Shadows of Avarice - Book #1 (BxB)

Chapter 9

It was the next morning, and Xia did not want to get out of bed. He had never laid on a mattress this comfortable before, and he also never had such a peaceful night's sleep until last night. If it weren't for the loud knocking coming from his door, then he could fall back to sleep. Groggily, he opened his eyes when he heard the door opening and someone entering. 

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead. I know that was the best sleep of your entire life, but it's time to get up." Alishba was in high spirits. Like Xia, she also had a good night's rest, something that was foreign to them. This was something that she would love to get used to, but she knew that it wouldn't last forever. Might as well enjoy these luxuries while they can.

Xia sat up, trying to rub the sleepiness from his eyes. Waking up in such a luxurious room felt strange. Yesterday felt like a dream to him, but this was now their reality. Xia really was chosen, and he was engaged to the sultan. For a short time, he could enjoy satisfying meals and sleep. He did feel guilty that only he and Alishba would be able to experience these luxuries, while the rest of their family was stuck at home. If he wanted them to experience this sort of life, then he needed to work hard to obtain it. It wouldn't take him only a couple of days to steal enough. For all he knew, this could take months or maybe even years.

He didn't want to think about that, though. He wanted to work as quickly as possible to give his family a peaceful life. His thoughts drifted to his grandmother, who only became frailer with age. He needed to do something to help her.

When he looked up, he noticed that Alishba wasn't alone. He failed to notice at first that there were five other women with her, each of them cradling a bunch of garments. Xia looked at his sister questioningly. He wasn't expecting this many visitors first thing in the morning. He quickly glanced down at himself to make sure that he was decent, and then his hands went to his face. His clothes were fine, but what about the makeup? He didn't want to risk being exposed this early.

But Alishba didn't seem to be worried. Her voice was a bit exaggerated as she said, "Gifts from His Highness, Your Majesty."

Xia couldn't help scowling at her. She was enjoying teasing him a little too much. He turned his nose up at her and focused on the women who held the garments. Each of them seemed to be carrying multiple dresses, each of different styles, colors, and fabrics. Xia couldn't imagine that he would ever be able to wear them all. He still felt uncomfortable wearing these types of clothes, but it wasn't something that he could get used to in a single day.

He felt bad having the girls stand there holding the dresses. "Thank you. You can place them on the bed. My lady-in-waiting will help me with the rest."

The servants did as they were instructed, each of them bowing to Xia as they placed the garments down before departing. With the women gone, Alishba couldn't help rifling through the dresses. It must have been killing her having to wait until the women left. She was always big on fashion but never had the chance to wear such high-quality clothing. Being here and holding the fabrics was like a dream come true.

Alishba eventually came across a gold and black dress that seemed to catch her eye. She held it up for Xia to see. "I think you should wear this one today."

Seeing the dress made Xia blush. "Don't you think that one is a little . . . risqué?"

The dress appeared to be low cut, with no sleeves but a long skirt, and a slit on each side to expose his hips. The dress was also backless. There was no way that Xia could wear something that exposed so much skin. He would die of embarrassment. He would not be caught dead wearing something like that.

She chuckled, knowing full well what sort of dress she picked out. That dress was not meant for a casual outing. Instead, it was meant for the bedroom, only for Osiris' eyes. Alishba said, "Osiris must have been feeling naughty when he chose to gift you this dress."