The Djinni & The Royal

❂ One Year Later ❂

The Djinni huffed to herself. A carriage waited outside. The coachman was nervously pacing the front hall. "Please, the baby is so early!" He begged thr woman. The Djinni rolled her eyes.

"I am coming. The Princess's baby will be perfect. Do not insult me with your doubt." She scolded him. His mouth snapped shut and he nodded but continued looking around anxiously.

Najwa nervously hurried down the hall. The Djinni was going to bless Malinda's baby, and she was to accompany her. Her hair was a mess and she was barely dressed for public. Being awake no more than an hour did nothing to help her concentration, let alone detailed grooming. Najwa stopped short of the Coachman. He continued his pacing, ignoring her. She picked a piece of hay from her hair, left over from yesterday's archery lesson.

"I'll be back tomorrow evening, Edna." Djinni called over her shoulder, at the glaring woman. Lord, did she ever stop glaring? Najwa stood straight, awaiting orders. Djinni froze, looking at her apprentice. "What on earth happened to your hair?" She asked.

Najwa reddened and combed her fingers through her hair quickly. "I apologize Djinni. I haven't been awake long." She explained blushing furiously. The Djinni frowned but turned back to the man.

"We are ready." She waved ahead. "Lead."

Najwa hurried after her instructor, still a violent share of pink. She plopped down next to the woman, searching out the window for the rising sun. It had to be nearly dawn, she'd slept fitfully, plagued by confusing dreams. A soft hand on her wrist made her head turn.

Djinni pursed her lips, frowning. "Your hair is a monstrosity."

Najwa let out a defeated sigh. "I know."

The woman shook her head in disapproval. "You should learn to groom yourself." Najwa blushed as Djinni set to cleaning out her hair. "Your archery skills are improving." She complimented, surprising the girl.

"Thank you." Najwa smiled. She closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling of soft hands in her hair. The Djinni's smell enveloped her, even more intoxicating than it was a year ago. When the woman was done she felt a confusing sense of disappointment.

"Quickly, please!" A servant raced down the steps toward the carriage.

The Djinni stepped out, her faced twisted with violent irritation. "I will get there when I do. You will do well to not order me." She scowled. The servant lowered her gaze in silence. The Djinni strode up the castle steps confidently. The servant hurried ahead of the two girls, leading down a series of halls and up stair cases.

Najwa gagged upon entering the Princesses room. It was hot and crowded with distinct smells of blood and bile. The nurses cleared away from the table where the baby laid. The rooms tension made the younger girl stall only a moment.

Najwa went to the princess as her Mentor had instructed. The young royal was pale and sweaty, her eyes were glazed. Death seemed to loom over her, draining her life from her body. The apprentice took a small vial from her cape. The green liquid inside sloshed against the sides at the moment. Pulling the cork from the top she poured the potion into the woman's mouth slowly. The potion would cure everything curable. She stroked the royals head gently. Hopefully she would recover.

The Djinni looked down at the baby. It was a boy, as promised. The only problem was that it was a horrible shade of blue. The young women frowned, studying him. The Djinni took a small bottle from her pocket. An extremely rare potion. Made from the pedal from the princesses wedding bouquet. She opened the lid and gently poured it over the baby's head. The liquid rolled down his thin hair and into his still eyes. All was quiet. She ran a finger from his forehead to his belly button and blew into his face softly.