Chapter 26: The Courtyard Conversation

Layla recognized the voice immediately. It was the last person she wanted to see.

"Don't you have a wedding to be in?" She spat. Solomon sat next to her and started to gently rub her back. "Stop touching me! Your wife would not like it."

"Layla," he purred, "don't be like that."

"Don't be like what?" She moved her body away from his hand. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Layla," his voice was like honey.

"Don't 'Lay-la' me! I want answers. You are getting married and it, what, slipped your mind?"

"Layla, it's not like that," he began.

"Stop saying my name and just get to the point."

"I am trying to get to the point. You keep cutting me off." He was losing patience with her.

"I'm only cutting you off because you're not saying anything. You are betrothed and you never told me! Not once." Her voice was raised, it was like she was almost screaming. The alcohol did not help her at all, she had lost control of herself.

He did not move. He sucked air through his teeth. "It