Fire in the Heart : The Princess and the Bandit (9781629020112) (18 page)

His edict was met with total silence.

“Is that a problem?” questioned Tariq.

“No, it is not, I know my place,” mumbled the sultan.

Natalia’s eyes widened as she gazed upon her father. She had never seen him like this before. Her heart suddenly pounded in her chest.
What was happening?
she thought.

Anas reached in front of her and spooned a mound of eggplant onto his plate. Natalia watched as the muscles in his arm gently flexed. She felt her worries quickly dissolve.

Suddenly, the sultan lifted his head and shouted out, “Bah! They must all die!” he exclaimed.

Tariq wasted no time with his reply. “And they shall.”

Gabi and Anas both chuckled at the same time, causing Natalia to squirm in her chair.

A sparkle exuded from the sultan’s eye. “I have one in the dungeon. I was going to have him executed,” he exclaimed.

“Let us handle it,” replied Tariq with a raised hand.

“Of course,” nodded the sultan.

Tariq stood up and turned to the sultan. “We need your forces to be ready for the coming battle. Soon, the God-King will send his entire army overseas and destroy the crusaders! He will burn their cities to the ground, and finally, we will be rid of their kind and their false god! It will be glorious.”

The sultan rose from his chair. “My men are at your service!”

“Good. We will need to take them away for a while. To train them to become worthy of fighting in the God-King’s army!” Tariq replied.

Anas pushed back from the table. “Oh, how I tire of politics,” he said as he rose. “I would like to see your palace, please.”

“Why, of course, prince. I can have an escort for you available in—” said the sultan as he bowed.

Anas turned to Natalia. “Your daughter would be perfect, thank you,” he said with a smile.

Natalia felt her chest flutter, once again, as she glanced up at Anas. Out of habit, her eyes darted in the direction of her nodding father.

The prince and princess looked at each other and smiled as Anas reached out his hand. Just as soon as they touched, Natalia shivered. She couldn’t help but notice how smooth his hand was.

The sultan blurted out. “Why don’t you show him our armory?! Or the gardens?! Or—”

“We will figure it out for ourselves, thank you,” came Anas’s quick reply.

“Oh, yes of course.”

Before Anas took her arm, he turned to the sultan. “Tariq will fill you in on all that you need to know, Sultan. I have other obligations that I am called to.”

“Yes, Prince Anas.” Once again, the sultan bowed.

As Natalia passed Mera on the way out of the dining room, they smiled at each other just before the woman bowed to the royal couple.

Excitedly, Anas asked, “Do you like living here?”

Natalia shrugged her shoulders. “It’s all that I know,” she replied.

“I do not think you belong here,” said Anas as his eyes searched hers.

Natalia stared down the hallway. “Oh really? Where do I belong?”

“You do not belong in a desert, Natalia. You belong in a vast jungle, free to roam wherever you wish, like a tiger. Or possibly in the mountains, high up in the sky, higher than the clouds themselves, where you can fly high, like a bird. Or maybe you wish to swim in an ocean, like the dolphins?”

Completely captivated, Natalia replied, “That sounds perfect.”

“Will you take me to the highest point in your palace?” asked Anas, ever so quietly.

Immediately, Natalia wondered why he has asked for this. “Of course,” she answered as they started the long climb to the top.

Anas smiled. “Thank you. I have something to show you.”

Natalia led him up the stairs to the balcony of the highest tower. After arriving, they both looked off toward the sunlit horizon, now able to take in the enormous army spread out like ants below them.

Anas tugged on her arm and turned her toward him. “What is it that you desire, Natalia?”

Natalia just gazed into his eyes.

He looked back out over the city and continued. “I can give you whatever your heart’s desire is. All you have to do is ask,” he whispered.

She lifted her head toward his and then back toward the city. After a few moments of deep thought, their eyes again met. “I want freedom,” she blurted out. Instantly, her heart raced, but quickly slowed down again.

Anas smiled boldly. “It can be yours. All I ask is that you be my wife, and you may have whatever you wish.”

Natalia refused to take her eyes from his as she stood there, speechless.

Anas lowered his voice. “Your beauty has captivated me, and for that, I will reward you with anything and everything. I am the son of a god. If you choose to come with me, you will be the happiest woman in the world. You will have all your heart’s desires come true. Anything you ask for will be laid at your feet.”

Natalia had never heard such powerful words meant just for her. “Anything?” she replied as her eyes widened.

Anas raised his hand and drew his fist closed in front of Natalia.

Only inches away, she stared quietly.

Anas slowly opened his fist, only to expose a bright burst of red, green, blue, and white. Now free, a small hummingbird fluttered off his palm.

Natalia gasped.

“Anything,” smiled Anas.

Natalia’s voice shook. “How did you?” she asked.

The tender creature lighted from his hand and onto her supple shoulder.

At first, Natalia couldn’t move as she gasped in excitement. She slowly turned her head toward the pulsating wings above her heart.

Anas kept grinning as he spoke, “I offer you myself as your husband. I will let you sleep on it.” He turned and slipped away while Natalia gazed at her special gift. She felt completely lost in the best dream of her life. She thought,
Did this really happen to me?
as the tiny bird lifted itself into the warm air and disappeared off into the distance.

Chapter 20

T
he oil burned
brightly, flickering yellow hues off the whitewashed walls. Her mirrors captured every gentle motion as Natalia drew stroke after long brush stroke through her soft hair. She let her eyes drop slightly as she admired her silky smooth nightgown. Suddenly, she realized that she had stopped brushing. Thoughts of Elijah danced wildly when she remembered the lunch conversation.
Did Elijah kill the prince?
she wondered. If he did, how did he do it? Who was this man she had grown so accustomed to? A noise outside in the hall made her jerk. She found herself dreaming of her favorite wedding dress, this time, with the handsome Prince Anas at her side. The long, white dress train trailed behind her and was covered in hundreds of falling petals, all of different shades of reds. She lifted her veil as he lowered his perfect tanned face to hers. Their lips touched gently, then passionately as he reached down and lifted her off the ground and into his arms. She reached up and gently stroked her face, imagining her hand to be Elijah’s, then Anas’s. Her breathing increased as she closed her eyes with their two images sealed inside forever.

“Click!” The door flew open and a bustling Mera shuttled in. “Well, Natalia. How are you this evening?” she asked.

Slowly, Natalia opened her eyes and sighed. “Just dreaming.”

Mera replied, “Of the prince, no doubt.”

Natalia just smiled as the two men again positioned themselves in the forefront of her mind.

Mera quickly crossed the distance and started running her hand through Natalia’s hair. “I am so proud of you. Today, for the first time, when I looked upon you, you really looked like a princess.”

Natalia barely heard Mera’s words.

“I know your father must have been so happy,” continued Mera.

Natalia blinked away the daze. “Thank you, Mera,” she replied.

“See? It’s not so bad being a princess, is it?”

Natalia’s little giggle barely came forth.

Mera peered into her eyes. “Especially when you have a handsome prince sitting next to you.”

Natalia quickly laughed out loud. She thought of his muscles as he reached in front of her earlier for the platter of food.

Mera smiled. “You are very fortunate to be a princess, Natalia. Any woman would want to be in your shoes right now. I know it’s difficult at times, with all the responsibility and such, but you can do it. You were meant to be a princess. You are the shining example to every woman that looks upon you.”

Natalia stood up. “Thank you, Mera,” she said as she wrapped her arms around her.

Mera winked. “Well. You might want to put something else on rather than that gown of yours,” she said, motioning toward the closet.

Natalia gently rolled her eyes. “Is it not bed time, Mera?” Their gazes locked.

“No, not for you. The prince asked me to call on you for him,” whispered Mera, smiling.

Natalia covered her mouth as she gasped. “Really?” she asked.

Mera clapped her hands together. “Yes! It’s true!” she exclaimed.

“I believe you should wear your most favorite dress,” replied Mera after a short pause.

“The one my father bought from the East!”

Sparkles shot out of Mera’s eyes. “Yes!” she exclaimed.

Mera quickly ran over to the closet. The doors flew open, exposing the most beautiful folds of gold-laced silk. Natalia’s favorite dress took center place, ready and waiting. Mera reached up and lifted it from its hanger, carefully holding it against her body. She turned and carried it back to Natalia, now with arms outstretched. Soon, she felt the woven strands of golden silk against her throbbing chest. The dress was too wide to be fully visible in her mirrors, so she pulled the puffy skirt to the side to expose the hand-embroidered flowers. The golden flowers were works of art as they stood out against the vibrant background of multiple shades of gold and light browns. They were her favorite part of the dress. She had always wanted one for her hair. Her shoulders were completely exposed except for two thin straps. Her perfectly formed torso molded itself inside the top as if it was her own skin. Her full breasts perfectly presented the sewn-in sparkling jewels, everywhere present. Bands of satin and lace started at her hips and ran down the length of her flowing skirt. A band of gold and jewels across her forehead topped the extravagance perfectly. She was a glittering masterpiece.

“How do I look?” asked Natalia.

Mera gleamed. “Like a princess. Beautiful!”

Suddenly, Natalia’s heart beat faster. “Where is he?” She couldn’t wait to show off her dress, but even more, to be in the man’s presence, once again.

“He will be waiting in the courtyard!” replied Mera.

A huge smile crossed Natalia’s face as she glanced once again in the mirror.

“Do you want me to escort you?” asked Mera.

Natalia quickly answered, “No! Of course not!” She reached down and grabbed two huge handfuls of golden silk and lace and lifted them off the floor. “I will be back!” Without a second thought, Natalia ran out of the room and worked her way down the long hallways and onto the first floor. She felt as if she were floating in the dream of a lifetime. She had never imagined using her beautiful dress for something like this. As soon as she reached the lobby, reality tried to settle back in when she saw the many servants still cleaning the dining room from the recent party. Then, reality really struck home when she saw the warrior Radwan. He stood, motionless, by the lobby entrance. Natalia felt sweat form on her tiny wrists as she approached the massive man. He glanced down at the princess and then straight ahead toward an elephant statue across the way. In a flash, though, Natalia found herself in the courtyard where Anas stood, gazing up at the stars.

Anas slowly turned and lowered his head, slightly. “Good evening, princess,” he said.

“Good evening,” she said as she returned the courtesy.

Anas’s face beamed. “You look more beautiful than ever.”

Her breathing slowly returned to normal as she replied, “Thank you.”

Dressed in a most handsome array of teals and blues, he chuckled as he reached out to her. She shivered when she felt his warm and full lips caress her hand. Dazed, she was held spellbound when he waved his other hand and exposed a beautiful red rose. She suddenly thought how Elijah had never done something like this.

“It’s beautiful!” she said.

Anas smiled. “Will you walk with me?” he asked.

A giggle escaped her as the towering man drew closer. “Of course,” she replied. Their arms interlocked as they stepped across the stone paths in unison. “So how do you like our city?” quizzed Natalia.

Anas cocked his head. “It has its moments. I still do not understand how someone as beautiful as you abides here,” he said, chuckling. “I’m sorry. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Natalia smiled as her skin radiated a healthy pink glow. “Thank you.”

The prince stopped. “Do you believe in love at first sight, Natalia?” His eyes penetrated hers.

“I do,” she said, as thoughts of Elijah bounced in and out of her living dream. Her stomach tightened and made her wonder why she kept thinking about the bandit.

Anas quickly replied, “I am glad we are in agreement.”

Natalia smiled and slowly turned toward the stars.

Anas followed. “Do you know I own the stars?” he asked.

Giggling, Natalia covered her mouth. “Oh, really?”

Anas didn’t blush. “Why, of course. That is what happens when you are a son of a god.”

Natalia dropped her gaze to meet his. “Which star is your favorite?” he asked.

Natalia looked back toward the heavens. “My favorite star? Hmmmm…I suppose the northern star,” she replied as she raised her hand. “My mother used to tell me if I was to ever get lost, to follow that star. That it would lead me to her, and we would be together again.”

Anas gently touched her shoulder. “Have you not been to the stars?” he asked, inching closer.

Natalia couldn’t hold back her laughter. “No! Of course not! We can’t go to the stars. It’s impossible!” she replied.

Anas chuckled. “Would you like to go with me?”

A small frown formed. “Have you lost your mind?” she asked.

Anas smiled and moved closer to the princess. They both stood motionless under the brilliant night sky. “I can take you to the stars. I can take you wherever you wish. All you have to do is…ask.”