The plains of the dessert dragged on and on. You sat in the carriage watching the sands drift by. Your mind was elsewhere.

‘A few hours back’

You had watched your lover the prince recommend you off to the desert Khan. The king of the sands. You watched your lover go off and be with your half sister. Words couldn’t explain the pain you felt. You agreed quietly. Packing your things and hoping the life in the plains is better.

‘The present’

The journey was long. You stopped and took a break. Going down to an oasis and changing into cooler clothes. The water was pleasant.

You swirled around in it for a bit before drying and getting into your carriage.

After a few days you arrived in the city. It was beauty in the making. People carved sand sculptures and painted with the moss and muds in the rivers. A sight you never saw in the streets of your home.

You made your way to the small palace where the Khan lived. Soft tiles and pebbles lined the gates to the palace. As you stepped in you were taken with the servants into a room. The room was dark. You couldn’t make out where you were but you sat on the bed. That’s when you realize you weren’t alone.

An arm grabbed you. You look but can’t make much out. You’re confused but intrigued. Soft hazel eyes meet yours. Something doesn’t seem right. You stay like that for a solid minute. You flick his forehead lightly.

He glares at you and asks why you did that. You apologize and then there’s more silence.

“I don’t like the sun rays. It gets very hot here. You ought to lose the layers.”

You look down at your clothes. You are wearing layers and it is getting a bit warm. You tell him you don’t have any extras. He points you to a door on the side.