The sun about to set in horizon, It's golden rays across the desert sands. She had spent countless nights dreaming of this moment, hoping for his safe return. The maid's heart raced as she stood in the courtyard of Jasmina's house, anxiously awaiting Ilyas' return from his long quest. She had waited years for this moment. He had saved her from the clutches of slave traders when she was just a frightened orphan girl.
As the sound of hoofbeats grew louder, the maid's breath caught in her throat. The heavy wooden door creaked open.
When Ilyas finally appeared, tall and strong, she felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. His dark eyes, full of stoic calmness, made her heart race. The sight of him was enough to send a shiver of delight through her. She couldn't tear her gaze away from him.
She blushed furiously as Ilyas approached. She had always admired him from afar, but her attention was now split.
Her eyes darted toward Azurel, the foreigner with piercing blue eyes and golden hair. He was dressed in an elegant white robe, a long feathered hat upon his head.
His intense blue eyes scanned the room with curiosity, still adjusting to his new surroundings. The maid stood frozen in the doorway, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and fear. Foreigners were rare here, and none had such striking features as his. He looked like the very slave traders she had once feared, and a chill ran down her spine.
As she glanced nervously between the two men, the reality of the situation settled over her like a heavy shroud. Both Ilyas and Azurel shared an imposing height, their silhouettes contrasting sharply against the sunlit backdrop—Azurel with his golden locks and blue eyes, while Ilyas' dark curls and deep-set eyes spoke of warmth and familiarity.
The other maids in the courtyard began to whisper and glance at the two men, their eyes glimmering with longing and lust.
Jasmina rushed forward, her voice full of joy. "Oh, my son! You've returned after so long!" She hugged Ilyas tightly, then turned to Azurel. "Azurel! Look at you, a handsome man indeed!"
The maid felt her stomach knot. She knew how foreigners were viewed here—strange, often dangerous. It was whispered that their presence brought misfortune.
"Serve him," Jasmina ordered, her tone leaving no room for hesitation. "Maid, go and prepare refreshments for us. You, too, come help!" She gestured to the other maids nearby.
The maid's hands trembled as she approached Ilyas and Azurel, a tray balanced precariously in her grasp. She had heard stories of men with eyes like the sea. She kept her head down, not daring to meet Azurel's gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. The very sight of him terrified her. His blue eyes, unlike anything she had ever seen, held a quiet intensity that made her feel vulnerable, exposed.
Jasmina's sharp voice rang through the hall. "Why do you hesitate?"
She was being scolded.
Jasmina's tone hardened. "Serve Azurel."
With trembling hands, she nodded and reluctantly turned toward Azurel. She wanted to flee, to hide, but there was no escape. She had to do as Jasmina commanded.
Azurel watched her, noticing her discomfort. "Thank you," he said softly, hoping to ease her nerves.
She nodded quickly, still avoiding his eyes. As she poured tea into a delicate cup, her mind raced.
Her heart had always held a special place for Ilyas, though she knew he was out of her reach. And now, serving his brother, she felt a strange mix of loyalty and fear.
Jasmina watched the interaction, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're doing well," she said to the maid, her voice unusually kind. "He is a guest, and we must treat him with respect."
The maid nodded again, her hands steadying as she served Azurel. Despite her fear, she couldn't help but steal glances at Ilyas. His presence was overwhelming, but there was a gentleness in his demeanor that made her heart ache with unspoken hope.
Her eyes caught Ilyas', and her heart skipped.
"Are you well?" Ilyas asked, his deep voice filled with kindness. "I remember the day I saved you."
The maid blushed, warmth creeping up her cheeks as she realized how much she had missed him.
She nodded. "Yes, my lord, I am well, thank you."
Azurel remained silent, watching her intently. He had noticed the stark difference in her behavior between him and Ilyas. Where she was timid and shy with him, her eyes practically glowed with devotion when looking at Ilyas.
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