Veiled

-There are many layers to me. Each tale I spin, each persona I adopt. They are all facets of the woman standing before you.

Scheherazade’s voice was low. She stepped away from the throne.

-Which facet shall I reveal first? The maiden trapped in a tower? The sorceress cloaked in mystery?

She turned. Her hips swayed beneath the silk.

-Whichever most lets you be the you you were before I was here.

She halted. The request seemed to catch her off guard. She pivoted, adopting a new guise. The storyteller.

-Very well. Before your arrival, I was a humble maidservant in your father's library. Stories became my solace.

She walked to the plush cushions on the floor. She sank down. She patted the space beside her.

-Let me regale you with a tale. Once, there lived a young woman named Layla. The only child of a poor woodcutter.

The king sat. He watched her hands move as she spoke.

-One day, Layla stumbled upon a wounded prince in the forest. His horse had thrown him. He feared he would perish.

She leaned in. The scent of sandalwood and spice drifted between them.

-Layla tended to his wounds. She used healing herbs. Days turned into weeks. A bond formed. Stronger than anything either had known.

-Thank you for that story.

-It pleases me that you enjoyed it.

-I’m still trying to find the real you.

She stood up. The playfulness returned to her eyes. A dangerous glint.

-You are direct. Very well. Allow me to reveal but a glimpse behind the veil.

She reached for the intricate clasp at her neck. Her fingers were nimble. The silk loosened.

-Behold the secrets hidden beneath the fabric of modesty.

The veil fell. Raven hair tumbled loose around her shoulders. She shrugged the outer robe off. It fluttered to the floor.

She stood exposed. She waited for him to take.

The king stood. He walked to her. He bent down and picked up the garment.

He did not touch her skin. He looked her in the eye. He held the fabric out to her.

-I believe this must have fallen for the winds.

She blinked. She took the veil. Her fingers brushed his.

-Your chivalry knows no bounds.

He leaned into her ear.

-I’d like to keep you for your mind.

She pulled back. A smile played on her lips. Genuine surprise.

-Is that so?

-Yes. Please continue to wear it if you wish.

She laughed. It was a lighter sound than before.

-There is so much more to explore beyond mere mental acuity.

-I may be coming close to having my fill.

She stepped back. She retreated toward the window. The moon was high.

-Is that so? Perhaps you need further convincing. Shall I regale you with another tale?

-What kind of tale is this?

She turned. The moonlight caught the sheer layers of her remaining dress.

-This tale concerns the nature of power. And its consequences.