by Jones, Sarah
Said was shaken by those words, since he felt absolutely the same.
"I need you to come with me to a place, Louise," he tried to use a neutral, almost emotionless tone. He had to take it easy.
She wiped away her tears and stared at him, frowning.
- Where?
"I'll take you to a place in a few days," he said, starting to put his clothes together, dressing them in sequence.
Louise did not dare ask what the place was. But her mind began to work on that, making her think that maybe he was wanting to get rid of her. Just as Najila had told him.
No!
I could not afford it.
She knew that she had made a breakthrough by giving himself up to him shortly and would make no effort to conquer Sheikh before he sent her away. She had a few days to make Said fall in love with her.
Chapter Sixteen
That afternoon the Sheikh of Hamed was surprised by a small caravan who approached the palace. It was a group of women and men, as well as children, who were desperately asking for shelter and food. Everyone seemed to be very tired, but nothing stops them from falling on their knees in front of Said, when he left and went to them, next to the guards.
The scene caught the attention of everyone in the camp, who watched the leader of the group begging for mercy from the Sheikh, begging him to help the woman and the young daughter, who had not eaten in a few days.
Imposing on his raised shoulders and serious expression, Said made the man stand up and motioned the guards to lead the others to the great camp tent where the responsible women would help them. The children followed the mothers and fathers, giving Said a frightened look, which swallowed at the sight of how hungry and weak they were.
"Where are you coming from?" He asked the tall man in a copper-colored robe that covered his face.
"From the north, the kingdom of Yulem." The man's hands trembled as Said handed him a bag of skin with water. He took a long sip, filled with despair. "Our tribe was attacked by the desert robbers during the night, and many of us could not escape.
Sheik glanced at the guards, searching for their reaction. He could not simply trust what the man said, for even in peaceful times the kingdom of Hamed needed security, and it would not be good to have quarrels with robbers.
How did you get here? He asked the right questions and studied each of the answers.
The man looked at Said with regret and shrugged.
"We need to ration what we had ..." He hesitated, bowing his head. "And some did not.
Said studied him for a moment. He looked into his eyes, searching for anything that would arouse his intuition about danger. Could not, without care, dismiss the possibility that it was something planned. But he could only feel pity, not of the man, evidently, since it considered that it was only his duty to lead and to ensure that his group continued alive. But there were children, women, and for them the Sheikh became more human.
"They can stay in the camp until they recover," he said.
"There's a problem, sir," the man interrupted him. "The Sultan's daughter is with us. We helped her escape and made sure she was still alive. It is essential that we keep her alive.
Said looked toward the camp and sighed. It was all he did not need. Like Sheik, he had an obligation to offer his palace to the girl, considering her protection until everything was resolved. At times like this, Said admitted that customs could be unpleasant. And the problem was not just that. It turned out that he would need a woman to be by the side of the girl, obviously, a woman from his kingdom, who on another occasion would be one of his wives or daughter.
"I'll take you to my palace." There will be someone who will help you. And with a nod she left without looking back, walking hastily to the palace.
***
Louise needed to agree that she was beginning to become good at entangling the gold threads on the rugs that were made in the palace. The women, including Najila, had insisted that she return to the task. The process was becoming easier, since the weavers were unexpectedly accepting Louise and teaching her. In a few hours, the lady had already made a small triangle with the gold threads, which to her seemed of undoubted good taste. It was strange how enthusiastic she was to work at the palace, and how these activities were becoming pleasurable, which also irritated her, because it seemed to her that she was becoming everything Said hoped for.
"You're so distracted, miss. Najila smiled, looking mischievously at Louise. "I'm sure you're thinking about Sheik."
Blushing violently, Louise looked at the women next door, all the same as Najila.
"Do not be shy about it, stranger. We all envy you, "a young woman said between laughter.
Louise stopped embroidering and stared at her.
"I thought you ..." she stammered, not knowing how to continue.
Najila frowned.
- Oh no. We never lay with Sheikh, though we did, of course. He laughed behind the veil. "Sheik lies only with the chosen ones.
Ah yes. Louise had forgotten that. Only the chosen ones.
She sighed.
He had chosen her. Which I still could not clearly understand.
The women heard a few conversations from the corridor, and with frightened looks, they all rose to their feet. It seemed that no man was entering that wing of the palace, which made them even more frightened.
The door opened slowly, and a tall, dark-blue man appeared, turning Louise's heart into a real mismatch.
Said.
Frightened, she looked at him waiting for something. Maybe she had done something wrong and now she would suffer the harsh sorrow. She put her hands in front of her body and waited, unlike the other women, who knelt on the rugs.
"Follow me," he said quietly, but it echoed through the room.
Louise needed the strength to make her body move, and as she walked to Said, she felt that strange sensation moving inside her, which left her as if she were floating. An unwanted, and at the same time, pleasurable effect. It was he who put her that way, it happened only when they were together.
Said waited for her to leave the room to close the door and point the way.
He did not say anything, but at that moment Louise already suspected that something was not right. His shoulders were rigid, his gait firm, his fists clenched against the sides of his body. He knew this man long enough to know when he was worried.
The Sheikh took Louise to the other end of the palace and led her into his royal room. She stood in the center, admiring the carvings in the ceiling and the tiles on the walls, plus the magnificent throne in wood and gold, studded with precious stones, allocated on the opposite side. He imagined Said sitting there, his back straight, his face serious, his gaze superior. Perfect for him.
"When you are silent, my mind begins to imagine what you might be planning. I never know if it's something good or bad" he said behind her from a distance.
Louise turned to him with a half smile.
"I was imagining that some English nobles would like to sit on such a throne," she said in disguise, because she obviously would not say what she was really thinking.
Said looked at her for a moment, then smiled.
- Can imagine. Your people are thirsty for something of so little value" he said seriously.
"Are you saying you do not care about wealth?" She straightened.
Said approached a few steps.
"The honor can be greater than any gem, gazelle." And for a man like me, there are still things more important than gold. She wrapped a lock of Louise's hair around her finger and pressed it down, feeling the texture.
She looked into his eyes, seeing in them that he spoke the truth.
"I know men who would call you insane," she whispered.
"Probably," he admitted. "The trouble, gazelle, is that I'm no match for any other man you've ever met. I know a little about the customs of your people, my mother made a point of teaching me. And I can say that the more I know about the English, the more I love every grain of s
and in this desert.
Louise stepped back, startled by the revelation.
- I'm sorry. She turned away, looking away.
- Because? He asked.
Because if you did not hate my people, everything would be easier.
"I heard a group came to camp tonight," Louise said, trying to sidestep the subject.
Said accepted her escape at that moment because they needed to talk. But soon, they would certainly talk about it again.
"The tribe was attacked during the night. Only they survived" he said.
Louise raised her hand to her lips, horrified.
"I hear there are children and women.
"I allowed them to stay in the camp until things got better." Said ran a nervous hand over his face. "The Sultan's daughter is with them and needs the protection of the palace until he can claim the rights over of what remains of the tribe."
- She is here? The lady opened her eyes wide.
- With the women in the camp. I must bring her to the palace, but a woman must accompany her.
"It may be Karida, or Najila," Louise said anxiously.
The Sheik twisted his mouth in annoyance. He came closer and took her hands.
"I had thought of you, gazelle.
- I? Louise's jaw dropped. Did he want her to take care of the girl?
He confirmed with a nod.
"But I never took care of anyone" she stopped talking as Said placed his forefinger over her lips.
"All you have to do is guide her.
"I do not know anything about your customs," she argued.
Said smiled, holding her by the shoulders.
"I would not take it so important if I did not believe in your ability, gazelle." He looked at her with seriousness, firmness. "I'm asking for your help, Louise.
Oh, Lord, that was weird. Hamed's terrible Sheik asking for your help...
"I'll do my best," she agreed.
The Sheik took a deep breath, letting the air out of his lungs.
"But I demand to be able to walk through the palace and the camp without any guard pressing his scimitar on my back. Louise crossed her arms, looking confident because she was making demands, now!
- No.
"Then I feel like I can not help you," and, barely aware of what she was doing, headed for the door.
Said cursed, wishing he could stick his sword into something, or punch someone.
Stubborn woman he took her seriously, made him want to be mean, yell at her, make her understand his leadership
- By Allah, foreigner! I grant it! He gave in, at last, more nervous than he had been before.
Louise did not turn to him, kept her hand on the door, but she smiled as she left, feeling victorious.
"I'll be in my room," she announced before closing the door.
The Sheik was alone, thinking about what had just happened. Louise had manipulated him, using his needs to favor her.
Said grinned, even annoyed.
He could only think that that insolence could be used against her. And, well, he had plans soon, which included much pleasure.
***
In the evening a fancy dinner was offered in the great hall, which had been decorated with cushions and scented candles. The food, even having been prepared in a hurry, was plentiful, with fruits, roast meats, yogurt and teas. The guests were the family of the leader of the group, the Sheikh, his helpers and, of course, Louise, who was curled up in her cushion, waiting for the Sultan's daughter. The girl had lingered in her bath, causing an uncomfortable delay at dinner.
The Englishwoman was in an unbearable state of nerves. Everyone looked at her with suspicion, especially the Sheik's helper, who clearly did not accept her presence there. Said was serious, talking to the man about the Sultan and what they would do now without any news of him. As she listened to this, Lady Louise recalled the moments she had lived in the old camp that night. She understood the pain and suffering that the man described, knew exactly what it was like to be at the mercy of death, struggling only to remain alive, forgetting his dignity, surrendering to despair. To her relief, the sultan's daughter was announced.
To the great surprise of all, especially Louise, who entered through the great white wooden door was not a child, but a young woman. In red dress and black hair adorned with green stones, the young woman was very beautiful, which instantly caused a great discomfort to the English, especially after noticing the woman's gaze towards Said.
"Alisha, welcome to the kingdom of Hamed," the Sheikh greeted her elegantly.
She smiled and bowed heavily.
"Thank you for your hospitality, my prince.
Louise's jaw clenched nervously.
Maybe she should not have agreed to help Said, after all.
Chapter Seventeen
Everyone present in the room was visibly delighted with the guest, who smiled sweetly at anything related to her. Her sympathy and resourcefulness made the dialogue pleasant, and her delicate gestures were reflections of her education. Everything a good Arab woman should have, especially a princess.
The only person who did not seem so dazzled by the young lady was Louise, who sat next to her, keeping her head down, just listening to the enthusiastic conversation about the dromedaries marketed in the city. The food, though full, tasted tasteless, but even in the presence of important people, the lady discreetly managed to chew a few spoonfuls of babaganuche and to drink a few sips of black tea.
"Alisha suffered a lot, my lord. I feared for her all the way. There were times when- "Aban, the man who led the group to the palace, commented, looking excited.
- I understand. Said lifted the glass of tea to his lips as he glanced at Louise, who immediately disguised herself.
"Please, Aban, let's just forget what happened." We are safe and owe everything to the prince. Alisha inclined her head slightly, out of respect for Said.
- Oh, yes, yes. We owe everything to you, "the man agreed, smiling broadly, and nudged his wife beside him, so that she would also pay honor to the Sheikh.
Said ignored the gestures, trying to focus on the food and also on Louise, who was considerably strange at the time. He had not heard her utter a word, ever since the young woman, the Sultan's daughter, had entered the hall. The Sheik further noticed that the Englishwoman had barely touched the food. It was obvious that something was wrong.
Aban again drew Said's attention, now to tell how his former tribe practiced trade, to talk about the forms of sale that the Sultan, Alisha's father, had implanted and which had made everything more effective and quicker. On another occasion, Said would probably have been interested in what the man was saying and would have even encouraged him to continue, but it happened that at that very moment there was only one thing that interested him, a concern that was right beside him, indeed.
It was hard for Said to concentrate when Louise was so close to his body that he could touch her with a simple movement of his arm. And, oh, what he would not give to be able to touch those hairs, wrapping them between his fingers, and, with the grace of Allah, to feel the soft texture that so excited him.
The Sheik had to take a deep breath to concentrate on what the man said and on his guest, who seemed very at ease in front of everyone. He decided that as soon as everyone had retired to sleep, he would go looking for Louise in his room. Perhaps he could persuade her to bathe with him.
"Have I told you how we have developed a new technique for organizing our tents?" It might be useful in your kingdom, my prince "Aban said between the bites he gave on a piece of meat soaked in olive oil.
The Sheikh shook his head, encouraging him to speak, while his mind continued to betray him, prompting him to think of the pleasurable positions he would like to share with Lady Louise.
***
The dinner was extremely time-consuming, not only in Louise's opinion, but also in Said's, who eventually felt exhausted, almost to the point of ordering his guests to immediately go to their rooms. But it seemed to Aban that the evening w
ould be lively, since he encouraged Alisha to entertain them with her dancing skills. The young woman, in high esteem, agreed to give a small demonstration to all.
So Said, Louise, and the guests were placed on large cushions near the wall in the side room while Alisha, under candlelight, began a slow dance to the sound of two men's drums. At first, the movements were delicate, simple, just the arms moving sideways, but soon she began to move her hips to the rhythm of the music, swinging them masterfully, at the same time leaning back.
Louise narrowed her eyes at the young woman, impressed by the efficiency of the movements, which seemed so complicated. How could she move like that? The red skirt had a crack that stretched up to her hips, which allowed for an almost scandalous sight of her thighs during the dance. The lady glanced up at the Sheikh at his side and was surprised to realize that he did not look at Alisha, but at her, and with a very strange expression. The Englishwoman was startled when Said, subtly, leaned close to her ear to whisper:
"I want to own you tonight.
She looked at him in alarm. Oh, did he really say that?
Louise struggled to ignore him, trying to sound interested in Alisha's dance. This one now stirred so much, that it remembered the serpents found in the desert.
"Wait for me in your room." Said just moved his lips discreetly against her ear, keeping his eyes facing forward.
"No," Louise managed to answer in a whisper.
Aban turned to them, smiling.
- Said something?
"I was guiding my servant about how to handle our guest" Said replied quickly.
The man nodded, turning back to the young woman, who at that moment advanced to the guests, more precisely to Said. Shamelessly, she began to slide the veil over The Sheik, spinning around him, past Louise, her cheeks flushed, embarrassed by the situation.
Alisha walked away and the presentation soon ended, followed by a tide of applause and praise from Aban and his wife, Sabah. It was Said's chance to get up and put an end to the night.