13th century- The Middle East.
In the heart of the Arabian desert, Princess Laila of Al-Shujae tribe faces an impossible choice to save her people from an ongoing siege. To secure peace, Laila agrees to marry the fearsome commander of Al-Muharibun...
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Chapter 7
Escape
I prayed to be apart from you. Yet when it was granted, my tongue could not stop calling your name. I begged for escape only to be captured. And then I screamed for you to come release me.
As though, you are all I have ever known.
"What do you mean she's gone!" The fury within him could not be contained.
Laila was missing. She had not returned.
Maryam ran to him in panic, shouting of the kidnap. Others joined, speaking of strange men who had taken her.
"When they rode off, we spotted Laila laying over the camel. We tried to chase them but they were too far gone-" Maryam broke into sobs as she recalled the events.
"Who let her go?" Usman asked menacingly.
Maryam bowed in shame. Hassan came to her side, placing his hand on her back. He looked towards his leader, who was clenching his fists.
"Usman," he called.
As though the man had been pushed, Usman took hold of his sword and marched towards his horse.
He couldn't be stopped. Hearing and seeing nothing.
But Laila.
The horse almost flew across the camp and into the sweltering heat, leaving behind an alarmed crowd.
"The desert is relentless and he leaves with nothing but a horse and sword." Hassan signalled for his own weapon.
He called the loyalist out, watching as they immediately jumped onto their horses. His wife looked at him with tear stricken eyes.
"Be safe," she whispered as he caressed her cheek.
"If God wills." He promised.
They would find her.
-
Her body moved back and forth, heart pounding when not recognising her surroundings.
"Help."
Nausea overcame her. She thirsted for water, her mouth dry from the sand.
"She's awake." The kidnapper eyed his prisoner, amused as she attempted to sit.
"W-where am I?" Laila weakly asked.
They laughed, one suddenly caressing her back as she felt disgust rise up her body.
"Do not touch me!" Laila shouted, kicking her legs to avoid his lurking fingers. They only sniggered in return, abruptly stopping the camel to force her to the ground.
