Morning Constitution

Dawn broke. The king woke with a start.

Scheherazade sat on the edge of the bed. She was watching him. She wore a sheer robe.

-Good morning, Queen.

-Good morrow, my king.

He rose. He felt the stiffness in his limbs. He walked to the changing screen. He dropped his sleeping robe. He saw his silhouette against the paper screen. He felt exposed. Vulnerable. Everybody has to stand naked.

Scheherazade appeared at the edge of the screen.

-You need not feel shy.

-I am not shy. I am weary.

-Allow me to assist. Two hands are better than one.

She stepped behind the screen. She picked up the royal outer robe. She draped it over his shoulders. Her fingers lingered on the embroidered collar. She smoothed the fabric.

He placed his hand on her cheek. He traced her lip with his thumb.

-I remember you said you heard I decapitate the women whom I bed.

She looked at him.

-I want you to know that's not true at all.

-I am relieved to hear that rumor laid bare.

-I won't take your head off. Nor are you obliged to anything.

She smiled. She trailed her fingers down his chest.

-The pleasure would be entirely mine.

She sank to her knees. She parted his robe. The air was cool against his skin. She wrapped her fingers around him. A slow, deliberate squeeze.

-I want to feel every inch of you.

She leaned in. Her breath was hot on him. She moved to take him into her mouth.

The king reached down. He stopped her.

-I’d like to repay your kindness.

-Not today.

He pulled his robe closed. He lifted her chin.

-I will press that veil into your mouth another day.

She looked disappointed. Intrigued.

-So the game intrigues His Majesty?

-I rather enjoy the chase.

He offered her his arm.

-Accompany me to the throne room.

She took it. They walked out into the hall.

The echo of their footsteps was the only sound.