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“It’s as I said I think you deserve to choose, and I took action accordingly If I have acted out of place I will apologize, but I think there is a part of you that is glad you’re not in the ht now”

“And you are used to doing as you please, given your status? Is that it?”

Mehdi frowned “Yesterday I told you that I lived in e, always meant to behave in a certain manner Do you now hold me to that standard, now that you knoho I am?”

Steph thought back to the aquariuive Mehdi whatever he wanted That all uilt at his words

“You’re right I’ But you made assumptions aboutkidnapped”

“And are you?” he asked, his eyes searching hers

She could have fallen into his arms and kissed him then and there, but instead she stepped back and crossed her ar around him without her permission

“Maybe,” she said, and Mehdi smiled

“Aha! There’s the truth now Worry not, fair maiden, for you will not be another man’s bride this day,” he said, his tone playful

Steph glanced down at her elaborate dress Compared to Mehdi’s casual outfit, she definitely felt silly, even if her surroundings were appropriate for a ceremony of some kind

“It does feel strange, to be in this goith nothing to show for it”

“Perhaps you would like a change of clothing?” he said

“You keep wo on hand for just an occasion such as this?” she asked with a skeptical brow

Mehdi laughed “Steph, it’s the palace of El Farah I’m not the only person who’s lived here My parents had nitaries visit, and they housed many people for a variety of reasons It is always pertinent to have spare clothing around At the palace, anything can happen, and it has”

Steph thought about anything happening at the palace, and her thoughts turned to Mehdi’s lips before she gave herself a oas not helping the direction of her thoughts

“I would be grateful for a change of clothing, yes,” she said