The Sheikh's Pregnant Bride (The Jawhara Sheikhs Series Book 1) (6 page)

Erin slept through the night and well into the next day. Several times, she was awakened by the palace staff, urging her to eat or take her vitamins. The physician had requested a special diet for her, which seemed to be helping with the nausea. It wasn’t completely gone, but was definitely improved.

After showering and donning the plush robe she found hanging on the back of the bathroom door, she exited and started looking around for her clothing. She had left them in a pile on the bathroom floor, but now they were missing. Had the palace staff taken them to launder them?

Picking up the phone, she asked that Kam be found. Since he hadn’t given her time to pack her own clothing, he would just have to provide her with something to wear until she could go shopping.

When the phone rang a few minutes later, she picked it up, “Hello?”

“Erin, you are feeling better?”

Choosing not to answer him, she asked a question of her own, “Kam, where are my clothes?”

“I would assume the clothing you were wearing when you arrived has been taken to the laundry rooms. Is there a problem?”

Erin huffed, “You could say that. I wasn’t given a chance to pack, or did you forget that fact?”

Not liking her sarcastic tone of voice, he cautioned her, “Remember to whom you are speaking. Of course, I remember that you did not have time to pack. I still don’t see a problem.”

Remember to whom she was speaking? Was he serious?
“Kam, what am I supposed to wear?”

“Look in the wardrobe, Erin. You will find a selection of clothing appropriate for our humid climate. If you require anything else, please let your attendants know. They will contact the seamstress and have it delivered.”

Erin walked over to the wardrobe and stared at the gorgeous clothing hung up neatly. Everything seemed to have been provided, from business attire to formal wear. Pulling open the drawers, she saw a vast array of silk underwear and sleeping gowns. Shoes lined the racks on the opposite side and appeared to match the outfits hanging up.

She looked through the clothing trying to find a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or more casual clothing and found nothing of the sort. Sighing, she returned to the phone, “Kam, the clothing looks very nice, but I’m really more comfortable in jeans and t-shirts. I don’t think I will require the formal clothing….”

“As my future wife,” he interrupted her statement, “you will be expected to dress the part of a ruler. Jeans and t-shirts may have been appropriate back in America, but here you must dress the part.”

Erin tried to digest this new information, “Can’t I even wear jeans when I’m not going anywhere?”

“No. Remember, the palace staff will see you at all times. Their opinion of you will travel throughout the country. That is why you must always address me with respect. I don’t care if you use Kam, however, whenever we are in public, you will use my formal title.”

Erin could tell that living in Jawhara was going to take a lot of getting used to.
Getting used to being under Kamal’s need to control her was going to be almost impossible.

“Erin?  Do not worry so much. Everything will be fine. I must leave for a few days, however, Talib will be available should you need anything. I will also have a tutor chosen for you. It is imperative that you learn our language as quickly as possible. Very few of the palace staff speak English.”

Erin tried not to be alarmed that Kam was leaving her alone in his palace, where the people didn’t even speak her language, but couldn’t stop the shiver of apprehension that his words triggered. “When will you be back?”

“Will you miss me, habibti?” Kamal inquired, pleased at the wistful note he heard in her voice.

“Not hardly. I just wanted to know how long you were going to be gone,” Erin said. With Kamal out of the palace for several days, maybe she would be able to find her own space and gain her confidence back.

Kamal laughed, “I will be back before you know it. Rest, eat and get over your jet lag. When I return I will introduce you to my countrymen and we will work on getting to know each other before our wedding.”

“Kam, I already told you there’s not going to be….”

“Enough. Maybe you should also spend the next few days coming to grips with the fact that you are carrying the next ruler of Jawhara. You will be my bride.” Kamal knew he was pushing her, but the sooner she accepted her place in his life, the better.

Erin shut her mouth, determined not to respond and upset either of them further. She had no intention of being forced to marry Kam, but there would be plenty of time once he returned to make her point. “Goodbye Kamal. Have a safe trip.”

Kamal heard her disconnect the line and sat there for several moments. What he wanted to do was return to his chambers and make sure his woman not only knew her place in his life, but in his bed. His body had been reluctant to accept the fact that it would have to wait to acquaint itself once again with her delectable body.

He had intended to spend the afternoon with Erin, getting to know her better, and making sure that the chemistry between them was fanned into an ever present need she could no longer deny. Unfortunately, the growing refugee situation in the north had escalated to a point where his country’s infrastructure was being threatened. The new government of the neighboring country was willing to meet and discuss the safe return of its citizens. Kamal knew that his needs must come second to his country’s, but that didn’t mean he had to be happy about it.

Three days would see the end to the civil war refugee situation and then he could concentrate fully no his future bride.

Erin dressed in the most casual pair of pants she could find and a lightweight top. Donning a pair of flat sandals, she left her room. Heading towards what she hoped was the stairway; she was surprised to find herself virtually alone in this part of the palace. She remembered glimpses of a grand staircase, which led directly outside and was anxious to explore the new country she was to live in.

She located the stairway and passed several maids as she headed towards the front doors. Nodding and smiling at them, she said a soft “Hello” as she passed, but they only smiled at her and continued working. She briefly looked around for Talib, but when she didn’t locate him, she wandered down the cobblestone driveway.

She could see the town located at the bottom of the hill and was anxious to see the people who put their trust and faith in Kam. She drew many a stare as she walked amongst the buildings. Most people stopped whatever they were doing and watched her approach them. As she would go past them, she noticed that they would bow to her.
Was this how the people of Jawhara greeted one another?

Deciding that she would return the bow to the very next person she met, she turned the corner and stopped to stare. The city streets were filled with vendors, selling everything from local produce and meat, to clothing, baskets, and other items. The vibrant colors and exotic smells enticed her to wander down the street.

She continued to draw the stares of the people, but was so caught up in taking in everything she was oblivious to the fact that a small group of children had begun to follow her. When she reached the end of the street, she turned to look back and was stunned to find a group of children, ranging in age from five to twelve, standing right behind her.

They all started talking to her at once when she turned and she found herself laughing as she tried to tell them she couldn’t understand what they were saying.  When the littlest girl gestured to her, she bent her knees, wondering what the little girl wanted. She found out soon enough when a small hand reached up to touch her hair. The other children grew silent and watched in awe as the little girl fingered a red curl. Erin smiled at her and then at the other children. Evidently, her hair coloring was unique and the children had been curious about her.

Hearing her name called, she looked at the top of the street to see Talib striding towards her in a hurry. The townspeople moved out of his way quickly and the children, seeing his approach, scurried away like mice.

“Hello, Talib,” Erin said with a smile.

“Come. You should not be here.”

“Why not?” Erin queried, bending her head to the side.

“You must not leave the palace.”

Erin stood up straight and narrowed her eyes at him, “I didn’t realize that I was a prisoner.”

“You are not a prisoner. You must not leave the palace without an escort. It is not safe.”

Erin looked around at the townspeople who were trying not to watch her interaction with the bodyguard. “I don’t think any of these people would harm me.”

“Come,” Talib said, taking her arm above the elbow and propelling her back to the top of the street. The limo awaited her and he quickly ushered her inside, saying nothing.

The ride back to the palace was accomplished quickly and silently. Erin felt her anger rising the closer they came to the palace and she pressed her lips together in an effort to stop the tirade that was threatening to spew forth.
It wasn’t Talib who needed to hear her anger. It was Kamal!

Talib ushered her from the vehicle with a stern warning, “Do not leave the palace grounds again without me.” After issuing that dictate, he turned on his heel and disappeared, leaving her standing in front of the palace steps.

Erin re-entered the palace and made her way back to her room. A meal was brought to her only moments later and she picked at her food, still trying to understand why Kam had basically made her a prisoner of his palace.

After her lunch and a nap, she wandered throughout the palace once again. Coming to a staircase that went up, she climbed it, going up until she reached a parapet that looked out over the entire city. The sun was beginning to go down, and she was amazed to see that beyond the city walls, there was nothing but a vast desert.

When she turned to the other direction, she could just make out what appeared to be white peaks sticking up along the sand. She heard the door to the rooftop open and looked over her shoulder to see Talib standing there. Pointing in the direction she had been looking, she asked him, “What is over there?”

Talib joined her, “A refugee camp.”

“Refugees? From where?” Erin’s curiosity was piqued.

“From the neighboring country. Civil war broke out several weeks ago and many of the citizens fled into Jawhara. The Sheik is trying to negotiate their safe return now that the new government had won the war and the people are becoming more settled.”

“Is that where Kamal is now?”

“You should not refer to him in such a familiar way,” Talib corrected her with a frown.

“He said it was okay unless we were in public. So, is that where he is?”

Talib looked at her before answering, “He is meeting with the new government. Hopefully, when he returns, the people will be free to return to their homes.”

Erin looked at the tops of the tents in the distance, “How far away are they?”

“Five miles or so.”

“Who’s caring for them? Are there children out there?”

“They care for themselves. The people of Jawhara have provided them with some assistance, however, we did not ask for them to come here.”

“But, they are in need?” Erin asked, the humanitarian in her pushing to the front.

“I do not believe so.”

“But you don’t know?” Erin pushed.

Talib sighed, “I have not been out there. So, no, I do not have firsthand knowledge of the living conditions.”

Erin looked at the refugee camp one more time, “I wish to go there tomorrow. I will be ready to go by 9 o’clock.”

Talib shook his head, “Absolutely not. No way. The Sheik would have my head.”

“You said yourself that I am not a prisoner of the palace. That is where I wish to go and I want you to take me there tomorrow so that I can see for myself the living conditions.”

“It is impossible. His Majesty would never allow it.”

“Ask him.”

“No. I already know the answer.”

Erin stared him down, sure that he was correct in his estimation that Kamal would not give his blessing to such an adventure. “Fine. I will wait until Kamal returns and ask him to take me.”

Talib was relieved and nodded his head in agreement.

Erin had no intention of waiting for Kamal to return and take her to see the refugee camp. Early the next morning, she left the palace and located the driver lounging nearby with a cup of coffee.

“I need you to drive me to the refugee camp.”

When the driver looked skeptical, she continued, “I wish to see for myself that the people are being cared for.”

“Where is Talib?”

“He is occupied elsewhere. You will accompany me instead.”

The driver still looked skeptical, but when Erin approached the back door and waited for him to open it, he did so.  After seating himself in the driver’s seat, he asked her one more time, “Are you sure this is okay?”

“Absolutely. Hurry up, I want to be back in the palace before the heat becomes unbearable. I find that the heat makes my morning sickness much worse.” Erin hated playing that card, but she was determined to see the refugee camp for herself and needed the driver to head that direction before Talib became aware of her actions. He would surely come after her and tell Kamal.

The driver left the palace and headed towards the camp. Parking a discreet distance away, he opened her door and helped her from the vehicle.  Erin looked around the camp, noticing that there was an abundance of children at each tent. Instead of playing and being rambunctious however, they were silent and watched her warily.

Erin slowly walked through the tents, the driver staying close beside her and muttering to himself the entire time. She smiled at the few people who actually met her gaze, but it was one sided. No one returned her smile, nor did they appear to be interested in her presence.

After several minutes, she stopped and questioned the driver, “What is wrong with these people?”

“They have been displaced from their homes. The Jawharan Minstry of Defense has declared that they are not welcome in the city so they must remain in the refugee camp. Their supplies are beginning to run low and the only water they have is what is trucked in on a daily basis.”

Erin was horrified. “Why would Kamal allow this?”

The driver narrowed his gaze at her, “Who?”

“His Majesty,” Erin replied, waving her hand as if his title meant nothing. “Why would he allow these people to be treated this way?”

The driver paused before answering, “I do not believe His Majesty had visited the camp.”

Erin stopped and looked at him, “What?! Why would he not want to see for himself that the people were being cared for?”

The driver shrugged, “I cannot say. I believe he trusts the Minister of Defense to do his job.”

Erin shook her head, “Take me back to the palace. Something must be done, this is entirely unacceptable.”

Turning on her heel, she opened the car door for herself and sat down. She couldn’t believe that Kamal was okay with the people being treated in such a way. She had seen camels in the town being treated better yesterday.

The driver returned her to the palace and Erin was just going back up the grand staircase when she spied Talib coming from her rooms. Adopting an air of authority, she walked past him, “Follow me.”

Talib was taken aback at the command in her voice, but did as he was told.

After entering her rooms, she paced away some of her anger before coming up with a plan. “Talib, are there water trucks in the city?”

Talib nodded, “Yes. Why do you ask?”

“How many?”

Talib shrugged, “I don’t know. At least a dozen. Maybe more.”

“How about large delivery trucks? Are those also available?”

“Yes. Ma’am, what is this all about?”

“The conditions in the refugee camps are deplorable, and before you start lecturing me, I did listen to you yesterday, I just decided not to follow your advice.”

Talib was afraid that she had done something like this when he had been informed that she was not in her rooms by the morning staff. Seeing that no harm had come to her, he relaxed slightly but then she told him her plans.

“I want you to arrange for at least a dozen water trucks to take water out to the refugee camp. I want some sort of makeshift bathing facilities erected and containers provided so that the people can carry water back to their tents. I also want at least a dozen trucks loaded with food, everything from meat to produce. I want it delivered and distributed amongst the people.”

Talib shook his head, “I cannot do that. His Majesty is the only one that could give those types of orders. Or the Ministry of Defense. You do not have the authority.”

“Call him.” Erin crossed her arms over her chest and stared Talib down, daring him to refuse.

Talib shook his head, but retrieved his phone. After speaking in Arabic, he handed her the phone and paced to the window.

“Hello?”

“What have you done now?” Kamal demanded. He was in the middle of negotiating the refugee’s safe return and didn’t have time for another of Erin’s arguments.

“Kam, have you seen the refugee camps?”

“No. Why? What has happened?”

“Kam, they’re horrible. The people do not have enough water or food. The children are scared and aren’t even playing….”

“Are you telling me that Talib took you to the refugee camps?” Kamal asked in a quiet, but carefully controlled voice.

“Of course not. I asked him to but he refused. I made the driver take me out there this morning.”

Kamal cursed in Arabic on the other end of the phone line, “Why did you not listen to Talib?”

“I wanted to see the camp. I ordered water and food to be taken out to the people, but Talib said I didn’t have that authority. Only you could order that those things be done.”

“Why would I do that?” Kamal asked, planning to have a long discussion with his Minister of Defense upon his return. He had ordered that the refugees be well taken care of. Having his bride-to-be discover the opposite was nothing something he was willing to ignore.

“Kam. Your Majesty, the people are hurting needlessly.”

Kamal hated hearing the plea in her voice, “Shush. Do not worry yourself. It is not good for the baby or for you. I will see that it is taken care of.”

“Really?” Erin smiled to herself and then at Talib. “You will order the water and food delivered to the people?”

“Yes. Please hand the phone back to Talib. Oh, and Erin – do not disobey Talib again. I will be home tomorrow and you and I are going to have a long talk about how a Sheika should behave.”

Erin was so pleased that the refugees were going to get help, she didn’t let his threats dampen her mood, “Thank you Kamal.”

“We will have dinner together tomorrow. Get some rest.”

Erin handed the phone back to Talib and listened as he spoke in Arabic to Kamal. Talib smiled at her after disconnecting the call, “You have done a good thing. Now, I have been instructed to ensure you do not leave the palace again until His Majesty returns.  May I have your word that you will not disappear again?”

Erin smiled at him, “Yes. I will stay in the palace until Kamal returns.” Seeing his frown, she corrected her statement, “I mean His Majesty. I promise.”

Talib smiled at her, pleased to see that she was beginning to adapt to her new station. She was going to be a great Sheika.