[Pride Awards 2023, hosted by official lgbtq , Romance Category Winner and 5th Place Grandwinner] The foster son of a former cupbearer marries the cursed king of Persia, becoming not only the first consort to survive after the wedding, but also a th...
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Shahrazad knew better than to linger in the gardens when the night deepened. The freedom to feel the wintry breeze or the lust for watching the stars on the blue shore had to be kept under control, for a little innocent temptation could make life go towards the wrong direction.
He admired the roses he had first seen during his meeting with Shahryar, running his hands over the bushes. "Good night beauties. Sleep well."
He carried his fan with him always, tucked inside a belt. He patted the beloved object as he walked through the dark corridors. Just as he was going to enter his room, he supposed that he saw a swift shadow pass behind. His immediate reflex was to turn and crane his neck.
"Firdaus?"
Shahrazad went up to him. The second of the melophoroi turned to him and bowed. Shahrazad was perplexed to see red-rimmed eyes and a clear impression of five fingers on his fair cheek.
"Would you not guard my sister tonight? Don't listen to her if she asks you not to. The palace–"
"I have been removed from duty, Shahamsar-am."
Shahrazad's pupils enlarged. He hunched forward. "Shahryar did it? He never told me."
"The hazahrapatish did. He appointed Adonis in my place." He bit his lower lip. "If you would excuse me now. Good night, Shahamsar-am."
"But wait–"
The bodyguard didn't pay heed to his call and ran away. He could hear Firdaus' anxious breaths like the loud hiss of some injured panther. They damped as his shadow vanished behind him.
Shahrazad didn't waste any time and entered his room. Shahryar was already on his bed but his eyes were wide open and he stared at the ceiling, murmuring something to himself.
"How can Parmenion overrule your orders?"
Shahryar looked towards the door. Shahrazad came and sat on his bed, forgetting that he probably wasn't allowed to do that. Shahryar didn't chide him.
"He is older to me. He has been serving since my father's time and I trust him if he does something."
Shahrazad knew better than to argue. It is so foolish of you to allow him to take the lead.
The very fact that he was as close to Parmenion as the rays were to the sun troubled Shahrazad. The crimson rarely let anyone be truly happy in desired completeness; shame was always an inevitable share, so was disgust. Shahrazad thus appreciated the bonds of the soul more. They were destined by the heart and not by birth.
"I think we should visit Dunyazad once."
"You may."
"I will appreciate it if the Shah comes with me."
Shahrazad didn't have the usual vigour in his voice. He lacked the determination. His tone quaked like being exposed to the icy tentacles of death. A knot formed in his stomach. He knew things had taken the wrong course, and now he had to see the worst outcome didn't manifest.
