The willow

*Jasmine's POV*

My heart almost popped out of my chest. What was wrong with him? Suddenly he turned around and waved his hand as if to follow him. I looked at the cook and she nodded again.

The man led us out to the palace garden, and we sat down on the damp grass, under a large willow. It seemed like we were invisible to the outside world. "I always come here to clear my mind." He smiled. "If you won't spill my secret, I am willing to share," he said amused. I got a little irritated. "So, you are granting me your spot?" I frowned at him. Ugh, he seemed to think he owned the world. Typical macho man behavior, I thought.

He is just a simple servant, he didn't even own his suit. Ignoring me, he opened the book he took from the library. Wurthering heights, the bookcover said. "By Emily Bronte," I whispered. Smiling at me, he leaned in a little closer. "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same," he whispered at the same volume.

"BENJAMIN?!" Someone shouted loudly, sounding angry. "Benjamin!" She yelled again. Benjamin flashed me an apologetic smile, and stepped out from under the willow. "There you are," she exclaimed and flew around his neck, kissing his cheek.

"Who is he?" I asked the cook, irritated that I got upset by what I just witnessed. She fumbled with her headscarf. "That is ahm…" She seemed to scramble for words. "Benjamin, ahm… well he serves the sultan," she said and stood up.

"Come, your hour is almost up," she said and gestured for me to take her hand. I picked up the book Benjamin had forgotten, and took the hand of the cook.

Raina was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Sure I had only ever seen the woman who lived in our village, so I didn't have much comparing material, but still...

She had long straight black hair, that reached her hips. Her eyes were black as night, and shined like stars. "What are you wearing?" Raina snickered, looking at me from head to toe. "Maids work-clothing." I simply stated.

"Hideous."  She shook her head and made a gagging sound. "I didn't offend you right? I mean, you're not fond of this style, are you?" She said laughing. "No, not at all your grace." I suppressed a smile.

"How long are you staying?" Raina asked, while picking up a few items from her closet. "This summer, or maybe the whole year?! I don't know really," I said unsure. "What about this?" Raina said as she held out an outfit in front of her. It was a golden hijab and a satin headscarf. "I couldn't," I said flushed. "You are my handmaid, sure you can," she said smiling with warmth in her voice.

"What is it like, growing up in a village?" Raina asked, while I changed my clothing. "My house isn't small, but compared to this-" I trailed off looking around the spacious chamber.

There was a king-size canopy bed, a sitting area with an enormous screen hanging on the wall and white leather couches around a marble table. "My house, and that of others in my village, can be described as a loggers hut, compared to the palace."

Raina sighed. "I have never been in a loggers hut, I haven't even left the castle. Ever." Raina looked sad. I didn't like that. "Before today, I had never left my village either," I said, trying to comfort her.

"How do you spend your time?" Was I prying or being rude? I wasn't used to protocol. "If I may ask, your grace," I quickly added. "You can ask me anything," Raina stated. "I don't have much friends, and I have a feeling we can be just that." She smiled. "I would be honored." Maybe my time at the palace wouldn't be that bad, I thought.

I had the golden Hijab on and stroked my hand over the golden lace, that covered the whole dress. "That looks much better," she said looking smug. Is there anything I can do for you, your highness?" I asked her, feeling embarrassed that the princess was catering to me instead of I to her. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I would love it if you would please draw me a bath," she said spinning around in front of a mirror.

"Dinner will soon be served and my grandfather, may God be with him, sees to it that we never eat without him." She let out a sigh. "What is it your grace?" I asked concerned as I placed a clean towel near the running bath.

"You asked me how I like to spend my time. If I had a say in the matter, I would spend each day with my cousin." She sighed again. I helped her undress and get ready to get into the bathtub. "But you can't?" I questioned, probably prying and overstepping so many boundaries again. She smiled.

"No. I can't. He doesn't visit much, he lives in the United States. He only visits us four times a year. I know it is better than nothing, but still it isn't merely enough." She cared for him greatly, I thought. "Is he your best friend," I guessed more than I asked. "Yes he is." She smiled.

"Being a princess in the palace can be lonely at times," Raina said pouting her lips. "Sure, there are a lot of female cousins, aunts and nieces that I could spend time with, but it is different." She shrugged. "There is a lot of rivalry going on between the woman of the this palace. I don't like to participate," Raina stated as she got out of the bath and put a beautiful dress on.

I looked around the large room again. "What can I do for you when you are away?" I asked shyly. Raina seemed to ponder that. I'll let someone bring you dinner here. I won't be back until eight, so you can spend your time however you want." Raina walked up to me and hugged me. Then she darted out the room when one of her guards said it was time to go to dinner.

I paced up and down the room. Then I remembered I still had the book the servant took out of the library. I walked towards the large wooden window and opened the book. Suddenly a piece of paper fell out of it. I picked it up and read the words out loud. 'Whatever our souls are made of, you and I are the same.'

Would I see him again?