Chapter 26

Erik cursed under his breath as he walked behind Mara, Safi, and Alexandria. Now in the village, he blended into the crowd as he wore a head scarf hiding his face. The market was very crowded, a perfect time for them to disappear. But Erik was seething with anger at the situation.

In the early morning hours he woke to find Rashida gone. Why had she left? By now he was feeling better and he immediately searched outside the cave, still protected by the cover of darkness. He quickly found out they were being watched, a few scouts hiding not far away. But when they saw him, Erik was too quick, killing each man before they had the chance to warn anyone. As he stripped the weapons from their bodies, Erik now knew that somehow his family had been followed. Not only that, but his illness was no coincidence. His weakened state left Rashida vulnerable, letting their enemy watch her every move. Somehow she had been taken.

When dawn slowly came, Erik shook with fury when he saw the legion of troops on the other side of the village. And his heart froze inside his chest when he heard a distant scream. Every protective instinct he possessed went into overdrive when he saw soldiers dragging Rashida to a waiting escort. Bound by ropes, she was completely helpless.

His first thought was to immediately go after her. But his experience also gave him more control which meant thinking things through rather than acting on emotion like he did in his past. And there were other pieces in his game of chess to still be played out with the sultan. Yet, it took Erik all of his strength to leave his daughter. But he knew the scouts were a sure sign that they planned to send more soldiers. He could not place any of the women at risk to be captured. Mara would surely be killed and God knows what torture the sultan might inflict on Alexandria. Erik could only imagine that the sultan had grown even worse in his bitterness after losing his favorite so many years ago.

As expected, Alexandria did not take the news well. Distraught, she begged him to actually leave her so she could go with Rashida. They did not have much time as he knew soldiers would be arriving any moment. Although she was angry, Erik refused to leave her, swearing he would carry her if she gave him no choice.

Now making their way through the crowd, they soon joined a large group of travelers heading out of the village, right toward a small unit of soldiers. Erik quickly switched places with the women, insisting they fall behind him to draw as little attention as possible. Women followed behind the man in these lands…the sultan had done a good job in teaching him that tradition with Mara.

With so many people, it was easy for Erik to draw the attention of the soldiers elsewhere. Throwing his voice so that it appeared as if a man in front of them said an insult to one of the soldiers, Erik and the women quickly passed by as the man was yanked aside to be questioned. They kept going until finally the village was out of sight. Erik led them off the road once more into the hills. But their safety did not concern Alexandria.

"We cannot leave her! We need to go back!" she said out of desperation. She ripped off her veil and her hair tumbled down her shoulders. Trembling, Alexandria looked at him with a desperation he had never seen.

But Erik had to remain strong. He shook his head. "Alexandria-,"

"No! I will not let my daughter become a mare to breed sons!" she said loudly. Mara and Safi tried to calm her but she shook them off. "I will not let her suffer the same fate as I once did! We cannot leave her!"

He tried to reach for her but she snatched her hand away. Giving her no choice, Erik gripped her shoulders, pulling her close to his face. "Do you think I would let my daughter become the mother of a future sultan? I would rather die than allow that!"

Her teary eyes grew angry. "Then you should be risking your own life for hers right at this very moment!"

Erik winced at the cruel tone in her voice. "Perhaps that is what you wish? For me to be dead as proof that I would do anything to get her back when it is impossible at this moment? Even if it meant attacking a full army of soldiers? Is that what you want?"

"No! I-I want…," she shook her head, trying to hold back her emotion. And then she looked up at him, her eyes looking straight into his. "I want you to keep your promise to me."

He remembered the promise he made to her so long ago…the promise that he would find a way to keep Rashida from the sultan. Erik held her face with his hands. "I will keep that promise Alexandria."

"But she has been taken," she said with a shaking voice as the tears started to flow once more down her face. "The sultan will not wait…he will make sure she is married as soon as possible to his son."

"And how long will that be?"

"What?" she asked with confusion.

"How long does a wedding celebration last?"

"Sometimes…days."

He nodded. "And the wedding of his first son would cause an even larger celebration than usual."

"Yes," she whispered. "It could take weeks to plan. The sultan will invite leaders from nearby lands. It will be an event like no other."

"And is not the bride expected to be a virgin?"

Alexandria numbly nodded. "She will not be bedded until the wedding night."

"We have time. I know it is difficult to accept but the sultan is a man who will seek to celebrate not only the marriage of his first son, but a victory that he has won."

Alexandria shuddered. "And has he won?"

Erik bent down and kissed her gently. "No," he said softly against her lips. "All is not lost. And he will find himself battling more than just me…,"

--

"Christ," muttered Hamid as he stared at what once appeared to be the main city of his father's kingdom.

The three of them had traveled by horses for over a day and at first were relieved when they reached an area that was populated. But this city was in no better shape than the one near the sea. Buildings and walls were crumbling, merchants were selling rats for food, and there was still only desert. No trees or vegetation of any kind…no life.

"This is horrible," whispered Sevdi. "I had no idea…,"

"You had no idea that your father burned and destroyed this land?" snapped Hamid. It was not her fault, but he could not help be angry when he saw such deprivation.

"Usually the Ottomans take over a city but wish for it to be prosperous," she said. "A rich city only adds to their wealth. But…King Titus pushed his own people too far, risking everything for power."

Hamid stopped his horse. "And now they have to be the ones who are punished for his actions?"

"They followed his rule."

"Did they have a choice?" he shot back. "One does not elect a king. And if that ruler is a mad man, the people are helpless."

"That is not entirely true," Sevdi said with a frown. "They could have risen up against him."

"If my father controlled his people by fear, I doubt they would try to overthrow him. From what little I know, he was a very cruel man."

Raoul caught up with them. "It is getting dark. We need to find shelter, so stop arguing with the girl."

"You cannot understand a word we say," replied Hamid. "So how do you know we are arguing right now?"

"Because of your hands." Raoul urged his horse forward to ride out in front of them.

Confused, Hamid looked down to see his hands curled into tight fists as he held the reins. Irritated, he loosened his hold and followed after Raoul. But he stopped and looked back at Sevdi.

"What is wrong?"

"How do you intend to prove you are the son of Titus?"

"I have no idea." Hamid thought for a moment. "When the sultan takes over another land, does he designate authority to one individual? Such as a captain of his soldiers?"

"Usually he places one of the local leaders in charge."

"Do you mean to tell me that the ruler who is defeated then serves the sultan?"

"It depends on the ruler of course, but yes."

"Why the hell would they do that? I would think they would rather die than serve an enemy!"

Sevdi nodded. "And that is true for some but usually a leader or ruler will submit to save his bloodline. If he refuses, he and any family members, including children, would be put to death."

"You have such a wonderful father," said Hamid sarcastically.

"I already told you that I do not like him." She frowned. "But even I admit he is a very strong and honorable ruler."

"Honorable? How the hell can a man who kills children be honorable?" hissed Hamid.

Sevdi raised up her chin. "Because he keeps his word. Unlike other rulers, he never breaks an agreement. Those who serve him know he can be trusted as to what he promises."

"You have a very twisted way of thinking."

She shot him a glare. "No, you have to stop taking the notion that the world revolves around your beliefs!" Hamid's mouth dropped open but before he could speak, she cut him off. "If you really want to bring back our bloodline, you need to learn what will be expected."

"As the ruler I will tell them what is expected."

"It does not work that way!" she snapped. "You will never be accepted if you do not first respect the beliefs of this land!"

Raoul's voice from a distance cut off their conversation. "Will you two shut up? Good God, you quarrel like lovers!"

Hamid scowled. "We are not lovers!" He motioned to Sevdi and she hesitantly followed him. Catching up, he brought his horse alongside of Raoul. "Besides," he said in a low voice. "Lovers would not quarrel so where did you get that expression?"

Raoul laughed. "You obviously have never been in love."

Hamid's face tightened. "And just what do you mean by that? I do not see you and the Countess argue!"

"Oh we argue," said Raoul grinning. "We just choose to do so in private."

As Hamid glanced behind to make sure Sevdi was following, he frowned. "You know, people also argue when they hate each other."

"Hmm, you could have fooled me."

"Excuse me?"

"If you hate her so much, why do you bother talking with her at all?"

"I did not say I hated her."

"Ah I see, so your point that people argue as they hate each other had nothing to do with her."

"Quit mocking me," muttered Hamid who was annoyed at Raoul's smiling face. "She is my second cousin anyway!"

"So?"

"So? She is…my family!" Hamid inwardly cringed for a moment as he thought about Rashida and his feelings of attraction to her. He loathed himself.

Raoul laughed. "A second cousin is not that close in family. There would be nothing wrong in marrying her."

"Marry? I am not going to marry her! Besides, she is not my type."

"Do you have a type?" teased Raoul.

Hamid could not help himself and took a jab. "How about your daughter?"

Much to Hamid's delight, Raoul stopped his horse and frowned. "She is definitely not a match for you."

Now Hamid was smiling. "Why not? She is quiet and would not argue with me…the perfect wife!"

"Exactly," replied Raoul who started forward on his horse again, "You would become quite bored with her."

"Maybe she has other talents I do not know of."

"She is not like her friend Nicole," growled Raoul.

"Thank God for that. But that does not mean she will not have some…natural talent in other areas to please a husband."

Raoul pulled on the reins and glared at Hamid. "First, we are talking about my daughter so you will give her the respect she deserves. Second, physical pleasure will only entice a man for so long. I thought your knowledge of Nicole would have taught you that!" he snapped.

Hamid looked down suddenly regretting his remarks. Why the hell was he acting like this? "I apologize. I did not mean…to offend you."

Raoul took a deep breath and looked away. Suddenly he laughed. "I suppose I deserved it for my comments about Sevdi." But just as Hamid felt relieved that all was well between them, Raoul's face became serious. "Yet I also meant what I said when it comes to being truly in love with someone. Why do you think Erik fell in love with Alexandria?"

"What do you mean?"

Raoul chuckled. "I can assure you, they did not care for each other at all when they first met. Ask Erik sometime."

Hamid changed the subject. "Sevdi was telling me that the sultan sometimes places the very rulers he conquers to still be in control of the land."

"I think we are about to find out," replied Raoul.

Hamid turned his head to see a small group of men dressed as guards, although not similar to that of the Ottomans. And they were heading straight for them…

--

Suleiman pulled tightly on the reins of his stallion. In the distance, he could see the palace of the Ottomans. It was magnificent, a true symbol of the Ottoman's power. The city had grown considerably over the years, many of the surrounding buildings exhibiting great wealth with their intricate details.

When they entered the city, a crowd greeted him with cheers, bowing their heads as he passed them by. By now Suleiman's heart was pounding. At one time he had longed to return to his home. Now he dreaded it. His father would summon him immediately and he had to work quickly. Rashida would be taken to the harem to be bathed. He had to seek out the one person he knew would protect her.

Arriving at the palace, Suleiman dismounted and glanced over at the litter where the soldiers were taking out Rashida. Although she was not crying, her face looked somber while her beautiful skin had now gone pale. At least her mood may cause a few of the harem girls to take pity on her. Usually any girl admitted to the harem and rushed to the sultan or his son's bed was torn apart if the women got the chance. The harem was notorious for jealous fights to break out among the women. But if they saw she wanted no part in her position, they might leave her alone. Suleiman knew the eunuchs would be watching closely, but he was still not going to take any chance that Rashida could be harmed. He would see to it that she had private quarters before their marriage.

Hurrying inside, he quickly walked down the endless hallways until he arrived at two large double doors. A slave immediately gave him entrance and Suleiman was relieved to find his mother in the main room of her court.

She was sitting on a couch of luxurious cushions surrounded by a group of slaves who were showing her different fabrics to choose from, no doubt to make a new dress. She looked up and gave him a beautiful smile. She was the oldest of her father's wives but also the most beautiful. As she married at such a young age, his mother still displayed much youth left in her; not even her rich black hair showed any signs of graying.

"Suleiman! I am so relieved that you have come home safely!" she said with a joyful voice. After waving a hand to dismiss the slaves, she held out her arms and he immediately went to her. He sat down and embraced her long and hard, taking just a moment to bury himself in comfort. Sensing something was wrong, she slowly pulled away and met his eyes. "What is it?"

"The girl…she is here."

His mother beamed. "Your first wife? Oh I cannot wait to meet her!"

"Yes, I want you to meet her now. She is being taken to the baths in the harem. She is not used to our ways."

"The poor girl must be frightened to death! I will go at once to make sure I oversee everything! And I will make sure she has privacy in her own apartment," his mother assured him. "In the meantime, your father will want to see you. You should go now." Suleiman nodded, his stomach tying into knots. His mother's eyes softened. "You have no need to worry…he is very pleased with you."

That will not last long, thought Suleiman as he knew what he had to say to his father. He closed his eyes for a moment as his mother's hand touched his cheek.

"You are not telling me everything," she said softly.

"I love her," he blurted as he opened his eyes. As usual, he could not keep anything from her.

She withdrew her hand to cover her mouth in surprise. "Oh…that is…," she blinked and he realized tears were forming in her eyes. "That is so wonderful!" She laughed as she brushed away the wetness from her eyes. "I am just so happy that you love the one who will become your first wife."

But Suleiman slowly shook his head, pain sweeping through him as he thought about what happened with Rashida. "No, she-,"

"Prince Suleiman."

They looked up to see the captain standing before them. "The sultan waits."

He nodded, knowing that he already kept his father waiting, something no one did. Now that he had been formally summoned, he had no choice. Suleiman kissed his mother and she smiled.

"Do not worry; I will go to the harem right now."

Suleiman thanked his mother and squeezed her hand in gratitude. Taking a deep breath, he turned and walked past the captain who followed him. The walk to his father's court was long, every step feeling as if it made his heart grow heavier. What was he going to do? He could not reveal that he no longer wanted to be sultan as most likely his father would beat him to death in anger. But…maybe he could let Rashida go. He had to find a way or at least try. He owed Rashida that if he truly loved her.

Reaching his father's court, Suleiman immediately grew nervous. As the doors opened, one could not help but be impressed with such a room. It was enormous, the ceilings far above painted with intricate designs. And the sun streaming through the huge, ornate windows only added to the beauty of the court.

The room was filled with people as usual. Advisors, soldiers, and slaves immediately parted to make way for him. He saw two nude slave women sitting on the steps leading to his father's chair. Keeping his head down, he waited until a eunuch placed a pillow on the floor. Suleiman dropped to his knees in a formal bow. Those in the court immediately fell to floor, lying flat so they were lower than him.

"Rise Suleiman," came his father's strong voice.

Slowly, Suleiman stood as did the rest of those in the court. He swallowed hard and raised up his head to look at his father.

Dressed in a golden robe, his father looked down at him. Studying him, Suleiman realized that in all his travels, never had he see any ruler that compared. With broad shoulders and a handsome face, his father was the true strength of the Ottoman Empire.

"Praise Allah that you have returned safely," his father said in a formal tone. "I am looking forward to your report."

Suleiman glanced around and decided to give a completely factual detailed report of the events…at least for now. With so many witnesses in the room, he had to be very careful with what he said. But first he wanted to know about his brother.

"Ahmed is safe?" he asked in an even tone.

The sultan folded his hands in his lap, as if he was trying to be patient. "Yes, he returned a few days ago. Although I was not pleased that he left you."

"I take responsibility for that action," Suleiman quickly replied.

His father's eyes narrowed. "When it comes to your protection, Ahmed is the one that takes responsibility."

Shit. Suleiman shifted in his place as his father looked at him with disapproval.

"If it were not for my orders to have others watch over you, the Ottomans may have lost their next sultan," said his father in a deep voice that seemed to echo within the room.

Suleiman bowed his head. "Forgive me father."

The sultan gave a chuckle. "Wisdom comes with time, my son," he said. He leaned slightly forward. "Now tell me of your journey and how you accomplished your task."

Suleiman drew a breath and gave a summary of the events in Paris and the spies being murdered. When he revealed the injury he sustained that one fateful night with Rashida's father, Suleiman had to brace himself as the sultan's face filled with anger.

"The spy with you that night was fortunate to have been murdered. Otherwise he would have dealt with me in his weakness."

"Yes," replied Suleiman thinking it was unwise to disagree. "However, his weakness also gave me the opportunity to meet the girl."

"No," snapped his father. "Your intelligence did that."

Shit. Shit. Shit. He was not doing well at all with this conversation. Most likely he would receive a good beating later on for not coming across like the strong leader he was expected to be. Thinking quickly, he smiled.

"This is true. And I must admit, it turned out to be a perfect plan. The girl thought I was a spy and being the compassionate creature she is, cared for me. Of course in reality I did not need her care at all," he added hastily, making sure it was known that even a serious wound could not make him weak.

Which was a complete lie. If Rashida had not helped him, he would not be standing here today.

The sultan gave a wolfish smile and nodded with approval. "Your plan worked very well. I understand the girl was so taken with you that she left the protection of her father."

Inside, Suleiman cringed but dared not show it. "Yes, her father tried to leave Paris with her as he thought no one would find them. But I had come to know the girl and she had given hints of where her destination might be."

His father looked at the captain. "And the girl's father?"

"He…escaped my lord."

Suleiman was relieved to hear this news as he had not known the fate of Rashida's father. But when he looked back at the sultan, the look of fury upon his father's face was so great that even he began to slightly shake.

"He escaped," repeated the sultan flatly.

"Yes my lord," replied the captain in a cracked voice.

"My son risks his own life, gives you the man's exact location, and you failed?"

Suleiman could hear the man swallow. "Yes, I failed you…my lord."

"Choose."

Fuck. Suleiman knew what was going to happen next. The soldiers in the court grew nervous.

When the captain hesitated, his father's eyes flashed in anger. "I will not ask you again."

The captain turned and pointed at one of his men. The man's sword was immediately taken by several other soldiers. Binding his hands, they led the man to the middle of the court, so that he stood between Suleiman and the captain.

"Kneel," said the sultan.

Shaking, the man kneeled onto the floor and bowed his head.

The sultan looked at the captain and nodded. Grimly, the captain accepted a heavy sword presented to him from a eunuch. He took a deep breath and swiftly brought the sword down on the man's neck. The head rolled to the bottom of the sultan's steps while the body slumped to the side.

"Next time it will be your own head," growled the sultan. "Understood?"

"Yes my lord."

"Get out."

The captain bowed and quickly left the room. Suleiman remained still, trying not to think about the blood that was slowly moving across the floor until it was beneath his feet. He was dimly aware that his father once more spoke.

"Now that we have the girl, we will make preparations for the wedding. Every alliance shall be invited to witness the continuation of my bloodline."

Suleiman tried to breathe calmly. He knew exactly what his father was planning. This wedding was an opportunity to display the Ottoman's growth in power. With his son married, every ally would be fighting for the opportunity to supply one of their daughters as one of the next three wives to the future sultan.

"Have you heard any news of your sister?"

Suleiman snapped out of his trance and sharply looked at his father. "No…I thought she was to be married. Has something happened?"

His father frowned. "She was taken from us. One of her personal slaves betrayed her…it was the same woman who used to be a slave to your bride's father."

"He thought to use my sister as a trade for her?"

"Yes, but I would hardly trade the future mother of our bloodline so easily."

"What if Sevdi is killed?" asked Suleiman suddenly worried.

His father rumbled with laughter. "Erik would never kill a woman."

"Erik?"

"The masked man."

The court murmured, some whispering to each other. Suleiman glanced at some of them and now understood that this Erik had been well known at one time in these lands.

"What will you do?" asked Suleiman quietly.

His father leaned down to stroke the hair of a slave girl at his feet. "We will be patient. Erik is a worthy enemy and should never be underestimated. I have a report from a unit of soldiers that Sevdi was seen alive. Erik will make his demands known in time." His father sat back, studying Suleiman carefully. "You must be very tired from your journey. You should rest."

Suleiman nodded but hesitated.

"Is there something else?" prompted his father.

"No…," At least not yet, thought Suleiman. Now was not the time to bring up his feelings for Rashida.

Thinking that Suleiman may be fearful of how he had done with his task, his father gave a nod. "You have done well. I am very pleased. In a few days you will present the girl formally to me for my blessing. And in just a few weeks, you will have your first wife, the future mother of our next generation." He motioned at some of the harem girls in the court who eagerly came toward Suleiman. "Go, refresh your strength and indulge in the pleasures I offer before you."

Suleiman looked at the women and his heart sank. He wanted no other woman…and he was now sure he never would. Hell, he was uncertain if he could even get hard at this point to complete the sexual act with any other female! Not wanting his father to think anything was wrong, he bowed in farewell and slowly walked out of the court with the harem girls following him.

Walking down the hall toward the room he bathed, Suleiman reviewed the meeting with his father in his head and cursed himself. He would never live up to his father's expectations…nor did he want to.