The Sheikh and the Servant

by Sonja Spencer

  Noori laughed and nodded. “Shall I carry you so you do not sweat as much?”

  Massarah held up his arms as a properly attired Shahin and Sawsan joined them at the tent flap. “Found yourself another camel?” Shahin asked his son wryly.

  The young boy’s arms tightened around Noori’s neck. and he nodded. Shahin sighed and shook his head, but he didn’t comment further, gesturing for Sawsan to lead the way. “Mother is waiting,” he said.

  Noori followed behind Shahin and Sawsan as they crossed the village to an opulent tent that was well-surrounded by guards. The guards all bowed to the sheikh, who nodded in acknowledgment. Sawsan went ahead, and Shahin glanced over his shoulder to see that Noori followed. Noori lowered his head as they crossed into the tent. He kept it lowered as Massarah squirmed to get down, and he lowered him to the carpeted floor.

  Massarah ran forward to stand with his father before the low table. All three bowed before the surprisingly young-looking woman who waited for them. She regally nodded to them, and then Sawsan and Massarah swarmed over toward her, laughing and talking and hugging. Noori remained behind as the three family members stepped forward and greeted the woman they all so obviously loved and respected.

  “So, I see you finally brought him to meet me.” The woman’s voice carried strongly across the table to Shahin.

  “Mother,” Shahin answered in a low rumble, almost placating.

  “It’s only been nearly eight months since he arrived,” she answered too sweetly.

  “Mother,” Shahin said a bit more sharply, glancing to Noori.

  The woman smiled sweetly and gestured to Noori. “Come; you are having dinner with us,” she said directly to him while Shahin sighed and gracefully sat on the pillows. “None of that, now,” the woman said to Shahin, who just narrowed his eyes at her. Sawsan and Massarah giggled.

  Noori stepped forward when told to, lifting his head somewhat, but keeping his eyes averted respectfully.

  “You shall sit next to me, and tell me about my wayward son, who does not visit as often as he should,” she said to Noori. “Come now.”

  Shahin stifled another sigh. “Noori, this is Mother. Mother, you have obviously heard about Noori, an addition to my household.”

  Noori bowed before the lady. “Many blessings upon you and your family, my lady,” he murmured.

  Mother made a pleased sound. “He has manners,” she commented to Sawsan, who nodded. “Manners have their place, Noori. Here is not one of them. Come and sit. You are a part of the family tonight.”

  Shahin watched Noori carefully, wondering how he would react. He knew Mother would act like this tonight, which was partly why he had told her about Noori and how he had grown used to the other man’s presence. Noori knelt before sitting on a pillow near the lady. He finally lifted his gaze, taking in his surroundings. He gasped as he caught his first glimpse of the lady’s timeless beauty.

  She smiled widely and laughed lightly. “Now that is the best of compliments,” Mother said. “I like him, Shahin.”

  “Of course, I am pleased, Mother,” Shahin answered, amused.

  Several servants entered to serve dinner, offering child-size portions to Sawsan and Massarah, who exclaimed happily over the treats. Noori waited until the family started eating before he took a bite of food. He ate slowly and quietly, listening to the conversation. Mother watched Noori with a half-smile as Sawsan talked about her dancing lessons. She also watched her son watching Noori. Shahin did not miss the twitch of her lips. Once Sawsan finished, Mother praised her and then turned to Noori. “Tell me, Noori, how will you serve the tribe once you earn your freedom?”

  Shahin’s head snapped up, and he focused on Mother, eyes narrowed.

  “In any way our lord wishes, my lady,” Noori offered in a polite tone. “I enjoy my duties as an assistant to Karam, but I shall understand if that position is allotted to our lord’s next purchase.”

  “Karam, nice boy. Is he married yet?” Mother looked to Shahin, who shook his head. Noori frowned slightly at the change in topic, but he hid it well, taking a sip of wine. Mother turned her attention right back to him. “And you, Noori, any prospects for marriage?”

  Shahin pressed his lips together, looking down at his plate, trying not to snicker. He knew Mother was like a force of nature. Noori very nearly spewed wine. He blushed and lowered his face. “One with a past such as mine finds himself lacking in prospects and offers.”

  Mother waved dismissively. “A past such as yours is not one to be ashamed of. We are all given trials in life for a reason. I myself was a harem girl before I caught Shahin’s father’s eye,” she shared.

  “I am afraid that there are few princesses who will beg their fathers’ mercies to wed me,” Noori murmured. He took another sip of wine before continuing. “And as such, I am content as I am.”

  Mother smiled. “Perhaps princesses are not in your future,” she said mysteriously.

  “I’m a princess!” Sawsan piped out, drawing a smile from her father.

  Noori cast a questioning look at the sheikh’s mother before smiling at Sawsan. “I do not think your father would approve a marriage between you and I, lovely one.”

  “Of course not! You’re old!” Sawsan said, as if there were no truer words.

  “Sawsan,” Shahin said in warning. “Mind your manners.”

  “But it’s true, Father,” Sawsan said.

  “But we are nice to our friends, aren’t we, Sawsan?” Mother said chidingly.

  The little girl hung her head. “Yes,” she said quietly.

  “Noori is a valued member of the household. He deserves your respect as much as I do,” Shahin said gently.

  Sawsan looked up, lower lip trembling. “I’m sorry, Noori. You’re not that old.”

  Mother stifled a giggle behind her napkin while Shahin rolled his eyes and glanced to Noori. Holding a hand to his heart in mock hurt, Noori finally conceded with a smile. “I am likely older than your father, so I will take no offense to your comment.”

  Shahin frowned slightly at Noori’s comment, but he did not speak up, instead helping Massarah with his dinner. It seemed as if every other comment from Noori was fraught with some unhappiness Shahin could not divine.

  Mother turned to Noori. “It is a different way we teach our children and people, here, I know,” she said. “I had a very difficult life until I was married, and I instilled in my children that just because you serve does not mean you are a slave.”

  “You have raised a lovely family, my lady. I could not ask for a more suitable family to serve,” Noori said.

  Smiling widely, Mother gestured for dessert to be served, laughing as Massarah abandoned his pillows for his father’s lap. Noori’s eyes widened at the variety of sweets that were set upon the table. Choosing a small cookie for Massarah, Shahin held it for him while nodding to the tray, making eye contact with Noori. A small smile encouraged him.

  “The pastries are Shahin’s favorite,” Mother said. “But the honey-glazed fruit is very nice, as well.”

  Noori took one of each, nibbling at the treats. His eyes flicked up to watch Shahin, who had lifted one of the sticky pastries in one hand while holding Massarah in the other. He took a bite of the end, catching the filling on his tongue, trying to keep from dropping any of it. He glanced to Noori when he heard a gasp.

  Noori had dropped a piece of glazed fruit down the front of his robe. He glanced up, catching the lady’s eyes. “My apologies, my lady!” Mother chuckled and held out a napkin for him. He dabbed at the front of his robe, watching as the glaze smeared further. “I am sorry, my lady. I fear I am doing more harm than good.”

  Shahin glanced over, having missed the exchange as he tried to keep Massarah’s dessert off his own tunic with little success. Smears of fruit glistened against the black fabric, and he smiled ruefully, shifting the now-dozing boy in his lap.

  “How is it that we are messier than the children, my lord?” Noori asked.

  Shahin chuckled
and shook his head. “Time for bed, Sawsan,” he said quietly, hefting the snoring Massarah to his shoulder.

  “Father, may I stay with Mother?” Sawsan asked.

  Shahin nodded. “Should Mother allow it, you may.”

  “I will allow it,” Mother said happily, obviously pleased.

  Sawsan smiled happily and ran around the table to hug her father’s leg. He slid a hand around her shoulders and through her hair, lovingly.

  Noori bowed to the lady. “My thanks for a lovely evening, my lady. Both the repast and the company were beyond my wildest dreams.”

  Mother smiled, gathering Sawsan on her lap. “Please, come visit me again sometime soon,” she invited, turning up her cheek for her son’s kiss.

  Noori nodded. “As our lord wishes.”

  The corner of Shahin’s mouth turned up. “As Mother wishes,” he corrected as he turned to lead the way out. Mother just beamed.

  Chapter 12

  Noori bowed once again and then hastened to follow Shahin. “Shall I carry him?” He motioned to Massarah.

  Shahin stopped and let Noori take on the sleeping burden. He shook his arm, obviously trying to get the blood flowing again. “He’s heavy,” he cautioned quietly.

  “But a precious burden he is,” Noori murmured as they once again resumed their journey. “I enjoy spending time with your family, my lord.”

  Shahin grunted in reply. Strolling slowly as they made their way back to the nursery, Shahin watched Noori and the careful way he held Massarah. He thought perhaps Noori would be a very good father, certainly better than himself, who stayed so busy. His thoughts turned inward.

  “If you do not mind, Master, I may spoil your children,” Noori said. “I will not have any of my own.”

  These words caught Shahin’s attention. “You have the opportunity,” Shahin pointed out. “Servants may marry and start families, should they wish it.”

  “’Tis not that I do not wish it, my lord, but I have long since known that my passions lead me toward those who are unable to bear children,” Noori whispered.

  Since Noori had alluded to such before, Shahin was not surprised. He thought about it for a long moment. “There are women in the village who would bear a child should a man offer to support them, without an offer of marriage. ’Tis not done often, but it happens.” He fell quiet for a moment. “Were you to want children, but not a wife,” he added.

  Noori shook his head. “I do not think I am meant to be a father.”

  “I thought the same once,” Shahin murmured as they stopped in front of the nursery. He bent to kiss Massarah’s forehead and then nodded so that Noori would allow the woman waiting to take the child.

  “But you were wrong,” Noori murmured.

  Shahin watched the woman carry his son away before looking to Noori and finally nodding. “Though I would change many things, my children are not counted among them. They are precious to me.”

  “As they should be. They are precious beings,” Noori agreed, walking toward Shahin’s tent. “You do not mind if I share your pallet tonight?”

  Shahin stopped midstride, blinking at Noori, wondering why he would ask now, of all times. “No,” he replied cautiously.

  Noori smiled, and, tilting his head, Shahin shook his head, not understanding.

  “I enjoy sleeping… sharing a pallet with you, Master. I find that your warmth and the rhythm of your breath comfort me,” Noori admitted, blushing faintly as they approached Shahin’s tent.

  Shahin raised an eyebrow, but didn’t comment, seeing as how he actually agreed, not that he would admit it, not now. Instead, he led the way into the tent, nodding to Numair, who stood outside.

  Noori nodded as well, stepping into the darkness of the tent and asking, “Shall I clean your robes, my lord?” Shahin stopped in the sliver of moonlight that slid through the tent flap and moved his hands to the ties on his tunic. Noori’s hands slid over the coarse fabric, finding Shahin’s at the ties. “May I?”

  Shahin usually just raised his arms, not thinking anything about Noori’s assistance. But tonight, he paused, feeling the warmth of Noori’s hands on his in the near dark. He drew in a slow, unsteady breath as heat flooded into him.

  Noori noticed the pause, and he looked up into dark eyes. “My lord?”

  Watching Noori silently, Shahin slowly slid his fingers against his hand, feeling the warm flesh, a light, testing caress. It was not at all erotic, but for the fact that Shahin initiated the touch, which was not at all impersonal. Noori didn’t move at all; he merely watched Shahin as Shahin studied him in the dimmest of light.

  Not moving anything else, Shahin pressed his knuckles lightly against Noori’s palm, lightly stroking. The moment was quiet, but Shahin could hear his own heartbeat thundering. What was he hoping for? He did not know. But for now, just to touch seemed important. Entranced by the slow slide of flesh, Shahin continued to lightly caress Noori’s palm and fingers with his right hand, feeling the soft skin against his own calluses, the shorter fingers against his own bony appendages.

  Shahin felt his face flush as Noori shifted closer, not quite touching, but so close. He could feel warmth rising from Noori’s skin, but still he only touched Noori’s palm. He heard Noori inhale deeply and hoped it meant the other man was as affected as he. Shahin’s gut clenched, and he wanted so much to hold Noori in his arms. Then Noori lowered his head, closed his eyes, and stepped forward, so close to Shahin that their chests touched.

  Inhaling sharply, Shahin’s chin grazed along Noori’s temple. He slowly raised his free hand and slid it around Noori’s waist, inching, giving him every opportunity to move away. He slid his fingers through Noori’s, clasping their hands together as he shifted his weight toward him, finally completing the embrace with a shaky sigh.

  Shahin felt a burst of happiness as Noori’s fingers tightened around his, and they swayed slightly. Noori’s free hand slid near the fastenings of Shahin’s robe, and he moved it to rest on Shahin’s shoulder. His breathing sped up, and he trembled slightly at the contact.

  His heart calming, Shahin’s arm tightened around Noori’s waist slightly, enough to bring him into full contact along his body. He settled his chin just over Noori’s ear, moving his head to rub against Noori’s temple gently. His fingers closed tighter in response to Noori’s actions, and he swallowed, feeling a wave of peace sweep through him.

  Noori slowly reached up, pushing both of their turbans from their heads, allowing Shahin’s cheek closer contact with his own hair. With the wrapped fabric out of the way, Shahin began rubbing slowly, his whiskered chin moving against Noori’s ear.

  He did not want to move away, Shahin realized. He just wanted to hold Noori close and gain comfort from it. A soft sigh of contentment escaped him.

  After some time, Noori pushed them both toward the pallet, his fingers pulling free long enough to untie Shahin’s robes. “Rest with me tonight, my lord.”

  Letting Noori have his way, Shahin stepped backward and raised his arms to be free of the tunic, although he immediately missed holding Noori. He hoped the comment meant Noori would be back in his arms for the night.

  Noori removed all but his trousers, and then helped Shahin from his clothes as well. At last, he knelt on the pillows, holding out a hand in invitation. Eyes adjusted to the dark, Shahin watched Noori move gracefully onto the pallet. He sank down next to him, closing his hand about Noori’s to pull him down into the pillows as well. He wanted to hold him close, knowing fully that Noori chose to be there of his free will. This much, this innocent embrace, Shahin could accept.

  Once they settled on the pallet, Noori cuddled close, resuming the position of embrace they had shared earlier as they stood together. Shahin thankfully closed his arms about him, drawing in a long, relaxing breath. He felt the last of the tension leave him. “I rest better when you are close,” he admitted softly, with no preamble.

  “As do I,” Noori admitted quietly. “I do not ever wish to sleep apart from you.”
<
br />   In the darkness, Shahin’s lips tilted up into a smile. “Your wish is my command,” he rumbled as he felt another spark flare in his chest.

  “Then it will be so, if you command it.”

  Shahin sighed. “I will not command it,” he said softly. “But I would cede to your wish in this.”

  Noori chuckled in the darkness. “But you said my wish was your command. I wish it so.”

  Shahin was silent as he realized he’d been outwitted. He chuckled aloud in resignation and sighed. He was quiet for a long minute before he spoke ever so softly. “Very well.”

  “You only ever need tell me if you wish privacy or the comfort of someone’s company,” Noori whispered into the silence. “I do not wish to put you out.”

  Shahin’s arms tightened about him in nonverbal response. He did not want to address that topic at all. Not now. Not ever, if he could manage it. Eyes growing heavy, Shahin sighed contentedly as warmth and lassitude spread through him. Mostly asleep, he spoke aloud, he murmured, “You belong here.”

  He did not hear the “I do” Noori whispered in reply.

  Chapter 13

  Noori rushed through the village, heart pounding as he hurried to find the sheikh. At last, he burst through the tent flap of the official pavilion. “The amir, my lord! He is come!”

  Shahin’s head turned up from where he looked over papers, his spectacles perched on his nose. “Qutaibah here?” He frowned deeply and stood, moving to strap on his sword. “How many ride with him?”

  “A band of four others, my lord. He is on the outskirts of the village.” Noori braced himself against the center support pole of the tent, hand on his chest as he tried to catch his breath.

  Shahin relaxed a little, stopping next to the servant. “Numair is on watch. All will be well,” he said quietly, stopping to lay a hand on Noori’s shoulder.

  The simple touch soothed Noori. “Must I remain here, my lord? May I go help Karam in the stores?”

  Shahin’s eyes softened, and he nodded. “Have dinner with Mother. She will be pleased to visit with you.” His hand tightened. “I do not want Qutaibah to see you. Some things Sadiq has said….” Shahin frowned, obviously unsettled.