Page 19 of Bound By Wishes

“Why don’t you relax, sayyida?” Ranen coaxed, but there was a sarcastic lilt to his voice. “I don’t bite…often.” I was tempted to lean back into his powerful chest to prove I wasn’t afraid of him. But I was. Absolutely terrified. “Here.” A poof of dark magic caught my attention from the corner of my eye as Ranen reached around me and handed me a stunning cup of gold.

“What is it?” I asked, not trusting a single thing that he handed me.

“The best coffee in all of Jalam. It looks like you could use some.” He held the cup out until I took it. “Did you have a rough night, sayyida?”

“That’s none of your business,” I snapped. “You shouldn’t concern yourself with me.” I took a sip of the coffee. It was smooth, velvety, and perfectly balanced. The flavors danced on my tongue, a harmonious blend of slight bitterness and subtle sweetness.

“Unfortunately, until I break this curse and get thesecuffs removed, youaremy concern,” Ranen grumbled.

I turned to him, batting my lashes in the way I knew he detested. “Poor genie,” I taunted.

Ranen’s scrutinizing gaze brushed across my face, making me uncomfortable, as if he could read all of my secrets just by looking into my eyes. He was the first one to break eye contact by looking ahead. “Once we reach the gates, I must disappear. I can’t risk Razoul seeing me.”

“You're not leaving me, are you?” I hated the desperation that leaked into my tone, but just thinking about what had almost happened to me last night when he left was enough to reignite my fear.

A cocky, lopsided grin tugged at his rugged features. “No, sayyida. I will be with you. You just won’t be able to see me.” As if to prove his point, he vanished before my eyes.

I couldn’t see him, but I could feel his presence nearby, like the gentle brush of a breeze against my skin. Or was that actually him touching me? The thought unsettled me as I glanced around, searching for any sign of him.

“Sit up straight, sayyida.” His voice rumbled in my head. “Look proud and regal. All eyes will be on you, trying to catch a glimpse of the invisible princess of Lidian.”

“Great.” I huffed, straightening my posture and trying to look nonchalant. Once we reached the gates, my cup of coffee vanished. “I wasn’t done with that,” I barked.

“I’ll get you another later,” he promised. “It’s time for your performance.”

Apprehension coursed through my veins like a swarm of angry ants as the elephant passed through the gate. Just as Ranen had said, it was like stepping back in time, like the pages of my history books had come to life.

It seemed like the entire kingdom had ventured out to take a look at the marriage candidates. People by the thousands lined the street, being held at bay by what looked to be palace guards. I glanced at the crowd, noting their tattered garments held together by patches. Children wailed, their small hands reaching out to me, begging for alms or food. The air was thick with the murmur of voices and the scent of desperation, mingling with the dust kicked up by the caravan.

“Oh, Ranen,” I gasped, looking around at the people who were obviously severely mistreated.

“Do you see now why I need your help?” Ranen asked, his deep voice vibrating in my head.

My eyes welled with unshed tears. “Look at the state of the children,” I said, my voice trembling with sorrow.

There was a heavy pause of silence. “This is why you are here, to help the people and save them from my brother.” Ranen reminded me.

All of my fears about going through with this asinine idea suddenly shifted. The state of the people and their meager marketplace, with its scant amount of food, pulled at my heartstrings. I would risk my life, entering a world ruled by djinns, where one wrong move could cost me everything, if it meant saving them.

Everything seemed to lapse into slow-motion as we traveled down the center of the kingdom, except my heart, which raced at top speed. The noise of the unruly crowd was deafening, their cries and wails demanding my attention. I wanted to leap from the elephant’s back and give the people everything we were about to offer to a very undeserving king. But I remained still, reminding myself thatsuch an act would only get me thrown out of the kingdom—or worse.

“Once you enter the palace walls, a guard will help you dismount. You are not to make eye contact with them or any of the servants,” Ranen rumbled.

“Why don’t I just squash everyone beneath my curly-toed sandals while I’m at it?” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

Ranen’s voice purred in my head. “Maybe later.”

Why was I not surprised by his response?

As we approached the grand entrance, I glanced around nervously. The towering arched doorways loomed above us, their wooden surfaces polished to a gleam and intricately carved with delicate floral motifs. Massive doors, inlaid with precious metals, swung open, revealing a breathtaking interior.

My elephant passed under the archway into the courtyard. I couldn’t believe the difference inside the palace walls compared to the misery outside of the gates. The sight made my blood boil. They had so much while the people had so little.

They flaunted their wealth with lush gardens that overflowed with vibrant flowers, their colors and sweet scents making it seem like paradise. Fountains bubbled gently, the water sparkling in the sunlight, while peacocks strutted across the lawns, their feathers fanned out as if proudly displaying themselves like those in power.

“How do I make the elephant stop?” I asked nervously as we neared a massive staircase that led into the palace.

“He’ll stop,” Ranen assured me.

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