Desert Prince

by Constance O'Banyon

  Julian watched her depart just as Apollodorus entered. “She wants to leave me. I cannot allow that.”

  The Sicilian stared down at Julian, a touch of anger in his tone. “What will you offer her that would entice her to remain?”

  Julian was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his tone was decisive. “Tomorrow I will make her my wife.”

  For the first time in the young prince’s life, Apollodorus was angry with him. “You cannot make promises to her that you may not be able to keep. Sabinah is not of your social standing and your family may not approve of her.”

  “I love her. I will make my parents understand.”

  “What makes you think Sabinah will have you?”

  For the first time, Julian looked doubtful. “I do not know for sure. I hope she will.”

  “Treat her well. She is exceptional,” Apollodorus stated with force.

  Julian studied his old friend for a long moment. “Is it possible you have feelings for Sabinah yourself?”

  “I am old enough to be her father. Yet if I were younger, I would not so easily allow you to take her from me.”

  Julian was completely stunned. “You love her.”

  “As does everyone who sees her true worth.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Sabinah had just risen for the day and had washed her face and run her fingers through her hair to remove the worst of the tangles.

  There was the sound of footsteps outside the tent. “May I enter?”

  “Julian!” She rushed to the opening and glared at him. “You should not be about. You have not had time to heal.”

  He wondered why he had never noticed the enchanting way Sabinah’s eyes glittered when she was angry or how stubbornly she could set her chin. “If you continue to berate me, I may lapse back into a fever.”

  She nodded, crossing her arms. “That could very well happen if you do not take care.”

  Julian brushed past her, and she turned to face him. “I needed to talk to you,” he said.

  Her anger melted away. “You could have sent someone for me, and I would have come to you.”

  Julian pulled her to him, knowing he could not go another day without binding her to him. “I understand you put the poison of an asp on my skin.” He drew her closer, nibbling at her ear. “Perhaps if I bit you …”

  She melted against him. He could not possibly know how much she had feared for his life. “Julian.”

  He released her, stepping away. “I have something to ask you.”

  Sabinah swept her hands up in a hopeless gesture. “Why would you ask anything of me? You do not follow my advice.”

  “I have been thinking about taking a wife.”

  Sabinah felt as if he had just delivered her a deathblow. “I have been expecting it.”

  Julian arched a dark brow. “You have?”

  “I overheard two of Uriah’s servants discussing your possible marriage before we left Alexandria.”

  He frowned, deep in thought. “They could not have had that knowledge, since the only person I told was Apollodorus, and that was only yesterday.”

  Left with a sense of hopelessness, Sabinah began folding the fur rug to have something to do with her hands. “They said you might wed Sheik Moussimi’s daughter to unite the tribes.”

  Julian smiled slowly as he understood her confusion. “There is only one woman I want as my wife, and I do not even know Moussimi’s daughter.”

  “Oh.”

  “Sabinah, since you saved my life, will you not walk by my side until death takes us?”

  She met his gaze, her breath trapped in her throat. “Julian, we both know I am not of noble birth.”

  He watched tears gather in her eyes. “You will be noble when you become a member of the Tausrat family.” He stepped closer, afraid she might refuse him. “Say you will be my wife.”

  Sabinah was suddenly angry, thinking she knew why he was asking her to marry him. “You do not owe me anything.”

  She watched his green eyes deepen with passion. “I want you,” he whispered. “I need you.”

  Time passed, and she could do no more than stare at him. “You do not have to marry me to share my bed.”

  “I want more of you than just your body.”

  Her heart seemed to take wings, and happiness washed over her. Whatever the reason, he wanted to wed her and she would not refuse. “I do not know what to say to you.”

  “Say ‘aye.’ ”

  Sabinah heard herself saying, “Aye.”

  His smile was infectious, and she smiled back at him. “It must be soon—now—today.”

  To be Julian’s wife, to have him hold her and make love to her was all Sabinah had ever wanted. How could she bear so much happiness?

  Julian held out his hand. “Come.” He led her out of the tent and called to everyone present. “Come forward and share my joy. Come forward and witness our marriage.”

  Apollodorus took Sabinah out of Julian’s arms and hugged her to him. “You are going to be happy. Nothing can harm you now.”

  Sabinah pressed her face against the Sicilian’s rough robe. “I love you, Apollodorus.”

  He held her away from him and smiled sadly. “As a father?”

  “As my very best friend.”

  Julian took Sabinah’s hand and turned her to face the men who had gathered around, smiling and happy at the joyous occasion. “Witness here this day that I, Julian of the house of Tausrat, take unto myself Sabinah of the house of Jannah, to be my wife.”

  Sabinah stared into his green eyes, which seemed to have captured the light of the setting sun. “I, Sabinah of the house of Jannah, accept Julian of the house of Tausrat as my husband.”

  A roar of approval rose through the wild Badari while Julian pulled Sabinah against him. “It is done, sworn before witnesses. You are mine now.”

  “I have always been yours,” she whispered.

  He pulled her into his tent, his mouth finding hers. “I now know why I have always felt overwhelming joy when you were near me. Do you think the gods created you for me?”

  “I have always thought that.”

  His brows came together in a frown. “Do you understand why there cannot be a proper celebration of our marriage?”

  She shook her head, wanting only to be with him.

  “Sabinah, I must leave the area at once and allow Sheik Eanez to assume control over his tribe. Should I linger, it might weaken his authority.” He looked at her longingly. “The tents must be struck at once, and we will ride to my family’s encampment.”

  Sabinah smiled, trembling at the thought that this wonderful man was now her husband. “I shall celebrate in my heart.”

  He laid his face against hers, holding her body close. She could feel his heart beating, and she could feel the evidence that he wanted to be with her.

  Releasing her, Julian gave a regretful smile, for already there was the sound of the camp being struck. “Later, Sabinah,” he promised.

  It was dark as they began their journey, but in no time the sky was alight with thousands of stars to guide them, and the swift Badarian horses knew the way home. Silently they made their way over high sand dunes and across long stretches of desert. They stopped at a small oasis where other Badari met them with fresh horses, and their journey continued.

  Sabinah was weary, but she would not speak of it. At last she rode beside Julian as his wife.

  A full moon guided the weary travelers, and Julian noticed Sabinah was slumping in the saddle, so he reached out, pulling her onto his horse and across his lap.

  “This is where you belong now,” he said, touching his mouth to her ear and sending shivers of delight through her body. “Sleep if you can.”

  Sabinah did not think she would sleep because she was too happy. Julian’s arms closed around her, and she eventually closed her eyes.

  It was much later when they stopped at a Badari outpost to change horses for a second time. She blinked and slid off the horse.
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br />   Bending down beside a cool pond, she dipped her hands in water and took a drink. “Come,” Julian said, holding his hand out to her and lifting her onto his horse. Sabinah snuggled against the warmth of his body.

  The sun was tinting the eastern sky when they reached the main Badari encampment. A cheer went up as people poured out of their tents to greet their returning prince. With joyous laughter, they congratulated Julian on his marriage. Women and children came up to Sabinah, smiling and welcoming her to the tribe.

  Julian held his hand up for silence. “We who have just arrived are weary. Allow us to rest, and then we shall have a feast to honor my bride.” He took Sabinah’s hand and led her into the huge red leather tent that was reserved for his family. Guiding her to the inner room, he lifted her in his arms and placed her on the bed.

  “You will have to forgive me,” he said, dropping down beside her without even removing his boots. “It seems I am not as recovered as I thought.”

  Sabinah took Julian in her arms. He had been gravely wounded and had ridden all night. “Sleep, my love,” she said, stroking his hair. “We have all the time in the world.”

  Sabinah stirred, feeling a finger tracing her mouth. Her eyes opened, and her first sight was sparkling green eyes. She was flooded with so much happiness she could scarcely breathe. For reasons she could not understand, Julian had wanted her for his wife.

  “I have been watching you sleep,” he said in a soft voice. “I have never seen anyone so beautiful.”

  Her arms slid around his neck. “How is your wound?”

  “Continuing to heal.” He grinned, rubbing his cheek against her face. “You see, this little temptress who knows potions cured me.” He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “I have another ache that needs a cure. Will you help me with that, Little Temptress?”

  She laughed aloud, wondering if it was possible to be any happier than she was at that moment. Slowly he removed her clothing, and then his own, and Sabinah discovered it was possible to know much more happiness.

  Possessively, Julian took her body, and they rode the crest of passion until they were both exhausted, and then they slept, their legs tangled, their bodies straining for closer contact.

  It was two days before the newlyweds came out of seclusion. When they appeared before the tribe, the Badari quickly gathered, preparing a feast that lasted another two days.

  Sabinah was delighted by how readily the Badari accepted her amongst them. Gifts were laid at her feet, and young children clamored for a place at her side. These were a fierce people to their enemies, but to her, as the wife of their prince, they showed gentleness and respect.

  For the first time in Sabinah’s life, she felt that she belonged. At night when Julian took her into his arms, she knew great joy.

  There was not a breath of air stirring as Sabinah stepped out of the brass tub. Twisting her hair into a knot and securing it with an ivory comb, she quickly dressed. She had just slid her feet into her sandals when Julian entered.

  He smiled, taking her hand. “It matters not what I am doing during the day. I find my mind wandering back to you. Heikki has accused me of being less than useless.”

  Sabinah laughed. “How can he speak so to you?”

  Julian pulled her into his embrace. “He can because he is correct.”

  Sabinah’s arms slid around his waist as her brow creased into a frown. “Julian, I have been thinking about Uriah. I fear for his health—he was very frail when we left. Should we not go to him?”

  “I have received word from the villa that he is about the same as when we last saw him. I believe that dear old man holds on to life until he can see my mother once again.”

  Sabinah rested her head on his shoulder while he held her tightly. “There is something else I am worried about,” she admitted.

  Julian tilted her chin up so he could see her eyes. “Tell me so I can make it right.”

  Doubt ate at her mind. “Will your family approve of your choice of wife when they discover what my stepsister did?”

  “When my father sees how happy you have made me, he will love you as I do.”

  “And your mother?”

  Before Julian could answer, they heard the sound of many riders entering the encampment. He took her hand and led her outside, and they both watched in shock as Lord Ramtat dismounted, then reached up and lifted Julian’s mother off her horse.

  Sabinah stepped back as Lady Danaë flew into her son’s arms. “You are safe!” she cried. “We were told you were sorely wounded.”

  Julian smiled down at her. “I am well. Why are you here? Is it not dangerous?”

  Lord Ramtat clasped his son’s arm. “Let us go into the tent, and I shall tell you all that has occurred.”

  “Where are my brother and sister?”

  “We thought it best to leave them behind on Bal Forea until everything is settled.”

  Julian nodded, not really understanding. “But is it safe for you and Mother to be here?”

  Ramtat smiled. “The death sentence had been struck down.”

  Julian could hardly believe it. “How? When?”

  “I suspect your uncle Marcellus had something to do with changing Octavian’s mind, although he will not admit it.”

  Sabinah watched the happy reunion, taking a step backward. She froze when Lady Danaë’s gaze fell upon her. She had never been so near to Julian’s mother, and she was struck by her beauty. To be in the presence of Queen Cleopatra’s half sister was daunting, especially because Sabinah did not know if Lady Danaë would accept her as Julian’s wife.

  Striding in Sabinah’s direction, Danaë smiled at her. “Can this be my son’s new wife? You are Sabinah, are you not?”

  Sabinah bent to her knees, lowering her head. “Aye, lady.”

  Danaë took her new daughter-in-law’s arm and helped her rise. Looking her over carefully, she hugged Sabinah to her with tears in her eyes. “Then you are my daughter. We have been told how you saved my son’s life more than once.”

  Ramtat appeared at her side. “So I have a new redheaded daughter. Think of what our grandchildren will look like,” he said gently. “Welcome to the family, Sabinah.”

  The Badari let out a boisterous yell. There would be more celebrating—their lord prince had come home!

  That night as they feasted, Julian explained to his father and mother all that had occurred since he’d arrived back in Egypt.

  “I knew you would have the strength to bring the tribes together,” Ramtat said matter-of-factly. “No one could have done better.”

  Danaë explained to them that Marcellus and Adhaniá, along with Thalia and Ashtyn, were waiting for them in Alexandria.

  Julian’s gaze locked with his father’s. “When do we leave to join them?”

  “In the morning.” Ramtat turned to his wife. “I thought you and Sabinah could remain here so you can become better acquainted.”

  Sabinah was still in awe of her powerful father-in-law, but she did not want to be left behind, so she stated with feeling, “I shall certainly not remain behind. I want to be there when Tribune Vergilius discovers his dreams have turned to ashes.”

  “As do I,” Danaë said, standing and linking her arm through Sabinah’s. “You are not leaving without us!”

  Ramtat’s expression hardened for the briefest moment as he looked from one woman to the other. He finally shrugged and smiled at his son. “What kind of bloodthirsty women have we chosen to wed?”

  “Aye,” Julian agreed. “What kind indeed?”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Bastet yawned, stretching her arms over her head. There was movement in the bed beside her, and she smiled, remembering her night with Vergilius. She had used all her sexual knowledge to please him; and she had succeeded, she was sure of it. Her one hope was to make him want her and not her pathetic stepsister. During a passionate moment in their lovemaking, Vergilius had called out Sabinah’s name, angering Bastet. She was more determined than ever to make him
want her so much he would cry out her name.

  She slid quietly out of bed so she would not disturb Vergilius, and hurried to the bath. She wanted to make herself presentable before he awoke.

  Bastet stood on the first step of the pool when she heard the sound of footsteps, marching in unison. Grabbing up her discarded robe, she dashed back to her bedchamber just in time to see six Roman soldiers enter. One of the men wore the uniform of a general!

  What did they want?

  Vergilius awoke, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. When he saw General Marcellus, he quickly wrapped the coverlet about himself, attempting to keep it in place while snapping to attention.

  He slapped his hand across his chest. “General Marcellus. I am honored … but why—”

  “You are under arrest, Tribune Vergilius.” Marcellus snapped his fingers, and one of the soldiers stepped forward and began to read from a scroll.

  “You are to be transported back to Rome, where you will be tried for the murder of Lady Larania of the house of Tausrat.”

  Vergilius’s jaw went slack. “There was no impropriety in the traitor’s death,” he said, his knees going weak.

  “Furthermore,” the young soldier continued, “you confiscated property belonging to the Tausrat family. You are also charged with attempting to seduce the wife of Lord Julian Tausrat.”

  Vergilius looked confused. “Sir, I do not even know Lord Julian’s wife.”

  Bastet, who was standing in the shadow of the door, stepped farther back into the shadows, fearing the Romans would arrest her for being associated with Vergilius.

  “Lord Julian and all his family are condemned traitors,” the tribune said, still trying to make sense of General Marcellus’s accusations.

  “The death sentence on the Tausrat family has been lifted,” Marcellus said. “Dress yourself as befitting a soldier of Rome.” Marcellus turned on his heel. “Take him prisoner,” he told the soldiers who had accompanied him.

  With fear driving his actions, Vergilius ran for the door that led into the garden. When he was halfway down the curved walk, a man stepped in front of him, blocking his way.