When they reached the Gate of the Sun, the Roman guards waved them through without even searching them. The disguise had fooled them.
Sabinah turned to glance back toward Alexandria, her gaze meandering toward the causeway that led to the Great Lighthouse, which was barely visible through the swirling mist. She had no notion where she was going, or if she would ever return to her beloved Alexandria.
For a while they followed the coastline, where high blunt rocks crafted by time and the elements jutted out of the sea. Eventually they turned away from the water and headed for the desert. Once they were out of view of the city, they picked up their pace.
After riding for hours, they came to the Nile, where over a hundred Badari waited for them with fresh horses. Once Sabinah was mounted on her powerful Badari horse, she was delighted that the animal responded to her every command with the slightest urging. Despite the thick sand, the horses galloped with ease, and when she slowed to stay even with Apollodorus, the horse sidestepped in a graceful canter.
“This horse is a joy to ride,” she told him.
“The breed is without flaw,” he said, smiling down at her.
Later in the afternoon, when they had dismounted to walk the horses, Apollodorus handed her dried meat, which she washed down with water.
“Can you tell me where we are going?”
The tall Sicilian gave her his full attention. “It is not for me to say.”
Although she tried to hide it, she heard the sadness that crept into her voice. “I already know Julian is going into battle. I do not understand why.”
Apollodorus was in the process of lifting a jug of water to his lips, and he paused. “Do not believe everything you hear.”
She would not be deterred. “I also heard Julian is to marry a sheik’s daughter.”
He motioned for her to mount her horse. “I have not heard that.”
She stared down at the tips of her dusty boots before she swung onto the saddle. Julian had not taken her in his arms since the night she had given herself to him. Discouragement pressed on her like a weight. Of course the meeting of their bodies had not meant the same to him as it had to her. He had whispered beautiful words to her that night, but he had been gone when she awoke. Isadad once told her a man will say many things when he is in the thralls of passion.
As when Sabinah had traveled with the Badari before, they reached an encampment that had already been erected by advance guards.
The sun was setting and although she had not seen Julian since the morning, he now rode up beside her. She heard the clamoring of the silver bridle, the snort of the prancing stallion.
“Do you fare well, Sabinah?”
Without looking at him, she replied, “I am but weary.”
He nodded, and she could tell he was preoccupied as he galloped away.
Apollodorus seemed to understand how Sabinah felt because his voice was gentle. “Dismount and follow me. I will see you settled for the night.” He escorted her to a tent that had been set apart from the others.
Too weary to think, Sabinah removed her veil and tossed it onto a stool, then dropped down on the tiger skin robe, closing her eyes.
“May I enter?”
Her eyes flew open as she recognized Julian’s voice. Sitting up, she quickly ran her fingers through her hair, but soon decided it was hopelessly tangled. “You may,” she said, standing, her heart pounding.
For better or ill, he had come to her.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Julian threw the tent flap aside and ducked his head to clear the low entrance. He stood for a long moment, watching her. “Pity me, Sabinah. I tried to stay away from you, but I find I cannot.”
She searched his eyes, frowning. “Why should I pity you?”
His eyes held a soft light in their depths. “Because a most extraordinary woman holds me captive.” He gave her a long, level look before continuing. “Is that not reason enough to ask for pity?”
Her heart lurched. “I am not sure I know what you mean.”
His eyes became suddenly probing and intense, making her ache and tremble. “I am utterly and completely your slave.”
“Julian, I would not have it so.”
He took a step toward her and before she knew it, he laid his hand on her arm. “Sabinah, you have upset my world. You disturb my sleep and haunt my thoughts.” His passionate gaze burned through her body. “What should I do about that?”
“I do not know,” she said, quaking inside.
He regarded her cautiously as she stood so proudly before him, not letting her true feelings show. “I know I have hurt you, but that was never my intention.” His hand slid beneath her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. Slowly he lowered his head, touching his mouth to hers. He was impatient to hold her, to feel her skin against his.
In a surge of passion he lifted her in his arms and took them both down on the soft tiger skin robe. Artfully he stripped her of her clothing, pressing his mouth to each part he uncovered.
“Forgive me for my impatience,” he said, pulling back and slipping out of his own clothing. “My body aches for you.”
Her gaze fused with his. “It is the same with me.”
Passion stirred within him as he reached for her. “Sabinah, I need to be with you.”
She nodded. “I know.”
As if Julian had no will of his own, he took her in his arms and gathered her to him. His lips brushed against her hair, gliding down her neck to nuzzle the lobe of her ear. “I have been in torment since I was last with you.”
Like a sword of flames, his touch ignited her body, and she swiveled her hips and arched her back, inviting him, enticing him to take what he wanted.
With a deep growl, he gathered her close, his hand stroking between her legs, making her mindless.
Sabinah grabbed a handful of his dark hair, thrusting her body against his. She was unable to speak because her heart pounded in her throat.
Julian’s hot gaze moved over her nakedness. “What is it about you that makes me want to possess you so?” He cupped her face, staring into her eyes. “I can think of nothing but you tonight. Heikki was speaking to me of tribal matters, and I left him standing there with his mouth open, to come to you.”
She smiled at his admission. “I am glad you did.”
He gently dragged a finger across her breast. He rubbed his chin against her cheek. “How did I live before I knew you?”
Sabinah’s hand slid down his back, and she arched her lower body upward, issuing him another flirtatious invitation. “Do as I do—I live only for the next time you want me.”
Julian was suddenly beyond thinking. He gripped her hips and plunged into her in a rage of passion.
Sabinah touched her lips to his, her heart racing when he groaned with pleasure. Closing her eyes, she loved him to the depth of her soul. Even knowing she could never be anything in his life but the woman he came to under cover of night, she gave everything she had to him.
The passion that held them in its grip erupted, and they clung to each other trembling, their mouths touching, their fingers intertwining.
She pushed his hair out of his face and touched her lips to his strong jaw. “I know you have so much on your mind.”
He rolled over and held her away from him so he could see her face while his hand moved from one breast to the other. “Being with you helps me get through this long night.”
She understood he was troubled, but there was something she must know. “Will you think of me when you take a wife into—”
He covered her mouth with his, then pulled back, puzzled. “What wife?”
“It matters not at all.” She took his face in her hands. “For tonight there is but the two of us.”
He shook his head, bringing her body beneath his and entering her again, driving deep. With long thrusts he made her body his.
Afterward she lay in his arms as he held her possessively. With the dawning of the new day, she knew he would once aga
in take his place at the head of the Badari, and she must ride behind. She yearned for a day when she could ride at his side, but that would be another woman’s privilege. “If this is good-bye for us, Julian, think of me sometimes,” she said sadly.
“My heart, how can you say that? There will never be a time when you are not in my thoughts. But to me you are like the wind, which I cannot catch or hold in my hand.”
“It is as it must be.”
“There are times, like now, when there is no world outside your arms.”
Sabinah sighed and turned away from him. “There is a world besides this one, Julian. A world where your true life lies.”
“If you speak of the Badari, you speak truth. Their well-being depends upon what happens in the next few days.”
All other thoughts flew from Sabinah’s mind when Julian caressed her breasts; then his hand slid down to her thighs, gently parting them. Sabinah caught her breath, biting her lips in an attempt to smother a moan as he slid inside her yet again. Neither of them could have enough of the other. Passion was a bond that held them together.
Hot desire curled through Sabinah with such force she could not have spoken if she had wanted to. There was a sweetness to the words of longing Julian whispered in her ear while he kissed her earlobe and continued to plunder her body.
Her eyes fluttered shut as she tried to slow her racing heart. Sabinah gasped when Julian thrust deeper, and she felt the hardness of him.
She twisted beneath him, her eyes wide as wild sensations curled through her. Julian plunged forward and then slowly withdrew, only to plunge forward again and again. Sabinah heard his ragged breathing, and he thrust into her with such force she could hardly keep from crying out. Her body was attuned to his, and she had no will of her own. She held on to him as her body shook and trembled in a climax more shattering than any of the others. Moments later she felt him quake, and they both went limp.
Sabinah rained kisses on his shoulder until he raised his head, and their mouths ground together.
She watched his eyes soften, and he reached out and twined one of her stray curls around his finger. “My sweet Sunshine, will you not sleep in my arms? I need you near me to keep my demons at bay.” He thought of the battles he faced, and he wondered what would happen to her if he did not return. He touched her hair, allowing his hand to drift down the soft strands. “You were an innocent when I first took you.”
Sabinah touched his face. “Know this, Julian. I did not turn you away.” She could see his throat working as if he wanted to say something. Slowly his head descended in a kiss so sweet it took her by surprise.
When he raised his head, he had found his voice. “My need for you will only fade when I breathe my last.”
Her heart swelled with love. “And I will want to be with you when I take my last breath.”
He rolled to his back and reached for her, tucking her against him. “It would seem neither of us can resist this passion between us.”
“I cannot resist you,” she admitted, rising up on her elbow. “Yet I must soon return to Alexandria.”
“You shall not.” He traced his finger up her arm. “It is too dangerous for you there.”
“I am not your concern.”
She saw torment in his green eyes before he turned away from her and stood. “I will not allow you to leave.”
Sabinah was struck by the finality of his words. “I am not a woman of the Badari tribe, whom you can command to do as you will. I am not under your guidance, and I do not ask for your help.” She was on the verge of crying, but she must not.
A muscle throbbed in Julian’s jaw. “You will remain here until I decide what to do about you.”
“I am no longer your prisoner. You have no right to tell me what to do,” she said, pride coming to her rescue.
Angrily, Julian pulled on his clothing. He jerked the tent flap open, his gaze on her. “I do not see that you have a choice in the matter.”
With those as his parting words, he was gone.
The sun had just made its appearance for the day when Julian approached Apollodorus, his brow creased in a frown. “In two more days we shall arrive at Moussimi’s encampment.” He reached for his horses’s reins. “My mind is troubled.”
The Sicilian waited for Julian to continue.
“Watch over her, Apollodorus.” When he had mounted, he met the Sicilian’s gaze. “Should anything happen to me—if I do not return when I face Moussimi’s sons, I leave her in your care.”
“I shall see her safe.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The island of Bal Forea
When Marcellus stepped down the gangplank, in full Roman regalia, his brother-in-law, Prince Ashtyn, was there to greet him.
Like most of the Bal Foreans, Ashtyn had shoulder-length golden hair and wore a short tunic. The small circle of gold atop his head proclaimed him to be the husband of the queen.
“The sails of your ship were spotted yesterday by a fleet of fishermen,” Ashtyn said cheerfully. “Where is my sister-in-law? Does she not accompany you?”
The men clasped arms, and Marcellus spoke. “Adhaniá remained in Rome, preparing for our trip to Egypt. I have come with urgent tidings. Take me to the family at once.”
Ashtyn nodded to General Darius, who had accompanied him. Leading an extra horse forward, he handed the reins to Marcellus.
Ashtyn mounted his own horse and stared up at the palace that sat atop a hill, shimmering like a red jewel in the midday sun. “Let us be on our way at once. The family is impatient to see you.”
As the three men rode along stone streets that twisted upward to the palace, Marcellus noted the differences since he had first set foot on the island ten years before. At that time this was a war-torn country where the citizens were suffering and starving. Today, strings of fish were drying in the sun, rosy-cheeked children ran alongside the horses, laughing, and women stopped their chores to wave at Marcellus in welcome.
“Prosperity continues to bless this island,” Marcellus remarked.
“Aye,” Ashtyn answered. “The trade Queen Cleopatra opened between Egypt and Bal Forea continues to aid our people, even though she is gone.”
“How is the family?”
“Everyone thrives. Yet Ramtat and Danaë chafe to return to Egypt. They have heard nothing from Julian and fear for him.”
“They will soon be returning. That is why I am here.”
Ashtyn looked at Marcellus searchingly but asked nothing more, knowing Marcellus would want to give Ramtat the news first. He stared up at the palace. “I am sure Thalia will insist on going to Egypt with them.”
Marcellus grinned. “It will not hurt to have a sister at Ramtat’s side who is also a queen.”
“That will no doubt be Thalia’s thinking.”
Marcellus lowered his voice. “What of Caesarion?”
“He is thriving under Thalia’s care. Not long ago, he began calling her ‘mother,’ although she is not old enough to be his mother.”
“Does he ever speak of Egypt?”
“Nay. It is as if he has blocked out that part of his life. He is known here on Bal Forea as Lord Sayan—the people here believe he is Thalia’s cousin who has been orphaned.”
“And so he is.”
“Sayan seems content with his life. Of course, he can never again step onto Egyptian soil.”
“On that we all agree.”
By now they had reached the palace and rode through the courtyard toward the entrance. Marcellus dismounted, and Danaë rushed into his arms. Ramtat clasped his arm and asked about his sister, Adhaniá Then Marcellus was swarmed by nieces and nephews who threw questions at him. His gaze met Caesarion’s. As the young man grew older, he had taken on the look of his father, the great Caesar. But there was a calmness in his brown eyes, and Marcellus was glad.
As Thalia went into Marcellus’s arms, he gazed down at the lovely queen, and he whispered in her ear, “You have done well with your young charge.”
“He is like his mother; therefore, easy to love.” Thalia looked at him expectantly. “Have you news for us?” she asked.
“Aye. Let us go inside.”
The horses were led away as they entered the palace. In the small chamber where everyone had gathered, tension was heavy. Marcellus turned his attention to Ramtat. “I have happy tidings. You may go home!”
Ramtat’s throat tightened. “Are you saying it is safe for me to take Danaë and the children back to Egypt?”
“Octavian has given his word none will harm you.”
“Do you trust him?”
“Nay. But I trust the Senate. They have ruled that all charges against the Tausrat family be dropped, and all confiscated properties returned.” He reached into his toga and pulled out a document. “I have here an official apology signed by all the senators and by the emperor himself.”
“We owe you for this, Marcellus,” Danaë said, touching his hand. “How can we ever thank you?”
He shook his head. “Octavian’s charges against you just did not hold up under close inspection.” He nodded at Ramtat. “Your husband is still well respected by Rome, and the Senate was wise enough to realize it.” He nodded. “Belatedly, I admit, but the deed is done.”
Thalia gave a very unqueenly whoop. “I shall have a ship loaded and made ready to sail. I will be returning to Egypt with you,” she stated with feeling. “I want to make certain you are all safe.” She met her husband’s gaze. “Do you not think that would be wise?”
He gave her the special smile he reserved for her alone. “I believe so.”
Marcellus looked around the room at the family he had acquired by marrying Ramtat’s sister, Adhaniá. They were a close-knit group and had taken him in as if he were a true brother. “Adhaniá and I will be joining you as well,” he said, with a smile.
“I will send you to Rome on the War Hawk, our swiftest ship,” Thalia said. “We shall enter Egyptian waters on the War Bird, since she makes an intimidating sight.”
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