The Unlucky Bride Is Loved by the Fortunate Desert King - Chapter 8 – Bird in a Cage

—Bright.
I opened my eyes to sunlight pouring through the window.

“Where am I…?” Somehow, I was lying on a soft futon. Even in Japan, I’d never slept on such a smooth, comfy bed. My body felt heavy; I wanted to sleep a little longer. But the room my half-awake eyes showed me was completely unfamiliar. I sat up with a start. (Where is this!?)

I was fully awake now. The exotic Middle Eastern room was set up like a resort. A canopy bed that looked very expensive, a spotless room. Purple tones gave an Arabian feel that mixed with a modern style, making the place feel so elegant it was almost intimidating. Maybe it was a high-class hotel.

As I glanced around, someone knocked quietly and the door opened. “You’re awake, then.”
A handsome young man with dark skin and silver hair smiled. His fine features and gentle smile eased my nerves. He carried a tray with a pitcher and a glass — he had brought it for me.

The silver-haired youth bowed politely.
“Forgive my lateness. My name is Ishaq. My master found you in the desert and invited you to our house. I will call him now, so please wait a moment.”
“My…master…” The man I’d met in the desert could only be Al.

“This place is so grand…” Perhaps he was someone of high rank.

“Awake, are you? How do you feel?” Before Ishaq could go call him, Al was already behind him. He peered in.

“Al…-sama,” I said. Because he was tall, he ducked through the doorway as he came in. Up close he was even more striking. Dawn-colored indigo hair, a well-trained sun-bronzed build. His eyes were like purple amethyst — a masterpiece of godly beauty. Around Al there was almost a halo-like glow.

“I told you you could just call me Al.”
“But— I don’t feel right calling you by your given name. You saved my life. At least for a while, please let me call you Al-sama.” I couldn’t treat the man who’d saved me — and who seemed to be of high status — lightly.

“Fine, call me whatever makes you comfortable. You can call me plain Al anytime.” Ishaq stepped forward and handed me the glass of water.

“Are you thirsty? Since you were found collapsed in the desert, you should drink. This is lime water, a local specialty.”
“T-thank you.” A fresh citrus scent. When I took a sip, it soaked into a body that hadn’t had a drop in over a day.

“It’s good…” I drank greedily. Ishaq immediately refilled my glass.
“That’s good to hear.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t greeted you properly. My name is Yuzu Amamiya. Please call me Yuzu.” I bowed from the bed, embarrassed.

As Al urged me to keep drinking, he continued speaking. “Okay, Yuzu. This is my house. You’ll stay here for a while. Do not leave the grounds. If you want anything, I’ll have it brought. Use anything in the house as you like. If anything happens, call me or Ishaq.”
“Thank you… for everything. I’m in your care.”

I bowed again, then remembered something. “Could I ask you to contact my fiancé, As’ad? Could you let him know—?”
“I’ll tell him. I’ll say we’re keeping you here for a reason.”
“Thank you. That helps.” With that, As’ad wouldn’t likely be running all over looking for me.

“I’ll say it again: you must not go outside. There are many wolves and ruffians around here. You know how dangerous the desert is if you go out unarmed. Promise me you won’t leave.”
“I promise.”

I couldn’t trouble Al any more than I already had. I nodded deeply, and his dawn-colored eyes narrowed with kindness. “You’re a good child.” His sweet look embarrassed me and I looked down.

Then Ishaq’s brows knitted as he said, “Yuzu, I’m afraid we must keep your belongings. Your phone and any communications devices cannot be used right now. We will return them when you leave the house. I apologize.”
“Oh, please don’t apologize, Ishaq-sama.”

Not having my phone was inconvenient, but I couldn’t scold the apologetic Ishaq. “It’s only until we verify your identity. We’ll give it back when it’s no longer needed. Though the reception here isn’t great, anyway.” I decided to trust Al. Nothing could start without trust.
“I’ll pray my identity is found quickly.”

“Well then — serious talk’s done. How about a bath?” I realized I hadn’t bathed since arriving in this country. My hair was stiff with sand and my body gritty. I’d felt like that on sports days back in school, but this was worse.

“Yes, please! I really want a bath—”
“Then come with me. My private bath — no one else will come in.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll wash you. Every corner.” Al said something unsettling, then scooped me up in one arm.