Page 38 of Bound By Wishes

Then there was Princess Seraphina, whose beauty was almost luminous. Her golden hair flowed like liquid sunlight, and her eyes, the color of a clear summer sky, held a depth and clarity that enchanted all who gazed into them.

Together, these three princesses embodied the essenceof beauty in its many forms, each unique yet equally mesmerizing and very at odds with Caleena.

Caleena leaned against a nearby tree, finding shade from the midday sun. Her mahogany-brown hair and almond-shaped brown eyes would appear plain to some compared to the extravagant beauty of the other princesses, but something about her called to Razoul—as it did to me. The others dimmed in comparison when she came around. She had a gravitational pull, like the moon drawing the tides, which was why I called her ya amar—my moon. I shook my head, trying to dislodge the thought. She wasn’t my moon, and she never would be.

The gardens went still when Razoul walked out, looking every bit the pampered peacock, strutting around like he owned the world. He paid the girls no mind as he motioned for the servants near the stables to bring the horses out.

Sand and dust swirled through the air as the servants struggled with the unruly horses. The beasts tossed their heads and kicked up their heels, their wild energy at odds with their poised potential riders. A wave of anger washed over me at the sight. These were noblewomen, potential brides for a king, clad in elegant riding attire, being forced to ride horses that were clearly not broken. What exactly was Razoul hoping to prove by subjecting them to such a trial?

Caleena’s expression was void of emotion. After our wild ride and flight through the air, I knew she was a seasoned rider and could no doubt best any beast, but she was expected to do it sidesaddle and in a dress that would be more cumbersome than help.

Razoul selected a particularly calm, seasoned horse for himself—a choice that filled me withdisgust. How could he possibly share blood with me? He was a coward. He reminded me so much of our mother. She was vindictive and had a knack for sneakiness, and was always quick to dispense out harsh judgment on others yet never willing to face repercussions herself. His actions echoed her traits, making me recoil in disgust.

“Ladies, select your steed,” Razoul demanded, extending his arm, motioning to the wild horses.

It was no surprise when Princess Lyanna marched up to the wildest horse there was, grabbed a handful of its mane, and flung herself in the saddle. I watched with mock fascination as the horse reared and bolted across the grounds, tearing up flowers and earth. She was definitely a force to be reckoned with. A woman with a backbone who demanded respect. The beast finally relented to her harsh treatment and settled down. She threw her pert little nose in the air, driving the horse to stand beside Razoul and his mount.

Princess Seraphina stepped forward next, her prim and proper poise making me doubt this would end well, though looks could be deceiving. Mimicking Lyanna, she grabbed a handful of mane and hoisted herself into the saddle. She managed to stay there for approximately five seconds before the thoroughbred reared, sending her flying through the air.

A fleeting thought of using my magic to catch her crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. I couldn’t afford to reveal myself, though the idea of harm befalling such a lovely princess was repugnant. Seraphina landed with a thud in a bush of jasmine, the sound of bones snapping followed by an ear-shattering wail piercing the air.

“You are a heartless cur,” Caleena growled at Razoulbefore lifting her ruffled skirt and rushing to Seraphina’s side.

“Get away from me!” Seraphina squalled as Caleena tried to inspect her injuries.

Tears cascaded down the princess’s face as servants plucked her from the bushes and rushed her inside. Her gown was hopelessly ripped, and twigs and debris protruded from her golden hair. A pity, really.

“Since you seem to be in such a plucky mood, why don’t you go next, Soraya?” Razoul’s tone grated across my nerves as he addressed Caleena in such a condescending manner.

Caleena marched over to an impressive gray-speckled Arabian stallion, and my heart stalled in my chest. I didn’t know what I was going to do but was sure I wasn’t going to stand by and watch Caleena get tossed to the ground and break any of her lovely bones. I’d break Razoul in two first.

Her calm, intelligent gaze scanned the beast, and confusion furrowed my brow as I watched her reach beneath the saddle. When she withdrew her hand, it was covered in blood. She quickly unfastened the saddle and carefully removed it, revealing several desert spurs lodged in the horse's back. Each spur was as large as a golden Jalam coin. She carefully removed them, then walked over to the final horse and repeated the process.

She took the horses by the reins and led them back toward the stables. “Please put some salve on their wounds and bring the three of us fresh horses,” she instructed the stable boy.

Lyanna scoffed. “I don’t need a new horse, mine is perfectly fine.”

“Very well,” Caleena answered, turningto a servant. “Bring me a few more spurs so I can stick them in her royal hide and see how she likes it.” She growled, her eyes simmering with anger as she addressed Lyanna.

Lyanna’s eyes widened, and she gnashed her teeth, but she slowly slid from the saddle so Caleena could remove the desert spurs from the horse’s back.

Razoul watched in silence as his devious scheme unfolded. Caleena was a tornado, untamed and unpredictable, yet irresistibly captivating. No matter how chaotic her actions, we couldn’t seem to take our eyes off her.

Three fresh horses were brought out, their gentle demeanor a massive improvement to the first ones. Caleena effortlessly mounted the bay mare, just as I had taught her. A grin tugged at the corner of my mouth. It was a proud genie moment.

The guards mounted their horses, and the small caravan went through the gates. I followed behind, effortlessly floating through the dense clouds.

“You did well, sayyida,” I complimented her, speaking in a voice only she could hear.

She didn't say a word, but a smile curved the corners of her lips, and seeing that smile for the first time since our disastrous kiss was enough for me.

Ihated that Ranen’s simple compliment had me smiling like a lovesick schoolgirl. I tried to ignore him and his overbearing presence as the horses trotted across the desert. The sands shifted beneath the horses' hooves, but they seemed well-accustomed to the ever-changing terrain.

The heat was intense at this time of day, creating mirages that shimmered on the horizon. Had Razoul purposely chosen the hottest part of the day for our ride to further antagonize us? Not that I had to worry about him selecting me after I made him look like a fool by uncovering the sand spurs he’d placed under the horses’ saddles to make them unruly. I could’ve scratched his eyes out for putting those poor animals through such torture, and I had a good mind to still do it.

I shoved my anger down, trying to be on my best behavior. Just a little longer and this would all be over. I wouldfind that book tonight and be back to my normal life in no time. I would never think of that aggravating gorgeous genie or the way his kiss made my body tingle all over ever again. The memory of it made heat rise to my face.

I tugged at the bodice of my tight dress, desperately trying to let in a bit of air. The heavy fabric clung to me, sticking to me like a sweaty second skin.

---