Library

When Khari opened her eyes and her feet touched the cool floor, the sun had yet to fully rise. She went about her morning ritual, folding the blanket on her bed and picking out what to wear in her closet. Khari’s fingers rippled over the braille tags which hung from her closet hangers, searching for the perfect outfit for the day. Her fingertips settled on her favorite garment. A white dress with soft blue flowers embroidered around the edges. She pulled it gently off the hanger and slipped it over her head, admiring the way the fabric hugged her curves.

While Khari could do most things herself, her servant, Opia, still helped her with her hair and makeup. Khari settled into her chair while Opia stood behind her with a brush, comb, and small array of beauty products. She carefully started at the crown of Khari’s head, slowly pulling and twisting each strand until it formed a loose bun, leaving a few curly strands of hair to frame her face. She dusted a little blush on her cheeks and swiped some mascara across her long lashes. Just enough to make Khari look naturally beautiful without being too heavy-handed.

After she was ready for the day, Khari followed the marble walkway leading to the library, her bracelets jangling with each step. There was a slight chill in the air, contrasting with the sun’s warmth on her skin through the windows. Although Prince Wren had been cruel and dismissive towards her, King Nashir had been kind. Opia had told her that the King had arranged for special books in braille to be delivered for her in the library. Maybe it was his way of making up for his son’s behavior. Regardless, Khari was grateful.

As she entered the library, her ears were met with peaceful silence and the musty smell of old books. She navigated through the stacks to the braille section, third aisle down and one row over. Her fingers skimmed over the book spines, each new title piquing her curiosity. After a few moments of searching, her hand paused on a paperback, and with a smile, she withdrew it. The story was about two star-crossed lovers from separate worlds; it was just what she had been looking for. With the book clasped close to her chest, she moved further into the library to find an inviting spot to settle in and start reading.

As Khari crept closer to the seating area in the back of the library, she distinctly heard the faintest sounds of scuffling. When she finally turned the corner, grunts and moans flooded her ears. Her heart skipped a beat, and her hand swiftly flew to her mouth in shock as the book she held fell to the floor. Suddenly, her name was called out in a deep, pleasure-filled voice, “Khari.”

She felt like all the air had been knocked out of her lungs, and her feet were glued to the ground. Her eyes widened with fear and remorse as she listened to Prince Wren’s smooth voice. She stammered, “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to...”

“Stop talking,” he zipped up his pants quickly, adjusting them on his waistline before tucking in his shirt. He swung around to the other woman, who was smiling coyly. He leaned in for a passionate kiss, then stepped back, twisted his lips into a smirk, and said, “Meet me in my room.” She quickly nodded, her cheeks flushed with delight, before scurrying out of the room. He whirled back to Khari, who was standing motionless, her breath caught in her throat. His face was rigid as he loomed over her like a skyscraper in the middle of the night. He stepped closer to her, “You should know better than to eavesdrop, Khari.” She tried to back away at the sound of his advancing footsteps but stumbled over the book lying on the floor and nearly fell. He caught her and steadied her in his arms. Time seemed to stretch as his gaze roved over her face. “Mmm,” he inhaled with a low hum of appreciation, his nose brushing the soft curls of her hair. His baby-smooth fingers brushed her chin until his face was inches from hers. He pulled her in closer, taking his hand and guiding it to the small of her back. She could feel the heat radiating from him and could barely contain a shiver. His lips curled in an amused smile as if he knew precisely why she was there, “Admit it. You wanted to watch.”

“Your Highness,” she said gently, “With all due respect, if I could see, it would be the last thing I would wish to witness.”

A corner of his mouth tugged upward into a roguish grin, and he melted into her, burying his face in the crook of her neck. Her body pulsed with anticipation as he inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of jasmine that clung to her skin. His lips grazed feather-light across her neck, sending goosebumps cascading across her body. His hands sought out her waist, pulling her close so that his whisper was a warm breath against her ear. “Would you like to feel what you can’t see?”

Khari’s slender fingers clutched desperately at his shirt as she pressed her palm firmly against his chest, feeling his heart racing beneath her touch. She leaned her body away from his advances and said in a gentle yet firm voice, “I think you’re still riding the waves of pleasure. You’ve always told me you would never...”

He grabbed her by the shoulders, his voice like a whip through the air, “I know what I said,” he hissed in her ear before crushing his mouth to hers. His lips were hungry and demanding, and his hands explored her face and neck with a possessive grip. He pulled away briefly only to trace her lips with his thumb; his eyes were hooded and passionate. His throat felt tight as he tried to contain his emotion, the only indication of it being a slight quiver in his voice, “If only..” he murmured. He looked deep into her sightless eyes, repeating his words more softly this time, “If only….” He took a step back and ran his fingers through his hair, trying to collect himself. His face was stormy as he pulled at the cuffs of his jacket, and his voice regained its collected calmness as he commanded, “Never interrupt me again,” he glanced around the room before adding, “You’re fortunate we were finishing when you decided to arrive.”

She bowed, barely hiding her annoyance. She knew better than to argue and acknowledged him with a respectful, “Yes, Prince Wren.” He finally turned to leave, his footsteps echoing off the bookshelves, and she released a sigh of relief, feeling the tension between them dissipate. She stood there, gathering herself among the towering bookcases filled with volumes of literature that seemed to watch her every move. Gingerly, she bent down and gathered the book she dropped before meekly retreating to her room. She placed the book on her desk, scarcely having set it down, before a loud rap sounded at the door. She opened it to find her devoted servant, Opia, standing there with a small package in her hands. The box was wrapped in gilded paper and had a bow of velvet ribbons on top. Opia offered it to her with a whisper. “Miss Khari, someone left this gift for you. There’s a card, but it’s blank.”

Opia handed her the box, “Thank you, Opia,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Opia smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she bowed, “You’re welcome,” she said before leaving.

Khari slowly pushed the door closed with her hip, careful not to slam it. She stepped lightly across the room and placed the small box on her bed before sitting beside it. She removed the card from the top, running her fingers along its surface. It’s blank? She thought as confusion crossed her face until her fingertips brushed over bumps and ridges, revealing it was written in braille. A smile crossed her face as she read the hidden message.

Miss Khari,

Now you don’t have an excuse. Here is your new riding gear.

Meet me in the stables at 4 am tomorrow morning.

~Azim

Upon reading his name, Khari felt a flutter in her chest. She ran her fingertips over the lid, guessing what could be inside. Her fingers fumbled at the ends of the ribbons as she untied them, letting them fall away, and finally lifted the box lid. With barely contained wonderment, she reached in and felt the fabrics inside. Her smile widened when she removed it to find a stunning riding habit. She ran her fingers along the jacket’s stitching, her hands shaking with excitement. The fabric was thick and luxurious, embroidered with intricate designs. A pair of pants and a crisp shirt were draped underneath the jacket. Azim’s thoughtfulness made her heart thump as he had gone through all this trouble just so she could learn to ride. It was an unexpected and thoughtful gesture she was sure to cherish. Her smile slowly faded at the thought of what she was considering, and her full lips pulled into a frown. The idea of meeting Prince Azim was against court rules. The thrill of adventure mixed with fear rested heavily on her chest. She didn’t know what to do. The only question that echoed through her mind was, what if Prince Wren found out?