Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 22 – Leyli The Bride To Be

Chapter 22 – Leyli The Bride To Be

As they waited for the arrival of Leyli, the tension between Fae and Zahira was palpable. Zahira kept casting glances at Fae, trying to read her expression. Fae, on the other hand, seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, not even noticing Zahira's stares. Reza, as usual, remained calm and collected, observing everything around him.

As they waited at the palace doors, the excitement grew. The streets were filled with people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride. Finally, a line of carriages appeared in the distance. The sound of drums and trumpets filled the air, announcing the arrival of the bride to be.

As the carriages approached, the people of the city cheered and threw flowers. The doors of the carriages were opened, and Leyli emerged.

She was dressed in a stunning outfit that caught everyone's attention. Her dress was made of flowing, richly colored fabric with intricate gold embroidery that shimmered in the sunlight. The corset was fitted, accentuating her curves, while the skirt billowed out in a full, sweeping fashion. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading down her back and adorned with small flowers that matched the colors of her dress. As she stepped out of the carriage, she looked like a true princess, and the crowd could not help but gasp in awe.

Reza couldn't help but smile as he gazed at her, marveling at her beauty. She was everything he could have hoped for in a wife: stunning, elegant, and poised.

Leyli had a striking presence as she arrived at the palace. Her features spoke of a heritage that was not entirely local. Her hair was long and wavy, falling down her back in loose curls. It had a honey color with chestnut brown highlights. Her eyes were a bright and piercing shade of green, which contrasted beautifully with her tanned complexion. The sharpness of her cheekbones gave her face a chiseled appearance, and her full lips curved slightly upwards in a natural smile.

As Fae stood there watching Leyli, something in her gut just didn't feel right. Despite Leyli's stunning beauty and charming demeanor, Fae couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about her. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but her body was sending warning signals, telling her that this woman was not to be trusted.

As Leyli approached Reza, he welcomed her with a warm smile and leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. Leyli turned to Zahira and greeted her, "Hello, Zahira." Zahira returned the greeting with a smile, "Hello, Leyli. It's good to see you again." Leyli then turned her attention to Fae, a new face she hadn't seen before. Reza quickly introduced Fae, "And this is Fae, my newest priestess."

Leyli nodded politely, acknowledging Fae's presence with a smile. Fae felt a strange sense of discomfort around Leyli but tried her best to hide it as she smiled back.

They entered the palace, Leyli was in awe of the grandeur and beauty of the place. Reza led her, Zahira, and Fae to the grand hall where a feast was prepared for them. The hall was adorned with exquisite tapestries and rugs, and the large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling provided a warm, golden glow to the room.

The council members, dressed in their finest attire, were already seated at the long, ornate table that was set with the finest silverware and china. Reza and his companions made their way to their seats, they were greeted with warm welcomes and friendly smiles.

Leyli couldn't help but feel a bit nervous while taking a seat. This was a new world for her, one that she wasn't entirely familiar with. However, Reza's reassuring smile and gentle touch on her hand calmed her nerves. She felt grateful to have such a caring and loving fiancé.

During the dinner, Reza could not help but gaze lovingly at Leyli. As the meal progressed, he felt some sort of excitement growing within him. Finally, he stood up to make an announcement.

"My friends, I am pleased to announce that Leyli and I will finally be getting married in just a couple of days!" Reza declared, his voice filled with happiness and anticipation.

The rest of the guests cheered and offered their congratulations to the happy couple. However, Fae could not bring herself to join in the festivities. She sat there, frowning all night long, unable to shake off the feeling that something was not right about this situation.

As Reza and Leyli basked in the attention of the guests, Fae's eyes kept darting between the couple and the rest of the room. She could feel a sense of unease growing within her. All she knew was that she did not trust Leyli, and she could not help but wonder what Reza saw in her. Sure, Leyli was strikingly gorgeous and Fae knew that. But did Reza really love her? Did they truly have a meaningful connection? As she was lost in her thoughts Zahira who was sitting next to Fae, whispered in her ear with a mischievous smile, “To fall in love with a man who destroyed your city, torture you and now force to be his servent” she laugh Fae turned to Zahira with a puzzled expression, unsure of what she meant. Zahira pointed with her head towards Reza and Leyli, who were laughing and talking at the other end of the table.

Fae pushed her plate away and got up from the table abruptly. She mumbled an excuse under her breath, barely audible over the sound of the conversation and laughter around her. Reza noticed her leaving and watched her go, his expression clouded with concern. He then looked at Zahira with a questioning eye, Zahira only shrugged her shoulders before taking her glass of juice and drinking her tamarind juice.

Meaning Fae walked out of the dining room, feeling the weight of Reza’s eyes on her. She tried to ignore the feeling though it made her more uncomfortable. She walked quickly down the hallway, trying to find a quiet place to gather her thoughts.The lingering sense that something was wrong persisted, and she needed some time alone to figure out what it was.

As she turned a corner, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around to see Reza hurrying after her. She stopped in her tracks and waited for him to catch up to her.

Reza stopped Fae in the hallway and asked, "Fae, what's going on?"

Fae turned to Reza, "I understand what you're saying, but I can't shake this feeling. I know it may sound crazy, but I just can't ignore my instincts."

Reza placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. He already knew what she meant "I understand your concern, but you have nothing to worry about. Leyli is the most innocent and pure person I know. She would never plot to kill anyone, let alone me."

"But what about the gold and white dress I saw in my vision?" Fae questioned.

Reza frowned, "Leyli wasn't wearing a gold and white dress tonight, was she?"

Fae shook her head, "No, she wasn't."

Fae's mind was in turmoil as she walked away from Reza. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease she had about Leyli, but at the same time, her thoughts kept returning to Reza. What if she was in love with him? It seemed impossible, especially after everything he had put her through. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that there might be some truth to Zahira's words. Was it possible that she had been in love with Reza all along, even when he treated her so poorly?

Fae shook her head, trying to dispel these thoughts. She couldn't afford to be in love with Reza, not now, not ever. She was the priestess of Basharite, a servant. Love had no place in her life, especially not with someone like Reza. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and decided to focus on the task at hand: keeping an eye on Leyli and making sure that she didn't cause any harm to Reza or anyone else.

"Then it can't be her," Reza concluded.

Fae nodded, "You're right. I'm probably just being paranoid. But please be wary?"

"I will," Reza assured her.

Fae smiled weakly and walked away, still feeling unsettled.

Reza knew that there was no one as innocent and pure as Leyli, she could never plot to kill him. But Fae had put a grain of doubt in his mind.