Chapter 4 - Like Magnets

Jasmine

Every break I had, I spend at the library with Benjamin and Rabia, the royal cook. Although Rabia never said more than three words, I was glad she came to make these little escapes possible. Ben had convinced me that the girl whom had ran into his arms a few weeks ago, was no more than a family friend.

Not that I cared of course. Still I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of relief. Her name was Sierra he said, and she just came to the palace to visit him.

Being a servant to the sultan, Benjamin was well read. Every day he taught me a subject. Today he spoke about the solar system. He wore a well fitted grey suit and a white blouse today, what seemed a bit odd. That certainly wasn't the way servants were dressed. His hair was neatly combed to the side and his well-trimmed stubble beard was ever perfect.

"Jazz, are you actually listing?" Ben chuckled, catching me stare at him. "Of course I am." I lied irritated. He frowned. "Can you guess how old our solar system is?" He asked, while his hazel eyes held mine. He made it so extremely hard to think.

I didn't like the effect he had on me.

I looked up to the ceiling, trying to straighten my thoughts. "It depends on who you ask." I said flatly. "A Rabi, Imam, or a priest would give you a different answer than a scientist would." I explained.

"Fair enough." He beamed. "Scientist would answer and say that our solar system is 4.6 billion years old." He continued. My jaw dropped. Benjamin chuckled quietly.

"What do you know about the stars?" Benjamin asked coming closer. I flashed a glance at Rabia, who slightly smiled at me. "Not nearly as much as I would like to?!" I said almost as a question. "Can you get some time off tomorrow night?" He asked shifting his body towards me.

The air felt thick, becoming a magnetic field, as I felt the urge to move closer. He licked his upper lip and ran his hand through his hair. He took a step back and before I knew it, I closed the distance between us, grabbing the material of his white blouse.

His wide hazel eyes stared at me in shock. He tilted his head to the side and ran his hand through his hair again. Still, I didn't let go. What in the world possessed me to behave this way? Benjamin chuckled quietly and then I remembered we weren't alone. I let go of him at once, and ran out of the library.

I wasn't sure what to do. Once the word was out that I had behaved in such an unappropriated way, I could get expelled. That wasn't only bad for me, but bad for my whole entire family. They depended on me to complete my time here. If I failed now, our family would drown in debt. And for what? Grabbing the blouse of a complete stranger? Why? Why in heavens name did I do that? I was losing my mind.

Raina came in while I was making her bed. "How was your morning your grace?" I asked. She sighed heavily. "I don't know if I did anything wrong, but my cousin hasn't spent any time with me and his time at the palace is almost over." She said sobbing.

I felt bad for her, not knowing how to cheer her up. "What do the two of you do together, that you miss the most?" I asked thinking out loud. "He sings for me." Raina said while her eyes lit up.

"He sings… " "I don't think I can help you with that your highness." I barked a laugh. "I don't sound that good your grace." I had never had a man sing to me, I wondered what his voice sounded like. "We watch movies as well." She said while walking towards her sitting area.

Will you join me?" The princess asked. "If I may your highness, I would love to do so. Is there anything you would like to eat?" I asked, thinking about wanting to talk to Rabia. I hoped I could do some damage control. "I would love some raspberries. No, some strawberries." Raina said almost sounding childlike.

I walked outside Raina's chambers, rehearsing the conversation I would soon have with Rabia. I mean, what was I supposed to tell her? That I momentarily lost my mind? Was there any excuse for the way I behaved? Not really.

Lost in thought, not looking where I was going, I walked right into Benjamin. He steadied me, holding me close, as the air surrounding us turned magnetic again.

We stood there, for much longer than was considered appropriate. What was I thinking. This wasn't appropriate at all. Realizing that, and thinking of what happened before, I shied away from his grip.

Benjamin ran his hand through his hair and bit his lower lip. "This didn't go as I planned." He said muttering. Than what was the idiot planning? His cologne lingered around us, making my head swirl again. "I have to go." I abruptly said, raising my chin. "You do now, don't you." He half smiled. Benjamin scratched behind his ear and let out a sigh.

"Will you be there tomorrow?" He asked pleading. "Where?" I asked puzzled. "There will be a meteor shower and I think it will be perfect for our next class." He said matter of factly.

I shook my head. "No." I said. "Why not?" He asked not sounding used to the word 'no'. "Because I won't." I stated flatly. "Tell me the reason why you won't." He demanded. "Because I don't want to." I said irritated by the tone he used. "You don't want to because?" He asked, dragging out the last word.

"Benjamin." I started saying. A slight smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. "You are the Sultans servant, what are you doing on this wing in the first place." I pinched my eyes shut with my fingers, not wanting to look at his hazel eyes.

"Well... To be fairly honest, I am here to see someone." He winked at me. "Does this stuff ever work on woman?" I asked closing my eyes again.. "Tell me, does it?" Benjamin smirked sheepishly.