Pharaoh's First Love

page 14

"You need my help with something? Or am I free to return home until morning." Seems he didn’t realize she was the cause of his died plants. "I’m sure you can send a servant who is able to carry things. If I assure you decent flowers can I leave?"
She felt unsettled. She didn’t want to be insulting. But she didn’t want to see that concubine either if she stayed. And she certainly wanted to be home if Helm returned finally. She wanted to greet him when he did. She knew she could only refuse the pharaoh so long before his patience wore out and she was forced.
Calion only let his eyes fall upon Yun without saying anything before the two had continued on upon their way. It was not lost upon him that Shelyn seemed to be in a rush to leave the palace, though he didn’t know whether it was just because she hadn’t wanted to spend any time near him. Perhaps she blamed him personally for what had happened to her? Did he make her feel unsafe?
“You seem to have a way with those splendid plants, and I would be honored if you took the time to see my throne room and bedroom to make a list of what plants you believe might be suited to the space.” He continued walking with her through the quiet palace hallways. Torches burning on the sides as their sandals clicked off the marble flooring. “I’m not asking for you to run out and pick up the flowers personally, but a list for my servants sometime tomorrow would be appreciated.” He confessed, walking towards the entrance of his throne room which led to the his bedroom towards the back. Gently he took her hand and gave a small tug.
“You’ve nothing to fear Shelyn. As I said Mirien is not permitted in this area of the palace so long as you are around. And I hope you don’t think I would do anything to harm you. Despite what you may hear about me and my harem they don’t serve me because I force them to… rather they want to. In any case I’m well aware of your status as a nun now. You wouldn’t have to worry about anything more than a held hand or a hug from me, which of course I won’t force upon you.” Calion said, wanting to talk more in depth with her, but to do so he wanted to lead her much further back towards his bedroom, away from prying eyes or eavesdropping ears.
Her hands were clearly tied. He clearly had no intention on letting her leave. She followed. Slowly. But even when he took her hand her fingers didn’t hold his like they did to Jin. "Fine. I will look but then you will let me leave. And I’m not a nun. When it comes to titles I am revered as a nun. I live for my goddess. To spread her life in what I do. I am pure until I am blessed with a husband. I am faithful to her." She tried explaining. Not that she wanted anything from this man.
"For now I will do my part in helping you with this apparently important issue. I’m sure after seeing I can tell you right away what flowers you’d want..." wondering what he did with the flowers she gave him earlier
“Yes, that is fine.” Calion said, even if he planned on keeping the girl a bit later, leading her deeper and deeper past the throne room and finally into his bedroom. The walls were nearly non existent as it flowed into an intimate small living room which also led towards quite a large bed off in the corner. With no windows and nearly no walls the night wind gentle wisped by as Calion let go of her hand upon entering the room and fetched a decanter full of wine pouring two glasses as he greedily took two mouthfuls and offered her own glass.
“As you can see I placed the flowers you gave me on my nightstand, although I would prefer to surround this room with lush vibrant and blooming flowers. I’ll give you all the time you need to study the room, but in the meantime if what you say is true then you are available to marry?” He asked, raising a brow curiously. “Not that I’m offering my hand, I’m just curious what has stopped you from marrying thus far? So perhaps Jin could end up as your husband huh? I’ll have to be sure not to tell him about that else you’ll never hear the end of it.” He chuckled, only teasing her. “So, you’re not forbidden from sharing the same room as a male you’re not married to? I’m only asking out of curiosity, I know very little of your beliefs and I’m only asking to better understand in hopes of not insulting you, Shelyn.”