A/N: Thank you to everyone who's taken the time to review and reach out to me on Twitter/Tumblr about this story. I love hearing your thoughts! Another huge thank you to Almondblossome, who's been helping me with the Arabic translations and giving me insights into the culture in general. I am taking some creative liberties at times, though, because the League is its own society.

This chapter and going forward in the story, I will be interspersing Arabic and English translations. Any English dialogue that is italicized is Felicity naturally interpreting it from Arabic. That will be happening more frequently as she picks up the language.

Finally, I've been doing some fun Olicity edits on Twitter/Tumblr for this story. Felicity's wardrobe is something that's important, and I'll be posting edits of the different dresses she's wearing on Tumblr if you want to check it out. Happy reading!

Chapter 4: The Duel

Felicity sat sprawled out on Sara's bed with her translation book. The other blonde sat across from her in a chair, sharpening her sword and reciting words in Arabic. Felicity listened carefully and studiously wrote them down before reciting them back to her. Even if she couldn't be fluent, Felicity at least wanted to be able to understand some of what was being said around her. Thankfully, Sara hadn't shot down her request to teach her.

"Oh God, that was awful," Felicity lamented when she completely botched the newest phrase. She blew out a breath in frustration.

"Yeah, it kinda was." Laughing at Felicity's glare, Sara added, "But hey, you're coming along. It's only been a couple of weeks, and you're a fast learner."

"Well, it's not like there's much else I can do," she grumbled.

Besides the constant threat of danger and underlying hostility about her union with Al Sah-him, League life was actually quite boring. Everyone served a purpose, and that was to carry out whatever agenda Ra's had up his sleeve. Eat, fight, sleep, and repeat seemed to be the common routine. There was hardly any happy chatter or laugher that she could hear as she passed through the halls. However, that could also be because her mere presence was seen as an intrusion. It was even more so when she was with Al Sah-him. When he entered a room, he commanded authority. There was fear from some, but mostly Felicity sensed a deep level of respect.

It was why Felicity enjoyed hanging out with Sara. The other woman could be strong and serious when necessary, but she was also a wild spirit. Sara didn't have the stiff formality like some of the other members Felicity had met. Talking and joking around with her felt so normal, which was something Felicity craved. The fact that she was one of the few people Al Sah-him trusted leaving her with was also encouraging.

Felicity didn't know much about Sara's background. What she did learn was that Sara had joined the League almost seven years ago when she was eighteen. She'd been found by Nyssa but mostly trained by Al Sah-him, since they were close in age. Naturally, Felicity had done the math and figured out that her new husband was only a few years older than herself. One mystery down and a million more to go, she'd resolved. Aside from their bedroom, Felicity was never left alone. Since Sara came around so often, Felicity was sure Al Sah-him had specifically assigned her as a guard. Neither of them ever came out and said it, though.

"To be fair, nobody actually joins the League for the fun of it."

Genuinely curious, Felicity asked, "What is the appeal then?"

"The League can turn anyone into a warrior. You get a new identity, protection, and the chance to be a part of something greater than yourself. But most of all, we're taught how to be strong and survive. That appeals to a lot of people who may feel powerless."

"Is that why you joined?"

"Yes." Sara paused in sharpening her sword. "But mostly I wanted revenge."

Sara's suddenly tense posture caused Felicity to curb her next question. This was a topic she obviously didn't want to keep talking about. Although Sara was usually fine with humoring her, Felicity knew not to push her luck. She watched as Sara put her sword in its sheath and stood.

"I think we've covered enough today." Sara rifled through a drawer in her nightstand. It was one of the few pieces of furniture in the otherwise small and simple room. She handed Felicity another list of words. "I wrote these out for you. Take a look, and we'll go over pronunciation next time."

"Thank you." A shiny piece of silver metal caught Felicity's eye in the drawer, along with some wires. It looked like tech, and instantly her interest was piqued. "What's that?"

"Just my iPod."

"You have an iPod?" Felicity exclaimed. It was impossible to hide the envy and exasperation in her voice.

Sara laughed. "Uh, yeah. We don't actually live in the Stone Age."

"But how do you charge it?" Felicity stared at the iPod longingly. Her inner tech junkie was salivating.

"Portable chargers. I've got a few and charge them up when I'm away on missions, so I can have them here."

"Smart," Felicity commented and eyed it longingly.

"You can borrow it if you want."

Felicity's heart actually skipped a beat at the offer. "Seriously?"

"Sure, as long as you promise not to judge my playlists," she joked.

"Deal," Felicity was quick to agree. "Now come to mama." She excitedly took the iPod from Sara.

Sara chuckled and shook her head. "I'm surprised you didn't ask for something like this sooner."

"Considering where we are, I didn't think it was possible or allowed."

"Not everyone has one, but I go on a lot of missions. So I have access to the outside world way more often. But even if it were banned, I don't doubt Al Sah-him would make an exception for you."

"Why would you say that?"

Sara eyed Felicity's dress, which was a vibrant purple with intricate beaded patterns sewn into the neckline and descending down the skirt. "I've never seen a wardrobe like yours. Don't get me wrong, you look amazing. But not even the Demon Head's late wife had worn anything so elaborate. Al Sah-him clearly ensures that you want for nothing."

"It's really not that big a deal. All I did was mention that I'd go crazy if I had to wear black every day," she kidded, trying to deflect some of Sara's scrutiny. "Talia probably wore something similar when they were together." Felicity's voice came out terser than she'd expected.

"How very accommodating of him," Sara mused. Her hint of a smile suggested she knew more than she was letting on. "And the only thing Al Sah-him ever gave Talia was a bracelet after the announcement of their betrothal, which is League custom."

"The one with the emeralds?" Felicity contemplatively questioned. She'd noticed it a few times. It was a simple yet exquisite gold bracelet that was connected by two overlapping triangles with emerald stones. Now that Felicity thought about it, the symbols had to be arrows. The same symbol she had branded permanently on her back. His symbol. Felicity ignored the twinge in her stomach.

"Yes, that's it."

"She's still wearing it," Felicity casually mentioned.

"Yeah, I know," Sara said neutrally and checked the time. "Hey, the duels are starting soon. We should head over there."

The duels were like the League's version of American Idol. But instead of trying to out-sing one another, members who volunteered to compete beat each other to a bloody pulp until there was only one man or woman standing. It took place at the end of every week and was the only major source of mass entertainment. In Felicity's opinion, the bragging rights the winner got afterward weren't worth the pain.

Felicity pocketed her glasses, since wearing them around the compound didn't exactly go along with her traditional "wife of the Demon" image. She really needed to get some contacts but having her glasses with her all the time—even if she couldn't always wear them—was a small but needed comfort. They left the barracks, and Felicity handed her things over to a servant to return them to her room. The servant nodded obediently. Although they were not allowed to speak to her, that didn't keep them from gossiping behind the scenes. Al Sah-him had informed her of a couple of rumors that had originated from a minor faux pas or two that Felicity had made in their presence. Everything she did and said was being scrutinized. It was as suffocating as it was frustrating.

They entered the mini amphitheater located on the south side of the compound. The room was circular with tiered seats carved into the stone. The men and women that were to compete tonight were already in the center stretching and warming up. The most elaborate seat, closely resembling a throne, was at the epicenter of the room and level with the fighting area known as the pit.

In the sea of black masks and uniforms, Felicity spotted Al Sah-him easily. His tall, broad frame stood out among the crowd. He was speaking with Ra's. Talia was by her father's side. As Ra's and Al Sah-him turned to look at something else, Felicity noticed that the young brunette had kept her eyes solely on Al Sah-him. Felicity unconsciously ran her hands down her dress to straighten out folds from when she'd been lounging on Sara's bed.

As if he could sense her presence, Al Sah-him turned to greet her. He leaned down to kiss her cheek. The first time he'd done that last week, it had taken Felicity a good ten minutes to get over the shock. She quickly figured out it was more for appearance's sake than actual affection. Al Sah-him was stringent in maintaining his stoic façade in public, and the occasional break in his mask served a purpose. They had to appear united as a couple. If Al Sah-him could accept her, then the rest would follow.

"You look very pretty," he complimented.

That was a new one, and Felicity almost reared back in surprise. "You saw me this morning," she blurted out.

"I thought it but didn't get a chance to say it." He brought his hand to her face, and Felicity's head spun. His thumb swiped just below her mouth. "You've been biting your lip." His voice dropped even lower. "Everything all right?"

When had he picked up on her habit? Did he stare at her lips often? Breathe. She needed to remember to breathe. This was all for show. "Just thinking—I mean studying. With Ta-er al-Asfe," she awkwardly tripped over her words.

"Is it going well?" he questioned in Arabic, and Felicity felt a tiny thrill at actually being able to comprehend it.

"Na'am." Yes.

"Impressive," Talia commented, her tone every bit as condescending as her expression. "You've shown a profound mastery of our native tongue."

Ra's said something in response. Felicity thought she caught the word for "manners" in there somewhere. The exchange was over quickly when it was announced the duels were about to begin. Ra's glided onto his throne as the rest of them took seats at his side. Felicity was between Al Sah-him and Nyssa, with Sara next to her. Talia, thankfully, was on the other side of Ra's. She was talking to the woman that Felicity recognized as his head mistress.

The pair of fighters entered the pit. The gong was hit, and they descended on each other. Meanwhile, servants walked among the crowd offering drinks and spiced, roasted nuts. Felicity didn't know how anyone could have an appetite. One of the men just slashed out at the other, causing some blood to spurt from the wound. There were even some young children watching in the crowd, which Felicity found unsettling.

A servant approached them with a tray. Nyssa was about to take a bag of nuts when she suddenly paused and addressed Felicity, "Would it be all right if I ate these, or would it disturb your allergy?"

Felicity was so stunned that she couldn't answer at first. "Oh, um, that's fine. I'm only affected if I eat them. Thank you," she added.

Nyssa nodded and took a bag. Al Sah-him rejected them, and the servant continued on down the row. When a man came around with wine, he grabbed a cup for himself and Felicity.

"What is it?" she inquired before tasting the red liquid.

"Pomegranate wine. It's sweet. You'll like it," he told her. Felicity took a sip and found that she did like it. She loved red wine but had refused to drink when she first arrived in Nanda Parbat. Holding her liquor wasn't one of her strong suits. Now that she was a bit more settled and fairly certain her husband wasn't a barbaric brute, she felt comfortable letting her guard down somewhat.

The duels continued on, with members getting eliminated and the winners progressing forward. As the intensity increased, so did the violence of the matches. Felicity was trying really hard not to react and show her disgust as the others around her discussed who they thought would win or lose. The last thing she needed was to spark offense and give more League members a reason to resent her.

Felicity was so caught up in trying to distract herself that she jumped when she felt something touch her. At first she thought it had been Al Sah-him trying to get her attention and was surprised to see a little girl standing before her. She couldn't be more than five years old. A woman rushed forward to pull her away.

"Amina!" the woman shouted and rushed forward. She immediately bowed before pulling her child away and apologizing. "I'm so sorry, Seti. She admired the dress and wanted to touch it." She started whispering in hushed tones to her daughter and leading her back.

Felicity called out to her before she could leave. "That's okay. Wait." She addressed the girl, who was adorable with her big brown eyes and head full of dark curls. "Amina is your name?" The child nodded shyly, now hiding behind her mother's leg after being scolded. Felicity kept her voice soft and light. "It's beautiful. You can come and touch my dress if you like." Amina hesitated and glanced between her mother and Felicity. "It's all right."

The mother looked to Al Sah-him, and he also nodded. She let Amina go, and the child walked up to Felicity. Her tiny hand touched the beaded designs in awe. It was a glaringly stark contrast to Amina's simple dark clothing.

"Jamil," Amina said and smiled. Pretty.

"Shukran," Felicity responded in thanks. The two spoke for a couple of minutes, alternating between English and Arabic. Since Amina was so young, Felicity was able to understand her simple words easily and vice versa. She gave Amina, who was now smiling from ear to ear, a hug before she finally returned to her seat with her mother.

An idea popped into Felicity's head as she watched them leave. "Maybe we can have a dress made for her. I think she'd really like that." Felicity didn't know what Al Sah-him was thinking as his bright blue eyes pierced her but felt the weight of his stare all the way down to her toes.

Remembering their surroundings, Felicity realized he wasn't the only one staring. Lots of others nearby watched her curiously. Nyssa seemed pleased while Sara beamed openly. Even Ra's was studying her keenly. Felicity ignored Talia, not wanting what was sure to be a scowl on her face to ruin an otherwise nice moment.

Feeling self-conscious, Felicity whispered to Al Sah-him, "Did I do something wrong?"

He shook his head and lifted a finger to her cheek. The caress was so quick Felicity wasn't certain it even happened. "You were perfect," he murmured so only she could hear.

Felicity was blushing. She could feel it and swiftly grabbed her wine to keep from fidgeting. It was bad enough that she sometimes had these reactions when she was alone with him, but in front of an audience had her feeling flustered and out of control. Felicity returned her attention to the fight unfolding. It was the final match.

The two men facing off couldn't be more opposite. The first was tall and heavyset, though muscular. His neck was like the size of Felicity's thigh. His name was Al Torr , meaning The Bull. Felicity could understand how he got that name. He tended to charge and put all of his strength behind his attacks. Many of his opponents had been bruised and broken after facing him. The other was short and lean. However, what he lacked in brute strength he made up for with speed and strategy. He was called Al Fahd, The Cheetah.

The cheers were mixed as the men circled each other. Al Fahd kept dodging Al Torr 's advances. The larger man's initially cocky attitude was starting to dissipate into frustration that he couldn't get a direct hit. The suspense was building. "Who do you think will win?" Felicity mumbled to Al Sah-him.

"Al Torr," Al Sah-him answered without hesitation.

"Really?" She'd found herself rooting for Al Fahd. "Why? Al Fahd seems pretty fast and clever. You don't think he'll outwit Al Torr?"

"If they weren't limited to the pit, then Al Fahd would stand a better chance. But he's dodging him, see?" He pointed out their movements. "Al Torr is much stronger than the others he battled. One good hit from him, and he's done."

Al Sah-him's prediction proved correct minutes later. Al Torr had managed to get close enough to Al Fahd to knock the sword from his hand and punch him. Not letting up, Al Torr hit the other man until he was an unconscious heap on the floor. The gong rang out signaling the end. Cheers erupted in the crowd, and Al Torr ate it up. He then raised his arms to silence everyone. He glossed over the crowd before facing their section and shouting. Felicity couldn't understand anything he was saying but thought she'd heard Al Sah-him's name. Her suspicions were confirmed when she felt Al Sah-him tense ever so slightly next to her.

"What's going on?"

"Al Torr has challenged me to a duel."

"What?" Felicity exclaimed. "How can he do that?" That hadn't happened the previous week.

"The champion is afforded the opportunity of challenging either myself or my heir," Ra's interjected. "It is an honor to face one of us, although very few are up to the task."

"What happens if you lose?"

"We don't," Ra's answered as if it was a fact. "No need to look so worried, Abad-eshams. Your husband will undoubtedly triumph, although your concern is endearing."

Did she look concerned? Because Felicity most definitely wasn't. She was just about to tell Ra's that when she thought better of it. Instead, in a move that was truly rare for her, she kept quiet. She needed to play her part.

"Don't worry. I'll be fine, shamsi." Al Sah-him was playing his part as well if his endearment for her was any indication. He'd started calling her "my sun" in public just a few days after their wedding. The way it always rolled off of his tongue with throaty affection nearly had her believing it. His skill of deception, even in service to her, was unsettling at times. He raised Felicity's hand to his lips before standing and approaching the pit.

The stiffness throughout her body had nothing to do with the intimate gesture. She'd had to get used to those quickly for appearance's sake. It was watching Al Sah-him stand across from Al Torr, their swords drawn, that caused the knot in the pit of her stomach to tighten. The man was taller and had a thicker build than Al Sah-him, which put Felicity on edge. She knew Al Sah-him trained every day, but Felicity had only ever seen him with his bow. He had to be a great fighter and master of different weapons, however, to earn the title of Warith al Ghul.

"I still don't get it," Felicity muttered to herself. Why would anyone challenge Al Sah-him if he was supposedly unbeatable?

"It's a power play, however useless," Nyssa spoke up. Felicity must've unknowingly said that last part out loud, as well. "Most often the challenger has some kind of grievance with either my father or Al Sah-him, and the public duel is a way to indirectly make it known."

"How is there honor in that?"

"Even if the challenger is defeated, he still surpassed his fellow League members in skill. It's the closest one can get to reaching a level fitting of the Demon."

"So what's this guy's beef?" Nyssa frowned, clearly not understanding the colloquialism. "What's his problem?" Felicity elaborated.

"Although Al Sah-him has always been my father's first choice as his heir, he was considering a few others. Al Torr was among them."

"So this is nothing more than a case of sour grapes."

"Probably."

Sara reached over and took a few of Nyssa's spiced nuts. "This should be entertaining."

The atmosphere in the room had changed within seconds. The spectators were quieter and more subdued. The fun and games of the previous duels had faded. Everyone watched the two men circling each other in rapt attention. Al Sah-him's expression was stoic but calculating. Al Torr, on the other hand, looked like he was out for blood.

The gong sounded, and the pair descended on each other. Felicity gasp with the first clash of their swords. Al Sah-him didn't dodge Al Torr like the other man. In fact, he was the one on the attack. His opponent met each blow, though his brute strength was no longer his greatest asset. Al Sah-him not only appeared equally strong, but he was even more precise in his blows. The way he moved with such power and ease made it appear as if he was gliding across the floor.

"He should finish him," Nyssa commented after another tense minute passed. "This goes on any longer, and it's a sign of weakness."

"Where's the fun in it ending too quickly? Al Sah-him is giving the crowd a show," Sara replied. "He'll put him down soon enough."

Felicity took in the crowd of faces. All eyes were on the men in the center of the room. Nothing but the clattering of swords and angry grunts could be heard—the latter mostly belonging to Al Torr. There was a moment when the two men were locked in a deadly hold, straining against each other. They were so close that Al Torr was able to whisper something to Al Sah-him. The man's eyes then flicked in her direction, and he openly leered.

Al Sah-him's reaction was instantaneous. His mask of indifference transformed into a silent rage. Sara had been right that he was holding back, because the onslaught that followed was brutal. Al Torr struggled to meet his blows until the sword went flying from his hand. Al Sah-him didn't stop. He slashed out and sliced Al Torr in the side. The larger man grunted in pain before his feet were kicked out from under him. He lay on the floor, blood trickling from his side, and curled in as Al Sah-him delivered a kick to the exposed wound. His cry was sharp and agonized. Several more kicks followed. Al Sah-him raised his sword as if to deliver the killing blow when Ra's halted him.

Breathing heavily, Al Sah-him hesitated before finally lowering his sword and stepping away. Whatever fury-fueled trance he'd been in started to fade. He bowed to Ra's and then glanced in her direction. Felicity stared between him and the crumpled, defeated man on the ground—the iron will and brutality it took to be Warith on full display. No matter how many times she'd tried to imagine this side of him over the last couple of weeks, it was nothing compared to witnessing it firsthand. All of the kind, reassuring words and overtures that were meant to put her at ease, were they nothing more than a mask for this?

Felicity, feeling her first true sliver of fear, had to look away.

The walk back to their bedroom was silent. When they were finally behind closed doors, Felicity removed her hand from where it'd been resting in the crook of Al Sah-him's arm and began her nightly routine. She took her jewelry off first before taking her turn in the bathroom. She changed out of her elaborate dress into her silk pajama shorts set. If she had to keep her skin covered up all day, then she sure as hell was going to let whatever she wanted show in the privacy of her room.

Her desire for some freedom and normalcy eventually overshadowed her initial trepidation at being so scantily clad in front of Al Sah-him after that first week. Not that she was showing that much skin, but she wanted to make sure there were no misconceptions about their boundaries. Al Sah-him stated outright he wouldn't force himself on her, so Felicity was somewhat reassured that her husband wasn't about to pounce on her at any moment. The way he stared sometimes hinted that she also couldn't be too complacent in front of him. After what she saw tonight, too, Felicity questioned if that was another false sense of security.

She washed her face and brushed her teeth, feeling more refreshed. She then pulled her long hair up into her signature ponytail and put on her glasses. The relief at actually recognizing herself in the mirror was immediate. Most nights Felicity would venture back into the bedroom and grab one of her books to read in bed. By the time Al Sah-him returned from doing whatever it was a tyrant-in-training did, she'd either be engrossed in her book or about to go to sleep. Maybe they'd exchange a few polite words, but they mostly kept to themselves. The moment she opened the bathroom door and found him hovering nearby, Felicity knew it wasn't going to be one of those nights.

Al Sah-him had already shed his uniform, leaving on only his dark pants. His chest glistened with sweat from the fight. He truly was a sight to behold when his shirt was off, and any woman in her right mind wouldn't be able to help sneaking a peek or two. Quickly looking away, Felicity refused to let his muscles be a distraction tonight.

"Bathroom is all yours," she said flatly.

He caught her wrist as she passed. "Felicity…"

"Don't touch me," she warned and yanked out of his grasp. Al Sah-him sighed, shaking his head, and turned for the bathroom when she blurted out, "You were going to kill that man."

"No, but I was tempted," he stated bluntly.

"I saw you. You were going to do it if Ra's hadn't have stopped you," Felicity argued. "And for what? Some stupid duel?"

"The duel meant nothing. The moment he spoke ill of you, that's when I took offense."

"Nobody else heard it. What exactly did he say that was so bad?" Felicity challenged with her hands on her hips. "I'd really like to know."

There was a subtle tick in Al Sah-him's jaw, underlying the anger he was clearly fighting to keep at bay. "It's not worth repeating."

"Oh, so it's not worth saying but it's worth killing over. That makes total sense."

"It wasn't just what he said," Al Sah-him gritted out. "He had no business looking at you like he did, which everyone did see. He had to be put in his place. It was for your protection."

"Don't lie to me. The men in my life always claim to do right by me, but in the end it's always about their own selfish pride. How do you think I ended up here?" she snapped. "I won't have you using me as an excuse to justify your own violent actions against a rival."

"You have no idea what you're talking about," he retorted.

"Maybe I don't know all of the League politics, but I do know right from wrong," Felicity argued, not backing down. "I won't have you killing for me."

"I don't know your father or whoever else you've been involved with, and I don't give a damn," he growled. "This is the League of Assassins, Felicity. You don't know this world or the sacrifice that's necessary to survive in it. If killing is what I have to do to keep you safe, then I will. It's my duty as Warith and your husband. I won't apologize for protecting what's mine."

Felicity was seeing red at that. "I am not yours! You can doll me up with all of the makeup, jewels, and pretty dresses you want to have me look the part of the perfect wife. You can kiss my cheek, hold my hand, and whisper whatever charming endearments to make it seem like we're suddenly so in love but make no mistake, it means nothing. I will never be yours."

They stared each other down, both breathing heavily in the wake of their heated exchange. She refused to react when he cupped her face and dragged her forward. The movement was so swift Felicity barely had time to catch herself, and her hands automatically landed on his chest to get her balance. His usual spicy musk mixed with the smell of sweat and leather, overwhelming her senses. Her heart stopped and breath caught in her throat when he closed the distance. Their noses brushed as his face hovered mere centimeters above hers.

Despite her best efforts, Felicity's eyes flicked down to his lips. It was quick, but Al Sah-him noticed and a hint of a smirk formed on his face. It sent fire rushing through her veins, a disconcerting combination of fury and exhilaration.

"If you weren't biting your lip right now, I'd almost believe you," he said in a coarse whisper as his thumb pried it from her teeth. Unlike earlier, he actually dared to caress it and her mouth instinctively parted.

"I'm not a liar. I mean what I say." She sounded strong and composed, which was a relief since it was the exact opposite of how she felt.

"I don't doubt that. But you also say a lot without ever opening your mouth." Another brush against her lip. "I see you, Felicity, and part of you likes this more than you care to admit."

"I don't like being a prisoner," she countered, ignoring the goose bumps forming on her skin from his intimate touch.

"You've been a prisoner long before you ever came here. Except I won't stifle that fire in you like your coward of a father. Whether you take the opportunity as my wife to let others see that light, like you did tonight with that little girl, is up to you."

"I doubt Ra's will approve," she retorted, trying to conceal how deeply his words were affecting her.

"You leave Ra's to me."

"Why?" Felicity searched his eyes for any sign of deception. "Is this some kind of power grab where you need everyone to like me so that you can take the throne sooner?"

"I have enough power, and I'll ascend to Ra's when the appropriate time comes."

"Then what the hell do you want from me?" Felicity questioned, unable to hide her exasperation. She truly didn't get him sometimes. He didn't want this marriage and yet he made her promises and gave her beautiful things. In her experience, nothing ever came without a price. Felicity hated mysteries and always thought they needed to be solved. Al Sah-him was turning out to be the most elaborate of them all.

He was quiet and contemplative before finally murmuring, "You're beautiful when you're angry, shamsi."

The stubborn retort Felicity had been ready to hit him with died on her lips as she gaped back at him in shock. He couldn't possibly mean what she thought. The mere insinuation was unthinkable. Al Sah-him appeared genuine, regardless, with his expressively bright eyes and impassioned stare boring into her.

He released her abruptly and then barely spared her a second glance as he entered the bathroom. Felicity, her body betraying her, sunk back against the bedpost. She didn't know when she'd started trembling. Crawling into bed, she was exhausted but restless. Sleep eluded her as her mind reeled. Sometime later she heard the bathroom door open and Al Sah-him's subtle movements throughout the room. Even with her eyes shut, Felicity was acutely aware of his presence. They snapped open when the bedroom door creaked—just in time to see him leave the room fully dressed in more casual attire than earlier.

Felicity wondered where he was going so late at night but swiftly ended that train of thought. It shouldn't matter. She would not be playing the part of the concerned wife waiting up for her husband. Turning over so her back was to the door, Felicity forced her mind to quiet. In spite of her best efforts, she tossed and turned in the wake of his absence while the echo of his words invaded her thoughts.

He didn't return for the rest of the night.

Translations:

Na'am = yes

Seti = My Lady

jamil = pretty

shukran = thank you

shamsi = my sun