His Desert Flower

by Aurora84

Ardeth's entire life was built with one purpose, to keep the world safe from the Creature, but with his defeat he knew not what his life would entail & unknown to him, his father made plans for him. Dalia found herself wondering if this arrangement her papa made would lead to her happiness, but if she did not make this work there was a fate far worse than a marriage to a stranger.

8. Chapter 8

A/N: Arabic in italic

His Desert Flower Ch. 8

Menes watched as the sun broke over the horizon, it was normally something that he enjoyed watching, especially in his old age, but he knew that this morning was going to be filled with anger, vengeance and blood. Sparing a glance over at the tent that held the prisoner, Menes couldn't help but smile a bit at the sight of Ardeth's warriors keeping it surrounded.

No one from his sect was allowed to enter, Ishaq made sure of that, for until Ardeth was back, as the former Great Chief, his word would be law. But what was really telling, that neither that man's wife nor his council pushed the issue, and to the Elders that was a sign that they were not going to defend their Chief.

Shaking his head, not understanding what he had done in the short time that he was Chief to alienate the people that were supposed to advise and support him. Letting his eyes leave the prisoner's tent, Menes found himself watching the Great Chief's tent and anger started to pulse through his veins. He knew that there were a couple challenges for her to overcome, but this was not what he was expecting.

Rubbing his graying beard, Menes knew that any other woman would have been a blubbering mess and rightfully so, but not Dalia, after she was done with Mira, she walked back to her tent with her mother at her side with her head held high. The image of her people lightly touching her shoulder, that was an image that would burn bright in his memory until he was taken from this world.

Hearing horses whining, Menes turned his head to see that the Great Chief was finally heading back into camp, swallowing some spit, he knew that it would take several men to keep him from immediately from killing Mostafa, he just hoped that he would allow him to get the truth from him before his execution. Moving to stand, his eyes finding a young man coming back from his rounds, "Go find Ishaq, for Ardeth is back."

Menes let his eyes follow the young man as he walked deeper into the camp, hoping that Ishaq was already waking for the day, for he and Dalia would be the only ones to temper his rage.

Jumping off his horse, Ardeth could see Omar watching him intently, sighing he had hoped that while he was out on the hunt that the camp wouldn't have too many issues, but it was clear that something happened during the night. Handing his reins over, he made his way over to the young man, hoping to handle this issue quickly for he wanted to clean himself and wrap his body around his wife.

Frowning a bit as he watched the young man's shoulder drop, "Tell me." Not wanting to prolong whatever this was, for his wife would be waking soon.

Straightening his spine, Omar didn't want to prolong this anymore than was necessary, seeing that his Chief was watching, he quickly explained everything that transpired the night before. But as each word left his mouth, he could see that Ardeth's rage was starting to boil over, and only for a moment did he worry about Dalia's safety.

Ardeth could feel his hand twitching, instinctively reaching for his sword for he was about to drive it through his fucking eyes. Moving to take a step, he found his path blocked by Omar, "I do not want to hurt you, but you need to move, now." he said, his voice dropping dangerously low. While he respected Omar, not only for the warrior he was but for protecting his wife, no one was going to prevent him from cutting out Mostafa's heart.

"My son, you have every reason to be upset, and demand his blood, but he needs to stand trial with the Elders." Ishaq said as he came upon his son.

Glaring down at his father, Ardeth was tempted to tell him to fuck off, no one would interfere with his brand of justice. "What is there to judge!? HE TRIED TO RAPE MY WIFE!" he bellowed out. Making another attempt to head towards the prisoner he found his path blocked by his father. "If this was your wife, you would have already killed the man preventing you from seeking justice." Stepping into his space, "You are no longer the Great Chief father, now move."

Menes cleared his throat, "Dalia said that he admitted to killing her father, the Grand council needs to hear this, and she needs to see you." He said, hoping that hearing her name snapped him out of it.

Ardeth held the hilt of his sword, he knew that neither his father nor the Priest were wrong, but the thought of anyone harming his flower was more than enough to send him on a rampage. Turning his eyes towards his father, seeing hope that he would allow for the Elder's to find answers, giving him a curt nod, his eyes turned towards Menes, "Prepare whatever you need, but by the time the sun sets on this day, I will see his head removed." Pushing past the men blocking his path, desperate to see her, if only to ensure that she was safe.

Sitting with her legs crossed, Dalia could only groan in contentment as her mama carefully dried her hair, grateful that her mama woke up early with her to take the time to wash her hair. Sighing a bit as she felt her start the process of putting her hair into a secure braid, she couldn't help but worry how Ardeth was going to act towards her, would he blame her? Would he think that she was tainted in some way?

Carefully tucking in the last braid, Zahra couldn't help but smile at how beautiful she looked, "Your hair is getting so long again." It wasn't until she was washing it that she realized that it was down to her waist, "Perhaps later tonight, I will cut it a bit for you, to make it easier to take care of."

Patting her hand, Dalia could only offer a small smile, "Mama, what if Ardeth is upset with me?" she asked, worried that he would not love her anymore.

Pulling her into a deep hug, "Do not worry my sweet girl, he loves you." Wiping away a few tears that were starting to fall down her face, Zahra could see that it wasn't the pain of her injuries that upset her, but what her husband would say or do. "I filled the tub for you, please, go and soak your body, it will help ease your pain, and when you are done, I will put the salve on."

Dalia gripped her robe a little tighter, she could see on her mama's face that her bruises were darker than the day before, but there wasn't anything that could be done, only time would heal them. "Thank you for staying with me, I love you mama." As she moved to stand Dalia froze at the sound of his voice yelling out for her. Gasping as he pushed through the curtain of their tent, he looked furious.

"DALIA?!, DALIA!" Panic filled him. It wasn't often that it happened within the Tribes, but in the few times he witnessed the aftermath, the woman always looked so broken. He knew that Mostafa failed in his attempt, but for her to know that was the intent, he had no clue how she was going to deal with the aftermath. Pushing himself into their tent, his eyes found her standing by the bath, her fingers clutching her robe, but it was the fear in her eyes that broke him.

Zahra knew that they needed to talk, placing a swift kiss on her cheek, she made her way out of their tent, catching his eye, she gently squeezed his shoulder, "She's more worried about how you're going to treat her." She whispered. Ducking out, Zahra hoped that she was right about what kind of man Ardeth was, for if he treated Dalia as though she did something wrong, it would break her little girl's heart.

Not taking his eyes off his wife, Ardeth slowly made his way towards her, worried that he was going to scare her. "My love, I am so sorry I was not here." If he had not been on the hunt Mostafa would never have had the opportunity to come near her. Stopping about a foot away from her, he could see the bruises on her face, but it was the handprint on her neck that enraged him, closing the distance between them, Ardeth lightly touched her cheek, his forehead coming to rest on hers, "I will kill him for touching you." He growled out.

Dalia let out a breath that she had been holding, leaning into his touch, she couldn't stop the flow of tears even if she wanted to. "It was my fault; I knew that with him being here, I shouldn't have walked alone." Wrapping her arms around him, "He murdered my papa." She cried.

Ardeth held her close to his chest, his body fluctuating between rage and love for his wife. "He said this to you?" Not that it mattered, his life was forfeit the moment he put hands on his wife, but if he admitted murder of a Chief, then his death would not be contested by the Elders.

Nodding her head, "Yes, he did." Taking a shaky breath, Dalia leaned back a bit, wanting to see his eyes, "I saw Mira after, she confirmed that I was untouched." Hoping that by him knowing this, he would still want to be with her as her husband.

Looking into her eyes, Ardeth could see that she was scared that he would reject her, shaking his head, even if he was successful, he would never abandon her, she was the light of his life. Looking over her head, Ardeth could see the tub was filled with hot water, "Did I disturb your bath?" he asked her.

Glancing over her shoulder, Dalia could see the steam rising off the water, turning her eyes back to her husband, seeing the dirt that was clinging to his face. Taking a hold of one the buttons on his shirt, Dalia slowly lifted her eyes towards his, pleased to see that there was still desire in them. It didn't take her long to unbutton his shirt, but as she wrapped her hands around the ties of his pants, she could feel his wrists taking ahold of hers, "I need you." She breathed out.

Taking ahold of the sash that was holding her robe together, Ardeth stared deep into her pale eyes searching for anything that indicated to him that she was only doing this for his benefit, but all he could see was her desire for him. Carefully wrapping his hand behind the back of her neck, he pulled her into a deep kiss, groaning as her delicate tongue stroked his. Untying her robe, Ardeth could feel the silk material sliding off her body, pulling her a bit closer, moaning as he felt her breasts on his chest.

Keeping his head on hers, Ardeth slid his pants down his legs, hissing as he felt his cock pushing against her skin. Lifting her into his arms, he carefully situated them in steaming water, his back against the side and her body straddling his legs. "Are you sure my love?" As much as he wanted her, he would never expect her to lie with him, especially after the night she had.

Dalia leaned into his fingers that were lightly rubbing her cheeks, placing her hand on his, her eyes finding his. "Ardeth, I am very sure." Reaching over to grab the soap, once she got a rich lather going, she carefully washed his face and hair. Rinsing out his hair, Dalia reached over for the cloth, she found him staring up at her, blushing that he was watching her so intently. "What?" she asked him.

Sliding his hands up her body until he cupped her full breasts, Ardeth could hear her breathing changing, "It has been a long time since anyone bathed me." He said, his voice cracking with need. Letting his eyes roam her body, even with the bruises on her face and neck, she was a stunning woman, and she was his.

Biting his lip as she slowly washed his arms, chest, but as she wrapped her little hand around his pulsing cock, it was all he could do not to grab her and thrust up into her. Closing his eyes, Ardeth tilted his head back against the side of the copper tub, doing what he could to allow her to explore his body and not cum in her hand.

Watching her husband shut his eyes, Dalia couldn't help but smile at the sight, for this was the first time it was just her giving pleasure and she wanted to make sure that he enjoyed it as much as she enjoyed him touching her. Dropping the cloth, she carefully wrapped her hands around him, almost gasping at the sheer size of him for she couldn't get her fingers to touch. Blinking rapidly, Dalia knew that he was a large man, for she felt him within her body, but feeling him in her hands, she couldn't help but be surprised that he was able to fit.

Shaking off the shock, Dalia leaned forward, placing a kiss on his lips, groaning as his tongue stroked hers, but it was the taste of his saffron flavor that caused her heart rate to pick up. Running her fingers through his hair, Dalia lifted herself over his cock, and slowly sunk down, moaning into his mouth as her body stretched around him. Needing to breath, she pulled back, keeping her forehead on his, almost crying out as she felt his cock bottom out, "Oh God." she murmured against his lips.

Ardeth held her tightly from the back of her neck, the other hand holding her his still, "Give me a moment." He breathed out. He was so close to the edge, and he knew that if he didn't get himself under control, he would spill himself inside of her before she could reach her own pleasures. Placing small kisses on her neck, groaning as he felt her walls starting to squeeze him, licking the side of her cheek, Ardeth made his way towards her lips, needing to taste her as he moved within her.

Dalia could feel her entire body start to shake, even just sitting still on him was making her feel almost out of control. Wrapping herself around him, enjoying the heat from his skin on her chest. Tilting her head as she felt his tongue against her neck, her fingertips gripping his shoulders, tension was building her in body, and she knew that he was the only one that would be able to relieve it. "Ardeth, please." She begged, "I feel as though I'm going to burst."

Sliding the hand that was on her hip up her side, his fingers gently pinching her pale pink nipples, inhaling deeply as it caused her body to jump. "I need to feel you, my beloved. I want to feel your body come undone around me."

Rocking her hips, Dalia slowly lifted herself hissing as she felt his cock sliding out of her body, "I don't think I can last long." She gasped. Relaxing her body as she sank back down on him, rotating her hips as she took him back into her body, desperate to feel the relief building in her body but also to make sure that he enjoyed himself.

Ardeth held her gently by the neck, thrusting himself up into her body, smirking as he heard her words. Licking the side of her neck, he set a brutal pace, it was clear that they both needed release, for him to ensure that she was still his, and if he had to guess for her, it was to ensure he still loved her. Wrapping his arms tightly around her body, pushing himself into her, enjoying how the velvety texture of her walls massaged him, but it was the feeling of her shaking that told him that she was going to fall over the edge.

"I can feel you my flower," licking the shell of her ear, "your walls are gripping my cock, squeezing me almost begging me to fill your womb." Hissing as she rocked her body into his, he could feel his balls starting to tighten. "Cum on me my love, coat me with your juices." He rasped.

It was taking every ounce of his control not to just spill his seed, but he knew that it was only a matter of time before the pressure building within him would burst. Slipping his hand under the water, using his thumb to rub against her clit, moaning as he felt her body clench around him, "Fuck." he growled out.

Dalia threw her head back as she felt his thumb pushing against her, crying out, she could feel the dam within her body breaking. Rolling her hips into his, gasping at the bright lights flashed in her eyes, "Ardeth, please." Begging him to fall over the edge with her. Slamming her lips into his, she clenched her inner muscles hoping that it would bring him pleasure.

Holding her tighter against his chest, Ardeth pushed himself as deep into her body as he could, wanting to leave every ounce of himself inside of her body. But it was the taste of her vanilla flavor on his tongue that broke him, squeezing her tightly, holding her in place as he felt his balls empty into her, moaning in her mouth as he felt each rope of cum leave his body. Pulling back just slightly, his forehead coming to rest on hers, he let his fingers slide down under the water until he gripped her thighs, holding her steady as she milked his cock.

"Dalia." He breathed out. "I will never get tired of feeling you cum around me." Rubbing his thumb against the pulse point on her neck, smirking as he felt her heart racing. He wanted to glance down at see how their bodies were connected but the soapy water made that near impossible, but he could still feel her body pulsing around his cock.

Leaning forward, Ardeth pulled her down onto his lips, desperate to taste her again, but his responsibility as her husband and Chief needed to be handled before he could feel her again.

Leaning her head against his, Dalia could feel her emotions rising, but the one that was the most prominent was joy. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Dalia couldn't stop the tears, "I was scared not for what he was planning but knowing that we are finally found our way to each other, and he was going to take that from us." Her voice cracked.

Ardeth held her closely to his chest, he could feel the anger rising in his body, the moment Omar told him what happened that was the only thought that crossed his mind. Never seeing her, hearing her laugh, or being able to hold her, it was his worst nightmare come to life, and he was so damn close to losing her.

Steadying himself, Ardeth leaned back, wanting to see the look in her eyes, using his thumbs to wipe away a tear that was sliding down her cheek. "My love, I can never repay your father for teaching you how to defend yourself, I am forever in his debt." Steading his breath, "I promise you this, his death will not be quick."

Placing a small kiss on her cheek, Ardeth held her until the water started to cool, feeling her shiver in his arms he lifted them both out of the water and brought them towards the fire. Keeping her back against his chest, he kept himself wrapped around her, doing what he could to protect her from what was to come. "Are you sure you want to be there?" He knew that she would, if only to prove to the man that he didn't break her.

Glancing over her shoulder, Dalia could see that he was only asking because he wanted to keep her safe, and for that she couldn't help but love him a bit more. Using her nails, she gently scratched his forearm, "I am." Giving him a small smile, "My papa had to take the lives of three men and as his daughter I was present for all three. It wasn't pleasant, but it was my duty to support him as it is my duty as your wife to be there for you."

"Dalia, I do not care about duty, I care about you and your happiness." Placing a kiss on her neck, Ardeth reached over to the salve he found her mother holding. "Does this go on your neck?" he asked her.

Nodding, "Mira said it would ease the soreness of the bruises." Tilting her head as she felt his fingers gently put the ointment on. Taking a steadying breath, Dalia knew that they needed to dress, for she wanted nothing more than to see justice down not only for her, but for her mama.

Menes watched as the Chief entered the tent but to his and the rest of the Elders surprise, Dalia and her mother entered behind him. Giving his Chief a once over, it was clear that he wasn't thrilled that his wife was here, but he was going to allow it and that was enough for him. Turning his eyes towards the Elders, he could see that they were a little unsettled with their presence, but no one would dare say anything to Ardeth, for it was his wife that was harmed.

Ardeth found himself staring into the scared eyes of the man that was not only going to rape her but murder her because he wasn't man enough to let her go. Letting his eyes take him in, Ardeth couldn't help but snort a bit, his nose was clearly broken, and the bruising on his eye told him that she hit him several times with either her fist or foot. Seeing that he was bound to the pole in the middle of the room, with his hands tied high above his head and in his kneeling position, his feet were secured to the pole.

Glancing down at his wife, her eyes were fixed on Mostafa, and he was certain that if she wasn't holding his hand, she would have driven a knife through his heart. Pulling her a bit closer to his body, "He will pay dearly for his crimes against your family." Relaxing when he felt her gently squeeze his hand, turning his eyes towards the accused, he knew that Dalia wanted nothing more than to yell at him, but in this instance, if she or her mother spoke in this tent without being asked a question they would be removed.

Leading them towards the seat near his father, Ardeth gently squeezed her mother's shoulders and placed a kiss on his wife's lips, for that was the only comfort he could give either of them until this was over with. With a final look at her, smiling when she nodded to him, he turned his attention to the coward that was trembling, standing at his full height, his eyes turned to Menes, then the Elders indicating that he was ready to get this over with.

Mostafa could feel the piss running down his legs, turning his eyes towards the man who was now looming over him, he wanted nothing more than to shrink back but with how he was tied to the pole he didn't have any room to move. Glancing around the tent, he could see the Elders of the Great Chief's Tribe and a few from his, all of them looking at him with disgust, but it was Dalia's eyes that burned with anger and hate. Glaring right back, hating her for the situation that he was in, if only she understood her place as his none of this would have happened.

Furious that he couldn't even yell at her, but he was not only bound to the pole his mouth was gagged as well. Growling as he watched the Priest step forward with a steaming bowl of liquid. Doing what he could to arch himself away, refusing to drink whatever this was.

Menes couldn't help but smile at his struggles, but no matter how much he struggled he would drink. "HOLD HIM STEADY!" he barked. Seeing that two of their warriors held him and one pulling his mouth open, Menes didn't waste any time getting the liquid into his mouth, holding his jaw shut, and Omar holding his nose, he watched as Mostafa tried to fight against swallowing but soon enough the man was gasping for air and the medicine was down his throat. Taking several steps back, his eyes locked on to the Great Chief, "It will only take a moment."

Gripping her mama's hand, Dalia watched as Mostafa fought the effects of Menes drink, but it seemed the more he struggled the more painful it became. There was a small comfort in that for her, letting her eyes fall towards her mama knowing she needed this as much as she did. Exhaling slowly, giving each other a small smile, they both turned their attention to the man now screaming out in pain.

Ardeth couldn't help but smirk at the pain he was in, without taking his eyes off his, "What exactly did you give him?"

Clearing his throat, Menes kept his eyes on the fallen Chief, "Wolfsbane and a few other herbs." Stepping closer to the man crying out, smirking as he started to succumb to the potion, "It will make him only speak the truth, but you must be clear precise in your questioning." Crouching down, Menes took ahold of his hair, smirking at his discomfort, "The more you fight it, the more painful it becomes, and you do not have the constitution to fight it." Stepping back, he turned to his Chief, then to the Elders, "Let justice be done."

Ardeth could feel mind screaming at him to just end this farce and drive his sword through his skull, but he knew that his flower and her mother deserved answers about Abasi. Clearing his throat, looked over at Omar, "Cut him loose." For he would not question a bound man.

Dalia felt her mama gripping her hand a little harder, she knew that if it was killing her to remain quiet in his presence, she could only imagine what her mama was feeling. Bringing her hand to her lips, Dalia hoped that it was enough for her, for it was all she could give in this moment. Flinching a bit as she watched Omar cut him free, while she knew that there was no way for him to harm her or her mama, being so close to him without some restraints was a little unsettling. Closing her eyes, Dalia could feel a warm sensation over her body, sighing in relief, her papa was here, watching over them, seeing that his murder would not go unanswered.

Wiping a tear that was sliding down her cheek, Dalia exhaled slowly and shook the last of her nerves, she would cry later now her mama, her Tribe, but mostly it was her husband that needed her.

Kicking him over, Ardeth placed his boot on his chest, "Mostafa Salim, I Ardeth Bay, Great Chief of the Twelve Tribes demand of you answers to your actions." Pushing down a little harder on his chest, pleased to see that the concoction that Menes gave him was causing him great agony.

Screaming out, Mostafa could feel the warmth of piss sliding down his legs, fear coursing through his entire body. Using his forearm to wipe the tears from his face, "Please, Great Chief, please, show mercy!" he cried out. Hoping that the tales of Ardeth's compassion were true because he did not want to die.

"Mercy? If my wife was not able to defend herself, would you have shown her mercy?" he snapped. It took all his strength not to drive a dagger into his balls, but in this moment, he needed to show restraint.

Biting his cheek, Mostafa could taste the blood that was pooling in his mouth, but the longer he kept quiet the more pain he felt. "NO!" he screamed out, "Please, make it stop!" his voice cracking, the pain that he was feeling was enough to make him pass out.

Kneeling on his chest, Ardeth glared down at the man that was struggling to buck him off. "Would you have given my wife mercy if she begged?" he asked again. He knew the answer, hell they all did, but he wanted to make sure that when he took his life, the Tribes would see it as just.

Shaking his head, Mostafa knew that fighting the drink was pointless, and the Priest was right, he was not strong enough to withstand any longer. Looking up into the Great Chief's eyes, Mostafa stuck out his chin, "No. I would not have given her mercy."

Wrapping his hand around his throat, Ardeth was ever so tempted to squeeze the life out of him just like he attempted to do his flower, but he steadied his hands feebly trying to pull him off, it was amusing, hissing a bit, Ardeth squeezed a little harder. "And what made you attack Dalia?" he growled out.

Mostafa tried to push him off, but Ardeth was far stronger than he was, gasping for air as he felt the man release his throat, slightly. Glaring up at the man, hating him for having what he desired, "She was supposed to be mine, my brother sent her away just so that I couldn't have her."

Ardeth could hear the gasps from the Elders, but the loudest was from Zahra, turning his head slightly, he could see the only thing holding her in place was Dalia wrapping herself around her mother. Feeling his jaw tick, Ardeth turned his attention back, "And why would you attempt to rape her?" His body shaking with rage as every word left his mouth.

Sticking out his chin, Mostafa tried to fight off the effects of the Priest's drink, but the more he tried, the more pain he filled his body. Screaming out, "Because, if I took her, you would have divorced her, and she would have been forced to marry me." Crying out as the pain slowly subsided, "Please, make this stop." He begged, not caring that tears were sliding down his face.

Ishaq stood, his fingers wrapped around his dagger, "Ardeth, kill him. He is not worthy of his tattoos." Turning towards his daughter-in-law, seeing the anger but her strength through all of this, Abasi was right, his daughter was truly a gift from Allah.

Slowly moving to a standing position, Ardeth kept his foot on the man's throat, his eyes taking in the Elders, they were all in agreement, but he caught his wife's eyes he could see that she wanted justice for her father. Rolling his neck, his eyes finding Mostafa's almost pleading with him, unable to stop the sneer that was on his face, Ardeth lifted his foot. "Did you kill your brother?" he asked.

Clamping his mouth shut, Mostafa did everything that he could to keep himself from speaking, but as the minutes passed the pain became unbearable, rolling onto his side, puking his guts as he fought. Sitting up on his knees, Mostafa slowly raised his head, his eyes finding Zahra her eyes piercing his, shivering, turning towards his obsession finding nothing but hatred in her eyes. Spitting at their feet, "I did. He was so trusting, a fool really."

Dalia had to move quickly to keep her mama from hitting him, jumping in front of her, she wrapped her body around her, hoping that she would calm.

Zahra gripped her daughter as tightly as she could, giant tears filled her eyes, her eyes finding the Elders, each of them looking at her with sympathy and understanding. Exhaling slowly, found her son-in-law watching her, bowing towards him, "As his widow, I demand his death."

Menes placed his hand on the woman, gently rubbing her shoulder, "And you shall have it." He whispered into her ear. Looking towards the Elders, "He murdered his own brother, he attempted to rape not only his niece, but the wife to the Great Chief. I call for the Ancient Rites of Death!"

Mostafa screamed as he watched all of them agree, "YOU CAN'T I'M A CHIEF!" he yelled out. Attempting to stand, he quicky found himself back on the ground, screaming out as he felt his nose break again.

Ardeth could see him attempt to stand, hitting him with a quick jab to the nose, smirking as the resounding crunch of the bone in his nose breaking hit his ears. "You were never a Chief, only a murderer." Looking at Omar, "Bring him to the center of camp, let them all see his shame." Staring at the Elders of his Tribe, he could see that they were almost scared, it had been several hundred years since the Ancient Rites were called upon. "No man, No Chief, no member of the twelve Tribes is above the law of the Medjai, and anyone that dares break our sacred laws will be sentenced just the same."

Dalia held her mama as they dragged Mostafa out of the tent, his screams echoing into the night, but as the tent cloth closed behind him, she could feel someone staring. Turning her eyes, she found her husband watching her, his eyes filled with anger, love, and worry. Giving him a small smile, Dalia bowed slightly to him, "Thank you for finding justice for my papa, Great Chief."

Needing to touch her, Ardeth pulled her into a deep hug, kissing her temple as he did so, "For you my desert flower, I would give you the world if you but ask." Taking a hold of her face, Ardeth tilted her so that he could see into her pale eyes, smiling when he found nothing but love in them. Leaning down, using his thumbs to lightly rub her cheeks, "I love you, my Dalia."

Tilting her head into thumb, kissing his wrist, "And I love you." Exhaling slowly, Dalia turned her eyes towards opening of the tent, knowing that as the sunset on this day, Mostafa Salim would fall to her husband and justice would be served.