Leila groaned when she felt Aziza shaking her. "Wake up, girl, the Elders have summoned you. We must get you ready."

Leila opened one eye. "Tell them to summon me in a couple of hours."

Aziza laughed. "It is already midday. Get up."

Leila grumbled as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. When she was done she realized there were several other women in the tent. "Brought reinforcements?"

Aziza smiled and pulled Leila out of bed. "We are going to make you into the image of a proper Med-jai woman. We will allow the Elders to find no fault with you. The women of this village owe you much."

With a sigh, Leila submitted to Aziza. It was nice to have friends.

Aziza presented Leila with a beautiful emerald skirt and a matching tunic both trimmed with silver embroidery. "This is a gift from the women of the village to show our gratitude for your bravery during the battle."

Leila fingered the soft material. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

"Put it on." Aziza placed the clothing in Leila's hands.

When Leila had dressed the women urged her to sit, one brushed out her hair, and another began to line her eyes with kohl.

It was Aziza who added the final touch. In her hand, she held a gold circlet inlaid with emeralds. "This was my bride gift from Ardeth's father. It will look lovely on you."

Leila gazed eyes wide. "I couldn't –"

"Hush." Azzia laid a sheer green veil over Leila's hair and placed the circlet over it. "This will let the Elders know that you have my approval and my support."

Before Leila could think of a reply, Ardeth called from outside the tent. "It is time, Ume. Is she ready?"

"Yes, my son." Aziza urged Leila to her feet. "Come."

Ardeth was in awe when Leila emerged from the tent. He had never seen anyone so lovely. The green material made Leila's eyes glitter and her hair shone like the sun itself. The silver embroidery lining the cloth emphasized the fairness of her skin. What surprised Ardeth the most was that the circlet that sat on her head belonged was his mother's bride gift.

Leila fidgeted uncomfortably. Ardeth's silence was making her nervous. "Ardeth?"

Ardeth shook himself. "You look lovely."

"Thank you." Leila forced a smile. "Guess we shouldn't keep the Elders waiting."

"No. Let us go." Ardeth extended his arm and Leila took it.

A group of women and children had gathered outside the council tent. One of the little girls Leila had rescued skipped forward flower in hand. "For you," the girl lisped in Arabic.

"Shukran," Leila smiled and bent so the little girl could tuck it behind her ear.

Ardeth smiled as well. This show of support could only help Leila with the Elders.

When Leila straightened, Ardeth led her into the tent of the Elders.

Ardeth bowed and Leila follow suit. "Greetings Honored Elders," Ardeth said respectfully.

"Greetings to you as well, my lord," the Elder sitting in the center replied. "I hope you are well?"

"Yes. Thank you, Hasim." Ardeth straightened. "This is the girl I told you of. Her name is Leila."

"Step forward, Leila."

Leila did so meeting the Elder's gaze steadily.

The Elder's face softened with a smile. "Are you recovered from your injuries?"

Leila nodded. "Nearly so, thanks to the kindness of the Med-jai."

Hasim nodded in recognition of her thanks. "Ardeth tells us you were at Hamanaptra against your will. Is this true?"

"Yes, Elder. My brother was murdered by the men who kidnapped me. They threatened to kill me if I did not lead them to Hamanaptra." Leila acknowledged.

The Elder to Hasim's left spoke up. "Better if you had died than lead such men to the City."

"Tariq," Hasim began but Leila held up a hand.

"This is true," Leila agreed, "One life is a small price to pay to keep such evil contained. But, I didn't know this then. I beg the Council to forgive me for my ignorance."

Ardeth fought back a grin. He was quite proud of the way she was handling herself. She had countered Tariq calmly and respectfully.

Hasim did grin. "Well said, child. The Council is also aware of the support you have gathered in the village. You showed great bravery when you saved those children. I also see that Aziza Bay has placed her emerald circlet on your head. The meaning of this has not escaped me." The Elder's gaze became contemplative.

"Still, you know the location of the City. It is possible that other greedy men know that you carry this knowledge." Hasim leaned forward, "This presents a problem. How can we allow you to return to your world knowing you bear this knowledge?"

Ardeth stepped forward. "I will allow no harm to come to this woman, Hasim. I have sworn to protect her."

"Peace, my lord," Hasim soothed, "I would not wish to harm a woman who has saved Med-jai lives. That does not eliminate the fact that if she returns to the world the secret location could be in danger. Also, we have learned that the two of you shared a tent. We have come up with a solution."

Ardeth lifted an eyebrow. "What is this solution?"

"We have long been pestering you to take a wife, Ardeth," Hasim said with a grin, "We wish you to take this woman to wife."

"WHAT?" Leila yelped before she could stop herself.

Hasim turned an innocently surprised gaze back to Leila. "You find Ardeth Bay an unworthy husband?

Drat the clever old snake! Leila took a deep breath. "Of course not, Elder. But you ask much of me for me to marry a man I barely know and make a life far from home."

"It is not so much," Hasim countered, "True, you will leave the world you know, but you will leave it to become a Queen. Such an honor has never been given to an outsider before."

Seeing an opening, Leila pounced. "But how do you know I am worthy of such an honor? Would you see your king married to an unworthy infidel? What if Ardeth is not willing?"

Hasim regarded Ardeth who had been silent during this time mostly to shock. "Do you find this woman unsuitable, my lord?"

This was the last thing Ardeth had expected. Still, he could not lie to the Elder. Leila was brave and smart. She was also beautiful. She would make a fine wife. "Though I would not wish an unwilling bride, I find Leila quite acceptable."

Leila gaped at Ardeth. Hasim chuckled. "Do not look so surprised. You are a beautiful woman and our contacts tell us you will bring a great deal of money to your marriage. Since your brother is dead you are sole heir are you not? This will be useful to the Med-jai."

Leila's eyes flashed. "You want me to marry your chief because of my money!"

"It doesn't hurt," Hasim replied ruefully. Sobering he continued, "We cannot let you leave this village, child. Because of the feelings of the villagers and our Chief we it would cause a great deal of difficulty if we harmed you. We would not wish to due to the bravery and compassion you have shown. This is the best compromise we could find. We cannot force our Chief to wed but he is not adverse to the idea. This is a reward more than a punishment. Please see it as such. It is your best option. I suggest you take it."

Leila heard the veiled threat. She ignored it.

"No."

"I beg your pardon?" Hasim asked in genuine surprise.

Leila's eyes snapped fire and her hands clenched into fists at her side. "You heard me. I said no. I will not be bartered into a marriage to a man I hardly know so you can get your greedy little hands on my money."

Tariq leaned forward. "If you do not comply with our wishes, we will be forced to have you killed."

"NO." This time Ardeth spoke. "I will allow no harm to come to this woman."

Hasim shook his head. "Ardeth . . . you know she cannot be allowed to return to her world. Even if the girl gave us an oath and even if she truly meant it, there are those who would go to great lengths to force the location of the Forbidden City from her. Either she marries you or she dies." Hasim considered, "Perhaps we could only cut out her tongue."

Ardeth sighed and nodded, hating Hasim for forcing them into this. "Then we must marry." Ardeth turned sorrowful eyes to Leila. "Please, little one. It is the only way."

She fought back the urge to cry. She was backed into a corner. "I-I will marry Ardeth," she whispered hoarsely.

Ardeth wanted to throttle the Elders. He was willing to wed Leila but he did not wish her forced into it. It would seem that in order to spare her harm he had no choice. His heart twisted as he took in her pale face and trembling hands.

When Hasim spoke again, his voice was sympathetic. "I know this is a shock, my child. It will not seem so bad once you calm down. To give you time to adjust, the wedding will take place in seven days. I suggest you spend time with your betrothed, my lord, allow her to get to know you."

Ardeth gritted his teeth and bowed his head. "Wise suggestion, Elder."

Hasim stood. "Come, we will tell the village now."

Ardeth wanted to protest but knew it was no use. They might as well see it done.

Leila stared. She couldn't seem to find her voice. She felt Ardeth take her arm. "Be strong, kahlila, for just a few more minutes."

Leila looked up at him glassy eyed for a moment before making a visible effort to regain her composure. She nodded stiffly. Leila and Ardeth followed the Elders from the tent.

Most of the village had gathered to hear the fate of the infidel. Hasim raised a hand for quiet. "I have a joyous announcement! Ardeth Bay has consented to marry Leila Callahan. I give you your Queen!"

The crowd gasped in shock then began to cheer. Well most of the crowd. Some of the women both young and old glared in outrage. Some of the warriors were appalled that their Chieftain would wed an outsider . . . an infidel no less. Even if she had saved Medjai lives, for which they were truly grateful, the thought of an outsider marrying their chief was unbelievable! Oblivious to this, Leila wanted to scream. Everyone was just tickled pink about this except for her.

Aziza came forward and hugged Leila. She could sense all was not what it seemed. "Come to my tent, daughter, and we will talk. You too, al ibney."

Leila was shaking from head to toe by the time they reached Aziza's tent. All the way Ardeth had been whispering to his mother what had occurred in the Council tent. Leila heard nothing but the roaring in her ears. "Damn them!" she choked out once she was inside Aziza's tent. "I hate them for this!"

Ardeth took Leila by the arms and turn her to face him. "I am sorry, Leila. Hasim did not give us a choice." He tipped her chin up so he looked into her eyes, "I did not lie when I said I found you worthy. You would make any man a fine wife. I am sorry if you do not feel the same about me."

The sorrow in his eyes brought Leila to her senses a bit. "Oh, Ardeth, the problem isn't you. It's just that we haven't known each other for very long and I-I –well I thought I'd marry for love. I don't like being forced into it like this. A-and I don't belong here. This isn't my home. These aren't my people!"

Aziza's heart went out to the girl. Among her people, a bride sometimes did not meet her husband until their wedding. To this girl, the idea was alien and offensive. Still, Aziza had glimpsed the attraction between her son and this woman. The situation was not hopeless.

"Al ibney, leave us for a bit hmm?" Aziza suggested gently.

Ardeth nodded helplessly. "Of course." With a last look at Leila, he left the tent.

Aziza took Leila's hands. "I know this seems like the end of the world but it isn't, dear girl. I did not meet Ardeth's father until the day of our wedding. I was not happy about marrying Khalil. But, in time we came to love each other. Deeply."

"Oh, Aziza," Leila sighed, "It's not just that. I don't know anything about how your people live. How can I be Queen of a people I don't understand? I won't know what to do!"

"I will help you," Aziza reassured her. "I will teach you what you need to know." The older woman shook her head sadly. "There is no other way." Aziza squeezed her hand, "Ardeth would not hurt you. He will be a good husband."

Knowing instinctively that this was true and not seeing any other way, Leila nodded and steadied herself. "I should go talk to Ardeth."

Aziza nodded. "He is probably with the horses. He tends his favorite stallion when he is troubled."

Leila left the tent and ten steps later realized she had no idea where the horses were kept. She spotted Altair and hurried up to him. "Altair!"

The Med-jai turned and bowed. "My lady, how can I be of service?"

"I'm looking for Ardeth. Aziza said he'd be with the horses but I don't know where that is. Can you show me?"

"Certainly, my lady. Follow me."

As they walked, Leila took the opportunity to try and wriggle some answers out of Altair. If it were either marry Ardeth or die then Leila would marry Ardeth. She would do her best to make a life for herself here. "Have you known Ardeth long?"

"Since we were boys, my lady."

"What was he like?" Leila asked trying to imagine Ardeth as a little boy.

"Much as he is now. Ardeth has always been a rock for his people."

"Oh."

Altair smiled. "You need not fear, my lady. Ardeth will be a good husband to you."

"Was I that transparent?"

"Yes, my lady."

They found Ardeth in the stables just as Aziza had predicted. He had his back to them and was brushing his favorite stallion Gahiji.

"Ardeth?" Leila called hesitantly.

Ardeth turned and studied her silently.

"Can we talk?"

"Of course. Altair, I am taking my betrothed for a ride."

"Aiwa, Chief." Altair bowed and walked away.

Leila watched as Ardeth began to saddle Gahiji. "Where are we going Ardeth?"

"Just far enough so that we can have some privacy," Ardeth replied. "I think we have heard enough of the opinions of others for the day, yes?"

Leila managed a chuckle. "Definitely."

Ardeth led Gahiji from the stable and Leila followed. She let Ardeth lift her into the saddle. Ardeth then mounted behind her and kicked Gahiji into a trot. He waved to the sentries as they left the village.

"You seem calmer," Ardeth remarked after several minutes.

Leila sighed and looked up at him. "I'm sorry, Ardeth. It was just a shock. I don't like being pushed into a marriage just so the Elders can get a hold of my money. There's just so much about you that I don't know and so much about your people I don't understand."

"I do not like what is being done to you. There is little I can do about it however. The Elders are within their rights. I swear I will help you adjust. What do you wish to know?" Ardeth asked, "How can I put you at ease?"

Leila looked down at the horse under her for a moment then back up. "What is it like to be the wife of a Med-jai? Will I be expected to walk three paces behind you?"

Ardeth laughed. "A Med-jai woman would cleave my head from my shoulders if I suggested such a thing. Leila, it will not be so bad. In front of the villagers, you should defer to me. By this I mean do not question me in front of my men. You can say whatever you wish once we are alone but I cannot be undermined before the village. Other than that you may speak freely."

Ardeth thought a moment. "You cannot be alone with another man other than my personal guard. You should not enter the tent of another man unless I am with you. You are free to move about the village. You are never to leave the village alone. It is not safe. If you wish to go for a ride that is fine but I must ask that you take someone trusted with you. Too many of our enemies would use you to get to me."

Inwardly, she chafed at this restrictions but she could still see the logic behind them. Leila nodded. "I can understand those things. What will my duties be?"

"You will be expected to keep my home and raise my children. Ardeth rubbed a thumb over her cheek, "You are free to pursue other things of course such as training to be a healer with Rashida. The women will bring their problems to you. Most issues you will be able to settle on your own."

"The Med-jai seem very lenient compared to other Arabs," Leila remarked.

"A lot of our traditions come from ancient times. We value our women," Ardeth told her, "We worship Allah and obey his teachings, but we do not carry things so far as others."

Leila nodded but said nothing. Ardeth tipped her chin up. "Leila, I will do whatever I can to make this easier for you. I will try to be a good husband."

"I will try to be a good wife," Leila whispered back.

"What will the wedding be like?" Leila asked after a moment.

Ardeth sat back glad to see her become resigned. "It is a simple matter. We announce our willingness to wed in front of the village. The Elders bless the union. There is a celebration feast after which we retire."

"Ardeth . . . I've never . . ." Leila trailed off feeling her cheeks heat.

Ardeth kissed her forehead tenderly. "Just trust me, Leila and all will be well."

Sanoru: I'm glad you enjoyed it. The mummy has always been one of my favorites. Sorry I kept you waiting so long but real life wasn't giving me a break. Hope it was worth the wait!

lysia 1982: I hope that I manage to keep it original. Thanks for reviewing.

Rachel Sparrow: I wasn't too quick with this chapter either but I try. Anyhoo thanks for the review.

Scorpio: Glad you liked it and thanks for reviewing.

Fan of the Mummy: Thanks for the high praise! I try :-D Thanks for reviewing again.