Page 9 of Bound by Wishes (Enchanted Deceptions #1)

S leep eluded me the rest of the night, or perhaps I was the one eluding it. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the masked marauders. So instead, I stared at the tent ceiling, watching it sway under the night breeze. By the time sunlight slowly started to leak through the flaps of the tent, I was exhausted, and my eyes felt like someone had poured sand into them.

“Time to rise, princess. The king awaits!” An overly cheery woman rushed into the tent, her arms laden with garments and jewels.

I grabbed a silk plush pillow and covered my head as a groan escaped my lips. I certainly didn’t feel like playing dress-up today.

The woman needled me until I rose from the bed like the bride of Frankenstein to complete my general toiletries and then begrudgingly sat in front of a vanity. She began to fuss with my hair, eventually taming the mass into an extravagant braid adorned with jewels. Next, she began applying my makeup. She achieved the impossible. My skin was flawless, and the fatigue that once stained my under-eyes had vanished. Dark kohl now lined my eyes, making them seem sharper, while my lips had been painted a beautiful shade of dusty rose.

She helped me dress and then finished the look by slipping on a delicate pair of sandals with curled toes. I glanced in the floor-length mirror, admiring the transformation. The teal outfit was a flowing, off-the-shoulder crop top with intricate gold embroidery and sparkling jewels. Below, harem pants billowed around my legs, the shimmering fabric catching the light as I moved. I shook my head in amazement. I may not be a princess, but I sure looked like one.

“Come.” She beckoned, holding the tent flap open, and I followed her out into the bright sun.

Ranen stood beside what looked like a traveling circus, complete with finely dressed men and women parading beneath the fluttering banners of Lidian. The air buzzed with excitement as a parade of camels, horses, and even towering elephants lumbered forward. Their backs were burdened with wooden trunks spilling over with glittering jewels and gold. The scent of fine perfumes mingled with the faint clinking of treasure. It was a display of wealth meant to dazzle and overwhelm, and I was certainly overwhelmed.

I stopped beside Ranen, who never acknowledged my presence. “Do we have to buy our way into the palace?” I asked, my voice dripping with unnecessary sarcasm, but I was tired and cranky .

Ranen scoffed. “A princess’s dowry is nearly as important as the actual union.” His haughty gaze finally ventured toward me.

“Do I meet your approval?” I spun so he could get the full effect. Despite my tiredness, I was feeling pretty in the extravagant clothes and sparkling jewels.

“Barely.” His upper lip curled into a snarl.

And just like that, my fairy-tale princess bubble was burst by this creep.

“Come on, we don't have all day. We’ve been summoned.” Ranen ignored the temporary hurt he had inflicted and motioned toward a massive elephant.

I stepped closer to it, trying to keep my mouth from dropping open and scraping the sandy ground. “You can’t be serious. You want me to get on that thing?”

Ranen turned to me, annoyance pulling at his features. “Don’t tell me you’ve never ridden an elephant.”

“Do I look like someone who has ridden an elephant?” I snapped.

He ignored me, holding his hand out. “I’ll help you mount it.”

“Mounting is not the problem. How do you steer it?” I ignored his outstretched hand, glancing at the fancy canvas-covered wooden seat strapped around the elephant’s middle and the lack of reins.

“The elephant will follow the rest, but I’ll be up there with you just in case anything goes wrong,” Ranen assured me.

I wasn’t sure if that made me feel better or worse. I glanced back up at the seat. It only looked big enough for one person. When I hesitated, Ranen walked over to the elephant and tapped it on the side, and the elephant slowly laid down.

He motioned to the elephant. “After you, sayyida.”

There was a wicked gleam in Ranen’s eyes that made me step up to the elephant despite my uncertainty. I was determined to prove to this pompous man that I could do this.

“Use its front leg as a step,” Ranen instructed as he crossed his arms over his chest, waiting impatiently.

I reached out, running my hand over the elephant’s wrinkly skin. “Hello,” I cooed.

“You don’t have to introduce yourself, just get on the beast.” Ranen growled.

“Don’t tell me what to do. I’m the princess and you…are the servant .” I looked him up and down, satisfied with myself when his dark eyes ignited with anger. I could tell he was holding back a retort.

I carefully climbed on top of the elephant and sat down in the seat. I had to cling to the sides to keep from tumbling from its back because the seat was awkwardly leaning at the moment with the animal lying down. Ranen expertly climbed up into the seat, settling behind me. My heart stalled in my chest as his thighs encircled mine. Ranen made a clicking noise and shifted his feet, signaling the elephant to rise. My knuckles turned white as I clutched the sides of the seat, holding on tight as the elephant struggled to lift itself up.

Once the beast stood upright, Ranen’s muscled chest pressed firmly against my back. I refused to glance back, sure that my cheeks were stained with embarrassment.

“Can’t you get your own elephant?” I snapped, shooting a frustrated look over my shoulder .

“I could,” he said with an evil smirk, leaning in closer and whispering in my ear, “but I enjoy watching you squirm.”

A tingling sensation ran down the length of my spine as his stubble brushed across the shell of my ear. With a frustrated huff, I shifted forward in the seat as much as possible, trying to distance myself from him.

The caravan began to move, and the enormous creature beneath me followed suit. The gentle swaying with each powerful step was a weird feeling, the ground seeming to shift and roll beneath us. My back was stiff from sitting straight, and the elephant's swaying movements weren't making it any easier.

“Why don’t you relax, sayyida?” Ranen coaxed, but there was a sarcastic lilt to his voice. “I don’t bite…often.” I was tempted to lean back into his powerful chest to prove I wasn’t afraid of him. But I was. Absolutely terrified. “Here.” A poof of dark magic caught my attention from the corner of my eye as Ranen reached around me and handed me a stunning cup of gold.

“What is it?” I asked, not trusting a single thing that he handed me.

“The best coffee in all of Jalam. It looks like you could use some.” He held the cup out until I took it. “Did you have a rough night, sayyida?”

“That’s none of your business,” I snapped. “You shouldn’t concern yourself with me.” I took a sip of the coffee. It was smooth, velvety, and perfectly balanced. The flavors danced on my tongue, a harmonious blend of slight bitterness and subtle sweetness.

“Unfortunately, until I break this curse and get these cuffs removed, you are my concern,” Ranen grumbled.

I turned to him, batting my lashes in the way I knew he detested. “Poor genie,” I taunted.

Ranen’s scrutinizing gaze brushed across my face, making me uncomfortable, as if he could read all of my secrets just by looking into my eyes. He was the first one to break eye contact by looking ahead. “Once we reach the gates, I must disappear. I can’t risk Razoul seeing me.”

“You're not leaving me, are you?” I hated the desperation that leaked into my tone, but just thinking about what had almost happened to me last night when he left was enough to reignite my fear.

A cocky, lopsided grin tugged at his rugged features. “No, sayyida. I will be with you. You just won’t be able to see me.” As if to prove his point, he vanished before my eyes.

I couldn’t see him, but I could feel his presence nearby, like the gentle brush of a breeze against my skin. Or was that actually him touching me? The thought unsettled me as I glanced around, searching for any sign of him.

“Sit up straight, sayyida.” His voice rumbled in my head. “Look proud and regal. All eyes will be on you, trying to catch a glimpse of the invisible princess of Lidian.”

“Great.” I huffed, straightening my posture and trying to look nonchalant. Once we reached the gates, my cup of coffee vanished. “I wasn’t done with that,” I barked.

“I’ll get you another later,” he promised. “It’s time for your performance.”

Apprehension coursed through my veins like a swarm of angry ants as the elephant passed through the gate. Just as Ranen had said, it was like stepping back in time, like the pages of my history books had come to life .

It seemed like the entire kingdom had ventured out to take a look at the marriage candidates. People by the thousands lined the street, being held at bay by what looked to be palace guards. I glanced at the crowd, noting their tattered garments held together by patches. Children wailed, their small hands reaching out to me, begging for alms or food. The air was thick with the murmur of voices and the scent of desperation, mingling with the dust kicked up by the caravan.

“Oh, Ranen,” I gasped, looking around at the people who were obviously severely mistreated.

“Do you see now why I need your help?” Ranen asked, his deep voice vibrating in my head.

My eyes welled with unshed tears. “Look at the state of the children,” I said, my voice trembling with sorrow.

There was a heavy pause of silence. “This is why you are here, to help the people and save them from my brother.” Ranen reminded me.

All of my fears about going through with this asinine idea suddenly shifted. The state of the people and their meager marketplace, with its scant amount of food, pulled at my heartstrings. I would risk my life, entering a world ruled by djinns, where one wrong move could cost me everything, if it meant saving them.

Everything seemed to lapse into slow-motion as we traveled down the center of the kingdom, except my heart, which raced at top speed. The noise of the unruly crowd was deafening, their cries and wails demanding my attention. I wanted to leap from the elephant’s back and give the people everything we were about to offer to a very undeserving king. But I remained still, reminding myself that such an act would only get me thrown out of the kingdom—or worse.

“Once you enter the palace walls, a guard will help you dismount. You are not to make eye contact with them or any of the servants,” Ranen rumbled.

“Why don’t I just squash everyone beneath my curly-toed sandals while I’m at it?” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

Ranen’s voice purred in my head. “Maybe later.”

Why was I not surprised by his response?

As we approached the grand entrance, I glanced around nervously. The towering arched doorways loomed above us, their wooden surfaces polished to a gleam and intricately carved with delicate floral motifs. Massive doors, inlaid with precious metals, swung open, revealing a breathtaking interior.

My elephant passed under the archway into the courtyard. I couldn’t believe the difference inside the palace walls compared to the misery outside of the gates. The sight made my blood boil. They had so much while the people had so little.

They flaunted their wealth with lush gardens that overflowed with vibrant flowers, their colors and sweet scents making it seem like paradise. Fountains bubbled gently, the water sparkling in the sunlight, while peacocks strutted across the lawns, their feathers fanned out as if proudly displaying themselves like those in power.

“How do I make the elephant stop?” I asked nervously as we neared a massive staircase that led into the palace.

“He’ll stop,” Ranen assured me.

Sure enough, when the men carrying the banners stopped in front of the palace, so did my elephant. I exhaled a shaky breath, more than happy that experience was over. The servants laid their treasures on the lawn as the palace doors were slowly pried open. The doors were so heavy, it took two men on each side to open them. As they strained against the weight, the wooden panels groaned and creaked, resisting their efforts at first before slowly swinging outward with a deep, echoing rumble.

Guards exploded from the palace, weapons raised as they created a human walkway for several important-looking men to walk through. My gaze fell upon the one in the middle who was strutting like one of the nearby peacocks. He was shorter in stature and clean-shaven, his ebony hair mostly hidden beneath an extravagant turban and crown. Despite his size, the resemblance to Ranen was unmistakable.

“Don’t let his boyish charm fool you,” Ranen warned, whispering in my mind. “He’s a very old and powerful djinn.”

I gulped down my rising panic as the king stopped beside the elephant, glancing up at me with an air of authority and impatience. “I don’t believe you were invited to my little celebration. Pray, what is your name, princess?” he demanded.

I froze in place as fear reached past my ribcage and gave my heart a squeeze. What was the name of Lidian’s princess? Was that even common knowledge? Did she have a name? Surely, she did.

“Princess Soraya,” Ranen whispered the name to me. “No one knows her name except those of royalty.”

“Princess Soraya.” I sputtered the name with a little too much gusto, which earned me a glare from the king .

“I see. You may dismount.” Razoul granted me permission to get off the elephant and then stepped back as two guards rushed forward to help me.

“Help me out, buddy. Don’t let me fall and disgrace myself,” I whispered, patting the elephant’s wrinkly head. He lifted his front left leg as if he understood me, providing me with a sturdy foothold. I slowly lowered myself onto his lifted leg and then was helped to the ground by the guards. My skin partially crawled where their skin touched mine, but I hid my unease as they released me.

Razoul was before me in seconds, running his eyes down the length of my body before I was steady on my feet. “I must say, it’s a surprise that a princess who has never been seen before has decided to come out of hiding.” His dark eyes were shifty as he stared like he was trying to unveil my secrets.

I gulped down my rising panic and straightened up. “My father believes this union would be good for our kingdom, and so do I.”

His scrutiny threatened to bore a hole through me, and I held my breath, hoping he couldn’t see through my deceit.

He waved a hand, indicating the palace. “My home is yours. I invite you to join the other candidates for our celebratory feast tonight.” Air whooshed from my lungs as I released a breath. “My servants will see that you are settled in a room.” With that, he walked away with his guards, leaving me alone with servants who stood at the ready to do my bidding.

"You did better than expected," Ranen said, his tone smooth as polished stone.

My jaw tightened. “So glad you approve,” I replied, the sarcasm curling through my words.

Ranen’s deep laughter rumbled in my head like far away thunder. “Start walking toward the palace, sayyida. The servants will gather your belongings and follow you.”

Taking a deep breath, I stepped toward the palace and slowly started climbing the steps. I passed through the massive wooden double doors. Inside, the air was surprisingly cool and fragrant, scented with a blend of sandalwood, rosewater, and amber. The floors were made of polished marble, their smooth surfaces covered with intricate, colorful rugs woven with silken threads. Sunlight filtered through elaborately carved screens, casting dappled shadows that danced across the walls and floors.

“I am Leon, Your Highness. I will escort you to your room.” I jumped as a man approached and bowed low before me, his forehead kissing the floor.

The words “that’s not necessary” perched on the tip of my tongue, but I held them back, knowing that he was showing me respect. He finally rose and started down a hallway to the left.

“Tell him you want the rooms in the west wing.” I nearly jumped out of my skin as Ranen’s voice slithered into my ear instead of in my mind. I froze when I felt a tiny weight on my shoulder. Slowly, I moved my veil aside to see a miniature Ranen standing there, barely the size of my palm.

“What are you doing?” I gasped.

Leon turned around, having believed my question was directed at him. “Escorting you to your room, Your Highness,” he said, his eyes wide with confusion.

I smiled at him, quickly covering Ranen back up with the veil, hoping that the servant hadn’t just seen a tiny seductive genie on my shoulder. My cheeks heated with embarrassment as I felt something caress my neck.

“Keep it up, and I’m going to pluck you off like a pesky fly,” I warned through clenched teeth.

Leon stepped closer to me. “Highness?”

I cleared my throat as I felt something lightly tug my hair. “I would like the rooms in the west wing, please.”

“Don’t say please to the servants.” Ranen tugged on my hair again, and it was all I could do not to swat him from my shoulder.

Leon bowed at the waist. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, those rooms have been locked for some time. No one is permitted in the west wing.”

“I don’t care what you have to do…” Ranen threatened. “But get those rooms.”

I straightened. “I am Princess Soraya of Lidian, and when I make a request, I expect it to be followed without argument,” I managed to say in my most haughty tone. “The consequences will be severe if I am denied.”

Leon hit the ground again, bowing deep, and I couldn’t help but feel like a heel for speaking to another human being in such a way. “Right away, Your Highness. I will get the servants to clean it immediately.” He rose from the ground, beckoning me to follow him in the opposite direction.

As he led me down the dimly lit halls, I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. The concept of an angel standing on one shoulder and a devil on the other was a common metaphor used to represent the inner conflict between good and evil, but in my case, all I had on my shoulder was a tiny genie. Lucky me.