Chapter Four
Loula
Nidal, I will do whatever you say. Please do not harm these good people," I pleaded.
Without saying another word, Nidal pulled me by the arm and opened the door to the place I had come to love as my home. We walked outside. About twenty guards had traveled with Nidal, and one of them held Abdul captive. His mother was in tears standing next to him. She was murmuring to herself, and my heart went out to her. What crime had they committed to be treated in such a fashion? They are the most decent people I have ever met.
I broke free of Nidal's grip, knowing that such display in front of his people had consequences. Nidal's dark gaze measured mine. His frown firmly in place, I knew he was calculating his next move. I had humiliated him, and I knew he would make me pay the price. He took a step closer and barked, "Do not take another step, or I will be forced to take you as my prisoner!"
And I knew he meant every word. It was now his turn to humiliate me. I closed my eyes. My heart betrayed me. Nidal was so close to me that I felt his sweet breath on my face. His scent flooded my senses, making my heart race. His scowl deepened, and he gripped my arm. The contact of his flesh on mine sent ripples of sensation that spilled forth throughout my entire body, and I trembled with desire. I looked at his face and saw a glint in his eyes. He knew the effect he was having on me. It was sweet revenge.
Time stood still. Nidal was contemplating what to do to me. For a moment, I saw lust in his eyes, and I knew he was feeling the same, but I knew more action was required to save face in front of his people. I braced myself and turned my heart to stone to keep it from breaking while Nidal did his job as the crown prince of Arabia. At first he hesitated. His hold on me lightened, and he sighed. I saw many emotions play in his eyes. Then without warning, he thrust me aside and gave orders to his men.
"Take her back to the palace. She is to be locked up in my room without contact from anyone, including the queen. She is a prisoner and is to be treated as such! Do not strike conversation with her. She is conniving and not to be trusted!" he warned.
My heart broke in two at his harsh words. I knew he spoke as such because of his position. He had an audience, and he needed to prove to them that he was strong and he befitted the role of the next king of Arabia. I looked at him and pleaded with my eyes for his forgiveness. He had to know that I loved him with all my being. He regarded me thoughtfully, but in the end, the crown prince of Arabia prevailed, not the lover who had once warmed my bed at night.
Nidal pushed me harshly toward his men, and a guard pulled me gently in his grip and tied my hands together like a prisoner who was captured while committing a huge crime. I dropped my head down to my chin, embarrassed by such treatment, and walked away with the young guard. Behind me Abdul's mother stifled a cry, to which the prince called out, "Silence, woman! I will not have any more tears! Do you hear me?" he barked.
In the distance, I heard Abdul and his mother beg for mercy, and I winced, knowing I put them in this predicament. Anger set in my heart. Nidal was not being fair. I never knew this side of him. Is this what I have to look forward to if I become his bride? But then I realized that he might not want to make me his bride anymore. Hadn't he told me that dreaded day that he regretted asking me to marry him? He even called me a tramp! How dare he!
The guard pulled me next to his horse and motioned for me to get on it. With his help, I climbed the horse. He joined me, and we headed toward the palace. I never looked behind me, but I heard the other horses with the guards traveling behind us. In an hour's time, we reached the palace. I sighed, knowing that everyone would see my tied hands and know the reason behind it. I was helped off the horse and walked with the guards like a prisoner guilty of treason. Such I was to the eyes of this kingdom. But they judged me unfairly. They knew not what lay in my heart.
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