Page 17 of Bound by Wishes (Enchanted Deceptions #1)
T he cuffs on my wrists turned to white-hot metal, as if a blacksmith had just pulled them from the flames and pressed them against my skin. Apparently, kissing your master was also a forbidden trespass in genie etiquette, but at the moment, I didn’t care. If they singed the very flesh from my bones, I would sacrifice it to be locked in her embrace for just a few moments longer.
Caleena wrapped her arms around my neck, her fingers combing through my hair and pulling roughly as she urged me closer. Something about her excited me far beyond any other woman. She was forbidden, and I shouldn’t desire her, but that only made me want her more.
Caleena finally pulled away, and the sweet bewildered expression on her face and red swollen lips from our kiss nearly made me lose all control. I had to force myself to stay still and not pull her back into my arms. The addictive taste of her lingered on my lips, sweet like honey .
“Don’t do that again,” she said. It was more of a plea than a command.
I straightened, ashamed that someone like me had lost control, if only for a fleeting second. “You have my word, sayyida,” I replied flatly, more than a little burnt by her rejection.
I didn't dare touch her again as I whisked us back to her room in the palace. Caleena busied herself with anything but me, and for that, I was grateful. The tension between us was clear, and I knew that any further contact would only deepen the chasm that I had created.
Arwa came in moments later, and I made myself scarce as she took Caleena to the bathing house. I stepped out onto the balcony, the humid breeze easing some of my tension. My gaze traveled across the gardens below. Tall date palms and citrus trees laden with golden fruits provided dappled shade over winding pathways. Flowers of every hue, from the deepest purples to the purest white, bloomed in carefully tended beds, their obnoxiously sweet fragrances mingling in the warm, dry air. Their captivating beauty reminded me of Caleena, souring my mood once again.
My mother's words resurfaced in my mind. "No girl will ever be good enough for you, my son, but at least choose one of our stature." A tremor of contempt coursed its way through me. She was long gone now, and I couldn’t say that I missed her overbearing personality, but she was right. When the king of Jalam marries, it must be someone of equal standing, not an archaeologist who had somehow wormed her way beneath my skin.
A sudden thought brightened my mood. Razoul seemed interested in Caleena, and he and I were true brothers, always wanting what the other had. Perhaps that was why every time I looked at Caleena an uncomfortable ache gnawed at my chest. That had to be it. It was simple brotherly jealousy.
A weight was lifted off my shoulders at the realization, and I sat down on the settee on the balcony. My eyes traveled beyond the great walls surrounding the palace. Nestled among the harsh desert landscape, the village was overrun with humble clay houses with flat roofs, their walls weathered and cracked by the relentless sun. Narrow, dusty streets wound through the town, bordered by makeshift stalls with meager basic necessities and handmade goods. It wasn’t much, but it was mine and would be again. Caleena’s words blared in my head. Maybe I should try a little harder to ensure the people were better cared for. Djinns rarely gave humans a second thought. Their lives were but a wisp, a breath compared to ours, scarcely worth a passing thought, but they were my responsibility.
Caleena’s voice floated down the hallway like a butterfly with delicate wings. As she neared the room, I remained where I was. They couldn’t see me unless they ventured out onto the balcony.
I tried to drown out their relentless chatter, but my attention clung to Caleena’s every word. Each syllable seemed to carry a spark that ignited the uncomfortable ache in my chest, a lingering torment of this genie curse.
The sound of her laughter brought a bittersweet mix of longing and frustration, further stoking the fire of my rage. My patience had long turned to cinders. If Razoul dropped no hints about that cursed book during his ride today, I would have to send Caleena into his chambers to search for it. I had turned this castle inside out looking for it to no avail. The only place I hadn’t searched was his chambers. Every time I approached, his djinn magic prevented me from crossing the threshold. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t break his invisible force field with my powers dimmed by the genie’s curse.
I watched numerous people go and come, so Caleena should be able to enter his rooms without the magic stopping her. It was strictly forbidden to enter the king’s wing unsummoned, but if she were caught, everyone would simply assume she was a marriage candidate, using every opportunity to sway the king in her favor. Her presence would be seen as ambitious rather than suspicious, especially with the wedding negotiations ongoing. Still, it was dangerous and unsettled me more than I cared to admit for her to enter his wing without me.
“She’s gone,” Caleena called to me, shaking me from my plotting. In a puff of smoke, I appeared before her.
Arwa had tied her dark locks back in a long braid, accentuating her delicate facial features and the elegant sweep of her high cheekbones.
Caleena’s lip curled in disgust. “This is even worse than the riding outfit you chose for me to wear,” she complained.
My gaze traveled down the length of her body as I fought back a smirk. A tight pink bodice with an uncomfortably high collar framed her neck. It looked like it was choking her. Below her waist, the skirt flared slightly, with ruffles in shades of pink that seemed to span an obnoxious spectrum I hadn't realized existed.
“Do something with this,” she grumbled. “Change me into something else. ”
“I can’t.” I withheld the laughter bubbling up in my chest.” I have no doubt that Razoul picked that monstrosity out himself.”
Caleena brushed past me, anger trailing in her wake. “I’m getting really sick of all of this.”
“As am I, sayyida,” I replied. “But it will end tonight, one way or another.”
She swirled back around, the ruffles on her skirt dancing. “What do you mean?” she demanded, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny.
I stepped closer to her, my gaze tracing the contours of her flawless face. The desire to run my fingers along her jawline was nearly overwhelming, but I froze in place, refusing to give in to fleeting whims. “Tonight, when he is at court, I’m sending you into his chambers to find the book.”
I stepped around her, heading for the door.
“Into his chambers? Are you mad?” she asked.
“Some say that I am.” I smirked at her, igniting her ire that drew me further in.
“I can’t go into his chambers. What if I’m caught?” she argued.
I faced her again as she stopped a few feet from me. “I thought you were sick of all of this,” I mocked, sarcasm dripping from my lips. “Don’t you want to get back to your life and away from me?”
There was an uncomfortable pause in her answer before her gaze rose to meet mine. “I’ll do anything to get away from you,” she growled.
She curved around me, her skirt swishing as she walked out into the hallway. The ache in my chest turned to a hollow emptiness. I hadn’t expected her answer to feel like an elephant had just stepped on my chest.
Gathering up my wounded ego, I turned myself invisible and followed her out of the palace. The gardens were bustling with servants and guards. In a small circle stood the four marriage candidates, their expressions brimming with anticipation and anxiety. I guessed the purpose of today's ride was to decide on his final bride.
They exchanged polite smiles and guarded glances, each one hoping to secure their place. Razoul, ever the strategist, would be weighing every word and gesture. This decision was not just about a bride but about alliances, power, and the future of the kingdom. Unbeknownst to him, his future was grim. I was just waiting for my opportunity to strike.
My gaze ventured to Caleena’s steep competition. Each woman was armed with her own unique charm and beauty, coupled with immense wealth.
Princess Elenor radiated an ethereal beauty, her long wavy hair the color of autumn leaves. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with both intelligence and warmth, drawing people without any effort on her part.
Princess Lyanna, with her striking features, had a captivating presence. Her raven-black hair always fastened in an intricate braid framing her face, while her piercing blue eyes seemed to slice through anyone she looked at.
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 essence of 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 with disgust. 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 Razoul before 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, turning to 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.