Baldwin & Atefeh.

Atefeh had forgotten what the purpose was for this particular ceremony… which Saintly Feast it might be, or which Holy Day they would need to observe… either way, she found it as she usually did… utterly tedious. While she loved Allah in her heart, she’d never seen the purpose in prostrating herself before some earthly representation of Him or His acolytes in public view. Prayer and holy devotion were something to be done in private… in one’s heart and actions.

Regardless her convictions, she’d insisted on accompanying Baldwin to the rehearsal for tomorrow’s sumptuous affair in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. She’d watched as he’d sat on the throne surrounded by a flock of impatient priests, repeated his lines where needed, and performed valiantly in the interest of not showing his boredom.

Of course, it’d only be a matter of time before she led him astray.

“Hey, handsome.”

“Hello, Atte.”

Part of the From Eden series.