Page 10 of Genie's Boy
When my patience had worn thin and the need to be near my boy consumed me, I returned to Raj’s room.
Sensing my presence, he rolled over and whispered, “Hold me.”
Who was I to argue? I slipped free of my shoes and slacks and slid in behind him. My arms wound around his tiny waist as I pulled him tightly against me. Maybe he was just as tired of being alone as I was.
“Sleep well, sweet boy. I’ll see you later.” As soon as he soundly snored, I returned to the lamp.
Morning came far too soon, and the Maharajah would beckon me to his side for the daily update any moment now. Appearing in the same clothes I wore yesterday wouldn’t go over well. With a quick nod, I donned a new outfit, and moments later the call came as I reappeared in his study.
“You called, Master?”
“Yes, glad to see you learned your place after yesterday’s incident.”
Gods, how I despised this man and his holier than thou attitude.
“What is it you wish for today, Master?”
“Anything new with the commoners?” The way he said the word rubbed me wrong.
“Nothing. Same as most days.”
“Now, about those whose lives far exceed mine that you mentioned yesterday. Tell me more about them?”
Now we were getting somewhere, the true reason for today’s summoning. Could I play it up enough to finally draw the last wish from him or was that merely my own foolish desire for this to come to an end?
“The tiles in their homes, which are triple the size of yours, are inlaid with gold. They melt it down and use it throughout them to accentuate their wealth. Their kingdoms, far larger than this one, turn a fair profit. Textiles, mines filled with rare gems. Tidings as far as the eyes can reach. Rooms filled to the brim with trinkets and treasure.” None of which I’d ever seen as I made this up on the fly. Good old King Midas came to mind, and I twisted the tale to suit mine.
“Are these kingdoms far? Can we visit them?” Wide eyes, filled with dollar signs.
“Far, far, away, Master, and heavily guarded. Large armies protect their walls and surrounding lands. All visitors must be invited. No unexpected guests allowed.”
We had no such military force, only a handful of bodyguards in the Maharajah’s employ. They protected himand his ever-growing family and occasionally patrolled the streets. For the most part, our citizens lived in fear and toed the line. The guard’s presence while amongst them was meant as a scare tactic that worked very well. For the Maharajah, of course.
“Hmm, I see. I see.” He wandered over to the open window, staring at the village below. “This could be so much bigger.”
His thoughts were always on increasing his wealth. Never on the health and welfare of his people. A true leader would always think of others before themselves.
“Thank you, Genie. You may go.” And just like that, I was dismissed, only this time I left smirking. One way or another, I’d get him to use that final wish.
I swore I could sense Raj the second I stepped into the marketplace before I visually located him.
Our connection was strong, there was no way to ignore it.
“Looking for someone?”
He jumped and clutched his chest.
“My apologies, I didn’t mean to frighten you. But should I say turnabout is fair play.”
Raj’s brows raised so high, they nearly touched his scalp and when the realization dawned on him, he grinned. “I deserved that. Wasn’t much fun waking up alone. Why’dyou leave?” He didn’t need to addwhy’d you leave me, to that. The hidden implication wasn’t missed, and I’d not do it again unless it was against my will.
“Sorry, but he beckoned.” I glanced at his purchases. “Nuts, apricots, grapes. What is today’s meal plan?”
Raj shrugged. “Meh, just kind of a snack day, I guess.”
Was he embarrassed funds were too low to afford the lamb or chicken that smelled so wonderful from the nearby cart? “How about dinner at my place tonight?”
“Genie…” He rolled his eyes. “You can’t keep feeding me.”
