Chapter 43
"Is everything ready?"
Hamid nodded at Raoul. It had now been a few days since Erik left. They were waiting nervously for any word from him. If a message was not sent soon, Constantinople was prepared to send its armies to the west. The shah was already sending some support with his own army, strengthening the young battalion of men Hamid had been building.
Good God.
What if they really went to war? Christ, this was not Troy. Surely the sultan would not be so stubborn over Rashida.
Would he?
Hamid slightly jumped when Raoul patted him on the shoulder. The Count de Chagny smiled. "It will be fine. We must be patient."
"But we have not heard from Erik," complained Hamid as he began to pace the room.
"He probably just arrived. Remember, he had to stop along the way to meet the men who came from Constantinople. Did they provide him with the contract the sultan signed with the ruler Karim?"
"Yes," said Hamid somewhat annoyed. "I have already talked with them for some time. They saw Erik, presented him the scroll, and he left. So he was not with them very long."
"I am sure it took him time to safely find a way within the sultan's court."
"Either that or he was caught and thrown in the dungeon."
"Stop being negative."
Hamid threw his hands up in the air in a gesture of exasperation. "Negative? Our armies are gathering; we are on the brink of war! I believe I am being realistic."
"But not patient," scolded Raoul.
"Well, what if he is dead?"
Suddenly his mother's voice cut into the room and Hamid cringed. "What is wrong? Do you know something? Have you heard anything?"
The young king calmed himself. "No, we have not heard from him…yet."
Alexandria, dressed in robes of blue, slowly walked across the room. She stared at one of the tapestries on the wall. Hamid noted she had circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. She was already exhausted with worry for Erik.
Raoul cleared his throat. "Where is the shah?"
A hint of amusement came from Alexandria's voice. "Making use of Hamid's harem."
When Raoul looked at Hamid, he shrugged. "I had to do something with them. And from what I understand, it is custom to present some type of gift to him."
"What about the girl's families?"
"They have been paid quite well. And they were more than pleased when told the great shah would bed with each of their daughters."
"I believe at one time, you would be horrified by such a thing," laughed Raoul. "Now you act as if it were merely an every day business transaction."
"Well…that is not…I mean…"
"He is teasing you," said Alexandria with a slight smile.
Hamid scowled. "Well, it is not funny."
"Have you heard from Erik?" asked Sevdi who suddenly walked into the room.
"No!" they all answered in unison. Hamid frowned as his mother's eyes grew worried again.
"I-I am sorry…" stammered Sevdi.
Hamid embraced her, kissing her on the mouth. "We are all waiting…patiently," he added as Raoul met his eyes from across the room.
Alexandria folded her arms, holding herself. "He should be there by now," she said softly.
Raoul crossed the room and gathered Alexandria in his arms. "I am sure it will all be fine."
Hamid felt his chest tighten as he watched his mother's eyes fill with tears. She shook her head. "If he is unsuccessful, Milosh will never let him go." She buried her face into Raoul's chest.
"Mother, come here."
Raoul continued to hold her. "Let her be."
"No, she has to come to me now," ordered Hamid.
Raoul's eyes darkened as Alexandria lifted her head. "You do not command your mother, Hamid."
"Then let go of her." He narrowed his eyes at Alexandria. "As Erik is not here, it is my duty to hold you, not Raoul."
The Count de Chagny rolled his eyes. "Oh, for God's sake…"
"Exactly," said Hamid with a sudden smile. "Erik would tell you to let go of his wife as even God would not save you from his wrath."
The room was silent for a moment.
Then Alexandria began to laugh and Sevdi broke into a smile.
Raoul snorted. "I do not find it amusing. Excuse me for trying to comfort your mother!"
"And just what do you think Erik will do to me when he returns and finds out his wife was in the arms of the Count de Chagny?"
"True," replied Raoul with a smirk. "Maybe I should hold your mother some more…"
"I doubt Christine would approve," laughed Alexandria.
Raoul's face suddenly fell.
"Oh, Raoul," she said softly. "I am sure they are fine. They are well hidden with others in your family."
"The sooner Erik gets back here, the better," he muttered in reply.
--
Rashida shivered as the sultan bent down close to her ear. "What is wrong, little one?"
How cruel could the man be? She could do nothing, not even speak with a gag in her mouth while she watched Suleiman accept a sword to face her father. And her father did not know the prince was the spy she not only helped, but loved. Rashida screamed silently as she realized Suleiman was going to sacrifice himself for her freedom.
"Did I not tell you it would come to this?" His mouth left her ear and lightly nuzzled her neck.
Rashida shuddered once more. She remembered the conversation they had on the balcony of her mother's court. The ruler had made it clear if she did not accept her life with the Ottomans, her father would die.
She did not understand. Suleiman was strong, but she knew her father would win because of his experience. Had the sultan set a trap for her father? Was he in danger?
The sultan laughed softly as the people in the court backed away, making room for Suleiman and her father to fight. He placed his fingers on Rashida's chin and turned her face to meet his eyes.
His voice dropped to a whisper "Give yourself to me, and both shall live."
Rashida's eyes widened. If somehow both Suleiman and her father lived, she would have to still marry the sultan's son as promised. She still did not understand.
The sultan gave her a wolfish smile. "Marry my son for his heart and the Ottomans. Then become my favorite, and your father will remain alive."
Oh God. She would be the first wife of Suleiman, but a mistress to the sultan. She looked down at her father and Suleiman as they approached each other. How could she live with herself if either of them died? Suleiman was about to sacrifice his life for her. And her father had risked his life to rescue her.
Was she any different? Should she not sacrifice her life for them as well? The memory of her and Raja debating love come into her mind; how they argued about the meaning of sacrifice…and agreed in the end that love was worth any sacrifice.
With tears beginning to stream down her face, Rashida nodded her agreement.
--
Erik stood tall, holding the heavy sword with only one hand while the prince approached him. When he glanced at Rashida, his anger surfaced as he saw the sultan nuzzle her neck. Erik looked once more at the prince. Why would the sultan do this? How could he be so confident that this young prince could win? The man looked to be about Hamid's age. And while this prince named Suleiman appeared strong, he lacked the life experience Erik possessed.
But the sultan was showing signs of becoming unstable. The ruler had amazingly denied Erik the one thing that could grant the Ottomans peace. And when the sultan confused Rashida with Alexandria, Erik knew no amount of reasoning would work. Instead, the best Erik could hope for was the ruler had to be true to his word in front of so many in the court.
Or would his son's death cause the ruler to go deeper into madness?
Prince Suleiman suddenly rushed forward and struck hard. Surprised, Erik blocked the sword and began to advance. Although Erik was more skilled, he discovered the young man was rather quick. The prince dodged Erik's sword, missing his neck by only inches. Erik ignored the gasps and shouts from the crowd. His entire focus had to be on this fight for his daughter's life.
The sultan's son blocked another attack from Erik, the two swords chiming as they locked together. Erik pushed forward, pressing down hard onto Suleiman's sword. As they fought in a battle of strength, the prince grit his teeth, trying to throw Erik off him. Erik was again surprised when Suleiman found a burst of energy, moving suddenly back and kicking him in the chest. He lost his balance but managed to catch himself before Suleiman brought his sword down. Shoving the boy away with his sword, Erik managed to throw the prince into a wall. Suleiman ducked his head as Erik's sword swung again. By now the sultan's son was on the retreat, moving alongside the wall, trying to gain an escape for better footing. Suleiman managed to jump away as they neared a corner of the room. The crowd backed away, their voices continuing to yell and shout as the two men fought.
Erik struck again just as the prince moved behind a table holding a statue. The sculpture was hit by Erik's sword, and it fell with a loud crash to the floor. Suleiman took advantage and attacked hard and fast. Erik cursed as the prince's sword nicked his shoulder that had been previously stabbed. The pain sent Erik over the edge and he advanced, rushing at the prince with fury. Suleiman almost lost his sword from Erik's next blow, but the prince grimly held on, backing away as he defended himself. The two men continued to fight, returning to the middle of the room, in front of the Sultan's chair.
Erik could see the prince was growing tired as he was breathing heavily. Sensing the advantage, Erik struck high, knowing Suleiman would block the sword over his head. When the swords clashed, Erik kicked Suleiman's feet out from under him. The prince fell to the floor and lost his grip on his weapon. The sword came out of his hand and rolled across the floor. As a gasp was heard throughout the court, Erik held his sword to the prince's neck, trapping the young man on the floor.
Erik crouched down, not even sparing the sultan a glance as his victory was near. With Rashida's freedom now in front of him, Erik could not even think about allowing any mercy. He raised his sword, prepared to bring it down on the prince's neck.
"NO!"
Erik froze at the sound of his daughter's voice. He slowly turned his head and looked up to see that the sultan had untied the gag from her mouth. Still on the sultan's lap, Rashida was crying, looking at him with pleading eyes. Erik's heart sank but he shook his head. His daughter did not want him to take a life but he had no choice. This had to be done; this was the only way to break the contract…
But then Erik heard her whisper something that filled him with dread. The words shook him to his core, but she whispered it again:
"I love him."
A low rumble of laughter filled the room. In shock, Erik met the sultan's eyes as the ruler continued to laugh. "What is wrong Erik?" the sultan asked in a voice that made Erik cold. "I will keep my word. Take his life and your daughter will go free."
Erik could feel his heart pounding, his chest so tight he could barely breathe. The pain in his shoulder throbbed, and he suddenly understood. This was the spy he once tried to kill. This was the spy his daughter helped.
But he was no spy. Instead, Erik now realized how his daughter had been abducted so easily. Carefully planned, the prince of the Ottomans had seduced his daughter, disguised as a spy. Injured from Erik's earlier fight, Suleiman had prayed upon Rashida's heart, the only way she could be swayed in spite of her brilliant mind.
The sultan's voice cut into his revelation. "What is the matter Erik? You have the chance for your daughter's freedom right before you. She is too young to understand what love really means. Take his life."
Erik knew the sultan was taunting him. If he killed the young man, Rashida would never forgive him. But if he did not, would he ever forgive himself? Could he let his daughter believe that this prince was not as ruthless as the sultan? This was not love. The sultan's son did what needed to be done for his father. That was all.
Suddenly the prince underneath him spoke in a hiss, his voice so low only Erik could hear him. "Do it! It is the only way she can go free!"
Erik slowly looked down at him, unsure if he actually heard what Suleiman had said. But the prince spoke again, pressing his neck against Erik's sword.
"Do it now! Free her!"
--
Suleiman glared at Rashida's father. Erik could not let his daughter's words affect him. This was the only way! Suleiman saw realization hit Erik's eyes; that he suddenly understood. The man knew Suleiman was sacrificing himself for Rashida. He saw a flash of anger in Erik's eyes. The prince raised his chin, encouraging her father to act on that anger.
The blade left his throat momentarily, and Suleiman braced himself as Erik pulled back to gather strength for the final blow. Closing his eyes, words from an old prayer came into Suleiman's mind. He thanked Allah for the life he had; for giving him a chance to love Rashida before he died. He opened his eyes, meeting Erik's heated stare. The blow to his neck would be quick, and Suleiman was thankful the man would give mercy in that respect.
The sword came down and Suleiman never blinked, making sure he faced his death with honor.
But instead of feeling any pain, Suleiman heard the loud crack of the sword coming down onto the stone floor next to his head. Breathing heavily, the prince swallowed hard as he looked in shock at Rashida's father.
Erik said nothing, his eyes behind the mask now impossible to read. The court was completely silent except for the ragged sobs from Rashida.
Then soft laughter broke the silence, growing louder; laughter that Suleiman knew came from his father. Before Suleiman could understand what was happening, soldiers roughly grabbed Erik and yanked him away. Suleiman slowly got to his feet, amazed he was still alive. His father, still holding Rashida as she wept, smiled at him.
"I knew you would not lose."
Suleiman began to shake; the adrenaline still racing through him mixed with anger made his stomach sick. His eyes fell on Rashida, her face streaked with tears. Still bound by ropes, the sultan bent down and whispered something in her ear. She closed her eyes in pain.
"What are your instructions, my lord?" asked the captain as the soldiers bound Erik's hands behind his back.
The sultan tilted his head. "Remove his mask."
Suleiman glanced at Rashida, her eyes growing angry. But before she could even protest, the sultan replaced the gag in her mouth. She struggled anyway, trying in vein to prevent the soldiers from doing what Suleiman knew she considered to be the ultimate torture to her father.
When screams tore through the court, Suleiman slowly turned his head and his breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight before him. Erik's face was like nothing he had ever seen. Now Suleiman understood why so many thought him to be a true demon.
Erik did nothing. Despite the women in the room screaming at the sight of his face, Rashida's father stood completely still, showing no emotion. Instead, his lifeless eyes stared at the sultan, making a chill go down Suleiman's spine.
The sultan tilted his head and spoke in a low voice. "You are weak. And now your daughter will marry my son because of that weakness." The ruler leaned forward, a smile forming on his lips. "For your daughter's sake, you shall live…for now." Rashida stiffened and the sultan brushed the side of her face with his fingers. He bent down to her ear once more. "You must prove your sacrifice to me if you want him to live," he said in a loud enough whisper for Suleiman to hear the words. The ruler raised his voice. "Take him to the dungeon where he will be kept in chains and well guarded."
--
Rashida continue to cry as the sultan stroked her hair. Watching her father being led away was too much to comprehend. Now she understood how the sultan trapped him.
And her heart had been the bait.
She saw Suleiman approach, his face hardened with anger. "You knew I could not win."
The sultan laughed as his fingers caressed Rashida's neck. "I said I knew you would not lose. There is a difference."
"How easily you sacrifice a son."
She felt the sultan's body grow tense. "I know my enemies. Perhaps you should have more faith in your father."
"Give Rashida to me," demanded the prince.
Long fingers curled around Rashida's neck. "Leave us," the ruler commanded of the court. The room emptied and Rashida noted the soldiers also removed any weapons before they left. "Including you, Ahmed."
Rashida watched as Suleiman's brother gave a formal bow. But she also saw the worried look in his eyes before he left.
When the doors closed, the sultan's fingers loosened from Rashida's neck, returning to small caresses. "You fought bravely," said the ruler softly.
"Spare me your flattery!" spat Suleiman.
"I only speak the truth. You, on the other hand, are beginning to speak in a disrespectful tone to me."
Rashida saw Suleiman stiffen and he hesitated. "My lord," he said in a strained voice, "I ask for you to release the girl to me. I will keep her well guarded to prevent any escape."
"Her punishment is not yet fulfilled. I said she would stay bound at my feet for another day."
Suleiman's face filled with anger. "Are you so certain she will be at your feet, father? Or in your bed?"
The sultan's voice grew cold. "Watch your tongue, Suleiman. If you spread such dishonorable rumors, I may have to take her from you."
"Perhaps that is what you have planned all along. You said yourself she could give you another son; a son meant to be the next sultan!"
"You will marry the girl as announced to my empire. There is no question she shall be your first wife and you will be the next sultan."
"Of course. She will be my wife…and your concubine."
"Do not test me, Suleiman."
"Test you?" hissed the prince suddenly. "Why will you not admit to me what I already know? You want her for yourself!"
"Am I not the sultan?" snapped his father.
"You would dishonor the empire because of your lust? You would break our laws for the memory of a woman long gone from your life?"
Rashida's heart slammed against her chest when she heard the sultan's harsh voice that echoed throughout the court. "I will take what I want, when I want. And if you ever question me in front of my court, be assured Suleiman, Rashdia will pay the ultimate price!"
Suleiman's hands curled into fists. "You will not touch her before her wedding night. Do I have your word that you will keep her honor before marriage?"
The sultan was silent for a moment, and then he lifted Rashida off his lap and lowered her to his feet. "I will give you the gift you desire most. Her innocence will be yours." His voice dropped. "But that is all I will promise for now."
Suleiman stiffly bowed to his father. He met her eyes one last time, before furiously turning on his heel to leave the court.
Alone with the sultan, Rashida began to shake.
"I will not hurt you, little one," said the ruler in a gentle voice. "But you will become my favorite again."
Again? Rashida could not stop trembling. What did he mean? Was he thinking of her mother? She cringed when the ruler reached down, forcing her face to turn upward and meet his dark eyes.
"So beautiful…just as I remember." Suddenly the sultan's eyes darkened, as if he realized what he said. He frowned. "Rashida…" he murmured with a pause, as if making sure to say her name out loud to himself. "Now do you remember the exact words I said on the balcony?"
Rashida closed her eyes as the sultan laughed softly.
"Look at me." Hesitantly, she opened her eyes and he smiled. "Did I not tell you? One does not always choose who will open the beauty within his heart. And your father will not interfere with your heart."
