by Connie Mason
“What are you two whispering about?” Ibrahim growled.
Willow’s chin tilted stubbornly. “I demand that you release Dariq.”
“You demand? You demand? You have no right to demand aught of me. You have your freedom; go now before I change my mind.”
“Willow, please,” Bramston pleaded. “We are treading on dangerous ground.”
Willow gave Ibrahim a mutinous glare. “Murderer! Dariq is guilty of naught.”
Ibrahim shot to his feet. “My brother has ravaged my ships, disrupted my trade routes and stolen you from me.” His face grew mottled as he pointed a finger at her. “My brother stole your maidenhead, which rightfully belonged to me. He has earned his death.”
“You killed his brothers. He was merely avenging their deaths!” Willow shouted.
“My lady, calm yourself,” Selim Pasha warned. “You are angering the sultan.”
“Are the sultan’s accusations true, daughter?” Bramston asked, ignoring both the sultan and the Grand Vizier.
“Aye, Papa, but Dariq doesn’t deserve to die. Can you not do something?”
Bramston felt Willow’s frustration and pain but had no authority to interfere in Turkish affairs. Had the sultan refused to release Willow, he would not have hesitated to use the ships’ cannon. But effecting the release of the sultan’s brother, an avowed pirate, was not within his power.
“I am sorry, my dear,” he said regretfully. “I have no authority to stop the execution of the sultan’s brother.”
“But, Papa, did you not bring men and arms with you? The ships have guns, do they not? There must be something you can do.”
“There is naught,” Ibrahim roared. “Selim Pasha, take them away before I regret my generosity.”
Bramston realized the situation was getting out of hand. He curled an arm around Willow’s heaving shoulders and tried to lead her away. Willow dug in her heels, but it was a losing battle. Bramston was determined to take his daughter away before Ibrahim ordered them carried out bodily… or used violence. He wanted nothing to jeopardize Willow’s release.
“Come along, dear. Your outbursts are angering the sultan. We do not want a small war on our hands.”
“But, Papa, you don’t understand.”
“Believe me, darling, I do understand. We will discuss it aboard the Fairwind.”
Bramston herded Willow out the door. Bramston’s escort, who had been waiting in the corridor, fell in behind them.
“Our ships will need to take on water and provisions before we sail from the harbor,” Bramston told the Grand Vizier.
“I will relay your message to the sultan,” Selim said. “I am sure he will have no objection, since you have what you came for and intend to leave without further trouble.”
Though Willow’s feet moved, she had scant recollection of leaving the seraglio and walking through the narrow streets of the souk with her father and their guard. She was startled when a man sidled up beside her and grasped her shoulder. Her squawk of surprise alerted her father.
“You, there, what do you think you’re doing?” Bramston challenged.
Willow looked up, ecstatic to see Ali Hara. “Ali Hara!” she cried, frantically clutching his arm. “Dariq is going to die tomorrow if we don’t do something!” she said in Turkish.
“Who is this man, Willow?” Bramston asked.
“Ali Hara is Dariq’s friend and mine. He tried to help me escape, but we were betrayed.”
“Where can we talk?” Ali Hara whispered to Willow, obviously aware of the curious stares they were attracting. “Mustafa and I saw the English ships drop anchor in the harbor before Mustafa rode off to fetch the Revenge. We hoped your father was on one of the ships, and that he had come for you.
“We knew the sultan would release you when confronted by your father, rather than instigate a war. We discussed the possibility of His Lordship helping us, and made plans accordingly. We both want to save the prince, but we need outside help. Does your father speak Turkish?” Willow shook her head. “What about French?”
When Willow nodded, Ali Hara said, “I speak French, my lord.”
Bramston stared at Ali Hara a long, suspenseful moment before addressing him. “Come to my ship with us. We can talk in private there. But I doubt there is anything I can do to save your prince.”
Excitement pulsed through Willow. She had no idea how Ali Hara and Mustafa intended to rescue Dariq but prayed her father would agree to help. If Dariq died, her heart would die with him.
“I will meet you at the docks,” Ali Hara said in a hushed voice.
Before Bramston could reply, Ali Hara lost himself in the crowed marketplace.
“Do not get your hopes up, darling,” Bramston warned. “I doubt if I will be able to help, but I will hear Ali Hara out.”
“Thank you, Papa. Dariq means everything to me.”
They reached the docks without mishap and approached a long stone pier. A rowboat that would carry them back to their ship was waiting for them. Ali Hara appeared as if from nowhere. Bramston helped Willow into the boat, then indicated that Ali Hara should join her. Bramston and the escort followed. The boat pushed away from the pier and headed toward the Fairwind.
Chapter Nineteen
The first person Willow saw as she scrambled up the ladder and poked her head over the Fairwind’s rail was her mother. Two sailors lifted her onto the deck, and then she was in her mother’s arms.
“Ma petite, you are safe, oui?”
“Oui, Mama, I am safe,” Willow choked out.
“And unharmed, oui?”
“I am fine, Mama.” But Dariq isn’t.
Bramston arrived on deck. “Did I not promise to bring our daughter back safely, Monique?” he said, smiling at his reunited family.
“You are a wonder, Robert, truly a wonder. I will love you forever for this.”
Ali Hara’s head popped up over the rail. Monique’s eyes widened with fear as she clutched Willow to her bosom. “Who is that?”
“Ali Hara, Mama,” Willow explained. “You have naught to fear from him. He saw that no harm came to me during the months of my captivity.”
Monique breathed an audible sigh of relief. “Then I owe him my deepest gratitude. What language does he speak?”
“He speaks French, Mama.”
“What is Ali Hara doing here?” Monique asked in French.
Bramston herded them toward his cabin. “I shall explain everything, my love, once we are behind closed doors.”
My love? Papa was calling Mama his love? And Mama was looking at Papa as if she adored him. Obviously, much had changed in Willow’s absence.
Once inside the cramped cabin, Willow and Monique sat on the bed and Papa took the only chair. Ali Hara stood, apparently anxious to tell his tale and leave.
“Very well, Ali Hara,” Bramston began. “Tell us how you and your friends plan to save Prince Dariq’s life.”
“Prince Dariq?” Monique asked. “Who is Prince Dariq, and what is he to you, ma petite?”
“Dariq is the man I love, Mama,” Willow replied. “I will tell you about him when we are alone. Go ahead, Ali Hara. Tell us how you and Mustafa intend to rescue Dariq.”
Though Willow could tell her mother was eager to question her about Dariq, Lady Bramston turned her attention to Ali Hara.
“Mustafa and I despaired of saving Prince Dariq without outside help, though we were determined to try,” the eunuch explained. “Mustafa intended to fetch the Revenge and use the crew to attempt a rescue, though we had scant chance of succeeding.
“When Mustafa saw English ships enter the harbor, he assumed they had come for Lady Willow, and suddenly we had reason to hope. Mustafa left the city while I remained behind to seek your help. Mustafa intends to sail the Revenge into the harbor, arriving before dawn tomorrow.
“Executions are usually held at noon, so I expect that’s when the prince will be brought through the souk to the city square. Mustafa intends to bring our men from the ships to mingle wi
th the crowd in the city square. Even as we speak, Hassan and his friends are inciting the mob, urging them to protest the execution.”
“Do you think the people will do it?” Bramston asked.
“If Mustafa and our men start a riot, the rabble will follow. The janizaries will not be able to guard the prince and deal with the rabble. While they quell the disturbance, Mustafa will spirit the prince away. Outside help will assure that our plan succeeds.”
Bramston shook his head. “I cannot commit Englishmen to your daring rescue, for it is not something my queen would condone. We are not here to start a war. I brought the warships and men as a show of force to intimidate the sultan.”
“Papa, please help Dariq,” Willow pleaded.
Bramston ignored her. “How do you intend to get your prince back to his ship? Won’t the janizaries give chase?”
“They will, and here is where we need your help. All I ask is that you send soldiers ashore to prevent the janizaries from following us after the rescue. Once Prince Dariq and his men are back aboard the Revenge, your soldiers can disperse.”
“That is little enough to ask, Papa,” Willow ventured. “You need not start a war. Perhaps the soldiers could go ashore to watch the execution and inadvertently add to the confusion while Dariq makes his escape. The janizaries won’t attack English soldiers, for fear of starting a war.”
“Hmmm, I did tell the Grand Vizier we needed to take on water and provisions before the ships left the harbor. I could send men ashore tomorrow morning to purchase provisions. It would not be our fault if our soldiers got in the way of the janizaries.”
“Oh Papa, could you… would you?”
Ali Hara remained silent as he waited for Bramston’s decision. Hands clasped behind his back, Bramston paced the small cabin. After a lengthy pause, he spun around and addressed the eunuch.
“Please wait outside, Ali Hara. I wish to speak with my wife and daughter before I make a decision.”
Ali Hara bowed and left.
“What is it, Papa?” Willow asked. “Why do you hesitate?”
“Before I make a decision, I need to ask you a question. Do you truly love this prince of yours?”
“You love a prince?” Monique gasped.
“With all my heart, Mama,” Willow replied. “I would do anything to save his life.”
“A Turkish prince?”
“Half Turkish. His mother is English.”
“Your prince leads a violent life,” Bramston accused. “He is a pirate and unlikely to change. He is more Turkish than English by dint of his upbringing. The cultural and religious differences between his world and yours will eventually tear you apart.”
“Oh, Papa—” she began in protest.
“Wait, my dear.” He put up a palm. “I will help save your prince on one condition.”
“And that condition is …”
“You will return to England with me and your mother and forget the pirate.”
“Forget Dariq? Oh, Papa, what you ask is—”
“—not impossible, my dear. Difficult, perhaps, but not impossible. Your mother and I have reconciled. She has missed me as much as I missed her, and she has agreed to return to England so we can be a family again. We will help you forget this misadventure of yours.
“Think carefully, dear child, for it’s the only way I will agree to help your prince. Without my help, Ali Hara and Mustafa have little hope of succeeding.”
“Your father is right, darling,” Monique agreed. “You have known this man but a short time, and under difficult circumstances. Trust your father to know what is best for you.”
Willow blinked away her tears. Could she leave Dariq if it was the only way to save his life? Was her father right? Were their worlds too different for a union between them to succeed? Would Dariq continue his life as a pirate after his rescue? If he did, she knew there would be no lasting happiness for them. She touched her stomach. She wanted her child, but did Dariq? Would he settle down for her and their babe if she asked it of him?
“Give me your answer, Willow,” Bramston said. “You know I love you and have no desire to hurt you. I do not believe a pirate can make you happy. Think carefully, for your answer could save his life.”
A tremor rippled through Willow’s body. “You give me little choice, Papa. I want Dariq to live, and if I have to sacrifice my happiness to make it happen, then so be it.”
Bramston let his breath out slowly. “You’ve made a difficult choice, daughter. I applaud your courage.”
Bramston opened the door and invited Ali Hara inside. “I have come to a decision, Ali Hara. Neither the warships nor the soldiers aboard the vessels will be involved in the rescue, for I have no authority to direct the queen’s army in an illegal operation.”
“Papa!”
“Let me finish, daughter. What I do with my own ship and men is my decision. Tomorrow morning I shall send the Fairwind’s sailors to the city to purchase provisions. They cannot be faulted if they get caught up in the drama taking place in the city. I am sure they can create the diversion you require.”
“Praise Allah,” Ali Hara said. “I will give you directions to the prince’s stronghold on the island of Lipsi so you can bring his lady to him.”
Bramston listened while Ali Hara gave him the coordinates. He did not mention, however, that he had no intention of taking Willow to Lipsi. He planned to sail directly to England once his men were safely returned to the Fairwind.
“I must return to the city to help Hassan organize the uprising,” Ali Hara said, bowing.
Bramston nodded. “I will arrange to have you rowed ashore. Come along, Ali Hara.”
Willow sobbed quietly in her mother’s arms. She didn’t know how she would live without Dariq in her life. In the short time they had been together, he had become her world. Even more devastating was the thought of leaving Dariq before seeing or speaking to him.
“Do not cry, ma petite” Monique cooed. “Your father knows what is best for you. After your terrible ordeal, he could not let you remain with a violent pirate. What kind of future would you have with a man like that?”
“Dariq is not a violent man,” Willow sobbed. “He was forced into piracy by his cruel brother. I love him, Mama.”
“Would your prince be happy in England?” Monique asked.
Willow searched her heart and could not honestly say that Dariq would be happy in England. He was a prince in Turkey, but he would be only an outsider in England. Though he would never be poor, once his past became known, he would not be accepted by the ton. Even though she would be with Dariq to help him adjust, he knew naught about life in Christian England or acting like a gentleman of the ton.
He would be miserable.
As miserable as she would be without him.
But Willow had been given no choice. She had to give up the man she loved to gain her father’s help in freeing Dariq.
“Dariq and I love each other so much, Mama,” Willow said on a sob.
“You will both forget each other in time,” Monique predicted. “He is not of your world. You will find a man more suited to your station. Your dowry is substantial; you will have your pick of suitors.”
“Dariq is the only man I will ever love. Other men pale in comparison.”
Willow considered telling Monique that she was expecting Dariq’s child but decided against it. Mama would tell Papa, and he might be angry enough to retract the help he’d promised Ali Hara. They would find out eventually, but not until Dariq was safely ensconced in his stronghold.
“You are young,” Monique observed. “Another man will come along.”
“You and Papa were separated for years. Did you fall in love with another man during the time you were apart?”
Monique had the grace to blush. “You know I did not. Our situation was different.”
“I see no difference. You are together now, are you not?”
Monique smiled. “It seems I have fallen in love with Robert all over ag
ain. This time we shall stay together.”
“I am happy for you and Papa, Mama, but that doesn’t help me. I cannot leave Dariq without telling him why I must return to England. I owe him that much.”
Bramston reentered the cabin. He took one look at Willow’s swollen eyes and tear-stained cheeks and shook his head. “I am not the monster you think me, dear child. I cannot bear the thought of losing you to a pirate. We might never see you again.”
Willow struggled to stem the flood of tears. “I know you want what’s best for me, but leaving Dariq without an explanation is cruel. I made a promise to you and I won’t change my mind, but I need to see Dariq before leaving him forever.”
Bramston frowned. “What are you suggesting?”
“When the Revenge arrives tomorrow morning, have me rowed to the ship. Once I have spoken to Dariq, I will return to the Fairwind and sail with you to England.”
Bramston gave his head a violent shake. “Absolutely not! What trickery are you planning?”
“No trickery. Surely you understand my feelings, Papa. I recall how you were when Mama left you. You felt betrayed. Give me an opportunity to explain to Dariq why we cannot be together.”
Bramston sent his wife a speaking look. Monique raised her eyebrows and shrugged. “I can understand Willow’s feelings. She loves the man.”
“I know I coerced you into making a decision you cannot like, Willow, and I am sorry for it, but you are a lady and deserve a better life than he can give you. I cannot allow you to leave this ship.”
“What if I can convince Dariq to give up piracy and live in England? Would you approve then?”
“Would a Turkish pirate be happy in England?” Bramston shot back.
“I… do not think so,” Willow whispered. “He would not. But he deserves an explanation. Please, Papa, do not deny me this. Send me to the Revenge when it arrives.”
“You may think me overly harsh, my dear, but I still cannot allow you time alone with your prince even if our rescue attempt succeeds. We may fail, you know.”
“You will not fail,” Willow said fiercely.