As the sun began its descent beyond the desert’s edge, the world was painted in hues of crimson.
Naila had always loved watching the sunset from the high terraces of the harem. After all, she had been unable to go outside the harem’s walls since she was a child.
The sky and the sands below reflected an all-consuming red like a great mirrored surface. That fiery red reminded her of Ashbal’s eyes.
But tonight, that sunset filled her with dread.
Or rather, it was the moonrise that followed that left her trembling.
“Naila. Naila, is it? What a lovely name!”
She still remembered the way Ashbal had smiled at her when they had first met.
He had been a child then. Frail, half-starved, thirsty, and bleeding profusely from his leg, yet he had smiled as if neither pain nor hunger could touch him.
Still, his tiny hand had clung to hers, his voice shaking just the slightest bit as he had told her, “Thank you. If not for you, I don’t think I’d be alive right now.”
From that moment, the boy who would sometimes sneak into the harem was her dearest friend.
“The harem is sealed by a barrier, you know? Ashbal, how in the world do you keep getting in?” she’d asked.
“Forget that, Naila. Look at this snake! It was starving out in the desert, just like I almost did. It’ll wither away if we don’t find a place for it. Can you help me hide it?”
“My word... Come, then. I’ll keep it here in secret, but this stays between us.”
And so, the two of them were tied together by a secret. He brought her news of the outside world, trinkets, treasures, things she’d never seen before. And in return, she shared her meals with him.
“Ashbal, you’re so free. I wish I could run across the sands like you do.”
“No. You’re too weak—you’d die in no time.”
“I-I know that! I’ll train in magic! I’ll learn to fight off desert beasts!”
“Magic’s one thing, but you’ll need stamina first. If you don’t build up your strength, it’s pointless.”
By then, Ashbal had already grown. He was taller, stronger, and his body had been hardened by the unforgiving desert. His words held the weight of experience, and Naila could do nothing but hang her head in frustration.
He had only laughed, watching her sulk. Then, as if he had just thought of it, he said, “That’s right. I know just the thing. The next time I come, I’ll bring you something good.”
“What do you mean?”
“Practicing with it will help you get stronger. Shooting a bow takes strength, after all.”
“Wait, what bow? What are you even talking about?”
But Ashbal had only given her a mischievous smile.
“Think of it as a piece of me. It’ll be yours now, Naila.”
“That doesn’t tell me anything! What are you talking about?”
She didn’t have to wait long for an answer. The next time he visited, he brought her a golden bow.
It was shaped like a bird with outstretched wings, its polished surface glittering in the sunlight, a brilliant ruby set into its center. It was dazzling, like the sun itself. And it really did feel like him.
Those were good days, weren’t they? When I didn’t yet know he was a king. When we were just two children playing together.
Now, years later, Naila stood confused, clutching that golden bow, her grip so tight her knuckles turned white.
The setting sun cast its brilliant fire across the desert, but she could only feel dread for the moment when the full moon would rise.
I never thought I’d be so afraid to look him in the face.
She frowned and tried to stop her body from trembling.
I’ve tried not to think about it. But if there’s an impostor wearing his face, then it must all go back to that day.
There was only one way to banish her fear. She needed the truth.
Her gaze settled on the palace opposite hers, where the woman who had brought the false Ashbal lived.
Adelheid’s elder sister, Lady Dia.
She had never met her. Adelheid had become a dear friend, so they had exchanged letters and gifts, yet they had never had a chance to meet in person.
It felt as though she was avoiding me, so I avoided her too. But I need to meet her.
Lowering her head, she steeled herself, but as she turned to return to her chambers, a voice called to her.
“Good evening, Lady Naila.”
Startled, Naila looked up toward the source.
“You’re...”
A woman stood between the palm trees of her garden. She was beautiful.
She had wavy hair, a soft shade of milk tea, and eyes like golden honey, melted into morning dew. Long lashes curled skyward, framing those captivating eyes. Her flawless skin was light enough to appear translucent, and she glowed as she stood there bathed in the light of the setting sun. Her figure reminded Naila of a work of art, the ample curves of her chest contrasting with her slender waist. And her lips, full and painted in the softest red, held an enchanting smile.
There’s no mistaking it...
Even without an introduction, Naila knew who this woman was.
“Lady Dia, yes?”
The woman replied with a laugh, “Why, thank you for being so kind to Adelheid.”
Even as a fellow woman, Naila could not help but be awestruck by her beauty. Each motion was so graceful it was as if she were dancing.
“Forgive my intrusion. I wished to speak with you, woman to woman.”
“Y-Yes! Of course! I had hoped to meet you as well.”
Though surprised by both Dia’s sudden appearance and her beauty, Naila could not deny that this was exactly what she had wanted. Yet, when Dia took a step forward, her body reacted on instinct.
She flinched.
“You are afraid, aren’t you?”
“Well... It’s not like that. I don’t fear you, Lady Dia.”
“I know.” She giggled softly. “Shall I take a guess, then?”
Dia winked at her, and for some reason, Naila felt her pulse quicken. Naila barely had time to react before Dia closed the distance between them, extending a single finger beautifully painted with nail polish, and pressing it, ever so gently, against Naila’s chest.
“What you’re afraid of is whether Ashbal— — —”
Claudia’s voice trailed off to a faint whisper audible only to Naila. The concubine’s eyes widened.
“H-How did you...?”
The blood drained from her face. Dia gently took Naila’s trembling hands into hers.
“I’ll alleviate your fears. So, won’t you come with me?”
Naila’s breath hitched. Dia’s low voice was as enchanting as any spell.
Naila’s gaze dropped to her feet. She nodded without thinking. And like a child who’d lost her way, she let Dia take her hand and lead her away.