yourself with what my pupils are doing,” I snapped while shoving food in my mouth in an unladylike manner. With each bite, my taste buds danced with pleasure. The pomegranates burst with tangy sweetness, their ruby seeds explodingagainst my tongue. The warm flatbread soaked up the juices of the tender meats, flavored with cumin, coriander, and garlic. The creamy cheese melted in my mouth, pairing perfectly with the sweetness of the fruits.

I reached for another piece of bread, bringing the charred exterior to my mouth.

My heart soared into my throat when Ranen appeared beside me, striking out quicker than a snake and wrapping his meaty hand around my wrist. The flatbread fell to the ground.

“Your first lesson as a princess is to learn proper table manners befitting royalty,” Ranen grumbled.

Ranen's touch ignited a torrent of goosebumps that rippled up my arm as his grip tightened.

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