Page 34 of Bound By Wishes

Razoul leaned closer, and a sheen of sweat formed on my brow at his nearness, the familiar panic taking over my body. The only thing that kept me from slipping into a full-blown panic was Namir in the corner of the room, watching Razoul with his cunning cat eyes, and the certainty that Ranen was somewhere nearby.

“I also came to tell you that you’ll be joining me on a horse ride tomorrow through my country,” Razoul informedme in a not so pleasant tone that made my blood run hot with anger.

I wasn’t the type of girl who was used to being told what to do, but I plastered on a fake smile. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Very good,” he said, bowing slightly at the waist. “Goodnight, princess.”

Razoul leaned down and brushed his slimy lips across my forehead, and a chill ran down my spine. He turned and walked from the room.

Once the door closed, Ranen appeared with a black silk handkerchief extended to me. “Wipe his drool from your face,” he growled.

Our fingers brushed as I reached for the cloth, sending an electric shock tingling down my arm. I tried to convince myself it was just static from the silk, but the sensation lingered.

“Do you know how to ride?” Ranen asked, glancing down at me.

I wiped the silky cloth across my forehead. “Yes.”

“Do you know how to ride like a princess?” Ranen clarified.

I sighed, leaning back into my pillow. “No, but I’m sure you're going to teach me.”

Ifound myself in a restless tug-of-war between sleep and wakefulness, my mind teetering on the edge of nightmares while my body fought to stay alert. The persistent, nagging hum of thoughts kept me from fully falling asleep, despite how desperately my body needed it. Was I afraid to go to sleep because I was scared of what awaited me there? Yes. I was so tired I wanted to cry, but then that brooding genie of mine would probably pop out of his bottle and demand to know why I was upset, and I wasn’t going to explain my fears to him.

Rays of sunlight slowly snuck past the sheer curtains and into the room. Soon after, the mattress sank under a massive weight. Namir purred as he laid down beside me. Smiling, I turned over and ran my hand across his silky fur. “Good morning,” I cooed to him.

Black smoke poured from the spout of Ranen’s lamp andthen he stared down at me. “Would you care for breakfast before we leave for your riding lessons?”

My stomach rumbled in response, and I smiled sheepishly. “And lots of coffee, please.”

In an instant, Ranen’s magic swirled and then dissolved, leaving behind a silver tray overflowing with mouthwatering food. There were soft freshly baked flatbreads, still warm, perfect for dipping into the bowl of creamy hummus. Also on the tray were ripe succulent fruits—pomegranates, figs, dates, and juicy slices of melon.

“I’m going to gain a hundred pounds if I keep eating like this,” I said, picking up a piece of kunafa, its delicate strands drenched in syrup and topped with crushed nuts. Its sweet fragrance mingled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee that was rich and dark. But it would take more than the caffeine-spiked miracle drink to wake me up today.

Ranen walked out onto the balcony, leaving me in peace while I finished my breakfast. He stretched, extending his arms over his head. The morning sun cast a golden glow on his form, making him look even more ethereal than usual. The thick, corded muscles along his back rolled and flexed under the exertion, each tic a display of his strength. My gaze followed his every movement, captivated by the fluidity and power. Never mind, I was fully awake now.

I shoved the last of my breakfast in my mouth, followed by a long swig of coffee, before pushing the tray aside and getting out of bed. Ranen walked back inside, eyeing me from head to toe. His gaze felt like literal fire was brushing down the length of my body.

“What…are you doing?” I asked sheepishly.

“Sizing you up for a new riding outfit,” he answered without taking his eyes from my bare legs.

Embarrassment pinched my cheeks as I stood stark still under his intense gaze. Ranen’s magic embraced me, lifting me slightly off the ground as my pajamas vanished. Once back on my feet, I turned to the mirror to see what Ranen had crafted. The deep emerald gown was stunning, with a bodice tailored to accentuate my waist and curves. It was intricately embroidered with gold thread, forming elaborate patterns of flowers and vines. The neckline was modest yet elegant, with a slight V-shape. The outer layer of the skirt was split down the sides, revealing a fitted inner layer. The outfit was complete with knee-high leather boots.

I twirled, admiring the way the shimmering fabric caught the sun. “This is lovely, Ranen, but how exactly do you expect me to ride in a dress?” I questioned, even though deep down, I already knew the answer. “I’m used to riding in hand-me-down oversized trousers and worn leather boots with slick bottoms.” Ranen’s eyes widened, and I shrugged. “My father didn’t exactly take me shopping much. I wore his hand-me-downs. A dig site wasn’t exactly the place for frilly blouses and tight skirts.”

“Pity,” he said with a carnal smirk. “I’m sure that would have been a sight to see.”

I ignored him and the way his words made my heart pitter-patter and walked toward the door. “Let’s get going then. My ride with the king is in a few hours, and judging by these clothes, I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

Ranen grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him, and my breath caught in my throat. I barely had a chance to lift my hands and brace myself before colliding with his rigidchest. His firm muscles felt like steel under my palms, and the sudden proximity left me dizzy.

“I wasn’t planning on using the door, sayyida.” His husky voice made my toes curl inside my fancy boots.

Tension coiled within me, and a familiar wave of panic surged to the surface. Ranen gently grasped my chin, tilting my head up until our eyes locked. “You have nothing to fear from me, sayyida. I would never hurt you.”

And for some reason, I believed him.

His hand ventured to my waist, pulling me dangerously close as he transported us out of the palace. Once his smoke cleared, I glanced around, seeing nothing but sand as it shifted and swirled in the morning breeze.

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