A/N: Arabic in italic
His Desert Flower Ch. 5
Feeling a warm body on his chest, Ardeth tilted his head ever so slightly smiling at the sight of her wrapped around his body. Not wanting to wake her, Ardeth allowed himself to enjoy how she felt against his skin, and he hoped that every night going forward that this was how he was going to wake up. Letting his eyes roam her body, even after living in the desert her entire life she was still pale which in of itself was surprising, but he knew that she was fairly covered when she was travelling, while some of the other women allowed the sun to touch their skin.
Lifting his arm, letting his fingers gently caress the exposed skin on her shoulders, pleased to know that the skin on her body was just as soft as the skin on her face. Closing his eyes, Ardeth wanted to let himself fantasize for just a bit longer before she woke up. While it was a beautiful moment with them, but as he laid there, he knew that they would have had many moments like this if he wouldn't had been such an ass. A sudden wave of guilt washed over him, hating the fact that if things were different, she could have been carrying their first child by now.
Dalia could feel pressure on her shoulders, at first, she barely registered the pain, but it grew steadily worse with each passing minute. Opening her eyes, she found Ardeth looking furious, hissing out as she felt his fingers digging into her shoulder. Gasping, "Is there a reason you are gripping me so tightly?" she asked him, hoping for some context.
Glancing down, Ardeth found his wife staring up at him, pain swimming in her eyes, immediately letting her go, frowning when he saw the red marks now forming on her shoulder. "Dalia, I'm so sorry." Moving to sit up, his eyes found hers watching him intently, but she didn't move any more than it took for her to sit up. "Are you alright?" he asked, scared that he had just set them back, again.
Nodding, Dalia could see the concern in his eyes, not knowing what prompted her, she placed her hand on his, "I'm OK, but it is clear you're not. What happened?" Wondering if this was the same thing that happened to her papa after he healed from his injuries. She learned quickly that war changed the way a man saw the world and even when his body was at rest, his mind sometimes relived the horrors of it. And while she wanted the truth from him, she learned from watching her papa that a man rarely talks about his time in war.
Ardeth could see that she was worried about him, gripping her fingers lightly, he couldn't help but hang his head, "I had a sudden realization of how things could have been between us." Feeling her hands grip his tighter, his eyes found hers staring into his, "I'm sorry, for it all."
Dalia stared at him, it was strange to see her normally stoic husband emotional, unsure of what else to do, she leaned forward wrapping herself around him in a small hug. "You need to let some of your guilt go." Hugging him a bit tighter, "My papa once told me that living in the past will keep you from seeing your future. So, will you try?" She asked him. While it wasn't something that either one of them could really forget, she was willing to forgive if he put effort into building on what they had now.
Pulling her into his lap, Ardeth found his nose in the crook of her neck, as he breathed in her scent it immediately reminded him of water lilies, fresh and lemony. It was having two very different effects on his body; one was calming and the other was testing his resolve as a man. Not wanting to scare her with how his body was reacting, he slowly lifted his head, almost moaning with how close her lips were to his, while he was tempted, he would never be so bold, at least not until she was already fully his.
"Dalia, I will do what I can to let go, but even if I am capable of it, I will never forget what I have done to us." He needed her to know that it would always be something he was going to atone for.
Feeling her heart speed up, Dalia couldn't help but feel a little insecure about being so close to him, just his scent was enough to make her dizzy, sandal wood, rich, warm and spicy. Exhaling slowly, Dalia gave him a small nod. "It's not about forgetting, Ardeth, just acknowledging where we both failed and hopefully, we can do better." There was a lot of work that needed to be done, but Dalia was sure that if they both had the same goal there was a chance that this could turn out OK for them both.
Patting his shoulder, Dalia carefully got off his lap, while he was her husband there were a lot of steps that they needed to take before she was comfortable with this level of intimacy. Grabbing everything she needed to start their breakfast, looking over her shoulder, she could see Ardeth staring at her. "You should ready yourself; the people need their Chief." She said to him with a smile on her face.
Rolling out of bed, Ardeth found himself walking towards her, his eyes focused on the way she was staring up at him, it was doing things to him that he just couldn't explain. Taking ahold of her face, Ardeth leaned his forehead against hers, breathing her in, "Dalia, promise me, that you'll jump into the wagon as needed." He didn't want to order her, but he was worried about her.
Letting out a sigh, "I promise." Leaning back, she could see the satisfaction in his eyes, "But I'm riding Adaj until then." Giving him a pointed look.
Ardeth chuckled a bit, "Are you always this stubborn?" he asked her. Ever more curious about the woman that was his wife.
Shrugging, "Only with things that I believe in." Staring into his brown eyes, Dalia couldn't help but snort, "But I can promise that I won't really fight you on something in public, I'll save that for here." Indicating to the tent that they were in. That was something her mama said that would make or break any marriage, in public you support your husband, in private you tell him that he was wrong.
Rubbing his thumb against her cheek, "Wife, you and I have a long way to go before I would expect us to fight." Leaning a bit closer, enjoying how wide her eyes got, there was something about it that excited him. "However, I do look forward to it." Placing a small kiss on her cheek, "I will see you out there." Smirking a bit as she touched the side of her cheek.
Dalia watched as he left his tent, her hand still touching her cheek, she was never more grateful that he was gone, or he would have seen how pink her cheeks were getting. Shaking her head clear, Dalia got back to making their breakfast, while there wasn't anything she could do about how hot it was going to be she could at least make sure that they both had plenty of food in their stomach to keep them going through the day.
Zahra couldn't help but shiver, for the last few days, the way Mostafa stared at her and her husband, it was making her uneasy. She knew that he was angry about Dalia's marriage, but that was months ago and the fact that it appeared that he was still holding a grudge scared her. She tried talking about it to her husband, but Abasi waved her off, saying that once he was married, all his anger would dissipate. However, from what she could see, it was his marriage to Amira only angered him more, hell the poor woman seemed to be covered in bruises.
Seeing that the men were sitting around the fire, Mostafa sitting right next to Abasi, to everyone else he looked like the dutiful brother, but she could see darkness surrounding him. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before he got bored listening to Abasi, Zahra made her way towards his tent, hoping to talk to Amira. Perhaps she could help the woman, for if her husband was beating her for no reason, Abasi would have the right as the Chief to dissolve their marriage.
Mostafa gripped his sword, almost tempted to draw his weapon and slit his throat, but without any provocation the tribe would hang him on the spot. Glancing around, he knew that his opportunity to kill Abasi was a narrow window, but it was one that he was willing to wait for. Every night before he headed towards his tent, Abasi would walk the outskirts of the camp, and that was where he would be able to catch him alone. While he wanted it to be bloody, violent, and as painful as he could make it, it would be too risky, because even at his age Abasi was a skilled fighter.
Instinctively touching the little brown satchel that was in his robes, Mostafa knew that getting his hands on his brother's drinking satchel would be key. Nightshade was a potent poison, it would mimic a heart attack, and given his brother's age, no one would suspect anything. They would mourn the passing of the Chief for a few days, Zahra would be beside herself, and the Tribe would look to him to lead them, and he would do a far better job than Abasi could ever have.
The best part of the whole plan was that they were already on the outskirts of Cairo and the Great Chief's Tribe was already making their way here. His Dalia would be so distraught at the loss of her father, and he would be able to use that to get her alone, for if he could take what was rightfully his then she would have no choice but to accept her husband's divorce and marry him. Mostafa couldn't help but lick his lips at the thought of what she would feel like around his cock, while he wasn't the one that broke her in, he would be the last one inside of her, and she would give him many sons.
Seeing movement out of the corner of his eyes, Mostafa could see his brother getting ready to take his walk around the camp, looking around the fire he could see that the rest of the men were distracted. Taking ahold of Abasi's water bag, carefully placing a few drops of the Nightshade in, taking a deep breath, Mostafa picked it up, his eyes locking on his brother. "If you're head wasn't attached, you'd lose that too." He said, hoping that his voice didn't sound as angry as he felt.
Chuckling a bit, Abasi took a hold of his satchel, "Truer words couldn't have been spoken." Taking a sip of his water, his eyes looked over the camp, letting out a sigh, "I need to make my rounds before I retire." Patting his shoulder, "Goodnight Mostafa." Taking another big swig of his water, Abasi headed off towards the horses, figuring it was best to make sure that they were secure.
Mostafa smirked as he watched his brother walk off into the night, knowing that soon enough the Nightshade would put an end to his problems. "Goodnight, Brother." Chuckling as he watched him take another big drink, sitting down at the fire, wanting to make sure that he was as far away from where his brother would fall, because Zahra would be suspicious.
Abasi could feel his chest constricting, sweat pouring down his face, he knew that there was something wrong, lifting his water to his nose, he could smell the subtle hint of Nightshade. Fear coursed through him, sadness following right behind, Mostafa truly had betrayed not only him, but his Tribe. As his heart began to race, Abasi tried to make it back towards the fire in hopes that someone was there so he could accuse Mostafa, but before he made it another two feet, he dropped to the ground. Gasping for air, Abasi attempted to crawl, but his arms and legs already gave out. Tilting his head as best he could, his eyes found the North star, grateful that the last thing that he'd seen was something so beautiful.
Zahra couldn't help but pace around their tent, after her talk with Amira it was clear that Mostafa was not only jealous of his brother, but he was beating his wife because in his words, 'she was only a placeholder.' Shivering at the look of pain that was all over her face, it was almost enough for her to march out to the men and slap that stupid look off his face, however, she knew that the edict would need to come from her husband. So, she waited for him to come back from his nightly walk, knowing that if she calmly explained Amira's situation, he would pull her aside in private to hear her side. That was what she loved most about her husband, he would listen to the women of the Tribe, that is what made him such a great Chief.
Taking a seat near the fire, Zahra could feel herself getting impatient but sometimes Abasi would get distracted by the horses, smirking at the memory of finding Dalia with her papa petting them until she told them it was time for bed. But before she could get lost in memory, the sounds of screaming and shouting distracted her, getting up, Zahra made her way out of their tent only to find some of the young warriors carrying her husband's body. Dropping to her knees, Zahra wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hold back the pain that she was feeling, but it became too much.
Mostafa hung his head, to the others he would look like a distraught brother, but in truth it was to hide the smirk on his face. His brother was now gone, he would take his rightful place as the Chief of their sect, Zahra was now a widow whose only value now was helping the younger women in his Tribe, and in a few days his Dalia will finally be within reach. Wiping a pretend tear out of his eye, he started planning how he was going to get her alone, because a violated woman was only given two options, either live in shame or marry the man that took from her. And he knew that she would rather marry him, because with Zahra being her only parent that was left living, she wouldn't want to be without her.
Crying into his chest, Zahra could feel as though her soul was breaking into a million different pieces knowing that in the first time in over 30 years she was to live without her other half. Wiping the tears that were streaming down her face, watching as the men brought her husband's body to the shaman's tent. Following behind him, she could feel her sisters lightly touching her shoulders as she walked past them, but the moment Mostafa touched her she swore that she could feel his glee. Slowly turning her eyes up towards him, she could see that while he was playing a grieving brother to the crowds he was pleased and what scared her was that he looked satisfied.
Blinking away another wave of tears, even if she wanted to accuse him of murder, there was no proof, and Mostafa was a lot of things a fool was not one of them. Turning away, Zahra kept her eyes on the ground as she walked behind his body, knowing that if they locked eyes, he would see that she knew. Taking several shaky breaths, Zahra knew that her only chance of surviving until the Great Chiefs Tribe came, would be keeping out of his way, and when she did speak with him showing him what he wanted to see, a heartbroken woman.
Closing her eyes, Zahra prayed to Allah for her husband to be at peace, for the strength to keep herself alive until her daughter was able to come and for Ardeth Bay to be able to sus out the truth and avenge her husband's murder. For if not, Mostafa would not only get away with murder, but she was certain that his overall plan was to somehow to interfere with her daughter's marriage and that was something that she would never allow.
Ardeth could only smile as he watched Dalia dance with the twins, they were so determined to teach her everything that they learned today. Even when they were on such a journey, it was important that the young ones kept up with their studies. Leaning back a bit, enjoying how her body swayed to the music his sister was humming, but more than that it was the smile that was on her face that pleased him the most. Popping some fruit into his mouth as he watched her, he could feel his father watching him, turning his head almost rolling his eyes at how intently he was staring.
"Why are you staring at me? I figured now that I'm a happily married man you would have other things to do with your time." He said, his voice teasing.
Tossing a date at him, Ishaq shook his head, "When you are finally blessed with your first child, you will learn quickly, no matter how old they are you will always worry about them." Hearing his grandchildren laughing, he couldn't help but smile. "And when should I expect you and Dalia to fall pregnant?" he asked him. He wished that she was already with child, he knew not only from his wife but the other women of his Tribe that it could take some time.
Cracking his neck, he knew eventually his father would have cornered him with such questions, but he would have hoped for a little more time. Rubbing his beard, Ardeth gave his father a stern look, "It will happen when it happens. Only Allah knows when." He could see the answer annoyed him, but what else was he going to say, "You will not bring this up to my wife, as you know it can be a sensitive subject and I will not allow you or anyone to make her think she's failing in some way." As much as he admired and respected his father, he would never allow anyone to make her feel anything but loved.
Ishaq couldn't help but smirk at his son, "You care about her?" A little surprised that it happened so quickly, for with his wife, it took close to a year or so.
Ardeth could see the shock on his face, perhaps he was a fool for caring so deeply, but he couldn't help it, over the last few weeks after their day of travelling they would spend a few hours a night talking. And with each passing night, he learned something more amazing about her, like she hated dates, but loved figs, or how she enjoyed training horses, but avoided birds because one of the falcons chased her as a little girl.
"I do, she is not what you would have expected." Seeing his curiosity, "Her father trained her far more extensively than you ever allowed Naeema. I can honestly say she is far more skilled with a staff then I could hope for, and she enjoys reading." Unable to keep the smile off his face, looking over at his father, a weird look passed over his face, "Your approval of her habits is not needed."
Holding his hands up, "I didn't think that they were. Just glad that everything Abasi told me about his little girl were true." Chuckling at his surprised face, "Did you honestly think that I would match you with a mouse? No, my son you needed a woman that had the heart of a lion." Patting his shoulder, smirking a bit at his stunned face, moving to stand, his eyes enjoying the look of surprise on his face.
"We have very different tastes in women, but that's not a bad thing." With a last look, Ishaq made his way towards his tent, grateful that his decision to force this on his son was not backfiring and that he was happy with his wife.
Ardeth felt like he had just been slapped in the face, if only he spoke to his father after his announcement, asked questions about her before he made his declarations to her, things with his wife would have been 100x better. Standing abruptly, he needed to be alone, for the anger and shame that coursed through his body made him too dangerous to be around.
Dalia watched as her husband stormed off, she could practically see the rage coming off him in waves. Looking down at the girls, giving them both a kiss, her eyes turned to Naeema, giving her a small smile. Normally she would have loved to have a deep conversation with her, but she needed to find her husband.
"Goodnight, I'll see you in the morning." Looking down at the girls, "I promise to ride the rest of the way to you, OK?" Chuckling when she heard a resounding yes from them. Gently rubbing their heads, Dalia took off after her husband, hoping that he wouldn't be upset that she followed him, but given their history she was certain that he wouldn't be to upset.
Walking around the corner, she couldn't help but gasp at the sight of him hitting the trunk of a tree. Rushing over to him, Dalia took ahold of his wrist before he hit the tree again. "What are you doing!" She yelled, her eyes staring at his now bloody knuckles.
Hearing her voice, Ardeth snapped his eyes towards her, "You need to get away from me." He growled, not wanting her to see him falling apart. "Please." Hating how his voice sounded.
Stepping in front of him, Dalia refused to let go of his wrists, "I will, but you need to tell me what this is first." Turning her eyes up to his, she could see the anger and turmoil in them, "Please. We've been so honest with each other, I hoped that we established a little trust since."
Gripping her by the shoulders, Ardeth pushed her into the tree, he could see a lot of things in her eyes, but not an ounce of fear. Sliding his hands into her hair, frowning as he watched her blonde hair turn a shade of pink, needing to calm himself before he accidently hurt her, Ardeth placed his nose in her neck inhaling her scent.
Holding his body against hers, Ardeth could feel the tears sliding down his face, "My father knew about you, that was why he selected you, he knew what kind of woman I wanted." As those words left his mouth, his anger returned, he was just barely able to keep himself from squeezing her too tightly.
Feeling wetness on her neck, Dalia held onto him as tightly as she could, instantly understanding what was running through his mind. "Ardeth, please, do not harm yourself again." Leaning back, using her thumbs to wipe away the tears that stained his face, "I have forgiven you; I wish you would forgive yourself." Her heart breaking at the thought of him still beating himself up.
Ardeth stared into her pale eyes, seeing nothing but understanding in them, leaning his forehead against hers not understanding how she was able to forgive him. "How?" Unable to stop himself, he slammed his lips into hers, desperate for a taste. Demanding entrance into her mouth, Ardeth couldn't help but moan as he felt her tongue against his, like the rest of her she was soft, but it was her taste that was driving him crazy. Egyptian oranges, with a hint of vanilla, never in his life had he tasted anything so fucking sweet.
Dalia froze as his lips touched hers, it wasn't what she expected, but the moment she felt his tongue gently stroking hers, she was lost. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Dalia allowed herself to feel the sensations that were rushing through her body that made her feel almost dizzy. Tilting her head, Dalia was desperate to feel more of him, it was the way he controlled her tongue, but it was the strong taste of saffron that made every nerve in her body tingle.
Moaning into his mouth as she let her fingers slide into his long hair, but as she held him a little tighter, she could feel her lower body starting to pulse, clenching her thighs together swearing that she could feel her under garments getting damp.
Pulling back ever so slightly, Ardeth kept his forehead on hers, needing to ground himself before he let his weeping cock drive into her. "My Dalia, please, I do not think I could bare it if you turned away from me." He said, not caring how it made him sound.
Taking several calming breaths, she was sure that if it wasn't for her grip in his long hair Dalia would have buckled at her knees. "I am here with you." She murmured against his lips. Taking a hold of his hand, being mindful of his injuries, she leaned back ever so slightly, wanting to see his eye she focused on the deep brown, she knew that he was barely holding himself. "Ardeth, if you keep finding ways to blame yourself for the past, our future is going to be bleak." Using her thumb to rub against the tattoo that was under his eye, "Please."
She so desperate for him to forgive himself, it wasn't easy, which she knew, but over the last few weeks she was able to see who he really was and what she learned about her husband she grew to care for. It wasn't love, but perhaps in time that would be a possibility, however, if he didn't try to move forward with her it wouldn't be possible.
"I have grown to care for you, I cannot stand the thought of seeing you hurt yourself again." She whispered out.
Ardeth could hear the desperation in her voice, finding her eyes staring up into his it took every ounce of control not to lift her up against the tree. Rubbing his thumb against her lips, groaning as she scraped her teeth against his skin, "Dalia, my desert flower." Crouching down, he lifted her into his arms, placing a small kiss on her lips, he made his way back to their tent desperate to hold her as they laid in bed together.
Dalia slowly brushed her hair as he finished up his bath, grateful that he allowed her to go first, while blood didn't disgust her in the moment, she was happy to finally get it out of her hair. Exhaling slowly, she was still in a bit of shock at what transpired earlier in the night, putting down her brush, Dalia couldn't help but touch her lips, for they were still tingling. Shaking her head clear, Dalia turned her head at the sound of Ardeth making his way out of the washing room, her eyes going wide at the sight of him.
He was wearing nothing but his cotton pants, his wide chest on display, holding her breath as she watched how his muscles moved as he slowly made his way towards his bed. Biting her inner cheek, Dalia never in her life seen anything so masculine and beautiful, his skin was tanned from living in the desert, his stomach defined from all the years of training that he went through, but it was his arms to her it looked like they could hold the world. Swallowing some spit as he sat down next to her, never more tempted to touch him, but instead she took a hold of his wrist frowning at the bruises on his knuckles.
"Does it still hurt?" she asked him.
Ardeth could see the anger in her eyes, smirking just a bit, this was the first time in 3 months he knew exactly what she was upset about. "A bit." Tilting her head towards his face, he placed his forehead on hers, "I'm sorry I scared you." His thumb gently rubbing against her bottom lip.
Rolling her eyes, "You didn't scare me you idiot." Exhaling slowly, she could see the amusement in his face, "If you weren't already injured, I may be tempted to punch you in the face." Her voice filled with some humor.
Snorting a bit, Ardeth wrapped his arms around her shoulder, pulling her down onto the furs, feeling at peace the moment her head came to rest over his heart. "I would prefer not having to explain to anyone why I had a black eye." Placing a small kiss on her temple, hissing a bit as he felt her pinch his side. "Little water lily, why are you pinching me?"
Shaking her head, "Because I wouldn't give you a black eye, I may be more tempted to break your nose." Flinching as she felt him pinch her shoulder. "Ow." she murmured against his chest.
"It's not fun, is it?" Letting his fingers gently stroke her back, enjoying how her body leaned into his. Closing his eyes, the only thing that he could concentrate on was the feeling of her lips on his, it was enough to send his body into overdrive. Taking a few calming breaths, Ardeth turned his eyes towards her smiling when he found her pale blue eyes starting up at him, "Are you upset that I kissed you?" A little worried that he may have upset her.
Lifting her eyes to his, Dalia could see the concern swimming in them, blushing a bit as the memory of his tongue stroking hers flashed into her mind. Tilting her eyes down, still coming to grips with the change in their relationship, but she could say that she was not upset. "No, I'm not. Do you regret it?"
Without missing a beat, Ardeth pulled her close to his face, his nose trailing along her neck, "Never." Scraping his teeth against her skin, ever so tempted to roll her until she was under him, but he knew that she wasn't ready for that.
Dalia couldn't help but shiver as she felt his teeth, gripping his shoulder a little harder, sighing as she felt his fingers in her hair. "Good." She whispered against his cheek. Gasping a bit as she felt his tongue licking the side of her neck, "Ardeth." She breathed out.
Growling at the sound of his name coming off her lips, it was almost too much for him, exhaling slowly he let his head come to rest on hers, then he slowly pulled them back down onto their bed. His fingers still wrapped in her hair, "Dalia, we should rest, for if you keep tempting me, I will not be able to resist." he said, his voice shaking with the desire that was coursing through his veins.
Shivering at his words, Dalia knew that while she was physically ready to be with her husband and if she took a moment to really think about it, she was mentally ready as well, but she didn't want to rush it. Blinking rapidly, Dalia turned her eyes up towards his, her heart racing at the way he was looking at her. "Rest sounds good," she said her voice shaking a bit, "How much longer until we are there?" she asked him.
Rolling to his side, Ardeth held her body as close as he could, "We'll be at the outskirts of Cairo tomorrow afternoon," lightly touching her face, placing a small kiss on her lips, "good night my desert flower." Tossing his leg over hers, caging her with his body.
Breathing in his scent, Dalia could instantly feel herself relaxing in his arms, a little surprised that it didn't take long for her to feel safe around him. But she knew it had to do with his vulnerability, as the Great Chief, for him to now only show her his emotions but he gave her control of their relationship. Using his arm as a pillow, Dalia let herself drift to sleep, excitement filling her veins, some of it was what was happening with Ardeth, the other was being able to see her parents again.
Menes found himself staring into the fire, his heart breaking for her, but he could see that in the wake of this tragedy, not only would her former Tribe see the woman that she had become, but so would her new Tribe. Closing his eyes, sending a prayer to her fallen father, thanking him for all the training that he gave her and wishing him a peaceful rest.