by Jones, Sarah
It was night, and she did not want to admit to herself that the Sheikh would have to stay in the desert, waiting for daybreak. She knew he was not prepared to face the cold of the night and did not even have the water or food to support himself for so long.
Everyone in the palace was apprehensive. No one could do anything but wait for the dawn day, to finally look for it. Even knowing the experience and courage of the Sheik, few believed that he would arrive without damage to the palace. Louise had spent most of the day with Karida in the kitchen. She had tried twice to visit Alisha, but the guard did not hear her, and she decided not to question him.
- Need to rest. It was Najila, who had entered her room without warning.
Louise, standing in front of the window, staring desperately at the starry night, barely moved. She had no intention of lying down until she was sure Said was fine.
"He's strong, miss. In the morning he will be here "Najila assured her, but the words were lost in the silence of the room.
The lady closed her eyes and felt the cool breeze on her face, begging the skies for just one more chance to Said and to her. She could imagine him so alone in the night, and such an image tortured her.
Not now that they were doing so well.
Not now that she knew she loved him.
"The Sheikh will return." She heard her own voice sounding strong and determined, certain. "Tell them all to go to their rooms, Najila." Everyone should rest.
- Yes ma'am.
With wide eyes, the woman ran to comply with the order without questioning her. Shortly afterwards Louise could hear the buzz of the servants running back and forth in the corridors and assumed they were doing what she had suggested. It reassured her a little. The place needed order. This was how the Sheik liked it.
"Come back to me, my love," she whispered in one last call.
She turned her back to the window and headed for the hall, determined to go to the palace garden, where she thought she might have some peace of mind. As she walked down the corridor, she saw a stumbling figure walking toward her and lifted the candle she carried to see better.
Said? She called out, her eyes wide. "Said, is that you?" She ran to Sheikh and held him by the robe, making sure he was real.
"I needed to see you, even tonight, gazelle. A smile appeared on the Sheik's face, which, though worn and bruised by the sand, did not reveal its weakness.
Louise did not restrain her tears and then began to help him get to the bedroom.
***
"I love you," she confessed at dawn.
The two of them slept in each other's arms, after Said was gently bathed by Louise, who led him into the copper tub, even under protest. She used an oil to cool the wounds caused by the wind and made him lie down on the bed, but he refused to sleep, just hugging her in silence.
"I could not leave you." Not now that I have you "he said, kissing her on the shoulder.”
She had her body relaxed, warm to his touch, and wanted more than anything to remain that way for eternity.
"What will you do with Alisha?" Louise asked.
Said took a deep breath, but he set out to answer.
"I'll send her back to her kingdom." His voice sounded so tired, and the way he touched her showed his fear of going on. "I do not want any more deaths."
Louise asked no more. She felt that he was not willing to keep talking.
"In a few days, I want you to travel with me, Louise. I'll take you to a place.
- Should I be afraid? She asked.
She felt the Sheik's beard brushing against her skin, causing her to shiver deliciously, his hands wandering in her belly.
"Never fear me, gazelle. No more" he said, kissing her neck.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Louise smiled when she saw Alisha being led to her kingdom and did not hesitate to involve the young woman in a loving embrace as they stood face to face. Beside the two was Said, who, while trying to keep himself serious, was visibly more, relaxed.
"May Allah cover you with good things, Miss. I will always be grateful to you because you have saved my life, "said the young woman, holding the lady's hands in her own, staring at her with teary eyes.
Louise smiled, receiving a look from Said over Alisha's shoulders. He knew that the young woman had been spared only by her pleas to the Sheikh, and it seemed she ought to be grateful to her for a long time. To the others who followed Aban, freedom was given, so that they could go where they wished.
"Promise me you'll send news," she said, genuinely concerned about Alisha's future. With a kingdom destroyed and few people to help you, it would be difficult to start over. Said had been sympathetic in allowing the other families of the caravan, including Aban's wife, to follow her.
Alisha nodded, and then turned to Shaykh, who showed no reaction to having her in front of him. Louise wanted to be able to whisper to him so that he was at least educated with the young woman.
"Thank you for your mercy, my prince. I'll honor the chance you gave me. Alisha's head was low, but Said could see how nervous she was, wringing her hands in the cloth of her robes.
"Rebuild what belongs to you, Alisha. Surely there will be someone waiting for you. My kingdom will be available to help you if you so desire" Said said, taking from her trouser pocket a small leather sack which he deposited in her hands.” Follow the path of Allah, Alisha.
Wordlessly, she watched him leave the room they were in, and for a moment she stared at the object in herhands, unable to really believe it. He turned to Louise, but there was no need to say anything. The lady only walked beside him, to the outside of the palace, where a small caravan with three guards waited to leave.
Louise helped her to the dromedary and sat down, then handed her the small bag with the few belongings she had. With the order from one of the guards, the animals began to walk among the camp tents, toward the exit. The lady, with her arms folded, waited until the caravan passed the realm of the kingdom, and then returned to the palace, not without first wishing Alisha luck again, even if she could not hear it now.
***
Leaning at the end of the room, Said saw Louise follow him, a discreet smile on her lips, openly revealing her state of mind. He could see in her eyes how happy she was.
As he drew her close, he took a few steps and wrapped her around the waist as he delighted to inhale the sweet scent of her hair. Louise circled his neck with her arms and pressed herself against his strong chest, feeling the pleasant warmth against her breasts.
"Shall I wonder how you treat me?" He asked wryly in her ear.
Louise laughed, letting him go.
"Thank you," she said excitedly "For trusting my judgment and allowing Alisha to return to her kingdom.
The Sheikh took the lady's hand and elegantly brought her to his lips, kissing her.
"It's a pleasure," he teased, smiling at her in the end.
Blushing, Louise looked away. It was incredible how, at times, Said could still make her uncomfortable.
"I feel more at ease knowing that it will help Alisha rebuild what was lost," she said, looking at the palms of his hands.
"She's lost a lot, gazelle. It will take time and effort for things to go back to the way they were before, and perhaps still, not the same thing. But I can not deny help a girl like her, I could not be so cruel " Said replied, peering at Louise.
"You're not cruel, Said" she snapped, holding him by the arm, to pay attention to what he was saying."At first I thought you were, and I even feared you. But now, I can only see kindness in you. I do not know when it happened, but it happened, and I have come to realize that you live for your people, Said, and that you often sacrifices yourself for them, even if it destroys you from within.
The Sheikh stared at her for a while, and the Englishwoman waited for the answer, but she did not need a word to understand that look, so intense, lost in theirs. There was nothing he could say to her, and Louise knew, so she stood on her toes and hugged him tightly, satisfied even tho
ugh. she was not reciprocated. He smiled the same way, knowing that she had succeeded in leaving the powerful Sheik wordless.
***
"Very beautiful, miss," Najila praised, clapping, euphoric in front of Louise.
The lady smiled, taking a short detour to show off the new outfit Said had sent her, with orders that she wear it that morning to see him. The dress was copper color, with a very simple trim and without many transparencies, but it made her very elegant, matching with the dark gems necklace.
Louise was anxious again, for after Alisha had left five days ago, Said had given little attention to her, only to inform her that he would solve the problems that remained in the camp after Aban's death. She understood and used the moment to return to her routine of the palace, which now became more and more important to her. Every day, I would wake up with the joy of knowing that I was now free in that place and also important. Women often sought help in solving some complicated situation, for the lady was known for her excellent plans.
The night before, Najila had entered her room in her beautiful silk-wrapped dress and a message from Sheikh, who told her to meet him in the morning in his royal chamber for an important conversation. And it was imperative that the lady wore the dress.
"You have to go, miss. He waits for you "Najila whispered, as she checked the buttons on the back of her dress for the last time.
Louise nodded, pulling on her slippers and heading to the bedroom door, ready to find the Sheik.
She walked quietly down the palace corridors, smiling as she found some servant or even some of the guards, who were now no longer staring at her with that murderous expression. She greeted the two men discreetly at the entrance of the royal chamber and entered, encountering Said sitting on his throne. To her surprise, it was not Hamed's Sheik who was there, it was just Said, wearing plain pants and a light fabric shirt. He did not wear his turban or the heavy rings he used to wear. When she saw him, she slowly climbed the marble steps, standing in front of him, with an expression of contemplation.
"Just like in my mind," he murmured, peering up and down with a hungry look.
Louise wished she could have told him that he was handsome too, and that even in her mind she would not have imagined him that way. But she did not even have a chance to say something when he suddenly changed his expression.
- You're late.
The lady resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the provocation and decided to stay in his game.
"Forgive me, but unfortunately I could not wake up before the sun was so high. She smiled, hoping he would rebut.
"I'm sure you did not do it just to displease me, Louise" Said said as he passed by her and went to the guards, where he seemed to be issuing orders.
The men left the room in a hurry, and the Sheik returned to Louise, this time even closer, almost touching her.
"Do you remember that I asked you to come with me to some place?" He asked, watching her nod. "That day has come, Louise. You must accompany me now.
Feeling her mouth dry, the lady looked at him, trying to figure out what was about to happen, was either good or bad.
"Will you tell us where we will go?" She asked nervously, her heart racing, almost rising to her throat.
There was no guarantee that he was not taking her to another camp, where he would give her to some man, as he had promised. How could she trust, though?
A smile unlike any other smiled on Said's lips, and he pointed to the door, offering his hand to her to follow.
"Our mount is ready," he remarked as they walked out of the palace, Louise beside him in silence.
She was not surprised to see the big animal in front of the palace, loaded with several bags of skin, which made her think, that they would travel for a few days.
The guards made the camel go down, and Said helped Louise to sit down, and then do the same, holding her by the waist as the animal rose again. With a order in Arabic the guard urged the dromedary to follow quickly on the way out of the camp.
***
"You are very quiet," Said said, moving his hands around Louise's hip.
They were traveling a few hours, all in complete silence. Said had even worried about Louise's well-being, imagining that the sun was making her ill, and then offered him a veil to protect her face from the sun and a bag of water, which she readily accepted.
"Not knowing where I'm being taken makes me nervous.
- Are you afraid? He asked, finding the situation comical.
Louise shrugged, glad he could not see her face.
- I'm anxious. And a little tired. Dromedaries are not very comfortable, especially on long trips “she said, sighing.
"We can stop, if you want to rest" Said said worriedly.
The lady answered by leaning back, resting on the Sheik's chest, which wrapped around her waist, trying to make her more comfortable.
"Whatever you're taking me, I want to be there soon." I am beginning to believe that you are trying to punish me for my disobedience, taking me to the middle of the desert in this strange animal. Ever notice how they smell bad? She murmured, looking up at his face, which also wore a handkerchief to protect himself from the sun and the sand.
"Maybe I should include a bath routine for them?" Said asked, laughing.
"I'm glad you think it's funny what I'm saying." But it's the truth, "she pointed out, good-natured. Even bumping over that animal and suffering from the heat, Louise could find only one reason not to be totally despairing. She had Said there with her, which reminded her of when he had saved her, long ago, and how she had found it comfortable to lean on that strong body. "Can I even know if we're close to our destination?"
"Your anxiety will still trouble you, gazelle." Why do not you rest?
Annoyed, Louise settled more comfortably into Said's chest, feeling her hips throb with the animal's movements, and found herself pensive about what the Sheik planned, taking her farther and farther away.
***
"We're here" Said said, pointing forward.
Lady Louise narrowed her eyes and stared at the sand in front of her. There was nothing there. Was Said having fun at her expense?
- There is nothing! She exclaimed, indicating the sand dunes. She turned to Said and faced him with a fierce look. "Did you bring me here to laugh at me?"
The Sheikh denied, taking her hand, forcing her to listen.
"Here's why I brought you here, Louise. Take a good look at this and see what you wanted to find. Still with her hand in his, Said urged the animal to continue walking, now more slowly. "You had to see it with your own eyes, to finally know the truth.
Louise began to process what he was saying, trying to understand what he meant when he talked about the sand. There was nothing in that place, nothing that could be seen. Unless...
Frightened, the lady grabbed Said's hand, almost falling off her mount.
- Al-Delhi? She asked in a low voice.
"You left everything you loved behind for that, Louise. How many times have you longed for this moment? Said held her by the waist as he spoke calmly, close to her ear. "Now you're right in front of it."
- What are you saying? I do not see anything! She cried, moving away from him.
"When I was young, my father told me about the legend of the lost city of Al-Delíh, who disappeared with his people when water and food suddenly died out. The sands covered the kingdom, burying everything that had been inhabited before, taking into oblivion what had previously been there. The legend was told by generations, who believed that Allah cast a punishment upon that kingdom, decimating all infidels - the Sheikh told, explaining the details.
Many English archaeologists have come here for answers and swore to know the exact location of the kingdom. This can not be right, my father studied the legend for many years and I was only able to travel here when I discovered his location. My group was in the right place, I know that" she said firmly.
Said took a deep breath, knowing it would not be easy to convince her.<
br />
"What did you find in your dig that makes you sure you're right?" He asked.
Louise thought for a moment.
"We just started. Will supposed we were close to finding something important. He had experience and was confident about the findings" she explained eagerly.
In the days that passed in the camp, nothing relevant had been found, no object to prove his theories.
"I need you to understand this, gazelle." The Sheik made the animal stop and, with precise juggling, positioned Louise in front of him. He touched her cheek so she could look him in the eye. "It's just a legend. You can spend your whole life looking for that kingdom in every corner of the desert and you will find nothing.
"No ... I'm sure ..."
"Listen to me," he interrupted gently, holding her chin. "I can not allow you to keep looking for something that does not exist." Not now that I have you by my side. I need you to understand that, gazelle.
Louise sniffed, wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks. No! I did not want to believe that Said was right. She had been certain she had been right, had devoted years of study to that cause, had urged her friends to follow her on that expedition.
"I can not believe it. How can you be sure it's not real?"
She challenged, lifting her chin, taking his hand away.
"Because everyone who lives here knows this story as just a legend to frighten infidels who disregard the laws of Allah. The foreigners were drawn here with promise of lost treasures and adventures " he explained.
Louise closed her eyes in denial.
"Why did not you tell me before?" She asked in a whisper.
"At first I did not care enough to tell you such a thing. But now that everything has changed, I can not leave you at the mercy of something unreal.