Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 21 – The Arrival Of An Guess

Chapter 21 – The Arrival Of An Guess

Fae strolled through the lush gardens of the palace, surrounded by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle sound of flowing water. The garden was designed in the style of an oasis, with tall palm trees and jasmine vines climbing up the walls. The winding pathways were made of smooth stone, and ornate fountains dotted the landscape, providing a refreshing respite from the desert heat.

Colorful mosaic tiles decorated the walls, shimmering in the sunlight that filtered through the leaves of the trees. Rows of pomegranate and fig trees provided shade and a bounty of fresh fruits. As Fae walked, she admired the details of the garden's architecture, from the arches and domes to the lattice work on the windows.

In the center of the garden, a grand pavilion stood, with a large mosaic fountain in front of it. Fae approached the fountain and gazed at it, depicting a scene of a desert caravan with camels and travelers. She closed her eyes, enjoying the soothing sound of the flowing water and feeling the gentle breeze on her face.

As she continued her promenade, Fae appreciated every moment of the peace that the garden provided. Despite the challenges and chaos of the outside world, she knew that she could always find solace and beauty within the palace's walls.

Fae donned a flowing garment that draped down to her ankles. The fabric was light and airy, with embroidery on the edges in delicate patterns. Over her head, she wore a sheer veil that fluttered softly in the breeze, casting a hazy filter over her face. The veil was adorned with small jewels that sparkled in the sunlight, casting a shimmering glow around her head. As she walked, the hem of her dress trailed behind her, leaving a small trail in the soft soil of the garden path.

Fae had been living in Meyaris for several months now, and despite her initial shock and discomfort with the culture, she had slowly grown accustomed to this new way of life. As she learned more about the laws of Unmar, she began to realize that they were not as oppressive as she had once thought.

The Unmar teachings emphasized values like love, respect, and prosperity, and Fae found herself agreeing with many of these principles. However, she couldn't help but feel conflicted about the methods that were used to enforce these laws. Blood and fire were often used to maintain order, and while she understood the need for law and order, she couldn't help but wonder if there was a more peaceful approach.

Fae believed that if the believer of the Unmar had been approaching people in a more peaceful manner, many of them would have been willing to accept the laws willingly, rather than being forced to do so through violence. Despite her reservations, Fae was determined to learn as much as she could about Unmar, and hoped that one day she would be able to make a difference in this unique and complex land.

The priestess was drawn back into reality when she noticed the maids hurrying around the palace gardens, seemingly preoccupied with something. She stopped one of the maids and asked her what was going on. The maid, whose name was Farzaneh, informed her that an important guest was on her way to the palace.

Fae was curious about who this guest might be, but she knew better than to ask too many questions. She had learned that curiosity was not always well-received in the Unmar culture, and it was best to be patient and wait for things to unfold on their own.

But this time was different, so she persisted and asked, "Who is this important guest?" The maid hesitated for a moment before replying, "It is the Bashirite’s bride-to-be ."

Fae's mind was racing as she tried to process the news of the Basharite's impending marriage. She had never considered the possibility that he might have a fiancé. She had spent so much time with him and he had never once mentioned it, nor had he given any indication that he was interested in anyone. Fae felt confused and her heart skipped a beat at the thought.

She wondered what kind of woman the Basharite was engaged to. Was she as intelligent and captivating as Fae found the Basharite to be? Did they truly love each other or was it a marriage arranged for political reasons? Fae's thoughts swirled with questions as she tried to come to terms with the news. She felt a sense of disappointment and loss, as if something she had held dear had suddenly been taken away.

"Do not tell me you're in love with Reza." a voice said in a mocking tone

Fae's expression turned from confusion to anger as she recognized the voice. It was Zahira. She turned to face the woman, who was yet again dressed in black from head to toe, still looking as intimidating as ever.

Zahira had a threatening expression on her face, and a smirk on her lips. Fae couldn't stand the sight of her, but she tried to remain calm.

She then added “You better not confuse your feelings of loyalty and caring with love, Fae. Reza will never love you, he will never care for you, and he certainly will never marry you."

Fae's eyes narrowed as she faced Zahira. "Don't project your own feelings onto me," she retorted. "I have no romantic interest in Reza… unlike you."

Zahira's face turned serious as she replied to Fae's suspicions. "You should watch your mouth before you ask Reza to toss you back into your cave," she said, her voice cold and threatening.

Fae stood up straight, her eyes meeting Zahira's challenging gaze. "Reza has no reason to toss me back into a cave," she stated firmly. "I have been loyal to him. I didn't try to escape or harm myself. I showed him who his enemies were and who he could trust. I used my visions to guide him into becoming more powerful. In just a few months, I have been more useful to him than you have in all your years of service to him," she added, her voice growing more confident.

Zahira's expression darkened at Fae's words. "Be careful what you say, Fae," she warned, taking a step forward. "You may have impressed Reza with your visions, but that doesn't mean you can replace me. You don't know the things I have done for him, the sacrifices I have made."

Fae held her ground, refusing to be intimidated. "I will watch my words," she replied coolly. "But you should also watch yours..."

“If you knew what I could do to you, you would fear me” she spatted

“One thing I will never feel when it comes to you is fear”

With that, Fae turned and walked away, her head held high. She felt a sense of pride and satisfaction in standing up for herself and showing Zahira that she was not to be underestimated. She was still angry about those accusations.

Zahira watched Fae as she walked away, her expression slowly changing from one of satisfaction to one of anger. She clenched her fists, feeling the urge to lash out, but she held back. As Fae disappeared from sight, Zahira turned on her heel and strode away, making her way back to her chambers.

Once she was safely behind closed doors, Zahira allowed herself to vent her frustration. She kicked a nearby stool, sending it clattering across the room. "Who does she think she is?" Zahira muttered to herself. "She may be useful to Reza now, but she doesn't understand the power dynamics of this court. She's only been here for a few months."

Pacing back and forth, Zahira's mind raced with thoughts of handling Fae's challenge. She couldn't let Fae undermine her authority, but also didn't want to cross Reza. Zahira took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She would have to be strategic and couldn't let her emotions get the best of her.

Fae entered the palace with a scowl on her face, her thoughts still consumed by the argument with Zahira. As she turned the corner, she bumped into someone and nearly stumbled, but strong hands caught her by the arms, steadying her. She looked up to see Reza standing before her, concern etched on his handsome face.

She let out a small grunt of annoyance and rolled her eyes, clearly showing her frustration. Without saying a word, she pushed past him, brushing her shoulder against his as she walked away. She didn't bother to apologize or even acknowledge his presence. Her mind was focused on her anger and she didn't want anything or anyone to stand in her way.

As Fae tried to walk away, she suddenly felt a strange sensation in her body, as if she was being held in place. She looked down and saw that her legs had become stiff and unresponsive. She tried to move them, but to no avail. It was then that she realized Reza had used his gift to paralyze her.

She tried to move but couldn't, feeling a surge of fear and anger running through her veins. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down, but Reza's hot breath on her neck only made her more agitated.

Reza walked up to Fae, who was frozen in place, and stood behind her. He leaned in close, breathing down her neck, and whispered in her ear. "You must have forgotten, Fae, that one of the laws of the Unmar is to show respect towards the Basharite," he said in a low and threatening tone. His words sent a chill down her spine. She realized that she had crossed a line and that she needed to be more careful in her actions and words.

Fae quickly apologized as she bumped into Reza. "I'm sorry, my Basharite..."

Reza simply nodded and said, "Be more careful next time."

Fae then explained, "Zahira angered me, she implied that I was in lov-." She paused for a moment before continuing, " it's not important anymore."

Reza replied, "It's important to control your emotions, Fae. Don't let others get under your skin so easily."

Fae nodded in agreement and said, "You're right, Your greatness. I will try to be more mindful in the future."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Fae then asked, "If you'll excuse me. I don't want to take up any more of your time. You must be busy."

Reza looked at her curiously and asked, "Why do you think that?"

Fae replied, "Because your bride-to-be arrives today, and I'm sure you have preparations to attend to."

Reza smiled as Fae approached him. "Well, well, well Fae. Is it jealousy I see in your face?" he said teasingly.

Fae raised an eyebrow, surprised by his question. "Jealous? Of what?" she asked.

Reza chuckled. "Of my future bride, of course. I know how you women can be."

Fae's expression turned serious. "I am absolutely not jealous, Reza. I have never seen myself in love or married, and certainly not to you."

Reza's smile faded a bit, and he turned to face her. "Why would you not see yourself marrying me?" he asked, a hint of offense in his tone.

Fae sighed. "As a priestess, I am not allowed to love or marry, or have intercourse outside the walls of my oasis. Love was never an option for me."

Reza looked at Fae with a gentle smile and said, "You know, as a believer of Unmar, it is your duty to find a husband and get married."

Fae sighed and replied, "I know, but as the priestess of the Basharite, no one will ever dare to be interested in me. And to be honest, I'm fine with being alone."

“You are right, I prefer to keep you for myself and myself only” Reza spoke

Fae felt a mix of confusion and nervousness when Reza said that she was his and his only. She wasn't sure if he was implying that he had romantic feelings towards her or if he was just referring to her status as a priestess bound to servitude.

She quickly pushed the thought out of her mind and instead focused on her duties. "I should be returning to my chambers now," she said, trying to hide her unease.

Reza nodded and watched as she turned to leave. As she walked away, he couldn't help but wonder if he had made her confused with his words. He knew that their relationship was complicated, but he couldn't deny the fact that he was drawn to Fae in a way that he couldn't explain.