Armon moved into the harem out of breath from the run. If anything happened to Michaela he would never forgive himself. He lowered himself onto the bed and caressed her cheek tenderly. "Hassanna, can you hear me," he spoke softly into her ear, fear gripping his chest.
Her eyes opened slowly and she stared into the chocolate warmth of her husband's face and smiled. She was glad he was here with her even though she would rather him not see her this way. "Why do you look so distraught," she whispered quietly.
"You fainted and I was afraid I would never get the opportunity to tell you how much I loved you again." He felt no shame in confessing his love for her. In the short time they had been together, he could not imagine a day without her smile.
"The healer will not enter the harem without your approval," Zahra spoke on a whisper, loathe to disturb the touching scene she had witnessed. It filled her heart with pride to know that her son was capable of such deep emotion.
"Sit with her mother, I shall only be a moment," he lowered his lips to Michaela's cheek and kissed it before moving out of the room.
"He loves you very much daughter," Zahra held her hand and patted it gently.
"And I him, but is it enough to overcome all I believe is moral," her heart was breaking at the thought of never being able to forgive him for his views on women.
"We all must make sacrifices, had you been raised in our world this would be second nature to you as well," she smiled and hoped her new daughter would be willing to work through her differences with her son.
Armon arrived with a small man who was bowing his head repeatedly. "This is our healer, and he will examine you to assure all is well."
The small man looked at her husband and waited for him to speak, it was very apparent to Michaela that he was not comfortable being here. She remembered that men were not allowed here, and could only assume that was the reason for his nervousness.
"What do you need me to do," she looked toward the healer but he seemed to be avoiding eye contact.
"Please tell your wife that I will take every precaution to not disrespect her," he was extremely nervous. To displease the Sheikh would mean certain death.
"You may speak directly to my wife," Armon kept his countenance firm, he wanted the healer to understand his life would be forfeit should anything happen to his beautiful bride.
"If you please, tell me what happened before you fainted," he lowered his eyes in respect and waited for Michaela to speak.
She explained about the earlier nausea and dizziness and then shrugged her shoulders. She remembered what her mother-in-law had stated earlier and wondered if it was possible that she was pregnant. The thought of her own child was something she had never thought to have, it filled her with a greater joy than she could have imagined.
"I must ask," his face flushed as he looked anywhere but at the woman on the bed, "when was the last time you had your womanly curse."
Michaela bit her lip to stop from laughing at the man's nervousness around her. Fourteen days before my marriage, this would mean..." She stopped speaking and her eyes went to Armon's. She was definitely late and it was pretty apparent that she was with child. Without any warning, tears fell from her eyes.
Armon pushed the healer out of the way and engulfed his wife into his arms holding her against his chest. "All will be well hassanna, I promise you and the child will always be cherished." He caressed her hair awkwardly not really knowing how to comfort her. Armon could only assume she was devastated by this news, and wanted her to understand she would always be his first consideration.
Zahra led the healer out of the room and demanded he give them a few moments privacy. She had never seen her son so emotional, and it only proved how much love he had for the woman. Sending a silent prayer she hoped that Michaela would understand how fortunate she was to have a husband that adored her so deeply.
"Hassanna, please stop crying, we will make this work, you have my word," he patted her back almost afraid to touch her because of the life growing inside her body.
"I am not unhappy Armon," she lifted tear-streaked cheek up and smiled. "I had never dreamed to have a child, and it is much to take in all at once.
Armon wiped the tears from her cheeks and smiled warmly. "All will be well, I refuse to let it be otherwise." His lips lowered to her and he kissed her tenderly. He was pleased that she returned his kiss and he felt his body respond instantly. "I will never allow anything to hurt you or our child, Michaela." He lifted her chin and stared deeply into her eyes so she would know his words were true.
"I cannot promise to accept easily this life, Armon," she spoke honestly, feeling he deserved to know the truth.
"If you would have me send all the women from here, say the word I would not hurt you again." He knew that his family would suffer great shame over this but she was worth more than anything at that point.
"I would not ask that of you," her eyes widened at all he was willing to sacrifice. She knew that the women here would be shamed, and his own name and that of his father would be forever tainted. "These women are your wives now, and they will be my sisters." As she spoke the words, she knew they were true. "I do ask that you refrain from taking the youngest until she is much older."
"If that is your wish, hassanna, I will gladly wait until you give me leave." He was amazed that his beautiful wife was willing to adjust to his way of life and he sent a prayer of thanks at all the blessings he had reaped.
Epilogue
Michaela held her son to her breast and watched him feed in amazement. Six years had passed since that day long ago when Armon had offered to give up everything for her. She had never regretted her decision to stay once. She had three beautiful children, two sons and one daughter. Each of them filled her life with joy.
Armon had taken twelve more wives over the years, most of them handpicked by Michaela. She had discovered so much about the lives of women here since those early years, and knew that a woman in the harem was safe from poverty. She ruled with a soft heart and kindness and all the women became part of her family.
So much had changed over the years, but Armon had been a wonderful husband and she could not fault him for anything. During her time with child, he had refrained from making love to her, but they had enjoyed other intimacies. It was as close to a fairytale romance as any Michaela had ever read.
The wives were well educated, thanks to the teachers and classes she had implemented. As she looked back over all she had accomplished, she felt truly empowered. Watching her husband walk toward her, she felt the smile filling her face. Handing over her now-sleeping son, she held her arms up to him.
"My beautiful Michaela, you grow more radiant with each year," lowering his lips he kissed her softly.
"I would have you show me how beautiful you find me, my Sheikh," her eyes twinkling she waited for him to take the hint.
Sweeping her up into his arms he quickly made his way upstairs to her private chambers. "You tempt me like no other," his hands quickly lifted the robe over her head and smiled seeing she wore nothing beneath.
"I am always ready for you," she laughed softly and began removing his clothing. "Do not make me wait," she stood back, admiring the perfection of his body before climbing into bed. Lifting up on her elbows, she motioned with her head for him to join her.
Shaking his head, he smiled and climbed slowly up the bed, his eyes not once leaving hers. "I want to take your beautiful body in ways that would make the younger wives blush."
"Far be it for me to defy the Sheikh," raising her hands above her head she clamped them together. "Do what you will," smiling impishly she closed her eyes, showing just how much she trusted him.
A low growl rolled from his throat as their lips met and for hours they loved without reserve, each giving as much as they took. In the aftermath of their passion he glanced down into her eyes and spoke from his heart. "I never knew life until you, hassanna."
"You have taught me what it means to love Armon."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Hughes lives in Alabama with her husband and their five wonderful children. She was introduced to romance novels at an early age and has dreamed of writing her own stories of passion ever since. From paranormal to historical, she enjoys all the incredible opportunities that writing romance allows.
Discover more about Michelle by visiting her site
www.michellehughes.info
or
www.tearsofcrimson.com
Defying the Sheikh Page 11
