His Harem, his women and his WOMAN

Chapter 33

Not Edited

He had woken up later than he usually did after the late night he had. With a nervous start, Hafez sat up on his bed staring intently at the dying flame that warmed up his chamber. He was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness.

'So it was all a dream? Or perhaps a figment of my imagination.' He thought bitterly as he sighed deeply rubbing his eyes. He got off his bed abruptly once he realises he had slept on a different bed. One he shouldn't be in.

Not following his usual routine, Hafez made a mad dash for his inner chamber, with shaky hands and heart beating at an abnormal rate, he pushed the door ajar slightly.

Hafez's breath caught in his throat at the sight before him. He had never seen a more serene image and was captivated by it. Wishing the royal painter could capture an exact replica.

He stared at Omeed with mouth agape as she prayed that morning. She was a sight to behold. Not a single trace of worry etched on her face. She looked fragile and peaceful with her head and neck covered in a scarf.

Omeed had woken a lot earlier than Hafez did. She had a wash, and was in the middle of her prayers when Hafez walked through the door. She had felt his presence in the room even with her eyes shut.

Once done, she got up with a smile plastered on her face. "Good morning." Omeed greeted Hafez who responded immediately closing the distance between them as she fumbled with her head scarf.

Hafez watched her shiny black wavy hair cascade it's way passed her shoulder blades down her back. "I have to attend court this morning, but will leave Amir with you at your disposal." Hafez took her hand into his as he spoke gently.

"Why Amir? Won't you be needing him?" She asked Hafez who simply smiled before answering her question. From their interaction and fondness, common-sense told Omeed Amir was more than a mere eunuch for Hafez.

"Amir is my most trusted servant. I trust him enough to protect you." His reply had been swift Omeed noted. "I couldn't trust your safety with anyone else." She smiled appreciatively even though she didn't need Amir's protection.

"My maid Zoya will be here sometime this morning, I suspect with a change of clothing." Omeed felt overdressed for a normal day. She had the same outfit she had from the day before. "Would it be alright if Amir showed me around?" She murmured hoping he accepts her request.

"Of course, as much as I would have preferred to show you around the palace myself, I can't leave you locked in here all morning." Omeed nodded as Hafez continued, "I am not sure how long this session would take either. But I hope to finish things very quickly."

Hafez hated having to leave her, his relief came in the form of Amir. He was sure Amir would protect her at the expense of his own life should the need occur. "I have to get ready my lady. Oh your pavilion is being prepared."

"My pavilion?" Omeed questioned with a frown. "What do you mean your majesty?" She asked Hafez.

"Your palace of residence once you're crowned." A jolt travelled down Omeed's spine once he said that. She still wasn't certain if she was fit for the role. But thankfully Amir's sudden arrival gave her the reprieve she desperately needed.

"Your majesty, my lady." He saluted with a deep bow.

"Amir." Omeed said in response as Hafez gave him a curt nod.

"Your majesty, you'll be late for court." Amir warned Hafez who hadn't had a wash yet.

"Oh that's right, go ahead your majesty. Don't worry about me." She said seeing the indecision in his green eyes.