"You seem lost in thought," she stood lowering her robe her eyes meeting his. Whatever troubled him must be indeed great, she thought.
"There is much we must discuss, hassanna but the conversation will have to conclude when we arrive home." In truth, he should have prepared her during the voyage but he had enjoyed their time and had no wish to spoil it. She could be with child as they spoke and he had no intention of ever setting her free, even if she could not accept his life. Resolving his mind, he decreed she would come to acknowledge the power of being his first wife, perhaps even enjoy her new status. "All will be well," he smiled warmly.
The next several hours were filled with tedious boredom for Michaela. The servants prepared their belongings for shore and Armon had walked above deck to oversee that the duties were carried out to his satisfaction. She wondered about the new life she was about to embark on, the books she had read spoke of the markets and the strange way of life in her new country. Her husband, she had learned, was a very influential man as was his father before him. Her thoughts were interrupted as he walked back in the room.
"We are ready to journey to my home, hassanna," he watched as she adjusted her burqa and smiled at her silent compliance. He could only marvel at the change in his beautiful wife in the last few weeks. Gone was the willful defiant girl that had angered him, he was greatly pleased at how she had given over to his command. He walked toward the door, knowing instinctively she would follow him.
She followed him to the dock, amazed at the sights and sounds that surrounded her. What she had expected was long stretches of nothingness, but that was not to be the case. There were vibrant colors and enticing aromas prevalent everywhere as she was given her first taste of his culture. Behind her veil she could only smile at the exciting scenery.
They stopped in front of large camel and Michaela could only stare at the animal in fascination. As the creature lowered to the ground, she felt herself being lifted onto his back and gripped the strange leather reins nervously. Feeling her husband sliding behind her on the animal, she breathed a sigh of relief and wished she had thought twice. The smell of the camels fur was less than pleasant, she thought wrinkling her nose.
Armon pulled her against him as the camel righted himself. As her body relaxed against him, he was pleased at the trust she put in his ability to master the animal. She would soon understand that the harem was also a way of protecting her, he vowed. His mother and sister would find enjoyment at finally having others to join them. He thought with some shame, that he had strayed from his duties longer than he should have, but the unrest in his country had dictated that peaceful negotiations were his first obligation.
Michaela's eyes widened in amazement as he led the camel across a drawbridge and in front of the beautiful palace and fought to contain her emotion. Never had her eyes beheld such extravagance, even at the mansions back in her own country. The pink tinged masonry and golden domes reminded her of a castle and nestled against the cream colored sand, it was if a dream had been drawn with the architecture before her.
Commanding the camel to kneel, he helped his wife down, and started walking around the expansive fountain before the front entrance. The servants busied themselves with their belongings as he led her inside the grandeur of the main hall. This had been his home for all his years, and had served his father and grandfather before him.
She took in every beautiful fixture in wonder as her eyes devoured the gleaming marble of the pristine floors, the chandelier glimmered a soft light throwing hues of pink and blue over the overwhelming entry. Being born to a wealthy family herself, she had thought her life had been indulged, no other place, besides the Queen's castle, had been this majestic.
As they continued to walk, she knew it would be easy to become lost in the great expanse here. She could only wonder if they ever used a majority of the rooms they had passed. He stopped in front of a double door, gilded in gold and turned to her. "This is where the females of my family reside," he smiled warmly before turning back to open the door.
His words were confusing but as she glanced inside the enormous room before her, she had little time to question him. She could only compare the elegance to a sitting room with another dozen rooms widths included. Large colorful pillows were placed artfully among the walls, and fruits that were known and strange to her graced copper bowls to overflowing. The walls were covered in tapestry of gold and red colors, and in the center a small fountain flowed, spewing water high into the air. "It is breathtaking," she spoke in hushed tones.
"I am glad you find it so hassanna," he turned to her and smiled, lifting her hands in his. "You will rule here, all that walk within will be under your command."
She could only look up at him in confusion. "I do not understand."
"I am the only true man that will walk beyond the doors here, Michaela." He could see her confusion growing and prepared for the talk that he could no longer put off. "Let us find your quarters, hassanna, and I shall explain."
She wanted to demand an explanation right then, but she chose to wait, not knowing who else they might meet here. He had said he was the only man, but perhaps there were female servants here she considered. She followed as he led her to the back of the huge room and opened another door. The door opened to a small set of stairs and she wondered how large this place truly was. At the top of the stairs, a long hallway was found.
"The door that we have walked through is your own personal one, hassanna," he stopped to smile at her, "each of these rooms are yours to do as you will." He continued to walk until they reached the end of the hall and opened the door.
She walked inside a bedroom that would have taken the entire first floor of the beautiful home she had resided in before. Casting her gaze around the room she attempted to take in the opulence of the ornate walls, the silken large pillows for resting, and the huge carved bed surrounded by sheer colored transparent curtains it was all overwhelming. "I have no words," she whispered softly still amazed.
"None of this compares to your beauty hassanna," he was pleased she found the quarters to her liking. "There is no need to wear your burqa past the doors below, in truth if you choose to wear nothing at all it would be your right." The thought of her beautiful body on display here for him whenever he chose, was enticing.
"I could never do such," she blushed deeply, thinking that even knowing there was no other to see her, it would not be befitting.
With a raise of his eyebrow, a small smirk found his face as he turned to her. Without warning he lowered his hands to the hem of her robe and lifted it from her body, helped by her raising her hands. "Even if I would come back as often as duty permits to see you that way?" His eyes filling with hunger and he questioned her.
She felt comfortable enough with him to not shield her body from his roaming eyes, but a tinge of color still found her cheeks. "That is hardly fair, my Sheikh." Smiling, she could only shake her head at his words.
His shaft hardened instantly at the site of her full breasts and he was not a man to deny his own need, especially when he knew she would find pleasure in his touch. Removing his own robe, he smiled before pulling her into his arms. "I find that I cannot get enough of you hassanna." Lifting her slight form he carried her over to the large pillows scattered on the floor and gently lowered her to her back.
His hands and lips roamed her body until she was crying out his name softly. "Tell me how much you desire me hassanna," he demanded softly, spreading her shapely thighs, kneeling between them as his tongue found her silken folds.
Crying out at the undeniable pleasure of his mouth, she arched her hips upward, straining against his lips. "I have never desired anything as much, Armon." The words escape on a quick breath.
He lifted his mouth and raised his body up, his long thick shaft pausing at the entrance of her tight haven. "Would you deny me anything I wished," he questioned, allowing the head of his shaft to push in only slightly.
Her core tensed and released in anticipation,
and she shook her head no quickly.
"I would have the words hassanna," he pulled from her body again, allowing his shaft to graze across the silken nub of her sex only.
"No Armon," gripping his shoulders tightly as her body demanded fulfillment, "I would deny you nothing." She needed him desperately and her nails bit into his flesh.
He quickly grasped her legs and placed them over his shoulders before driving into her silky paradise with one hard thrust. Her soft gasp of pleasure enflamed him and he held perfectly still, deeply embedded inside her until she met his eyes. "I would never allow you to deny me, hassanna." With deep powerful strokes he rode her body until he felt her clench him tightly within, only then did he fill her womb with his own release.
Completely spent he slid from her body, pulling her over to lie on his chest as he attempted to slow his breathing. Caressing her hair softly he longed to put off the conversation that must be had, but reminded himself that he was a leader to all, including his beautiful wife. "I must wed others soon, hassanna." He spoke the words quietly waiting for her to respond.
She could not have heard him correctly she thought, turning in his arms to meet his eyes. The look of worry hidden in his dark gaze told her that his words were truth. Pulling out of his arms she scrambled off the bed, her hand moving to her mouth to stop the scream that ached to fall from her lips. She paced for several long minutes as she fought to control her temper. "You tell me this now?" How long have you hidden this from me?"
He could not deny her right to be angered. Sitting up on the edge of the bed he patted it, asking her to join him. When she refused to move, he sighed under his breath. "I have known for many months." He would not be dishonest with her.
"Did you not think to discuss this with me before you bedded me?" Her arms crossed over her chest as the desire to slap him rose forefront to her mind.
"It is my duty, and you were already my wife," Armon spoke quietly, not understanding how it would have changed anything.
"So you thought I would just allow you to have me and also have these other women?" He was insane if he truly believed she would condone his behavior, she thought to herself.
"It is not your place to allow me this, hassanna," he attempted to remind her of her place.
"You will not marry another!" His calm declaration was filling her with rage. "I will not allow it!" Glaring at him she felt the overwhelming urge to slap him until he understood how insane his thoughts were.
Feeling his own rage grow at her demands, he stood and walked in front of her. "You have no right to demand anything from me Michaela!"
"I am your wife, you arrogant pig, I have every right!" Without thought her hand reached out and met his cheek with a loud crack.
He stood absolutely still for several seconds, shocked at her behavior. Never in his life had anyone dared to place their hands on him in such a way, it would have meant their own life was forfeit. He could have her beaten for such violence, he thought to himself as he attempted to control his anger. Knowing that he could not let the act go unpunished her pulled her to him and sat down on the bed. Pulling her body over his lap his hand came down quickly on her bare rear.
Struggling against his hold, she could not believe he dared to treat her in such a way. "Release me at once you heathen ass!" She kicked her legs and fought with every ounce of strength she had.
He continued to bring his hand down on her rear until it was rosy red. She would not defy him again, he thought as her struggles ceased. With one more hard smack, he lifted her and placed her on the bed on her side. "You will learn your place, Michaela, never again will you speak to me in such a way." He walked from the room, needing to put space between them. She would come to her senses, he vowed.
Curling up into a fetal position on her side, she hated him more than she could ever recall hating another human being. Her backside was on fire and throbbing, and her only regret was that she had been unable to fight against him longer. He would never touch her again, she promised herself, for the rest of her life she would never forgive him for this night. Crying herself to sleep, she could only hope that something horrible would befall him for how he had treated her.
Several hours later she awoke, her stomach growling in hunger. Glancing around the room, she noted the huge chests that had not been in the room before. Standing slowly to her feet, she flinched at the ache of her backside before moving toward the container. Lifting the heavy lid, she was surprised at all the brightly colored garments that filled them. Rummaging through them she found a light blue silk robe and slid it on, it was one of the few items that weren't sheer.
Stepping outside of her room she was met by a huge man of color dressed only in white pants and a turban. She shrank back against the wall in fear. How had he gotten here, she thought to herself, her husband had said no men were allowed. Husband, she thought in disgust, what did that mean to him and what else had he lied about?
Bander lowered his head in respect, "I am pleased to serve you," he spoke quietly sensing her fear.
"Who are you?" Michaela was confused and could only stare at the exotic looking man.
"I am your slave," he attempted a smile, hoping to put his mistress at ease.
"But men are not allowed here," perhaps nothing he had ever said was the truth.
"This is true, Mistress." he lowered his head again meekly.
"Forget it," she stated not in the mood for anything else this night. "Can you at least show me to the dining room?"
"Of course, Mistress" he led her down the stairs and out into the main room and she was shocked to see women and children walking around.
"What name are you called?" She spoke the words softly noticing how the two women were staring toward her and even the children stopped their play as she entered.
"I am known as Bander, Mistress unless you choose to call me another name."
"I am Michaela, which I prefer to mistress, who are these people?"
"The elder is Master Armon's mother, Mistress Zahra, and the younger woman is her daughter Laila, the children belong to Mistress Zahra." He spoke with great warmth. They had been very kind to him, and he could only hope his new Mistress would be as easy to work for.
Great, Michaela thought, now she had to pretend how happy she was to be married to their relative, she thought while pasting a fake smile on her face. Making her way to the older woman, she spoke kindly. "It is very nice to meet you."
Zahra, smiled at her newest daughter, pleased to see that she was respectful. "I welcome you into our family, Michaela, my son has chosen wisely."
Michaela wondered briefly how she knew her name, but decided not to mention it. "Your children are lovely," her smile was not forced as she watched the two twin boys back at play wrestling over a toy.
"They are joys," Zahra shook her head and laughed at their antics. "This is my daughter, Laila," she motioned to the beautiful young girl and she walked forward, her eyes moving over Michaela as if inspecting her.
"Welcome sister," Laila was not sure of the temperament of her new sister and chose to walk very carefully until she had discovered more.
"Please to meet you, Laila, I do hope we become friends," she noticed the girls' nervousness and sought to put her at ease. She assumed her age to be around fourteen summers, but already she was a beauty, she thought. Her long ebony hair hung down her back in long silken strands, and her face reminded her of a china doll.
Laila smiled at her acceptance, hoping she would have a friend. It was lonely in the harem, since she was rarely allowed to see other girls' her age. "I will wish for that as well, sister."
"You must be hungry," Zahra asked waiting for her answer.
"I am absolutely famished," she replied with a small laugh. It made her weary soul feel much better knowing that at least she would have some company in this lonely place.
Smiling warmly, she clapped her hands together twice and a slave appeared almost instantaneously. "We will dine now," Zahra turned back to her new da
ughter, effectively dismissing him.
"Brander, prepare the baths for my daughter," she waved him off and he quickly left them in peace. "We shall eat and then prepare you for Armon."
Michaela forced herself to not tell her mother-in-law that she would not be meeting with Armon. It was apparent she would have to talk with her husband and explain that she was no longer willing to allow their relations to continue. She had no desire to upset this noble woman with her grief. Giving a small nod, she forced another smile.
Zahra knew there was much she must teach her new daughter about how to run the harem. The new wives would be arriving soon and it was Michaela's place to set the rules for their behavior. It was a task that needed to be resolved quickly, to prevent confusion later on. Armon had chosen this woman as his first wife, as such she deserved the respect of every wife that came after her. Only she and her new daughter would be considered equals within these walls. She also knew that if Michaela chose, she could control her behavior as well. The first wife was a position of great honor.
Michaela followed Zahra to the dining room and was shocked to see the modern furniture there. She had somewhat been expecting to sit on the floor and eat, as some of the pictures in her books portrayed. The long dining room table was elegantly set, and she was led to the head of the table. Shocked that Zahra had not taken that position she raised her eyes, questioning.
"You are the first wife, my daughter, as such this place belongs to you," Zahra smiled warmly and sat the chair to her right. Laila sat at her left.
As covered trays began to arrive, Michaela noted that the children were not present. "Do your children not dine with you?"
Zahra laughed softly, "On the rare occasion we allow it, but no, they are with caregivers for their meals, we all must have some peace."
Defying the Sheikh Page 7
