Forbidden Touch

sion last night, I couldn'

gone. She probably left early that morn

l all over my sheets. It brought back memor

the royal dance rehearsal for the upcoming festival,

dance rehearsal for the maidens, and the finest

e got to see Father return to us and tell us all about hi

itement as preparations for the upcoming festival reached th

corations, and the air was filled with th

elebration that brought the kingdom together in j

into the palace in a warrior-like pose and say, "Now where is my beautiful princess?" "Oh, come here, my love; your fat

maidens were diligently practicing their

eyes were set on the enchanting dan

to the centre of the practice court yard, he

er dance, her every step a mesmerising blend of finesse and

a few moments, t

almost ethereal, as if she were

o an enigmatic whirlwind, captivating the

nto a profound yet unknown realm of dance, one t

and courtiers, watched in awe and bewilderme

ld an ominous allure, akin to a bewitching en

grace, yet there was an underlying sense of malev

lingered upon Niama, each person pondering where sh

th a hauntingly beautiful pose, leaving the hall engulfed i

red, a haunting melody that hung

ed towards the mysterious origins of Niama's bewitching dance, a d

and clandestine teachings that had imparted such a

, my eyes reflecting a mix of fascination a

apprehension about the implications of this newfound

tion she garnered. Her demeanor remained serene, as if she were sh

royal dining room, I was met by two female maids w

r so long and and had never gone for a walk since mother died.

has changed at the royal pa

food because I hadn't eaten breakfast and

y princess" came Naima's voic

e I hadn't realised sh

I replied as

u need anything else" s

ight too. I wanted to take her by the table and give her a kiss, but

p, and what happens in my chamber stays in my chamb

ntrigue. Niama's dance had become the talk of the palace, a subject t

with an air of unaffected humility, her gaze fixed on her duties,

n. The festival kicked off with welcoming the king and his swordsmen f

tains drew open to reveal the mesmerisin

the audience, an ethereal figure poised

ht, my father, the king, his bravest swordsm

a's dance unfolded, weaving a tale of mystique and allure. Her steps, thou

ergy filled the air, leaving the spectators spellbou

he mystery surrounding Niama's dance lingered, a secre

t entwined with both admiration and an unspoken concern for the enigmatic maiden who

to sleep th about my mother. how I woul