The Sheikh's Mistaken Twin - Completed.

Chapter Nineteen

The camel stopped as if reading her mind, and Ellie stared at what was in front of her. Not what she expected at all that was spectacular, surrounded by rocky high cliff sides, around an enormous waterhole, teal-coloured waters darkening at the back, deeper.

"Do you need my help?" Blinking, she looked down at the man at her side, arms stretched out, sunglasses removed. Swinging her leg over, she slid off Caesar into his waiting arms, her sandalled feet touching the rocky, sandy ground, peering up at him, hands pressed against his robed broad chest.

That was much easier than how the camel rose. He released the headdress, revealing her face, pinning the sides back, away from her face. "There, much better. Welcome to my special place."

"Your special place is pretty impressive. And that dismount was much more dignified."

"I thought you were very dignified."

"Yeah, right, as a squealing banshee."

Laughing, he gathered her against him. "Where do you come up with these things? Is that not Celtic? That's right, you have a degree, so how many cultures have you studied?"

Her brows furrowed down, thoughtful. "A few I guess. Norwegian myths, my thesis."

"A thesis, you don't say. A brainy banshee."

"Just the screaming part," she bit her bottom lip. "They are fairies who are supposed to be the warning of someone's death in the family."

"Yes, no banshee then. Or a seer."

"Ah, your fortuneteller. A person who predicts the events in the future." His head turned and looked out across the waters, jaw clenching. Her hand spread across his chest. "You believe in them? I didn't mean to insult you or your beliefs."

Many people did and are embedded in their culture, while some are very protective of their traditions and beliefs.

His throat worked as he swallowed, Ellie, watching on fascinated.

"They are of the old ways, and I have no use for them," she was told factually, yet could feel the tension in his body.

"You don't have to believe in it, Kaden, but is a part of your culture. Probably a large part of your history. Myths are stories that are based on traditions, ones that shouldn't be wiped out. It's about explaining the world and man's experience. Looking at what you have here." She waved at the view in front of them, "which could be seen as a lost paradise. Give people hope that by living a virtuous life, they can earn a better life in the hereafter."

Kaden looked down upon her, his crinkling eyes warm and a smile caressed his lips. "Are you giving me a lesson on the origins of Myths? Forget it." He shook his head. "I did not bring you here to listen to my problems. Yes, traditions are important and who we are, but surely one should learn from them and make it a better world?"

"Most myths do have lessons about world problems. Unlike fairytales, not all have happy endings. Optimism is seen as a warning. Answering timeless questions, and serves as a compass to each generation. I find it fascinating, looking for the lessons in the stories."

"And what do you learn from Thor?"

"One needs a mighty hammer," she smiled up at him.

"The one you wanted to knock my head off with?"

Her eyes widened innocently. "Me? Never."

"Huh!" He turned her around, wrapping his arms around his shoulder. "Take a deep breath, absorb and relax."

Leaning back against him, Ellie did, clutching at his strong masculine arms. It was so beautiful, peaceful, and the special place he was sharing with her, turning her face into his arm, safe and secure.