Chapter 44
Suleiman was furious. Slamming shut the door to his apartment, he briskly walked past the slaves as they fell to the floor in submission. Standing at a window, he looked out at the city, his mind still reeling with what happened.
Why the hell had Rashida's father stopped? Why did Erik not take his life? Rashida would be free right now if her father had fought to the death! Suleiman closed his eyes and envisioned Rashida on the sultan's lap. The memory of her bound and gagged with his father's hands caressing her made Suleiman shake with anger.
He had to do something. But what could he do? Any mistake may cost him Rashida. And yet she was already sentenced to be the sultan's concubine. The thought made Suleiman's stomach sick. How could his father, so loyal to the Ottoman tradition and laws, do this? Why did he not go through with the threat of taking Rashida as a fourth wife?
The answer of course was probably the agreement made with Erik so long ago. Rashida must be married to the sultan's son. Suleiman shook his head. How ironic that his father still insisted on not breaking any agreement, yet he was willing to break the Ottoman laws with taking his son's wife after marriage.
But his father was clearly so arrogant that he believed it was his right as sultan to do whatever he wished. It was true the sultan could change or create any law. Yet hundreds of years of tradition were far too powerful to simply override some deeply rooted values. The Ottomans felt even if men were married, they had the right to keep slaves for sexual gratification. But no man would ever touch another man's wife. In a sense, they held that same Christian belief that wives were highly respected and revered. True, men were permitted here to 'cheat' on their wives with other women, but not another married woman. It was the one sacred belief all men held; no man would ever even think to dishonor a man's wife in such a way.
Suleiman almost laughed for a moment when he realized he reasoned men here had the right to 'cheat' on their wives. A year ago, he never would have even considered such a word as 'cheating.' Here it was natural and accepted. But Rashida had changed him. At one time, he was so angry she had done such a thing to him; angry that she had turned his world upside down. But now he felt as if his eyes were opened. A man, who has never been truly in love, cannot understand how he would even want to remain monogamous.
Perhaps this was the reason his father was beginning to show such signs of madness. It was now obvious the sultan truly loved Rashida's mother. Suleiman's father had sacrificed his heart for the good of the people, keeping in tact years of Ottoman beliefs. Did his father regret his decision? But even if the sultan had offered Alexandria all that she wanted, even a monogamous marriage, would she have stayed with him? Suleiman was beginning to understand how his father could grow so bitter at such a thing. He was a powerful man, one whom all women desired. But if the only woman he loved abandoned him for a man such as Erik, Suleiman could only imagine what his heart suffered.
And while Suleiman could not forgive his father for wanting to take Rashida, he did understand him better. Suleiman himself was willing to give up Rashida for his people, thinking such a sacrifice was the right thing to do. But now seeing how it affected his father, Suleiman was uncertain if he would have been any better after losing Rashida…especially if she married another man.
"Suleiman?"
Suleiman whipped his head around to see Ahmed standing before him. So deep in his thoughts, he had not even heard his brother come into the room.
"Do not even think about talking with me!" snapped Suleiman angrily.
To his shock, Ahmed fell to the floor on his knees, his head touching to the stone floor. "Please forgive me," said Ahmed in a shaking voice. "I…I did not know you spoke the truth regarding our father. It is my fault Rashida is with him. I did not believe you!"
"I should beat you for even doubting me."
"As is your right," said his brother in a shaking voice.
Suleiman sighed and pulled up his brother. Still holding him by his shoulders, Suleiman looked down and met Ahmed's eyes. "I know you were doing what you thought was right for the people. I know you believed by ensuring Rashida's marriage to me that you thought it would help me rule. But now you see our father has other intentions."
"How…how could he do this? Allah, Suleiman! We are going to war! We have lost Constantinople! Why is this happening all due to one woman?"
Suleiman let go of his brother's shoulders and looked back out the window. "He is blinded by his past power, Ahmed. He does not think anyone can defeat the Ottomans. And our people see him as such a great ruler, they have complete confidence in his decision."
"Does he really think Rashida is the woman he once loved?" asked Ahmed softly.
"At times, yes, I think he is becoming confused," replied Suleiman as he felt his chest tighten. "You heard him call her Alexandria during the confrontation with Erik."
"Do you think he is insane?"
Suleiman clenched his jaw. "I believe he is becoming unstable. But he is still quite intelligent enough to get what he desires."
"Such as using Rashida to stop your death?"
Suleiman turned back to him and nodded. "I told you he would prey upon her weakness. She has a pure soul and could not allow either of us to die. By agreeing to become his favorite, she spared both her father and me. I fear if she does not follow through, then her father will be put to death."
Ahmed bowed his head, not meeting his eyes. "You know what must be done."
"Yes."
"I will help you."
Suleiman remained silent.
"How?" persisted Ahmed.
"It is not safe to talk about this even here," said Suleiman as a slave hurried past them.
Ahmed frowned. "Where?"
"Tonight. After darkness falls, we shall pay a visit to someone who is just as cunning as our father."
"Are you mad?" hissed Ahmed. "If our father finds out that you are talking to him…"
"You will lure the guard away, giving me enough time to speak with him alone."
Ahmed shook his head. "He may not even talk to you. You seduced his daughter!"
"I did not take her innocence in the physical sense!"
"But you seduced her mind and her heart."
Suleiman's jaw tightened. "But I am her only hope…his only hope to free her."
"If the sultan dies…"
"Hush!" snapped Suleiman. "I trust no one."
"And yet you trust him."
"What choice do I have?"
Ahmed lowered his voice to a whisper. "We can plan it ourselves."
Suleiman shook his head. "We need him."
--
"I cannot wait any longer."
Hamid sucked in his breath at the sound of his mother's voice. He was in his private bed chamber, sitting on one of the couches filled with pillows. Sevdi was curled up next to him and for just a few moments he had been able to get his mind off the situation.
"Mother…"
"No. If Milosh has captured Erik, the time to act is now, Hamid."
"We do not know for sure."
She shook her head. "I have received a message from one of the scouts that traveled here from Constantinople. The sultan's armies are beginning to shift in this direction."
Hamid frowned. "That may not be a reaction to what happened with Erik. I do not see them acting so quickly. It is more possible that rumors have reached the sultan about what is happening here at the border. We have been lucky far too long as it is."
"I am going."
"No. You will only place yourself in danger."
"Milosh would never hurt me."
Hamid was silent for a moment. Then he drew a deep breath. "While you were married to him, did he ever strike you?" When Alexandria's eyes fell to the floor, he knew the answer. He nodded. "You know what he is capable of when it comes to violence. What if it is true that he is unstable?"
"Then Rashida is in even more danger then we first thought," she replied with a shaking voice. She crossed her arms, holding herself. "He may listen to me."
"As in how? He will use you to his advantage. What if he demands an agreement for you to return to him?"
"If it would guarantee Rashida and Erik's freedom, I would consider it."
Hamid tried to keep his mouth from dropping open in shock. "Erik would not take kindly to such a thing. He would refuse to leave."
"I am sure he would think of it as an opportunity to take Rashida and then return for me."
"At what cost?" He looked down at Sevdi for a moment. She returned his gaze with frightened eyes. "I would never leave my wife in such a situation," continued Hamid. "Although my daughter would be free and safe, the thought of a monster fucking my wife would be too much to comprehend, even over logic."
"He has done it before," she replied softly.
Hamid whipped his head toward Alexandria. "What?"
She nodded. "Rashida…it was the only way to ensure her safety when she was born. Erik induced my labor. He made it look as if your real father sent soldiers to kill me and the child. Erik took Rashida and left. He knew there was the possibility of Milosh bedding with me again. We both knew it. But Rashida was more important."
Hamid slowly stood. "You will always be my mother. I will not risk your safety."
"And what of your sister? Is she any less important?
Suddenly the shah's voice cut in. "Let her go, King Hamid."
Hamid looked past his mother to see the shah standing in his room. He wore yellow robes, and had no turban on his head. The ruler looked well rested and his eyes were bright as he smiled.
"Alexandria is a capable ruler," said the shah. "It is she who has the advantage."
"I do not see how," replied Hamid in a low voice. "The sultan wants her."
The shah chuckled. "Alexandria is a great ruler because she rules his heart. The sultan wants to win her," the shah corrected. "That is the difference."
Hamid crossed his arms over his chest. "I will not risk my mother in the hope that a mad man will want to please her!"
"You have much to learn as you are still a young king."
"And what of you?" snapped Hamid. "You are nearly owned by Russia with your debt. And, if it were not for me, you may have befriended an enemy who would have eventually taken your lands!"
The silence in the room was uncomfortable. Hamid winced as he realized making the shah angry was certainly not a wise action. He opened his mouth to apologize.
But the shah held up his hand and shook his head. "I know you regret your remarks, King Hamid. I am not one to crumble so easily. It is true you being here has helped us avoid the Ottomans. However, it was Erik who is responsible for your life. He was the one who has risked everything to protect his family. And what you say is true about Alexandria being forced to be with the sultan once more to save Rashida."
"Exactly! The sultan may not even agree to release Erik! He may only agree to release Rashida!"
Alexandria spoke in a firm voice. "And Erik and I would agree to such a thing. Until you have your own children, Hamid, you do not understand the sacrifice both parents are willing to make for their child's freedom and happiness."
Hamid closed his eyes in pain for a moment. "And what if you are taken, mother? Will Constantinople blame me for it? Or worse, if the sultan forces you to marry him as his fourth wife, the contract with Constantinople will be reinstated!"
The shah spoke with a firm voice. "My people and yours are still a strong force against the Ottomans."
"But not as strong as if we are all together," protested Hamid. He shook his head. "No, there must be another way."
Alexandria looked at him with sad eyes. "No," she whispered. "I am the only hope they have."
--
Down in the depths of the dungeons, Erik closed his eyes in exhaustion. His wrists and ankles were bound in chains. At least the chains were long enough that he could move around. Hell, they could have bound him in a standing position against the wall. But the sultan was still wise enough to ensure he could not move far. He was unable to even go near the cell door.
Not that it mattered. The soldiers had beaten him so badly, he could barely move. At least nothing seemed to be broken. Although his body hurt like hell, the wounds that bled did not appear to be serious. Most likely the sultan still wanted him to stay in good condition to be used for later torture in the event Rashida did not cooperate.
Erik gave a deep sigh, even though his chest hurt from some of the blows he received. He should have taken the boy's life. If he had killed the prince, he and Rashida would be returning to Alexandria at this very moment.
But no, instead he let the man go free. Even though Rashida claimed to love him, Erik had been prepared to still kill the prince. But now he was angry about this young man having a good heart. When it became obvious of the prince's sacrifice to save Rashida, Erik could not bring himself to murder the sultan's son. He should have realized Suleiman had the blood of Iris, and she was a kind spirit. It was understandable that somewhere deep inside, the prince recognized Rashida's pure soul.
Or did this Prince Suleiman truly love Rashida?
Erik frowned to himself. Only deep love could make someone think to sacrifice their life. Perhaps the sultan's son was a solution; someone Erik could use…
The sound of a door opening down the corridor made Erik stiffen. But instead of seeing a soldier's face through his cell door, Erik was surprised to see a young man.
"He is in here!" hissed the boy.
"Good. Now get back to the entrance before the guard returns."
"But…"
"Ahmed, do as I say."
The young man turned his head and glared at Erik. "You hurt him and I swear I will slit your throat." He disappeared and then the cell door opened, revealing Prince Suleiman.
Erik's anger surfaced. It no longer mattered that the sultan's son wanted to sacrifice himself for Rashida. Instead, all he could think of was what this man may have already done to his daughter.
Prince Suleiman crouched down and reached underneath his robes. He withdrew a small flask and held it out to Erik. "It is water. Take it."
Erik slowly turned his head away and stared at the wall. He heard the prince give a sigh.
"I need your help."
Erik said nothing.
"You cannot deny that I can help her."
"Then set her free," replied Erik in a rough voice as he continued to stare at the wall.
"I already tried. My father knows…he knows how I feel."
Erik felt his chest burn with anger and he spoke in a low voice. "And what is it you feel?"
Suleiman's spoke in a soft voice. "I…love her."
Clenching his jaw, Erik turned his head and looked at him. "If it were not for you, my daughter would not be tied and bound at the sultan's feet."
The prince's eyes flashed with anger. "You think I do not know this? What of you? Why the hell did you not kill me?"
"I should have," said Erik returning his gaze back to the wall.
"But you did not. So now I need your help."
"You seduced and captured my daughter. I believe you have helped her quite enough."
"I did not…do it on purpose."
Erik's eyes turned back on the prince with hatred. "Already you lie to me."
"No! I mean…yes, my father sent me to Paris but then…"
"You had a soft heart and tried to let her go? Or did you fear the punishment your father would inflict if you did not follow through with the seduction?"
"No!"
Erik suddenly pulled on the chains, straining for just a moment with the thought to reach out and choke the young man. "I grow tired of your lies. Leave me."
"It is actually your fault."
"What?" snapped Erik.
"You were the one who injured me."
"Yes, I should have recognized you the night we fought. A weak boy could never be a trained spy!"
"Really? So tell me, when I struck your shoulder with my dagger, why did you flinch?"
Erik ignored the remark. "You preyed upon Rashida's weakness. You knew she was too compassionate to let you just die!"
"If I could change that moment in time, I would," said the prince in a low voice.
"How noble of you," mocked Erik. "But no matter how hard you try to convince me, you are still unworthy of her."
"I agree."
Erik all but rolled his eyes. "Of course you do. You play the part so well."
"I am telling the truth!"
"Just because you are in love with her and willing to sacrifice your life for her, does not mean you are the right man for her! But now she is willing to do anything for you. If you truly love her, drive her away. Reveal to her who you will really be once you become sultan of the Ottomans."
Prince Suleiman's eyes fell to the floor. "I already tried that as well."
Erik shook his head slowly. "I grow tired of your lying tongue."
The prince looked at him, and Erik noticed the man's eyes appeared to be filled with sadness. "Will you not help me?"
"No."
"Fine. I will free her myself." He stood up and gazed down at Erik. "It amazes me how intelligent my father claims you to be, and yet you let your emotions block an opportunity to help free your daughter!"
When Suleiman turned to leave, Erik spoke in a gruff voice. "And what do you plan to do?"
Suleiman turned around. "Why do you care?"
"I want to hear what ridiculous plan you have in mind."
"Why?" the prince asked again.
"I need something to at least humor me while I am locked in chains down here."
Suleiman's eyes narrowed. "If all you are going to do is mock me, I have no reason to stay." The prince turned on his heel and headed out the cell door.
"Wait."
Suleiman stopped.
"Tell me."
"Why? So you can laugh?"
"Is it that bad of a plan?"
The prince slowly turned around once more to look at him. "I am going to kill him."
Erik could not help himself and began to laugh. But when he saw Suleiman's face grow angry, he held back, trying to swallow his laughter.
"You have a better idea?" snapped the prince. "Then tell me!"
Erik grew serious. "Only if I see my daughter first."
"That is impossible!"
"Then I will see you shortly before my own death…when the sultan first orders you to be tortured in front of Rashida for an attempt on his life."
"How do I know you will not devise a plan to kill me instead?"
"You do not. But what does it matter if you truly love her?"
Suleiman sighed. "She is to be released to me tomorrow evening."
"Then you will find a way."
Author's note: My apology for taking so long. Unfortunately due to a very hectic travel schedule for work, I have been unable to spend any time writing. I promise I will finish this story, and will work on it when I can. -Anne
