The next several days were chaotic at best. Leila was passed from Rashida to Aziza to the Elders and back. Rashida taught her the art of healing. Aziza did her best to ready her for her new position amongst the women. The Elders piled history and protocol on top of her until she thought she'd scream. There was so much for her to learn and the Elders seemed to determined to ram it down her throat. For several hours each day she was handed off to Ardeth like a child so that they could come to know each other. Ardeth was undemanding, understanding how difficult this was for her. The world she found herself thrust into was vastly different from her own. Though she tried to maintain the calm composure now expected of her, Ardeth could tell the edges of her illusion were beginning to fray.

Oh and frayed they were. Often, Leila would gaze out at the desert, pulled by the urge to run. She could take a horse or a camel and just run. Now it didn't seem to matter where she ended up just as long as it wasn't here. Leila knew this was impossible. The Medjai treated her with the respect due her new rank but she was also watched. If she made a move to leave, she would never make it more than twenty yards out of camp before she was stopped.

On the fifth day, Leila snapped. It was time for her morning lessons with the Elders and Tariq was giving the list of proper chieftain's wife dos and don'ts. And there were sooo many don'ts. Leila must never contradict Ardeth. She was never to approach outsiders unless Ardeth gave permission. She must not remain an infidel. She must learn the Islamic faith. She must not contact anyone from her old life. On and on the list went. Tariq often spoke to her as if she were a child and a poorly behaved one at that. Finally, she couldn't stand it anymore.

"Stop it!" she cried, rising from the cushion upon which she sat. "Just stop it!"

Tariq break off in astonishment. "My lady," he sputtered, "You must not interrupt. It is not proper."

Leila glared and reached up pulling the sapphire blue veil from her head. She threw the veil and the silver circlet that had secured it at the Elder's head missing only by inches. "I thought I had to marry Ardeth . . . not you! You can take your proper conduct, and your proper manners, and your ideas of a proper little Medjai puppet and go to hell! I can't do this. I won't!"

Leila spun, fleeing from the tent before the Elders could rouse themselves from their stupors. Looking frantically about, she spotted several Medjai warriors standing idly by a horse, talking amongst themselves. Leila dashed towards the horse drawing alarmed looks from the villagers. Leila nudged the startled warriors aside and mounted kicking the brown stallion sharply. The horse broke into a run and Leila gave it its head not caring where it went.

Subconsciously, Leila knew she would not make it far but it didn't matter. All that mattered was this moment. The feeling of the horse's power beneath her and the freedom of the wind blowing through her unbound hair were all that mattered into those frantic moments. Leila didn't know how long she rode before but finally she allowed the stallion to come to a halt.

The American woman sat quietly, head down in her saddle, knowing without looking that Ardeth and Altair were approaching behind her on their horses. The men slowed and Ardeth advanced alone while Altair waited just out of hearing range.

"Leila," Ardeth demanded, "What in the name of Allah has gotten into you?"

Leila shook her head, refusing to look at him. "I can't do this, Ardeth. I'm sorry I just can't. I won't. I refuse to be something I'm not. Even if I were willing to try, I don't think I could be what they want me to be."

"Leila . . . kahlila, what are you talking about?" Ardeth asked reaching over to lift her face. The tears that shimmer in her eyes and on her cheeks broke his heart.

"Ardeth . . . " Leila swallowed, "They want me to be this submissive little doll. All I've heard from the Elders is I can't do this and I can't do that. I must submit to my betters" she spat the word bitterly, "In all things. I must never look a leader of another tribe in the eye. I must become a good servant of the prophet. I must abandon everything I've ever known. I can't do it. I can't be that person, Ardeth! I refuse to give up everything that I am. I – I'm sorry."

"Little one," Ardeth sighed, pulling her from her horse over to his so that she sat cradled in his arms, "It is I who is sorry. I should have realized what the Elders would attempt to do. You have my word, it will stop." He ran a hand tenderly over her hair pained by the tremors that shook her. "This is more than should be expected of anyone. You are exhausted. I will speak to them."

Leila raised her eyes to his, "Ardeth . . ."

"Hush. Trust me. I will take care of things. You do not have to be anyone you do not wish to be. I would not wish such a woman for my wife." Ardeth kept his voice soft, speaking to her as he would a frightened horse. "Come, we will return and you will be allowed to rest."

Leila nodded resting her head against his chest and allowing him to cradle her tightly against him. Ardeth motioned to Altair and the second in command approached securing the reins of the horse Leila had taken to his. They turned and headed slowly back to the camp.

When they road back into the camp the Elders were waiting. Tariq approached, his anger clearly written on his face. "My lord! I demand an apology. This woman cast her circlet and her veil at me. I will not abide this insult!"

"SILENCE." Ardeth sharp command brooked no argument. "I am going to take my betrothed to my mother. When I am certain she is cared for I will return. I expect you to be inside waiting and not outside making a spectacle."

Ardeth urged his horse forward leaving Tariq to quiver in indignation. Aziza was waiting anxiously outside her tent. "Ardeth? Is she all right?"

"Aiwa, ume," Ardeth reassured her, dismounting with Leila in his arms. "She only needs to rest." Ardeth carried Leila inside and laid her on her bed. He brushed her hair from her face. "Rest, kahlila," he commanded gently, "Trust that I will take care of things."

Leila nodded and relieved Ardeth straightened to speak to his mother. "Ume, please be so kind as to give Leila something to help her sleep. I will return shortly."

Aziza nodded as Ardeth strode from the tent a fierce scowl etched into his handsome features.

Ardeth stormed into the Tent of the Elders raising a hand as Tariq opened his mouth to speak. "No. I will do the talking. The Elders apparently have done enough."

The men around him gaped in shock. Ardeth had never spoken to them in such a manner.

"There will be no more 'lessons'," Ardeth informed the council, "I will not have a terrorized woman for my wife."

"Ardeth," Hasim tried, "Calm down. What do you mean that your wife is being terrorized?"

"There will be no more attempts to make Leila into that which she is not."

"My lord, the wife of the Medjai King has great responsibilities," Hasim began but Ardeth waved his hand cutting him off.

"Leila did not choose this path. You have forced it upon her and she has bravely tried to assume this burden. My betrothed is not of our world and so we should not expect her to behave in such a way. Leila has bent quite far for us and so we too should bend for her." Ardeth gave the Elders a stern look. " I will be the one to instruct my wife in what I expect of her. If this continues, you will break her spirit and then what good will she be to anyone? Let me remind you that as Queen, Leila will be your Lady. You bow to her and not the other way around. Leila will be as she chooses as long as she performs the duties expected of her. Am I understood?" Not waiting for an answer Ardeth spun on his heel and left the tent.

Altair was waiting outside. He walked with his friend back towards Aziza's tent. "Ardeth, is everything well?"

Ardeth sighed and slowed his pace slightly. "I have left Leila's education to others in an attempt to be undemanding. Now I see that I should have taken more of an interest in what was being taught."

Altair nodded in understanding. "The Council was trying to mold my lady into a picture of Medjai propriety, eh? Not even our own women struggle to be such paragons."

"I have put a stop to their efforts," Ardeth replied, "I will not have her pressured anymore before the wedding. If Leila chooses she will continue her lessons with Rashida, as I believe those at least give her pleasure, and with my mother. The Elders will leave her be until she has settled." Ardeth stopped suddenly and a smile spread across his generous lips. "I believe a change must be made to the marriage contract."

Altair stared at Ardeth in puzzlement. "A change, Ardeth?"

"Yes," Ardeth chuckled, "I will allow Leila to retain control over the money she brings. The Elders will have to learn to work with her or she can keep a very tight purse indeed."

Altair eyes lit in understanding and the Medjai joined his friend in a grin.

Leaving Altair to see that the necessary changes were made to the marriage contract, Ardeth entered his mother's tent.

"She sleeps," Aziza said to Ardeth's questioning glance. "Now, tell me, Ardeth, what has been happening?"

When Ardeth had finished explaining Aziza shook her head. "The Council wanted a puppet to bully when they could not bend you to their will. They must have great plans for Leila's fortune."

"Yes," Ardeth agreed, "But I have taken care of that issue." He told his mother of the change that he had ordered Altair to make to the marriage contract.

"Ah," Aziza laughed, "Most wise, al ibney. The Council will be forced to meet Leila at least half way or risk having all their greedy planning come to naught." After a moment, Aziza sighed. "I am sorry, Ardeth, I should have realized that the girl was becoming overwhelmed. She just always seemed so calm."

"Do not apologize, mother," Ardeth patted his mother's hand, "I'm sure that was Leila's plan. I'm certain the stubborn girl was trying to be the paragon the Elders painted for her."

Ardeth glanced towards the room in which Leila slept. "For how long will she sleep?"

"At least a few hours," Aziza replied. She looked at her son from the corner of her eye. "May I assume the Council is most vexed with you?"

A naughty grin lit Ardeth's features. "I would assume so. If they have managed to remove their jaws from the floor that is."

After sharing a moment's laughter with his mother, Ardeth rose. "I need to attend to some matters in the village and it would be unwise to allow the Elders to think I am skulking in my mother's tent. Send for me when she awakens."

"Of course," Aziza agreed as Ardeth left the tent.

It was nearly lunch time when Leila awoke. Her eyes opened grudgingly and for a moment Leila's eyes swept around the tent unsure of where she was. Then she heard the sounds of someone bustling in another area of the tent and recognized Aziza's tent. Forcing away the last of her sleepiness Leila sat up and swung her feet to the floor.

Standing, she made her way out into the main living area of the tent. Hearing her enter, Aziza looked up at smiled. "Do you feel better, my dear?"

Leila nodded then looked away. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't . . ."

"Hush, child," Aziza cut her off gently. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Trust that Ardeth has taken care of everything, eh?" Aziza went to the door of her tent and motioned to a passing warrior. "Find my son and inform him that his betrothed has awoken."

The warrior bowed and hurried off. Aziza turned back to Leila. "Ardeth asked to be told when you awakened."

"Are you sure he's not angry?" Leila asked, wondering why she cared. After all, none of this was her choice. Why should she care what Ardeth thought? And yet . . . she cared a lot.

Aziza chuckled. "Not with you at least."

Further questions were prevented when Ardeth stepped into his mother's tent. His dark eyes focused on her assessing her critically.

Ardeth was pleased to find that the color had returned to her cheeks and that the dark circles under her eyes had eased. It tugged at his heart however to see the lost, uncertain look in her eyes as she stared at him. Ardeth gave her a warm smile. "You look much rested. Do you think you are rested enough to take a short ride with me?"

Leila offered him a shy smile and nodded. "I'd like that."

Ardeth turned towards his mother. "Ume, would you be so kind as to prepare a light lunch to go with us?"

"Of course, my son," Aziza assured him with a smile.

"I will return shortly after I see that our horses are saddled."

Aziza turned an appraising eye to her future daughter-in-law. "We shall have to find you something better for riding. What you wear now is beautiful but unsuitable for galloping across the desert for any amount of time."

Cassandra managed to give the older woman a wry smile. "I managed fairly well earlier."

"And no doubt showed many men in the village quite a bit of your skin in the process," Aziza mock scolded, "Wait a moment."

Aziza shuffled into her bedroom and returned with an outfit of deep sky blue. The tunic was just as any other but what made the outfit different from day to day female Medjai apparel was that instead of a skirt a pair of extremely loose fitting trousers accompanied the tunic. If Leila were standing still, one would be hard pressed to realize that she was not wearing a skirt but the outfit would allow her to ride more comfortably and more modestly. Instead of a veil that merely fitted over the hair secured by a circlet, this outfit included a complete head dress. A strip of cloth could be pulled over her face to protect her from the sun and the stinging desert sand.

Leila took the clothes from Aziza. "It's lovely."

"It was mine when I was younger," Aziza informed her, "I was built much like you. It has been many years since it fit. I kept it for the daughter I never had." A kind smile lit Aziza's features. "Until now."

Leila blinked back tears, "Aziza . . ." she trailed off, words being inadequate to express her feelings.

Aziza merely shooed her back into her bedroom. "Hurry and change. Ardeth will return soon."

Leila gave a watery smile and obeyed.

Ardeth was pleased to find that by the time he returned to retrieve his betrothed, Leila's spirits had lifted a bit. No doubt thanks to his mother. He would always be grateful for the way his mother had taken Leila into her heart as a daughter.

Leila looked lovely and rosy, the tunic not quite able to hide the swell of her breasts or the narrowness of her waist. The light blue veil she wore brought out the green of her eyes and the hair that flowed from the bottom of the veil glistened like fire.

Ardeth gave Leila a gentle smile and held out his hand. "Are you ready, kahlila?"

Leila nodded and placed her hand in his. "Yes. Whenever you are."

Aziza handed Ardeth a small sack. "Take your time, al, ibney. The tribe will not fall apart if you take a few hours to yourself."

Ardeth chuckled hearing the command in her words. "Aiwa, Ume," he replied obediently. He guided Leila from the tent with a gentle hand on the small of her back. Several of the villagers stared in awed shock at Leila having heard about the morning's incident but Ardeth sent disapproving glares in their directions sending them scurrying about their business. Ardeth kept the possessive hand on Leila's back showing that he had no intentions of forsaking her because of her actions.

"Where are we going?" Leila asked quietly. She had seen the looks and wondered if she had ruined any chance she had of being accepted in her future role as Queen.

Seeing the hesitation in her face and hearing it in her voice, Ardeth rubbed soothing circles across Leila's shoulders even though it wasn't quite a proper thing to do in public. "Allow it to be a surprise, heh? I promise you will enjoy this surprise."

Leila nodded and accepted Ardeth's words. He'd been nothing but kind to her and she had no reason to mistrust him. She had to trust him if Leila were to have any hope of future happiness.

Altair waited at the stables with the horses. Ardeth had selected a beautiful white mare for Leila to ride.

"I was saving this for a wedding present," Ardeth said as they approached the horse, "But I think now is a better time. She is my gift to you."

Leila was instantly smitten. "Oh, Ardeth. She's beautiful!"

"She was sired by my favorite stallion, Gahiji, whom I will be riding today." Ardeth told her patting the stallion's neck, "I raised and trained her myself. Her name is Khepri."

"Morning sun," Leila breathed, holding out her hand for the horse to smell.

"You will find her a spirited, loyal mount," Ardeth said with pride. "There is not a finer mare in the herd."

Leila flashed Ardeth a genuine, brilliant smile. "Thank you, Ardeth."

Ardeth smiled back. "You are most welcome. Are you ready to depart?"

Leila answered by moving to Khepri's left side and swinging into the saddle. The high-spirited mare danced beneath her but Leila's firm grip on the reins quickly established who the master was. Ardeth watched Leila with pride. It was obvious that his future wife was a fine horsewoman.

Ardeth mounted Gahiji securing the sack containing their lunch to his saddle. Ardeth frowned suddenly and Leila turned to see Hasim walking towards him. Though his expression showed no signs of hostility, Leila tensed and glanced nervously at Ardeth as he neared.

Hasim stopped before the horses and bowed his head. "My lord."

Ardeth frowned disapprovingly at the Elder but returned the nod. "Elder. How may I help you?"

"When there is time, my lord, I wish to speak to my lady," Hasim replied meeting Ardeth's gaze steadily. "I would like to seek a solution or at least an understanding about this mornings . . . events."

Ardeth's glare sharpened. "I have already given my solution to the Council. My future wife is to be left alone until after we are wed."

Hasim smiled tolerantly at his chieftan. "Of course and so will it be. But, my lord," Hasim continued turning his gaze to Leila, "As your wife, my lady will be the representative of the village women to the council. She will also play a large role in governing the village particularly in your absence. I only wish to make peace and come to an understanding that will benefit all of us."

Ardeth considered then spoke to Leila. He noted that Hasim addressed Leila respectfully as 'my lady' which none of the council had done thus far and on which he should have insisted from the beginning. Still, he would not make the decision for her. "It is your decision, Leila. I would not fault you if the answer is no."

Leila studied the Elder thoughtfully. Finally, hesitantly, she nodded. "I am willing to speak with the council. However," she added firmly, "I won't tolerate any more of Tariq's high handedness. I will not be spoken to as an errant child. If you can't do this than we have nothing to talk about."

Ardeth repressed a smile of pride in his wife's words and bearing. He saw too a look of new respect appear in the Elder's eyes. "It shall be as you say, my lady."

"This meeting can take place at a later time," Ardeth told the Elder, "When we return from our ride." Ardeth leaned towards the Elder, "Know this, Hasim, I will also attend this discussion and any disrespect will be treated as the deepest insult."

Hasim looked into the young king's eyes and knew Ardeth meant every word. "Understood, my liege." Hasim bowed and departed.

Once Hasim was gone, Ardeth turned to Leila, "Come, kahlila, let us forget these things for now."

Leila nodded and gave Ardeth a wry smile. "Gladly."

Ardeth turned his horse towards the desert and Leila followed. Ardeth surprised her however when they reached the edge of the village and Ardeth kicked the horse into a gallop. After a moment's hesitation, Leila laughed and followed. Khepri was fast, and her gait smooth, and Leila reveled in the feeling of floating across the desert sands. She soon caught up to Ardeth and they shared a grin. After some time Ardeth slowed at the top of a particularly large dune.

Leila slowed as well and came to a stop beside Ardeth. "Why are we stopping?"

"Look," Ardeth commanded staring down towards the bottom of the dune.

Leila followed Ardeth's gaze and gasped. Below them was a small but beautiful Oasis. Without waiting for Ardeth, Leila urged Khepri forward. She reached the oasis just before Ardeth, dismounting and leading Khepri towards the small water hole so she could drink. Leila too stuck her hand in the water, splashing her face and neck enjoying the coolness of the water.

Leila heard footsteps behind her and smiled at Ardeth as he too allowed his horse to drink. "This is beautiful, Ardeth."

"This has been a favorite place of mine since I was a boy," Ardeth confided, "I come here when I am weary." Ardeth gestured towards one of the trees. "Come, kahlila, let us sit in the shade and enjoy what my mother has provided."

Leila followed Ardeth towards the shade and waited while he spread a cloth for them to sit on. He opened the sack to reveal a light lunch of bread and cheese and a desert of some kind of cake.

Ardeth gestured for Leila to sit beside him and once she was seated, offered her a share of the food. For a time they ate in companionable silence. After a while Leila spoke softly, "Thank you, Ardeth, I needed this."

"I only regret I did not do this sooner," Ardeth replied with a gentle smile, "Truly, you should have come to me with your troubles."

Leila looked away and shrugged. "I wanted to prove I could do this. I wanted to be what you needed me to be."

Ardeth took her chin and turned her back to face him. "You must never be afraid to confide in me, Leila. I only wish to help you."

Leila managed a small grin and leaned into his touch. Ardeth warmed at this demonstration of trust and found his eyes drawn to her full lips. As yet, he had refrained from touching her in any way that might have made her uncomfortable. She had been forced to carry a heavy burden and he had considered their wedding night soon enough to address such things but now . . . now he found the urge to kiss her overwhelming.

Leila saw the increased warmth in Ardeth's eyes but did not pull away. Instead, she waited, her heart racing in her chest.

Ardeth leaned forward slowly, giving Leila every chance to stop him. At first his lips brushed hers gently, a mere ghost of contact. When he felt a shiver of pleasure run through her lithe form, Ardeth lost all pretense of control and pulled her into his arms.

Leila wasn't quite sure how she ended up in Ardeth's lap but decided she rather liked it there. One of his large hands rested on the small of her back holding her against him with the other tangled in her hair tilting her head to allow him better access to her mouth. One of her smaller hands rested on his shoulder while another made its way of its own volition into the silky tangle of his hair. Her breath started coming in gasps as his lips began to trail down her neck licking and nipping lightly.

Ardeth was lost in the silky feel of her pale skin and the delicate flowery scent of her. He kissed his way up to her ear, his tongue tracing the outer shell. Leila shuddered in his arms and her response only fired his blood. Ardeth had hoped they would suit in the marriage bed but this was beyond his wildest dreams. No woman had ever fired his blood to such a degree. Ardeth trailed kisses back down her neck as his hand crept to her breast needing gently. Her sharp cry of pleasure brought him to his senses.

Ardeth tore his lips away from her skin and was astonished to find that at some point he had laid Leila back on the cloth and moved on top of her. Leila gazed up at him, green eyes glazed with surprised passion.

"We . . . we must stop, kahlia," Ardeth gasped startled to find himself as breathless as she was.

"But . . ." Leila stammered, her mind still clouded by unfamiliar sensations and feelings.

"Hush, little one," Ardeth soothed, kissing her forehead and easing off her. "We will be wed day after tomorrow. We must wait until then. I will not dishonor you by taking you before you become my wife."

Leila sighed and nodded. "You're right," she said sitting up, "I'm sorry."

"No," Ardeth corrected taking her hand, "Never be sorry. Joy in the marriage bed is a blessing from Allah. It is nothing to be ashamed of."

Leila looked up at Ardeth, her eyes sad. "I don't know if I can be what the Medjai need me to be."

Ardeth smiled and stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I have faith in you, little one. My mother and I will help you. It will be all right. I promise."

Leila studied him for a long moment before nodding. She leaned against him, snuggling against his side. Leila only hoped she wouldn't let him down.

All too soon, Ardeth eased away and stood. "We should return, kahlila."

Leila accepted the hand he offered and allowed him to pull her to her feet. "The Council is waiting, right?"

Ardeth gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I do not mind making them wait a while longer if you are not ready."

Leila shook her head, "I've found putting things off only makes it worse."

Ardeth smiled with approval. "It is however tempting at times," he teased.'

A tinkle of laughter was his reward. "Oh yeah."

Leila blushed as Ardeth lifted her onto her horse before mounting his own. They rode back to the village at a leisurely pace reluctant to allow others to upset the fragile balance they had found. During the ride Leila carefully considered what she would say and just how much she was willing and unwilling to give. No matter what, she would try and make Ardeth proud of her.

And now my wonderful reviewers.

TheWinterWolf: Yeah, I'm still working on it but between school and the other stories I'm working on it's a little slow. Hope it was worth the wait.

Thepathchoosesthewalker: I'd rather like to kick Hasim in the a$$ myself but we might have to wait a while for a real smack upside the head. Right now Leila is unsure of herself but she may become more aggressive as she regains her confidence. Guess we'll have to wait and see. ;-)

Dreams of Centaurs: Thanks for adding me to your favs and hope you liked the Ardeth action in this chapter.

Skye-07: Thanks you and thanks for reviewing.

Sanoru: And you had yet another long wait. Sorry, you know how life can get. Anyway hope you enjoyed it and thanks for reviewing.