A/N: Arabic in italic
His Desert Flower Ch. 6
Dalia could feel tears slowly sliding down her face as she watched her papa's pyre burn. Closing her eyes as the heat from the fire washed over her face, almost like it was a final hug from her papa. Letting out a shaky breath, it was a struggle to keep herself composed and perhaps the only thing that was keeping her from screaming out in pain was the fact that her mama had her arms wrapped around her shoulders.
Turning her head slightly, grateful that Ardeth was standing behind her, because she wasn't sure if her mama would have been enough to hold her up. Lifting her hand towards his, sighing with a little contentment when she felt his fingers slide into hers, the comfort that he was able to give her in a time where she felt like a piece of her world was starting to fall apart, that was something that she would forever be grateful for.
Feeling his thumb wiping off some of the tears that were on her stained cheek, tilting her head into his touch, Dalia couldn't help but cry a bit harder. "I wish you would have had a chance to meet him." She whispered out.
Leaning forward, Ardeth placed a small kiss on her exposed neck, "When I was a young man, I met him a few times, he was a great man and was loved by his people." Pulling her a little closer, his arms wrapping around her chest, hoping that by doing so she could feel that he was here for her. Turning towards her mother as Menes brought the funeral to a close, he could see that just like her daughter she was doing her best to keep her composure, but it was clear that her heart was broken. She had the same look that his father did when they sent his mother's ashes to the sky, but the moment he was alone in his tent he remembered hearing him cry.
Placing his hand on both of their shoulders, Ardeth led them away from the pyre, knowing that Menes would need to collect the ashes and bury them in the desert so that his soul could be free. Making their way through the crowds, he could feel a set of eyes on him, turning his head ever so slightly he could see her uncle staring at her as though she was a possession. Today was not the day to address such things, but Ardeth knew that he would make sure that the new Chief was aware under no uncertain circumstances that if he touched her, he would kill him.
Ishaq found his daughter-in-law sitting around the fire, using both her mother and her husband for comfort, with her head on her mother's shoulder and her hands intertwined with her husband. It was a tragically beautiful thing to witness, and perhaps there was a small comfort for Zahra knowing that her daughter was cared for. Catching his families' eyes, he could see that they were worried about them both, but more so about what would happen to Dalia when it was time for her mother to leave.
Catching Ardeth's attention, hoping that he would be able to understand his intentions, with a quick glance over to Zahra giving him a small smile.
Ardeth nodded, grateful that his father understood that having Zahra integrate with their sect would be something that his flower would need to heal, but more so that his mother-in-law wouldn't have to mourn the next 4 months alone. Placing a small kiss on Dalia's cheek, Ardeth stood, pleased to see that Mostafa naturally flinched back in his presence, clearing his throat his eyes turned towards his wife and her mother.
"Zahra, I cannot even begin to know what you are feeling, all I can do is offer you a safe place to mourn. If you so choose, I will allow you to join our sect, so that you can be closer to your daughter." He said, his voice carrying over the night.
Covering her mouth, Zahra couldn't help but feel relief, lowering her head, unable to stop the wave of emotion that was flowing through her body. Feeling Dalia's thumb wipe away her tears, Zahra found the Great Chief looking down at her, waiting for her answer. Blinking rapidly, she could only nod, "Thank you, for the thought of living without my daughter now, seems unbearable." Turning to Dalia, "Is this something that you want as well, daughter?" Even with the Chief's blessing, if Dalia didn't want this, she would never impose on her life.
Without even thinking about it, Dalia wrapped her arms around her mama, "I do. If it's what you want." No matter what her mama decided, Dalia just wanted her to choose it because it was what she wanted.
Mostafa could feel his jaw ticking, keeping Zahra in his Tribe when he took Dalia would be the only way to get her to submit to him. Rolling his neck, doing what he could to keep the look of frustration off his face, but he knew that he was failing. Giving the excuse of checking on the rest of the Tribe, he quickly made his exit, knowing that he needed the time to come up with a better way for her compliance.
Dalia watched as her 'uncle' headed deeper into the camp, her eyes never leaving his body until he was swallowed by the shadows. Exhaling slowly, she found her mama watching her, "Mama, let me walk you back to your tent." She said, knowing that her mama wanted to speak to her in private. Looking over at Ardeth, she found him staring after Mostafa, whatever his reasons for distrusting that man, she was thankful. Lightly touching his shoulder, smiling a bit when his dark brown eyes focused on her, "I am going to take my mama towards her tent, is that alright?"
Leaning forward, Ardeth placed a small kiss on her lips, "It is. I will wait here until you return." While he trusted both Tribes with her safety, however, with Mostafa roaming the camp, he wasn't willing to take any chances. His eyes following them both until he watched them step into her tent, turning his eyes towards one of his commanders, "Go find the new Chief, and keep an eye on him." He growled out.
Pulling Dalia to her bed, Zahra could see pain and confusion in her eyes, "My little flower, tell me, does Ardeth treat you well?" she asked her. Regardless of everything else that was going on, her happiness was far more important.
Crossing her legs, Dalia could feel her cheeks turning pink, "He does mama. While there were a few bumps along the way, he never mistreated me." Letting out a sigh, while she was sure she could talk to her mama about everything, some things were only meant for a husband and wife. Taking a hold of her mama's hand, Dalia scooted a bit closer, "I know that you don't want to talk about my marriage mama, please, what is wrong?" She asked, hoping that now she was a married woman her mama would be able to have a different kind of relationship with each other.
Zahra couldn't help but chuckle a bit, "You have always been so bright." Lightly petting her cheek, "I do not believe your papa's death was natural, and I fear that Mostafa was responsible." Her voice trembling with sadness and anger, "But with no proof, I would just be perceived as a grieving woman." Looking into her daughter's eyes, Zahra could see that it was something that she was already thinking. "You already suspected?"
Nodding, "Papa was a very healthy man for his age, so for his heart to fail so without no other warnings…" she said, leaving the statement a hold of her hand, "I promise you, I will find the truth, and if he had anything to do with it, I will drive a dagger through his black heart."
Inhaling deeply, Zahra squeezed her hand tightly, "If you get the proof, you need to bring it to your husband, as the Great Chief, it would be his duty to handle." Frowning at her face, "Dalia, you don't have to like it, but that is how things are done within our Tribes, only the Great Chief can take the life of another Chief." Hoping that her words were sinking in, for as obedient of a child Dalia was, she was always a force of nature.
Cracking her neck, Dalia knew that her mama was right, if she took matters into her own hands, the Elders of the Tribes would call for her execution as well. Death didn't scare her, for it was natural, but being killed by her husband in front of her mama would be a disgrace that she would not want to leave on this world. "Should I talk to Ardeth about our suspicion's?"
Placing a small kiss on her cheek, Zahra could only nod, "If you feel he would listen to you, then yes, but if you are not sure, it would be wise to keep it to yourself." As much as she wanted to scream her accusations from the rooftops, it was imperative that at least for now keeping quiet was the only way to keep Dalia safe.
"I do trust him mama, with my life." Leaning over to give her mama a hug, "I need to get back," squeezing her a bit tighter, "I placed you close to our tent, so if you need anything, please." Wanting her to know that she was there for her no matter when she needed it.
Gently pushing her out, "I promise you; I shouldn't need you during your alone time with your husband." Smirking as she watched her daughter's face turn a bright shade of pink.
Ardeth stood the moment he saw Dalia making her way over towards him, her face was unreadable. Pulling her into his arms, he placed a kiss on the top of her head, "Does she need anything?" he asked, worried for her.
Breathing in the scent of sandalwood, Dalia could feel her nerves starting to calm, "No, nothing so urgently." Dalia knew that she needed to have a deep conversation with him, but right now all she wanted was to be clean and with him. "Do you still need to secure the camp or are you free for the night?" she asked him.
Stepping back, Ardeth bent down to lift her into his arms, "For you my desert flower, I am always free." Heading towards their tent, he knew that she would want to bathe after such an emotional day.
Sitting in the copper tub, Dalia let her hands run over her legs enjoying their smooth texture, she was never more grateful that she and Naeema took care of their legs prior to entering Cairo. Tilting her head ever so slightly, Dalia could see Ardeth through the curtains sitting in their bed with nothing but his cotton pants on, unconsciously licking her lips at the sight. Realizing that she was staring at him, Dalia turned her head towards the ceiling, she knew on a physical level that she wanted him but after their first night as husband and wife, she was scared to bring it up for fear of his rejection.
But she knew that until she expressed interest in him, he would never pursue the issue, because he was clear that until she wanted him, he would wait. Closing her eyes, her mind racing a mile a minute, on the one hand if she didn't tell him what she wanted it would never happen, but she knew that if he did reject her again, she wouldn't recover, and she would be liable to run away.
"Damn it." She muttered to herself. Shaking her head clear, Dalia knew only two things, one her papa didn't raise her to be a coward and two, if he was still too stupid to see that she cared for him, then he was the idiot, and she wouldn't let his rejection cause her to run.
Rising out of the tub, Dalia wrapped her silk robe around herself, taking a final deep breath, she stepped out from behind the curtain hoping to see desire in his eyes. "Ardeth." she whispered.
Lifting his eyes as he heard his name, inhaling deeply at the sight before him. Letting his eyes slowly move over her body, groaning at how her robe clung to her still damp body, it left very little unseen. Feeling his heart pounding in his chest, Ardeth needed to get control over himself, or he would explode before he even touched her. Swallowing some spit, he could feel himself almost struggling to find the words, but he knew if he didn't say anything she would think the worst.
"Are you sure?" he asked, surprised at how deep his voice sounded.
Dalia slowly made her way towards him, stopping just at the edge of their blankets, gripping the hem of her robe, Dalia could feel her heart racing, but she did nod. "I am." Stepping a bit closer, "Are you?" Not realizing how much that question weighed on her soul.
Ardeth rolled onto his knees, his hands taking a hold of her waist moaning a bit when he felt the swell of her ass under his fingertips. Slowly lifting his eyes towards hers, he could see the uncertainty swimming in them, sliding his hands up her body until his fingers wrapped around the sash of her robe. Smirking a bit when he watched her inhale as he let the robe fall to the ground, "I want nothing more than to feel you." He whispered against her flesh.
Wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, Ardeth lifted her and gently brought her down onto their bed, his body trembling at the sight and feel of her underneath him. Placing his forehead on hers, hissing as he felt her breasts against his chest, "Can I touch you?" he asked. Letting his fingers lightly travel down her skin only stopping when his fingers touched the top of her curls.
Sliding her fingers into his hair, Dalia arched her body as she felt his fingers touching her, "Please. I want to feel you." Her voice strained with the need she was feeling.
Slamming his lips onto hers, Ardeth let his fingers dip into her body, moaning at the sheer tightness of her. Not even in his more private thoughts of her was he able to imagine anything so wonderful, from how the walls of her body squeezed his finger, to how wet she was, for him it was pure bliss, and he couldn't wait until he was able to stretch her more with his cock. Pulling back from her lips, wanting to see the pleasure or pain on her face, for he knew that as a virgin their first time together could be painful for her, and he wanted to ease that as best he could.
"My flower," he breathed out, hissing as his finger contacted her barrier. Gently adding a second, his eyes never leaving her face, all that he could see was her pleasures, "I am going to stretch you," he whispered against her cheek, feathering kisses on her lips as he spoke. "For I am not a small man, and I do not want to hurt you." He said in her ear. Spreading his fingers apart, as his thumb rested on her clit, moaning as he felt her body clamping down on him.
Dalia gasped as her body stretched, sliding her hands into his hair, her tongue tracing the line of his neck moaning at the salty flavor. "Ardeth, please." She begged, not caring that she was desperate for him. Pulling him down, wanting to taste him, for it was the only thing that was keeping her from crying out in his ear. Lifting her leg, a little higher her body seeking relief from the pressure that was building in her lower half, "I feel like I am going to explode." She breathed out.
Ardeth could feel her as the inner walls of her body started to shake, and as much as he wanted to feel her completely come undone, he would rather feel that against his cock. Sliding his pants off with his free hand, closing his eyes as he felt his cock spring up to his stomach, it was too much. Pulling his fingers out of her body, he found her watching him intently, "Last chance my flower, for once I am inside of you there will be no going back." Not wanting her to regret this moment in the morning.
Placing her hand on his face, her thumb lightly tracing the tattoo that was under his left eye, "I don't want to go back, please." Leaning up on her elbows, placing a small kiss on his lips, "I've waited long enough." She said, a smile on her face.
Using his thighs to spread her legs further apart, Ardeth could feel her wetness touching the tip of his cock it was enough to drive him insane. Leaning with his head on hers, Ardeth gently pushed his cock into her body only stopping when he reached her barrier. Looking down into her eyes, he could see her watching him intently, threading his fingers into her hair tilting her face so that he could see deep into her eyes. "My flower, breathe." Wanting to ease as much of her pain as he could.
Dalia had to focus on his face as he pushed himself into her body, the burning sensation was almost too much but underneath the pain she could feel the pleasure. Lifting her leg, a little higher on his hip, she swore that he slid a little deeper into her, staring into his eyes she could see that he was waiting for her to give permission. Leaning up on her elbow, "I'm ready." She whispered against his lips. As the words left her mouth, she felt his lips on hers, his saffron flavor invading her senses but before she could get lost in that feeling, his hips snapped forward and pain radiated in her lower body.
Slamming his lips down on hers, Ardeth snapped his hips forward until his cock was fully buried in her body. He could feel her tense as her maiden hood was taking from her, and he was doing what he could to swallow her screams. Letting his tongue stroke hers, grateful for the distraction for her tightness around his cock was almost enough to have him spill his seed. Pulling back ever so slightly, keeping his forehead on hers, Ardeth could see the pain all over her face, "I'm sorry, my flower." He said to her, wishing that he could do more to ease her pain.
Exhaling slowly, Dalia slowly opened her eyes, finding his brown ones staring at her with worry and concern. Enjoying how his hair felt in her fingers, Dalia couldn't help but smile up at him, thankful that he was giving her body time to adjust. "It's alright." Taking another deep breath, Dalia rolled her hips, pleased that the pain was finally gone, "Please." Desperate to feel him.
Placing a small kiss on her lips, Ardeth slowly withdrew his cock, groaning as her body gripped him, almost as though she didn't want him to leave her body. Leaving only the tip of his cock in her body, snapping his hips forward shaking as he felt her inner walls massaging him, never in his life had he felt anything so fucking perfect. Gripping her thigh, Ardeth lifted her leg higher over his hip, hissing at the change of the angle, if possible, sliding deeper into her.
Dalia held his shoulders as he moved within her body, gasping as she felt her body being stretched, there was a pain to it, but as he moved deeper into her body all she could feel was pleasure. Gripping his shoulders, Dalia arched into him her tongue tasting the sweat that was dripping down his neck, moaning at the flavor. Everything about this moment was as wonderful as she imagined, but nothing could prepare her for the way he drove himself into her, slow but hard and the intensity of his thrusts only built the pressure in her body.
"Ardeth, please, don't stop." She cried out, her fingers digging into his skin.
Hearing her pleas for relief was enough to send him over the edge, sliding his hand into her hair, Ardeth wanted to watch the moment she fell over the edge. Tracing her lips with his tongue, Ardeth groaned as he felt her walls starting to flutter around his as he felt her body starting to grip him harder, tilting her head, wanting to see her eyes as she lost control, "Open your eyes, Dalia, I want to watch you cum." he ordered; his voice strained.
Forcing her eyes open, Dalia found his eyes staring down at her, gasping as she saw his raw emotions, desire. She wanted nothing more than to make him feel as good as he was making this for her, Dalia lifted her legs a little higher, rolling her hips, as she did it caused her whole body to shiver. "Please." She begged, not that she was sure what she was begging for. But as his thrusts got harder and with the sound of their skin slapping together, the pressure that was building and her lower half exploded.
Crying out, Dalia kept her eyes on his, as her body shook, gripping his shoulders, letting the wave of relief wash over her. "Oh God." She cried out. Wrapping her legs tighter around his waist, holding him as close to her body as she could.
Ardeth found himself falling deeper into her pale blue eyes, snapping his hips faster, he watched as her eyes started to darken, but it was hearing her cry out in pleasure that pushed him over. Tucking his arms underneath hers, Ardeth buried his nose in her neck his teeth scraping against her flesh, his body shaking as he felt the first rope of his seed leave his body. Never in his life had anything felt more glorious, slowly rocking himself deep into her, desperate to extend the moment that they were in. As each rope of his essence left his body and into hers, he swore he could see stars.
Dalia held onto his shoulders, rocking her hips with his, shaking as she felt his seed hitting her inner walls. Tilting her head towards his cheek, unable to resist licking the sweat that was rolling down, moaning at the flavor. Letting her head fall back, she found him staring down at her lifting her fingers, moving the hair from his eyes, smiling at him as he kissed her inner wrist. But before she could speak, she felt herself being rolled and soon found herself laying across his chest, his arms wrapped around her body.
Seeing her above him, smirking a bit at the shock that was on her face, sliding his fingertips down the length of her spine, enjoying the feeling of the goosebumps that littered her flesh but as she arched her back into his fingers, her body clenched his cock. Groaning out, Ardeth needed her again, gripping the sides of her head, he stared into her eyes, still darken from her release, "Can I feel you again?" he asked her, not wanting to cause her pain.
Lifting herself up so that she was sitting up, Dalia could feel his cock, it was still hard within her body, biting her lip, she could only nod. "I want to feel you again." She whispered. Rolling her hips, a little unsure if this was how she was supposed to do it, but it felt so fucking good. Lifting herself slowly off his cock, hissing as he thrusted up to meet her. "Fuck." She blurted out.
Closing his eyes, Ardeth could only feel what she was doing, never did he think that it was supposed to be so fucking good. Sliding his hands up to her sides until he cupped her breasts, groaning as he felt her nipples harden under his fingertips. "Dalia, please, I don't want you to stop." He growled out.
Placing her hands in his, Dalia set a fast pace, wanting to give her husband the pleasure that he gave her moments ago. Finding a good rhythm, Dalia could feel the wetness from her body starting to drip down her thighs, tilting her head back, enjoying the feeling of giving and receiving pleasure. Lifting herself up, rolling her hips as she slid down his cock, crying out as his cock stretched her, while it was still a bit painful, the pleasure was far better than the first time.
Opening his eyes as she rode him, he found himself entranced watching her, his eyes followed the curve of her neck, to the swell of her breasts in his hands it was enough to drive any man insane, but when his eyes fell towards where their body was joined, seeing his cock disappear into her body pushed him over. Sitting up quickly, his tongue licking the column of her neck, "My flower, I need to hear you." He groaned against her lips.
Holding onto his shoulders, Dalia could feel her fingers digging into his skin, but with how he kept thrusting up, she knew he didn't seem to mind. Laying her forehead on his, Dalia could feel the pressure building in her body, "Ardeth, please." Desperate for him to fall over the edge with her.
Threading his fingers into her hair, his other hand gripping her hip, thrusting up into her body his tongue licking the sweat that was sliding down her neck, "I can feel you, my flower, so close to cumming, let me hear you." He said, groaning as her walls started to flutter around his cock. Breathing slowly, refusing to spill his seed before she reached hers, biting down on her neck her reaction was instant, hissing as he felt her body clench around his cock.
"ARDETH!" she cried out. Holding his shoulders tightly, Dalia rolled her hips as the dam in her body broke for the second time. Closing her eyes, Dalia could see bright lights behind her eyelids, threading her fingers into his hair, holding him as close as she could as her body shook. "I need to feel you." She murmured against his lips.
It was the sound of her screaming out his name that drove him over, gripping her hips tightly, moaning as he came deep into her body. Thrusting himself as deep as he could, wanting to make sure all his seed stayed within her body, shaking as her body massaged his cock. "Dalia." He whispered.
Falling back on the blankets of their bed his arms wrapping around her holding her close to his chest refusing to let her go. Inhaling deeply, enjoying how her long blonde hair draped over their bodies like a golden blanket. "Dalia," moving some sweat coated hair that was stuck to her forehead, smirking as she tilted into his hands, "this is how I want to fall asleep for the rest of my life." He murmured against her temple.
Dalia found herself looking into his eyes, smiling as she felt his thumb rubbing against her cheek, blushing a bit as she felt his hands slowly rubbing her ass. Placing a small kiss over his heart, Dalia could only smile, "waking up like this sounds perfect." Tilting her head so that she could listen to his heartbeat, pleased to hear that it sounded like hers felt.
Letting out a soft yawn, Dalia could feel her body starting to shut down, lifting her arms a little higher, wrapping her arms around his neck, "I do care about you, deeply." She murmured against his chest. Closing her eyes, the last thing that she felt was his fingers stroking her back and him placing a blanket over their bodies.
Ardeth could feel her breathing changing, sparing a glance down on his chest, smiling at the sight of her falling asleep against his chest. Lifting his head, Ardeth placed a small kiss on her forehead, sighing with contentment as she held him a little tighter. Feeling a small tear slide down his face, wiping it away Ardeth wrapped his arms tightly around his now sleeping wife, "And I love you." Closing his eyes, he let his body shut down, excited that tomorrow they would be able to explore the markets of Cairo.
Mostafa found himself standing on the outside of the Great Chief's tent, another wave of anger filling his veins, how dare he think that he had the right to take one of his members. Spending most of the night walking around the camp, doing what he could to calm down, but all that alone time only stoke the fire in his soul more. Rubbing his beard, he knew that there was no way to deny him, but perhaps if he could talk to the man alone, he'd be able to convince him that he should rescind his offer. Smirking a bit as the thought of Zahra's face falling was almost enough to excite him, but that would only happen if he could stop this.
They were the same age, but yet Ardeth was blessed with the power of the Great Chief, it wasn't fair, he was far smarter, and he was certain that if he had the opportunity to lead the twelve Tribes, the people would see that he was a far better leader. But that was something that would never be, for it was the Bay bloodline that was ordained by the Ancient Gods to be the protectors of the Medjai.
But now here he was standing outside the back side of the man's tent, hearing the woman he wanted more than his next breath cry out in ecstasy for another man. Gripping the hilt of his sword, tempted to cut his way through and cut his throat, but he knew that there was a small chance that his Dalia could be injured in the fight, and he would never want to damage her beautiful skin. Closing his eyes for a moment, his mind creating the image of seeing her bend over, her ass in the air as he drove his cock into her body.
Unable to stop himself, Mostafa slid his hands down into his cotton pants, his callous hands wrapping around his pulsing cock, biting his cheek to keep himself from moaning out. Turning his head ever so slightly, desperate to hear the sounds that she was making, imagining that it was him that made her feel so good. Moving his hand quickly down his cock, Mostafa used the other to cover his mouth, scared that he was going to cry out her name as he spilt his seed onto the dirt.
Feeling his balls starting to tingle, he bit down on his finger as he started to spray his cum onto the ground, letting his eyes look down, he watched in fascination as his cock pulsed. Even by his own hand he was never able to last long, but he didn't need to his only job was to cum inside of her body. Exhaling slowly, adjusting himself frowning as he heard them still, how could any man last more than a few thrusts? His hate for Ardeth grew even more, sparing a last look down at the mess he made on the side of his tent, smiling at the sight, Mostafa turned on his heels and headed towards his own. He knew that he only had a day or so before they would move on, and he would not lose his Dalia for a second time.
Sitting in his tent, Menes watched as the fires changed colors, smiling at the what the signs were telling him. "Finally!" he shouted. Covering his mouth, a little embarrassed that he was so loud, taking a second to regain his composure, Menes tossed a few herbs in, desperate to see if all the crack in their marriage were finally on the mend.
Covering his mouth for a second time, Menes, had to take several deep breaths to keep himself from screaming to the heavens. Closing his eyes, he couldn't help but be thrilled for the couple, it was a long time coming and now that they had sealed their bond with love, nothing but Allah would be able to separate them. Sending prayers to Allah for giving Ardeth the courage to admit his errors and the strength to do what he could to fix them. And for Dalia to let herself open her heart to the man after he broke it so. It truly was a testament of the kind of woman she really was and that was what would bring their Tribes into a great future.
Taking a sip of his tea, there were only two major obstacles that remained for them, but he knew that it was her hidden strength that would help them as a people overcome it all. Smothering his fire, Menes let his body rest, for he knew his time was fast approaching and he needed to conserve as much energy as he could before he was taken from this world.
