The Bodyguard #2
This time, I was forced to ride with Shahzadeh Bahir.
He clamped his arm around my waist and forced me against him.
I inhaled, biting the inside of my cheek, suddenly longing for the respectful distance Shahzadeh Dayyan had maintained.
I held in an irritated breath, and my nails dug into my palms. Instead of giving in to my desire to tear into Bahir’s skin, I forced my gaze ahead to Shahzadeh Dayyan.
Azarkhosh was fast, long strides flinging up wisps of sand.
I examined the black of the prince’s turban and the steadiness of his posture.
Despite how much I despised him, I had to admit he was an excellent rider.
I blocked out thoughts of Barakat and the detestable actions the prince of death had committed and simply focused on him riding.
My chest eased. I could almost ignore Bahir’s breath mere inches away and his iron grip on me.
I kept dark memories at bay, remaining concentrated on Shahzadeh Dayyan, his broad back straight and posture in rhythm with his horse.
Hours later, I caught sight of the Northern capital city.
Even before coming into range, I had noticed the difference in the air.
The harsh weather and colder bite in the wind.
The sparkling white sand replaced the golden one we had been traveling across.
The pearly sand hit us like tiny needles.
Tall mountain ridges rose behind the city.
I stared at the fortress rising from the coarse sand.
Tall and powerful, the highest tower gleamed like the end of a spear.
So unlike our golden castle. The North’s palace was built to be a weapon, surrounded by a heavy garrison filled with soldiers armed to the teeth.
The ten gates blocking us from reaching the palace swung open at the sight of the princes.
Civilians filled every gap and cheered as we passed.
They had received word of our arrival from a soldier Shahzadeh Dayyan had sent ahead.
I scanned the people’s smiles. This was what the South would have looked like had we won.
At peace, happy for once. But we could only be grateful for every single breath we continued to take.
Stares snagged on me as we trotted through.
Bahir snapped his horse’s neck with the reins, wielding them like a whip.
The horse whinnied and quickened its pace to please the horrid prince.
Bahir chuckled against me as he hit the animal again.
A wave of revulsion passed over me. We shot past Shahzadeh Dayyan, who had slowed Azarkhosh to a walk.
“Watch out!” I shouted as a civilian crossed before us with a basket of figs.
The woman darted out of the way in time. Bahir’s chuckles continued. He had no care for his people as he forced his horse onward. I squeezed my eyes closed, unable to watch the people be nearly trampled in their haste to move.
The horse’s hooves scraped along the ground, and I fell back against Bahir’s chest. I opened my eyes, taking in the grand stairs leading up to the palace.
A row of guards dressed in turquoise and silver stood before us.
Bahir dismounted, and the golden rings adorning his fingers flashed under the sun as he reached up to lift me off.
When my worn sandals touched the ground, the prince didn’t release me.
His fingers splayed at my sides. I looked up at him, catching the simmering darkness in his eyes.
I placed my fingers over his and shoved his hands off.
He smiled that seditious grin in return.
My heart pounded as I turned toward the palace.
The beginning of my end. A prison I couldn’t escape from.
Bahir grabbed my hand, squeezing it in warning before tucking it into the crook of his arm.
He led the way up the steps before spinning around to face the gathering Northerners.
Shahzadeh Dayyan watched us from the bottom of the stairs, his expression unreadable.
“My people!” Bahir called out. “Today is a glorious day.”
The people looked on in silence, yet an eagerness hung in the air as they awaited their prince’s words.
“I have found the key to the prophecy. A key to prosperity and our future!” He thrust my hand into the air. “I’ve found my bride. The North’s answer. The answer to our hopes.”
Scattered applause broke out among the onlookers before building smiles grew.
I perused the faces, spotting some watching with revulsion for the Southern bride.
Others seemed indifferent, while most, the ones dressed in rich fabrics, cheered profusely.
I noticed a haggard look in many faces, but especially among the poorer civilians lingering back.
They were pale and withdrawn, coughing into their hands, and were given a wide berth by the rich.
I continued scanning the crowd, unsure of what I was looking for.
My search ended on Shahzadeh Dayyan. The end of his turban hung over his shoulder.
His fierce gaze met mine, and his lips flattened into a thin line, stating his dissatisfaction.
His expression confused me, but somehow, the sight of him settled my shaking hands.
“Tomorrow, after the meeting with the jadugar, we will have the wedding. Treasures will be handed out to all, rich and poor!”
More cheers erupted, following us as Bahir pulled me past the guards and into the palace.
A welcome party awaited us in the main hall, with a tall woman dressed in a shimmering sapphire dress at the forefront.
Shahzadeh Bahir paid them no attention. He forced me up another staircase, his fingers tight enough to leave marks.
I glanced back, my worry mounting. The gazes of the welcome party were rooted on us.
Sparkling crowns settled on a few of their heads.
A squeal snared my gaze. A young girl exclaimed in delight and rushed into Shahzadeh Dayyan’s arms. He bent down and lifted her with a gentle smile, but his focus remained on me as Shahzadeh Bahir dragged me farther up the stairs.
“Where are you taking me?”
The prince didn’t respond. A woman cut into the hall, releasing a startled cry when she saw us. Shahzadeh Bahir halted.
“Esana will guide you on the ways of the palace,” Shahzadeh Bahir said, then waved her away as though she were an insect he couldn’t be bothered with.
She disappeared into the hall with a bow of her head.
I noticed the way her fingers trembled and her eyes darted everywhere but at the prince.
Shahzadeh Bahir entered the room beside us, yanking me inside before slamming the door shut.
My blood froze, my breath rushed out, and panic thudded in my bones.
The horrid image of a dark room filled my mind as Bahir stalked toward me.
I could hear my own screams and feel the wretched pain from so long ago springing back at me.
“Do not fret, shirinim.” My sweet. Shahzadeh Bahir’s slithering words tugged me into the present. “I won’t claim you. You need to remain untouched for the examination.”
He leaned closer, nuzzling his nose into the cloth covering my neck. I held in a cry and clenched my fists. I couldn’t be his bride. I wouldn’t survive this pain again. My repulsion grew. I wanted to lash out.
Not yet, I repeated to myself, as I had hundreds of times before. He exhaled, drawing to his full height as though barely restraining himself.
“Tomorrow. Tomorrow, you will be mine.” It was a promise.
It was only after he’d left that I realized I was shaking. I slid down the wall, descending into the layers of my gold skirt. He relished seeing my fear. I didn’t move from my position as I recounted the paralyzing moments. Dreading his promise.