||Nemiah||

          I took my time going to Mustafa's room, my hands intertwined together behind my back as I strode through the hallway. Am I crazy for going? I know I shouldn't, but I can't be unforgiving. If he keeps his word, then all will be well. I nodded to the guards, doing a curtsey before they let me in. I entered his room and looked around for the highness himself.

"That dress suits you very well, my dear." Mustafs came out from another room, and I frowned a bit.

"Please don't call me your dear. "All I wore was a plain maroon long sleeved dress that didn't hug my body tightly, but gave me room to breathe. It was more like a night gown anyways. "What is it you wanted to talk to me about?".

Mustafa walked over to his bed and sat on the edge of it, patting the spot beside him. I hesitated before I walked over and sat beside him, my  nerves overwhelming me on the inside. "Nemiah--or do you prefer to be called Nema?" He asked.

"Nemiah. "I said plainly as I left my hands in my lap.

"Very well. Nemiah, did I upset you tonight? Did I make you feel uncomfortable?" He set his hand between us and I kept an eye on it.

"You did. You made me uncomfortable in every possible way, and if that wasn't embarrassing enough, you tried to assault me in the hallways. "I looked away from him.

I felt his hand in my cheek as he made me look at him, my eyebrows scrunching together . "I am very sorry. I thought you would have liked it."his thumb touched my lip and I jerked my head back, scooting a little bit from him .

"No, I did not. It was uncomfortable. I am not some lady you can just expect to sleep in bed with you as soon as we meet." I played with the necklace on my neck, wondering if I should just leave since it feels useless.

"Of course not. You're different from the others. You have a goal and a purpose, and by being here you believe now you have neither. "

I studied him as he continued to talk, staying silent. Mustafa unbuttoned his cuffs, undoing the ones on his neck as well." But I am here to tell you, that belief is wrong. By being here, you get a roof over your head, new friends, possibly get married to a good candidate, have children, have s good life. You'll have more here than you would have before. "He took his coat of so he was in his white long sleeve tunic, untying the strings at the topic--wait, why was I looking?! I met his eyes again.

"As much as that sounds nice for some people, it just doesn't work for me. I'm not swayed easily by your fancy jewels or good looks you know." I wrinkled my nose.

Mustafs leaned in a bit, leaning on his hand as well toward me to inch his face closer. "The jewels I dont care much for. Others care for that. But if you're admitting that you can be swayed another way, then I have a chance at possibly earning your affection and devotion for myself. "

I noticed how close he was getting and I clesred my throat. "First boundaries. That is a main request. "

Mustafa stopped and looked at me wierdly." Sure? Which is?"

"No touching."

Mustafa stared before he burst out laughing, til he noticed I wasn't joking and became silent. "You must be joking? Nemiah, I must have at least some kind of limit that allows me to touch you in some kind of way?"

"My Sultan, if you truly respect me, you'll respect my wishes." I stared him back down before he sighed and sat up straight.

"I respect your wishes indeed. Very well. The ground rules are in set, but I have my own as well."

I gave him a confused look." Which is?"

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