The Invitation

She drew a deep breath, and a muscle in her jaw twitched as she clenched her teeth, her body tensing up with the effort of suppression, “It’s a natural response, but I can try,” she finally said.

“Good,” he smiled at her, his expression a mixture of relief and concern as he studied the deserted trees and bushes surrounding them. “It’s not safe for you to be out here alone. What on Earth are you doing out here?”

A wry smile tugged at the corner of her lips, “I know it sounds silly, but it helps me clear my mind and gather the courage I need to face another day,” she whispered, her voice trailing off at the end, leaving a silence that gave way to the chirping of birds in the distance.

“I understand,” he heaved a heavy sigh, his eyes looking off into the distance. “I can’t believe I long for the days of clashing swords and avoiding arrows on the battlefield. The monotony of palace life has taken its toll on me.”

“Yes, monotonous, among other things,” she said with a faint smile that vanished quickly, and he knew she was referring to his brother. Trying to lighten the mood, she continued, “Plus, it’s beautiful out here.”

A single eyebrow arched as he tilted his head to the side, “How can you tell?” His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and his lips quirked up in a half-smile.

“I’ll show you,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of mystery. She held out her hands and gestured for him to take them, and he did so hesitantly. She smiled and said, “Close your eyes for me.”

He stared into her silver eyes briefly before finally taking a deep breath and complying, “Okay. They’re closed.”

“First, bask in the sun, feeling it on your skin. Feel it warming you up as if you are sitting in front of a fire.” He felt the sun’s rays caressing his skin, feeling his body temperature rise at the heat. “Then focus on the tree’s leaves rustling in the wind. The swish and sway of the branches every so often dancing along.” He cocked his head and tuned his ears to listen, hearing the branches slightly shake above. “You can hear the birds in the background, chirping as they add to the melody of the trees.” He listened in on the bird’s song as the entire scene came to life in his mind. When he opened his eyes, he saw Khari’s smile matched his. “It is beautiful,” he said, referring not to their surroundings but to her.

Khari’s hands were heavy, reluctant to depart from his touch. A flicker of warmth radiated from the connection of their palms before she eventually let go, “Happy to share a piece of my world,” she said, taking a deep breath before making her way back to the palace, her heart pounding in her chest.

Azim walked beside her through the forest, his long strides slowed to match her shorter ones. Sunlight filtering through the towering firs created dappled shadows on the forest floor, and Azim was filled with a sense of contentment. He smiled, taking in the beauty of the ancient trees, and grazed his hand over the bark of a nearby trunk. “The forest is even more beautiful on horseback,” he said, glancing at her from the corner of his eye as they walked back to the palace.

“I’ve never ridden a horse,” she replied as she cautiously stepped through the woods.

Azim watched her intently, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His gaze never wavered from her face as he asked softly, “Would you like to?”

She stopped in her tracks, incredulous. Without hesitating, she spun toward him, “Are you asking me, a blind woman, to go horseback riding?” her voice quivered with disbelief.

“Yes, I’m asking you, Miss Khari, to go horseback riding,” he answered, “Your lack of vision should not stop you from living life. Why do you put yourself down?” His words were full of conviction, and his gaze seemed to hold a deep understanding of her struggles.

Khari dropped her head to the floor, her cheeks flushing red, “I don’t know,” she murmured in a low voice. She took a shaky breath and answered, “I’ve been told my entire life that I’m useless because of it.” Her voice trailed off, and sadness filled her eyes. “I guess it stuck.”

As Azim stepped closer, she could feel the warmth radiating off his body and smell the subtle hint of wood ginger in the air. His eyes sparkled with admiration, and he said, “Let’s unstick it. You don’t know how truly remarkable you are.”

Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open; then she let out a throaty chuckle as she shook her head in disbelief. “Me? Remarkable?”

“First, your knowledge of the palace is impressive,” he said, “You can recognize a friend or foe just by their stride and voice. You can get around the palace and forest without assistance because you’ve excelled in other areas to make up for what you lack. That is remarkable. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”

Khari stood in stunned silence for a few moments. She could feel the weight of Azim’s words sinking into the depths of her soul. She closed her eyes, letting the prince’s wisdom fill her with warmth and confidence. When she opened them again, a small smile was on her face, “Thank you, Prince Azim,” she said gratefully, ready to face another day, “It’s hard to see the light when you’re surrounded by darkness. You make it easier.”

He stared into her eyes, searching for something, and swallowed hard. His brow furrowed as he hesitated before asking, “By darkness, do you mean my brother?”

She fiddled with her hands, unsure of how to broach the difficult conversation. She cleared her throat and began, “I don’t wish to offend you….” Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she didn’t dare to finish the thought. Instead, she slowly continued her retreat toward the palace.

“It’s alright.” Azim frowned, his voice soft, “No offense taken. I’m surprised he has treated you with such contempt,” he paused, remembering the good days between him and his brother, “He hasn’t always been this way,” he added, his heart heavy with regret.

“I wonder what changed?” Her voice was soft yet laden with sorrow. “Was it one event, did it happen over time, or is it just me that he has a distaste for?”

Azim’s eyes flashed with intensity as he shook his head in frustration. “No matter the cause, there is no justification for his behavior,” he said firmly.

“Your Majesty, your words mean more to me than I can express,” she said as they walked through the grand archway of the palace. The huge stone walls towered above them and glittered with what seemed like a million diamonds in the sunlight.

Azim’s forehead crinkled in disappointment, “I never got an answer to my question about horseback riding,” he said.

Khari’s voice was stern as she spoke. Her lips turned down into a frown, and her brows furrowed in disapproval, “A mistress of another man should not spend her time so openly with another. There are rules,” she said as a reminder.

Azim’s eyes twinkled as he bared his pearly whites in a devilish grin. “I’m not one for following the rules,” he said, his voice low and mischievous.

Khari couldn’t help but giggle at his brazenness, “You have no regard for court etiquette.”

His deep and gravelly voice conveyed an intensity that left her unnerved, “I’m a man hardened by war. When you realize that you may not live tomorrow, rules or etiquette mean nothing.”

Her heart felt heavy at the weight of his words as the memories of her suicide attempt flooded back. She remembered the darkness that had blanketed her like an impenetrable fog, choking out all hope for a better tomorrow, “That is oddly profound, Prince Azim; however, I can’t join you as I don’t own riding gear. Good day,” she said, bowing despite his objections. Her voice was tinged with sadness and regret as she turned away from him and walked away.

He watched her retreating figure, his eyes drawn to the gentle sway of her hips. His stomach churned with anticipation because something about her called out to him. His heart thumped in his chest as he felt an unspoken connection to her, and he knew he had to get to know her, no matter the consequences.