Author's note: I am smiling as I can appreciate RainsP and others not liking the Rashida/Suleiman combo. What can I say? Only time will tell if Suleiman can proove his worth or not...but seriously, thanks everyone for the reviews!!

Chapter 25

Rashida felt like crying as she embraced Raja. She knew this was wrong. But she could not deny the love she was feeling. And he had followed her, not to take her to the prince but because he alone wanted her. He had ordered his men to save her from the slave traders. She felt safe with him.

Safi had immediately told her mother what happened when they returned to the cave. Fortunately Safi did not seem to understand that the soldiers had actually saved them on purpose and they were only investigating the commotion. Seeing the look of fear on her mother's face, Rashida quickly let her know the soldiers did not follow them.

Her father finally woke and seemed to be feeling better. She knew this because of the anger in his eyes after he was told of what happened. At least his temper was toward the situation they were in and not her. Staying hidden was the best strategy for now. However, he made it clear they would not be followed. He even had a sudden change of mind that that perhaps they should stay another night. Which could only mean that her father was planning to hunt the soldiers down.

Rashida was worried and could not get Raja out of her mind. Fearing for his safety, she decided to meet with him quickly and warn him. Late into the night when everyone was asleep, she crept away and ran for his camp. Her intent was to stay for just a moment. But seeing him brought back a flood of emotion. He had already risked so much to be with her and she could not deny him.

This would be their last goodbye.

--

Suleiman bent down and kissed Rashida with infinite tenderness. He no longer questioned his destiny because it was here in his arms. Impossibly, this one woman had changed him. For years he had been groomed to be the heir of the Ottomans, a weight he carried with him for so long. But with Rashida he found freedom. She was the perfect mate for him, a woman with no equal. And because of that, Suleiman had come to terms with the fact that he would only marry one woman.

Her arms encircled his neck and Suleiman felt Rashida press intimately against him. His body hardened in an instant, straining to claim what he so badly wanted. For a moment he gave into temptation, savoring the feel of her against his bare chest. Robed in the type of foreign garments of his land, she was now more beautiful than ever before. He could easily feel the figure of her body against him, her skin softer than any he had ever touched.

But first, they needed to talk and come up with a plan. Could her father help them? Or hell, would he even help them? If he revealed to her father that he was the prince…no, there was no way her father would accept such a thing. It was bad enough if he revealed himself as Raja, the spy. But as the prince? No matter how much Rashida loved him, her father would never allow such a thing.

When he tried to pull away, Rashida surprised him by thrusting her tongue inside his mouth. Suleiman could not help the moan that escaped him. "Rashida," he groaned, "We cannot-,"

But she silenced him again with another deep kiss. Her hands were now tentatively touching his chest…and began to move downward. Suleiman gasped as her fingers innocently brushed against his groin. Without thinking, he pulled her down to the bed, settling on top of her. She inhaled sharply as his hand went inside her dress to caress one of her nipples. He lowered his head so that he could press hot kisses down her neck, easing his way down to her breasts. With satisfaction he felt her nipple harden and he was dying to have a taste. Impatiently he pushed aside the material she was wearing and found the most perfect breasts he had ever seen. Eagerly, he took one into his mouth and gently suckled, while his body grew even harder than he thought possible.

Her breathing became ragged and he felt her fingers in his hair. Suleiman let his hands slide down further until he finally loosened the rest of her dress and slid it off. He marveled at her beautiful skin and could not resist lightly brushing his hand against the soft juncture between her legs.

Once more he settled on top of her, enjoying the feeling of her naked skin against his. She was arching up to him and Suleiman was beginning to become mindless with his need. But when he pulled back to look at her face, he came to his senses. Although she was aroused, he could see she was also frightened by the new sensations she was feeling. It was then he remembered as a virgin how truly innocent she was.

Not only that but an unmarried virgin.

Abruptly he pulled away but she held him in place.

"Did…I do something wrong?" she whispered in between breaths.

The temptation to continue was so strong that he could not help but rub himself against her which made her sigh. "No," he said realizing his voice was shot. He tried clearing his throat. "I…we cannot do this."

She held his face with trembling hands. "But I want to," she said softly. "More than anything. I may never see you again after tonight."

"Not if we think of a plan," he replied huskily as he bent down for another taste of her lips. Her tongue thrust inside his mouth again and he groaned, trying to regain control of himself. "Rashida," he said hoarsely as he pulled away slightly, "We must stop. I…will not take you."

She sat up and covered herself with a blanket. "Why? Am I not attractive enough?" Her eyes looked down. "I…I know you have had many women and I am inexperienced-,"

Suleiman grabbed her hands. "No! You are beautiful beyond words Rashida!"

Tears filled her eyes. "I cannot get pregnant if that is what you are worried about…,"

"What?" Could she not bear children? His chest tightened.

"My mother…she showed me…a device I can use so I will not conceive."

He exhaled in relief not realizing he had been holding his breath. Gently he touched her cheek. "It is not that…although…I am glad that you have such a thing." In his lands any type of birth control was strictly forbidden. All the more reason he was grateful that somehow he would make sure they were free.

"Then why?" she asked as tears filled her eyes.

"I will not take you because you are so much more worthy than any other woman," he explained. "It is wrong to take your virginity before we are married." He smiled suddenly despite the bulge in his pants that made him quite uncomfortable. "Can you imagine what your father would do to me if I did such a thing?"

She gave a small laugh. "I do not think that is funny."

"Why? You are smiling."

Rashida tried to grow serious. "Because you know it is true."

"Exactly. So all the more reason we should wait."

"But most of my friends are not virgins," she said in a tone that indicated she was still hurt.

"I hardly think those girls are as worthy as you," Suleiman replied as he had a brief thought of her friend Nicole. He frowned, wishing he could erase that meaningless sex. At the time he meant to prove to himself that he was an Ottoman and he could damn well do what he pleased with any woman. But in the end, it only made him realize that physical pleasure was nothing without love.

"But…I want you."

He smiled tightly. "I want you too." Gently, he pulled her down to lie on the bed next to him. He noted with satisfaction that she still had a pouting look, disappointed that he would deny her of the experience. "There are…other ways," he said softly.

Her eyes flipped up to his. "How?"

Moving closer to her, Suleiman's fingers pried loose the blanket she was still holding in front of her. "I will show you," he murmured.

And before she could ask again, his mouth captured her lips while his hand cupped a breast. Once more he lowered his head and gently took her nipple into his mouth. But while she sighed in pleasure, Suleiman boldly let his hand trail down further until he stroked the soft flesh between her legs. She gasped and immediately stiffened. But Suleiman held her firmly in place while his fingers explored her most intimate secrets. Slowly, she began to relax, her body becoming liquid beneath his touch. As she gave herself to him, Suleiman nuzzled her breasts while his fingers found a rhythm that had her arching for more. His manhood was wildly twitching, straining in protest when she was so slick with need. But his focus remained on her, and he took pleasure in her growing need.

"Oh," she gasped as she sought for some type of release.

"I know," he said huskily against her breasts.

"But…I…,"

He quickly silenced her with a kiss and his fingers increased in speed until she was crying out, holding him so tightly he could barely breathe. Brushing her neck with kisses, Suleiman whispered words of love in his own language as she rippled with pleasure.

When she was finally finished, he kissed her gently on the forehead and pulled her close. He was bathed in sweat by this point as his body was burning up with the need to take her. She kissed his neck and sighed.

"Raja," she whispered.

He winced when she said the name, reminding him of all that needed to be said. That at least put a chill on his lust…

"Can I please you in the same way?"

His body hardened instantly again and he shifted uncomfortably. "There is no need."

"But…you want me…,"

"More than anything," he said with a ragged voice. "But you do not have to-," Suleiman sharply gasped when Rashida cut him off by placing her hand right on his crotch. "Rashida," he said in protest.

She moved aggressively against him, pushing him onto his back while she began to kiss him fiercely. Her fingers slipped inside his pants and he clenched his hands into fists. When she stroked him, Suleiman nearly went over the edge. He had no idea how intense physical pleasure could be when it was mixed with love. Swallowing hard, Suleiman forced his hands to try and stop her but it was too late. Her soft fingers caressed him to the point beyond his control and he cried out in release. For a moment, all Suleiman could do was try and catch his breath. He watched with amusement as she withdrew her hand to see what was on her fingers. When she smiled shyly at him, Suleiman laughed softly. Sated, he pulled her up onto him so that her head was lying on his chest. Stroking her hair, he never felt so content. The warmth of her body combined with his fatigue from such a long journey made him drowsy. He tried to stay awake so they could talk, but he was just so tired…

--

Hamid was relieved when the ship made it safely to land. That is, until he saw what lay before them. Stepping onto the dock, he was dismayed at the sight. Desolate was the best word he could find to describe it. The village neighboring the sea was so poor it was a miracle the structures were still standing.

"I do not like this plan," protested Raoul as he stayed on the plank of the ship.

"You have any other ideas?"

Raoul sighed. "No, but I doubt Erik would approve. He may be only a day behind us."

"He now has an army of soldiers to contend with before crossing the sea. It was important to him that I try and prove that I am the ruler of these people. It is a critical part that I must play. Time is against us. Some of those soldiers will report to the sultan that we have his daughter."

Raoul walked down onto the dock and frowned as a number of beggars approached them. "I believe these lands will take more time than we have." He shook his head at the poor men knowing what supplies they had were needed. But as they walked toward the village, Hamid saw Raoul slip an apple into the hand of a small child that looked at him with gratitude.

Hamid approached a local merchant. "Do you know where I can find the palace?"

The man's eyes narrowed. "There is no palace that belongs to our land."

"But at one time there was when King Titus-,"

"We do not speak that name!" hissed the man. He glanced around him and lowered his voice. "From where do you come? Are you asking me if I would betray the Ottomans?"

Hamid recognized the anger in his voice was actually fear. The people here were clearly dominated by the Ottoman Empire. "Forgive me. I have…been away for some time. I did not realize they had destroyed so much."

The man's face grew harsh. "There is nothing left," he said bitterly. "How would you not know these things if your heritage is within these lands?"

"I was only a boy and taken before the Ottomans invaded."

The merchant gave a laugh. "And you return now? You should have stayed wherever you were, young one. There is nothing for you here."

"So…the palace is gone?"

The man glanced over Hamid's shoulder, studying Sevdi who had her face covered with a veil. "Why would you care?"

"I just…remember it as a boy. Please, I would very much like to see it again."

For a few moments the man was silent. Eventually, he pointed to the southeast. "That direction…about a day's travel through the desert. Be of care when you arrive."

"Why?"

"The Ottomans are always watching."

--

"My lord?"

Suleiman's eyes opened to find one of his soldiers standing over him. Quickly he yanked the blanket to cover Rashida who was still asleep. "What is it?" he snapped trying to keep his voice quiet.

"I am sorry to disturb you but-,"

"Stop," Suleiman replied. "We will have this discussion outside."

"But-,"

He held up his hand and the soldier bowed. Carefully, Suleiman eased Rashida onto the pillows. He quickly put on fresh pants and walked outside, ready to give the two soldiers hell.

Until he saw an army of soldiers in front of him.

"My lord, I am sorry…I tried to tell you-,"

"We are relieved to see that you are safe," interrupted a tall man that Suleiman recognized was the highest captain that served his father.

"What…what are you doing here?" he asked. Instinctively he moved closer to the tent.

"We have a few loyal government allies within France that were watching. Word was sent a while ago that our spies were being murdered. The sultan ordered several units to the borders and additional spies were sent to watch you. Your father wanted to make sure you returned home."

Suleiman's face tightened. "I was being watched?"

The captain laughed. "You will never be unprotected Prince Suleiman."

"Prince?"

Oh…shit. Suleiman recognized the voice of Rashida behind him and closed his eyes in agony. Slowly he turned around to find Rashida standing in front of the tent, a blanket wrapped tightly around her.

"Rashida…,"

Her face filled with fear as she looked at the army of soldiers. "I thought…you were…are you not the…captain?"

A rumble of laughter came from the soldiers and the real captain chuckled. He gave a formal bow. "It is an honor to meet the bride of our future sultan. We will prepare a litter to carry you to the palace."

Suleiman's heart constricted as he watched Rashida give him a look he would never forget. The horror in her eyes burned his very soul.

"You…lied…,"

"I was going to tell you-,"

"You lied to me!" She turned and ran into the tent.

Suleiman cursed and glared at the captain. "You should have given me more time!"

"The time is now," he replied. "By the time our new spies reached France, the girl had already disappeared. Her brother was followed but there was no sign of her. We were quite pleased when you led us in the right direction. And now you have successfully seduced the girl away from her father. The mission is finished."

"You…know where her father is?"

"Of course my prince. A merchant in a neighboring land was given money to ensure the girl's father would become ill. And your hard work with intriguing her was successful. She left him to be with you."

Suleiman swallowed hard. That was why Rashida had been alone yesterday. Her father had unknowingly been poisoned. "Is he…dead?"

"No, the sultan ordered him to be taken alive."

"You have captured him?"

"Not yet, but a small group of soldiers are being sent as we speak."

Damn. He swore Rashida's father would not be harmed and he meant it."Stop them. His daughter is now with me. That is all that matters."

"He is a threat," said the captain, narrowing his eyes. "We will not disobey the sultan."

Suleiman was now seething with anger but knew any argument against his father's orders would be useless. He had to somehow get out of this trap; no one yet knew that his real intention was to leave the Ottomans for her alone. He had to try talking with Rashida. If she listened to him and remained calm, they may find an opportunity to escape.

He looked at the captain. "I need a few moments to talk with the girl. She is frightened and does not understand what has happened." The captain gave him such a look of amusement that Suleiman scowled. Women never questioned the men in their society and no explanation ever needed to be given. "She was raised differently," he said firmly. "She will not come easily if I do not try and explain."

The captain bowed his head but continued to smile. "I am certain she will be quickly tamed if not by your words than by your hand."

Suleiman's chest tightened. He was in a dangerous situation. The men would expect him to put Rashida in her place if she did not cooperate. The thought of having to beat her in front of them shook him to his core. He gave a slight nod to the captain and went back inside the tent, hoping she would at least listen to him.

But upon entering, Suleiman was dismayed to learn that she was no where in sight. Just as he was beginning to realize she had escaped, he heard a scream in the distance. He tore out the back of the tent and saw two soldiers in the distance dragging Rashida back to the camp. One of the soldiers was bleeding, his arm most likely cut by a dagger she had. The men roughly pulled her with them and she whimpered in pain.

"Take your hands off her!" shouted Suleiman quickly walking in front of them. Immediately the soldiers let her go and she fell to the ground. He slowly crouched down, reaching out his hand to help her.

"Do not touch me!" She stood up on her own. "I heard everything! You poisoned my father! I hate you!" She tried to run once more but the soldiers quickly grabbed her. "No!" she screamed.

"Stop!" snapped Suleiman to the soldiers as she struggled within their hold. He wanted to say they were hurting her but that would be a ridiculous thing to say; a woman should hurt if she disobeyed a man in their land. "She is mine!" he said quickly thinking. "Only I will punish her. Let her go now!"

"No," said the captain from behind him.

Angrily Suleiman turned around. "Do not dare to defy me! You will let her go now!"

"One day you will be sultan, but not yet. My loyalty is to him. While I respect your wishes, I will not take the chance that she may escape again." He motioned to another group of soldiers. "Prepare her escort and bring ropes to bind her."

Helpless, Suleiman watched the two soldiers pull Rashida past him. She was sobbing at this point and he felt physically sick. As he swayed, the captain reached out and steadied him. "You are exhausted from your harsh journey. The sultan is very proud of all that you risked in capturing her."

"I did not…capture her," said Suleiman hoarsely.

"Yes you did," replied the captain softly. "You captured her heart."

Author's note: As the plot thickens...hehehe. -Anne