Page 23 of Bride of the Gilded Prince

Souhir gagged. “I guess you’re right.”

“I hope so.”

Finally, we found the one we were looking for tucked away in a corner. The decoration was simple, but elegant. Blue and white tiles covered the floor, and there were small plants in pots on the shelves lining the walls.

The atmosphere was relaxed, and the guests were chatting and laughing, enjoying themselves. Dressed in simple djellaba or kaftans, they were a far cry from the fashionable elite that we saw at the Caid’s mansion.

It was refreshing to see people who looked like they weren’t trying too hard. They looked comfortable in their skin and at ease with themselves.

Emre, who waved in our direction greeted us. He was taller than everyone else, so it was difficult to miss him. His fez was tilted to the side, and a wide grin was on his face.

“I’m glad you could make it.” He approached us and shook our hands. “I thought you’d gotten lost.”

“Sorry, we got held up,” I said, not wanting to go into details about what had happened. “But we’re here now.”

Souhir smiled. “You don’t mind if I join you, do you?”

His eyes lingered on our clothing before fixating on our jewelry. “Of course not. The more the merrier.”

The restaurant was packed with customers, and more people were on their way. Our group already found seats at an enormous table and were chatting away. The debate was spirited as we placed orders for meals and drinks.

The combination of the smell of spices and the sound of the water from the fountain was soothing. My body relaxed as I took a bite of my meal. The meat was tender and juicy, and the spices were just perfect.

This was what I needed. Good food, good company, and a break from the intensity of the past days.

Emre put grilled lamb chops on our plates. “You need to try this.”

“It’s delicious!” Souhir exclaimed as she took a bite.

I nodded in agreement as I reached for another one. We washed the food down with mint tea and ended the meal with hookah. Mint, strawberry, and apple flavors.

A band played, and people got up to dance. The guitars and drums created a lively rhythm that got everyone moving. I tapped my feet along to the beat, and Souhir was swaying her hips from side to side.

We watched for a while before Emre turned to us and asked if we wanted to join in.

I glanced at Souhir, who bounced in her chair. “Why not?”

So we got up and joined the others on the dance floor. We let loose and forgot about our troubles for a while, lost in the music and the moment.

It was only when we finally left the restaurant that we realized how late it was. The sun had set, and the streets were lit up with lanterns. The air was still warm, but a cool breeze was blowing.

Souhir stretched her arms and her silver bracelets clinked softly. “That was a great meal.”

Emre patted his stomach. “Yeah, it was. I’m stuffed.”

I laughed. “I needed that.”

The air was filled with the sounds of people bargaining, laughter, and music. Lanterns and colorful fabrics decorated the stalls. Shop owners drew runes and symbols on the ground with chalk to ward off stealing customers.

We stopped to look at a stall selling silk scarves and I bought one for Souhir and myself. I wrapped it around my shoulders as goosebumps formed on my skin.

Emre glanced down at me. “Are you cold?”

“A bit,” I replied. “But it’s nothing a scarf can’t fix.”

He smiled and nodded as he draped his scarf around his neck. “So, why are you two dressed like that?“

A few members of the group stared at us as they waited for an answer.

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