Page 22 of Bound By Wishes

A small-framed woman with flowing dark hair and olive skin walked into the room and bowed low before slowly rising. “I am Arwa,” she said in a timid voice. “I am to be your personal servant.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smiled at her, even though she refused to break eye contact with the rug.

“I am to collect you and bring you to the bathing pool. All of the marriage candidates are to bathe before the feast tonight,” Arwa said.

“Bathing pool,” I repeated. Arwa’s head bowed evenlower, if that was at all possible. “Will you wait for me outside? I’ll be along shortly.”

“Of course,” she yelped and ran from the room like a scolded dog.

I turned back around as Ranen reappeared. “Does that mean I have to bathe with other people?” I squeaked.

“Not other people. Women of nobility. There are no men of any kind allowed anywhere near the bathing pool,” Ranen clarified, making himself comfortable on my bed again.

“Your Highness, we really should get going. You mustn’t be late for the feast.” Arwa’s mouse-like voice beckoned.

“Yes, sayyida. You mustn’t be late.” The cocky grin that Ranen wore so well reappeared.

“I really hate you,” I hissed as I snatched the door open and stomped into the hall. Arwa recoiled as if I were about to strike her, so I quickly softened the scowl on my face. “I’m ready.”

Arwa led me down a winding hallway. I was afraid to engage her in conversation because I feared the act would make her die of fright. As jumpy as she was, I wondered if the servants here were abused.

Arwa rounded a corner, and the bathing pool opened up before us. Steam rose in delicate tendrils, curling and twisting in the warm, humid air, carrying with it rich, intoxicating scents. Plush cushions and settees were scattered around the poolside, making it look more like a parlor than a bathroom.

Arwa seemed flustered that I was frozen in the doorway. My gaze snared on the women in the pool who were chatting and laughing. One lounged on the marble steps leadinginto the pool, her auburn hair cascading down in wet, glistening strands, while the other two reclined on the cushioned benches. They were all lovely, each flawless in every way.

Arwa began to tug at my pants, but I pulled away and rushed back down the hall.

“Ranen. I can’t do this.” My heart thundered as I called for him.

“Can’t do what, sayyida?” His voice was groggy and slightly irritated, like I had awoken him from a nap.

“I can’t undress in front of these women. Have you seen them?” Panic rose up my throat. “One look at me and they’ll know I don’t belong.”

“You’re not here to impress them, only Razoul,” Ranen said.

“I’m not a princess.” I huffed. “I have tan lines from the sun and scars.” Both on the inside and out, but I wasn’t about to tell him that.

“Do you want me to fix your skin and make it flawless, or do you want to own up to who you are and walk in there with your head held high?” Ranen questioned. I paused considering his words. “But let me be clear,” he added, his tone darkening. “If you insist on altering your appearance, I will do it, but it will anger me greatly.”

“Why would you be angry?” I asked.

“Because you are a perfect little disaster," he said with a dark chuckle. "Nothing about you should be altered, especially to impress someone else.” His tone dripped with a sinister charm.

I inhaled deeply, straightened my shoulders, and walked back into the bathing chamber. All eyes turned to me, but Iignored them as I motioned for Arwa to undress me. She peeled my clothing off piece by piece, each layer falling away to reveal more of my skin. Mortification stung my cheeks, the heat of embarrassment spreading across my face as I stood exposed under their scrutinizing gazes.

Whispers erupted from the other marriage candidates as I slowly lowered myself into the pool. The water was warm and inviting, a soothing contrast to the cold, judgmental stares of the others who occupied the pool. I glanced around, challenging them with my own stare. Their murmurs finally died down to an uncomfortable silence.

Arwa fell to her knees beside me, pouring a concoction of oils and perfumes into the water, and then used a plush cloth to delicately scrub my skin. The potent combination of the sweet fragrances and the humid air started to give me a headache and reminded me of how tired I was. Once Arwa was finished, I rose from the water and ventured into the welcoming embrace of a fluffy towel. Arwa motioned for me to follow her back into the hallway.

“I’m not walking around in just a towel,” I protested, gripping the edge of the fabric tightly. “What if there are men lurking about?”

Arwa bowed at the waist before me. “No man is allowed in this part of the palace during the ceremonial bathing, Your Highness,” Arwa explained. “They would be beheaded.”

Oh, good! I’d have to inform the palace guards that an egotistical genie was lying on my bed at this very moment. I’m sure they could find a nice guillotine in Ranen’s size.

I hugged the towel tighter around my body as I followed Arwa back toward my room. She opened my door, and Ipeered inside to ensure Ranen was nowhere in sight. Thankfully, he had vanished, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t still in the room somewhere.

Arwa motioned for me to be seated in front of the vanity. As she busied herself with pulling out my clothing and shoes, I glanced around the room, looking for Ranen.

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