Introduction
/ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃ(ə)n/

noun

1. The action of introducing something.
2. A formal presentation of one person to another, in which each is told the other's name.

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"...You do it to me so well, Hypnotic taking over me, Make me feel like someone else, You got me talking in my sleep, I don't wanna come back down, I don't wanna touch the ground..." - Hypnotic - Zella Day

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A smile is always the best form of introduction

Loud music and animated chatter startled her as her eyes snapped open for a second time.

She was back in the court.

Presented before...

..."Ahmesseker"

Without even realising, she had whispered his name out loud from between her soft, supple lips.

His brows furrowed as his cobalt eyes bore into hers, unknown emotions swirling deep within them. The mysterious woman spoke his name. She addressed him as if they knew one another. He couldn't place her. This was a first for him. He felt conflicted. Had they met before and he had merely forgotten her? No that couldn't be, he would never forget a woman of this beauty.

"I-I'm so sorry..." she spluttered as she dropped into a low curtsy "your majesty".

He followed her movement brows creasing even further if that were even possible. What was this peculiar woman doing? He had never seen a woman crumble like that, besides the mourners at funeral progressions. He was perplexed with her actions.

With his hand outstretched in a peaceful gesture he spoke "please, it's alright." He watched on as she raised herself from the mud brick floor, a light dusting of dirt graced the edges of her dress, while a pink tint fanned across her cheeks. He turned his attention to Asim, his most trusted guard and protector, "where did you find her?"

She could understand why he was curious about her, but it made her feel microscopic under his piercing gaze as they talked about her as if she weren't even there. Was she being judged? Asim's response brought her back to the conversation.

"Along the eastern village."

His eyes scanned over her in curiosity. Her clothes were too fine to be from there, perhaps she was passing by? But why would a woman of her status be shopping there? He could never be too careful, there had already been an attempt made on his life when he first came into power. He couldn't help the urge, but he wanted to know more about her, make sure she wasn't somehow hired to be an assassin.

He looked at Asim, speaking with only their eyes, he nodded his head in agreement. Ahmesseker brought his attention back to the mysterious woman "please join me for a feast tonight. I wish to speak with you further, you...intrigue me." His eyes were alight as he watched her, gauging her reaction.

She knew his manners were for formalities. Just because he asked her to dinner, it didn't actually mean it was a question, she was to join him. You couldn't say no to him.

So instead, she smiled as she locked eyes with him from under her lashes "it would be my honour."

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He was sat at the head of the table, while she was sat to the side of him, in awe.

Thin golden plates sat before them along with a mug which she could only assume was filled with either wine or beer. Servants scurried around the room with platters some filled with a mixture of fresh fruit and others of meat, placing them on the table along with golden bowls filled with crystal clear water, which piqued her interest.

Her attention was stolen from a pair of arms leaning over her shoulder to place a steaming bowl on her plate, identical to the one sitting before Ahmesseker. Her nose was immediately bombarded with the delicious scent with a lemon underlining, closing her eyes she took a deep breath to savour the aroma, which instantly revealed it was a fish dish.

The distinct smell of freshly baked bread wafted through her nostrils bringing her to aware that another dish had been placed on the table, this time a small plate stacked with generous thick slices of golden spelt bread. Her stomach rumbled from the feast laid out before them.

Her eyes scanned over the colourful platter, which she could now see had a scatter of what appeared to be jams between the sliced mixed fruits. It looked beautiful and smelt extravagant. She was eyeing a piece of fig when his velvet voice broke the silence "please..", her head snapped to where he sat, eyes landing on his hand which gestured to the platter before her.

He was offering her the food first. She wondered if this was a test? Or if he was simply trying to be a gracious host. Wait-why was she even thinking like this? It was just another dream.

She didn't know how to respond so she settled for a soft 'thank you', timidly she reached out plucking the piece of fig between her finger tips, causing a small amount of syrup to seep from the flesh. Taking a small bite she had to fight back the urge to moan as the honey like sweetness drizzled into her mouth, it was perfectly ripe and oh so delectable.

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She looked down at her soup, eyes scanning the table noticing the lack of silverware, how was she to eat the soup? She didn't know how long she was sat in her inner turmoil, until his voice broke through her thoughts. "Is the food not to your liking?" His facial expression expressed the concern his voice held.

"No! It looks amazing and smells delicious, it's just that I'm...ah...used to cutlery...is all" she felt small as she answered him.

He sat there quietly taking in what she had spoken, his face contorting in puzzlement as he repeated slowly after her "cutlery?" What was this word?

From his reaction, it made her remember that they didn't use cutlery, instead they ate with their fingers using water to cleanse between food. Now that she thought of it, that's why they had a bowl of water. But she was stunned that even in her dream it wasn't materializing into her hand at the mere thought of it. Strange.

"Ah yes, cutlery, more specifically a spoon"

He sat still, pondering on her words. He wondered what these objects were that she was after. She fascinated him.

She watched as he dipped his narrow fingers into the bowl of water, before he used a slice of bread to scoop up his soup. It made sense to her now as to why they're cut so thick to allow them to soak enough of the soup before going limp.

Copying his movement she brought her own fingers into her bowl, the lukewarm liquid coated her tips before she brought them out to reach for a slice of bread. Bringing the soup filled bread to her mouth, caused an explosion of flavour across her taste buds. A sweet yet nutty undertone was thanks to the spelt bread, before being overtaken by the warm broth of the fish soup.

"I have not seen you here before, but by the way you dress...it implies you are of nobility." His brows were raised as he looked at her from above his food, his gaze was calculating. Her throat felt thick, how was she supposed to reply?

After she finished her mouthful she took a sip from her mug, the sweet burn of wine flooded her mouth, bursting with flavour. Placing the mug back onto the table gently she met his eyes "maybe you just missed me?"

"I would never forget a woman with your beauty."

Her cheeks were aflame. Something as simple as a compliment affected her in more ways than she thought. "You flatter me. I recently moved here"

"Does your name match your beauty?"

Why did her subconscious make him flirtatious. Was she really that deprived? She tries to bite back a grin as she answered him "Zahra."

He takes a large mouthful of his wine, eyes trained on her figure as he smacks his full lips "flower. How fitting." His lips pulled into a gentle smile, before he froze along with the rest of the scene.

Not again.

A/N: Well that's chapter 8 done! This was the other half of the original Chapter 7. Sorry if you had only just read it and now it's been republished - I prefer this version much more than the original and I hope you do too :)
I hope you all enjoyed this chappy! She's finally gotten to meet him and actually talk to him. How do you feel about him so far? What was your favourite part?

I know I'm cutting it close to the chapter deadlines for this competition hahaha
Please let me know what you thought in the comments <3

Please don't forget to vote, comment and share it would mean a lot to me xx