Thanks for the reviews last chapter! A special thank you to Almondblossome who knows Arabic and was able to give me a much more accurate translation of Felicity's name. I've gone back and corrected it in the previous chapter, as well. Thank you to ENSM31 also for going on a fashion spiral with me to figure out Felicity's new League wardrobe. Hope you guys enjoy this next chapter. Please read and review!
Chapter 3: The Vow
The following morning, Felicity didn't know what to expect. She'd slept restlessly, tossing and turning all night. Her dreams were a combination of her abduction and wedding. Her father's vengeful eyes watched every time as she screamed and fought to escape. Ra's al Ghul joined him, holding the blazing hot brand and approaching her menacingly. Felicity felt herself trying to crawl across the floor to get away, but her body refused to move. Her cries for help went unheard. She'd truly been abandoned, somehow feeling like she was drowning and burning all at the same time. Only once did Al Sah-him make an appearance. He'd killed her father and Ra's and freed her from the restraints. Then the dagger she'd tried to stab him with was in his hands, and he'd held it to her throat. That's what she got for letting her guard down, her dream self had thought.
The sunlight shining in from the balcony is what awoke her. The ache in her shoulder was the second sensation to register in her mind, although it wasn't as severe. Her skin felt oddly cool. Felicity supposed the pain was going to be her constant companion until it healed. Al Sah-him was already up and dressed. He wore a black tunic with the sleeves rolled up and matching pants. He was in the process of putting on his boots when he noticed her.
"Good. You're awake."
Felicity sat up and rubbed at her eyes. "What time is it?"
"A little after nine. I let you sleep in," he tied the laces of his boots. "Thought you could use the rest."
She kicked away the covers, already feeling overheated from the rising temperature of the desert. It wasn't even the peak of the day yet. Felicity hated the heat. Her early years as a child were spent growing up in Las Vegas. Every time she stepped outside it felt like she was slowly roasting to death. Felicity, much to her aggravation, could tell that Nanda Parbat was going to be a hundred times worse. Leave it to her father to abandon her in the earthly equivalent of hell.
"You need to get dressed. I convinced Ra's to have a late breakfast with us. He's waiting."
"What makes you think I would even want to see him first thing in the morning?" she grumbled and rubbed at her eyes. Felicity Smoak was definitely not a morning person, and even less so under the current circumstances.
"It wasn't a request. The only reason he agreed to push it back is because he's under the impression we didn't get much sleep last night."
"Why would he think that?" Felicity questioned and felt her cheeks heat at his suggestive smirk. "Oh." She quickly looked away and stood up. Of course the jerk would think that Al Sah-him had had his way with her last night. "Please God tell me you have coffee here." Maybe it'd wake her up from this ongoing nightmare.
"Your clothes are in the dresser to the left. I'll send the servants in to help get you ready." He went to the other side of the bed and ruffled the otherwise neat sheets.
"I'm perfectly capable of dressing myself," she immediately objected. "And what the heck are you doing?"
"There are eyes and ears everywhere. Not much goes on here without Ra's knowing about it," Al Sah-him explained.
Felicity watched him in confusion before she realized what exactly he was doing. The bed now looked like it'd been thoroughly used and slept in by both of them. This is insane, she thought and walked over to the dresser. Felicity searched through the drawers and sighed. "Why is everything so dark? Do you people not like color or something?"
"The League of Assassins is also known as the League of Shadows. Black is our signature color." He studied her for a moment. "But if there is something you'd prefer, I can have it made for you."
Shaking her head, Felicity picked out a random dress. "It doesn't matter."
"I told you last night if you want something, all you need to do is ask."
Felicity remembered the moment all too vividly. His closeness and the husky timber of his voice were etched into her brain. Despite his current offer, Felicity was sure he'd been hinting at something that did not involve clothes last night. "I like pink," Felicity told him. "Bright pink." She expected him to immediately shoot it down, since it was the total opposite of League dress code. Instead, he simply nodded.
"Don't worry about your injury," he told her before she entered the bathroom. "I treated it and changed the bandage early this morning."
"You touched me while I was asleep?" Her tone was accusing. How had she not felt his presence? He was hard to miss, and it wasn't like she was in that deep a sleep. Goose bumps broke out across her skin at the thought of him being so close.
His eyes narrowed. "It was the same routine as last night. Nothing more." Felicity didn't say anything else but frowned at him with displeasure. "You looked restless—like you were in pain."
She didn't show her surprise at his comment. Instead, Felicity silently closed the door and locked it. Unlike last night, Felicity couldn't resist a shower. She took her time washing up. The water was cooler than she was used to, but she could care less. It was a welcomed reprieve from the heat she'd woken up to. There had been a small razor left in the shower, and she used it to shave her legs. Felicity loved wearing skirts and dresses most days, so smooth legs were a necessity. The dresses she'd seen in the drawer were all long, which meant that her legs would not be on display. Felicity shaved them anyway, craving what little bit of normalcy she could have.
After drying off, she put on the undergarments and dress she'd picked out. It was long and black with sleeves that flared out over her hands. A gold embroidered pattern ran across the collar and her waist. Similar gold roses and leaves were sewn into the chest in a V-shape, along the ends of the sleeves, and up the center of the skirt. Although most of her skin was covered, the fabric felt light and cool compared to her wedding attire.
Felicity left the bathroom to find Al Sah-him gone and two servants in his place. They immediately bowed. She recognized them as the women who'd gotten her ready the previous night. "Um, hi," she greeted them awkwardly. "I don't know what Al Sah-him told you, but I can get ready myself." They remained silent. "Thank you, though," she added when they made no move to leave.
The older woman of the two quietly gestured that she sit at the vanity by the door. That most definitely hadn't been there last night, which meant it had been brought in specifically for her. Felicity thought about refusing but decided against it. There really was no point, and she didn't want to get them in trouble for just trying to do their jobs. Felicity watched in fascination as they flitted around her.
The younger woman applied her makeup while the other tended to her wet hair. When she retrieved something that had been resting by the fire, Felicity automatically tensed, thinking it might be another brand of some sort. It was actually a hot comb used to dry and style her hair. Felicity had to admit that it worked even better than her straightening iron at home.
Stepping away, the young woman gestured to her face. Felicity studied her reflection. Her makeup wasn't as heavy as it'd been last night, but her eyes were once again smokey and outlined with dark liner that extended out in a cat eyes design. Her cheeks were rouged and highlighted. The lipstick was dark, and she frowned in thought.
"It looks great but…um, do you have a lighter shade?" Felicity inquired. "I'd prefer bright red if you have it." If Al Sah-him said she could have brighter clothing, why not lipstick? It was what she wore every day anyway. She had to take advantage of what small victories she could.
The servant nodded before taking a tissue to wipe away the dark lipstick. She searched through the drawer and reached for another small pot. Meanwhile, the other woman was placing a jeweled head chain across Felicity's forehead. It was gold flowers lined with diamonds and pearls. The center jewel was larger and dangled between her brows. Felicity had never seen anything so exquisite and couldn't help but admire it. When Al Sah-him said she'd be treated like royalty, he hadn't been kidding.
"Thank you," Felicity murmured when they were finished. The women bowed and went to leave. The older one glanced toward the bed so quickly Felicity almost missed it. Al Sah-him had been right about them being watched. The tension she felt earlier flared back to life.
He must've been waiting outside the door because he re-entered seconds later. He looked more like a warrior now that he was wearing a dark hood underneath the leather jacket. His sword and some other weapon she couldn't identify were strapped to his belt. Felicity stood to face him, and he stopped short only a few steps away from her.
His eyes glossed over her from top to bottom. He didn't smile, but she could tell that he truly liked what he saw. Felicity stood with her head held high, refusing to show how much that intent gaze of his was affecting her.
"I'm ready," she declared. "Let's get this over with."
"There's something we have to do first, and you're going to need to trust me."
"What?" Felicity skeptically replied.
"The servants will come in and change the sheets later today. It needs to look like we'd been intimate last night."
Her eyes widened. As if she needed another reason to feel overheated. She cleared her throat and said, "Your rustling already took care of that. I saw them eyeing the bed on the way out."
"They're going to be looking for more concrete proof to report back to Ra's."
"Define 'concrete,'" she said, making air quotes.
Al Sah-him didn't look like he wanted to be explaining it any more than she wanted to hear it. "There needs to be blood, since we were told that you're pure."
Felicity placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "You have got to be kidding me. What if I'm not? Does it really make that big a difference?"
"Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't. The League has its traditions, though there wouldn't be as much scrutiny if you were already a member. But you're the daughter of the enemy and although our members are obedient, they still talk. There are many who don't approve of the alliance with your father and will latch onto anything to discredit it to Ra's. Your father lying about your chastity would be ammunition they could use."
"Not barbarians, my foot," Felicity muttered sarcastically.
"It makes no difference to me," he told her, holding her gaze. "But your foot is exactly what I need."
"Excuse me?"
"A small cut in the arch of your foot will do the trick. It'll bleed well and be discrete enough to be easily hidden afterward."
"If it's no big deal, then why don't you do it to yourself?" Felicity challenged. She'd been injured by these people more times in these last couple of days than in her entire lifetime.
"There are ways of distinguishing male from female blood. If I use mine, they'll know. It has to be yours."
Felicity bit her lip and looked away, feeling overwhelmed. It was too much happening at once. She'd been so worried about surviving the wedding night that the reality of her life here in Nanda Parbat hadn't fully set in. This gilded cage she'd been forced into was filled with pain and danger at every turn. Then to find out that there were others like Talia who wanted nothing more than to see her dead frightened her more than she cared to admit. Felicity always prided herself on being a strong, intelligent, and independent person, but how could she possibly measure up in a place like this? A place where power, strategy, and brutality reigned? Maybe her father had been right. Despite his cold treatment of her over the years, maybe she had been more sheltered than she thought.
A sudden wave of emotion hit her. Felicity kept her head down as the tears she'd been holding back since yesterday slipped out. She tried to wipe them away but more just kept coming. Why the hell did this have to happen now? Why couldn't she have broken down earlier when she'd been alone?
"Felicity." Al Sah-him kept his voice low. It was the kind of tone one would use with a frightened and cornered animal. It's exactly how she felt, to be honest. When she refused to look up, he gently took hold of her face. There was something in his eyes that captured her, and she made no move to pull away. "You're angry and scared, and you have every right to be. But you are not alone in this." He wiped away a few of her tears. "I will honor the vow that I took and, as your husband, I will protect you. Do you understand?"
"Why? You hardly know me. You didn't want this either. Why not let them have me? Then you'd be rid of me," she murmured. "Problem solved."
"You are not the problem." His eyes darkened and, for a moment, it seemed as if his thoughts had strayed elsewhere.
"But I tried to stab you," she blurted out and then inwardly cursed. It probably wasn't the best idea to remind him of all the ways she'd tried to fight back against this arrangement, especially when it was obvious how badly she needed his help.
The corner of his mouth quirked, and she was keenly aware of the way he licked his bottom lip. "All couples have their little disagreements."
Felicity actually laughed, and the tension broke. "Oh yeah, we're just your average newlyweds for sure." She shot a glance to the bed and added, "Would now be a good time to tell you that I don't like sharp, pointy objects?"
With a small, satisfied grin, Al Sah-him wiped away the last of her tears before releasing her. She felt the loss of his touch instantly. "Could've fooled me," he muttered. "So you'll do it?"
"Hurry up before I change my mind," she sighed and walked over to the bed. Her nerves weren't completely gone, but she did feel somewhat better. Al Sah-him yanked back the sheets and had her take a seat at the top of the bed. She asked him which foot he needed, and he chose the one she didn't favor.
Felicity lifted her hem and stuck out her leg. Al Sah-him followed the movement, and a slight tremor ran through her the moment he touched her bare skin. His hands were warm and strong as they held her firmly. When he pulled out a small, sharp blade, she tensed and sucked in a shallow breath.
"Don't look," he instructed, and she closed her eyes.
There was a minor sting, but overall it didn't hurt as badly as she thought. Al Sah-him made sure the blood fell on the appropriate spot all the while Felicity tried to keep a straight face. She didn't know what was affecting her more, faking that they'd had sex last night or sitting on the bed with her dress hiked up and her leg in his hands. He cleaned and bandaged the small wound before releasing her.
Felicity, her legs feeling like jelly for some reason, got up to put her shoes back on and fix her makeup. Al Sah-him recovered the bed and left the sheets in a heap like before. She met him at the door.
"From this moment on, you're Abad-eshams—wife of the Heir to the Demon. You already look the part. Now you have to act it. You outrank everyone aside from myself and Ra's. When you walk the halls, you're pleasant but confident. You don't just belong in this place, you own it. Do you understand?"
"Yes." The conviction behind his words almost had her believing it. But she didn't belong here, and so she had to play her part to the fullest. Felicity stood as tall as she could and inhaled deeply.
"I'll be with you the entire time. Just follow my lead." Al Sah-him held out his arm, which she tentatively accepted. He then opened the door, and they took their first steps as husband and wife across the threshold and into the awaiting compound.
Felicity noticed the change in Al Sah-him's demeanor almost instantly. He'd quietly whispered some instruction before they'd left their private wing and entered the main corridor. As soon as that happened, Al Sah-him's face completely closed off. Any sign of the warmth and sympathy he'd shown her when they were alone was gone. Like when they'd first met, his expression was hard, dangerous, and stoic. The power and authority he held were on clear display.
Anyone who crossed their paths immediately bowed. The majority wore their masks, but their eyes were still visible. Their gazes swept over her, inquisitive and wary as if sizing up a threat. Felicity could still feel them at her back as they continued forward. She did as Al Sah-him said and kept a straight face. Her expression was agreeable but self-assured. Felicity attempted to memorize the corridors, but the place was so big and she was still so new that it was impossible to get her bearings.
Eventually they arrived in the private dining room. Like most of the other main rooms, this one was scarcely decorated. Would it kill them to hang a few pictures instead of staring at blank stone all day? The table in the center was low and surrounded by pillows that served as seats. Ra's sat at the head. To his left was the Asian man Felicity had seen talking to Al Sah-him yesterday. Next to him were Nyssa and Talia. Nyssa's expression was blank while anger sparked in Talia's eyes at the sight of them.
Unconsciously, Felicity's hand tightened on Al Sah-him's arm. His free hand casually glided atop it, and he gave it a squeeze in return. Felicity resisted the urge to peek up at him—she doubted his rigid demeanor had changed at all—and instead kept her attention on the others in the room.
"Al Sah-him, Abad-eshams, welcome," Ra's greeted and gestured for them to take a seat.
Al Sah-him took the other spot to the right of Ra's and helped Felicity lower herself beside him.
"Thank you all for waiting," Al Sah-him stated.
"Of course. We understand that you had quite a robust evening." Ra's flicked his dark, leering eyes to Felicity. "I trust Al Sah-him showed you everything the League has to offer last night."
Felicity swallowed the bile rising in her throat. Ra's thought his heir had either forced himself on her or she'd given in willingly. No matter which, he assumed Al Sah-him had made his power over her known. She chanced a glance at Al Sah-him and saw no reaction at all. Felicity wished she had that skill. Diggle used to always say that she was an open book. No matter what, her kind soul would shine brightly through her eyes.
"Yes, he did." Felicity kept her voice quiet and demure. Let Ra's think he'd broken her. Meanwhile, Felicity would be biding her time.
Ra's grinned approvingly at his heir. "Good."
There was a sharp clacking sound that captured all of their attention. It was Talia, who'd slammed the lid on the pot of food forcefully. Ra's said something to her in Arabic. Though Felicity couldn't understand, it seemed like an affectionate chiding.
"Before we begin, introductions are in order." He gestured to the man at his left. "This is Sarab. He serves myself and Al Sah-him. You've briefly met my daughters Nyssa and Talia. Of course you are familiar with your new husband Al Sah-him." Ra's looked full of pride. "I raised him from a young boy. He is my best warrior, and the son I never had. Now that the two of you are bound, you are part of the family." He eyed Nyssa and Talia. "That makes you and my daughters sisters. You, Abad-eshams, will treat them with respect. And they shall do the same in return."
Nyssa bowed her head in acquiescence while Talia couldn't look more displeased. She wore the same cold glare as yesterday, but that wasn't what worried Felicity. Her whole body stiffened at the way Talia was casually twirling the butter knife through her fingers. Felicity wondered if the younger woman would have the guts to take a stab at her in front of everyone and quickly realized it wasn't out of the realm of possibilities. For all his talk about them being family, Felicity doubted Ra's would take action against his own daughter for killing an outsider—especially one associated with his former enemy.
"Talia, enough." If the force behind Al Sah-him's warning didn't shock Felicity, then the way he took her hand in his on top of the table surely did.
Talia's head whipped in his direction, and it was the first time Felicity ever saw a crack in her fury. The young brunette actually looked hurt by his reproach. As quickly as the emotion appeared, it was gone. Talia's expression became blank and she turned away.
"You'll have to excuse my daughter," Ra's spoke up. "This is a difficult time for her."
"I never had any siblings growing up, but I'm pretty sure assassination attempts aren't normal," Felicity commented. "Is this also part of what the League has to offer me?"
Ra's smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He wasn't pleased that some of her fire was back. "No. But there is much you don't yet understand, Abad-eshams. You see, before your father and I ever discussed a truce, Talia was Al Sah-him's betrothed. The engagement has been in place for years and was to occur on her twentieth birthday, only two months from now." He leveled her with a sharp look. "Your wedding last night was meant to be hers."
Felicity felt the breath whoosh out of her, and she released Al Sah-him's hand. It all suddenly made sense. The unrest within the League Al Sah-him had spoken of this morning wasn't just because Felicity was Darhk's daughter. Talia's argument with Nyssa and Sara the night before came rushing back to her. The opposition was because Talia, not just one of their own but the beloved child of the Demon's Head, had also lost her birthright.
"But Nyssa is the oldest," Felicity pointed out and looked to the other woman. "Wouldn't she—"
"Nyssa's is a tale we do not have time for," Ra's interrupted sternly before Nyssa could even open her mouth. "Let us not ruin our meal with politics. Eat, everyone." He gestured to the table of food.
That was the end of the discussion, though the tension continued to hang in the air for the rest of the meal. Felicity's appetite was nonexistent and what little she did eat, she had to force down. She was not a part of the conversation that followed either, since Ra's insisted on speaking in Arabic the entire time. Felicity had a feeling it was his way of showing his disdain for her. Al Sah-him wasn't his blood but by having him marry one of his daughters, Ra's could ensure that his legacy and bloodline lived on to rule.
She sensed Al Sah-him trying to catch her eye, but Felicity could not look at him. He'd warned her to be careful of Talia, though he'd never said why. Was there more between them than he'd let on? If they'd been engaged for years, then surely something must have developed between them? Was she the real reason he'd objected to this union at first? Not that Felicity had fully trusted him, but this new development certainly made her question Al Sah-him's vow to protect her. If he wasn't related to Ra's and didn't marry Talia, did that mean it would be harder for him to take his place as the Demon's Head when the time came? How much danger was he in now because of her? Could he simply be lulling Felicity into a false sense of security? Then, when the time was right, he could strike against her without worry of breaking the alliance with her father.
Felicity's situation may have changed, but the one truth she'd held onto all of these years still applied. There was no one she could trust but herself.
After their tense breakfast, Felicity took her place by Al Sah-him's side and toured the compound. Felicity tried to pick out details so she could get more familiar with her surroundings. The place felt like a maze, but she did learn that there was a main hallway that led to other branches of the compound and how to recognize it. Al Sah-him showed her the multiple training rooms, a common area filled with couches and games (most of which looked old and rudimentary), the barracks (to see where their loyal subjects lived), and the library.
The library was easily her favorite. Felicity had tugged on Al Sah-him's arm to go inside. It felt like a scene out of Beauty and the Beast—although this library wasn't as big—as she gazed in wonder at the high walls and endless rows of books. There was even a section of ancient scrolls, which she learned from Al Sah-him could only be viewed in that room. He'd let her peruse the shelves for several minutes. She'd been surprised by the amount of modern literature mixed with the classics. Even James Patterson and J.K. Rowling were popular in Nanda Parbat, apparently.
Al Sah-him had let her pick out a couple of books before they left. His brows lifted when he saw that Harry Potter was one of her choices. "It was my favorite as a child," she'd defended. "Not that it really matters, since I don't have my glasses. You wouldn't happen to have a magnifying glass lying around, would you?"
He'd shaken his head at her, it was unclear whether he was serious or joking, and called a servant over. Felicity had handed him the books, assured by her new husband that they would be placed in their bedroom for later. They ventured deeper into the compound, going underground. Regardless of the numerous torches, it was darker without windows and the natural light of the sun shining in. The only upside was that it was significantly cooler.
When she'd asked why they skipped one floor entirely, Al Sah-him had simply hinted that it was for lonely League members seeking company. Her eyes had widened, and a chill had gone up her spine. Her father's threat about her being made a concubine if she refused the marriage had not been an exaggeration. Eventually, they entered a large, cavernous room. It had to be the size of at least one football field. Portions where the torch light couldn't reach remained in darkness, giving it an ominous feel.
"What is this?" Felicity questioned.
"It's where the archers train." Al Sah-him gestured to the row of men and women lined up and shooting with bows. There were various targets spread out in the wide open space. Some moving while others were stationary.
As had been customary throughout the day, everyone stopped what they were doing when their presence was made known. They bowed and waited for Al Sah-him's signal to continue as they were. Felicity felt the mood in the room change. The casual stances that some had mere seconds ago were straighter and more on edge. No one wanted to be caught slacking by their future ruler.
"I was wondering when you would make your way down here," came a female voice. Sara suddenly appeared at their side. "Enjoying the tour? I hope you haven't been boring her to death."
Felicity was completely taken aback by the casual, somewhat teasing, way Sara was talking to Al Sah-him. He took it in stride and responded wryly, "You know me. Always the life of the party."
Sara snorted. "You overestimate your charm. At least your wife is hot." She turned to Felicity and joked, "I see you survived the night. Nice lipstick. Love the red."
The startled blonde wasn't sure what to say. She blurted out, "Are you two friends?"
"Al Sah-him and I go way back," Sara said with a wink. "So, did you bring her down here to flex your muscles and show off your skills or what?"
"I wouldn't put it that way," he said dryly. "She wanted to know why I'm called The Arrow."
"Then you should show her. I'll keep her company," Sara offered.
Al Sah-him hesitated and something passed between them before he finally let Felicity go. He spoke quickly in Arabic, but all Felicity could recognize were her and Sara's names. Felicity wondered if the library had a book of translation, because it was going to drive her crazy if everyone kept saying things in front of her without her being able to understand.
"What was that about?" Felicity questioned once he'd left them.
"Nothing you have to worry about." Sara pointed to where Al Sah-him stood at the shooting line. "Watch."
He reached for the black object hanging by his sword on his belt. It was a compound bow that unfolded at his touch. He placed one of the quivers over his back, barked an order to a nearby mask, and readied an arrow. Al Sah-him stood so still he looked like a statue. Everyone else had stopped shooting to watch.
There was a whistling sound as multiple flying disks were shot into the air. Al Sah-him shot each of them in rapid succession before other targets popped up from the ground. Another swung sideways across the room. He shot that and the rope that held it up. His movements were so fast that Felicity found it difficult to follow all of them. The last target was a dummy that zigzagged erratically, making it impossible to pin down. Al Sah-him tracked it with his bow before releasing the arrow. It landed right between the target's fake eyes.
"Holy frack," Felicity mumbled. If her jaw wasn't attached, it'd be on the floor. She'd seen a few of her father's goons, also known as "ghosts," in action. Not one of them moved with the speed and precision she'd just witnessed. Al Sah-him was lethal…and a part of her was oddly thrilled by it.
When he faced her again, Felicity felt her breath catch in her throat. He motioned for her to join him, yet her feet stayed planted. It took a nudge from Sara for Felicity to finally move forward. He set aside his own bow and reached for a smaller one.
"There's no way I can do any of that," she said when he placed it in her hands. "I couldn't even make a basket in gym class."
"We'll start small. Take your stance."
"How do I even know which is the right side?" she inquired, feeling slightly panicked. She was going to make a fool of herself not only in front of him but half the damn League that was watching. "And do they have to watch?"
Al Sah-him's voice was loud and gruff as he barked out another order. The room cleared within minutes, leaving just the two of them and Sara. He positioned the bow correctly in her hands with the arrow. His stern expression softened, as well as his voice. It was like a wall had come down now that they were alone. "Take your stance," he repeated.
I've watched Robin Hood. I can totally do this, she told herself. No sweat. Felicity spread her feet apart and raised the bow and arrow. She felt absolutely ridiculous. I'm so screwed.
"Relax," he instructed and placed a hand on her back shoulder to lower it. "Relax. Keep it steady."
That was easier said than done. Felicity felt his solid form grazing her side as he spoke in hushed tones. He gripped the front of the bow just below her hold to help her gain some control. There was a slight tremor in her limbs. Felicity told herself that it was due to the unnaturalness of her stance and not the fact that Al Sah-him was standing so close, with his lips hovering near her ear.
"Pull back gently. You need all three fingers to come off the bowstring at the same time." He leaned in closer and placed his hand on her front shoulder to keep it steady. "Relax. Breathe."
Felicity did as he said and inhaled deeply. The target was what she needed to focus on. She let his voice lull her, concentrating only on what was before her.
"Now release," he murmured.
She released the arrow and watched as it sailed past the target and skidded to the ground. Turning to Al Sah-him, she gave him a sardonic look.
"Try again."
They went through a whole quiver of arrows with Felicity getting more and more frustrated. She managed to catch the edge of the target once, but it was nothing to brag about. "I suck," she declared when they finished.
"You weren't that bad. Some new recruits can't even get the arrow to fly. You just need practice."
Felicity shook her sore hand. "Is it supposed to hurt afterward?"
"The muscles in your fingers need to build up and adapt."
"You must have some strong fingers," she said without thinking. Al Sah-him smirked as her eyes widened and cheeks burned in embarrassment. Felicity had the awkward habit of making unintended innuendos at the worst times. Although it probably wasn't that far from the truth. She'd seen the way he fired off all of those arrows without hesitation. That must've taken years of practice, which meant his fingers had to be in tiptop shape. Fingers she'd felt on her own skin last night, early this morning, and…she needed to stop that line of thinking right now!
"You have no idea," he murmured gruffly, which almost had her dropping the bow altogether.
Her stomach did a somersault as their gazes locked. Had his eyes actually darkened or were those simply the shadows from the room? Felicity didn't know how long they'd been staring, but it was a throat clearing that finally allowed her to look away. Sara's earlier playfulness was gone and replaced with a serious frown as she discretely gestured off to the side.
Felicity had to stretch around Al Sah-him's broad shoulder to see. Talia stood observing them in the doorway. Her small frame shook with a rage she couldn't seem to contain. The anger Felicity had seen earlier that morning hadn't even been a fraction of what Talia was exhibiting now.
"Ta-er al-Asfe," Al Sah-him called to Sara. His voice gave away nothing of what he was thinking. "Take Abad-eshams back to our room."
"Where are you—" Felicity didn't get a chance finish before Al Sah-him was headed toward Talia.
The brunette muttered something heatedly to him in Arabic. His response sounded clipped yet placating. Was this a lover's spat? Was Al Sah-him trying to get back into her good graces? She'd never know. Al Sah-him had taken Talia by the arm and disappeared with her out the door.
Sara waited a minute or so before beckoning Felicity to follow her. They were silent most of the way back. There were a thousand questions on the tip of Felicity's tongue, but she stopped herself from asking them. Curiosity and a need for answers would mean that she cared. And she didn't care. She couldn't. Felicity was simply biding her time.
"Is there anything you need before I go?" Sara questioned once Felicity was safely in the room. More time had passed than she thought. The sun was already setting in the sky.
Felicity barely heard her question. Her eyes were fixed on the bed, where a beautiful pink dress lay. It was bright and exquisite with all of its embellishments. But that wasn't what had Felicity coming up short, her heart fluttering. It was the small, square-framed black glasses resting on top. They looked exactly like hers, but that was impossible. She'd lost them when she was taken. Finding them would be impossible. Carefully unfolding them, Felicity put them on. Her vision immediately cleared, the relief instantaneous. They were most definitely hers.
"Sara," Felicity mumbled. She would allow herself one question. That was it. "You said everyone in the League gets a new name. Each name…I assume it has some kind of special meaning. Including yours."
"Yes. Ta-er al-Asfe means The Canary," she revealed and paused, contemplating. "It was a nickname from my childhood."
"Pretty name," Felicity complimented. Sara didn't respond, just watched her warily. She pressed on. "What did Al Sah-him name me?"
Shaking her head, Sara began, "I don't think—"
"Please, Sara. Please tell me," Felicity begged. "I need to know."
"Abad-eshams," she reverently pronounced. "It means The Sunflower…"