Duty Bound Desire: The Sheikh's Forced Marriage (Desert Desires Book 1)

by Jennifer Jansen

  He walked over after he was dressed and offered her his arm. Yasmin placed her arm in his and looked up at her husband. He smiled and her heart thundered in her chest. Just that smile could make her weak.

  Walking out towards the official welcome tent, Yasmin looked around her. The sun was setting and creating an orange-red haze in the sky. The temperature had begun to drop but it was still warm enough and the fragrance of exotic flowers hung in the air creating an almost opiate atmosphere.

  Young children greeted the royal couple and ran beside them as they walked on. She watched as Nabil bent and picked up a young child, the smile on his face tender and warm. She felt a little hitch as her heart fluttered at the sight of this imposing man holding a child with such gentleness, and the child, clearly taken by him, flung his arms around Nabil’s neck, innocent laughter wafting through the air. It truly was a most beautiful sight.

  Two very large men in traditional ghalabeyah dress bowed deeply as they entered the celebratory area. Yasmin was completely taken aback by the sheer size of the place. People packed the entire area. A little further along, a dais with elaborate seating pillows and a massive open area directly in front of it, stood.

  The pounding of drums assailed her ears as drummers pulverised their instruments in a celebratory welcome, as Yasmin and Nabil were led to their seats alongside the elders. Nabil insisted that the children be allowed to stay with them, to watch the dancing, singing and other festivities that had been planned especially for their arrival.

  Yasmin looked around her. Families were everywhere, food was being brought around on large platters, magnificent traditional Bedouin food, musicians’ talented hands were creating music, and a festive mood was definitely in the air. The sun had almost completely set and she could see the light twinkling of the stars.

  On the cleared area in front of them, dancers began filing in and around the expansive space. The sword fighting dance in particular, was magnificent. Young men in traditional Zasharian costumes were raising and waving their shiny scimitars around, creating a whooshing sound through the air. Their white abayas complete with red and gold embroidery, flowed with the rhythm of the music as the dancers moved in unison. Their head pieces matched their sashes in red hues. It was indeed a sight to see.

  Yasmin was so absorbed in the dance that she didn’t notice her husband slip away from her side. Before she knew what was happening, the dancers parted and Nabil was right in front of her, sword in hand. She heard the roar of the crowd and then, the music stopped.

  There was a moment of silence after which the drummers slowly started up again. Nabil began to move gradually and steadily with the rhythm. His eyes flashed fire and were on her the entire time, mesmerising, tantalising. Yasmin couldn’t even blink she was so captivated by the sight of him before her.

  The music’s beautiful, haunting rhythm had everyone spellbound. From somewhere deep in her psyche Yasmin realised she recognised this melody. It was from an ancient Arabian myth which told the story of a warrior’s promise to his beloved that he will always love and protect her.

  And he was every inch the warrior.

  It was an amazing to have his sole attention on her, especially in a crowded place like this. The only time he took his eyes off her was when he had to turn around for the purpose of the dance. He weaved his sword through the air, his black abaya flowing with his actions. His movements were expertly executed, fluid and beautiful, strong hands securely on his sword, concentration never wavering. He exhibited his physical strength to perfection.

  Yasmin sat, hypnotised. She watched as Nabil moved his strong body, muscles flexing perfectly under his abaya. Her eyes were wide and her lips slightly parted. For those few brief minutes nothing and no-one else existed except the two of them.

  When the music finished, Nabil stood. His eyes still fixed on her. The entire place was still. You could hear a pin drop, the atmosphere thick with expectation. Then, to Yasmin’s surprise, and the crowd’s delight, he lowered his head and bowed down deeply in front of her. Yasmin’s breathe caught, her heart now pounding hard in her chest. The crowd thundered around them.

  As Nabil moved off the main area, the other dancers flowed back to entertain the crowd. And then he was next to her once again. She could smell his woody cologne and feel the heat of his leg as it gently touched hers. He didn’t look in her direction. She couldn’t quite figure out what that was going through his mind. Why that particular tune? She wondered. And dedicating that dance to her was…was something special. Wasn’t it? Or was it for the crowd only?

  She didn’t have time to think more about it because people began moving forward all wanting time with him, all wanting to discuss something with him. And he sat, with every one of them who came. And he listened.

  ***

  In the early hours of the morning, Nabil thanked everyone and excused himself and his wife. They walked back to their tent and Yasmin wondered where the security people were. Even in the desert he had brought them along. Disturbing her thoughts, Nabil reached out and took Yasmin’s hand in his. ‘Walk with me,’ he said and turned direction heading further away from the village.

  The night was cool but surprisingly not cold as it normally would be in the desert at night. The sky was black and there were a million stars shining like silver diamonds. Yasmin looked over as they changed direction again and soon enough she could see the reflection of water as it gleamed off the light from the stars above and danced on the trees. Not a soul around, it was quiet, almost heavenly. It was beautiful.

  Nabil walked around and cleared a space for them to sit down. He offered her his hand and helped her to be seated comfortably by the edge of the water. The he lowered his body next to hers allowing his leg to touch hers again. A very slight breeze gently blew, making Yasmin’s hair fly around her face. Nabil reached out to move a strand of hair, lightly touching the side of her cheek. A small ray of hope was lit in her heart.

  ‘I want us to make a difference here, Yasmin,’ he said softly.

  And her heart skipped a beat. Us?

  He let out a sigh. ‘I know this has been difficult for you.’

  She turned, looking at him then. His strong profile with his chiselled features were a treat for her eyes.

  ‘This marriage, its haste,’ he continued.

  He exhaled loudly. Yasmin could see the tension he held in the way he sat, rigid, and in the harshness of his voice now. She didn’t know how to respond. What he said was true and inside her she felt a little surge of relief at the acknowledgment. Maybe he would yield a little now that compassion seemed to be budding within him.

  ‘When my father became ill, and I know my failed marriage had something to do with it, I decided that, next time it would be easier to have a marriage of convenience, to arrange a political marriage. No emotion, no hassles, an agreement between parties, just easy.’

  It was Yasmin’s turn to take in a deep breath and steel herself for what might be coming. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear this.

  Nabil reached out his hand and took her chin, turning it up towards him. He looked into her eyes.

  ‘And when your father came to me with the idea of an agreement between us I thought it would be the perfect solution for me – and for you.’

  ‘That’s so romantic,’ she replied sarcastically.

  And he chuckled. A deep, beautiful sound – that she shouldn’t have loved so much because this conversation was taking a turn she didn’t like.

  He reached out, a smile still on his face. ‘Hear me out,’ he said.

  Then his face turned very serious. ‘I’m sorry, Yasmin. I’m sorry for the way this marriage has occurred and the haste with which it occurred. You understand there are reasons for that….’ He looked like he was going to say something else but then stopped himself. She watched him intently wondering what he wasn’t telling her. He didn’t go back to that. Instead he said, ‘I can’t change that but I can change what happens from here on.’

  ‘W
hat does that mean?’ She asked uncertain as to whether she should allow herself to hope. She held her breath.

  His deep, dark eyes held sincerity. She began to breathe faster. Was he suggesting a deeper emotional connection?

  ‘Our nation needs a strong leader. And a strong, healthy heirs to continue leading into the future. I knew you would be able to provide this.’ Yasmin’s heart sank. ‘You and I,’ he continued, ‘we can be the stability this nation needs.’

  She knew his nation had needed some rebuilding as his father had let a lot of things slip. She chose to keep that to herself.

  ‘You’re going to have to change some things in order for us to be able to make a proper difference,’ she replied. At least he wanted to make this work. It was a start. ‘I won’t have anything less than an equal partnership, Nabil. No half way in, half way out. That includes giving me reasons for your decisions.’

  One dark eyebrow shot up.

  ‘As I will give you reasons for mine,’ she added quickly.

  He didn’t answer.

  They sat together in silence for a while. Nabil reached over and firmly encased her hand in his. She wondered why he didn’t respond to what she had said.

  ‘Nabil,’ she began, ‘I want you to know how I feel about working in a medical capacity.’ She felt his hand tense over hers, and heard him exhale loudly. She carried on nonetheless. ‘I have had this dream all my life. And I’ve worked hard to complete my degree. It hasn’t been easy.’

  She was hoping to get through to him. After all, she’d had glimpses of a man she liked. Maybe...just maybe.

  ‘Yasmin,’ he finally said, ‘I admire what you’ve achieved so far, believe me, I do. But working in such a capacity as a princess is just…’ He trailed off, seemingly looking for the right words. ‘Unfitting for someone in your position. Surely, Yasmin, you can see this?’

  But she couldn’t see it.

  ‘What are you talking about?’ she shot back. ‘My brother works in his chosen field, your sister, my cousins.’ She was becoming indignant now.

  He looked at her with his dark eyes that penetrated her soul.

  ‘Yasmiin,’ he drawled, ‘They are not in your position, habibti. I am the crown prince, soon to be king. You are my wife. You will be a queen. It’s not the same thing at all as your cousins or my sister.’

  ‘What about Shehab? He’s a crown prince too.’ She thought she had him with this one.

  ‘Your father is not ill, and your brother will not have to take over for a while, from what I can see. He still has time to pursue other things until such time as he is called upon to take over. Then, he too will have no choice but to do what duty commands. It’s like that for all of us who are this close to the throne.’

  She knew he was right. But she also knew what she wanted and she would try as hard as she could to make it happen in some capacity.

  ‘Nabil, I know all this, and yes, we are…’ she wanted to say trapped but decided on being a little more diplomatic, ‘bound by duty that most others are not. But, Nabil, ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of doing good things, of helping people, being of service.’ And a man who would support me in that, she wanted to say but held herself back. ‘I want us to come to some sort of agreement as to what I can do. I’m not going to walk away from my dream so easily.’

  He softened a little then. His hand still over hers. ‘You are helping people, you are being of service. Our entire lives are in service to our people, Yasmin. But it is early days yet. We have time to discuss this further. Perhaps not right now though. The more pressing issue is getting you pregnant.’

  At that she tensed. She couldn’t put this off any longer. She had to tell him now.

  ‘And that’s another thing,’ she said as he contemplated her with his serious gaze. She took a deep breath. She knew what she was about to say wouldn’t go down well. ‘I don’t want children right away.’

  Silence. Nabil didn’t speak. But his eyes were on her. She held her breath.

  ‘That wasn’t the deal, Yasmin,’ he finally said, his voice dangerously low.

  ‘As I understand it, there were no specific timelines set for producing heirs,’ she lobbied. ‘And unless my father is a liar, which of course he is not, didn’t you promise him as part of the contract that I would be given time to complete my training?’

  She knew this time she had him with this. She knew her father wouldn’t have made this deal without that, at least. He knew how much she wanted to train as a doctor and how hard she had worked.

  Nabil looked ahead. He said nothing. Silence filled the air between them again.

  ‘How much time?’ he suddenly asked, breaking the stillness around them.

  She hesitated a moment. ‘Three years,’ she finally said.

  She watched as his chest heaved and he sharply inhaled. It was a much longer timeline than he would have anticipated. ‘It’s not a typing course, Nabil,’ she quickly added. ‘It’s a lot more complex than that.’

  ‘You’re really testing my reserve now, Yasmin,’ he said, his eyes still front. That wasn’t a good sign. ‘You’re using a very thin loophole, or what you consider to be one, to change the contract details.’

  ‘And you,’ she said despite knowing it would bite, ‘are not keeping your word.’ She watched as his jaw tensed and he breathed in deeply.

  She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. She felt his muscles bunch beneath it. He looked down at it then up at her. ‘Please, Nabil. I know you don’t know me but I’ve worked hard to get to where I am. I’ve sacrificed a lot. I never partied like so many others, I never even really dated, as you already know.’ He was finally listening intently. ‘I’m so close to my achieving that dream, Nabil. And I know I most likely won’t be able to work in the usual capacity. I know that. I’ve had to come to terms with that in the harshest way possible. But, Nabil, there has to be something. Something…’ she trailed off, tears threatening to fall.

  He reached out, his big hand cupping the side of her face. She couldn’t even look at him in that moment but he tipped her chin up making her face him. As she clashed with the dark glitter of his burning eyes her breath caught.

  ‘We can recheck the timeline,’ he said quietly. ‘But I can’t make any promises to you because if I can’t deliver….I don’t ever want to go back on my word. It’s the best I can give you right now Yasmin.’

  He seemed to believe she should be a little satisfied with his answer, but she wasn’t because it wasn’t a proper answer. And she really wasn’t sure if she could handle the consequences of a ‘no.’

  Chapter 6

  Yasmin woke up the next morning with a heavy heart. She looked around. No sign of Nabil. Most likely he was already out among his people. Our people, she corrected. She lay back again and stared at the ceiling. Then she made a decision.

  She showered, dressed and had a quick bite to eat from the tray that Nabil had left for her. Then she walked out to begin her day, albeit later than the others. She was going to advise as much as she could on this trip. She would be out here with the people, learning, helping. One of the female doctors had been assigned to stay with Yasmin and show her what the daily work there entailed.

  Yasmin went looking for her. The day before, make shift medi-tents had been set up in an open area of the oasis.

  Hurrying along the dusty paths, Yasmin was beginning to feel the rush of adrenaline she always got when working with people and being of service. She had done a short residency for her original medical degree and was so looking forward to specialising……Don’t think about it now. But a tight knot in her stomach threatened to undo the feelings of excitement and joy that were there only moments ago.

  Children immediately appeared by her side. Her spirit began to lift once more. Women peered out from behind tents, their younger children on their hips or crawling along the ground.

  A woman appeared before her, bowing deeply and with a bold move, stepped forward taking Yasmin’s hand and gently tug
ging, motioning for her to follow. At first Yasmin was a little apprehensive, not knowing the situation in this area, both for security reasons and cultural reasons considering what she had seen the day before.

  ‘Please, come Your Majesty,’ the older woman uttered as she led Yasmin to a tent, inside which she saw three young children lying on a make-shift mattress on the rough ground. As she looked around Yasmin noticed there was little else except for a small area for cooking.

  Yasmin was at first unsure as to why the woman had brought her to the tent.

  The older woman bowed deeply and held out her hand in the direction of the children. ‘These are my grandchildren,’ she said, naming them one by one. Each child bowed before Yasmin and she smiled at them.

  ‘Their mother is dead.’ The older woman said bluntly, catching Yasmin by surprise.

  She furrowed her brows, her heart beating fast, and immediately offered the woman her sincere condolences.

  ‘My daughter, God rest her soul, was such a beautiful woman,’ the old lady said, tears beginning to well in her eyes. ‘But with the last baby…..’ her voice trailed off.

  Yasmin’s chest tightened. The grandmother continued to explain that the baby also died as he was premature and there was no access to a hospital. The children’s father had died several months before his wife. This was a tragedy.

  Yasmin moved closer to her and placed her hand on the older woman’s hand. ‘I’m so sorry, dear lady, Yasmin said. ‘Rest assured that you are not alone. I will do everything I can to help you and your grandchildren.’ She looked deep into the older woman’s eyes. ‘And also be sure that I will work hard to bring better medical development, especially for the women here.’

  The older woman bowed her head, her body still shaking slightly with her emotions and tears. ‘A million thank you’s, my lady,’ she said, head still down.