A Desert Rose (editing)

~ S I X T E E N | C O N F E S S I O N S ~

Chapter 16

اعترافات- Confessions

His eyes searched around, cautious as the night became colder. A slave had been sent to convey their message but he had yet to return. His patience was wearing thin as he stared out at their biggest foe, Al-Shujae.

It was not a weak tribe, some might have even called it 'strong'. Nonetheless, they held honour as great as mountains. Their leader was merely a fool lost in memories of old victories, he would never amount to that stature again. Nasir knew it, there was no future for this dying tribe lest they fell under Al-Muharibun.

He had bet his life on it.

Nasir looked upon the land with pity, the once flourishing tribe had lost much under the siege. Still unable to comprehend the loss of his daughter, Abu-al-Khayr had abandoned his duties, passing them off to his subordinates who only craved power. After all, loyalty was a rare gem to find where gold was involved.

A rider suddenly approached them, becoming familiar as his horse began to slow down. The messenger jumped off, kneeling to the ground as he delivered the reply. The offer was accepted.
Finally, they could begin.

—

"What is a home?" Laila asked whilst laying on Usman. Her hand was placed on his chest as he cradled into her, gently stroking her hair.
He was quiet, his eyes closed, becoming intoxicated by her sweet vanilla scent. Laila smiled, closing her own eyes as she decided to join him in slumber.

"A home," he suddenly said, bringing Laila closer.
"Whatever this is, with you." She breathed in as a smile graced her lips.    
"With me?" she asked sheepishly, addicted to his words of affection.
"Yes, my love." He placed his finger under her chin, forcing their eyes to meet.

"I have never known a home until right now, as you lay in my arms." The butterflies she once so resented were now overcoming her very soul.

Her home had been lost several times. Perhaps even, she had never had one either. Yet in his embrace, it was as though she had not known life before this moment.
How had she lived without this warmth for so long?

She placed her hand on his cheek, bringing him forward as their lips met.
Her heart screamed, she would never be homeless again.

Their day was spent in each other's arms, revelling in childhood stories and tales of past adventures. Attendants had only arrived to serve them food and they fell deeper into their love whilst feeding one another sweet dates and honey.

Laila found herself growing out of shyness as his touch blessed her skin, again and again. Usman bared to her his feelings, whispering promises greater than any vow ever made.                                                                                                             She was exhausted in bliss, dazed as she became intoxicated by his tongue. Her words were forgotten since she named him her language. All she knew were the caresses of his hand, his body against hers until she was brimming with love.

Experiencing a world in which there was just Laila and Usman, a heaven on earth. The day turned to night with only a single thought, how could one return to normal after experiencing such perfection?

Alas, everyone must wake from their sleep, even if they were having the most beautiful of dreams. Laila opened her eyes, instantly missing the comfort of her husband as she searched for him with her hands.

The sun was high in the sky when she finally left the warmth of their bed, her body aching from the day before. A shy smile graced her face upon remembering why, Usman was quite the lover. She shielded herself with her hands, feeling embarrassed at her own actions.