Immediately, Natalia wondered why he has asked for this. “Of course,” she answered as they started the long climb to the top.
Anas smiled. “Thank you. I have something to show you.”
Natalia led him up the stairs to the balcony of the highest tower. After arriving, they both looked off toward the sunlit horizon, now able to take in the enormous army spread out like ants below them.
Anas tugged on her arm and turned her toward him. “What is it that you desire, Natalia?”
Natalia just gazed into his eyes.
He looked back out over the city and continued. “I can give you whatever your heart’s desire is. All you have to do is ask,” he whispered.
She lifted her head toward his and then back toward the city. After a few moments of deep thought, their eyes again met. “I want freedom,” she blurted out. Instantly, her heart raced, but quickly slowed down again.
Anas smiled boldly. “It can be yours. All I ask is that you be my wife, and you may have whatever you wish.”
Natalia refused to take her eyes from his as she stood there, speechless.
Anas lowered his voice. “Your beauty has captivated me, and for that, I will reward you with anything and everything. I am the son of a god. If you choose to come with me, you will be the happiest woman in the world. You will have all your heart’s desires come true. Anything you ask for will be laid at your feet.”
Natalia had never heard such powerful words meant just for her. “Anything?” she replied as her eyes widened.
Anas raised his hand and drew his fist closed in front of Natalia.
Only inches away, she stared quietly.
Anas slowly opened his fist, only to expose a bright burst of red, green, blue, and white. Now free, a small hummingbird fluttered off his palm.
Natalia gasped.
“Anything,” smiled Anas.
Natalia’s voice shook. “How did you?” she asked.
The tender creature lighted from his hand and onto her supple shoulder.
At first, Natalia couldn’t move as she gasped in excitement. She slowly turned her head toward the pulsating wings above her heart.
Anas kept grinning as he spoke, “I offer you myself as your husband. I will let you sleep on it.” He turned and slipped away while Natalia gazed at her special gift. She felt completely lost in the best dream of her life. She thought, Did this really happen to me? as the tiny bird lifted itself into the warm air and disappeared off into the distance.
Chapter 20
The oil burned brightly, flickering yellow hues off the whitewashed walls. Her mirrors captured every gentle motion as Natalia drew stroke after long brush stroke through her soft hair. She let her eyes drop slightly as she admired her silky smooth nightgown. Suddenly, she realized that she had stopped brushing. Thoughts of Elijah danced wildly when she remembered the lunch conversation. Did Elijah kill the prince? she wondered. If he did, how did he do it? Who was this man she had grown so accustomed to? A noise outside in the hall made her jerk. She found herself dreaming of her favorite wedding dress, this time, with the handsome Prince Anas at her side. The long, white dress train trailed behind her and was covered in hundreds of falling petals, all of different shades of reds. She lifted her veil as he lowered his perfect tanned face to hers. Their lips touched gently, then passionately as he reached down and lifted her off the ground and into his arms. She reached up and gently stroked her face, imagining her hand to be Elijah’s, then Anas’s. Her breathing increased as she closed her eyes with their two images sealed inside forever.
“Click!” The door flew open and a bustling Mera shuttled in. “Well, Natalia. How are you this evening?” she asked.
Slowly, Natalia opened her eyes and sighed. “Just dreaming.”
Mera replied, “Of the prince, no doubt.”
Natalia just smiled as the two men again positioned themselves in the forefront of her mind.
Mera quickly crossed the distance and started running her hand through Natalia’s hair. “I am so proud of you. Today, for the first time, when I looked upon you, you really looked like a princess.”
Natalia barely heard Mera’s words.
“I know your father must have been so happy,” continued Mera.
Natalia blinked away the daze. “Thank you, Mera,” she replied.
“See? It’s not so bad being a princess, is it?”
Natalia’s little giggle barely came forth.
Mera peered into her eyes. “Especially when you have a handsome prince sitting next to you.”
Natalia quickly laughed out loud. She thought of his muscles as he reached in front of her earlier for the platter of food.
Mera smiled. “You are very fortunate to be a princess, Natalia. Any woman would want to be in your shoes right now. I know it’s difficult at times, with all the responsibility and such, but you can do it. You were meant to be a princess. You are the shining example to every woman that looks upon you.”
Natalia stood up. “Thank you, Mera,” she said as she wrapped her arms around her.
Mera winked. “Well. You might want to put something else on rather than that gown of yours,” she said, motioning toward the closet.
Natalia gently rolled her eyes. “Is it not bed time, Mera?” Their gazes locked.
“No, not for you. The prince asked me to call on you for him,” whispered Mera, smiling.
Natalia covered her mouth as she gasped. “Really?” she asked.
Mera clapped her hands together. “Yes! It’s true!” she exclaimed.
“I believe you should wear your most favorite dress,” replied Mera after a short pause.
“The one my father bought from the East!”
Sparkles shot out of Mera’s eyes. “Yes!” she exclaimed.
Mera quickly ran over to the closet. The doors flew open, exposing the most beautiful folds of gold-laced silk. Natalia’s favorite dress took center place, ready and waiting. Mera reached up and lifted it from its hanger, carefully holding it against her body. She turned and carried it back to Natalia, now with arms outstretched. Soon, she felt the woven strands of golden silk against her throbbing chest. The dress was too wide to be fully visible in her mirrors, so she pulled the puffy skirt to the side to expose the hand-embroidered flowers. The golden flowers were works of art as they stood out against the vibrant background of multiple shades of gold and light browns. They were her favorite part of the dress. She had always wanted one for her hair. Her shoulders were completely exposed except for two thin straps. Her perfectly formed torso molded itself inside the top as if it was her own skin. Her full breasts perfectly presented the sewn-in sparkling jewels, everywhere present. Bands of satin and lace started at her hips and ran down the length of her flowing skirt. A band of gold and jewels across her forehead topped the extravagance perfectly. She was a glittering masterpiece.
“How do I look?” asked Natalia.
Mera gleamed. “Like a princess. Beautiful!”
Suddenly, Natalia’s heart beat faster. “Where is he?” She couldn’t wait to show off her dress, but even more, to be in the man’s presence, once again.
“He will be waiting in the courtyard!” replied Mera.
A huge smile crossed Natalia’s face as she glanced once again in the mirror.
“Do you want me to escort you?” asked Mera.
Natalia quickly answered, “No! Of course not!” She reached down and grabbed two huge handfuls of golden silk and lace and lifted them off the floor. “I will be back!” Without a second thought, Natalia ran out of the room and worked her way down the long hallways and onto the first floor. She felt as if she were floating in the dream of a lifetime. She had never imagined using her beautiful dress for something like this. As soon as she reached the lobby, reality tried to settle back in when she saw the man
y servants still cleaning the dining room from the recent party. Then, reality really struck home when she saw the warrior Radwan. He stood, motionless, by the lobby entrance. Natalia felt sweat form on her tiny wrists as she approached the massive man. He glanced down at the princess and then straight ahead toward an elephant statue across the way. In a flash, though, Natalia found herself in the courtyard where Anas stood, gazing up at the stars.
Anas slowly turned and lowered his head, slightly. “Good evening, princess,” he said.
“Good evening,” she said as she returned the courtesy.
Anas’s face beamed. “You look more beautiful than ever.”
Her breathing slowly returned to normal as she replied, “Thank you.”
Dressed in a most handsome array of teals and blues, he chuckled as he reached out to her. She shivered when she felt his warm and full lips caress her hand. Dazed, she was held spellbound when he waved his other hand and exposed a beautiful red rose. She suddenly thought how Elijah had never done something like this.
“It’s beautiful!” she said.
Anas smiled. “Will you walk with me?” he asked.
A giggle escaped her as the towering man drew closer. “Of course,” she replied. Their arms interlocked as they stepped across the stone paths in unison. “So how do you like our city?” quizzed Natalia.
Anas cocked his head. “It has its moments. I still do not understand how someone as beautiful as you abides here,” he said, chuckling. “I’m sorry. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Natalia smiled as her skin radiated a healthy pink glow. “Thank you.”
The prince stopped. “Do you believe in love at first sight, Natalia?” His eyes penetrated hers.
“I do,” she said, as thoughts of Elijah bounced in and out of her living dream. Her stomach tightened and made her wonder why she kept thinking about the bandit.
Anas quickly replied, “I am glad we are in agreement.”
Natalia smiled and slowly turned toward the stars.
Anas followed. “Do you know I own the stars?” he asked.
Giggling, Natalia covered her mouth. “Oh, really?”
Anas didn’t blush. “Why, of course. That is what happens when you are a son of a god.”
Natalia dropped her gaze to meet his. “Which star is your favorite?” he asked.
Natalia looked back toward the heavens. “My favorite star? Hmmmm…I suppose the northern star,” she replied as she raised her hand. “My mother used to tell me if I was to ever get lost, to follow that star. That it would lead me to her, and we would be together again.”
Anas gently touched her shoulder. “Have you not been to the stars?” he asked, inching closer.
Natalia couldn’t hold back her laughter. “No! Of course not! We can’t go to the stars. It’s impossible!” she replied.
Anas chuckled. “Would you like to go with me?”
A small frown formed. “Have you lost your mind?” she asked.
Anas smiled and moved closer to the princess. They both stood motionless under the brilliant night sky. “I can take you to the stars. I can take you wherever you wish. All you have to do is…ask.”
Natalia’s eyes widened as she glanced off into the distance. She felt a shiver race down her back as a cool breeze swirled by. The sound of the elephants, roaring in the background, suddenly filled the night air. “I want to leave this place, Anas. I want to see the world,” she said as their eyes again met. “I want to see the stars.”
Anas gently caressed her face as he came closer. “Then the stars you shall see. I feel energy between us that I cannot explain.” He leaned down with his mouth by her ear. “It makes me want to be nearer to you,” he whispered.
She closed her eyes as his smooth skin glanced off her cheek. His scent suddenly caused her knees to quiver. She wondered, How can I feel this way for a man whom I barely know? What of Elijah?
His soft words pierced her dreams. “Will you come with me?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
His hand slipped down to her waist. She felt her breath escape as a wave of dizziness swept over her. It was all she could do to fall into his arms.
Ever so slowly, Anas leaned forward, but she didn’t notice until his lips brushed hers. His beating chest pressed tightly against hers until their hearts beat as one. She raised up and found his lips again, this time, not letting go. A gentle breeze swept through the garden as they remained locked in each other’s embrace.
Crack! Anas jumped and turned toward the bushes. Natalia glanced over as well, still wanting to feel the warmth of his softness against her lips. “What is that?” she asked, not wanting this moment to end.
Anas shrugged. “Nothing, it was probably just a bird,” he said as he leaned back into her awaiting arms.
Natalia abruptly pulled back as she adjusted to a wave of guilt spilling into her soul. Her mind suddenly teetered when she considered what she was doing. She quickly replied, “I…I…I need to get back to my room,” she whispered.
Anas tried to look into her eyes. “Is everything okay?”
But Natalia turned her face toward the uneven stones. “Yes. Everything is fine, I just…I just…I need to take care of something,” she said.
“As you wish,” replied Anas quietly and stepped away.
Natalia quickly glanced at him as she turned to go. Her first step faltered ever so slightly, and then she hurried back into the palace.
Chapter 21
He reached up, yet again, and wiped his forehead as he peered through the bushes. His only love, so close that he could hear her whisper, had just turned to leave the tall prince. Her hand moved, only to release a budding rose. As he watched it descend, he thought about the rock he had just thrown across the distance. The loud crack was not as noisome as he had hoped, but it did curtail any further kissing. He grinned. But that quickly faded under the penetrating stare of the prince. The man bent over and carelessly grabbed the rose. His eyes closed as he inhaled its fragrance. Suddenly, the red petals were replaced by an eruption of brilliant flame. Elijah gasped! Seconds later, the cinder ball fell to the earth as the prince exited the garden. Elijah wiped his forehead again and shut his eyes. His jaws clenched abruptly when he replayed the image of Natalia’s last glimpse. His happiness was gone. She had fallen for the stranger in his city, and now, he felt like nothing more than a common bandit. Oh, how he hated that feeling as it sunk deeper and deeper into his chest. He put his hands to his head and started to sob. Why is this happening? Why? screamed his thoughts.
The garden was empty and he knew that he had to leave. As he reached hand over hand, the ground slowly moved farther and farther away. She used to climb with me. She was so good at everything she did, even stealing, he thought. He paused and stared at the small wooden creature, now moistened by his own hand. He shook his head and tried to drive away the desperate emptiness overtaking him. A quick glance back toward the palace and Natalia’s balcony pushed back the wave of emotions. Could it really happen? he thought. Could he convince her of his undying love and win her back? The dark image of the smoldering rose drove him toward her room. He felt compelled to try. The adrenaline surged as if he was being chased across the rooftops. Oh, how he loved that feeling. He was doing something positive, and it had to work, he thought. No risk was too great for his love. He told himself that without her, he was as good as dead. A loud snarl forced his look down. In the corner, directly beneath him lay the chimera with its beady eyes fixed upward. It rose and started to pace, its goat head slowly rising. Elijah shuddered from the chills running up and down his spine as the beast’s sounds penetrated the darkness. Hisssss! Elijah leaped for a ledge and quickly pulled himself up and away. With one more hand movement, he quickly scaled the balcony fencing.
The tall glass-filled door gave way to the sight of his love. Her van
ity was her only companion as she brushed her hair every so slowly. Elijah’s lungs filled with her sweet fragrance and he stepped closer. He pushed his thoughts away, not wanting to realize that this might be his last chance. “Natalia…” he whispered.
Only her eyes moved as Elijah’s reflection took form. “Elijah? What are you doing here?”
With a half grin, he replied, “I…I came to see you.”
She turned around and slowly rose to her feet. “Don’t you know it’s dangerous here! You could be caught!” she exclaimed.
Elijah shrugged it off. “I don’t care. I…I had to see you,” he said.
She stepped closer. “Elijah, I…”
Elijah drew in another deep breath. “I need to tell you something…”
“I think I already know. I know you killed the prince.” Natalia shook her head and looked away.
Instantly, Elijah’s raspy whisper came forth. “What? I didn’t!”
“Everyone knows about it, Elijah! You told me you took care of it!”
“I didn’t! I didn’t do it, Natalia! You know me! You have to believe me!” pleaded Elijah.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Natalia.
Elijah continued. “I didn’t want you to get hurt! I didn’t kill the prince! It was a gang leader, Karam, who did it!” He stared at her and wondered if even his words were heard.
“Why did you say you were there? Are you a part of this gang now?” asked Natalia, frowning.
“Natalia, stop it! Of course, I’m not! It’s complicated, I,” pleaded Elijah.
“I…can’t trust you anymore,” cried Natalia.
Elijah watched her tears well up. What was she really thinking? he thought. “Natalia. Please…I…,” he said as he stepped closer. “I saw you and the prince, and…”
The whispering ended. “You were watching me?”
Elijah stepped back. “I didn’t mean to overhear…”
“What is wrong with you?” she exclaimed.
Elijah’s shoulders dropped. “It’s not how it sounds,” he said.
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