Chapter 64 - Phony

Benjamin

I ran through the hallways, as it seemed like there was no end to them. Finally I reached my wing and I could hear her. I had never heard her scream so loudly.

The door to my chambers was open. As I entered, I saw that it was very crowded. The room was filled with maids and guards and I saw Jasmine trying to fight each and everyone off.

"Don't touch her." I barked. I did not mean to be rude, they could not know what was happening. "Please leave us." I commanded. "But your majesty…-" Khaleed began. "Enough." I said with authority in my voice.

Without question everyone left my chambers, except for Jasmine's hand maid. "Can you bring me a wet cloth?" I asked her. She nodded.

I began to sing the same Arabic song, I sang the previous nights this had happened. Taking her in my arms, she fussing, but I tightened my grip around her. I kissed her on each inch of her face. "Habib I'm here." I whispered against her skin. "I will always be here."

I wiped the sweat from her forehead, with the cloth the hand maid had given me and wrapped my arms around her.

She fell asleep again.

Jasmine

I woke up with the memory of his touch. I shivered with the thought. Benjamin's hands were holding me tight. I couldn't move again. I felt a bit of a panic rising up in me, as I tried to free myself. "Ben wake up, Ben wake up." I said tugging on his arm.

"Morning." He breathed and kissed the temple of my face. "Can I-" I tried. "I mean I need to…-" I tried again. "Can you move your arm?!" I said in a more sharp tone, than I meant. Benjamin flinched in response.

I did not want to insult him.

"I mean; you are as strong as a bear." I tried to smile. The corners of his lips lit up. "I am your bear then." He smiled crookedly. "My Benjabear." I said wiggling my eyebrows. He snickered in response. "Benjabear." He said trying his new nickname out. "I like it." He nodded with pouted lips.

Then he finally released me. It felt like a big relieve. "I am going to take a shower." I told him. "let's take one together." He mused.

"No." I abruptly said. "Okay." He said in a small voice.

I went into the large bathroom and locked the door. I wanted to be alone. No, I needed to be alone. I heard a knock on the door. What now, I thought. I sighed heavily. "Yes." I said unwillingly.

"It is Thalia your grace. I am your new hand maid." I heard from behind the door. "What can I do for you?" I asked. "No, what can I do for you, your grace?" She said a little awkwardly.

Right, I was a princess now. "Nothing really." I said trying not to sound too harsh. "I heard you are taking a shower, should I turn your water on?" She asked. I thought is was silly, all the things royals needed help with. Wasn't there anything they could do themselves?

"I can manage." Is said hoping she would go away. "If you open the door, then I could bring a dress for the day and your oils and perfumes." The maid said trying again.

I closed my eyes and counted to ten. That didn't really help. I opened the door and looked at the tall maid, who was about the same age as I was. I opened the door with just a little crack. The maid came right in and turned my water on.

I slightly nodded in frustration.

I washed my hair and body with all the oils and soaps the maid handed to me. She did not leave me alone. "Are you done your highness?" She asked. I nodded 'yes'. I did not even have the privilege of drying my own body off, because she also did that.

She put cream on my body and helped me get dressed as well. I liked the dress though. It was green with golden beads.

When I walked out of the bathroom, I immediately stumbled into Benjamin. He had washed up as well. He wore a grey suit and a black blouse. He held me in his arms, but I felt like I needed a little space.

I took a step back and in response he took a step forward. This wasn't leading anywhere. "What's wrong?" Benjamin asked cupping my face.

I don't know, I felt smoldered maybe. "I'm hungry." I lied. "Let's go eat." I said as I broke lose from his grip.

"Of course my love." He agreed.

We walked to the family dining hall in silence, and I was glad for that. I needed some peace and quiet. As we entered, I saw that most family members had already taken their seat. I didn'y see Lynn and their mother though.

A girl with long black hair stood up and quickly walked towards us. I felt like I had seen her before. "Ben." She said as he walked faster and she flew into his arms.

He draped his arms around her.

I cocked my head and looked at them. Who was she? I looked at the sultan and he flipped his hand as in to say 'well…'. "That is Sierra." I heard Raina say from across the room. "She is a family friend." Raina clarified while focussing on the latter word.

"It is nice to meet you." I said as I patted on her shoulder, trying to break that strange moment. She did not turn around right away. She lingered in his arms longer than I found necessary. "You must be his first wife." She smiled.

Her smile did not reach her eyes and I could tell it was fake.

"I am his only wife." I stated trying to make a point. "Of course." She said with phony politeness.

"For now." She said with a huge grin.

I turned my head to the sultan and he held my gaze in return