AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘When you told me I should ask the Bedouins, when our thoughts met and were the same, I knew I could wait no longer for change.
‘I have something for you.’ He reached into his jacket and he handed her a soft black pouch. When she opened it, into her palm fell a huge, rough, uncut stone.
A ruby.
‘It is from the red river,’ he told her.
‘Every night since you left I have been to thehammam...’ He saw her purse her lips. ‘I have been in the cave pool each night, and this morning, when finally I retrieved this, I knew it was time. I took this stone in with me when I challenged my father. Tonight I bring it to you.’
‘You could have drowned.’
‘But I didn’t.’
She looked at the stone in her hand and thought of all he had been through for her.
‘I need to return tomorrow to Zayrinia. I want to be certain that things are moving in the right direction before I bring you there.’
‘And if they’re not?’
‘Then together we shall work out what to do.’
‘Together?’ she checked.
‘Now and always.’ He nodded. It was a solemn vow indeed, for he understood now the power of love and having another to share his thoughts with. ‘There is one problem, though—I have to take the stone. As soon as I inform the palace that I have offered it to you, we shall have to remain apart until our marriage. That is, if you say yes.’
‘Oh, yes!’ Maggie said.
‘I’m going to take care of you both,’ Ilyas told her.
It was overwhelming.
Wonderful.
‘When is he due?’ Ilyas asked.
‘Christmas.’
And finally there was a Christmas she was looking forward to when she hadn’t for so long.
‘One day, when you’re ready...’ Ilyas said, for he could see that she fought not to cry, ‘I will be there to wipe your tears.’
It was such a comfort to know.
But not tonight, for she leant in to kiss him and her fingers worked to undo his tie, for it was a different comfort she required now.
She wanted him naked, and as Ilyas dealt with the remainder of their clothes, she knew he wanted the same.
Tomorrow he would return to the palace and pave the way to bring back his bride.
And he would do whatever it took.
For now, they had this night.
