Chapter 11: In Motion

Khari’s mouth dropped open at Azim’s statement, her head shaking in disbelief. He was, by far, the most attractive man she’d ever seen. Not to mention the most eligible bachelor in all the kingdom. Royals flocked to the prince for his hand in marriage after he helped end the war and brought victory to the land. “Yes,” she said, stepping back until the cold wall pressed against her back. Her heart was beating so fast she could feel it in her throat, and her breath caught as she spoke. “I’m still Prince Wren’s mistress. There are rules to be followed at court and...”

“And what?” he asked, his voice low and urgent. His hand brushed the fallen strand of her hair behind her ear and lingered there momentarily, feeling the softness of her skin. “You think I care about rules? I held back my feelings, but now that I know you don’t want to be his mistress, that changed the rules.” His deep brown eyes intensified as he moved closer and gently placed his hand on the wall above her head, creating an intimate barrier between them. His gaze fell to her lips, waiting for her response, pleading with her, “Tell me you feel something too,” he whispered softly.

She stayed quiet as her mind was elsewhere. She analyzed his every word, trying to decipher if he truly liked her for who she was or if he felt that way because he knew her secret, “You only say that because you know I can see,” she said.

He leaned into her, his breath warm and ticklish against her ear, “And yet I’m here during the day when you can’t.” His lips curled into a gentle smile, and his voice was low and almost dream-like as he continued, “Yes, your ability to see at night is a miracle in and of itself, but I have to say that I enjoy you this way more.” His voice was barely audible, yet she could still feel the weight of his words on her soul, sending a flutter of excitement through her body.

Her body was still as if holding its breath in anticipation of his answer, “You enjoy me being helpless?” she asked, curiosity lacing her words.

His fingertips were gentle as he caressed her arm, and he looked into her eyes, his own burning with intensity. “I enjoy you strong-willed and persevering,” he said.

Khari felt a warmth spread across her chest and a flutter in her stomach as Azim’s words sunk in. Her mouth felt dry as she nervously asked, “How so?”

“I’ve heard the quiet whispers of Wren’s other mistresses, the stories of your father’s abuse,” he watched her intently, studying her every twitch and flicker of emotion.

The conversation had quieted, and she forced a tight smile, “Can’t be gossip if it’s true,” she confirmed in a low, unsteady voice, feeling the fear and embarrassment creep through her body.

“Being able to withstand abuse as a child is incredible within itself. Then, against all odds, you were able to thrive in this environment that is hostile toward you. Even though you were blind, you learned to differentiate between people by their sounds and smells. You even managed to learn your tasks quickly and accurately,” he shook his head in admiration, “You-”

She cut him short; her voice was sharp as a blade. “But I didn’t withstand,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, “I tried to kill myself.”

His gaze lingered on the pale blue fabric that adorned her neck, carefully concealing the jagged ridge of the scar that bisected it. He lifted his eyes to hers and squeezed her hand in his own. “That doesn’t make you weak,” he said. “Even the strongest walls will take a beating before they crumble. Luckily, the moon goddess saw what I see in you and saved you from that last hit,” his thumb brushed against her knuckles in a comforting gesture.

“So what?” she said, her voice breaking, “You want me to be your mistress? You expect me to trade one prison for another?” she asked.

He shook his head firmly and stepped closer. His warmth seemed to envelop her, and she could feel his breath on her skin, “No,” he murmured, “I will make you a free woman, unbound to any man. And then I will earn the right to call you my queen,” his lips were only inches away from hers.

Her mouth dropped open, and her heart raced as the words washed over her. “Your what?” she whispered, unable to believe what she’d just heard.

“That’s my motive, Khari. I’ll do whatever it takes to become King so I can have you at my side as my queen.” He paused, his eyes searching her face for a reaction before adding, “Surprised?”

“Are you speaking the truth? Do you really care for me? Or is this pity or guilt for what your brother has done to...”

Azim interrupted her mid-sentence, and the world seemed to fall away as his lips pressed against hers. His body absentmindedly got closer, eliminating any space between them. Her initial shock at the suddenness of the kiss quickly turned into a warm shudder that raced through her entire body. Against her better judgment, she found herself responding to him and melting into his touch. She pulled back slightly, her lips still warm from the contact, “I apologize,” he said, “I’ve never had much self-control, and I’ve wanted to do that since I first saw you in the woods...”

“...kiss me again.” Her eyelids fluttered, and her lips parted slightly as she said the words. Her voice sounded soft and vulnerable like a secret whispered in the night.

He gave her a wry smile, his fingertips gently hooking beneath her chin. Gently, he guided her face closer to his until their lips barely touched. As the kiss blossomed into something deeper, she felt his palms and fingers pressing into her skin, and with every touch, her skin was aflame. Everywhere his hands moved, he seemed to be filling the voids within her, and for the first time in her life, she felt truly wanted and loved. His lips were soft and warm as they moved slowly down her jawline, sending sparks of electricity along her skin. As his lips danced behind her ear, he whispered, “I will free you of Wren,” his words sent goosebumps down her arm when he said, “One of my men has put the first part of the plan in motion,” his fingers trailed gently along her skin as he finished.

Her heart began to hammer against her chest as he spoke, and she leaned forward, eager to hear what he had to say. “Will you tell me your plan?” she asked.

He stared at her intently, “No, I don’t want you to be accused of conspiracy,” his voice was firm and direct, “If we happen to be found out, I’ll take the blame. I don’t want anything falling on you. Understood?”

“Understood,” she said, trusting him completely.

He gave her a soft kiss on the forehead, and she could smell the faint aroma of his aftershave. He stroked her hair lovingly before saying, “Good. Eat your breakfast, and we’ll talk soon.” He turned to leave the room, the sound of his footsteps echoing against the walls.

The wooden door shut softly, and the handle clicked as it closed. She exhaled deeply, finally allowing the tension in her body to escape. Her fingertips lightly touched her lips, still tingling with his kiss. Her heart was beating frantically, and despite her efforts to slow it down, the butterflies in her stomach were still fluttering wildly. Azim had always had this effect on her. It was a feeling she couldn’t quite describe, but one that filled her with a strange, intoxicating energy, making her crave more.