Turning to face the door she just entered, Aaleyah rests her head on the smooth wood. Taking a few deep breaths her hand travels to the handle on the door, tightening her grip on the handle before slowly loosening.
From the corners of her chambers Aaleyah's ladies wait in rapt silence. Finally after a small moment their high princess turns to face them with a resolute expression.
"Leelin, prepare a bath with plenty of roses," Aaleyah addresses her head lady. Remembering Prince Hammun's words she knows her husband will return dirty from his hunt. She can speak to him while he bathes, this way he can be in a relaxed state, and most importantly not able to easily move to follow her. She can use the guise of him bathing to hide her eyes from him. She will be able to hide her expression from him as much as she desires. Her confidence will not falter.
Leelin bows and rushes to obey the command. She leaves behind the other young ladies who are so tense and confused, the room smells of it.
From the moment her ladies have been assigned to work with her, Aaleyah has never shown any signs of distress to them. Knowing this Aaleyah lessons the tension in her eyes, after Blue moons of living with these ladies, their sole job is to know her more than they know themselves. She must not be anxious, with that thought she makes a conscious effort to stop picking at the dry skin by her nails.
One of the young ladies goes off to light a candle, mumbling about granting her high princess some peace, and to ease the darkness in her eyes.
Addressing the remaining women in the room, "When the high prince comes I ask that all of you step out. I will be speaking to him privately." Casting her eyes across the women, "No lingering," she coolly orders.
The ladies bow low, "Yes," they respond. Then they disperse to prepare for the return of High Prince Saan. For if he will be coming to their high princess's quarters they must make preparations. Some go as far as preparing the marital bed.
Feeling slight embarrassment at that action Aaleyah decides to wait for her husband in the main wing instead. Opening the door, she only takes three steps before seeing him.
High Prince Saan's tall form is made bigger with his bow and arrows on his back, his sword at his side. His large frame blends in with his guards behind him, for he has trained with them and learned the same skills the guard has. They follow behind his quick steps, his group taking over the wide hallway, their steps in unison slamming into the ground in sync.
Saan's long black hair is slicked back into a ponytail, the braid that was once there has already fallen out. Aaleyah smiles nodding to herself, Prince Hammun was correct. Her husband has returned straight from the hunt. In his black hair are strands of fur, most likely from his kill. The blood of the animal he must have carried over his shoulders has soaked into his clothes staining his beautiful blue robes in blood. Blood that the servants will struggle to clean.
As he passes, much like with Aaleyah, maids and servants bow deeply, not daring to lift their heads until he is ahead of them. As he passes he leaves a trail of bloody footsteps on the floor. His hunting shoes were not taken off insinuating he received the message to see Aaleyah and got off the horse in immediate search for her. Aaleyah scans the men behind him, but sees none of the guests of the hunting party. Saan must have waited just long enough to hear where he needed to go, but not long enough to hear that he could dismiss the guards. Which is why they race behind him leaving muddy footprints of blood on the palace floors. He walks swiftly and with purpose towards his wife's chambers.
Aaleyah clicks her tongue at the mess he has made for the servants to clean. Straining her eyes she can already see servants rushing to clean. Behind her she can hear her ladies leaving. Staying rooted in her spot, everyone in the hall knows the exact moment High Prince Saan sees his wife. His eyes lock on hers and his tuff expression morphs to worry. His steps speed up until he is jogging to her.
'High Prince Saan always races to his queen', that is the saying that has been passed throughout the kingdom. The times where High Prince Saan was separated from his wife the moment he sees her again he always races to her. The common folk gossip saying it is because she had once disappeared for Blue moon that their high prince runs to her. Afraid that she will vanish. If only they knew how true that was.
As he races towards her Aaleyah can see the looks of the servants and guards. It must seem a terrifying sight. A man decorated in blood, weapons hanging on his back and side, with more bloodied men approaching her. People should be afraid, people are afraid of High Prince Saan. High Princess Aaleyah however… If she allows herself to, it might just be comfort she feels seeing him.
With a wave of his hand the group of men behind him halt their steps and High Prince Saan takes the last fifteen steps towards his wife alone. Reaching her his eyes scan her up and down for injury, seeing none he turns to the party behind him with a nod.
With a bow the party disburses to clean up, and tend to their horses. They turn leaving the way they came except one. Dressed in all black this guard is not covered in blood, he always manages to keep himself clean. This guard walks forward until he is only five steps behind his high prince. Catching High Princess Aaleyah's eyes he bows, and takes his place on the side of the hall as guard.
This is Helan, the personal guard for High Prince Saan and captain of the palace guard. He was taught by Herom Aljehni and is one of the best in the kingdom. He rarely leaves his high prince or princess's side.
High Prince Saan's hand hovers by Aaleyah's cheek, not wanting to dirty it, but needing a sense of closeness. His dark brown eyes study hers reading all of who she is, and within his eyes Aaleyah finds herself lost and vulnerable, an open book that only he knows to read.
When they were kids and he was just Prince Saan, he had promised to side with her. Defending her from her own siblings. He once told her that as long as he was there even the heaven's would not dare to harm her. She had never believed it and always laughed. After the riot she found herself far from his side. She lived through years of protecting herself, and aiding herself. So why is it whenever he is near she cannot deny the way her lungs easily breath, and the tense heaviness that leaves her shoulders? It is his vows of protection that makes her nervous to follow the king's orders. To tell High Prince Saan of the dangers that are coming, her husband will have to choose between duty and love, and Aaleyah is preparing herself to make him choose duty. To accept that their time is over.
On his hand, his ring finger is the only one not caked in blood and dirt and High Prince Saan twirls a curl of Aaleyah's dark hair around it. "My Sun, let us go see the queen," he tells her, his rough voice soft.
Grabbing his wrist ignoring the blood and dirt on it, "High Prince Saan," Aaleyah addresses formally, catching the way he tilts his head in habitual annoyance; looking very much like his father. He always tells her to address him without formalities. "This subject wishes to speak to you before we go," she tells him, avoiding his eyes.
"Subject?" he repeats displeased at the word. He pulls the arm that Aaleyah is holding and forces her to step closer so he can catch her eyes again. "What does my high princess mean by this?"
Shaking her head slightly, some of her hair falls to cover her face, "There is something this subject is ordered to say."
"Something my high princess must say," he corrects. "Surely it can be said after we go and see the queen. You are already aware of what has happened, I intend to gather all information about the ordeal. If the words truly must be said now, then the high princess can say them as we walk," he says in a diplomatic tone, pointing at the direction of the queen's chambers insinuating they should start moving.
Releasing his wrist it lingers in the air before Saan lets his arm drop by his side. Aaleyah shakes her head, her eyes turning dark with stubbornness. "High Prince Saan, this one must speak to you now. Privately," she tells him this time not avoiding his gaze. Her voice cold and authoritative, as she traces the nail of her thumb nervously.
Saan turns back to give Helan a look and Helan steps back.
"Please," Aaleyah insists, "talk to me first." She would love to see the queen as well. Anything other than pouring her family secrets would be better, and of course she also feels worried. Aaleyah hopes the queen is alright; she desperately needs the queen to be alright. But wishes do not come true, nor do they become fulfilled. Aaleyah has orders.
"Aaleyah," Saan sharply says with the same amount of authority in his voice that she showed. "Whatever it is you must say you will have time to tell me as we walk. Helan will stay far enough behind that he will not hear. We will walk from the east wing to the south wing, it should be more than enough time. Let's go see our mother," he urges, his hand hovering over Aaleyah's shoulder urging her to move forward.
Aaleyah stands frozen, her golden eyes boring into Saan's brown ones. Both stand stubbornly until Aaleyah takes Saan's bloody hand, her voice dropping to a whisper, "Saan please, I must speak to you first. It is important and I will not take one step outside of this wing until you have heard my words. I will refuse to let you go until you hear me. I understand your desire to see the queen mother. I desire that too. But please," she pleads.
Saan's urgency to leave and irritation at his wife's stubbornness fades away. Aaleyah never asks anything of him. Aaleyah knows the war he must be having in mind. His mother is injured. His mother lays in pain, awaiting the royal doctor. He wishes to be there, but here is his wife, begging him to stay and listen to her. Opening his mouth to voice these needs, his words freeze.
Aaleyah looks up at him, this time without the mask of calmness. Her eyes no longer dark, he can see the pain, confusion, and frustration in her golden orbs. The tiredness and desperation that was not there this morning, covers her face. He sighs and Aaleyah knows she has convinced him.
"Please." Taking his other hand in hers, "Saan I need you, please allow me a piece of your time." As she speaks she slowly takes steps backwards towards her chambers, and almost cries out in relief when Saan follows her, allowing her to pull him inside.
Saan pulls one hand back and closes the door behind them as they enter. His eyes are full of concern and confusion. As he enters the chambers are empty, all the maidservants are gone.
He allows Aaleyah to usher him to a chair next to the table allowing her to loosen the strap that keeps the arrows on his back to take off his bow before sitting down. Saan watches as she places the weapons in their place underneath the window before coming back to fumble with the wrist guards, untying them and tossing them onto the table. His eyes silently follow her every move, until he can not hold himself back, "Leyah, what is it? Why are you so nervous around me?" His eyes follow Aaleyah as she bends down to untie his shoes, taking them off his feet. Taking a nervous breath, "Is mother," he swallows, "is the queen dying?"
His question halts Aaleyah's movements. "No," he hears her whisper and he exhales in relief.
Aaleyah stands reaching to untie Saan's outer robe.
Holding her small hands in his big one, "Then what is it?" he asks nervously. She pled to speak to him, now they are inside she is barely saying a word. She just nervously fidgets with his armour and weapons, he knows she is buying time to speak. But what exactly does she wish to speak about? "Leyah I beg you to say something. I do not have time for this, what has happened to my mother?" he asks urgently. He rises from his seat and scans the room for traces of Leelin, surely she would have some idea of what is happening. Unfortunately she is also not in the room.
He feels Aaleyah pull her arm to release herself from his hold and relents. Maybe she is moving to show him something.
Aaleyah pulls a bowl of water and a cloth closer towards her. "High Prince Saan, I will tell you about my family," she tells him weakly. "So, please sit down. The king has ordered me to speak."
Hearing the word family, Saan freezes. From the moment Aaleyah returned to the palace she has not spoken as much as a whisper about her family. She has never even said a word about Zale. They have walked as if there was glass in the sands. Sitting down, "The king has ordered you?" he repeats, allowing Aaleyah to take his hand.
Pointing to her crown, "I am ordered to tell you about the stone, about my family, about my tattoo," her nail rakes against dry skin by her nail ripping it off, "and then you must choose, as high prince, you must choose what to do," she tells him with a gloomy expression. She focuses on cleaning Saan's hands avoiding his gaze once more.
Saan processes his wife's sad eyes that accompany her words. To speak of her family is a difficult thing, of course he is aware of it; but she only desires to talk about it now because she was ordered, not by choice. "You wish to speak because of orders," he repeats hoping she is unable to notice his pained smile. Taking the cloth from her hand he wipes the blood off her fingers that have been dirtied by touching him. Kicking a chair out he motions for her to sit at the head of the table. He meticulously cleans each of her fingers, missing nothing and the couple sits in silence. When finishes he soaks the cloth in the bowl and cleans his own hand.
Aaleyah reefinds her courage in the silence, "You are aware of the attack on the queen days earlier. The queen was stabbed and we cleaned the wound believing that she would recover after some time."
Saan pauses from wiping his arms to give Aaleyah a nod that he is listening.
"The wound was from a poisonous blade, a poison that we did not catch, thus did not know to look for an antidote." Rolling her index finger over her thumb nail, "That is what caused her to faint in the gardens today."
Saan finishes cleaning his hands and arms, and tosses the cloth back in the bowl, giving Aaleyah his undivided attention. Eventually her words will find its path to her family, and he must make sure that when she looks towards him, she will know he is listening.
"The queen's situation confirms the King's beliefs that the Stilits are on the move again. Targeting peace, possibly targeting the stone," she explains trying to maintain a cold expression.
Leaning his elbow on the table, his clean fingers hold his chin, "The stone?" his eyes travel to the crown on his wife's head. "Your family crest is connected to the riot from when we were kids?" Every family in the kingdom has some sort of insignia, or symbol of their family. The Aljehni family chose their stone, before her family was killed Saan saw how far Aljehni influence travelled.
Aaleyah swiftly stands from her chair and Saan tilts his head to follow her as she picks up a pile of clothes before returning. Holding the robes in one hand, with the other she offers it to him.
Taking it without hesitation Saan allows her to lead him to the bathing room. His impatience is growing, as well as his curiosity. However the nervousness permeating off of her in waves silences him. She will speak when she is ready.
Aaleyah leads him to the bath, then turns him towards her so she can help disrobe him. "The stone is not only the Aljehni family crest, nor is it only a tattoo." Taking off his outer robe she pauses to pull her sleeve down to show the tattoo on her upper arm. "I was not given this tattoo, I was born with it." Moving the fabric of her dress to the side, her tattoo is infused with the magic of the stone. It never goes away, its glow, while not bright enough to guide her way through the dark, is still brighter than natural skin.
Saan calmly pulls the sleeve back onto Aaleyah's shoulder, adjusting her curls as well His face moves up to caress her cheek, "If it is painful do not say it," he tells her. Despite his desire to know this information, he does not need it. The present situation is more pressing, he failed to protect her youth, but he will protect her present and future.
Her chin trembles, and her breaths quicken; but soon she steadies her emotions and continues. Her hands untying the ties on his inner red robe. "For generations my family's duty was to protect the stone. The stone has magic of the old and new," taking off the robe Saan is left in trousers. She turns so he can finish and enter the bath. Facing away she continues, "The stone my family protects is able to grant wishes. Any wish is able to be answered, and every wish has the power to alter life and death. Good and evil, the yellow light represents the downfall. A sour demise and fate that can fall on you, the dark meaning a wish's words can have on the stone." Turning when she hears him enter the water, "The white light represents the wish itself, and good that can come from it." Walking towards him she pours more rose water into the bathwater. "My family believed that the Lord of the Heavens gave this to mankind as a gift, and as a lesson. For in the wrong hands it can bring about destruction."
Saan's eyes never leave Aaleyah's, he follows every movement she makes his neck craning when she walks behind him to grab a sponge. "The Aljehni bloodline was chosen to watch over the stone, thus only our blood can activate and deactivate it." She gently scrubs his arms as she speaks, "Aljehni are also connected to the stone, thus our skin is darker, eyes are golden, and I am born with the tattoo." She hands him the sponge and focuses on cleaning his hair.
Saan trails his fingers on Aaleyah's arm. In all the kingdoms no one's skin was like the Aljehni family. Their brown skin seems red even without the sunlight. One could compare it to that of dried dates, a beautiful color that was not common. And if there were citizens in the kingdom with this shade, there was no redness to it. The Aljehni family was truly unique in their beauty.
During the years Aaleyah was away from the palace, her skin lost its redness and her eyes lost their golden shade, "Did the stone have the power to alter your appearance?"
Combing her fingers through Saan's hair, "Yes, the stone protected me in some ways. Also, if someone is thought to be dead, no one would see a resemblance of them in the living."
Shaking his head, Saan's pained eyes bore into Aaleyah's, "I knew you were not dead. I searched for you," he tells her with conviction. He silently watched her knowing she was not ready to return to the capital, he aided her the best way he knew how.
Smiling sadly, her eyes brighten, "I know."
Grabbing a ladle Saan finishes cleaning his hair and reaches for a robe. Aaleyah turns to retrieve the clean clothes.
Tying the robe, "Whatever you wish to tell me I will listen." He waits for Aaleyah to turn towards him again, "Leyah I made a vow to always stand by you," he reminds her.
Aaleyah hands him his clothes and assists in buttoning up the sides while he fastens his sleeves. Saan then pushes the sleeves up to his elbows and follows Aaleyah back to the table where he sees her pick up a comb.
"The stone was last used by my great grandfather. It was written that when the stone is activated all of nature heads its call. Bright light from the heavens shine at the center of God's temples. The blue water in the sacred ponds turn dark, reflecting night during the day. The waterfalls freeze in summer, or melt in winter. Flowers that have not been seen for ages grow once more. If one is aware of what signs to look for then it is obvious to know the status of the stone," Aaleyah says tightly.
"Was my grandfather aware?" Saan asks her, his face full of pain and concern.
"The previous king," Aaleyah hesitates, "knew enough to inflict pain."
Saan turns away after hearing her words, and Aaleyah begins to pull his hair into a loose braid. "Once the stone is activated anyone is able to make a wish, thus the one who activated it is no longer needed. The only ability they have is to deactivate the stone. Most of mankind cannot stop their wishes once they start. So deactivating it can be a dangerous action."
"The Aljehni places themself in grave danger," Saan says understanding.
"Yes. People will come for the stone once they know it is activated. And the Aljehni who did it is usually hunted to be killed to avoid chances of them deactivating it," she explains coolly.
"Thus, the Aljehni family is always very big," Saan surmisses.
"The family will scatter in different directions to make it harder, but eventually they can all be hunted down. They can all be killed," she laughs bitterly, "justly or unjustly at times the fate of an Aljehni is death." Aaleyah stands behind him, her hands resting on Saan's shoulders in tight fists. She will not cry, the girl who cried is already gone.
Saan reaches up and lightly squeezes Aaleyah's hand before urging her to come sit next to him. When she is seated he turns her hand up and places his hand in hers, allowing her to play with his ring, knowing it is calming to her.
Twirling his ring, Saan watches the war of emotions flicker in her eyes, "Hiding will always be impossible, for the connection to the stone has long since turned our chestnut skin darker, our light brown eyes brighter. My family is destined to be protectors of the stone, we were born as targets." She squeezes his ring finger, her eyes stinging. "Which is why," her hand shakes, "why we, why I," her hand shakes with the words she attempts to force herself to say.
Saan pulls her chair closer, "Aaleyah?" when she does not respond he calls again, "Leyah?" Still no response he pulls her into his arms.
"That is why," she mutters. Her hand tights on Saan's clothes.
"That is why your family was murdered during the revolt," Saan says calmly, finally breaking Aaleyah from her thoughts. "The previous king wished to eliminate the possibility of the Aljehni gaining more power. In his paranoia he thought to destroy your family before you could destroy him." He squeezes her hand.
Aaleyah's face grows cold, a darkness to her gaze. At the mention of the previous king her hatred is so strong it becomes visable. "I am not sure what the previous king knew, but my family was murdered, the revolt was just a distraction." Then she smiles, a smile so unsettlingly painful that Saan wraps his arms tight around her hoping to ground her.
"But the Stilits were wrong. The previous king lacked all information of the stone," she says, wrapping her fingers around Saan's hand. "With every generation only one is born with the connection to the stone. That cursed person will be born with a tattoo of the stone's magic on their skin. They will know every wish made to the stone in their lifetime. Will hear the whispers in the mind. It is only their blood that can activate the stone." Aaleyah moves the sleeve of her dress, "That is what this tattoo is. A notification that it is only my blood that can unlock the power of wishes. I am the only one who is able to activate the stone, and your father believes you should consider doing so now."
Aaleyah seems to deflate, her face draining of color; her body sinking heavily into his arms. This order was too much for her. Running his thumb over her cheek, her eyes are tightly shut.
Feeling her shudder he knows she is one moment away from closing herself up so he reluctantly releases her back to her seat and rises. Pacing to and from the table he shakes his head. "My father wishes to place you in harm's way?" Walking towards her his hand reaches out to her before he pulls it back, "No." He cannot believe it, he is aware that his wife has this idea of his father hating her; but he knows the truth. She is adored by his parents, loved like a daughter. The king and queen would never think of placing her in danger. This cannot be true.
Waiting for him to walk back in the direction of the table Aaleyah reaches for his hand and holds him in place. Rising from her seat, "You need to think of this clearly. As the high prince it is your duty to think of what is best for the kingdom," she shakes her head, "not what is best for me."
Saan looks down at her, "Do you not realize Leyah?" he asks her, his voice rich with emotion. "I want what is best for the kingdom because you are in it. If to keep the kingdom safe I am to sacrifice you, then I do not want the kingdom," he ardently tells her.
"Saan!" she yells in disbelief. "How can you say this? You are the high prince!" shaking his hands, "If you do not care for the kingdom and its people who will? Who will aid the people, and live for the common folk? Who will stand for them and speak when their voices are not loud enough? Who will fight for them? If not the royal family then what are these positions for?"
Caressing her cheek, her face is so small that his fingers slide into her hair, "I am the high prince, and if I say you will stay out of danger then it is law. You need not walk into fire for the kingdom."
"But the Stilits are a fire that can grow so hot even bones will melt. If left unchecked, the kingdom will go up in flames, a fire burning so hot the heavens will cry out rain."
"That is what the military is for," Saan calmly tells her, his thumb sliding over her lips to quiet her words. "What is the point of me building the strength of the military if not to use it to defend the people? My military does not need magic, my strategies do not need wishes, I am skilled, my men are talented and we will do our duty," he explains to her. "How is it you do not understand? You are high princess, yes, but you are my wife first. If in my position I am unable to protect you, then I have no right to be in a position to protect the kingdom."
Sliding his hand away from her face, the look she gives him is one of disbelief. "Your father hopes to activate the stone possibly to wish for peace, and to stop the rebels from growing into power and harming others." Her words lack warmth as she soullessly says what must be his father's plan. "Your father will have me deactivate it as soon as possible. When my family was killed many believed that the stone was lost. It may be possible that no one will care for the signs.
"Don't mock my intelligence Leyah. Do you know what kingdoms do when people cause problems? They create laws, create punishments, and serve justice. The royal family's job is to maintain order, and we have done so for generations. They did not need magic, I do not need magic. I do not need a stone that will grant wishes. My wish is for your safety, explain to me how aiming the world's swords at your neck grants me that wish?"
"It is not magic. Some believe it is a gift from the heavens," she defends. "No one knows about the option to use the stone except the king, me, and now you. I am not in danger."
"And it will stay that way." Saan states bluntly, done with the conversation. He fixes Aaleyah's hair and makes for the door.
"High Prince Saan." She calls out, "What if it is the only way to save your mother?" At her words his steps slow and Aaleyah rushes to stand before him..
"This topic is closed High Princess Aaleyah," he authoritatively tells her. What will it take? What must he do to convince her that her life means everything?
Placing a hand on his chest to stop him from taking a step forward, "The attack against your mother is just the beginning. The Stilits took so many lives during the revolt many Blue Moons ago. The king believes that power and danger is growing again. He is not commanding you to use the stone, but asking you to think about it." Aaleyah states diplomatically. "The king has asked me to ask if you wish to use it. You can say no, or you can say yes. The decision is yours, but you have to at least think about it." Shaking her head, "You cannot just dismiss it due to feelings."
Saan stares at her in awe. How amazing that the woman he loves has no belief in his love for her. She is unable to see her importance. "Leyah," he says her name in pain, "this decision is not solely mine to make. This is about your life. You will be in danger, you just told me that your family history is filled with deaths because of the stone. Your family was killed before the stone was even activated." he rubs his forehead. "You truly ask for my opinion? I have already given it to you. No. Soon to be king or not, I will never place you in harm's way." his disappointed eyes weaken his cold expression.
"The Stilits being stopped is of most importance." Aaleyah keeps her tone cool.
Saan shakes his head. He knows of her desire to protect the people in the kingdom. So many people still believe in the Aljehni name, she must protect them. "Leyah," he breathes, "If you die, I can avenge you. I can fight for you. I can decorate your body with Lotus flowers, but then what? If you die you are gone." Closing his eyes he rests his hands on her shoulders, "You may think me strong, but I am not strong enough to lose you." Opening his eyes he takes her left hand and rubs the wedding band on her finger before bringing it to his lips to kiss. "If you dare to place yourself in danger," he starts, his tone full of conviction and slight anger, "if you leave to a place I can not follow," his cold aura envelops her, but his hold on her hand prevents her from moving, "I will pay in blood, I will give my limbs, I will fight for a you who will be gone. And all of who I am will shatter. After, if I turn into a ghost, even then I will agonizingly search for you." Pulling her close, his arms wrap around her waist, "If you choose," he places emphasis on the word you, highlighting that this is her choice, "to activate the stone, and place your neck on another's sword, you best remember the words I have told you." He calmly moves a strand of her away from her eye, "Do you understand?"
The hairs on her body stands, and the nail of her thumb stabs into her finger. "You must not die." she tells him, weakly shuddering at the thought.
"How ironic." he laughs without joy at her words. "The queen's sickness will be resolved in our own way. We will not save a life by harming another's. Her health will return, and she will see you when she is better, at her side, and not in a grave." He motions for the door, "Shall we?" he asks desperately, needing a pause from the topic.
With nothing left to say, Aaleyah follows him. The moment the door opens Helan bows and falls in step behind them. Aaleyah walks down the hall with her head held high, but inside she is reeling from the words Saan has told her. Surely he can not mean it? When she dies he will not follow her recklessly. He said those words to scare her. Warmth on her fingers pulls her from her thoughts. Saan has taken her hand, keeping it firmly in his.
Saan leans his face close to her ear. His breaths dance across her hair, "Leyah, I understand your urgency to follow the king's orders." His voice drops an octave, "But I hope for the day where you need no order to open your heart to me."
Aaleyah's breath hitches, "A," her fingers automatically goes to scratch against her thumb, but Saan's hold on her hand prevents her, thus she squeezes his hand to allow her ease.
"I will wait for you. Take your time," Saan tells her, not hurt by her hesitation to respond.
Hearing his words her heart warms, the tension easing in her gut.
Seeing her eyes calm Saan naturally smiles, "Let us go see our mother."