《Captured For The Sultan’s Pleasure》 Watch out Roksna stopped in her tracks, looking at her left-hand side with a smile. She bent down to smell the forget me not flowers which bloomed happily. Their purple petals shone like the glory of the sun, and a speck of white scattered across among the purple made it look like there was pure life breathing in them. They swirled gently from left to right, and then forward and backward, like a shy bride dancing. The flower was Roksnas favorite of all the flowers blooming around. And some of those flowers include the Lilly, the red rose, the hibiscus, the coneflowers, the daisy, and the sunflowers. There was also the milkweed which attracts butterflies and other wildlife around it. All of which any otherdy wouldnt mind gazing at. All but Roksna. Even her maids sometimes asked her why she loved the flowers so much. She remembered when she was little and her father would go to look for a new settlement for them, he would pluck a couple of forget-me-not flowers andy them beside her bed when she was sleeping. She would wake up to find them beside her the next morning and knew instantly that her father was gone for the meantime. But, his gesture of love was felt through the flowers. Roksna belonged to a group of tribes called Dar S. They were a group of people always wandering around the world, and they recently found a settlement in Chad. Compared to other ces they had settled down, this was the longest time the tribe had stayed put. Roksna looked at the sultanate they made home this time. They were not that far from the sea, thus, there was always fresh water and beast of the sea avable for them. There were more than enough flowers growing around beautifying the ce more than anything else. Huts were scattered throughout the sultanate, each looking beautiful and different from the other. There was a forest of trees south of them where they hunt for fresh kills and fruit. There was a training ground in the north area, where all the men trained. Women were not allowed near the ground, the only exception being Roksna. While the men trained, the women could be seen going about other things. Things like cooking, cleaning, washing, pruning the flowers and taking care of the kids. Some would sit around and gossip about things and sometimes men. Some of the kids would go about ying and chasing after each other. Some would set up traps to get small animals like rodents for their parents. Others would simply help their parents do their daily jobs. The boys old enough to train would be on the training ground, learning the basic principles of fighting. They werent always wanderers. Their root was originally ced on the soil of Sudan. They were peaceful people who never engaged in the affairs of the world unless it would have an impact on them. Her father would always tell her that peace was the only way the world can unify and grow, not the war that people believed in. Roksna had never understood why the tribe could never stay in a ce for so long, especially after her mum died in 1947. Her father, Selim Bayezyd had moved the entire tribe away from the only home they had ever known. She was only ten years at the time and her brother, Abaan, a mere five years old. No matter how many times she asked, her father would simply say that it was in the best interest of the tribe. Her father was the Sultan of the tribe. And, unlike most other Sultans, her father was loved and respected by all tribe members. And why not, when the man always puts the interest of his people first before his needs, before even that of his family. Even when their mother had gone to rest in Almighty Ahs blossom, their father was out on a peace talk with some other Sultans. Roksna fingered the ne resting peacefully between her chest. After the death of her mum, she had inherited the ne. It helps her feel connected to her mum, especially when she was nervous. The ne had been a gift from her father to her mother as a token of love and her mother had transferred it to her just before she died. While other Sultans would decorate their harem with women, her father didnt even set one up. He only had eyes for her mother while she was alive. Even in her death, the man was still faithful. Roksna wished she could find a man like her father who would always love her, regardless of whether they were together or not. Their house was a little bit different from the other houses around, her father being the Sultan. But the servants were kept to the barest minimum and they were treated like family by the members of the Sultans family. Her father even made sure each one of them has their huts to live in separately and not get bundled together like a pack of cigarettes. The sound of drums beating from afar brought Roksna out of her thinking, back to reality. She had nearly forgotten what her original mission was. A smile surfaced on her face. After all, it was her one day in the entire year to do what she knew how to do the best. Lady Roksna, if you dont hurry up now, we will bete. One of herdies told her. Then, lets hurry up, Roksna shouted while running as fast as her legs could carry her. She could see men hurrying up to get to the venue, while the women hurried in their huts putting on their hijabs and kimoruns. Roksna stroked her open head and thought just how much freedom her father had allowed her to make decisions for herself. She smiled to herself. Hurry up, Roksna told her escorts. The hall of fame as it was called was located at the end of the sultanate. Roksnaughed at the futile attempt her maids made to catch up with her. She knew they would never be able to do that. After all, she had been training ever since the incident that took her mum happened 7 years ago. Her father had made sure she was diligent and never missed training. Roksna stopped in her tracks as she nearly crashed into a figure standing by the door to the hall of fame. She looked up to find Asleem standing like a doll without emotions. When will you learn to stop running around, mydy? Asleem asked her. Roksna felt hot all over. Asleem was a part of the janissary of their tribe. In other words, he was a member of the elites that formed the tribe troops. And not just a member, he was the general. His father was a best friend of her father and Roksna had heard them discuss a possible marriage alliance between the two families. She didnt mind. She had always liked Asleem since they were young. Only he didnt mind training with her when others simply made entertainment of her. He had helped her convince her father to allow her to wear trousers to practice adequately, something her religion frowned upon. It was a battle he had worn through perseverance and ying on her fathers weak spot, which was her learning well to protect herself. Are you going to perform dressed as you are? Asleem asked her. She looked down at the said clothing and grimaced. She was in trousers again. It wasnt her fault. As the years rolled by, she had simply found them much morefortable than womens clothing. Yes. She simply replied, knowing that saying anything else would result in more arguments about whatnot. Announce my presence. She told him, ending any argument he might have. It wasnt his duty as a general, but Roksna loved railing him up. Yes, mydy, Asleem responded in a mocking voice. Roksna let it slide, knowing that she started it. Princess Roksna Selim. He shouted as much as his lungs would permit. Roksna summoned her best smile, held her hands in front of her, and squared her shoulder high. When the door opened, she walked as gently as she could bring herself to. She didnt want to mess up, especially not today. She knew just how much her father had gone through to make her get a chance to do what she truly loved doing, which was dancing.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. She smiled her greetings at the people standing as custom demands. She paid her respect to the elites seated at the high table close to the Sultan. When she got to her seat, she ruffled Abaans hair which got her a scowl from the twelve years old man. She smiled at her father, who nodded his head slightly as a sign of acknowledgment. She and her father hade to apromise back then, six years ago, after giving him and her tutors trouble her first year of training. As long as she was obedient and practiced sword skills, he would let her dance every year at the hall of fame. It was apromise that Roksna wasnt ready to ept, knowing that women were not allowed to participate in anything ording to thew. But, when her father had made it possible the first year, she had agreed faster than a moving ball of cannon fire. When she had asked her father why he was breaking protocols for her. He had told her it wasnt just for her, it was for every girl child in the Dar S tribe. He told her that through what he was doing with her, he hoped the other parents would let their daughters be someone fulfilled by doing what they wanted to do, not just being a housewife. So, Roksna had turned into a rebel this year after getting approval from the Sultan and convinced some otherdies to join her in dancing and some of the others in joining thepetition. It took her a lot of effort and cajoling to get them to change their minds. She hoped that doing this would help men realize that women arent just good for marriage alone. She also hoped that the women themselves would be fulfilled by the end of the day. Assm ikum. The Sultan greeted everyone. Everyone stood up and responded, Wa ikum Assm, bowing their heads as a sign of respect to their Sultan. Her father gestured for them to sit down. Everyone. We are gathered here today for our one day of the test. As we all know, it is a day we test our strengths in our chosen fields to know our strengths and weaknesses. I hope everyone will join in. Ahs blessings are upon us. The Sultan finished. Everyone moved out of the hall to the training ground where the firstpetition would take ce. The rules of the game were simple. There were 20petitors in the game and they were divided into groups of two where they were to fight amongst themselves until only two people were standing topete. Thest person standing would be the winner of the year and bestowed upon the title of the fiercest fighter. The younger generation was allowed to start with thepetition. It was a fight of honor between them all, as they consider it an initiation into adulthood. Abaan came first and Roksna smiled as she saw her father ruffled the young mans hair, which got the Sultan a scowl. Then, it was the turn of the adults. General Asleem was the first topete with his opponent and it was a quick match. Everyone already knew the other man would never have been able to even scratch a single hair off the generals head. Three more matches followed in quick session, and it was Roksnas turn. Her opponent was a man who resented her fighting among men, so she already expected a tough match. As they drew their sword, Roksna could see the killing intent on the mans face and she smiled. The smile must have made the man even more furious because he rushed forward, uncalcting. Roksna dodged the first attack with her sword and jabbed the man in his stomach with her left hand at the same time. While that wasnt supposed to affect the man, he still staggered a bit backward because he wasnt expecting it. The man kicked her in the stomach with his legs and Roksna doubled over. Her opponent took advantage of that and shed her right arm with his sword. Roksna didnt have time to think about the wound as she saw the sword hovering over her head. She quickly halted the harsh move raising her sword over her neck, and the result was a shing sound. Surprised by her action, the man repeated the frontal attack which gave Roksna the advantage she needed. She rolled over and shed the man by his thigh and his left arm. Roksna heard some of the women cheer for her and chuckled. She brought her focus back on the man now standing again. The man threw his sword away and rushed over to Roksna. He held her right hand at the site where she was injured and she cried out in pain, nearly dropping the sword in her hand. And that was when the mans n made sense to her. He wanted her to drop the sword. Roksna smiled and did exactly what her opponent wanted. Before the sword could get to the ground, she grabbed it with her left hand, and tilted the hilt forward, smacking the mans head with it. Her opponent was unconscious in a matter of seconds. Roksna allowed the sword to fall and grabbed her injured arm. The shout of joy from the women made the pain a little bearable. Thepetition continued and they got thinned out until it was just her and general Asleem left. As she moved into the ring demarcation, she swallowed some saliva. This was the first time she would be formallypeting against Asleem. They had always fought against themselves, but it was for practice purposes. And as far as she knew, he was the strongest among their groups. The general had always stayed away frompeting. Roksna wondered why he chose differently this year. I had hoped that you woulde this far, mydy, Asleem told her, circling the ring. Why? Roksna asked, copying his action. Sultan said I can only marry you if I overthrow you in this fight. And just so you know, I wont go easy on you. He exined to her. Roksna threw a nce at her father and frowned. Her father had promised to let her know who he would choose for her and let her decide if she wanted him. But with this action, an alliance had been agreed upon by the Sultan and his best friend. Watch out, Asleem warned her just before he attacked. Attack Roksna dodged the sword waving itself at her. Before she could bnce herself, another sword shed her arm. She had forgotten that Asleem used two swords in fighting. When she looked at the cut he had made, she noticed it was a very light cut. It was like he hadnt wanted to hurt her more than he needed to. Told you I wouldnt go easy on you, Asleem told her. And then, it was a matter of dodging and attacking for both of them. About 20 minutes into the fight, Roksna realized she wouldnt be able to defeat the man. Nevertheless, she wasnt willing to give in to him that easily. She saw an opening and shed his arm. Asleem looked surprised that she was able to get a cut on him, she smiled. He threw a sword at her and she waved it away with her swords. He was in her face before she knew it and stamping her hard on her foot, she fell. She felt the cold steel of the de on her neck and knew she had lost. You cheated, Roksna told him. You mean I did good nning? Sometimes, being the best is not a guarantee of winning. You need a strategy, Roksna. He told her, holding out his hand for her. She shook it away and got up on her own, which made him smile at her. After Asleem had been crowned the winner, they all moved to the shooting ground. Roksna could hear gasps all around her when twodies stepped forward as contestants. Roksna smiled and wondered in her mind how much more surprise the men were in before thepetition ended. One of thedies came sixth while the other came third. Roksna could see it was a huge achievement for them as they kept smiling. It was gradually bing the age of revolution. Who knows? Maybedies could hold high positions in the future or even be Sultans. Next, they were at the seaside for boat racing and fish hunting. Four moredies joined in thepetition. And that was when the men began to murmur. Roksna could understand that they felt apprehensive about being beaten at what they have done their entire lives by some women who never had formal training. However, they had training. Roksna had trained them all for a year at every chance they could get. Women arent allowed to participate in anything. All they are good for is cleaning the house and bearing children. Roksna, we have tolerated your errors enough. Janissary Abdziz spoke up. The Sultan gave his permission to allow the women to take part in thepetitions. Are you questioning his authority? Roksna asked the man, who swallowed loudly.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. Roksna smiled to herself. Her words had the impacts she wanted them to. Everyone present there knew that questioning the Sultan was counted as treason, and it was an unforgivable crime no matter your bloodlines or position. You can earn a death sentence for it if care is not taken. From there on, no one else so much as breaths or even made his disagreement known. Thedies did excellently in the race. One of them came first, while her husband was second, another woman came third. The other two were ahead of theirpetitors in the fish hunt. Roksna and the others were surprised when the husband of the woman who came first hugged her. You did very well. My efforts and yourte-night practice paid off. The man told his wife, smiling. Roksna grinned at the scene unfolding in their presence. Here was a man who didnt follow the rules and was showing affection for his wife in public. If Roksna was to guess, she would say the man had trained his wife personally too. The age of change she envisioned wasnt so far away again. They all moved back to the Hall of Fame for the celebration that follows thepetitions, where Roksna would dance to entertain the people. She was excited knowing that this year, she wouldnt be doing it alone. As the women wearing flowing gowns and their nikobs surrounded her, she felt alive more than she ever had. The light tapping of the drums propelled her to move her hips gracefully to the beats. Hands below their hips swayed lightly, the women circled her round and round. Roksna danced to the music of the drum which had picked up by now using her hands as gestures, her legs moving in the direction she wanted her body to take. Everyone cheered for them, encouraging them to do more. By the time the dance was over, half of the men were drunk. Roksna moved to her fathers side and sat down beside Abaan who looked like he already had too much to eat but was still not willing to stop. Abu. You promised to let me know who you chose for me. She used her father. And I did. Didnt you find out today? Her father countered. From the man himself. Not from you, Abu. She countered back. So, you dont like him? Ill cancel the marriage then. The Sultan informed her. No, no, no. Dont cancel it, Abu. She said with a bit of enthusiasm. The truth was she preferred marrying Asleempared to going out of her tribe to a foreignnd. Here, she was given the freedom to choose her path. That was a lotpared to how the Imic religion worked. She was thankful her father had chosen a friend as her husband, instead of a total stranger. You see Roksna, I have something to tell you Her father was cut off by the sound of something chiming loudly. Everyone stood up and was alerted immediately. It was the sound of the war gong. If they were to go by that sound, then they were under attack. The fear was confirmed to be true when a soldier with an arrow stuck to his chest came in looking half dead. Attack. He didnt finish the statement before copsing and life was snuffed out of him. But the message had been passed. Knock her out They had been preparing for an attack ever since they made the sultanate their home, but not for the sudden attack when half of the men were wasted already. Ishmael, move the women and the children to the safe house we arranged. Let ten soldiers guard them. Muhammad, escort Roksna and Abaan to the seaside where the emergency boat is located. Toyeeb, gather the men for battles. Quadri, get me my weapon. The Sultan barked outmands which everyone scurried to obey. Muhammad, take Abaan away. Make sure you guard him with your life. Im staying here to fight with my Abu, Roksna told the young man who looked at the Sultan for approval. The Sultan nodded his head in affirmation. Muhammad took Abaan by the arm and led him out. The men were already moving out to the battleground. Asleem rushed in the door, clothed in his battle attire. There were a few soldiers with him. You have to leave Sultan. You too, Roksna. Its not safe here, weve already lost half of our men. Asleem told them. I think its toote for that. A voice said from the doorway. Roksna looked at the owner of the voice. He was a very handsome man to look at, but she wasnt impressed. The man was here to destroy her tribe, her sultanate. Shell make sure he suffered a terrible death because of that. The man chuckled as if he could hear her thoughts. Asleem and his armies stood protectively in front of the Selim family. Their swords held out to stop any bypasser. Leave. Now, Asleem yelled, just before attacking. These are my people, Roksna. I have to protect them. Well buy you some time to leave. Her father told her, just before he joined the battle. Roksna watched as her father and Asleem fought vigorously against the intruders, but it was clear that they were outnumbered. Most of the soldiers were down too. Without hesitation, Roksna joined thebat, taking down two opponents in rapid session. Roksna. I told you to leave. Her father shouted. Im not leaving you, Abu. I must protect you as my Sultan. She told him, taking down a man who wanted to attack her father from behind. Listen to your father, mydy, Asleem said. Then, what is the essence of learningbat skills and swordsmanship if I cant even use it to protect the people I love? She asked. Aamil Jamal watched the battle before him with surprise. It was the first time in all his 26 years of existence to see a Muslim woman wearing male attire. Not just that, her head wasnt covered. And, she can fight too and that too, excellently. What sort of Sultan ruled these people for their women to do as they wished? He was still lost in this thought when the gleaming of a sword caught his attention, he quickly moved out of the way of the sword. He was surprised to see it was the woman who was challenging him. His fury grew and he drew his sword. How dare you fight a mere woman point sword at me? He asked, enraged. But Roksna wasnt interested in answering questions and attacked him. Jamal blocked her moves effectively. Each time one of them attacked, the other would block the moves. Jamal hadnt expected the woman to be that good. Whoever had taught her, had taught her well. Roksna soon studied his sword pattern and noticed a w that wasnt obvious. But she had been trained by a man who had taught her to always watch out for ws. The man she was battling with would leave himself open on a side while attacking from an angle. Roksna moved her sword up like she was going to attack his neck, Jamal moved to block her attacks. She withdrew at thest minute and drove the sword into his left side stomach instead. Jamal looked shocked at the strategy she had used. Worse, she smiled at him and pushed the sword even deeper. Jamal held the sword and kicked Roksna away with his leg with as much strength as he could manage. The Sultan moved closer to defend his daughter, while Asleem moved to kill Jamal. Stop or he dies. A voice appeared while holding a knife to Abaans throat. Asleem froze. Drop your weapons. The man holding Abaanmanded. Asleem and the Sultan quickly dropped their weapons, and the soldiers took them away from their reach. They tied all three of them with ropes. Jamal grunted as he forced the sword out of his side and threw it to the floor. He sat on one of the seats, holding pressure on his injury. An injury inflicted on him by a mere woman. He hissed at her as he remembered. Roksna simply grinned. The man holding Abaan proceeded to tie him too, but Jamal stopped the man. Leave him. Hes just a child. The boys a warrior. The man informed Jamal and finished tying him. He dumped him with the rest. Jamal looked at the man who was the sultan of the sultanate he had attacked. Why are children and women warriors in your sultanate? He asked him. Because my Abu is not as backward as the rest of you men who think women are nothing, Roksna answered instead. Shut up, woman. It is not your ce to talk, Jamal cautioned her.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Untie me and see if it is my ce or not, Roksna said, eyeing the wound Jamal was still putting pressure on. Jamals face tightened out of anger. He quickly schooled his face when he saw Roksna watching him intently with a smile on. Did the woman ever stop smiling? He beckoned to his right-hand man, Sodeeq. Search the entire area for what we came here for. He instructed the man, who belled outmands to the armies. For thirty minutes, nobody spoke. Jamal just kept the pressure on his injury. Roksna hurdled closer to her brother who rested his head on her chest. Asleem looked disappointed at himself for being captured. While the Sultan looked angry he had failed his people. Roksna caught the stare of her father and looked at him fully. She noticed that he was trying to say something to her, but she couldntprehend what he was saying. The Sultan fixed his eyes on her ne and mouthed the words again. We couldnt find anything, Jamal, Sodeeq told him. Nothing at all? Not even among the documents? Jamal asked. Sodeeq shook his head negatively. Gesturing with his head towards the captives, he asked Jamal, what do we do with them? Jamal moved towards the people in question. He lowered himself to Roksnas position, stared at her intently, before replying. Kill them all. Roksna stared back at him without emotion. She didnt even flinch when she knew she was dying. This made Jamal even angrier than he already was. I changed my mind. Do not kill this one, I want her alive. But kill everyone else, Jamal said to his soldiers. At this, Roksnas eyes grew daggers which she threw at the man crouching low in front of her. She looked at her father and saw the fight was already out of him. Abaan was already sweating all over. Asleem was trying to look strong but she could tell he was a bit afraid too. How dare you touch my family? Dont you dare touch them. Ill gouge out your eyes and them to the eagles. Jamal simply smiled at her threat. Kill me instead. But let them go, please. It was Jamals turn to chuckle. Finally, something broke her spirit, and wiped the smile off her beautiful face. Barakahu feekum roksna. Her father told her, before closing his eyes. Abu, no! she cried. Knock her out. Hemanded one of his soldiers. Im going to kill you, Roksna muttered, just before the light faded into darkness and she lost consciousness. Wait, Jamal stopped his men who had their swords drawn already. Dont kill them. But, Jamal. We cant let them live, Sodeeq told him. The Sultan has what we need. The young boy and the general are good fighters that can be useful for the army, Jamal exined. But, Sodeeq started. Are you questioning my authority? Jamal asked. No, Sultan. I dare not. The man in question answered. You are a Sultan? What kind of Sultan went to the battlefield himself? The captured Sultan asked. Jamal looked at Sultan Selim straight in the eyes before asking, What kind of Sultan doesnt care about his life and risked it to fight with his people?. This made Roksnas father keep quiet. Put the men in the cargoes of the ship separately and put thedy in my room, Jamal instructed. Sodeeq narrowed his eyes but simply replied yes Sultan, which made Jamal smile. Sodeeq was his best friend, and he loathed when Jamal went all out on him using his authority as Sultan. What about the women and the children? One of his men asked. Separate them into different ships and make sure our men are with them at all times. Take away any weapon on any of them. We dont know how many of them can fight, Jamal said, eyeing the unconscious Roksna. Yes Sultan, Sodeeq said in a mocking tone. Good. Sodeeq, Im leaving you in charge of everything from now on. Yes, Sul Sodeeq was cut short as Jamal slowly copsed to the floor. Sodeeq grabbed him before he could hit the floor. Jamal Jamal He called but Jamal was already unconscious. How dare he? Drag them all out, Sodeeqmanded his army. Remember to put the men separately in the cargoes. Put the women in groups of the twenties each in separate ships also. And make sure to take away any form of weapons, down to pins from the women. And remember that stubborn woman stays in the same cabin with our Sultan. He finished barking out orders, dragging an unconscious Jamal with him. The Wadai as they were called hade raiding this small tribe of the sultanate because one of the people from the sultanate had managed to convince Jamal that their Sultan Selim had something important that might interest the young Sultan. Thinking they were going to get treasures like gold, silver, weapons among other things, Sultan Jamal had set off to the unknown. Sodeeq had tried to warn his best friend that there was possibly nothing on the other sultanate they didnt already have on theirnd, but Jamal had proved stubborn. Even stubborn to the point of insisting on leading the army himself. He had brought the best of the army and fifteen of their best ships. Who would have thought that all the Dar S tribes were warriors, including the women and the children? Sodeeq had never seen anything like that before. Especially the woman who had made his Sultan the way he was now. Sodeeq had a feeling that if the tribe wasnt celebrating and half-drunk already, they never would have emerged victorious. Sodeeq heaved a sigh of relief as he dropped Jamal to the bed as carefully as he could to not jerk his wounds. He turned to nce at the woman still unconscious on the floor and frowned. In all his years of training with his Sultan, he had never been able to hit the man, yet a woman had injured him seriously to the point of losing consciousness. Sodeeq hoped they werent bringing troubles along with them, considering the action Jamal had decided to take by letting a whole tribe of warriors survive. And, considering that they hadnt gotten anything out of it, Sodeeq prayed the Dar S tribe would not be rebellious over there. Moving as quietly as he could, Sodeeq opened the medicine cab and brought out medicines and bandages. He would have to clean up Jamals wound himself since the man despised it when people touched him. After picking up the essentials, he went back to his Sultan. Tearing the clothes off with scissors, Sodeeq examined the extent of the swords damage and gasped softly. It was a deep wound but luckily, it was not that deep. Still, it would likely take a long time to heal properly. Doing the best he could, Sodeeq cleaned up the wound and bandaged it after applying some medicines on it. He hoped it would be enough to keep the Sultan alive until they got home. After all, hes been through the worst things.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. Moving out of the cabin, Sodeeq barked an order to no one in particr, Set sail immediately. But he knew his orders would be obeyed immediately. He was the general after all. Roksnas head throbbed so much she didnt want to get up, but the soft swirling of her body around was enough to inform her something was moving under her. She opened her eyes slowly and saw herself on the floor. She looked at the strange board and realized that she was on a ship. What would she be doing on a ship? She forced her eyes to focus and looked around. As soon as her eyes settled on Jamal, the memories came flooding in. Hatred flooded her entire being. The man had ughtered her entire family, how dare he sleep peacefully? Realizing she was no longer bound, she felt her left leg for her knife and realized it was still there. She brought it out and got up very fast, which made her dizzy. She shook her head to fight the dizziness before advancing towards the bed Jamal rested on. As she raised the knife to strike, waves of dizziness clouded her head and mind. She fell on top of Jamals unmoving body, knowing in her subconscious mind that the knife had embedded itself somewhere. Have his way with her Jamal woke up feeling a hot searing pain rising from his left arm and right stomach. His whole body felt like something heavy had been ced on it. He opened his eyes to find someone resting on him. Who had dared to do that, despite knowing that he hated being touched? Get up this instance, if you still want to live. Hemanded the person. When Jamal didnt get any response from the person holding him tightly, he rolled the person to the floor roughly. He was surprised to find a knife firmly holding itself in his arm, he yanked it out and threw it across the floor. That was when his eyes fell on the person he had handled roughly. Looking at Roksna on the floor, the fresh injury on his arm, and the knife on the floor, Jamal was able to connect the whole picture. She had attempted to end his life again. Jamal realized that something must have happened to make her fall unconscious and fail in her new mission. Grunting, he got up and got medicines and bandages from the medicine cab. After cleaning up the wound and bandaging himself, he examined his stomach. Seeing fresh blood oozing out of the bandage, he took off the soaked bandage and used a fresh bandage. He heard the door unlocked, and looked up to find Sodeeq standing by the door trying to figure out what was going on. Jamal knew when the situation registered itself in his best friends mind when the other mans eyes widened. He saw Sodeeq running towards him and smiled. Laih. I leave you alone with her for a few minutes and you already have another injury? The man asked, examining the wound on his arm. Im fine. Its just a scratch, Jamal told him. Let me put her somewhere else. Far from you, Sultan, Sodeeq tried to convince him. No! Jamal shouted, a little too forceful. Just get me a rope to tie her with. He finished. Sodeeq looked at Roksna with a murdering gaze before going out of the room. In a minute, he was back with a rope long and thick enough to tie a lion. Without a word, he began to tie the one who the rope was meant for. He was done in a matter of five minutes and out of the door again, leaving Jamal to his thoughts. Jamal looked at Roksnas unmoving body and sighed. As a Muslim sultanate that served Ah, women were nothing in themunity, other than tools for childbearing. Yet, this was a woman who was skilled in fighting and did not wear a hijab or clothing meant for women. Jamal could not deny that he was fascinated by her. After all, she was the first woman to ever injure him. And that too, twice in a single day. If he was honest to himself, he would say that he had been fascinated by her while in her sultanate. Her cloth had clung to her in all the right ces, showing the perfect curves of her hips and her exquisite long legs. Even though her hair was packed into a pony, Jamal had been fascinated by the way it flowed with her movements. She was a beautiful woman and he wanted to be with her. He had underestimated her earlier when they fought because of her beauty. He hadnt been willing to kill her because of her beautiful face too. He had hesitated to kill her family because he saw the sadness that crossed her beautiful face and he had wanted to erase that. Jamal was surprised to find himself getting aroused by the thoughts of the woman. He who has a harem full of concubines. He could have any woman he cares for, regardless of her status or who she belonged to. He wasnt starved for sex. Even when he wasnt interested in having sex, the women tempted him with their bodies, until he could no longer hold his urges. He had even had sex with 2 women at a time before. But, here was a woman who made him feel like hes been sex starved for days. Mere looking at her unconscious form on the floor made him wish he could tear off her clothes and have his way with her. Jamal knew that he had to get out of the room while he still had little control over his treacherous body. He stood up and moved to the door, opening it. Taking onest nce at Roksna, he went out of the cabin and closed the door firmly behind him.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Looking for something? It was almost nighttime when Jamal spotted a moving figure along the rail of the ship while he was discussing with his shipmaster. He didnt give it much thought until he noticed the dark pony hair shaking itself as the figure moved. He would recognize that hair anywhere. Knowing that Roksna had somehow cut herself loose and was trying to escape made Jamal angry. He handed over the piece of paper in his hand to the man beside him and ran as fast as he could over to the woman who was responsible for his pains. Roksna moved as stealthily as she could. She had woken up to an empty room and was bonded. She had deemed herself lucky when she saw her knife with a bloodstain on it a few feet away from her. With little effort, she had cut herself free, pocketed the knife, and dashed out from the room. She had been disappointed to find herself on a moving ship, which she knew nothing about the location it was headed to. As she moved quietly along the rails, she prayed no one would look for her just yet. If she was lucky enough, she could find a quiet hiding ce on the ship, where she could stay until she knew how to get out of her predicament. Looking for something? Roksna was startled by the voice that spoke out of nowhere. Turning back, she came face to face with her worst nightmare. Without thinking, sheunched herself at him. She saw him smile as if he had anticipated her move. She was surprised when he picked her up and turned back to where she had just run out from. Jamal eyed the rope that was now in several pieces and sighed. He dropped the bundle on his shoulder to his bed and stood protectively in front of her. If he was to go by experience, he would say she would try to run. As soon as the thought yed through his mind, he felt something hot on his cheek and looked in the direction it came from. Roksna was getting ready to throw the second punch when Jamal held her hands firmly. She didnt fail to notice the bandage on his left arm, so she knew her knife had hit him when she copsed. That made her feel happy for a moment, but it didntst as she felt herself losing bnce. Shended on the bed, with the man she wanted to kill holding her two hands firmly above her head. Jamal realized that in pushing the woman down to the bed, he had followed suit with the fall also. The wound he had obtained by his side hurt badly, but he held her hands firmly. He didnt fail to notice how his body responded to hers in the position they were. Her breath fanned his face softly and he felt arousal for her. Get off me, you killer, Roksna screamed at him. I cant. You keep trying to kill me. He answered back. You deserve it. You killed my entire family. Im going to seed in killing you, you murderer. She screamed again. Jamal widened his eyes as the woman under him kept wiggling her body, trying to free herself from his hold. His entire body screamed to just touch her, to get a taste of her lips. It didnt help matters that no matter how he tried to hold her still, she wouldnt obey. About five minutester, his manhood was fully aroused and his body was on fire for her. I have to touch her. Jamal thought to himself. Devising the perfect means of doing as his body desired, he spoke up. I have to search you for other weapons that might be hidden in your body. Why? Are you that afraid of a mere woman as you put it? Roksna asked,cing the word mere with disdain. Jamal didnt bother to reply. Using his right hand, he started from her shoes, retrieving two pocket knives. Slowly, he moved his hand to her thigh, but couldnt find anything. The hands traveled behind her, patting her buttocks gently. He resisted the urge to squeeze the backside when he couldnt find anything there. He let his hand go further up to her waist, where he got another pocket knife.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. By the time he got to her breasts, he noticed Roksna had gone as still as a doll. His body was already on fire too, and it was taking all his efforts not to just pull down her trousers and have his way with her. He looked at her face and that was the mistake he made. Her face was flushed. Her eyes were closed. She was biting her lips as if she hated herself and whatever she was thinking about. Without thinking about the consequences of his actions, Jamal lowered his lips and kissed the woman under him. At first, he didnt get any response. But as he pushed his tongues into her mouth, she opened up. Jamal took the advantage and sucked her lips as if his life depended on it. He let his hand squeeze her breast gently, then he applied a little bit of force. He heard her make a sweet pleasing sound into his mouth and he swallowed it up. He released her hands and pushed her to himself with her hand while caressing her breast. What was happening? Why was the mans body affecting her so much? Why does it feel like she needs more from him? What kind of strange feeling was she experiencing from the mans touch? A small sound escaped her mouth when his hand touched her breast before she could stop it. She should be hating the man right now. Jamal was jolted back to reality when she remembered that the man on top of her had imed the lives of all the people who were important to her. It was at that moment she realized that her hands were finally free. She felt for the tiny head pin on her head and took it out. She hit him in his thigh with the pin without hesitation. Jamal scurried away from the woman who had been responding to his pleasures just moments ago. He realized he had just sustained another injury from her. Rather than get angry, he smiled slightly. He rushed to her and took the pin away from her, pocketing it before speaking. Are you so bent on killing me? He asked her. Yes. Whats your name? Jamal asked. Your death, Roksna replied, hissing. Jamal turned away from her and walked to the door. Before he could move out, her voice stopped him. Where are you going to? Missing me already? He asked, just to annoy her. Her hiss was the only answer he got. He decided to answer her. Unless you dont mind losing your virginity this night, I can stay. But if you dont want to lose it, I need to go and sleep in my second inmands room. With that, he exited the room and locked her in with a key. He turned to find Sodeeq looking from him to the locked door with curiosity. What? He asked. I hope you know you are courting death. But, if you want her, just put her in your harem. The other man advised. Why hadnt he thought about that? It was a perfect solution to his problem. No one in his harem can ever hide their bodies from him, knowing that he owns every inch of it. But for now, hell stay away from her. At least until his injuries hurt less than they do right now. And that was what he did. He stayed away from her for three days despite the tortures. So many times, he felt like breaking his own rules and visiting her. But he never broke his rules once, and he wasnt about to begin because of ady whose lips tasted like honey. He grunted as his body began to react to mere thoughts of her. His body had stayed like a rock for the two days he was away from her. His only constions were the fact that they were just two days away from his sultanate. But for now, he was contented to leave her care to Sodeeqs capable hands. He was sure the other man would take care of her, knowing that he liked her. Not interested Sultan. Jamal turned to find Sodeeq standing behind him, spotting a ck eye and looking worried. Jamal realized that Roksna must have gifted his best friend with the look. He tried to contain hisughter, but couldnt. The woman was a fierce tiger. His woman was a fighter. Im not sure what is funny, but yourdy had refused to eat even a bite since three days ago, Sodeeq exined. Jamal rushed out of the bed, straight out of the room. If she hadnt had any food for three days, she would be trying to kill herself. Was that how much she hated him? He flung the door open as soon as he got to her side. What he saw made his heart sink. Roksna was lying on the floor, looking vulnerable. Roksna felt weak after starving herself for three days. Her heart continued to mourn the death of her family and tribesmen after she couldnt summon tears anymore. She missed the meadows at her home. She missed seeing little children run around. She missed seeing women wearing hijabs going to and fro, trying to get everything ready. She missed teasing her little brother. She missed training with Asleem. She also missed sitting down and watching her father rule the people. Her mind registered that the door was opened, she hadnt even bothered to look at whoever the intruder was. She was too weak to argue with anyone today. She just wished she could sleep and never wake up again. That way, all her pains will be gone. She felt someone pick her up and walk but she didnt care. Somehow, she felt secure in the arms of whoever it was and she leaned even closer to the person. Jamal felt miserable seeing how the spirited woman looked. He was even more concerned about her when she tried to get even closer to him than she already was. He knew she was not in her right mind, considering that she had wanted to kill him days ago. The hunger must have messed up her mind, clouding her judgments, or she was too weak at the moment to carry out her mission. He sat down on the bed, with Roksna sitting on hisps and her head resting on his chest. Sodeeq brought in a te full of food a minuteter, still looking worried as he walked out. Jamal picked up the te of food and made Roksna inhale it, before dropping it. Do you want to eat? He asked her. Abbu. The woman on hisp responded instead. You need to eat, Jamal tried again. Abaan. She muttered instead. Jamal realized she was hallucinating about her family. When he checked her temperature, he realized that she was running a fever. Knowing that he had no other choice than what he was about to do, Jamal prayed it all ends well. Eat, Roksna and we can go see your father after that. Hes still alive, I promised. He picked up a spoonful of food and brought it to Roksnas mouth. At first, there was no reaction. He was about to give up when he felt a weak hold on the spoon he was holding. Jamal realized that he had managed to break through her will. After feeding her, he forced her to drink medicinal herbs too. Then heid her down as gently as he could on the bed. He covered her up with a nket and sighed. He had lied to get her to eat since he doesnt have the intention of taking her to see her father. He wondered what her reaction would be when she woke up and understood how he had fooled her. He knew all hell would be freed if she remembers anything at all. It wasnt letting him see her father that is the problem, it was knowing she would start devising ways to run away from him. And knowing how stubborn she was, Jamal had little doubt that she would seed in the mission. He sat down on a side of the bed and watched as she slept. The worried lines were still visible on her face despite being asleep. She looked haggard and tired. Her dress was dirty, as were her shoes. Her hair looked tangled and scattered across her face. She needs a bath. Jamal thought to herself. He took the hair out of her face and smiled. He got out of the room and beckoned to the first man he saw. You. Get a maid here for me in two minutes. Hemanded the man, who scurried off to obey the order. The man was back in minutes with two maids in tow. I need you to draw a bath. Also, get somedys clothes and a hijab. Get somedy body oil too. I want everything ready before an hour, Jamalmanded the maids. Yes, Sultan. The maids answered in a fearful tone and rushed out to get it done. In an hour, everything hemanded the maids was already in the room. And as luck would have it, Roksna was awake too. She still looked like she needed some more rest, but Jamal was not ready to give her that time. He was already growing impatient, thinking about how she would look in the clothing. Beforeing in, he had instructed the maids not to call him Sultan in her presence. For a reason he didnt understand, he didnt feel like revealing his identity to her just yet. Just get up if you are awake already, Jamal told Roksna. Roksna was startled out of her wit by the voice. She was also surprised to see that she had a little bit of strength. Even more surprised to find herself on the bed that smelled like the man she had been trying to kill. Arent you getting up? The voice asked again. She turned in the direction it came from and saw the man responsible for her misery standing by the side of the bed, hands crossed like he was ready for a fight. gging him on the two sides were two women. Roksna wondered why they were there. She wondered if he had brought them to protect himself from her. She however dismissed the thought as soon as it came. Roksna might not know the man but she knew he wasnt a coward. Still, she felt like hurting him however she could. You brought women to protect yourself from a mere woman like me? She asked. Jamalughed at the cynical way she said it. He didnt care that the maids looked at him like he was an insane man or even the fact that rumors were bound to circte. He didnt even care that a woman had questioned his prowess. He was happy to see that she was okay now since she could talk to him the way she did. He was also d she didnt remember anything about how he made her eat her food earlier. After a heartyugh, he moved closer to her on the bed until he was face to face with her. As if. He said in a whisper. Then he straightened back to a standing position, before answering her loudly. They are here to help you take your bath and get dressed. Im not interested, Roksna told him, which earned her collective gasps from the maids.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. I didnt ask for your opinion. You have just thirty minutes to bathe and get changed. The Sultan told her, then turned to the maids. Make sure she is clean from head to toe. He instructed them. Yes. The maids replied. One of them immediately moved to undress her. If any of you touch me, be ready to be bedridden for a long while, Roksna warned the advancing maids. Let me be clear, Dawn. If you arent out by thirty minutes or if you try to injure my maids or you try to do something funny, then Iming in to bathe you myself, Jamal told Roksna. You wouldnt dare. Try me. He told her. As soon as you are done with her, bring her to general Sodeeqs room. He instructed the maids, before turning to leave the room. A slap and a hiss Roksna watched at the fading figure of the mans body and sighed. Understanding that from the little time she had been with the man, he would make true his threat if she wasnt out by his allocated time or if she injured the maids. Its not like she would do that anyway. She wasnt about to let out her anger on innocent women who might be victims of their circumstances just as she was. She undressed and got into the bathing pot. She was surprised to find the water warm and rxing. She didnt fail to notice that the maids were afraid ofing near her, judging by the distance they were from her. She decided to relieve their fear. I wont hurt you. I just said that out of anger. The two women moved to her immediately and began to help her. They sharedpanionship in silence for a few minutes, until one of the women broke the silence. You are lucky to get the attention of the Sultan. She told Roksna. What Sultan? Roksna asked. She meant general. A general is like the Sultan of the army. The second woman corrected. Yes, I meant general. The first woman added. Why do you hate him so much? The second woman asked. Because he killed my family, Roksna answered. Im sure there are misunderstandings among you two. The man is nice. The first woman told Roksna. By the time they were done with bathing and dressing, Roksna already knew a lot about her adversary. The two women had deemed it fit to tell her little details about the man. They had also each told stories about how he had saved them from very respectively. She had learned that out of gratitude, the women whose names were Ayeshat and Rukayat had decided to stay and serve the Sultan of the sultanate. Roksna looked at the expensive gown she was wearing and grunted. The material was too free and heavy on her. Even though the hijabs were lightweight, she felt a headacheing on because her head wasnt getting the fresh air it was used to. When she asked Rukayat if she could remove the hijab, the other woman frowned and told her only the general could give that order. By the time they had made her wear a shoe that wasnt a boot, she was ready to go and fight it out with the man whose name she now knows as Jamal, thanks to the two women. As Ayeshat led Roksna out to where the general was waiting for her, she nced about the ship. She was amazed at the expensive taste of the ship, which means they were rich tribes. Roksna wondered why such a sultanate would attack their small tribe. She realized that it could only mean one thing, someone had set the two sultanates against each other. Who It was and why they would do such a thing began to bother Roksna. She hadnt even realized they were already at their destination until she heard Ayeshats small voice instructing her to get in. Right on time, Jamal said. Roksna felt like going back and being back at a muchter time. It didnt help matters that Jamal kept staring at her as if she had suddenly grown two pairs of heads. She also didnt fail to see that he was wearing something that ttered his body and looked quite expensive. It brought back the thought that someone had deliberately misled the tribe to attack them. Pardon my manners. Please sit, Jamal told her, gesturing to a wooden seat which she took unconsciously. As soon as she sat, trays of hot food began toe in. By the time they were done setting the table, it looked like the feast of a king. Lets eat, Dawn, Jamal told her. Why do you keep calling me Dawn? Thats not my name, Roksna asked. Are you ready to tell me your name now? Because I refused to call you your death. He replied, smiling a little. Lets eat. He told her when she didnt reply to him. Im not hungry, Roksna told him. I didnt ask for your opinion. Eat. Thats amand, Jamal told her.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. Too bad since I dont listen tomands. She retaliated. Jamal looked at her for a moment, without saying anything. Then he spoke softly, that Roksna almost didnt hear him. I had hoped it wouldnt get to this. Roksna was about to ask what he meant when he spoke again. Bring them in. Roksna watched as five women from her tribe were brought in. They were bonded and a piece of cloth each covered their mouths. Roksna was happy they were alive, even though they must have been spared to make them maids. Jamals next word halted her happiness. Eat, or they will be thrown overboard. He threatened. Anybody ever told you that you are a devil incarnate? For every bite you refuse to take, one of them goes into the water. He told her, instead of answering her question. Roksna picked up her spoon and began to eat. She heard the man sitting across her chuckle. Jamal picked up his spoon and began to eat too. He had wished he wouldnt have to resolve to ckmail, but he was d he had prepared ahead. Roksna was a stubborn woman and all his experiences with her made him realize that she wouldnt bend to anyone unless she got threatened by what she loved. He prayed that he wouldnt regret the words he was about to utter. He prayed that the threat was enough to make her stay calm. Just as he was about to speak, Roksna spoke up. Who betrayed our sultanate? What did he say to your Sultan to get him to attack us? She asked. Jamal looked at the woman sitting in front of him. She was a smart woman. She had managed to figure out things that would take others a while to understand in just a short time. Jamal contemted if he should tell her the truth or not. The decision was taken away from him when she spoke again. Never mind. Ive forgotten that you cant betray your Sultan. Anyway, I am done. Jamal looked at her te and saw that she had indeed finished her meals while he was lost in thoughts. Jamal watched as she stood up. Im going to trust that you will keep your words and keep my people safe. She said attempting to leave. Wait, Jamal told her. He hadnt even gotten a chance to tell her what was on his mind yet. If I wait, youre going to have to allow me to take off the hijab, Roksna bargained. Smart. Jamal thought to himself. Truth was, he had missed the way her hair was always moving about. When he saw here in earlier, he had almost rushed to take off the hijab himself. He decided to bargain with her. You can take it off since we are on the ship, but you have to put it back on as soon as we get to the sultanate tomorrow. He told her. Fair enough. She said and sat down again. Take them away, Jamalmanded the man with him. He stood up and got closer to Roksna. Be careful. I still want to kill you. She warned him. I know. Why havent you attacked me yet? He asked. Because you are my ticket. She said simply. At Jamals cocked brows, she exined. I realized that you are the one protecting me from death. So killing you means that I have to die too and I cant die right now. I still need to kill your greedy Sultan and whoever betrayed my people. Once Im done, I cane back to kill you. Jamalughed. She really was a smart girl. Deciding not to dy anymore, he spoke. I want you to be my concubine when we get home, Dawn. The only response he got was a p to his cheek, a hijab thrown to his face, and a hissing Roksna walking away from the room and him. In the presence of the sultan Roksna felt bored being left alone all by herself for two days. Ever since the incident between her and the general had happened, he had stayed clear of her. His assistant, Sodeeq had suddenly gone missing from her presence too. Even Ayeshat hadnte around to check up on her. As a matter of fact, no one had bothered to ask her if she was hungry or wanted to eat. They hadnt even brought a te of food for her to even think about rejecting. She was so famished right now, she wouldnt mind eating even a human. Roksna felt uneasy about it all. It felt like this was a calm before a storm. She didnt know why, but she felt like Jamal was up to something. What it was she didnt know, but she knew it had to be bad. Judging by her experience of him, she knew he must have given the order for no one toe near her or even act as if she existed. Was he still angry at her about the incident? After walking away from him and calming down, Roksna had realized that she had been wrong with her actions. No matter how provoked she was, she never should have pped the man. She had opened the door several times to go and apologize, but her ego had stopped her each time. She had justified her actions with the fact that she had every right to be angry at the man since he was responsible for the death of her family. She had also given that another thought and realized that the man was simply following orders from his Sultan. No one can ever disobey the Sultan, that is if the person wanted to live for another day. If reversed was the case, Roksna had realized that she would have killed his family too. She had also realized that the general wasnt so bad since he spared the women, even if he had done so to enve them. She knew that being a ve was better than being dead. And if luck was with them, many of them could end up being concubines to high-rank officers or even as a ve to wealthy people who would treat them right. It was a chance at life and she was grateful he had given them to those he could. Roksna was jolted out of her thoughts when she realized the ship had stopped moving. She ran out of her room to the deck and she saw the men bringing out goods and boxes off the ship. She also saw some women and children of Dar S being helped out of the ship. Roksna realized they must have gotten to the sultanate of the general, wherever that is. You. A voice called out. Startled, she turned towards the voice and saw a soldier standing behind her. What are you standing there for? Go and join the others. Hemanded.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Roksna was glued to her feet. She hadnt given much thought to what would be of her when they arrived at their destination. It was true she had been given special treatment above others during the sea journey, but would that continue now? Was the general still intending to make her his concubine? Does she still want to refuse the offer other women would die to take? She felt herself being dragged and gasped. The soldier dragging her was not trying to be gentle with her. Roksna tried to make him loosen his hold but because she hadnt had a bite to eat in two days, her pull was weak. She watched as he kept dragging her, finally stopping where the other women are. Roksna grunted as the man let go of her suddenly and she fell t on her backside to the floor. She stood up with the help of the others and eyed the man wearily. She was about to give him a piece of her words when she saw Jamal getting down from the ship. Roksna was surprised to see that he was no longer inmon clothing or the generals clothing. He was now dressed in elegant wear only befitting the royal family. She didnt fail to see Sodeeq was now in a generals clothing instead. She saw Jamal looking around as if he was searching for something or someone. As soon as their eyes met, she saw the man looking at her for about five seconds before he looked away from herpletely like she had been dismissed from his sight. Thinking he probably was still angry at her about what happened, Roksna took a step forward to go to him. She halted when she heard the echoing footsteps of what felt like thousands of people walking. She looked back and indeed saw thousands of people alling from the inner part of thend. A man dressed almost in identical clothing to Sodeeq led the squad, followed by an army, then civilians made up the crowds. As soon as they got to where Roksna and the others were, they all went down on a knee. Sultan. They all said at once. Roksna was surprised. The Sultan was among the people who raided their sultanate? Rise. Roksna heard Jamals voicemand. She turned to look at him. He was the Sultan? No wonder everyone feared him. And with the realization of the fact came anger. Roksna realized he could have spared her family but he chose not to. He could have chosen a peaceful talk with her father but he chose to destroy them. How dare you be the Sultan? Roksna busted out, unable to control her anger. You can’t kill them Jamal simply looked at her, before choosing to ignore her again. Roksna was surprised by his actions. He had done it twice in thirty minutes and it was getting on her nerves. What was with him and the treatment he was giving her? Jamal readjusted his clothing at the sleeve, pretending that he hadnt heard what Roksna said. He was boiling with anger. He had arrived at his sultanate only to find the shore empty, devoid of any security. His brain had immediately told him that they could have easily been besieged if it was an army from another sultanate that found that weakness against them. Turning to the second inmand, he spoke. Why was the shoreline not guided? The man trembled as he answered, I left people here for security. I didnt realize that they cked off, Sultan. You didnt realize? Jamal barked in anger. The other man fell to his knee immediately. Roksna became afraid of the man she was looking at. This was no longer the man she had spent time with on the ship. In ce of the jovial man was a terrifying man. I want everyone you assigned as guards of the coast here immediately, Jamal barked. In five minutes, all the men were on their knees in front of their Sultan. Roksna counted about 30 men. She was wondering how he would punish them when he spoke. For neglecting their duty, kill them all. Roksna gasped and heard the women from her tribe do the same. If it was sultan Selim, he would have made them train harder or let them parade continuously for a week or two. This was extreme. Sultan, you cant kill them. They are the best men I have, Sodeeq told the Sultan. You mean had? They neglected their duties, which means they were tired of living. Kill them all, Jamal said. These men have families they are responsible for, Sodeeq tried again, hoping that would pacify their Sultans anger. If any of their family members dare to even make a sound or mourn for them, kill them too, Jamal said, turning to the general. But, Jamal started. Anyone who questions my authority over this decision from this moment would be killed along with them, Jamal ordered. Everywhere became as silent as a graveyard. Roksna realized that everyone was afraid of losing their lives. Even Sodeeq who seemed to be a friend of the Sultan was immediately quiet. This means the Sultan meant the threat he just issued and no one can change his mind. But Roksna knew she couldnt just watch the men die. True, their offense earned them a punishment but not to the point of dying. Thats more like it. And just in case my order wasnt clear enough, I meant to kill every single one of them including the second inmand. Roksna heard the sultanmand again. Roksna saw Sodeeq open his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but he shut it again. How can you just order the death of men like they were chickens to be ughtered for a feast? Roksna spoke up. Jamal narrowed his eyes at the speaker of the word wishing he could somehow control her to keep shut. She was bound to bring trouble as she opened her mouth. This is my sultanate and I can rule it however I want, Jamal answered her. True, it is yournd but it belongs to the people as much as you. If no one was here, you wouldnt have anyone to rule over and you wont be a sultan then, Roksna answered him back. She heard the people exim, but ignored them. She saw Sodeeq pointing to his neck, trying to remind her of the Sultans words. I dont care how your Sultan ruled over there but here at Wadai, my words are final. And women arent allowed to talk here, for whatever reasons, Jamal told her. My Abbu was a great Sultan, unlike you. How many of your men would be willing to die for you or with you if your sultanate ever faced an attack? Roksna asked just to spite him. If you dont shut up this instance woman, you will be joining the dying men, Jamal warned her in a tone that was chilly enough to send cold down the spine of the men. Although you are the Sultan, you dont have the right to punish them. They belong to the general, he should punish them. Why else would and need generals if not to help the Sultan build the army? Roksna asked. Take her out and flog her thirty times. Then take her to royal concubine Miriam as her ve. Every other one of the captives should be assigned as you deemed fit, Jamalmanded the head of servants.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Two hefty men stood at Roksnas sides each. Before she could protest, they dragged her with them. You cant kill them. They are still your people. You must spare them, Roksna screamed. Choose, her or them? Jamal watched as she was dragged off, her knees scraping the floor and her voice still pleading for the men he had already ordered their death. He wondered what type of woman she was not to care about her own life. Any other woman would be on her knees pleading and groveling for her life. Jamal knew flogging a woman thirty times is like offering death to the woman the hard way. If the flogging doesnt kill her, her body would be marred for life. And a womans beauty is in the spotlessness of her body. Sultan, stop them. Shes just a woman and thirty strokes of the cane would kill her, Sodeeq pleaded to Jamal. Choose then. Your men staying alive or her not getting flogged, Jamal offered Sodeeq. Sodeeqs eyes widened at what the words implied. The sultan just gave him a chance to make a choice and that had never happened before. It was a pick one, leave one choice. If Roksna got flogged, his mens lives would be spared. But if he chose Roksna instead, he would lose the best of his army. Was he ready to retain his men through such a cruel means? The Sultan was a hard man. But, this was the first time he ever gave anyone an option. Realizing that she was probably getting flogged already, Sodeeq prayed in his heart that the men carrying out the order would consider that Roksna was a woman and be lenient to her. Which would it be, general Sodeeq? Jamal asked again. My men, Sultan, Sodeeq answered.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Good. But, they still need to be punished though. The sultan told his general. Turning to the men still on their knees, he addressed them. Each one of you, go and get thirty strokes each. Yes, Sultan. Thank you, Sultan. The men said, rushing away from Jamal before he would change his mind again. Sodeeq, stay here until the other ships arrive and make sure the men from Dar S are ced separately, Jamalmanded. Yes, Sultan. The rest of you dismiss with immediate effect. Hemanded. Then turn on his heels and walked away. Roksna became afraid as the men kept dragging her. She became surprised as they stooped once they were out of sight and helped her stand well. She noticed that they were no longer dragging her, but they let her walk at her own pace. Soon, they arrived at where Roksna thought must be the famous flogging squad. The men that had escorted her lied her down gently on the nk, with her backside facing up. The men had also tied her body to the nk so that she wouldnt be able to escape. Roksna looked at the men and saw regrets fill their eyes, but couldntprehend why they would have that expression. Thank you for standing up for our people even though your life was in danger. The older man among them spoke. We still have to carry out the sultans order though. But we promise to be as gentle as we can. Another added. Roksna braced herself for the beating she knew she couldnt escape. As the first stokended, she felt a hot searing pain where the canended. With rapid session, three more followed. Roksna felt like crying out loud but refused to give that satisfaction to the cruel man who had ordered her beating. By the time twenty strokes hadnded, Roksna felt like life was being snuffed out of her. Just before she lost consciousness, she thought she saw the soldiersing towards them. The wicked mistress Roksna heard voices whispering around her somewhere in her subconscious mind, her body felt like it was on fire. Forcing her eyes open, she looked at the environment she was in. She was lying on the bed in a strange room, women in hijabs and cheap clothing crowded around her. She looked at her arm and failed to see the traces of the clothes she had on before. rmed, she forced herself to look at her lying body and saw that she was naked. She got up and immediately regretted the action. Her back hurt badly, and she cried out in pain. I see you are awake. A woman spoke. Roksna looked in the direction of the voice. Sitted on an expensive chair was a woman clothed in the most expensive clothes Roksna had ever seen. Expensive jewelryplemented the expensive dressing. The hijab on her head screamed expensive, with all the beads adorning it. Roksna had never seen such expensive dressing before. Roksna didnt fail to see the other women in the room bowing down to her. Who who are you? Roksna managed to ask. Lady Miriam. And as of now, your mistress. The woman answered. This was thedy Miriam? The concubine? Shes so beautiful. Roksna thought to herself. The Sultan gave you to me as my personal maid, which means that I dont have to share the same maids with the rest of the haremdies. From today, you will start living here. And, you are not allowed to work for any of them. Lady Miriam told her. Roksna looked around at the room she was in. There was the bed she currently sat down on. Across the bed was a table, and sitting on it was a gold cipher, some books which were probably written in Arabic, a silver cup, and some knitting tools. There were also two gold chairs in the room, one of which thedy sat on. There was also a cupboard which Roksna was sure was filled with clothing. If a servant room was this expensive, Roksna wondered how the rest of the house was or even the harem. You are lucky to work for me. You are the first-ever personal maid this harem has. Plus, you dont get to mingle with the rest of the servants. Express your gratitude to me now. The womanmanded. Thank you, mydy, Roksna said to the woman. Good. Whats your name? Lady Miriam asked. Roksna, mydy. Never mind, Ill just call you maid. Lady Miriam said. The woman would be trouble, Roksna realized. Seeing as none of the maids standing looked envious of her but rather looked sorry, she knew she probably should brace herself for whatever her future holds with the woman. She prayed it wasnt more trouble than she already was in. The maid would be showing you to your room. And, you have two days to rest your back. If you dont report back to duty on time, get ready to be punished. Lady Miriam said. A maid helped her put on some clothes and just like that, she was moved out of the beautiful room. She followed the maid through some dark corridor, out to what seemed like the back of the house they had just left. Roksna couldnt believe her eyes when the maid assigned to bring her to her room stopped in front of a house that looked like it could copse at any point in time. She was even more surprised when they got into the room and she saw that there was no single piece of furniture in the room. The only thing in there was some straws which Roksna guessed was the bed she was supposed to sleep on. She saw the maid stretch her hands with some pieces of clothes in them and she collected them. Roksna saw that they were the clothing of the lowest materials she had ever seen. Still, she smiled at the poor maid who looked embarrassed to be there. Thank you, Roksna told her. Ill help you apply some medicines to your wounds. The maid offered. Roksna lied down on the straw bed and pulled down the clothes she had managed to put on a few minutes ago. The maid applied the smooth paste in the small container she had brought out on the wound. Roksna felt a little bit relieved each time the medicine touched the site of her injury. After the maid was done, she helped Roksna cover herself up again. Thank you, Roksna told the maid. No. Thank you. The maid replied. At Roksnas surprised look, the maid exined. My brother was among those that were ordered to be killed by the Sultan. If it werent for you, I would be mourning him now. He didnt kill them? Roksna asked surprised. She remembered seeing them when she was about to faint then, but she thought she was hallucinating. No. For a reason, he simply told them to each get thirty strokes of the cane each. The maid exined. So, she hadnt got beaten in vain. Her efforts had paid off. She didnt mind the difort she felt anymore, since she had been able to save the lives of people. Do everything Lady Miriam asked you to. Shes currently the favorite mistress of our Sultan and he does everything for her. Just pray she is always happy and you would enjoy your stay with her. The maid said. What happens if she isnt happy? Roksna asked out of curiosity.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. The maid went on to feed Roksna some titbit of events that have happened around the current favorite mistress. How she had boiled water and poured it on another mistress simply because she felt the Sultan wasnt giving her enough attention. How she had ordered a maids hand be chopped off just because she didnt ce her jewelry nicely. How she had ordered a mans eyes to be removed iming the man had stared at her for two seconds more than necessary. The maid told Roksna how Lady Miriam maltreated everyone at the harem until the Sultan got her a separate house to live in. The maid told Roksna how every maid in Wadai tribe avoided going to her ce to serve her. After the maid was done, Roksna realized that Jamal had deliberately made her a ve to the cruel woman on purpose. Why he did that was what she couldntprehend. She was still trying to figure out why he would change towards her all of a sudden. Maybe she pping him had made his ego surface or maybe because she had rejected him despite being the Sultan. Just be careful. The maid told her. Get Lost Roksnas stomach grumbled loudly and she remembered that she hadnt eaten anything in three days. Looking back now, she realized the people on the ship must have starved her on purpose because the sultan must have given the order to them. While she had doubted the odds before, it was suddenly making sense. Roksna thanked her luck that she hadnt given in to his atrocious request of being one of his concubines. Ill get you something to eat. The maid told Roksna before disappearing out of her sight. Roksna was left to herself for no more than ten minutes before the maid was back. The maid sprayed the food she had brought in front of Roksna who didnt bother to check what they were before devouring them. After she ate to her hearts content, she looked at the maid and smiled. Whats your name? Roksna asked the maid. Seyiddah. The maid replied. Thank you Seyiddah but I think you should go back now to avoid getting in trouble, Roksna told her. Alright. Ill leave the medicine box with you. Ill also try toe to check on you each day, Seyiddah told Roksna, then turned out. As soon as Seyiddah was gone, Roksna slept t on her chest. She was awoken by a knock sounding rudely on the door. She was stunned to find everywhere dark, which meant she had slept for hours already. The knock sounded again, this time a little louder than the previous ones. With what little strength she could summon, she stood up and opened the door. She was surprised to find a maid on the other side of the door holding amp. Lady Miriam asked you toe immediately. The maid told her before scrambling off. Roksna followed the direction the maid took off to. Soon, she found herself standing in front of the door of her new mistress. Knocking as lightly as she could, she hoped whatever she was required to do wouldnt take much time as she needed to rest her aching back. Whichever fool is there cane in. Roksna heard Lady Miriam say. Opening the door as lightly as she could, Roksna walked in. She saw a nervousdy Miriam going to and fro instead of the calmdy. As she stood in front of her mistress, Roksna heard and felt a p across her face. You were supposed to be here immediately I called. Lady Miriam said. But you Roksna started, only to be cut off by another p. You dont talk back at me. And my orders need to be followed immediately. Roksna felt the stinging pain on her cheek and held the ce. She felt wrongly used, knowing that Lady Miriam had given her the go-ahead to recuperate first. She had also tried her best to look for the way on her own since no one deemed it fit to guide her around the new house she hade to be in. The woman hadnt even considered the fact that she was already injured. Roksna felt angry and looked at Lady Miriam in the eyes with a murdering gaze. How dare you look at me like that? Her mistress asked. Roksna didnt answer. She merely kept staring at the woman. Lady Miriam walked towards her and pushed her hard. Before Roksna could react, she hit the ground with her already injured buttocks. Hot tears slid down Roksnas face, which she couldnt control. At that moment, she wished her father was there to protect her. She wished she was back at her sultanate where she could tease her brother, Abaan, and practice fighting with Asleem. The tears kept pouring. And although Roksna hated herself for being vulnerable at a time when she shouldnt, she couldnt do anything to stop what she was feeling. Now, thats more like it. ves should know their ce. Lady Miriams voice prated Roksnas head. Roksna was about to answer Lady Miriam back on how she felt about the other womans character when a mans voice stopped her. She hadnt expected to hear that voice and that froze her temporarily. Whats going on here? Jamal asked, walking into the room.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. Jamal looked from one woman to the other, taking in their positions. He realized that Roksna must have proved stubborn and Lady Miriam must have put her in her ce. Jamal looked closely at Roksna and realized that she was crying. His heart did a backflip about what she must have gone through for her to cry. Jamal had never seen her cry before, not even when she heard that her family was going to be killed. True she had pleaded, but she hadnt cried. What exactly had Lady Miriam done to her? Jamal realized he might have made a hasty decision when he had made Roksna a servant to his favorite concubine. At the moment he had made that decision, he had thought Lady Miriam was the only one who could control Roksna. He had forgotten about the cruel ways she handled people. He had nearly taken back his order after he realized his errors but he had altered his ways too much for her sake already and he feared the people of his sultanate might start disobeying him if he kept doing that. Well, it was just my ve proving stubborn and I already put her in her ce. Lady Miriam answered. Jamal schooled his features, hardening his face like he didnt care. She had brought it all upon herself anyway. If she had just epted to be his lover, she would be living a life of luxury rather than suffer the fate she was suffering now. He cleared his throat before answering his concubine. She was disrespectful? He asked her. Yes. The mistress answered, pouting her mouth. You, Jamal started, pointing at Roksna who was still at the same spot. No food for you for the next two days. That should teach you how to bow. He finished. Now, get lost. I want to be alone with the Sultan. Lady Miriam told Roksna. Without a word, Roksna got up and walked to the door as fast as she could. She was just about to open the door when Lady Miriams voice stopped her. Express your gratitude to the sultan and me. Shemanded. Its okay. Just let her go, so we can spend time together, Jamal told his mistress. Disappear. He told Roksna, who promptly obeyed the order. As she got to her new prison in form of a room, Roksna examined her buttocks and saw that she was bleeding from there. She quickly pulled the dress away from the injury site and applied fresh medicine to it. Lying on her chest, she closed her eyes to get whatever sleep and strength she could. She knew she would need it for the next two days since there would be no food for her. Kill You Roksna felt like she was drowning in a pool of water. No matter how hard she tried, she couldnt break free. It was when she started gasping to breathe that she realized someone was trying to drown her. Apprehensive, she opened her eyes and found her head immersed in a bucket full of water. Struggling to breathe, she grabbed the hand of whoever was holding her and flipped the person forward. The culprit let out a loud grunt. Roksna coughed until she felt her lung was cleared. She cleared her eyes and looked at the person who had just tried to kill her. She was surprised to see a man who looked like a guard on the floor. Anger filled Roksna up as the man tried to escape. She doesnt even know the man or did anything wrong to him. Yet, he had just tried to take her life. Roksna held the man by his cor as he tried to run away. The man tried to loosen her hold on him but she held on firmly. Roksna felt a blow on her face and let go of the man immediately. As soon as her hands were off the man fled from her. Without thinking, Roksna followed after him, running as fast as she could. She caught up with him just as he was about to climb the wooden fence to the nextpound. She flung him down the wall and punched him right back in the face. All of the anger she had tried to suppress showed itself at that moment and she took it out on the man. She kept hitting the man, over and over again. Soon people were gathered around her and the man watching the scene unfold. Why do you want to kill me? Roksna asked while punching the man hard. *** Jamal looked at the woman sleeping peacefully with her head lying on his chest and thought of ways he could get up without waking her up. Miriam had always been his favorite mistress, and he had never gotten any trouble getting aroused by her. Untilst night. He had tried everything he could, but the only person that upied his thoughts was the dark-haired woman who had refused to have anything to do with him. He had nevere across anyone like her before. Despite all her suffering, she hadnt even epted the way out of it. Jamal pinched himself when he realized that he was thinking about her again. Jamal took Miriams head off his chest as gently as he could, using a pillow as a support for her instead. He got up from the bed quietly and made for the door. He was halfway through the room when Miriam cleared her throat. He turned back and saw her sitting seductively on the bed without a single piece of clothing covering her upper body. Where are you going? Dont you want to have a taste of this? She asked, shaking her breasts. Jamal nearly answered no, but caught himself in time. He had to at least try again this morning. It could be that he didnt get his arousalst night because he had seen Roksna. Moving back to the bed he had just moved from, he sat down close to Miriam. Tilting her head to his face, he kissed her lips. He felt her respond immediately. This was why he liked her, she always responded to his touch. He felt her take his hand and ced it on her breast. Taking the expo she had just given him, he cupped the breast his hand was on, kneading it softly. He heard Miriam release a long sigh. Heid her down on the bed gently and continued kissing her. He took her nipple in his fingers and rolled it around. As he watched her facial expression, it was of pure bliss. Jamal took off his upper clothing and sighed. He watched as Miriam yed with the hair on his chest, smiling seductively. But his mind wasnt in the game, he couldnt even bring his manhood to rise for her despite all she was doing. He stood up from the bed and put his clothes back on. What happened? Still cant get in the mood? Miriam asked. Must be the traveling that messed up with my body, Jamal said as a way of exnation. Lets try some more. Im sure I can get you in the mood. She told him. Jamal was about to answer her when a loudmotion sounded just from outside. Judging by how loud the voices were, he could tell they were closed by. Jamal wondered what they were all shouting for, knowing that this was his harem. With his current mood this morning, he was sure to order someones death if the noise continued. Jamal ran out of the house immediately he heard Roksnas voice. He didnt even wait to hear Miriams exnation that she would be out when she was done with her makeup. Rushing to where the voices had beening from, Jamal stopped short when he took in the scene before him. Roksna was crouching on top of a man who looked unconscious and she was punching him mercilessly. Jamal watched as the men standing by pushed each other forward to separate them, but none of them did. Shes going to kill the man. Jamal thought to himself, rushing forward to her. As soon as he got a chance, he held her hand to prevent her from throwing another punch. Roksna felt a hand grabbing hers from behind. She grabbed the hand and twisted it. She was surprised when she heard Jamals grunts of pain. She let go immediately and turned around. For Ahs sake woman. You need to learn how to control your anger, Jamal told her, holding his hand tenderly. You shouldnt have grabbed me like that. You frightened me, Roksna used him. Dont talk to me rudely, woman, unless you dont mind getting beaten up again. By the way, you have to exin why you beat one of my men to a pulp, Jamal told her. Before I exin, you have to ask him why he was trying to kill me by drowning me in a bucket full of water, Roksna told the sultan.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. What? He tried to kill you? Jamal asked. Be mine Before he could stop himself, he was holding Roksna in his arm, turning her every which way he could to check her for any injury. He went even as far as checking her eyeballs for any signs he could get. When he was satisfied that she hadnt been injured, he let go of her. He saw Roksna subtly roll her eyes. Jamal looked at the man who had tried to injure Roksna, unmoving form. His face was severely bruised and he had some cuts on his face. Jamal knew that the man had thought of Roksna as a mere woman who couldnt defend herself, hence the reason for his rash decision. Knowing that men would probably be wary of getting on the bad side of Roksna, he felt a bit at ease. But he still felt a little uneasy knowing that her life could be in danger? Whatre all themotions for? Lady Miriam asked, finally appearing with a face full of makeup. Jamal knew that Lady Miriam was a vain woman, but he hadnt known it was so bad until this morning when she refused toe out without her makeup on. Someone tried to kill your servant, but she defended herself, Jamal exined, trying not to shake his head. Well, she must have pissed the man off. Lady Miriam said without remorse. Whichever it was, Ill be stationing guards here to keep patrol. So I wont have to worry about you, Jamal told her. Jamal ordered the unconscious man to be taken to prison. The man wasnt to be freed without orders from him. The Sultan asked the crowd to disperse and Jamal heard as they were muttering about a woman being able to fight. He hoped the women of his kingdom would not start thinking about learning to fight to defend themselves after seeing what happened today. As soon as all the people were gone, Jamal held Roksnas hand and dragged her inside the house. He heard the faint footsteps of Miriam following after them but he didnt care. As soon as he got to one of the rooms in the house, he shut the door, keeping Miriam and any other eavesdropper out. He let go of Roksnas hand, stood by the door, and locked his arm around his chest. Roksna copied his stance andJamal found himself getting hard for her. Why would you bring me here? I dont want to stay. She told him. Too bad. But, you have to stay. I need to talk to you about your conduct around here, Jamal told her. Okay. She said. Dawn, Im serious. How could you think beating up that man was the solution? He asked her. What do you expect me to do then? Stay like that in the water until it fills my lungs? Roksna screamed at him. What really happened? Jamal asked. I was sleeping when I felt myself choking. I woke up to find myself in a bucket of water unable to breathe. I knew it was either I die or act, Roksna answered, her voice trembling. Jamal pulled her into his embrace before the tears could fall. It hurted him to see such a strong woman being emotionally down. He felt her shake against him and knew she was crying. He held her for as long as she cried without a word. When she was done, she pulled out of his embrace looking embarrassed. Jamal chuckled at her innocence. He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply, praying she would respond. He heaved a sigh of relief as he felt her rxed in his arms. He cupped her left breast and squeezed them hard. He didnt fail to feel how they fitted into his palm perfectly and how hard they were. A soft moan escaped from her mouth, which made Jamal even harder. He ground his dick at her waist and her moaning increased. Jamal felt like he was going crazy about the woman in his arms. He felt like couldnt get enough of her, so he moved his hands to her backside to push her even closer to him. Roksna let out a loud cry and Jamal remembered toote that she had wounds on her buttocks. Roksna pushed against him and he let her go.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. Be my concubine, Dawn. I promise to take care of you. I promise not to let any harme over you if you be mine, Jamal promised. The only answer he got was a hard p across his face. He looked at Roksna as if she had grown two pairs of horns on her head. Anger filled him up and he punched the door behind him hard. He saw Roksna flinched away from him, moving farther into the room. He looked at her from hair to toe for a minute before opening the door. He saw Miriam standing close to the door, trying to look like she wasnt there. Make sure you work her doubly hard and dont give her any food, Jamal told Miriam, walking away. He would like to see how long she can prove stubborn without food and hardbor. In pains Roksna bit her lips as she came face to face with Lady Miriam. She hoped the woman hadnt realized what had happened between the sultan and her. She didnt need to add jealousy to the womans reason for hating her. Her eyes widened as she saw Lady Miriam walk toward her with a menacing look. Roksna took a step backward for each step Lady Miriam took until her back hit furniture in the room. Whendy Miriam got to where she was, she pped Roksna hard on her face. Removing the hijab on Roksnas head, Miriam wrapped it around her neck, choking her with it. Roksna pped the womans hand, but she refused to let go. It wasnt until Roksna was losing consciousness that the woman released her. Ill make sure you regret making the sultan mad this morning. Lady Miriam told Roksna. Is there anyone out there? The woman called out. A man rushed in immediately. Roksna couldnt believe her ears when Lady Miriam ordered the man to tie her to a chair. Before Roksna could find her voice back to protest about such treatment, the man was already tying the knots of the rope holding her down. She was thinking about what thedy had in mind for tying her when Roksna saw Lady Miriaming back with a razor de and a te of chili pepper. Roksna pushed at the rope holding her down, praying thedy wasnt thinking what she thought she was thinking of doing. Lady Miriams face lit up cruelly when she saw Roksna struggling against the rope. She had felt like banging the door open when she heard Sultan Jamal asking Roksna to be his new mistress. No one had been happier than she was the moment the sultan had given her an order to be cruel to the ve. When she got to where Roksna was tied, she smiled and lifted the de for Roksna to see. Roksna refused to cry out and give Lady Miriam the satisfaction she wanted as the woman shed her arm open with the de. Roksna bit her lips to prevent the screams froming or the tears from falling as six more cuts were made to her arms and thighs. Roksna watched as Lady Miriam tilted the chili powder te to one of the cuts she had just gotten and poured the pepper to the surface. The scream she had been trying to hold released itself but that didnt stop the cruel woman. If anything, thedys eyes lit up as she poured more pepper into the other wounds. Roksna felt herself lose consciousness as darkness took over her. Roksna felt something being sshed on her face and woke up. She saw Lady Miriam standing in front of her and the memories came back. She didnt know for how long she was out, but she knew it must have been a while since the mistress was wearing a new outfit and loud jewelry. Roksna lifted her arm and was surprised to see it was free. She looked for the rope that had held her down when the sultans mistress had practiced her cruelty but couldnt find any. She realized that she was free. Not just free but alone with Lady Miriam. She could take the chance and kill the woman right now and no one would find out. But knowing the cunning woman, Roksna knew the woman was probably alone with her to set her up. She let herself calm down, not wanting to fall into Miriams evil n. She would have to think of another way to break free from the woman other than killing her. ve, go to the kitchen and get me lunch. Lady Miriam ordered Roksna. Lunch? Had she really been unconscious for so long? And the evil woman had let her be? She must have used those hours to deck up herself. Roksna stood up from the chair she was in and walked away from thedy. Dont you want to get revenge? This is your opportunity. It is just you and I here. Lady Miriams words stopped her. Roksna shook her head slightly to herself. Her instinct had been right, the woman had something nned and Roksna knew it cant be good. The earlier she disappeared from her presence, the better it would be for her. For all she knew, the woman could make herself fall and put the lie on Roksna. No, mydy. Ill go get your lunch right away. She answered and went out of the house. She was halfway through her journey when she realized that she didnt know the way to the kitchen. She looked around for who to ask and saw a maning towards her. She met him halfway and spoke. Assm ikum. She greeted him. Wa ikum Assm. The man replied. Could you please show me the way to the kitchen? She asked the man. You dont remember me? The man asked her. Roksna looked at the man but couldnt remember where they had met before. She negatively shook her head to tell him no. I am one of those you saved that day when you arrived. The second inmand. The man exined. Roksnas face lit up as recognition set in. Im d to see you are okay. She told the man. I wouldnt be if it wasnt for you. Thank you. But what happened to you? The man asked, looking at her. At that question, Roksna remembered the errand Lady Miriam sent her and the danger in dying to carry out the order. While I would love to stay and talk to you, I need to get to the kitchen now. Do you think you can point me in the right direction? She asked the man. The man directed her. After promising to chat with him some other times, Roksna went in the direction of the kitchen. She was surprised to see that the kitchen was big, with servants moving and working all around. Trays of food were set on a long table in a corner. A woman was controlling the servants and Roksna thought she might be the head cook. Roksna walked up to her to get Lady Miriams lunch. Excuse me. Lady Miriam asked me to get her lunch. She told the woman. Roksna heard a gasp from someone behind her and turned to see Seyiddah looking at her like she was a gue. Laih. What happened to you? Seyiddah asked. Its a long story. I have to get Lady Miriams lunch to her, Roksna told her friend.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. You work for Lady Miriam? Then you better get her lunch there now. The woman Roksna assumed as the head cook told her. She walked to the table and gave Roksna a tray. Roksna smiled her thanks and rushed back to the house. She was about to open the door when she heard voices from inside. Punished I tried to make him sleep with me but it didnt work. She heard Lady Miriam say. You know he must sleep with you, so he can believe the baby inside you belongs to him. A mans voice replied to her. I know. But, his mind seemed to be on that new ve. I tried to tempt the ve to injure me but she didnt fall for it. I thought about injuring myself to frame her, but I am afraid of hurting our baby. Lady Miriam told the man again. When can Ie to spend the night with you again? It was the mysterious voice again. If that idiot of a Sultan chose another mistress tonight instead of me, you cane over. But we should pray to Ah that he chooses me, so our n would work. Lady Miriam said to the man. Let me go away before that womanes back. The voice spoked. Roksna moved away from the door as fast as she could without giving herself away. She hid herself from the house and watched as a figure she couldnt make his face walked out of the house. Roksna thought the mans figure looked familiar but couldnt ce him on anyone at that moment. Roksna let ten minutes pass by before she walked to the house, opened the door, and walked in. Your lunch, mydy, Roksna told thedy. She watched as Lady Miriam walked to where she was and took a bite of a piece of meat. She threw the remains at Roksna. Roksna didnt react as she knew thedy expected her to. She wasnt going to fall into the temptation, especially now that she knew what the n was. I want a hot lunch. Lady Miriam said, as she collected the tray from Roksna and poured it on her head. Food, te, and all. Yes, mydy. Ill go get a new tray, Roksna told the woman, packing the tes. Roksna walked out the door smiling. Who would have thought that the evil woman was pregnant for another man and trying to make it the Sultans? She had been looking for ways to get rid of the evildy and fate had just handed her a clean way. All she had to do was n her way neatly and sess would be hers. And she knew just how to do that. When she got to the kitchen, she told the head cook that her mistress would like a freshly prepared hot lunch. As the people in the kitchen rushed to start a fresh meal for her, Roksna sneaked out. After moving around a couple of times, she located the Sultans house. After making sure no one was watching her, she made her way to the door. She was stopped by the guard at the door who refused to let her in no matter how she exined herself. Knowing she had no other choice, she did the only thing she could think about. Jamal! Jamal!! Come out!!! Its Roksna!!!! I mean Dawn!!!!!. She screamed at the top of her lungs. The guard on duty bundled her up and was about to throw her away when the Sultan stopped him. Its okay. Let her in. Jamal watched as the guards eyes widened. A woman had just called him a sultan by name, but he hadnt reacted to it. Even Roksna looked surprised that he wasnt angry. But he knew that the woman would not have created a scene in order to see him if it werent important. Are you going to keep standing there or do you want toe in? Jamal asked Roksna, who hurried into the house. If anyone inquires about me, I am busy. And do not tell anyone who is with me, do you understand? Jamal instructed the guard. He didnt wait to hear the guards response but he knew his order would be followed. He closed the door firmly behind him and watched Roksna as she looked around his house. Shes the first woman toe into my house. Jamal thought to himself. Even though he has about ten mistresses who were always at his beck and call, none of them had ever stepped foot into his personal house. He found that he liked that fact and his dick grew twice Its size. So, did youe here to finally tell me your name? Or are you here to p me again? Jamal asked her, just to fight his urge. Her response was a blush. Jamal took in her appearance and saw that she looked thin and tattered, unlike that day he had first set his eyes upon her and her beauty had captivated him. New wounds decorated her arms, which he was sure was Miriams doing. Bits of food hid among her clothes and her hijab was stained with pepper stain. He felt like killing Miriam for going too far with her cruelty. But there was nothing he could do for as long as Roksna didnt ept his offer. Why are you here, Roksna? He asked again, calling her by her real name unconsciously. Roksna felt tiny butterflies unting in her stomach when Jamal called her name. It was the first time he had used her real name and it felt like a sweet melodious tune in her ears. Dawn, Jamal called. His voice brought her back from reality. Im here to warn you. She started, fingering her ne. Lady Miriam is pregnant with another mans child and shes looking for ways to make you the father. She finished. Jamal looked at her like she was a madwoman and maybe she was turning into one. Why else would she cook up such ame story? Was she that angry at Miriam and him for the way they treated her? Angry enough to cause a dispute between them? Had she expected him to believe that lie she had just sprouted from her mouth? Roksna looked at the man standing in front of her and realized that he didnt believe a thing she had said. It was her mistake for thinking that he trusted her even if it was a bit. She now realized the error of her judgment. The table could very well turn on her, and it would be her fault. She didnt know why she had thought she coulde to him and he would believe her. She should have remembered that he would choose his favorite mistress over her who was nothing to him. I see you dont believe me. She finally spoke. You expected me to believe that? Jamal asked her. No, Im sorry, Roksna apologized and made for the door, embarrassed. Give me a reason to trust you, woman, Jamal told her. Just tell her you wont be spending the night with her and watch her expression. Then go there in the middle of the night, Roksna told him, then walked away. She rushed back to the kitchen and luckily for her, the food was ready and piping hot. She took the tray after thanking the head chef and went back to the house. She served the food tody Miriam who didntin about the hotness this time. Thedy was just halfway into her meal when the Sultan came in unannounced. Soksna watched as the mistress quickly suspended her meal to greet the Sultan. Two-faced woman. Roksna thought. Why are you here? Miriam asked Jamal. I just missed you and thought to check up on you. The sultan told her. Roksna nearly gagged at the way Lady Miriam held on to the Sultan as if her life depended on it. If acting awards were being given, Roksna wouldnt be surprised to see her earn all the acting awards. We could go to my room right now. She told him, without trying to be subtle about it. No. I have work to do, Jamal answered. What about tonight? Miriam pouted. I have to rest tonight. I havent rested properly since I came back. He exined to her. So, youre leaving me all alone? Miriam asked like she was sad. But her eyes lifted and her face radiated with joy. Ill make it up to you mydy, Jamal told her, kissing her lips. Okay. She said, still holding on to him. But why are you just having lunch? Jamal asked Miriam. Because my stupid maid just brought in lunch now. She told the Sultan. Then, Ill have her punished, Jamal promised his mistress. Hemanded men to drag her out and she almost cursed him. Was he too blind to see Lady Miriam was pretending? Didnt he see how excited she looked when he had said he wouldnt being over for the night? As the men dragged her out, she wondered what type of punishment she was in for this time. She prayed it wouldnt be more than she could take.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. A helpless feeling Roksna tried to loosen the guards hand, holding her arm tightly. Her efforts didnt yield any positive impact, as the man only tightened his hand more. She nearly cried as the mans fingers bit into the injuries Lady Miriam had given her earlier. Roksna felt angry, thinking about how she had gotten herself into her current predicament. If she hadnt opened her mouth to the Sultan about what she saw, perhaps she would be resting her wounds right now. She should have just thought of another way to use her ace card rather than babble to the man who calls himself a Sultan. What had she expected anyway? That the man would choose her over his favorite mistress? And now only Ah knows how he would want to punish her. It could be another round of beating or throwing her to another concubine worse than Lady Miriam. Roksna grunted as the guard shoved her hard into the house she had just left minutes ago. She had been so lost in thoughts about her life that she hadnt even realized where the guard was taking her to. Wasnt she supposed to be thrown into prison or something? Why had he brought her here? How had her life turned out this way? Roksna thought as she walked around the room, feeling helpless. How had her life gone from being perfect to being miserable in a month? She thought, feeling tears well up her eyes. She let them flow freely, as she plumbed down and wrapped her arms around herself. She missed home. She missed her family. She missed her sultanate. The sultan had stolen all that from her. He was also the reason why she was in this state. He had brought her here instead of killing her along with her family to suffer. Ever since she came here, she had suffered new injuries every day. She hardly ate a meal in a day and yet, she worked as an elephant. It was all because of that man. She had to take revenge for her family, her tribe, and herself. Until she killed him, the torment and hatred in her heart would never be at rest. She would kill him, even if it was thest thing she did. She just had to think of a n.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. Roksna got up and wiped her tears as she realized that she was alone in the Sultans house. If she wanted to kill him, she had to do it in his house. And fate had just smiled at her, making the guards leave her alone. She had to know theyout of the house if she wanted to get in and out sessfully. Roksna walked around the room she was in, letting her brain take notice of all the obstacles and possible ways of avoiding them. She took notice of the windows and their structures. She walked towards the first one and opened it slightly, making notes of its creaking sounds. She walked to the second one and was surprised to see a flower garden there. The window was open and rays of the sun fell directly on it. She checked the window of the list of ways to break into the house. Walking to the inner parts of the room, she noticed four more doors and walked into each one of them. She tried to memorize every detail in each room as much as she could. She also tried each window and noted how loud they sounded when being opened and closed. She noticed that one of the rooms looked deserted like it hadnt been opened in a long time, the back of the room was also devoid of guards and had a bush covering the area. If she failed in her attempts, the ce could serve as an escape route for her. Taking the stairs, she walked into the first room on her right and came into what looked like a dressing room. She glimpsed through the room and moved to the next one, which seemed to be where the armys spare uniforms were kept. She closed the door promptly and dismissed the room. Deciding that the guards mighte in to check on her, she opened thest door on her path and stilled. Judging by the appearance of the room, Roksna knew it belonged to Jamal. She walked into the room and surveyed it, taking note of every detail. The bed, the single chair, and the table, the chest resting at the side of the room. The golden horn is disyed on the wall, along with a sword on each side of it. Roksna opened the chest and saw that it was filled with different kinds of small weapons, she picked one and pocketed it hoping the man wouldnt notice the loss of it. Then she walked to the window and looked down, taking note of the height. She walked around the room trying to see if she had missed anything. That was when her eyes fell on a piece of paper that looked like a map. She looked very clearly and saw that it was indeed a map and her sultanate was circled on it, along with other sultanates. Thinking she heard sounds downstairs, she moved out of the room quickly and closed the door as quietly as she could. She ran down the stairs and heaved a sigh of relief when she didnt see anyone. She thought about how to get close to the man so she could kill him. Ideas popped into her head. She would think it was the best this minute and then discard it the next minute after finding one or two ws in them. It was beginning to seem impossible to kill the man since he was always surrounded by his royal guards. Sneaking into the house was also out of the question since Lady Miriam might start looking for her. Even if the woman didnt, the guards patrolling the house would get her in the act. Why must he walk around with so many guards? Roksnamented. Her face brightened up a minute after that. She would be caught by the guards if she tried to break in unless she was one of them. If she wanted to break into his security, the only way to do that is making herself one of them. All she had to do now was get a uniform. She thought about going upstairs to get one but quickly discarded the notion. She cant get out of the house with the uniform on her without being discovered. She had to steal one from one of the armies, she just had to think about how to go about it without alerting Lady Miriam or the Sultan or any of the army members. Lost Jamal watched as one of his entourage led Roksna away. When she came to him earlier, he almost didnt believe her. He thought she might be looking for revenge, given how Miriam had treated her. But, looking back at her previous actions, he realized that she would rather kill the person herself and face the punishment than go through foul means. The woman had even pped him that morning knowing he was the sultan and she could lose her life over her action. She had also disregarded his title and called him by his name when everyone could hear. After she had left, he had sat down and thought back about Miriams action towards him ever since he came back from the journey. While she had always responded to his touch, she hadnt always been enthusiastic about having sex with him. Sometimes, she would just lie down like a log of wood while he had his way with her. But, since he came back two weeks ago, she had always been the first to initiate sex. Even trying to force him, like she was doing with him right now. Jamal looked at her and how she was trying to get him aroused. Her hands were in his shirt, caressing his nipples. He hated being touched by anyone, especially women, so he pped her hands away. When she saw that that wasnt working, she switched tactics. She moved her body against him while kissing him, urging his body to wake up. Jamal nearlyughed at how much effort she was putting into this. He also thought about how Roksna didnt have to seduce him like Miriam was doing, yet he was always hard for her. Jamal watched as his penis stood at attention at just the mere thought of her. He saw a triumphant smile lift Miriams face as she felt his arousal. I knew I could get you in the mood, my Sultan, Miriam said, kissing his cheek. Jamal thought of ways to get away from her, but couldnt think of one. He watched in desperation as Miriam began to undress. When she was done, she moved towards him and began to toil with his clothing in an attempt to get him naked. Her touch was beginning to irritate him. Luck shined on Jamal as the cry for prayer began. He would have to use the praying hour as an excuse to get rid of her. Miriam, its time to pray. He told her. I know. But its not the first time weve skipped prayers. She answered. Well, Im going to pray. Then get back to work. He told her, taking her hands off him. But, Miriam said, looking confused. Ill spend all day with you tomorrow, Jamal said, kissing her lips. You promised? Miriam asked him. I promise, my dear mistress. He told her. Before she could say anything else, Jamal walked away. The trap was set up and put in ce already. Jamal just hoped that Roksna hadnt yed him for a fool. He wondered where the guard had taken her to. In all his haste, he had forgotten to instruct the guard not to take her to the prison, but one of the house imprisonment. If it turns out she was right about Miriam, her life could be in danger. He had toe up with a n on how to get Miriam and her lover in the n. And that n includes making sure there was no way for either of them to escape from the room if they were caught. He took a detour back to the generals house, located just a few blocks away from the armys Barack. He cleared his throat and pushed the door open. Jamal saw Sodeeq sitting on the chair, holding a ss of water and a smile decorated his face. What was making the man so happy that he didnt hear the sultane in? Jamal cleared his throat to get his attention. When that failed, Jamal tapped the man lightly. The touch made Sodeeq jump up, looking frightened. Jamal frowned at that. Sodeeq had never been afraid before. Are you okay, general? Jamal asked him. Yes, Sultan, Sodeeq answered, looking around. Jamal sat down on the chair opposite to where Sodeeq sat a moment ago. He motioned for Sodeeq to sit, which the man did. Jamal sat forward, folded his arms together, and braced them on his thigh. As best as he could, Jamal exined what he heard from Roksna to the man sitting opposite him. He also exined why he thought Roksna was right, through the way Miriam had been acting ever since they had gotten back from their voyage. After he was done talking, he heard Sodeeq sigh. Where did you get that information from? Sodeeq asked.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. For reasons Jamal didnt want to think about, he refrained from mentioning Roksnas name as the informant. He rationed the thought to his intentions of having sex with her and not because he wanted to protect her. Jamal didnt think Sodeeq would harm her anyway, but still, he didnt want to give her name away. Just from someone, but thats not important. Whats important is finding out if the information is true, Jamal answered. Its probably a petty lie, just to create a misunderstanding between you and Lady Miriam, Sodeeq said, shrugging. I know that. But still, I want us to be prepared just in case it wasnt a false rm, Jamal said shrugging too. Okay, Sodeeq answered. Together, they made a n on how to apprehend Miriam and her lover. Jamal told Sodeeq about the points he wanted guards to be at. They discussed how to move in undiscovered. Jamal went on to let his friend know what punishment he would dish out to Lady Miriam and her mysterious lover if it turned out to be true she was cheating on him. When they were done with making ns, they discussed everyday life and the well-being of the sultanate atrge. It was already dark when Jamal stood up to leave. What if it was a false rm? I mean Lady Miriam and her lover, Sodeeq asked Jamal. Well, lets wait and see, Jamal said, moving out of the room. Jamal walked back to his house, his guards gging him about. He got to the front of the house and inquired about Roksna. He rushed into the house when the guard told him she was in the room, praying she hadnt done anything to his house. He heaved a deep breath of relief when he saw her sitting calmly on the floor. He cleared his throat loudly to get her attention, which made her jump up. Why is everyone feeling lost today? Jamal thought. Why not? Roksna stood up the moment she heard someone clear their throat, and saw Jamal standing close to her. Her first thought was to take out the knife and kill him with it, but her rational mind reminded her that it was a small knife and it wouldnt do much damage if she intended to kill the man in one go. Besides, the man seemed to be looking at her intently, like he was searching her thoughts. Roksna decided that it would be better not to alert the man about her motive, she needed to seed on her first try. Jamal looked at Roksna and wondered why she was so lost in thoughts, even though he was standing in front of her. She would have pped him or stabbed him every other day, so why not today? If he was to look deep into her soul, he might find that she still wanted to kill him. She was probably just thinking about a much more gruesome way to do it. Jamal decided that it would be better to leave her alone right now since he wasnt in the mood to fight with her. Do not leave this room without my permission. He instructed her, then walked out. Jamal walked back to Sodeeqs house but was surprised not to find the man in the room. He sat down and waited for him, thinking that he might have gone to make arrangements for the n. The man came in about thirty minutester, looking surprised to find Jamal in his house. Sultan, Sodeeq said in greeting. Where did you go? Jamal asked. I went to make arrangements. By the way, I think it is almost time, Sodeeq said. They went over the ns again. When Jamal was sure that everything was in ce, they moved out. When they got to where Lady Miriam lives, Sodeeq stood by the door while Jamal walked into the house without knocking. He looked around and saw everything intact. He walked to Lady Miriams room and opened the door, he was surprised to find the woman sleeping soundly. He looked around but didnt find any suspicious activity or things. He was about to leave when he heard Miriam speak. My Sultan. What are you doing here? Did you change your mind? She asked him. Jamal didnt know what to say or do. He possibly couldnt tell her he was there to arrest her and her supposed lover and he couldnt lie that he hade to be with her when he wasnt even in the mood for sex. Jamal knew she would want to have sex with him if he stayed. He was still thinking about how to get out of the mess Roksna had put him in when a voice spoke behind him. There was an intruder in the surrounding area. So the Sultan was worried about your safety, so he came to check on you. Jamal breathed a sigh of relief, thanking Ah that Sodeeq had bailed him out of the mess. He watched as Miriam eyed Sodeeq and hissed at him. And what are you doing in my room? What if I was naked? Get out, Miriammanded the general. Jamal turned to Sodeeq who looked furious and ready to strike Miriam. Jamal signaled for the man to calm down and leave them alone, which Sodeeq obeyed immediately. Jamal grimaced at how hard Sodeeq had mmed the door when he was out. He had never understood why the two never got along with each other. The moment Sodeeq was out of the house, Miriam hugged him. Jamal moved her away from him gently. He moved to the door to get away from her. Dont go. I wont be able to sleep, knowing that there is an intruder around, Miriam told him. Jamal felt guilty, knowing that he was responsible for her feeling scared. And if there was anyone who needed to be med, it was Roksna. Why had he listened to her in the first ce? He should have known better that she would do anything to be free from being a maid to Miriam. She must have also thought of him as a stupid person who believes in anything he was told, and he had acted like such. Please stay. We dont have to do anything, Miriam spoke again. Jamal looked at her and saw that she was shivering. Deciding that he would probably kill Roksna if he went back to his house now, he walked back to Miriam. He held her by the hand and sat her down by the bed, motioning for her to lie down. He watched as she obeyed. Arent you sleeping? Miriam asked. Its okay. Ill just watch you sleep. He told her. But you need to rest too, Miriam told him. After much argument from her, he undressed and got into bed with her. He made sure to stay at the side of the bed so that his body would not have to touch Miriams. It was the first time he would spend the night with a woman or even sleep on the same bed with a woman. Whenever he was done having sex with a woman, he left them and go back to his house no matter howte it was. But all thanks to Roksna, he was forced to spend the night with a woman. And that too, it was someone who really wanted sex with him.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. When Jamal was sure that Miriam was fast asleep, he got out of bed. He thought it should be alright since she was sleeping already, so he left. He closed the door and picked only two guards to escort him home, leaving the rest of them to guard Lady Miriam. As he walked away from the house, he didnt notice the dark figure trying to get into the house. Take her away Roksna woke up feeling cold and hungry. Even more, she felt afraid. She had been left alone for more than three hours since Jamal had left abruptly and if she was to guess correctly, she would say that it was already the middle of the night given how dark it was in the room already. No one had even thought abouting in to check on her or even to light the room. Did the Sultan n to punish her by making her feel anxious? If that was his n, he was doing a good job already. Her stomach grumbled in protest of being neglected and she sped her hands on it. By the time her stomach protested the third time, Roksna decided that she couldnt hold on anymore and stood up to go to the door. She was halfway through the door when she thought she heard footsteps sounding in the dark and paused. Has the Sultan finally arrived? It cant be the sultan. He wouldnt be sneaking about in his own house. Besides, the arrogant man woulde in through the door. If Roksnas feelings were right, then someone had just broken in through the door. The thoughts were immediately confirmed when she heard the sound of a sword being drawn out of its shield. The gleaming light from the sword gave away the location of the intruder. Roksna knew whoever it was hadnt broken in by mistake. His target was either the Sultan or Roksna herself. Knowing that she couldnt wait unprepared to confirm if the intruder was here for her, she drew out the small knife she had stolen from the Sultan earlier and waited. Roksna followed the gleaming of the sword and saw it disappearing upstairs. She calmed down when she realized that the Sultan was the target of whoever the sword belonged to and returned the small knife to her socks. The Sultan deserves to die. Roksna was sure he had done something bad to the man who wanted to assassinate him. It was a pity the intruder hade in when Jamal wasnt in. Thinking that if she was smart enough, she could make it to the door without alerting the intruder, Roksna tiptoed to the door. She was almost there when her leg hit something, giving her away. She turned and saw the intruder looking around for the location of the sound. His face was covered with a mask, which means he was an inside person. Roksna knew she had to protect her identity also. So she took off her hijab, covered the lower part of her face with it, making sure her hair was tightened behind firmly. When she looked up again, she saw the intruder moving towards her and she stilled. Sudden light blinded Roksna for a moment. When she adjusted her eyes, she saw that the intruder had flicked on some sort of light and pointed it towards her on purpose. She shielded her eyes from the light with the back of her hand and looked at the assassin. The only thing visible about the man was his blue eyes, clear as the ocean itself. Good thing I disguised my look. Roksna thought just as she dodged the first swipe of the de. The assassin plunged forward again and Roksna rolled over, the sword embedded itself in one of the chairs. Before the assassin could take it out, Roksna hit his hand away with her leg. The assassin turned to her and frowned in such a menacing way that made her shivered. Roksna thought she would never forget about the frown. The assassin punched her in the stomach when he saw she was lost, she doubled over. She got back up and got closer to the assassin. As she moved her legs up to kick him, she stepped on her skirt and fell. Damn dress. Roksna thought. When she saw him rushing over, she pretended she was still in pain to distract him. As soon as the assassin got closer to her, she brought out the small knife she had stolen from Jamal earlier and stabbed him hard in his left arm. The assassin let out a pained howl, then grabbed Roksna by the neck, choking her. Roksna pped the mans arm while gasping for air. When that didnt work, she pushed the knife further in. The man let out another shout, letting go of Roksna. The man yanked out the knife. He was about to stab Roksna with it when two guards rushed inside. As soon as the man saw them, he pulled out his sword and jumped out of the house through the creaking window. The two guards pointed their swords to Roksna who was still gasping for air. She realized they couldnt recognize her with the disguise she had on and took off the hijab covering her lower face. She heard them exim just before they rushed over to her and helped her to a seat. She was still breathing more air into her lungs when the door opened abruptly and Roksna saw Jamale in looking very angry. How dare you two leave your post? He asked the guards. Without waiting for an answer, he spoke again. Go and stand guard at the forest road. Without my permission, you two are not allowed to change, eat or leave the post. Roksna watched as the two men walked away immediately. She didnt fail to see the look of fear that came upon them at the mention of the forest road. Judging by the look, Roksopana could tell that the ce they were guarding wasnt a pleasant one. Yet, the Sultan had told them they werent allowed to leave or eat. Which was like killing them without using the sword or his favorite punishment, beatings. She wondered how long he would starve them. Perhaps, it was a punishment meant just for two days at most. But, judging by the Sultans previous acts, he might as well have been telling them to go and die in the forest without alerting anyone. They didnt leave on purpose. Something happened, Roksna tried to tell him.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. I can see that. The Sultan answered, looking at the state the room was in. I can exin, Roksna tried again. No need to. You have the nerve to lie to me and then damage my properties? Jamal asked, furious. To think that he had wanted toe in here and asked her why she lied to him. He had wanted to ask her if she had been that jealous of Miriam because the woman was his favorite mistress that she had lied to gain his attention away from her. He had wanted to give her another chance to be his mistress. Only for him toe in and see that she had damaged his properties. Half of the furniture in the room was destroyed and some of the floorboards were pulled out of their positions. He was also sure she had injured one of his men, judging by the bloodstained knife across the floor. She had lied to him intentionally, wanting to make him bitter towards Miriam and kill her in anger. She must have decided to damage his things because her n hadnt worked out. He would make her pay for everything that she had done. Guards. He shouted. Three guards rushed in at once. Take her to the punishment squad and have her tied up to the sunniest area. Without my permission, no one is allowed to go near her. Neither is anyone allowed to give her anything to drink or eat, Jamalmanded them. What do you mean by that? Roksna asked, suddenly afraid. I just discovered that you lied about Lady Miriam to me. Then you destroyed my properties? I didnt lie about her. And I can exin how the room became like this, Roksna told him. Jamal hardened his face. What are you waiting for? Take her away. He told the guards. You just wait and see if I dont kill you by myself, you stupid Sultan, Roksna shouted as the guards dragged her away. Jamal sat down on the only chair in the room that wasnt damaged. Now, he had to think about a way to get back in the good grace of Miriam. It was a good thing he hadnt given away his purpose earlier or he would have damaged the rtionship beyond repair. Plus, thedy didnt seem to mind his recent aloofness towards her. Perhaps, there was still hope. Ill take breakfast to her personally. Jamal thought. Were they dead? Anger burst forth from Roksnas heart itself. What had she done to deserve such ill-treatment from the sultan? All she had done was looked out for the ungrateful man by warning him about his mistress n. Why had she even bothered in the first ce? The man deserves whatever trouble he got from that vicious woman. In fact, they deserve each other given their characters. She should have left him in the trouble, after all, he killed her entire family. Roksna stayed calmly as the guards tied her to a standing board with ropes. She didnt have the energy to argue with them, knowing that they would carry out the order in one way or another. Besides, it wasnt their fault and she didnt want any more people to get into trouble with the Sultan because of her. Then, arguing means losing whatever little strength she had left. And if she had heard correctly, the Sultan had instructed them not to give her any meal. Anger took hold of her again. If she looked at it correctly, she was suffering an injustice. She had been starved for the whole day, locked up in a house all by herself and she had nearly died from fighting with that intruder. All because she had opened her mouth and told the Sultan about what she had seen. What had happened anyway? Why hadnt the Sultan caught Lady Miriam with her lover? Or the man hadnt bothered to find out if she was telling the truth? For all Roksna knew, he could have told Lady Miriam about what she had said. She had to know what happened. She couldnt take it anymore. She took hold of one of the guards and pushed him away. The guard hit the floor hard and didnt get up again. Grabbing the rope behind her, she pulled it away from the guards hands which threw him forward. Roksna grimaced as she saw him hit his head hard on the board. She watched as the only guard left standing debated on whether he should help hisrade or try to stop her. Roksna didnt wait for his decision as she freed herself and punched him hard on the nose. She took the rope and tied all three of them together. I promise Ill be back. I just need to find out something. Ill make sure to be back soon. She told the only conscious guard among them. Roksna ignored the call of the guard for her toe back. She wondered if she should go back to the Sultan and ask him about what had happened. She would also get the chance to tell him that someone had broken into his home while he was away, so he would know he was in danger. Not because she cared if he lived, she just wanted to make sure he died by her sword. Roksna decided against the idea of going to him. What if he doesnt believe her about that too? Her best bet was to go over to Lady Miriam and pretend she was back from being punished. Perhaps, the woman would identally say something regarding the issue. Deciding that was her best course of action, she changed direction to Lady Miriams house. When she got to the front of the house, she saw Jamal guards stationed everywhere and turned back. What if one of them recognized her and took her back? But she couldnt leave without her mission being aplished. It was a good thing she had studied theyout of the house, she thought as she moved around the house. When she found the correct window, she smiled. She was about to open it when she heard voices from the inside. She paused to listen. Im telling you I didnt know how he found out and no, I didnt do anything to give myself away. She heard a mans voice. A voice Roksna was sure belonged tody Miriams lover. Good thing we found out faster. But, you shouldnt have gone there to kill him yourself. What if you gave yourself away. This time, it was Lady Miriams voice. How was I supposed to know that he would still be here? The man said, sounding angry.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Didnt we agree on making him the father of our baby, so that the throne would be ours? Lady Miriam told the man. So they were doing it all for the throne? Roksna thought. True. But I wondered who the person I fought with was. He was good. The man said. A knock sounded on the front door, which made Roksna gasp softly. She heard the couples inside do the same. I have to go. The man told Lady Miriam. Roksna moved away from the window very quickly, hiding behind one of the shrubs. Split secondster, she saw the mans figure jumping down from the window she had just left. As she watched the man walk away, she thought the man looked familiar. Where had she met the man before? She knew her memory would never y a trick on her, so she must have met him before. But where was the question? She deliberated about going after the man but decided against it when the morning prayer call sounded. She had to go back to the guards if she didnt want to put them in trouble. The sultan might decide to check her since it was almost morning or he might send some of his guards to investigate. Roksna rushed back to the punishment squadron, thinking about the conversation she had just overheard from Lady Miriam and her mysterious lover. She wondered why she always thought that the man was somewhat familiar to her every time she saw him walk away. She wondered what offense the Sultan must havemitted for the man to hate him so much to the point of killing him. Roksna stopped short as her eyes fell on the guards she had bundled up before leaving. They were all unconscious and de cuts were all over their bodies. She looked around but couldnt find anyone. Were they dead? Oh no. The sultan would think that she did it, she thought as she rushed towards the men. Targeted She patted the cheek of the first man but there was no response. She did the same to the other two, she didnt get any response from them either. Who could have done such a thing? Roksna med herself for leaving them in such a vulnerable state. If she hadnt tied them up, they might have been able to defend themselves. She ced her ears on each of their chests, she was relieved when she heard faint breathing from each of them.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. As she looked at the unconscious men, she wondered what was going on. First, she got attacked by an assassin while at the Sultans house. Now, the royal guards got attacked at the ce where she was supposed to be punished. What were the chances that she was the target and not the Sultan? If she looked at it correctly now, the intruder back at the Sultans house didnt have any reason to attack her when he saw she wasnt the Sultan. The man would have killed her if she wasnt a skilled fighter. Perhaps, he came here to finish the job thinking she was defenseless. But then, she overheard Lady Miriam and her lover who she was sure had attacked the sultans house talking about how the target was the sultan. Plus, she and the man left thedy Miriams house almost together, so it was impossible he had wreaked this havoc just seconds before she was here. The attacks on the guards had to be done by somebody else and she was the target. She was sure about that. But, why would anyone want to kill her? Roksna heard the men grunt softly in pain. Roksna thought about how she could help them before they lost their lives. As she walked up and down, she realized that her two options were either the Sultan or the general. If she went to the Sultan, she was sure she would be scolded. But if it were the general, at least he would understand her and help out even if he would scold her. The general was certainly the lesser of two evils. But, she had to free them first before she went in search of the general. She knelt beside the guards, took the sword from one of their scabbards, and cut them loose. As she was about to drop the sword, an angry voice sounded behind her. Jamal looked at his men in horror. He almost didnt believe his eyes. He hade over to ask Roksna to be his mistress if she wanted to get out of the news and punishment she was in, only to see her bending down beside his men doing something that he couldnt ce. It wasnt until he saw her draw out a sword that he understood what was going on. He had gone even more perplexed when he saw cuts and bruises on his men. Those bunch of ipetent fools couldnt even defend themselves against one woman? Jamal felt angry. How dare she make trouble again and hurt his men? Was she looking for a death sentence? Drop that sword this instance, Jamalmanded her in an angry voice. A lot of explaining to do The sword dropped with arge ng to the floor. Shocked, Roksna quickly got up and faced the owner of the voice. She saw Jamal looking at her like he could run a sword through her without any remorse. She knew that nothing she said would make him change his mind. She wouldnt either if she had met him in such a situation. But, she still had to try to convince him. I know what it looks like, but I didnt do it, Roksna told him. Okay. So, who did it? Why were you spared, but they werent? Jamal asked her in a cynical tone. He looked too formidable to Roksna at that moment. She didnt know how to exin without letting him know that she had run away first. She also didnt want him to find out she had just gone to Lady Miriams house without his permission. But Roksna knew that she had to let him know that his life was in danger. She had to try to make him see reasons about how she had been saying the truth, even if he doesnt believe her. Then exin to me and this time, please say the truth, Jamal said.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Your life is in danger. Thats all I can tell you, Roksna told him. Jamalughed out loud. Roksna looked at him like he was crazy. She was d to see his guards looking at him with the same look on their faces, which should be rightly so. How would anybody in his right headugh when his life was in danger? Jamal! Roksna called his name, cutting hisughing mood off. He didnt bother to look at her or answer her. He simply turned to his men. Take the men back to the barracks for treatment. And tell Sodeeq to rece those three. I dont want to see their ipetent faces again, Jamalmanded three of the men. Look, you have to believe me. I didnt do it, Roksna tried again. Jamal turned back to look at her with a murderous eye. Roksna took two steps backward, feeling very much afraid. She had never been afraid of him before, no matter how angry he seems. But not this morning. She was more than afraid of him. She felt like his using stares could snuff life out of her. Roksna became even more afraid when Jamal picked up the ropes and walked towards her. Holding her by the hand, he dragged her to the wooden board and began to tie her himself. She didnt say anything again and just stayed still until he was done. Jamal moved away from her immediately after he was done. I want two guards around her every time. If she breaks free or overpowered any of the two, make sure they dont show their face to me, Jamal instructed. Jamal, please believe me. I didnt do it, Roksna tried again. Jamal turned toward her and stared at her right in the eyes. You know what I regret the most right now? Thats letting you live. He told her, then turned and left her alone with two guards. Tears flowed freely from Roksnas face. How could he say such hurtful words to her? How could he still walk away from her without any remorse? How could he think he had done her a favor by letting her live? If he hadnt invaded their sultanate in the first ce, she wouldnt have been in the middle of the mess of his sultanate. If anybody owes anyone an apology between the two of them, he was the one who needed to apologize to her. Yet, he had made her feel like she was the criminal. She hadnt done anything wrong. She hadnt wanted to be here, he had been the one who brought her here to suffer. I want to go back to my sultanate, Roksna said. The tears still flowing freely. By the time her tears dried up, Roksna was feeling weak and hungry. She wondered how she was going to cope with not eating for so many days. She was probably going to die of hunger and thirst. Its ironic how she had wanted to starve herself to death while on the ship, but the Sultan wouldnt let her. And now when she wanted to survive to avenge her tribesmen, the Sultan was starving her to death. She wondered how the women were coping. She wished to see some of them, even if it was just once. She was also scared that she would get attacked again in the night by whoever it was that wanted to kill her. Roksna was grateful to Jamal for not leaving her defenseless even though it was for his selfish purposes. By the time the sun rose to its highest peak at noontime, Roksna felt hot and itchy all over. Her clothes were covered with sweat and clinging to her body, making her feel miserable. The sun burned her face without care. But the worse of it was the fact that she had no means of shielding her face from the harsh sun or cleaning the sweats away from her body. Her throat began to itch because of thirstiness. Now, she knows why the ce was called the sun punishment. People walking around stared at her. Some of them stayed for a while, looking at her with pity in their eyes. Some just shook their heads and walked on immediately. Three people had moved towards her to give her some water to drink, but the guards had turned them away by warning them that she had offended the Sultan himself and she was under punishment. Roksna had scoffed at that. By evening time, the heat became a bit bearable for her. She spotted three women from her tribeing towards her and shook her head, telling them not to. She saw a young boy from her sultanate running around with another boy of his age and smiled. She was d to see that they were adjusting better than she was. How dare you smile in the situation you are in? Lady Miriam. Help is coming Roksna looked up to see Lady Miriam looking at her with a smug look on her face. Roksna stared at her, gauging her reactions. Had Lady Miriam found out that she told the Sultan about her and her lover? The Sultan must have told her about it. Was that why she had been so happy to see Roksna tied to some board and getting roasted by the sun like a sacrificialmb? This is what happens when you make the Sultans favorite mistress angry at you. Next time I ask you to fetch me a meal, you will do it right, Miriam told her.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org. Roksna heaved a sigh of relief. Lady Miriam didnt know anything about what she and the Sultan talked about. The woman was merely angry with Roksna over herte meal. She watched as Lady Miriam climbed up to the board, standing in front of her. Miriam lowered her head to Roksnas ear, then whispered into her eyes in such a low voice that even Roksna nearly didnt catch all her words. All she heard was pay, Sultan and me. Then, Lady Miriam straightened herself up and walked away from Roksna back to the ground. Lady Miriam motioned for some men toe in and Roksna wondered what the woman was up to. She watched in horror as the men appeared with whips on their hands, hoping that it wasnt what she was thinking about. Her fears were confirmed when Lady Miriam ordered that she be whipped twenty times. The men carried out the order immediately, taking turns each to whip her. Each time a new whippingnded on her, it was even more painful than the previous. By the time they were done, Roksna could barely stay awake. This will teach you never to cross my path again. Lady Miriam told her. Turning to the crowd that was now gathered around them, she addressed them. Let this serve as a warning to each one of you. I wont forgive anyone who tries to obstruct me. Roksna watched as Lady Miriam walked away from the ce with an evil smile decorating her face. Amidst her pains, she saw the three women she saw earlier, along with nearly all of the women from her sultanate crying their eyes out for her. They must have gone to fetch the others, Roksna thought. She knew that she had tofort them even when she was in pain, so she shook her head to try and tell them she was fine. She saw the disbelief in their eyes and smiled at them to emphasize her point to them. Roksna watched as a young boy walked to the guards and whispered something to them, at which they let him through. She couldnt recognize the boy from her sultanate or maybe she was no longer conscious. The young boy pulled at her clothes softly. He spoke when she looked at him. He said I should tell you that help ising tonight. You just have to hold on until midnight. The boy told her. Help? What help? From who? Why? Roksna watched as the young boy disappeared into the crowd, without answering any of her questions. She looked at the women who nodded their heads as if they knew what the boy told her about and was agreeing with him. Slowly, they disappeared also in groups of two and three, leaving Roksna alone to her pains. Behind you Jamal shouted at the men recing the furniture to hurry up. He was angry and their sluggishness wasnt making him better. Sodeeq had had some of the men rece the damaged floorboards already and the maids had cleaned up the room. Sodeeq had asked him severally what had happened to him, but Jamal had refused to tell the man that a woman had damaged his home to such an extent. He knew his friend wouldugh at him and his predicament. When Sodeeq wouldnt let go of the matter, he had told the man to go and that he would take over the furniture changing. Jamal had also warned all the guards on duty the previous night including the two guards he had punished not to mention anything about the incident to anyone. He had even gone as far as threatening to kill anyone who said anything. Jamal was still barking orders at the men working when a guard had stormed in, telling him about how Lady Miriam was whipping the woman he had tied to the sun punishment board. Jamal hadnt bothered to allow the guard who came to report to him to finish before he stood up and rushed out the door. He was halfway through the road leading to where Roksna was when he paused. If Lady Miriam was having her whipped and he rushed to the scene to stop the assault, it would only make Lady Miriam much angrier than she already was. And that would only make Roksna suffer more than she already was. It was better he didnt interfere with it. Slowly, he turned back to his house and sat on one of the new chairs he had just put in. He wondered why Lady Miriam had punished Roksna without his permission.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Jamal stared at the dinner meals the maids had arranged on the dining table about three hours ago and sighed. He had asked one of his guards to secretly check on Roksna to see how badly she had been hurt, but the man was yet to be back. If he judged the time correctly, the guard had been gone for too long. He couldnt take it anymore. Not knowing what was going on with Roksna was making him angry and troubled. He stood up from his sitting position and walked out of the house. He heard footsteps following him behind and knew that his guards were following him at a safe distance. Roksna shook her head to clear away the dizziness she was feeling. It was the middle of the night and the temperature had gone from hot to cold to extremely cold. She felt like she was freezing and if she dared to close her eyes, she would never wake up again because she would be frozen forever. She nged her teeth together, inhaling and exhaling hard to keep her breath warm. Even the guards guarding her had left her alone when they couldnt take the cold anymore, which is another reason she cant fall asleep. If she was right about her theory earlier, the killer would being for her again this night especially when everyone on the Wadai sultanate knew that she was already weak. Roksna panicked when she saw two figures emerge from the bush by her right. Were those the killers? She strained her eyes in the dark, but couldnt see their faces. She saw the dark figures bending down and frowned. Those couldnt be the killers unless they were discussing the strategies they would use on her. She rxed when the light flickered on and she saw it was only the guards. They had apparently gone to get some woods to get some fire to warm. As they ced their hands close to the fire, they moaned loudly. Roksna wished they would untie her for just a few seconds and let her feel the warmth of the fire too. But, none of them had even turned to see if she was still there, talk more of asking her if she was cold. Bastards. She said softly. As if her voice had summoned them, they looked at her at the same time. One of them shrugged and looked away immediately, but the other one kept staring at her with sympathy in his eyes. Should we give her something to eat? The sympathetic one asked. The Sultan said that we werent allowed to go near her. So, no, we cant give her anything. The cruel one answered. What about water? She would be thirsty. Besides, shes just a woman. That was the sympathetic one again. A woman who can fight. Didnt you hear about how she defeated five guards in a day? Go near her and see if she wont kill you. The cruel one talked. Roksna felt like killing him right there. Why would he spread rumors about her without evidence? But The sympathetic man tried again but was cut off by the other man. Look, its not like I dont want to help her too. But, she got punished by our Sultan. Lady Miriam flogged her openly. This means that she offended the two powerful people in our sultanate. We cant afford to offend them because of her. The cruel one said. Roksna saw reasons in what the man said. She would have thought the same way too if she was in his shoes. Roksna felt colder and coughed. The cough got followed up by a sneeze. She saw the kind man standing up with a bottle of water in his hand. I dont care about who she offended, Im giving her water to drink. Have you forgotten that she saved our lives that day? He told the other man. So, they were among the armies that day? Roksna thought. She saw the other man calm down immediately and he didnt bother to stop the sympathetic one. By this time, she was already losing consciousness. She shook her head to clear the forge gathering there. As she looked up, she saw a man dressed in ck knocked out the man she thought was cruel. She saw the ck man move stealthily towards the sympathetic man who wasing towards her with the man. She opened her mouth to warn the guard. Behind you, Roksna warned. But her voice wasnt loud and the man didnt hear. A cruel game Roksna watched as the ck man knocked the other guard out too, before carrying him back to the fire ground. As the ck man bent over to drop the man on his shoulder, Roksna gasped. It couldnt be. Her mind was ying a cruel game on her. Because a dead man couldnt be alive. She watched as the man turned to her and walked towards her dark side, stopping when he got to her. She couldnt see his face in the dark anymore, but she was no longer afraid of who it was. Perhaps, the pain had made her numbed. She felt a hand gently touching her cheek and shivered at the sudden warmth of it. Sorry Imte, mydy. The man spoke and Roksna gasped again. Asleem. She said, her voice barely a whisper just before she fainted. Asleem looked at the woman in front of him and nearly cried. The beautiful woman now looked so haggard and unkempt. Her cor bones were visible and her eyes were sunken into her sockets. Wounds of different sizes and shapes decorated her skin spoke volumes about how much torture she had gotten since their invasion three months ago. He had looked for her and the rest of the tribe every chance he got.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. While he had found most of the women of the tribe and some men, he hadnt found any member of the Selim family. Asleem had given up on finding them, thinking that the sultan might have killed them after they had left their sultanate. Luck had shined on him when he overheard some of the guards talking about the woman who had beaten up some of their men. He knew instantly that Roksna was alive. He would have rescued her yesterday, but he hadnt found her when he came to save her. He had injured the guards on duty in anger without thinking of the consequences it would have on Roksna. Betterte than never, he thought as he began to untie Roksna. He paused in the action when he heard footsteps approaching. He waited to see if they were just passing, but the footsteps only sounded closer. Asleem rushed to the nearest hiding spots he could find. He watched as the Sultan walked into the clear, bending down to check out the unconscious guards. Asleem thought he could kill the man responsible for all of their misery today. The man was alone, after all. He quickly decided against the idea when he saw about twenty guards moved into the clearing, surrounding their Sultan. Jamal saw a fire burning close to where Roksna was and ran all the way to the ce without waiting for his guards. He got to the clearing and saw the two guards he had left Roksna in charge of lying unconscious on the ground. He bent down to check on their pulse and saw that they were okay. His first thought was that Roksna had somehow managed to set herself free and injured his men again, but then he remembered that she was injured. There was no way she could have overpowered two men in her injured state, which means someone had attacked them. Roksna. He thought, suddenly feeling afraid. He saw his guards move to the clearing and surrounded him. He got up from his crouching position and ran to Roksna. He heaved a sigh of relief as he saw her still tied. Search the entire area, Jamal shouted at his guards. Looks like I wont be able to save her again today. But at least I know she is alive. Asleem thought before he moved away from the scene. Jamal tapped Roksnas cheek to wake her up, but she didnt respond. He cut the ropes binding her loose with trembling hands. What if she was dead? As soon as she was free, Jamal took her in his arms and ran back to his house. Get the royal physician to my house in ten minutes. He barked the order to his men, not caring which one of them obeyed it. Open the door. He barked at the guards standing by the door when he got to his house. The guards obeyed the order immediately. Jamal rushed up the stairs and took her to the room that once belonged to his mother. Heid her down on the bed and covered her with the quilt. Not knowing what else to do, he sat down beside her and held her hand. It was too cold for his warm ones. When he checked her temperature, she was as hot as an oven. Hot and cold at the same time. He became afraid and rushed to the stairs. Where is that doctor for Ahs sake? He shouted at the door. He saw the door open and the royal physician rushed in. Jamal took him to where Roksna was and ordered the man to cure her or lose his job. He paced up and down as the man checked on Roksna. Sultan. The physician called when he was done. Jamal rushed to the man. Her wounds are infected, hence the reason for her unusual temperature. Staying in the cold weather for hours also gave her a sinus infection. The man concluded. Just tell me what the solution is, Jamal shouted. She needs adequate rest. I have also prescribed herbal tea for her that she needs to take. Everything should be fine if she follows the instructions. The physician told him. You are in charge of her health from this moment. Until she ispletely okay, you are not allowed to treat any other person. Is that clear? Jamal told the man. Yes, Sultan. Ill go and get the medicine now. The physician told him before disappearing. Jamal heard Roksna cough and rushed to her side. He sat down on the chair beside the bed and held her hand thinking he had had enough with her. Once she was better, he was making her his concubine whether she agreed or not. But for now, taking care of her was the most important thing. Worried Jamal stood by the entrance of the room, watching as the royal physician fed Roksna some herbal medicine with a spoon. She had remained unconscious for three days and he was beginning to get really worried about her, but the doctor had assured him that it was due to the medicine doing its work. The only thing that had made him stay calm was the fact that she was no longer coughing and her temperature had returned to normal. Her wounds were healing nicely too and she seemed to be breathing well. She had also stopped muttering in her sleep. When Jamal had first heard her mutter a mans name, he had been furious. But then, she had mentioned two other names and he had realized she must have been calling for her family. He felt guilty about that knowing that he could have alleviated her worries about her family but he had chosen not to. Jamal was particrly curious about which one of her family was Asleem and just how close the two were because of the way she kept calling the name. He had sent one of his men to make an investigation about the man and he had been furious at what he found. Knowing that Roksna had been nearly given in marriage to the man had made Jamals blood boil. He had made Sodeeq move the man from tending to horses to the hardbor of mending fences. Jamal wondered if Roksna was in love with the man and If that was the reason she had refused to be his woman. He also wondered if Roksnas father would have approved of him if he had gone to the man for Roksnas hand in marriage. Not that he was nning to do such a thing anyway. What had Roksna loved in the arrogant man for her to miss him this much? Why couldnt she just forget about the man and be with him voluntarily? Sultan. Jamal was jolted back to the present when the physician called his name a little too loud. What did you say? Jamal asked the man. I said that I am done with her dose for today. The man said.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org. Okay. You may go, Jamal told the man. The physician bowed slightly and turned to leave. The Sultan stopped him and reminded him of his warnings as he had always done every day. He had told the physician to tell anyone who had asked him about the health of Roksna that the woman was badly injured. He had told him to say that because he knew for sure that Lady Miriam would stop the physician. When he was done with his reminder, the old physician nodded his head slightly and walked out of the house. As soon as Jamal saw that the old man was gone, he sat down beside Roksna. He checked her temperature and saw it was even better than the previous day. Since he had brought her in three days ago, he had hardly left her side. He delegated as much work as he could to Sodeeq and his other janissaries. The ones he couldnt delegate, he had done them as quickly as he possibly could and returned to her side. He also stayed by her side when it was night. He didnt want her waking up by midnight needing something and no one would be there to help her. He felt like maids wouldnt take care of her the way he would have done it himself and the guards might ck off when they knew he wasnt there. That was why he chose to stay with her himself. More than her needing something in the middle of the night, Jamal worried about her safety. It bothered him that someone had made his guards unconscious. It had even bothered him more than the guards hadnt seen who did it. They couldnt tell if it was a man or a woman. And he knew for certain that Roksna had been the target of whoever they were. His suspicions had fallen on Lady Miriam and the man who had tried to drown Roksna a few days after she arrived. He had rushed to the prison the man was held in and beaten him to a pulp while demanding an answer. Judging by how badly the man had ended up looking, Jamal knew that it wasnt him. Which left Lady Miriam alone. He wondered what she wanted from Roksna and why she hated her so much. He had nearly gone to Lady Miriam to ask her why she was after Roksnas life and had barely restrained himself. Perhaps, Roksna had seen something before she lost consciousness. Jamal just had to wait for her to wake up. If Lady Miriam had been involved though, he would make sure she was removed from his harem. He would also make sure that she suffers for the deed. Roksna coughed once, before muttering the name Jamal hated hearing her say. Why does she keep muttering the mans name? He saw her tossed around on the bed for some seconds before staying still. Why wasnt she still not awake? It was almost evening already. Several secondster, she opened her eyes as if his thoughts had summoned her to awaken. Jamal let go of her hands and stood up from where he sat, watching as she tried to adjust her eyes to the light in the room. He crossed his arm over his chest and saw when recognition lit her face. Stubborn as hell Roksna woke up feeling disoriented. The light in the room felt like it could blind her and she closed it back, opening them slowly to adjust her eyes. When she was finally able to focus, she looked around at her surroundings. The room she was in seemed strange to her but she also felt like she had been in here before. How had she gotten to a room anyway? Thest thing she remembered was her still tied to the board and a man standing close to her, looking at her with pity and shame in his eyes. Roksna felt the man was familiar, she shook her head trying to remember what the man looked like. She gasped loudly and sat up straight in bed. The sudden movement made her head throb and she fell back to the bed. Asleem. She said, a single tear sliding down her face. Jamal felt so angry, he was afraid he would identally hurt Roksna. Why was she thinking about the man even when she was obviously in pain? He took a deep breath in and out to calm himself before he spoke. I see that you are awake. He spoke when he felt calmer. Roksna looked around surprised. She was even more surprised to see the Sultan standing by the door, looking at her with some expression she couldntprehend. She sat up slowly and looked at the room she was in slowly this time. The furniture and setting of the room suddenly made sense to her. She had been there when she had been studying the Sultans house, mapping out escape routes. How had she gotten to the room though? She thought looking at the man still standing by the door. This means that the Sultan had been the one who saved her. Then, had she imagined what she thought that she saw? Tears flowed from her eyes and much as she tried, she couldnt stop the tears. Jamal watched as Roksna began to cry. It was the first time he saw the woman break downpletely and it broke something in his heart. Was she still in so much pain? Jamals feet moved forward of their ord to where she was. He sat down and held her in his arms. Roksna grabbed him tightly and sobbed without restraint. Jamal wondered if something else was making her cry other than his initial thought that she was in pain. But he didnt say anything, he simply held her and let her cry it out. Roksna held the person holding her tightly. She felt secured in the arm of the person, feeling like the person was capable of keeping her safe from all danger. So, she let out all the tears she had been trying to rein in. More than knowing that Asleem was dead, she was sad that she had imagined him alive and even more saddened to see that it was all gone. She wished that she hadnt woken up to such a harsh reality. Roksna hated Jamal even more than she already did. She wouldnt be in so much pain if it wasnt for him and she wouldnt have to depend on another person tofort her. Roksna stiffened as she realized that she was being held by strong arms. Realizing that Jamal and she were the only ones in the room and so he must have been the one holding her, she let go of her hold on him. She pushed him away from her when he refused to let go of her.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Jamal let go of the woman in his arm when he realized that she was struggling against him. She must have realized that he was the one holding her. Jamal stared at her intensely, wondering about what was going on in her little head. Perhaps, she was regretting not epting to be his concubine. He was making her his concubine whether she agreed or not anyway, so that should make her feel better soon. Besides, it would make him feel at peace knowing that she was being taken care of adequately. Roksna heard her stomach grumble and held it, bending just a little. How long has it been since shest had a meal? She wondered just how long had she been out. She felt better though, aside from the hunger pang she was having. Are you hungry? Ill have the maids bring in food for you while you take your bath, Jamal told her. Roksna looked at him with murder in her eyes. Why would a maid need to serve another maid? She asked, angercing every word. You are no longer a maid. I am making you a royal concubine from this moment on, Jamal answered her. And who told you that you can make decisions for me, you murderer? Roksna asked. Jamal was shocked by what Roksna said to him. He had only been thinking about easing her difort. Why couldnt she just ept his good intentions without making him regret why he makes condensation for her every time? He watched as Roksna picked up a chair from the side of the bed and flung it at him. He stepped aside just before the chair could hit him. Angry, he walked to her, knelt on the bed, and held her down before she could pick up another object. You would rather live as a maid than be my mistress? He asked her. Yes, Roksna shouted into his face. Jamal felt like he had had enough of her. He let go of her hands and walked away from her. So be it. He told her, then disappeared out the door. He came back a few minutester with two guards, each on either side of him. Take her to the kitchen where she will serve starting from today. He told them. Yes, Sultan. The two guards said simultaneously. They walked over to Roksna and each held her by the arm. Jamal turned his back to her as the guards walked out of the room with her. He plopped down on the bed when they were gone, thinking that he might never win her love and affection as long as she thought about her family. He had contemted telling her the truth but he was scared she would escape from him along with her family. He preferred seeing her around him seeking revenge than not seeing her anymore. He was obsessed with her and wasnt ready to let go of her just yet, especially when she might still be in love with Asleem. Jamal felt angry just thinking about the possibility of it. I should have Sodeeq double the mans workload. He thought. He smiled in a wicked manner before walking out of the room. He doesn’t sleep with virgins, but I am one Roksna regretted not eating first before she opened her mouth to decline the Sultans offer. She felt so hungry and even her stomach protested by grumbling. When they arrived at the kitchen, the guards dumped her in the hands of the kitchen head and disappeared without a word. She figured that they must have done that a lot of times that no exnation was needed between them anymore. Roksna stood still as the woman examined her from head to toe and prayed that she wouldnt deem her unfit for the job. True, she doesnt know how to cook or do anything in the kitchen but she was willing to learn rather than going back to Lady Miriam or the Sultan. She sighed out loud when the woman smiled at her. Itste already. Go and clean up, then get something to eat. You will have a long day tomorrow and need all the energy you can get. The woman told her. Roksna smiled her thanks at the woman. She waited until the woman walked away before slumping down. She was feeling very weak and hungry and had only managed to hold it in so that the kitchen head wouldnt have rejected her. She felt an arm around her and looked at the owner. She was surprised to find Seyiddah smiling at her. Seyiddah helped Roksna up and helped walked her to a chair in the room. Seyiddah left her side and reemerged with a te full of food, which she ced on Roksnasp. Roksna ate the meal hungrily, not even hearing Seyiddahs voice telling her to slow down. When she was done with the food, she drank a bowl full of water and sighed. She felt her strengthing back and smiled at Seyiddah who smiled back. Roksna looked around the kitchen and gulped when she saw that every maid in the kitchen was staring at her. Some of them looked at her with pity, some with curiosity, and others looked just to look at the new maid. Roksna smiled at all of them and hoped that it was enough to make them feel at ease around her. She watched as they dispersed slowly and sighed. Roksna looked at Seyiddah who nudged her at the arm. Without a word, Seyiddah held her hand and walked away with her from the kitchen. They stopped at a small stall and Roksna looked at Seyiddah enquiring. The woman only smiled at Roksna before dragging her into the stall, then pointed at the tub in the middle of the stall. Roksna looked into the tub and saw it full of water, she smiled and began to undress. Seyiddahughed out loud at her enthusiasm as she got into the water tub. The water was cold but Roksna didnt mind, especially when her sore body began to rx. I thought you might appreciate the bath, Seyiddah told her. I do. Thank you, Roksna answered. After a few more minutes passed by, Roksna spoke up again. I thought you worked for the women in the harem. So, what are you doing here? She asked to satisfy her curiosity. I dont. Im just in charge of delivering their meals. Lady Miriam forced me to stay behind that day, so I can take you to your room, Seyiddah exined. Roksna nodded her head. She exined everything that had happened to her to Seyiddah. From the invasion of Jamal on her sultanate to the death of her family and loved ones to how he had forcefully brought her to this sultanate along with other women. She also told Seyiddah everything she had gone through in the hands of Lady Miriam, including how she had cut her open and sprayed pepper on the open wounds. Roksna also exined to Seyiddah how Lady Miriam had had her whipped. She exined how the sultan had been forcing her to be his concubine and how he had dumped her here because of her refusal. When Roksna was done, she saw Seyiddah looking at her like she was a mad woman. You mean the Sultan asked you to be his mistress? Our Sultan? Seyiddah asked amazement reflecting in her tone. Yes, Roksna answered. And you refused? Seyiddah asked again. Yes, Roksna replied. Seyiddah pped her hard on the back and Roksna grunted. Next, the woman touched her forehead trying to see if Roksna was okay. Do you even know what you are talking about? Hes the Sultan, Seyiddah shouted at her. He killed my family, Seyiddah. I cant be with such a man, Roksna exined. That is normal in every invasion from time past. Besides, the men died inbat. You should be happy he spared you. How many times have you seen people survive in the hands of other Sultans? Yet, he spared the women and children of your sultanate. He could have even forced himself on you and there was nothing you could do about it, yet hes asking you, Seyiddah told her. Roksna found Seyiddahs exnation reasonable. It was hard to see where all the women of the invadednd were spared. A few, yes but never all. The children were always deemed as too much trouble, therefore they killed them in wars.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Even her Abu had recounted a story where he had invaded and once and killed every living breathing thing on the sultanate. Yet, the Sultan had spared them all and brought them to hisnd to get another chance. And from what Roksna had seen about the women from her sultanate the few times she saw them, she could tell that they were all doing okay. So in a way, she should be thankful to the Sultan for being merciful to them. It was also rare to see a sultan ask a woman to be his mistress. They simply took the women they wanted and no one could stop them. Perhaps, she really was lucky the Sultan kept asking for her permission. But that doesnt mean that she was ready to forgive him for killing her family and making her suffer. Besides, you are the first woman I know that the Sultan personally asked to be his mistress, Seyiddahs voice caught into her thought. What are you talking about? He has a harem full of women, Roksna asked Seyiddah. Seyiddah went on to exin to Roksna how the harem had be full of women of all ages. She got to know that all the women in the harem were daughters of his janissaries. Each of them had dumped a daughter on the Sultan in the hope that he would choose one of their daughters as his Sultana. Roksna also found out that Lady Miriam had be the Sultans favorite because of the influence of her father in themunity. He was the finance minister and therefore, he had the others under his control. Roksna also found out that the Sultan avoided all the maidens who were still virgins among the women in his harem and Roksna thought that was strange. By the time Seyiddah was done with her gossip, Roksna was done with her bath. Seyiddah gave her a change of clothing and they walked to the sleeping room together. They saw that the others were already fast asleep due to exhaustion. Seyiddah helped Roksna make her bed by the corner of the room, before moving to her own bed. As Roksnay down on her pallet, she wondered why the Sultan was bent on making her his mistress. She also wondered why the Sultan never touched the virgins in his harem. Realizing that Lady Miriam couldnt have been a virgin, Roksna was sure that she was still with the man who had deflowered her. Next, she wondered if he would back out if he found out she was still a virgin herself. She was still thinking about the Sultan when she fell asleep a few minutester. Drunk Jamal picked up the bottle of alcohol he had ordered one of his men to get for him and stared at it. He opened it up and drank arge quantity of the drink, wishing his trouble would disappear as the alcohol burned his throat and lungs. He couldnt stop thinking about Roksna and her rejection of him. Jamal wondered what exactly she hated about him. He took another gulp and sighed. Even if he had killed her family, it was a normal urrence during the war. Besides, the number of injuries he had gotten from her was enough to kill a man. Especially the wound she gave him in his left stomach. The injury had nearly gotten infected if it wasnt for his royal physician. So why was that not enough as payback for her? Deciding that he had had enough from her, Jamal emptied the rest of the content in the bottle into his mouth and walked out. He staggered as he walked. He didnt even remember where it was that he had wanted to go. He hissed when he saw himself stopped at the kitchen maids room. Everywhere seemed quiet and Jamal realized that they were all sleeping already. Staggering, he made it to the door and lifted his hands to knock. He seemed to catch himself in time and stopped. He turned away from the door and walked away, thinking that it was better to go to Lady Miriam who was already ready for him.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Somehow, he made his way tody Miriams home. Jamal banged the door very loudly when he got there. Lady Miriam opened the door and he walked inside without waiting to hear whatever she was saying. He pushed himself to the bed and watched as Lady Miriam walked into the house with a smile on her face. He patted the space beside him on the bed and beckoned for her toe. Jamal watched as she took off her dress andy down beside him, he turned to her and kissed her lightly on the lips. I dont want to be alone tonight. He said, drunkenly. Lady Miriam nced at the man on the bed whose breath was filled with alcohol. She wondered what had gone wrong with him that brought him here when he had avoided her like she was some sort of gues. She was beginning to think about her situation and how to get out of it. Smiling about the luck that had just shined on her, she kissed him back deeply. She was surprised when he opened up to her kiss, even more surprised when he cupped her breast. He rolled her to his side until he was on top of her and kissed her some more. Jamal squeezed the breast he was holding roughly. His body felt on fire for the woman under him. He moved his lips to her neck and sucked gently, making her moan. The moaning brought back his sanity. It sounded so different from the moaning he was used to. He looked down at the woman under him and got up so fast his head throbbed. Hended back on the bed and heard a small cry of someone. Managing to move away from the woman, he rested his arm on his eyes to keep his head from exploding. Sultan? He heard someone calling and wondered who that was. He felt someone touching him and pped the hands away. He felt dizziness get hold of him and closed his eyes. The hand reappeared again, this time rubbing his forehead. He opened his eyes and saw a strange woman he couldnt recognize. Jamal felt irritated by the touch. He just wanted only Roksna to touch him. So, he kicked the woman away from him. Sumbing to the sleep that had been trying to capture him, he fell into pure bliss ignorant of what had happened. Lady Miriam held her stomach and cursed the Sultan for kicking her in the stomach. Her stomach felt like it was on fire and hurt her. A few secondster, she saw blood running down her legs, forming a little pool under her, and nearly screamed. She kept it in, knowing that she couldnt let anyone know what was going on. She wasnt supposed to be pregnant in any case. Managing to get up, she cleaned herself up as best as she could and changed into new clothing. She also managed to clean the floor, making sure no bloodstain was left behind. When she was done, Miriam felt like killing Jamal. She only managed to control herself, knowing that she would be executed for killing the Sultan of the sultanate. Sheid down on the bed quietly praying to Ah for the protection of her baby and vowing to kill the sultan if her baby was gone. Rescue her Roksna woke up and felt someone beside her, she became afraid. As she opened her mouth to shout, she felt a hand sp her mouth shut. The figure moved over her, holding her in ce with his body. She hit the person in the face and heard him grunt as he moved away from her immediately. Roksna moved up quickly and gave the person three rapid punches in the face. One on the cheek, the other on the forehead, and thest one on the nose. The man let out a soft yelp. Roksna was about to hit the man again when he spoke. Its me, mydy. The man spoke so softly Roksna almost didnt hear him. She was sure either her ears had heard the wrong voice or her mind was ying another dirty trick on her. There was no way the voice could belong to who she was thinking about. Roksna. It is I, Asleem. The voice spoke again. He grabbed Roksnas hand and took her outside. The full moon bathed them in its glory. Roksna looked at the man d in ck and whimpered. Sure that she was imagining Asleems presence, she touched his face feeling his solid body under her touch. She pped him lightly on the cheek to be sure she still wasnt dreaming. Its me, Roksna. Im sorry I camete. Roksna broke into tears. She held Asleem tightly, afraid he would disappear from her again if she let go. She felt Asleems hand wrapping around her and wept some more, muttering gibberish into his chest. Her mind registered Asleems voice whispering some things to her but she couldnt make anything out of it. When she calmed down, Asleem exined how he hade to the sun punishment ground to rescue her but couldnt because the Sultan had chosen to check on her that period. He also exined why he couldnt rescue her at the Sultans house because of his heavy guards. When he was done, Roksna hugged him again feeling happy. What about my Abu and Abaan? Roksna asked him, her hope rising. Im sorry, mydy, Asleem answered, shaking his head negatively. Asleem let her know what he had been doing since their captivity about two months ago. He had been looking for the Dar S tribesmen and gathering them together slowly. He had mapped out the Wadaindscape and studied thend until he knew the routes ahead. He had also nned escape routes and prepared everything they needed to make it out of the sultanate safely. The only thing that had kept them was Roksna and that was why Asleem had chosen this perfect time to rescue her. He grabbed Roksnas hand and made to move, but she pulled away from him. We need to leave, Asleem told her. No. I cant. I need to avenge my family, Roksna told him. You can leave with the rest, but Im staying here. After a lot of hesitation, Asleem finally gave up on forcing her to leave and agreed to help her out. Roksna made him understand that she needed to do it on her own. All she needed him to do was to help him get some male attire that wouldnt give her identity away and him staying out of trouble.From N?velDrama.Org. Roksna heard someones footstepsing from the room and stilled until the footsteps stopped. She and Asleem agreed to meet just where they were tomorrow night at an appointed time. She watched as Asleem walked away and went in after he had disappeared from her sights. As shey on the pallet, she felt d knowing that her childhood friend was alive and well. Get married to Lady Miriam? Jamal woke up with his head pounding. He felt like heavy stones were ced on his neck rather than his normal head. He got up and grunted from the pain he felt for doing such a simple task. Looking around, the surroundings felt strange yet familiar to him. Where was he? And why wasnt he in his house? He looked around once again and saw that he was in Lady Miriams house. What was he doing there? Thest thing he remembered was him drinking alcohol in his house. He tried to crack his brain but couldnt remember anything else. He felt someone moaning softly in pain beside him and looked at the person. He was surprised to see Lady Miriam looking like she was in so much pain but was trying really hard to hide it and turned to her immediately. Are you okay? Jamal asked Lady Miriam who was still writhing in pain. Yes. Its just my womans time of the month. She answered. Her voice was barely a whisper andced with pains. Jamal watched as she continued tossing around in bed. He tried to help her up, but she pped his hands away. When he tried to check her temperature too, she flung his hand away. Unsure of what else to do, Jamal rushed out of the house to the main door. Pointing a finger at the first guard he saw, Jamalmanded the man to get a physician. Once he was done giving the order, he rushed back to the house and tried to help Lady Miriam up again. He watched as she refused his help once more, feeling confused. It was obvious she was in so much pain and needed help, so why was she refusing him? Jamal didnt have time to dwell on the thought for a long time, as the physician rushed in along with general Sodeeq. The janissaries are waiting for you at the court for the meeting, Sodeeq told Jamal. As you can see, Lady Miriam isnt feeling well. I cant leave her in this condition. So, go and cancel the meeting, Jamal exined to the general, watching as the physician examined Lady Miriam. It is about the Jedi tribe trying to invade our sultanate recently. Ill stay with Lady Miriam, you go to the meeting Sultan, Sodeeq said. Before Jamal could protest or say a word, Sodeeq pushed him lightly to the door. Jamal looked at the man who nodded his head slightly, encouraging him to leave. Without wasting time, Jamal rushed to the house and changed his clothing. He was worried about Lady Miriam, but since Sodeeq was with her, he felt a bit at ease. Although the general hated Lady Miriam, Jamal was sure that the man would take care of her since she belonged to him. And, he needed to have a meeting with his ministers. Recently, his men had spotted the Jedi tribe moving around the sultanate and Jamal was afraid they were plotting against the invasion of his sultanate. He didnt understand why they were doing it. Even though the Wadai sultanate and the Jedi sultanate were neighbors, they had never had anything to do with each other. He wasnt even sure that he could recognize the Sultan of Jedis sultanate. But from what Jamal had heard of the man, he was a peace-loving man who valued hisnd far more than any other thing. Jamal had also heard that the man stayed away from war and the politics of the world, which was what made him a little bit calm about the situation on the ground. As he walked into the royal court, total silence fell on the room. Jamal was confident that he could pick up the sound of a falling middle. His people feared him, he knew that and took delight in it. For somebody like him who had taken over the rulership at such a young age, he had quickly learned that if he didnt make people tremble in his presence, he couldntmand as an authority. No one had taken him seriously the first year of his reign. But when he ordered the execution of a man who had opposed his decisions, everyone had quickly learned obedience. As he sat down on his royal seat, the people bowed their heads and greeted him. Jamal let them remain that way for a minute knowing that they wouldnt dare raise their heads without his permission. He cleared his throat and spoke up. You may rise. He told them. Everyone expressed their thanks and raised their heads. As you all know, we have a threat hanging on our heads. The sultanate might be under siege at any moment from now, so we need a countermeasure, Jamal told his janissaries. He watched as everyone kept looking at each other, afraid to speak up. He didnt need their cowardice, especially at a critical moment like this. They werent always afraid when they wanted to shove their daughters in his throat. But when a threat came, none of them could think of something to say. This was why he liked Sodeeq. If the man was here, he would have given out one or two useful ideas. Unlike the greedy bunch of elders here who only wanted to be rted to the Sultan through their daughters. Jamals patience wore thin and he shouted at them. Somebody better speak up right now or Im freezing your sry for the month. He heard everyone gasp while looking at each other. And just like that, the finance janissary came forward and bowed down. Jamal thought that his people were too selfish and frowned. Why had they stepped out only after he had threatened them?N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Sultan. A ve from the Jedi sultanate came with a message for you this morning. The man spoke. The information Janissary came forward with a letter held in his hands. He bowed before the Sultan before stretching the letter forward. A letter? Was the other Sultan warning him of his impending attack? Jamal signaled to his attendee to get the letter from the other man. The attendee obeyed the order, walked to the information minister, and returned with it to Jamal. Jamal opened it immediately and read its content, frowning at the paper he was reading. He read it again to be sure he wasnt hallucinating the words he was reading. When he was sure, he threw the piece of paper at the information minister with a loud growl. The janissaries all fell on their knees as he stood up pointing a finger at Quadril, his information minister. Read that paper out loud for everyone to hear, Jamalmanded the man. The man picked up the paper immediately and began to read. This is a letter to ask the Sultan of Wadai sultanate to get betrothed to the princess of the Jedi Sultanate In a month or face the consequences. The man read. Jamal sat down on his royal seat when the information janissary was done. How dare a man control him? Even to the point of choosing a wife for him and giving him a deadline? Wasnt he afraid of ceasing to exist, along with that daughter of his? Get married or face the consequences? What would be the consequences of disobeying? He needed to think fast about what to do and the janissaries murmuring in his ears werent helping him to focus. Shut up all of you. He shouted at them. Everywhere became as silent as a graveyard at once. I want you all to give me a way out of this situation at hand, otherwise, dont bother to get up from that position. Hemanded. Sultan, we could invade the sultanate and annihte them all. That was his tax janissary. Jamal thought about it and decided it was a bad idea. The Sultan of Jedi must have thought about that and been well prepared before sending the letter to him. And have us walk right into a trap? Wrong suggestion. He told the man. What about we capture his messenger and hold him hostage until the Sultan changes the decree? His Literary janissary spoke next. Jamal gave that another thought and decided against it also. The Sultan must have sent a man whose death he wouldnt care about. Besides, if the n did work, it would only be for a short while. The threat would still be hanging on Jamals head, so he needed a n that would work permanently. Wrong idea again. He told them. Why dont you get married to one of the women from your harem? That would send the message across to Sultan Aabdeen of the Jedi that you are taken. His information janissary told him. Jamal thought about it and found the idea appealing to him. But who can he choose as his Sultana? He wasnt sure he could spend the rest of his life with any of the women from his harem. But one of them would have to suffice for now. As a Muslim, he could marry another woman whenever he wants anyway. And that was when Jamal saw the flop in the n. It wouldnt get Sultan Aabdeen off his back since he could still marry his daughter even if he got married three times already. Wrong suggestion, Jamal said again. When after about five minutes, no other ideas came from his janissaries, Jamal got angry. If he had epted to get married and he asked them to choose a woman for him from the harem, they would have all been vocally trying to get their daughters name across to him. He stood up and walked to their midst before speaking. Until you alle up with a n that could work, none of you are allowed to get up from your kneeling positions. Even if one of you faints, make sure he does it while on his knees or you all lose your lives. Jamal went out of the courtroom, ignoring their pleas. In a tight spot Roksna looked at the dough and flour one of the maids had given to her and wondered what she was supposed to do with it. When she saw another maid pour her potion of flour into the bowl containing the dough and mixed them together, Roksna decided that must be what was required of her. She poured her portion into the dough too and began to mix, noticing how strong it was. She was still battling with the dough when a figure fell upon her and she looked up. Roksna saw a woman looking at her with a frown on her face. What do you think you are doing? The woman asked. Roksna felt embarrassed as the womanughed at her when she had exined. She felt even worse when the woman had called the other maids toe and see what Roksna had done. Tired and angry, Roksna dragged the bowl of dough from the woman. As she sat down back, Roksna felt a powdered something been poured on her head. She looked up to see that it was the woman drenching her with flour. Roksna stood up angrily, ready to teach the beautiful but ruthless woman a lesson. As she gave the woman a single push, she saw the other maids rose all at once and ganged up on her. Was the woman some kind of gang leader? She thought as the women surrounded her. With no other way out, Roksna took the beating they gave her silently cursing the name of the Sultan. They didnt stop the assault until the kitchen head arrived and shouted at them. Next time, dont even think about breathing in front of me. The evil woman told Roksna. Twenty minutester, the woman came back to where Roksna sat and dumped a basket in front of her. Roksna yelled at two dead chickens who stared at her from the basket, their neck at an awkward angle. She stood up and looked at the woman in a questioning manner. Pluck away their feathers, clean them up, and fry them for the dinner meal. Until you are done, there will be no lunch for you. The womanmanded and walked away. Roksna wondered why the woman was in control whenever the kitchen head was away. Even more, she was curious about why the woman could carry herself about like she was such an important person when she was a kitchen maid like everyone else in the room. Picking up the basket with the chickens, Roksna went in search of Seyiddah, the only person who could teach her how toplete her task. But she failed to find her and wondered where she had gone ever since the morning sun rose. Resigning to her fate, she went to the firece wondering how she was supposed to make the chickens clean. Thinking she should have paid a bit of attention to the kitchen instead of just focusing on learning to fight. She sat down by the fire and took out one of the chickens, as she wanted to throw it into the fire, a chuckle stopped her. She looked up and saw a little girl of about twelve years old looking from her to the chicken then back to her.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. The girl moved closer to Roksna and exined to her how to prepare a chicken for consumption. Roksna expressed her gratitude and set the pot on fire. When the little girl affirmed that the water was hot enough to be used, Roksna set to work. As she dipped one of the chickens into the water, the water rose to her fingers and she screamed. She dropped the chicken into the water and it made a soft ssh, hitting her arm and the little girls leg. Roksna apologized to the girl as she looked at the chicken with a corner eye. The little girl went to the pot, took the chicken out of the water, and began to pluck its feathers. Roksna took the second chicken and followed the girls movement, then settled down beside her to pluck its feathers too. The feathers felt hot for Roksnas touch but she didntin about it, already grateful for the help she was getting. She heard the girl humming a tune and turned to look at her. Why is such a young girl like you a maid? And that too in the kitchen? Roksna asked. Because I like it here. I love to cook and I can eat while Im cooking. The girl replied. But how did you get here? Roksna asked her. The girl whose name was Khadijat began her life history. Roksna found out she was from the Jedi sultanate which was a neighborhood to Wadai sultanate. Sultan Jamal had saved her from a moneylender who had been chasing her and her mother after they couldnt pay up. The man had wanted to sell Khadijat to a rich man as a concubine for higher money to pay off their debt. Her mother had put her and her younger brother and herself in a boat and rowed them away with the man chasing them. The moneylender killed her mother and brother in the struggle and might have killed her too if the Sultan hadnt saved her at that moment. He had paid the money lender what her family owed him and then he killed the man for killing her family. The Sultan had wanted a wealthy family to adopt her but Khadijat had refused, asking the Sultan to put her to work so that she could repay the debt her family owed him. She and the Sultan had agreed to let her serve as a maid for some time, hence, the reason she was here. My year of serving as a maid would bepleted in two months, and then Im a free person. The Sultan already said that I can do whatever I want after Im free, Khadijat told Roksna, smiling. Roksna smiled back at the girl, wondering about what she was going to do with her free timeter. She realized that they were done with plucking the feathers of the chickens and smiled again. Khadija took over the rest of the chicken work while Roksna only watched as she cut them open, cleaned them up, boiled them, and finally fried them. As the girl worked, Roksna thought that Jamal might not be as bad as she thought. This was the third time she heard his tale of saving lives and helping them live a better life again. When Khadijat was done with the frying, she handed the bowl containing the chickens to Roksna, returning back to her duty. Roksna patted her hair before she walked away. As she walked happily to deliver her task aspleted, Roksna stepped on something and slipped. Her head hit the ground hard and she groaned. She watched as the chickens flew every which way and nearly cried, thinking about how much work Khadijat had put into it. She barely noticed the throbbing on her arm as she got up to pick up the chickens. As she bent to pick the first piece, a leg stepped on her fingers and twisted about. Roksna looked up to see the evil woman smiling at her in a pure wicked way. Ah helped her or she mightmit murder, she thought as she freed her hand and got up. She raised her hands to p the woman but someone held her. Roksna turned to see Seyiddah standing behind her and shaking her head. She dragged Roksna away from the scene and sat her down at a corner, trying to clean her up. Where were you, Seyiddah? Roksna asked the woman. The kitchen head sent me and some others to the market earlier this morning. You looked tired, so I didnt wake you, Seyiddah exined. Who was that woman? Roksna asked, but she didnt get an answer from Seyiddah. My personal maid Jamal felt afraid and vulnerable and got angry at the feelings and the man who had fueled such emotions in him. He needed assurance andfort from someone. He just walked on without thinking about his destination and became angry when he saw himself standing in front of the kitchen. Why was he here? The woman in there was thest person who would even think about alleviating his worries. As he turned to leave, he saw the kitchen head running towards him and realized that he couldnt leave anymore. Sultan. The woman bowed to him when she got to where he stood. To what do we owe such a visit? Did we do something wrong? The woman asked, shivering and fear reflecting in her voice. Jamal thought she might faint if she continued that way. Was he always inflicting fears even in the heart of the women? How can he get out of the ce without giving out the reason he was here in the first ce? He smiled as an idea revealed itself. No, chef. Im only here to select a personal maid who would be responsible for bringing all my meals from now on, Jamal told the woman. Yes, Sultan. The woman said. Jamal followed her as she led the way into the kitchen. The moment he was in the kitchen, Jamal looked around for the familiar face of Roksna. He spotted her sitting at a corner, flour and oil decorated her face and hijab. Pieces of chicken meat were scattered around. A woman was helping Roksna wipe her face with a piece of clothing as gently as she could and Roksna was trying hard not to show that she was in pain. As Roksna lifted her hand to take the cloth from the woman, Jamal saw a reddish-brown wound at her elbow. Were they maltreating her? His first thought was to go to her, but he rooted himself to the spot. She had asked for it. If she had epted to be his mistress, she wouldnt be suffering so much. He heard the head chef call their attention together. As each of the women lifted their eyes from their works and saw him standing, they left their work and knelt before him. Jamal saw the woman tending to Roksnas wound kneel the moment she spotted him. Roksna however remained sitting, staring at him tantly with hatred. The woman beside her pulled her by the hand and pointed to her knee, urging her to kneel. Reluctantly, Roksna obeyed when she saw that everyone else including the head chef had performed the action. Im just here to choose a personal maid, so please rise, Jamal told them. He watched as everyone rose and looked at him expectantly, Roksna being the exception. If anything, she ignored himpletely as if he didnt exist.From N?velDrama.Org. Jamal felt anger rousing in him and frowned. Why was he always getting angry every time she did something out of context towards him? Why does he want her to acknowledge him so badly? He saw her looking at him and frowned again as his eyes fell on a small bump forming on her forehead. This time his anger was directed to the kitchen head. How had she let one of her workers get hurt? Roksna saw Jamal looking at her intently and averted her eyes. The man was probably just here to look for trouble and she wasnt in the mood for that. She wished that he would pick someone and leave the room. Her wound hurt and she needed to clean it up so that it wouldnt get infected. She also felt a headacheing up and just wish to finish her morning chores so that she can rx. What was taking him so long to choose someone? It wasnt a hard task considering how everyone was eager to get chosen, including Seyiddah. Jamal looked at every woman in the room and how eager they were just to serve him. He wondered why Roksna couldnt be like that and just ept everything he was offering her. Even now, she was acting as if she would rather be anywhere else other than in his presence. Trying to get out of his presence, right? He would make sure she stayed in it. He pointed his middle finger at her. You. Whats your name? He asked. Seyiddah. The woman beside Roksna answered. Not you. Her, Jamal said, pointing his finger at Roksna again. Seyiddah tapped Roksna on the arm and she looked up. When she saw that he was pointing the finger at her, her countenance changed. If looks could kill, Jamal was sure that he would be dead in that instance. He shrugged to let her see that he didnt care. From today, you are in charge of bringing my meals. Make sure that they are okay to the taste and it is never toote. He told her, then walked away. Swallow it Roksna wished she could kill the man in that instance as she looked around and saw everyone staring at her, jealousy reflecting in their gaze. All except Seyiddah and Khadijat who both looked happy for her. She knew that the Sultan had just given her more trouble than she could bear. They already hated her, even when she had done nothing wrong. Getting chosen to be the Sultans maid seemed like a big deal to the kitchen maids and Jamal had chosen her, putting her in an even bigger mess. What had she ever done to deserve all the trouble and pains? Okay, everybody. Go back to work. The meals wont cook themselves. The kitchen head said, dismissing everyone. Afterward, she called Roksna to the side and exined her job as the Sultans maid. Some of which includes making sure the Sultans meal was ready at the right time. The food also had to be perfectly made the way the sultan likes his meals and they have to be hot as he hates cold meals. Roksna also had to taste the meals and make sure there was no mistake about it. Then she had to remain with the Sultan until he was done eating, then clear the table. Roksna felt like crying as the woman went on and on. The only good thing about being his maid was the fact that she got exempted from any kitchen duty. All she had to do was make sure the Sultan was satisfied. In other words, she was now an assistant kitchen head. The kitchen head called everyone together. From today, Sofiat will no longer be the kitchen head assistant but Roksna. You must all listen to her. Is that clear? Yes, Chef. Everyone chorused. So that woman was the assistant? No wonder she was so proud and arrogant. At least, one good thing came out of her being in charge of the Sultans meal. The wicked woman would no longer be able to control her anymore. How nice would it be if the woman could get a dose of her own medicine? Roksna walked up to the woman and with a wicked smile, shemanded her. Sofiat, pick up all the chicken pieces. Get three new chickens and get them ready for dinner. And remember dinner is just one hour away. If the chickens arent ready, there will be no dinner for you. The woman stared at Roksna like she was crazy. Roksna refused to let her gaze wavered as she stared back. After about five minutes, Sofiat looked at the chicken pieces lying around helter-skelter and looked back at Roksna to see if she was serious. Roksna merely cocked her brows at the woman. She watched as Sofiat bent over, picking up the pieces. When she was done, Roksna turned away from her to get the Sultans dinner ready. Jamal got to his house feeling happy with himself. He was sure that once Roksna found out how huge of a favor he had done for her, she would bring his mealter with a smile on her face. Jamal was sure that she would give herself to him out of gratitude. Thinking that she needed to meet him at his best, he rushed to the bathroom to take his bath. Roksna smiled as she and some maids took the Sultans meal over to him. He likes his meal perfectly, right? Roksna couldnt wait to see the look on his face for the perfect meal she had prepared for him. They walked into the house and set up the table. Roksna dismissed the maids when they were done and waited for the Sultan on her own. She saw himing down about twenty minutester, his hair dripping wet and Roksna realized that he had just taken his bath. She gulped as he ran the towel in his hand over his bare chest and averted her eyes. Even when his footsteps got closer to her, she still didnt look at him. Jamal smiled as he watched Roksna trying hard not to look at him. He put his face close to hers and spoke.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Are you so scared your emotions will betray you if you look at me? Roksna felt his breath fanning her neck while he spoke and she felt something wet soaked up her underwear. She turned to reply at him and seeing how close he was to her, she staggered back. A strong pair of arms fastened itself on her waist and held her still, preventing her from falling. Roksna heard Jamal chuckle as he helped her stand firm. She turned away from Jamal and refused to thank him for his help since he had been responsible for the fall in the first ce. Jamal watched Roksnas stubborn stance for a minute, thinking about the inner battle she must be fighting with herself. He watched as she fingered the pendant on her neck unconsciously. Unable to watch her go on anymore, Jamal tapped her lightly by the arm. When she looked at him, he kissed her lightly on the lips, swallowing her shocked gasp. He sat down by the chair and opened his meals, savoring the delicious smell that filled the air. Jamal picked up the spoon and ate a spoonful of rice. He picked up his ss of water and forced the rice down his throat with it. He turned to nce at Roksna who was trying really hard not tough out loud and immediately knew she was responsible for the saltiness of the food. He almost smiled at her act of childishness. So, she wanted to kill him now by over-salting his meal? He knew just what to do. Have you eaten? Jamal asked her. No. Ill eat when I get back to the kitchen, Roksna answered. She looked at him and bit her tongue for the response she gave and the implications of her words. The action aroused Jamal and he almost didnt want to punish her anymore. But he knew that if he didnt, he would continue getting such meals from her. Tasting the varieties of food before him, Jamal set the salty rice, the sandy chickens, the uncooked beef, and the hot peppered soup in front of her. Sit down and eat them. Make sure theres not a single bite remaining or I might force you to eat them myself, Jamal told her. Roksna cursed under her breath as she sat down. If it werent for her running mouth, she wouldnt be in this mess. Why had she even thought of exerting revenge this way, knowing that the Sultan could easily turn the table on her? And she knew that she couldnt refuse the man unless she was ready to suffer twice as much pain. As she picked up the spoon, she prayed the rice wasnt too salty and the pepper she had put in the soup wasnt much. She felt her eyes water as she chewed the first spoon of rice in her mouth. Swallow it, Dawn. The Sultanmanded. Jamal watched as Roksna forced the food down and smiled to himself. He picked up his spoon and began to eat what good food was left on the table. As he ate, he realized that she was the first woman he ever had a meal with. First on the boat and now in his house. He felt a sense of happiness in his heart. After watching her take the fifth bite, he decided to pity her. Knowing that he cant just ask her to stop eating, he dropped his spoon and stood up from his seat. I have something important to do. Leave as soon as you are done eating, Jamal told her. He walked away from the table up the stairs to his room. Roksna dropped the spoon as soon as Jamal disappeared, picking up the ss of water and drinking enough quantity to wash the saltiness in her mouth. She waited for five more minutes to see if he would be back. She packed up the meals when he didnt reappear and ran out of his house. Jamal chuckled as he watched Roksna rush out of his house, carrying a tray containing the bad meals with her. What am I supposed to do with her? He asked himself, still smiling. Aroused Jamal fingered his clean-shaven mustache and regretted letting Roksna get away from him. After all, he had gone through all the trouble because of her. How did she fail to see his handsome look? He wondered as he looked into the vanity resting on a table beside his bed, smiling. She probably hadnt noticed because she was busy trying to swallow the salty rice she had brought for him, Jamal thought smiling. He wondered if he had been too hard on her earlier, but he shook his head against it, reminding himself that he could have been crueler than that. His whole thought was already centered on her and he wondered if he would be able to get any sleep at all. Jamals body screamed at the feelings he was arousing in them. Roksna got back to the kitchen and hurriedly dropped the food into the waste bin, not wanting the kitchen head to see her. She told two maids to go and get the remaining food trays from the Sultans house but was surprised when they returned empty-handed. It turns out that the guards had turned them away from the house with the words that only Roksna was permitted to get into the house without any restrictions. She walked back to the house with the maids, not believing them. She was even more stunned when the guards let them in instantly when they saw her. Perhaps, it was because she was the Sultans kitchen maid, so he already gave them the order to let her in anytime she came because of his meals. Roksna watched as the other maids each picked up a tray and she picked thest one. As they turned to leave, Jamals voice stopped them. What are you doing here? He asked. Roksna looked up, startled. She hadnt expected to see the man again this night, yet, he stood by the stairways still shirtless. She watched as the two maids stared at the Sultans shirtless chest mesmerized and rolled her eyes. What are you two looking at? Jamal shouted at the two maids, who fell out of their trance and bowed immediately. Roksna looked at Jamal and saw him looking at her tantly. She tried to look away, but couldnt bring herself to. She saw that he had shaved his beards and mustaches away and acknowledged to herself that he looked younger without all the hair. His chest however was filled with dark hair and Roksna barely saw the two nipples peeking out from their corners. Roksna realized that she had been staring at his chest for a little too long and lifted her eyes. Jamals blue eyes stared back at her as if daring her to look away and she gulped. Jamal stared at the woman standing by his dining table, looking as if his thoughts hadpelled her toe to him. He felt aroused watching Roksna looking at his gone beard. He got even more doubly aroused when her gaze fell on his chest and remained there. He felt the tiny nipples rising along with the erratic heartbeats of his heart. When her eyes finally found their way back to his, he couldnt bring himself to look away. The two of you, get lost, Jamalmanded the maids without taking his eyes away from Roksna.From N?velDrama.Org. Roksna heard footsteps sounding somewhere in the room but didnt look. A few secondster, everywhere became silent. She watched as Jamal made his way down the stairs to where she was without taking his eyes away from her. She felt something like a butterfly unting in her stomach as he stood in front of her. Suddenly feeling shy of him, she looked down. She realized the error of her judgment as his arousal made itself visible in the trouser he wore. Roksna looked up, bewildered. Jamal almostughed at the way Roksnas eyes grew wide when she looked down, knowing that she must have seen his penis bulging out of his trouser. He watched as her eyes dted and were even more aroused by the look. Knowing that he had made her feel aroused for him made him feel like a man. Jamal moved closer to her and she moved back until she got stopped by the dining table just a few centimeters behind her. Jamal ced each of his hands on either side of her, trapping her in his arm. Why do you keep running from me, Dawn? Jamal asked, his voice a low octave. I want more As she opened her mouth to reply to him, Jamal kissed her lightly on the lips. He felt a little resistance from her and smiled I wont hurt you, I promise. I wont do anything you dont like. He told her, still kissing her lightly amidst the words. It should be good since he had promised not to go beyond what she wanted, Roksna thought. She was tired of fighting with her body every time she was near the man. For once, she wanted to know what she was feeling. She wanted to be able to define exactly what she was always feeling for the man. She wanted to know why she was always having the feeling only when she was with the Sultan. As Jamal kissed her lips again, she opened up to him. Jamal rxed instantly when Roksnas mouth opened up for him. He had been so worried that she might still turn him down despite the arousal he was sure she felt for him. He took her mouth in his and took turns to suck on each lip. Releasing his hands from the table, he held her small back drawing her closer to himself. Jamal let go of her lips and trailed his lips on her neck, sucking on a spot softly. The action got a moan out of Roksna and he swirled his tongues around the spot he had been sucking. Jamal moved his tongue down to her chest but was disturbed by her hijab. He took off the hijab and her hair fell in massive arrays. Roksna moaned for what she felt were the millioned time. She watched as Jamal threaded his hands through her hair before kissing her swollen lips. She wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him back, savoring the taste of his lips. Her underwear was soaked wet and she felt like the kissing werent enough to satisfy her anymore. Taking her lips away, she told him what she was feeling. I want more. She told Jamal. Jamal did not need any more encouragement than the words Roksna had just spoken. He undid the buttons of her gown and watched as the dress slipped down her body to the floor, leaving her only in her undergarments. Heid her down on the table as carefully as he could and waited to see if she would change her mind. When she didnt say anything, Jamal loosened the ropes holding the undergarments together revealing her breasts. Unable to hold on anymore, Jamal rested his chest on hers and moaned at the contact. He felt Roksna wrapping her arms around his back and kissed her. He removed his trouser and positioned his penis at her core, noting that the only obstacle stopping him from prating her was her underwear. He began to move, making sure their chest collided. Roksnas body grew wilder than it already was as she felt something hitting her under, right where she needed it the most. She moaned loudly, not caring who heard her voice. She moved her hands resting behind him up and down his back and that seemed to make him go faster. Roksna felt something building up in her and she writhed under Jamal, desperate for a release. A loud moan escaped from her mouth before she could stop it. And then, she felt something busted in her as she began to convulse against Jamal. Jamal felt Roksna convulsing under him and longed for a release too. He gave a long thrust against her and gave in to the feeling that came over him, moaning loudly as he felt himself released too. Not willing to let go of her just yet, Jamal remained the way he was. He felt happy when he noticed that Roksna didnt attempt to push him away either. He kissed her forehead lightly, then kissed her lips too before raising his head to stare at her. Her eyes were closed and there was a smile on her face. Perhaps I should have disvirgined her. Jamal thought to himself.From N?velDrama.Org. Blue looks beautiful on you, Jamal told her, ying with her hair. Roksna opened her eyes and looked at Jamal. The man was smiling at her. She felt so rxed and at peace with herself and him, so she returned his smile. She kept wondering if this was what she had been missing all the while she had avoided him. Roksna removed her right hand from his back and ced it on his jaw, fingering the spot. You shaved. She told him. Yes. But if you dont like it, I wont cut it again when it grows, Jamal told her. Roksna lifted herself and kissed his jaw. I like it. She told him. Jamal looked at the woman in his arms and thought how wonderful it would be to always wake up to her like this every day. Now would be a better time to talk about making her his mistress once again. As he opened his mouth to talk, a knock sounded on the door loudly. Roksna tried to scramble out of his arms but he held her still. Guilty What? Jamal yelled. Sultan, the janissaries sent words that theyve thought about a solution. A mans voice answered. How had he forgotten about the threat to his sultanate? He should be looking for a solution to his predicament right now. He felt Roksna push at him and he let go of her. Sultan? The man called again. He had to finish his talks with her though. Im busy. Get lost, Jamal yelled at the man. He turned to look at Roksna and saw that she had dressed up and was trying to escape from the room without his notice. He held her firmly by the hand, preventing her from leaving. He watched as Roksna looked down, feeling shy of him. Her sudden scream threw Jamal off bnce and he looked at her, he saw her staring at his manhood with round eyes and realized that it must have been her first time seeing a penis. Not wanting to frighten her, Jamal let go of her, looked around for his trouser, and promptly put it on. The loud click of the door alerted him that Roksna had run away while he dressed up. Jamal ran to the door, but couldnt find her. He turned back to the guards standing like statues by the door. Where is she? He asked them. She ran off, Sultan. One of them replied to him. And you didnt stop her? Ipetent fools, Jamal said to them. He watched as the two of them knelt instantly, but ignored them. His first thought was to run after her. Deciding against that, he went into the house and banged the door close. He needed to think about his next moves. He also needed to think about how to get hisnd out of a possible war. He also needed to check on Lady Miriam. Jamal sat down perplexed. How had he forgotten about Lady Miriam? Even though it was only her monthly time, she had seemed like she was in a lot of pain. Jamal wondered if Roksna usually felt such pains too during her monthly time. He shook his head as he realized that he was thinking about her again. Roksna ran all the way back to the kitchen, looking back to make sure the Sultan wasnt after her. Every time she stood still, the image of the Sultans manhood appeared in front of her. True, the women from her tribe had told her about the male body but she hadnt been prepared for the seeing. Besides, they hadnt warned her that it was that big and long. If anything, Roksna had imagined it as a tiny something just put into a womans body to make children by the way they exined. But what she saw a few minutes ago was not tiny. She screamed as a hand sped itself on her arm. The person drew her into their embrace and she rxed as she felt the familiar scent of Asleem. Roksna freed herself from his embrace gently when Asleem didnt let go of her after about five minutes. She shifted from one foot to the other as she felt Asleem scrutinizing her. As he tried to hold her hand, Roksna moved out of his reach. Running away from me now? Dont forget we were supposed to be married, Asleem told her. Roksna looked at him and saw anger shed in his eyes. She wondered if he was angry with her over something before. She thought hard about it but couldnt remember doing something wrong to him. She looked at him again and saw that the anger still shone in his eyes. She felt afraid of him at that moment and stepped back a bit away from him before replying to him. But Abu didnt officially announce our marriage before he Roksna stopped, unable to finish the sentence. Guilt flooded her. How could she have gotten intimate with the man who had killed her family? How could she have let him touch her a few minutes ago with the same hands he had killed her family with? The same hands he had destroyed her sultanate with. How could she have moaned for his touch with the same mouth she has mourned her family with? How could she have forgotten about her revenge for her family? How had she forgotten about the blood of her people which flowed like a river because of him? How could she have forgotten about the suffering of her people because of this same man? How could she have thought for a minute that she and the Sultan might have something meaningful together? She thought as tears ran down her cheeks. Thats right, mydy. That man killed your family. How could you get involved with him? And dont forget that we might still get married when we get back to our sultanate, Asleem said. Roksna let Asleem y on her guilt until she became filled with hatred for the Sultan, reminding her of the cruel man who had made them suffer and brought them here as ves.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. When she was done weeping, Asleem gave her an item of tied clothing he had held on to since he came. Roksna opened it to find a pair of neatly folded ck tops and trousers lying in the bag. A ck cap rested on the clothing. Besides the cap was a small sword. This was it. This was the perfect mor g she needed to get in and out of the Sultans house without being spotted. She fingered the dress with sadness in her heart. Do you need me toe with you? Asleem asked. No. I have to do this on my own. She told him. When you are done,e to the dock. Everyone will be ready and waiting for you there. If in three hours you arent there, Ill assume that youve been caught ande back for you, Asleem told her. Roksna nodded her head to acknowledge his words, before walking away. She wondered how Asleem had known that she had been with the Sultan without her mentioning it? Was he having her followed? And what had he meant when he said they might get married? She pondered about it, but couldnt get an answer. When she got into the room, she saw that everyone was already fast asleep, except for Sofiat who was weeping softly. Roksna dropped her luggage on her pallet and walked over to the other woman. The woman looked at Roksna standing, then she looked away and resumed her crying. Roksnas first thought was to leave, after all, she had her own battles to fight and the woman had been nothing but rude and cruel to her ever since she arrived. But she found that she couldnt leave the woman alone, so she sat opposite Sofiat and held her hands. What happened? Roksna asked gently. He acted as if he couldnt recognize me. I know we werent supposed to make contact in public but he has never acted so cold towards me before. The woman exined. Who? Roksna asked. Sodeeq. The woman said, wailing loudly. Sodeeq? What was the rtionship between the two? And why couldnt they acknowledge each other outside? Roksna couldnt understand what the woman was saying, but she felt her pain, so she patted her hands lightly. Sofiat calmed down after a while and smiled shyly at Roksna. Im sorry about that. She told Roksna. Its okay, Roksna told her, patting her hands. They talked for a little while longer before they both went to their separate beds, at each end of the room. When Roksna was sure that Sofiat was fast asleep, she got up and changed into her new outfit. She bonded her hair into a ponytail before covering it with the ck cap. As she picked up the small sword, she looked around to make sure none of the people sleeping had woken up and watched her. When she was sure that no one was watching her, she opened the window and climbed down from it. Ambush Lady Miriam turned to look at the man d in ck who flew into her room through the window. She watched as he sat at the edge of her bed, refusing to talk to her. She managed to sit up and rested her head on his arm. The man shrugged away from her. Miriam knew that he was angry at her and it was all the Sultans fault. She moved closer to him again, wrapping her arms around his waist this time. How could you be so careless? You knew how important that pregnancy was in the n. The man spoke, anger reflected in his voice. Lady Miriam exined to him how the sultan hade to her in the middle of the night drunk and how she had thought it was a good opportunity to make him the owner of the pregnancy. She exined how the Sultan had kicked her to the floor in the stomach and how she couldnt scream for help, knowing that she wasnt supposed to be pregnant. How she hadnt gotten help until the morning and how she came to know that she had lost the pregnancy. You could havee to me that night. The man said. I didnt want to risk being discovered, Lady Miriam told her. Ill make sure I kill him tonight. The man said getting up. Before Lady Miriam could say anything else, the man was out of the room disappearing the same way he came. She wished he would stay with her for a while, but it was useless. The man was as cold as the Sultan, if not colder. The only time he was warm to her was whenever she did something right or whenever they were having sex. She med the Sultan for making her bed empty that night. If she hadnt lost the pregnancy because of him, then her lover wouldnt be angry with her. And the Sultan hadnt even bothered to check up on her. True, she had lied to him about the reason for her ailment, but he should have at least shown some care for her as his mistress. If he died tonight, then she would be happy. That means she can be with whoever she wants freely. She prayed for the safety of her man to Ah before shey down on the bed again. Roksna tiptoed to the windows by the side of the room as carefully as she could. Praying that she was right about the window she was about to open, she heaved a sigh of relief when the window didnt creak. Peeping into the room, she saw that it was clear of any presence. Looking around to be sure that no guards wereing, she jumped into the house. She walked up the stairs, pausing every time she thought she heard a sound. Roksna made it up the stairs and walked to the room she was sure belonged to the Sultan. Jamal heard soft footsteps approaching his room and stilled. He wondered who had dared to approach him, a Sultan without fears. Even though the person was trying hard not to make any sound, he failed in this aspect. Jamal got up quickly and picked up his sword. He got back into the bed, hiding the sword under his covers, and waited for whoever had dared to approach him. If the person hade looking for death, then he was willing to give it to him. Roksna opened the door to Jamals room and saw that he was sleeping. She thought about leaving but shook her head to chase the thoughts away. She couldnt soften against the man who had killed her family. Moving silently into the room, she drew out the small sword as she got closer to the bed. As she raised the dagger to stab him, she saw Jamal open his eyes and rolled out of the bed with a sword in his hand. Jamal looked at the figure d in ck trying to kill him and realized that he recognized her, even through her disguise. Was she still trying to kill him? Despite how close they had gotten? If she was looking for someone to practice with, then he would give her that. He watched as sheunched towards him with the dagger in her hand and lifted his sword to block her move. She really wanted to kill him? He thought as he got to his feet. Roksna jabbed him at his side with her elbow before he could bnce. Jamal grabbed her arm and tried to dislodge the sword from her arm but failed. He winced as Roksna gave him a blow on his cheek and he wondered what he had done to her to make her so angry at him. Jamal decided to y with her for a while. Twisting his sword, he impeded her movement, and he saw a surprise register in her eyes. Making use of the opportunity, Jamal ced his sword on her neck. He watched as Roksna moved backward, only stopping when she got to the bed and he followed. Jamal dropped his sword from her neck when he got to her. Roksnaunched forward immediately, the dagger raised. Jamal watched as the dagger embedded itself into his upper chest in surprise. The sword he held fell with a ng to the floor and he fell to his knee holding his chestN?velDrama.Org owns ? this. “It’s you?” Roksna let go of the dagger handle. Her mouth was wide open and her hands trembled. She had expected Jamal to dodge the sword. He could have dodged it easily, so why hadnt he? Seeing him in pain hurted her beyond words. She ran to his side and helped him up. You really stabbed me, Dawn? Jamal asked her, as he sat down on the bed. He knew it was her? No wonder she had felt like he was just toying with her earlier. Why didnt you dodge the attack? Roksna asked. Because I wanted to see if you would really hurt me, Jamal said, stretching each word. A single tear slid down her face and she swiped it away. You stupid man. How was I supposed to know that you wont dodge it? Jamal watched as Roksna fawned over him, looking helpless and sorry. He decided to forgive her for attempting to kill him. Go away, Dawn. He told her.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. No, Roksna said, holding his hands. I need to call the guards to get the physician, so they cant find you here. Go, Jamal told her, pushing her slightly towards the door. Roksna ran down to the floor of the house crying. She hurried into the bare room and climbed down the window. She ran to the side of the bush just beyond the window and waited to hear somemotion from the house to signal that the Sultan was being taken care of. It was while she was still waiting for the noise that she thought that she saw a figure moving in the dark. Roksna cleared the tears away from her eyes to be sure that she hadnt imagined it. Sure enough, a man was at the window she had just escaped from trying to get into the house. Roksna became apprehensive as the person got into the house. The man had to have an evil motive for getting into the house through the window in the middle of the night. She got out of her hiding ce and listened for rushing footsteps trooping into the house, but couldnt hear any. She got angry as she thought about how ipetent the Sultan guards were. Two strange people had broken into the room twice in a row and the guards hadnt even found out anything. Roksna wondered if the Sultan was okay and if the knife wasnt as deep as she had thought. Roksna ran to the window and jumped in as she remembered that Jamal was badly injured. No matter how much of a good fighter he was, he wouldnt be able to defend himself with the injury she had just given him. She grabbed a chair and ran up the stairs, banging the door of his room open as she got to its front. Roksna saw that the intruder was d in ck like her and he had his dagger suspended in mid-air, probably surprised by the sudden way she opened the door. The man turned to her and she saw that he was the same man who had tried to kill Jamal thest time through the mask on his face. She threw the chair in her hands at him, watching as it hit him in the arm. The impact threw the man off-bnce and the dagger fell off his hands. Roksnas eyes fell on Jamal, cursing under her breath as she saw that he was unconscious. The masked man turned to pick his dagger and Roksna rushed into the room, pushing him far away from the dagger. She picked up Jamals sword before the man could regain his bnce and shed his arm. The man removed another dagger from his pocket and rushed towards Jamal with the weapon raised. Roksna stopped the dagger from touching Jamal by cing her sword under the dagger and swiped it away from the Sultan. The masked man turned towards her and frowned at her before rushing towards her. Roksna picked up another chair from the room and threw it at the man. As the man defended himself against the chair, Roksna shed his upper chest with the sword and saw a burnt scar. Before she could ponder about the scar, the man attacked again. This time, Roksna hit him with the tilt of the sword and kicked him hard in the stomach. When the man saw that he couldnt win against her, he threw his dagger at her. Roksna moved away from the dagger, it hit the wall and stayed there. As the man flew out of the window, Roksna withdrew the dagger from the wall and threw it at him. She heard the man grunt a bit, a soft thud sounding from outside. Roksna waited for a minute more, listening for sounds. When she didnt hear any, she moved to the window and closed it shut. She turned to look at Jamals unmoving form and fear took hold of her. Had she killed him? Didnt he say that it was only a minor injury? Had he lied to her? Dropping the sword in her hand, she rushed to Jamals side and shook him gently. When she didnt get any response, she ced her ears on his heart and calmed down as she heard faint heartbeats. She shook him again, violently this time, and she heard Jamal groan in pain. Unsure about what to do, Roksna began to cry. She didnt know if it was safer to remove the knife than leave it in him. She wondered about the supposed guards who were watching the Sultan. Havent they heard about themotion while it went on? She thought about alerting them but quickly decided against the idea. For all she knew, they might be working for the intruder and that would put the Sultan in more danger than he already was. She had to convince the Sultan to change every one of them when he was alright. But for now, his health was paramount. Roksna sat down beside the Sultan and began to cry. He was in so much pain because of her carelessness. He could have also lost his life because of her and that is if he didnt die from the wound she gave him. She held his hand and rested her head on the bed, still sobbing. Roksna felt someone standing behind her and turned. Her eyes grew round in recognition as she saw a man wearing an all-ck attire standing behind her with a sword in his hand. Its you? Roksna asked, surprised. As the man moved towards her with the sword, Roksna pushed the chest away from the table. Its loud thud as it hit the ground was thest thing Roksna heard just before the man hit her with the hilt of his sword and she fainted. She hoped the sound was loud enough to draw the guards curiosity. Get far away Jamal opened his eyes and squeezed them shut. The light in the room hurt his eyes and his head ache. He let about five minutes go by and slowly opened his eyes, this time taking in the source of the blinding light and saw it was from the window. He looked around the room and saw a kettle boiling on a makeshift cooking stove. A man with his back to Jamal bent low over the fire, fanning the me to life. He couldnt take in the light anymore. He tried cing his right hand over his eyes to calm himself and screamed at the pain he felt from the exercise. The man fanning the fire dropped the kettle he was holding back on the stove and rushed to Jamals side. He helped Jamal rest back on the bed, cing the cover over him. Jamal wondered how long he had been out as his entire body felt stiff. He touched his upper chest and winced at the pain he felt. He hadnt thought the wound Roksna gave him had been so deep by then. Jamal remembered that he had waited for a few minutes so that Roksna could get as far away from the house as she could possibly go before he alerted his guards. Thest thing he remembered was that waves of dizziness had hit him and he had fainted before he could call for help. He wondered who had found him and felt embarrassed to have been caught in such an awkward situation. If he had known that Roksna would stab him so deeply, he would have evaded the attack. She was such a fierce and stubborn woman. The only reason he wasnt that angry at her was because he had seen remorse on her face after she stabbed him. Right now though, he tapped the bed gently because he was worried about her safety. He hoped that she had gotten away from the house before the guards came in to him and he knew they would have done a perimeter check. Looking at the man who had resumed back to fanning the fire, Jamal wondered if he should ask the man directly or not. Deciding that he couldnt risk exposing Roksna or the fact that he knew who the attacker was, he chose an indirect question. Was anyone caught? He asked the man. No, Sultan. But, weapons were found. The royal physician answered, pouring the content of the kettle into a bowl. Weapons? Had she brought more than one weapon just to kill him? But when did she drop them that he hadnt seen her? Perhaps, his memory was fuzzy since he had just woken up or perhaps, it was because he was hungry. The physician moved to his side and helped him up gently before giving him the herbal tea he had been cooking. Jamal collected it, wrinkled his nose, and gulped the content down. He hated herbal medicines from when he was a child and only drank them when he had no choice. He watched as the physician collected the bowl from him with a smile, returning them to the table where he picked them from. How was I found? Jamal asked. The royal physician told him about how the guards had heard a loud noise from his room and rushed over, only to find him unconscious with a dagger stuck in him. The guards had found his chest full of antique weapons on the floor and the weapons scattered about, hence the reason why they thought the simple weapons might belong to him. The guards had quickly sent for a royal physician and he had hurried over. Okay, Jamal simply said. The physician raised his brows at the Sultan. Jamal knew that the man was expecting a thank you from him. He looked at him pointedly, daring the other man to say what was on his mind. The royal physician merely smiled at him. By the way, Sultan. You need to get to your janissaries as soon as possible. I fear one of them might die if you dont. The physician told Jamal. Why would they die? Theyve only been there for a night, Jamal said scoffing. Its been three days, Sultan. The man said. Jamal got up from his sitting position and began to dress ignoring the physicians warning that he needs to take things easy. He might have been a little cruel to his janissaries, but it wasnt punishing them to the point of death. They were noble people after all, who had never faced any form of suffering their entire lives. Tell me everything that has happened, Jamal told the man as he dressed up. The royal physician started his tale from when they had first found him. He told Jamal about how he had warned all the guards not to let the words out that the sultan was injured. The physician talked about how he had reached out to only the general, who had brought in more guards and made sure that they paraded the perimeters all the time. The physician also told Jamal how he hadnt left the room once to avoid being spotted by anyone. He also exined how he had made the guards turn away the messengers that the janissaries had sent and every other person who hade in search of the Sultan each time with the words that the Sultan was busy and couldnt attend to anyone. By the time he was done, Jamal had finished dressing up and turned his attention to the man. Jamal had only seen the young man a couple of times in recent times when he followed the leader of the royal physician about. Jamal thought about his bravery in the face of an emergency and the expertise he had used in controlling the situation. Not many people Jamal knew could do that, not that he was ready to tell the young man that. But Jamal admitted within himself that he was impressed with the man. But if the physician had turned away all the people, then Roksna had no means to know if he was alright or not. That means she would be worried about him to the bone. And seeing as the security around the room had been tightened, she wouldnt have been able toe in by foul means. But then, she was his kitchen maid and she must have brought his meals for him. Or had they turned her away from doing so too? He has to confirm if she had been allowed ess toe in. What about my maid? The one who brings my meal? Did you turn her away too? Jamal asked the man. I dont know about your maid, but they did bring food for you every time. I ate them on your behalf though. The man said, smiling unapologetically. Jamal noticed that the man in front of him wasnt afraid of him in any way and he wondered why. Perhaps, it was because he was a new physician and had never spent a lot of time with him. Or because the man felt that since they were about the same age, there was no need to fear him. Or perhaps because the physician had seen Jamal in his vulnerable stage and determined that nothing he did anymore would move him. Whatever the reasons were, Jamal was grateful to have someone who didnt think of him as a monster as the rest of his kingdom did. Whats your name? Jamal asked. Aabdeen, Sultan. The man replied bowing slightly. Well, Aabdeen, lets get to the courtroom before one of the janissaries dies, Jamal said, patting the young man on his shoulder. Together, they walked out of the room to the stairs and out the door. As soon as his guards saw him, they gathered around him looking down with remorse. They all shivered in his presence and Jamal nearly smiled knowing what they were thinking of. Jamal looked around for his best friend and saw the generaling from the corner of the house. As soon as the other man saw Jamal, he rushed towards him. When general Sodeeq got to Jamal, he went down on his knees immediately. Im sorry I didnt protect you, Sultan. The general said. Jamal watched as all of his armies with him followed their leaders footsteps and all went on their knees too. We are sorry we didnt protect you, Sultan. They chorused. Jamal looked around at the armies that surrounded him and marveled that he had no desire to punish any of them. If anything, he was grateful that they had protected him froming to more harm when he couldnt protect himself. He bent down as much as his health would allow him to and patted his friend by the shoulder.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Its all good, my friend. Jamal said. The general got up and his armies did the same. Jamal instructed two of the guards to go to the kitchen and ask them to bring meals for him and his janissaries. Not that he cared if the entire janissaries starved to death. But that way, Roksna coulde over and see that he was okay. He walked to the courtroom with Sodeeq and a few guards. Aabdeen walked beside him, staring at him every few seconds probably to be sure he wasnt going to fall t on his face. When he got to the courtroom, he saw that all his janissaries were still on their knees. They all looked like life could be snuffed out of them at any moment. Jamal took his time and walked to his royal seat. He let a few seconds pass away before speaking. You all may stand up or sit down. Whichever one you want. He told them. He watched as each one of them plopped to the floor and shook his head at their gullibility. True, he had told them that they werent allowed to stand up from their positions. But, he hadnt told them that they couldnt drink water or have their meals while on punishment. He refused to feel guilty over their idiocy. Jamalmanded that water be brought for them and he watched as they drank greedily, requesting for a second pour. The kitchen head came in and asked for permission toe in with the meal. Jamal nodded his head and watched as the maids walked into the room, each of them carrying a tray of food. But he didnt see Roksna among them. He was even more surprised when another maid served him his meal. The kitchen head bowed and went out of the courtroom, her maids following her. Why hadnt Roksnae with them? Jamal wondered. Perhaps, she felt so guilty about what had happened that she thought he wouldnt want to see her. He would just have to visit her at her ceter, once he was done with the matter at hand. Lets all eat before we discuss the issue at hand, Jamal told his janissaries. None of them picked up the spoon. They all stared at the Sultan and Jamal understood what they were thinking about. He picked up the spoon beside his meal and filled it with soup which he drank. He watched as the janissaries picked up their spoons and began to eat hungrily. Jamal looked at Aabdeen and began to point at each food before him. The physician nodded his head at some and shook his head at the others. Jamal understood that he was to stay clear of those the physician shook his head at and he set them apart, devouring the rest of the meal. Jamal waited for about ten minutes after they were done eating before he spoke. What was the solution you all came up with? He asked his ministers. The information minister stood up and bowed. Sultan, we thought it would be best if we eliminate the princess. That way, the threat to you and the sultanate would bepletely erased. The man said. How dare you? Jamal screamed at them, standing up and banging his hands on the arm of his seat. The janissaries all fell to their knees. Pains took hold of him and he sat down back, holding his upper chest. Aabdeen ran to his side and signaled for him to calm down. Jamal waited until he was out of pain. And Roksna thought he was cruel? These people were crueler than he ever could be. No matter how cruel he was, he would never kill women, children, or even innocent people. How had they ended up as his janissaries in the first ce? It was because they were born into the role, just as Jamal was born to take over the rulership of thend. But at least, he was trying his best to fulfill that role, unlike the people who called themselves his ministers. Was it toote to erase thew of being born as a janissary rule? Jamal stood up and walked to their midst, stopping in front of each person before moving to the next. When he was done, he strolled to the center and stayed there. Which one of you came up with the idea? He asked them. None of them replied. He repeated the question twice and still didnt get an answer. They were getting on his nerves and he felt anger building up in him. General Sodeeq, Jamal called. The general rushed to him, bowing slightly. I want you to take some soldiers with you and go to each janissarys home. Get a daughter from each house and kill them all, Jamalmanded the general. Gasps and shouts filled the room. Even Aabdeen and general Sodeeq expressed their surprise. His janissaries began to plead for mercy for their daughters lives with loud wails and Jamal realized just how greedy they all were. None of them wanted to lose a child, yet, they had opened their mouths to advise that another mans daughter be killed. He wasnt going to kill the poor women but the janissaries didnt need to know about that. This should serve as a lesson to them. Are you ready to tell me who came up with such a suggestion? He asked. It was the finance minister, Sultan. One of them spoke up. The finance minister? Jamal knew that the man was wicked, but he didnt know that he was that cruel. General, get Lady Miriam here and kill her with immediate effect. The finance minister shouted. Everyone began to plead on his behalf. Jamal ignored them and walked back to his seat. The general rushed to him and went on his knee. Sultan, Lady Miriam is your favorite concubine. If you kill her, you might regret itter. He told Jamal. Jamal scoffed at the man before replying. Are you disobeying my order? He asked. No, Sultan. I just thought The general tried to exin, but Jamal cut him off. I would only spare her life if you alle up with an eptable solution. Murmurs went up the roof. The janissaries put their heads together in groups of two or three and began to talk. The finance minister didnt do anything except wailing and pleading to the Sultan. You can ask the princess toe over here and let her see if she could cope with living in thend, Aabdeen spoke softly, almost as if he was afraid of being heard. Jamal looked at the physician in amazement. That was twice in a short period that the man had shown his intelligence. Jamal wondered why the young physician had chosen to be a mere physician instead of contending for a post among the janissaries. If it were up to Jamal, he would make the man a janissary right away. He needed someone like him who wasnt hungry and greedy for power. Perhaps, it wasnt toote to change some rules. Thats a brilliant idea. Jamal acknowledged and Aabdeen bowed his head a bit. Who has an objection? He asked his janissaries and watched as each of them shook their heads. Good. But that only solves the problem of marriage. We still need to think about the possibility of being attacked. He told them. We could wage war against the sultanate first. I heard that the Sultan was a weak old man, Sodeeq said. The old man is dead. His young son is the new Sultan, Aabdeen spoke again, this time a little louder. The physician proceeded to tell them about the new Sultan of the Jedi sultanate. How the man cares about hisnd and tries as much as possible to avoid conflicts and wars with the other sultanates. How the man was trying his best to ensure that everything was fine with his sultanate. The physician also advised Jamal on how he could win over the heart of the new Sultan to ensure peace rather than fighting against them. When he was done, Jamal sighed. He wanted to avoid war with the neighboring sultanate as much as he could. After his fight with Roksna, Jamal had promised himself that he wouldnt take to war anymore unless it was absolutely necessary. He had realized that his problem with Roksna had stemmed from the war he had waged against hernd. In his opinion, the war did more harm than good. And he was d to see that someone shared his view. Feeling weak already, Jamal appointed the general and two other janissaries to take his offer to the Sultan of Jedi. He also gave them a stern warning that they shouldnt bother abouting back if anything happened to the princess. He didnt want to see even as much as a scratch on her body. He instructed two others to prepare a room for her in his harem. When he was done giving instructions, he walked out of the courtroom with Aabdeen following him closely. He had left the general behind to make ns for the task he had entrusted them with. Even though Jamal was feeling tired, he walked to the kitchen. He couldnt wait to see Roksna and tell her that he was okay and in pain. Perhaps she would pity him and not bring him salty meals anymore. When he walked into the kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread filled his nostrils. He looked about and saw the maids busy with their work, but he couldnt spot the woman he was here to see. Perhaps, she was in the other room working. One of the maids looked up, saw him standing, and bowed her head immediately. Sultan. She shouted, announcing his presence. Jamal watched as everyone in the room left what they were doing and bowed before him. Aabdeen brought a chair over to him and he sat. As he looked around, he still couldnt spot Roksna among the many faces. He wondered where she had gone and tapped his hand on hisp impatiently. He saw the kitchen head along with two other women and the little girl he had saved back then walked into the kitchen, still there was no sign of Roksna. Jamal recognized one of the women as a friend of Roksna who had helped her wipe her face the other day he was here. As soon as they saw him, they all bowed before him. Where is my maid? Jamal asked the kitchen head. Jamal watched as the woman shivered over the question and a sense of foreboding took hold of him. He turned to Roksnas friend and asked her. Where is your friend? Shes been missing since three days ago, Sultan. The woman replied to him. Missing? What do you mean by missing? Jamal asked, not believing his ears. We havent seen her since three days ago. She replied again. Jamal became afraid. If she had been missing for three days, that means that she had gone missing after that night they had had their fight. Had she been caught in danger? What had happened to her? Why didnt you report this to me? Jamal asked the kitchen head. Shes just a maid, Sultan. And youve never concerned yourself about the affairs of the kitchen. The woman answered. She is not just any maid. She is my kitchen maid, responsible for my meals. Jamal said. Sorry about that, Sultan. The kitchen head replied. Jamal wondered where she was and how she was faring. He wondered if she was okay right now. Somebody had better start exining what happened right now, Jamal screamed at them. Then held his chest as he felt the pain. The other woman with them spoke up, exining how she and Roksna had stayed up untilte at night talking about a problem she had. She exined how she had woken up in the morning to thank Roksna but had seen only her dress on her pallet. Thinking that she had gone to take her bath, the other woman had gone about her daily duty. It wasnt until when they needed her to get the Sultans meal that they realized that she was gone. They had looked for her ever since but they couldnt find her. Jamal frowned his face when the woman was done. If she had been found missing the morning after she had injured him, that means she hadnt been back to the kitchen at all after the fight. And Aabdeen had told him that they hadnt caught anyone. So, where could she be? Three days was a long time to be gone from the house. Or was she afraid that he would punish her for what she had done? He looked at the kitchen head in front of him and thought it was her fault. If she had ensured that the people under her were all okay, she would have noticed that Roksna was missing. Look at me. Hemanded the woman and the woman looked at him. If she is not back to this kitchen in three days, be prepared to lose your head. He told her and stood up. Jamal ignored the cry of the woman and walked away from them. When he got to the corner of the house and was sure that no one was around, he rested his head on the wall and took a deep breath. Jamal felt tired and shook his head to chase away the dizziness he felt. Aabdeen walked over to him and held his arm to support him. Jamal turned to look at the man and saw concern reflecting in his eyes. Together, they walked back to the house, stopping every few minutes to allow Jamal to rest. When they got home, the physician helped him rx on the bed. He checked the site of the injury and heaved a sigh of relief when he was done. The man applied a new medicine to the wound and bandaged it again. He picked up the kettle and poured the Sultan some medicine, which he took and drank at once. All the while, he wondered what had happened to Roksna. The woman was stubborn and strong-willed, only doing as she wished. But Jamal knew that running away from him was not one of them. Unless that had been her ns from the onset. To kill him and escape from the sultanate when everyone would be busy mourning his death. Jamal got up from the bed with speed. He was about to walk away when Aabdeens hand rested on his shoulder to stop him. Jamal shrugged the hand away before turning to face the man. I need to find her. He told the physician. You cant go out to look for her yourself. You are the Sultan of this Sultanate. You would only end up putting her in danger, Aabdeen told him. Jamal acknowledged that he was right about that and went back to his bed wondering about what he could do. He wasnt ready to lose her just yet. Ill take two guards with me and look for her secretly. The other man offered. Jamal nodded his head, feeling grateful to the man. He wondered what he would have done without him. I need you to ask the soldiers if any ship had left the dock recently, Jamal told the other man. He swears by Ah that if she had left thend, he would find her wherever she was and bring her back. But what if that was her n? What if she was still in the sultanate hoping that he would think that she had left and given a goose chase? Only for her to leave wherever she was hiding and follow a ship out of thend? This was Roksna and he wouldnt put anything past her. Tell the soldiers that I said no ship should be allowed to leave the sultanate without my permission, Jamal told Aabdeen. Yes, Sultan. The physician answered. As the man turned to leave, Jamal stopped him. He brought out a seal and gave it to him. Show them that and they will obey the order, Jamal told the man. He watched as the man left and sighed. What he didnt tell the physician was that the seal he had just given to him was the royal seal. Every member of the janissaries each had their own ording to the position they each held. He had just handed the seal of special advisor to the Sultan to the physician. And even though he had only given it to the man for temporary use, Jamal was thinking about making it permanent. He had originally wanted to hand it over to the general as soon as he could find somebody else who was capable of handling the generals present position. But Jamal liked the physician in the little time they had spent together and wouldnt mind having such a man close to him. He felt the waves of dizziness hit him again, unable to fight it off, he sumbed. Still angry, my lady? Roksna looked around at the room she was kept in since three days ago, void of any furniture. She med herself for being in this predicament. If she hadnt trusted her kidnapper, she wouldnt be in this mess. The only thing sheforted herself with was the fact that she had no way to know what was running in another persons mind. And given the circumstances she had been in, she had had no choice but to trust. She looked up as she heard footsteps approaching. When she saw that it was her kidnapper, she looked away. Still angry, mydy? The man asked. Roksna refused to answer him. He had lied to her after all. She had woken up in this shabby room instead of a ship as he had promised. He had tied her up when she had tried to run away. And then, he had refused to answer any of her questions. Forget about the questions, the man had barely checked on her. The only thing he had done in her favor was made sure her meals arrived at the right time. Roksna gasped as he turned her face to himself rudely. She was about to protest about the rude behavior when he sped his mouth on her. Roksna struggled against him but couldnt do much because of her position. Putting all her strength in her hands, she pushed at his shoulder. Roksna watched as he let go of her and winced in pain, then stood up. His kiss irritated her, and she swiped her arm over her mouth to erase his taste. Ill advise you to clean out whatever you feel for that man because we are going to get married very soon. He said. Roksna looked at Asleem in the face before replying. That would never happen between us. Asleem chuckled before he went out. When he was gone, Roksna bit on her lower lips in worry. She swiped at the lips angrily when she still tasted him. She wondered if the sultan was okay now. What was he thinking about her? Probably that she had purposely injured him just so that she could escape. Or he could be thinking of ways to punish her for trying to kill him. And that was if he bothered to think about her or even if he was alive. Given the way she had found him unconscious the other day, Roksna knew that the wound was a deep one. Her only prayer was that someone had heard the noise of the chest when it fell and investigated the source.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Still, she had to think of ways to get out of her predicament. Twisting her hand over and trying to undo the knots proved abortive and she stopped. She was still thinking about other ways to free herself when her mind went back to Asleem and she froze. He had winced when she pushed his shoulder earlier and Roksna remembered that she had given the intruder a cut at the shoulder. Was Asleem the assassin? Little wonder she had always felt that the assassin looked familiar every time she saw him. Why hadnt she thought about it? The intruder and Asleem both had the same height and the same body build. But, why was he so desperate to kill the Sultan? Granted, the Sultan had invaded their sultanate and made them suffer. But Roksna felt that the hatred Asleem felt for Jamal was deeper than just seeking revenge. He had even chosen to collude with Lady Miriam to bring the Sultan down. She wondered what exactly Jamal had done to Asleem. If only she knew that he was plotting the Sultans death, she wouldnt have fallen into his trap. And for all she knew, he could be thinking of ways to kill the Sultan if her knife wound hadnt killed him. If he thinks even for a moment that she knew his secret, he might kill her too. She has to keep pretending like she knows nothing and thinks about ways to get out of his clutches. Sneaking around Aabdeen stared at the royal seal he was holding in his hand, twisting it around. With this single seal in his hand, he was the most powerful man in the sultanate aside from the Sultan. He could control anyone however he wants and they would obey, regardless of their positions. He knew that the Sultan only gave it to him because he thought that Aabdeen didnt know what it was meant for. Or it could be because Sultan Jamal needed to find that maid. Who was the maid anyway and while had the Sultan been so worried about her? Perhaps, if he finds out, he could make use of the opportunity in a way that would suit his sultanate. Aabdeen couldnt believe the luck that had shined on him while he was sneaking around. He had run across a guard who had been running around and Aabdeen had demanded to know about what was going on, seizing the opportunity when the man had told him that their sultan was badly injured. He couldnt believe that he had nearly blown up his cover when he had spoken up at the courthouse meeting, but he wasnt about to just stand there and watch as they talked about killing his only sister. All he wanted was just a safe ce for her to stay until he was sure the threat to his sultanate was gone. And to do that, he had to kill Sultan Jamal. But for now, he would simply observe theirnd and find out their weaknesses. Aabdeen flung the seal up and caught it back in his hand as he walked to the seaport. He met the leader and showed him the seal before rying the Sultans order to the man. When he was sure that the order would be obeyed, he walked to the barracks and picked three men from the soldiers. Together, they searched for the maid all through the sultanate for three days with no result. He made sure to report back to the Sultan each night and also take care of the mans injury. And each night, the man would be excited to see him, then he turns sad when Aabdeen tells him he hasnt found the maid yet. Where was she anyway? Roksna watched as Asleem brought a meal over to her. It was already nighttime and she felt tired from trying hard to free herself all day. Asleem bent down to her height when he got over to her, setting down the tray of food containing bread, milk, and butter. A spoon and knifey beside the tes. She watched as he stared at her lips, a smile decorating his face. Roksna wished that she could wipe the smile out of his face with a punch or a sword to his neck. When she realized that Asleem wasnt ready to move from his crouching position, she stared at him right in the eyes without blinking. You are a stubborn woman, Roksna, Asleem said after a while. Roksna refused to give him an answer. Instead, she turned her face around staring at the emptiness of the room. Dont you want to know if the Sultan is dead? Asleem asked. Roksna turned her head sharply back to him. Asleemughed at the enthusiasm she disyed, but she didnt care. She had been worried about the Sultan and just wanted to know if he had survived or not. Asleem got up and turned away from her. He was already halfway through the room when Roksna stopped him. She had to know the truth about Asleem and the Sultan. Tell me something, Asleem. Was I just a pawn you used to destroy the Sultan? She asked him. Think whatever you want to. I dont owe you an exnation, Asleem answered before going out. Roksna pushed the food he had brought away with her legs, watching as it sttered around in bits. She didnt want to eat the food the man who betrayed her had brought. Pushing at the rope holding her hands together again, she nearly cried at the pain she felt from the action. She had to figure out a way to get out of the ce If she wanted to live. I have to think of a Roksna stopped short as her eyes fell on the knife lying a few miles away from here. Crawling to the knife on her backside, Roksna picked up the object, praying that no one would notice its absence. She crawled back to her sitting position and hid it in her boot, covering it with her trouser. When she heard a movementing towards her about five minutester, sheid down on her side and pretended to be asleep. She watched with one eye open as a man came in, shook his head at the mess she had made, and gathered up the tes. The soft sound of the door closely told her that the man had believed that she was asleep. Roksna was about to get back up when voices outside the room stopped her. Shes already fast asleep. A man said. Roksna guessed it was the man who had just left the room she was in. But, who was he talking to? You say hes looking for her? A voice Roksna identified as Asleems spoke. Yes, general. Another man whose voice she didnt recognize answered. What about him? Asleem asked the man. He is leaving in two days. The other man answered. Alright. Gather everyone around now. She heard Asleemmand.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. Yes, general. The two men replied. And then, everywhere became silent. Roksna waited for another ten minutes and got up when no one else came in, wondering what and who Asleem talked about. Was it possible that the Sultan was looking for her? Roksna had thought it was impossible for the Sultan to even realize that she was missing, but now, she wondered if she was wrong with the assumption. What if he had noticed her absence? She was his kitchen maid after all. Without wasting time, she managed to bring the knife with her tied hands. But, she quickly found out that getting the knife to cut through the rope with her hands was impossible. She focused on freeing her legs first, cutting through the rope bit by bit, heaving a sigh of relief when it fell offpletely. She ced the knife in between her calf, making the sharp edge face upwards. Roksna positioned her hands on either side of the knife, making sure that the rope was ced correctly on the knife, and began to move her hands up and down the knife, cutting through the rope. She was halfway through when she thought that she had footsteps and froze. She listened for more footsteps to sound but nothing happened. She began to cut through the rope as fast as she could, nicking herself in the process. Roksna smiled as the rope fell off her hands about five minutester. She got up and winced at the slight pain she felt from not stretching her legs for so long. When she felt steady, she moved to the door and listened for a minute. When no sound came from the other end, she opened the door and began to tiptoe around. She saw that the house had only two rooms, one of it was the room she had been held in, the other which she was currently looking at looked like where Asleem and his aplices were staying to keep an eye on her. Not bothering to close the door, she walked out of the house. Running away The sight she saw almost made her turn back into the house. What looked like thousands of trees surrounding the house and not a path was clear. Asleem had chosen his hideout well. Roksna felt that even if all of Jamals army looked for him in the whole sultanate after he killed their Sultan, they might never be able to get him because of his hideout location. She wasnt even sure if they were still in the Wadai sultanate or if Asleem had moved them to somewhere else. She was still thinking about how to get away from there before Asleem returned when she heard a loud sound like a whole army cry echoed in the forest. Did the Sultan men find out about the ce? Perhaps, they werent as bad as she thought. When the sound came again, Roksna tried to discern the direction it came from. She found footprints while looking around. She smiled as she began to follow the footprints, thinking that the road probably led to the town. Asleem and his men must have thought that she would never be able to break free from her bondage, hence the reason for their carelessness. Roksna was surprised when she busted into a clear gathering full of men in ck. Each of the men held a sword and was sparring with one another. Thankfully, they were all engrossed in the fights that no one noticed her presence yet. She began to walk away backward, stopping when she collided with a strong body. Thinking about running away?From N?velDrama.Org. Roksna turned so fast that she hit her head against the chest of her adversary. She held her head, pretending to be in pain, and tried to run off when she saw that he wasnt looking at her again. She grunted as a hand held her clothes by the neck and pulled her back. Roksna struggled against the hold but couldnt shake him off. Let go of me, Asleem. She shouted. Asleem turned her to face him and he stared at her in the face before responding. What if I dont? He asked. By now, all the men had stopped training and were focused on their controversy. Roksna watched as some of them moved towards them and wondered why they werent doing anything. Did they belong to the general? Of course, they belonged to Asleem. Thats why none of them had made a move to help her. But, why would they be training in such a ce? And that too, in secret. Roksnas eyes darted up to Asleems as realization hit her. Using all of her strength, she pushed Asleem away from herself. The man wasnt expecting her to do that, so his grip on her loosened. How long have you been lying to me? She asked him. About what? The man said, cocking his eyebrow like he didnt care. Roksna spread her arms out. About all these, Asleem. How long have you been trying to kill the Sultan? She asked him again. One of the men moved forward. But Asleem raised his right hand to stop the man. He moved closer to Roksna and stared at her in the eyes. The man stole everything from us, mydy. So, its only fair that we return the favor to him. And you should be seeking revenge for everything he has done to your family, yet, you are trying to get into bed with him. Roksna pped him hard on the face. All the men moved closer to them and Asleem lifted his hand to stop them once again. Roksna sighed and moved a bit closer to him. She had to make him see reasonings, to make him know that what he was nning was an attempted suicide. Asleem, you cant do this. He has arge army. What if you get killed? She tried to persuade him. Not if we sneak an attack on them, Asleem answered. At that moment, Roksna saw a ruthless man standing, rather than the jovial man she grew up with. Nevertheless, she tried again. But She couldnt finish the statement as she felt something hit her head and she lost consciousness. Roksna woke up, feeling light. She looked around and saw that she was back in the shabby room. She cursed under her breath, even though she had been taught never to curse as ady. She should have just left when she had the chance, rather than tried to find out about what was going on. Now, shes back to her pitiful predicament. How was she supposed to know that the man was plotting treason anyway? She pulled at the rope and nearly cried seeing that it was even tighter than before. Worse, she had lost the knife she used before. Getting out would be harder than before. For two days after that, no one brought food for Roksna or visited her. The house also seemed too deserted to Roksna, with no footsteps echoing around. It was as if they had all left and forgotten about her. Her onlypanions were the rats and tiny insects patrolling around, looking for what to eat. She was feeling tired already and too hungry to do anything. Was this how her life would end? By the hands of her friend? Where was Asleem himself? As if her thoughts had brought him, he walked in the door holding a tray of food. Roksnas stomach grunted in approval. Asleem set the food down in front of her and began to untie her without a word. When she was free, she picked up the train of food and began to eat. Asleem chuckled a bit and Roksna watched as his face contorted in pain. What had he been up to? He got up and walked out of the room without speaking a single word to her. She saw another man walk in, checked to see if she was still eating before moving to stand by the door. This was her chance. Her one chance to be free from their clutches. Still pretending to eat, she untied the rope holding her legs together. When she was done, she moved the rope back in ce like she was still bound. After five minutes, she pushed her te loudly to indicate that she was done. She watched as the man moved to her, picked up the rope, and tried to bind her again. She folded her hands into a fist and hit him hard on both ears, the man passed out cold in front of her. She checked for his pulse and sighed when she saw that he had merely fainted. She dashed out of the room and when no one stopped her, she sprinted out of the house. She saw two men walking away from the house and followed them stealthily. Every time they stopped or looked back, she would hide behind the shelter of the trees. It was while she was hiding behind one of those trees that she lost the men. Roksna ran in a direction she thought they must have taken, trying to search for their ck attires under the shadow of the moonlight. Her legs got hooked on a rope and she fell, hit her head on a stone, and fainted into nothingness. His concubine Aabdeen woke up and saw the Sultan staring hard at him. He got up from the chair quickly, rubbing away the sleep from his eyes. I feel like she is in danger, Jamal said to him solemnly. Aabdeen looked out and saw that it was only the early hours of the morning. Darkness still covered the earth a bit and the weather was a little cold. Aabdeen realized that the Sultan was expecting him to get up and go look for his maid. Was the other man crazy? Why was he so worried about one maid anyway, when he had hundreds of others around? The Sultan had even gone through with his threat and had the kitchen head jailed. Aabdeen felt like he was suffering a lot just to secure his sultanate. The things Sultans pass through to ensure the kingdom was running smoothly. Perhaps, Sultan Jamal was going through the same phrase now. Aabdeen cleared his throat a bit, before replying. I understand. Ill go and search for her. He told the other man. Jamal gestured his hands towards the door to tell Aabdeen to hurry up. The other man got up and went out the door, calling three guards as he left. Jamal began to pace the length of his room without resting. To say he was worried about Roksna was putting it mildly, he felt like he could die if they didnt find her just for one more day. Perhaps, he should have gone out to look for her himself. He shouldnt think that way, he was sure that Aabdeen was doing his best to find her. Aabdeen walked to the outskirts of the sultanate with the guards trailing after him. So far, this was the only ce he had refrained from searching for the maid. Because it led directly to his own sultanate, and he didnt want to identally give it away. It was the path he had taken to arrive in this sultanate without being spotted. If he decided to wage war against the people of this sultanate, this was the path he and his army would be taking. The surprise attack would enable them to defeat the people of Wadai. When he and the men had walked a bit more, they came face to face with trees that covered the pathway to his route and Aabdeen turned back to ask them to leave, then promptly turned back to the forest again. He ran over to what he thought was his imagination, shining his torch on the ck figure. There was a man dressed in ck lying unconscious on the floor with his face lying downward. When Aabdeen turned the man around, he heard loud gasps from the guards with him and knew that he had just found the maid the king had been worried about. Aabdeen crouched down and checked for her heartbeat and sighed when the slow beating of the heart reached his ear. She was still alive. He passed the light in his hands to one of the men, picked her up gently and they made their way back to the Sultans. Immediately he rushed up the stairs, the Sultan came out and relieved him of his burden. Aabdeen rushed to get his medicine bag from the Sultans room and joined them in the next room. He had to fight the Sultan to stay away, so he could take care of her. When he was done, he got up and watched as the Sultan resumed his seating position beside the maid. Aabdeen smiled slightly as he took in the scene before him. The Sultan had just handed him a way out of his predicament. If alles down to naught, he could use the maid as a bargaining chip to get whatever he wanted. And Aabdeen was sure that he would get everything he asked from Sultan Jamal if the maid was in danger. Jamals voice broke him out of his thoughts. Will she be okay? Jamal asked. Yes, Sultan. She merely fainted from hitting her head on the stone. But luckily, the wound wasnt deep, Asleem answered. Jamal sat close to Roksna all through the day as she slept, refusing to leave her side even for a second. He mopped her body himself with a piece of cloth every time she sweated. He fed her the medicine Aabdeen brought over for her himself, and he also fed her some soup by himself. He couldnt wait for her to wake up and tell him where she had been and what she had been up to, even to put herself in danger. Roksna felt a bitter taste in her mouth and promptly opened her eyes. She saw a strange man trying to push a spoon into her mouth and yelled softly. Roksna sat up, looked around, and wondered where she was. When her eyes fell on the man, she saw him smiling at her like he was happy to see her. Who was he? The man moved closer to her with a piece of cloth and Roksna yelled loudly this time, thinking that he wanted to tie her mouth with it. Jamal paused in his action as he heard Roksna scream. What was wrong with her? Didnt she recognize him? Jamal dropped the cloth he was about to wear and raced to the next room when he heard a loud ng on the floor. Of course, she wouldnt recognize Aabdeen. The two had never met before. He watched as Roksna held a part of the broken piece of the ceramic bowl protectively in front of her, while Aabdeen had his two hands up in the air. If Jamal wasnt worried that Roksna might actually injure the other man, he might haveughed at the scene in front of him. Drop that, Dawn, Jamal said. Roksna looked in the direction the voice hade from. As she spotted Jamal standing half-naked by the door, she dropped her weapon and ran to him. She wrapped her arms around him tightly and sighed into his chest. When she felt his arms around her, she began to cry. If he was here, that means she was no longer in danger and he was alive. She let go of him and stared at the site of his injury before cing her hand on it. Are you okay, Jamal? Roksna asked.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Yes, Dawn. Im fine. The Sultan replied to her. Aabdeen watched the two people in front of him and marveled at their disy. A maid and a Sultan? True, he had suspected that there was much more involved with the two of them but he hadnt expected them to be involved this much. She had even called the Sultan by name and he hadnt seemed to mind at all. Or were they having an affair together? He wasnt even sure they remembered that he was here. He cleared his throat to gain their attention and watched as the maid tried to separate herself from the Sultan who didnt bother to let her go. I have to get a new bowl of medicine for thedy, Aabdeen said pointing to the pieces of ceramic on the floor. Dawn, this is Aabdeen. He has been treating me and he also helped me look for you, Jamal said as a way of introduction. Roksna smiled at the man apologetically. Sorry about earlier. And, thank you for saving me. She said, bowing her head slightly. Aabdeen smiled back at her to show that he wasnt angry. Get a maid to bring her a change of clothing immediately, and bring her friends here on your way back, Jamal instructed Aabdeen. The man bowed slightly before walking out of the room. As soon as Jamal saw that Aabdeen was gone, he pulled Roksna back into his embrace and kissed her on the lips. He was never letting her get out of his sight ever again, Jamal thought as Roksna returned his kiss. As regards that, he needs to make her see the reasoning and make her ept to be his mistress before her friends arrive. So, he broke off their kiss, held her hand, and walked them to the bed where they sat. Where were you, Dawn? Jamal asked. Roksna bit her lower lip and wondered if she should tell him about Asleems part and his treason plot. But she realized that if she did, the Sultan would order the death of Asleem and she didnt want to lose her friend. She had to find a way to stop Asleem from pushing through with her n, and also find a way to make Jamal release her people soon. She still has to cook up a story to exin her disappearance all the while. When I was trying to escape, I fell and hit my head against a stone and fell unconscious. When I woke up, I found myself here. She lied to him. The lie sounded petty even to her ears. She watched as Jamal stared at her for a while before shrugging off his shoulders. How are you? She asked him. Better. But, you owe me a wish for the pain I passed through, Jamal said. A wish? Thats all he wanted? It was better than Roksna thought. Okay, Sultan. I owe you a wish. She answered with a smile. Jamal stared at Roksna for a minute, waiting for her to take back her word. When she didnt, Jamal was surprised. This was the first time she ever addressed him as Sultan. Had she finally epted his sultanate as hers? Or had she said it unknowingly? Or maybe he heard her wrong? He was about to ask her if she had said it when a knock sounded on the door. Roksna got up, opened the door and Jamal saw a maid standing there holding some clothes in her hands. The maid bowed down when she saw him. Jamal stood up, moved towards her, and took the clothes from her. He pointed his second finger to the stairs and watched as the maid scrambled off. He handed the clothes to Roksna, who looked at him questioningly. Do you want your friends to meet you like this when they arrive? He said pointing to her ck clothes. Roksna took the clothes from him and walked back to the bed where she dumped the clothes. She removed her cap and was about to lose the buttons on her shirt when she realized that Jamal was still standing by the door. She stared at him pointedly. Can I stay? She heard Jamal ask. Is that the one wish I owe you? Roksna asked. Of course not, Jamal answered, leaving the door. Rocksna heard him telling her to hurry up because her friends would be there soon. Jamal sat down on a seat downstairs, he was tapping his foot as he waited for Roksna to dress up. He was still tapping his foot when Aabdeen came in with two women and a young girl, all of whom he recognized as Roksnas friends. He watched as they looked around the house in amazement. When their eyes fell on him, they all bowed in shock. Sultan. They chorused at once. Seyiddah! Jamal heard Roksna shout from the stairs, while the woman stayed rooted in the same spot. Jamal gave them an order to be at ease in his presence and watched as the three of them ran to their friends, hugging her and checking her for injuries. He smiled as he watched Roksnas face lit up at the way her friends fawned over her. In a single day, four strange women had stepped foot into his house and it was because of Roksna. Jamal found out that he didnt mind at all and that it was worth it considering the smile on her face. When they were done with their whispering, all four of them walked down the rest of the stairs and stood in front of him. One of them bowed in front of him and spoke. Thank you for finding Roksna, Sultan. I didnt find her. Aabdeen did, Jamal told the woman. She turned and bowed to Aabdeen before turning back to him again. We are leaving now, as we will not like to disturb you. She told him and all three of them bowed before him. Ill be leaving with them, Roksna told the Sultan. Jamal watched as all four of them walked out of the house. He heard some of his guards ask about Roksnas health and her cheerful response to them. He would give her friends just thirty minutes to spend with her and then he was taking her away. He was already feeling eager to use his one wish to get the one thing he had been longing for from her. Jamal rushed to his room, wrote a royal decree, and put his royal seal upon it. He dressed up after he was done and went back downstairs. Deciding that he couldnt wait any longer, he signaled for Aabdeen to follow him. Roksna apologized to everyone for making them worried. She also promised them that she would plead to the Sultan so that he can release the kitchen head since she was back safely. She was still trying her best to exin why she had gone missing when everyone in the room fell to their knees. Roksna turned to see who hade in to demand such respect and nearly froze when she saw Jamal standing by the door. What are you doing here? Roksna asked him. She heard soft gasps filling the room and she pped her hand over her mouth. She had forgotten that they were in public. You forgot to take your medicine, Jamal said with a smile, pointing to the medicine Aabdeen carried in a tray. By now, the maids no longer bowed and simply watched the scene before them with interest. Roksna walked to where the two men stood, grabbed the medicine, and drank it all, showing the empty te to Jamal who simply smiled. Jamal turned to Aabdeen who dropped the tray in his hands and brought out a royal paper. A royal decree, Aabdeen said loudly for everyone to hear. Roksna watched as everyone in the room, excluding the Sultan and Abdeen, bowed down again. She grudgingly did the same, wondering what the royal decree was about and who it was meant for. The maid, Roksna shall from this moment henceforth no longer be a maid. She shall be a royal concubine for the Sultan. Every living thing on the Wadai sultanate is expected to ept the decree and show her the respect befitting for her. Anyone found disobeying this decree shall be put to death immediately, Aabdeen read out. Roksna shot up her head. What? She was a royal concubine now? Why didnt Jamal ask her first? She thought as Aabdeen walked to her and ced the decree in her hands. Everyone in the room all turned to her and bowed. Even Aabdeen bowed his head slightly towards her. Greetings, Lady Roksna. They all chorused. Jamal walked towards her and lifted her up from her kneeling position. Why didnt you ask me if I wanted this? Roksna asked him in a whisper. This is the way I want to use my one wish, Lady Roksna, Jamal answered. When Roksna opened her mouth, Jamal ced a finger on it. They are still waiting for you to tell them to rise. He said, pointing to the maids. Roksna looked around and saw that everyone was still bowing to her. Seyiddah, get up. Everyone, please rise. She told everyone. Thank you, Lady Roksna. They all said before rising. So, she was back to being ady? Roksna thought. She couldnt refuse to ept the position since she had promised to fulfill a wish of his. Besides, his people were all gathered around them, and refusing would mean that she wanted to insult him in their presence. Perhaps, she could help her people better this way. I’m here Roksna watched as Jamal put his hand in hers and dragged her out of the kitchen. She was bewildered by the fact that she was ady again. But she was even more astonished to see that the Sultan doesnt mind the stares of the people because of the way their hands were intertwined. As they walked, people bowed their heads in greeting to the Sultan. Roksna could hear Aabdeen as he read the royal decree loudly for all the people to hear. And they all promptly bowed to her disappearing figure, muttering the same words the kitchen maids had.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Greetings, Sultan. Princess Azeezat has arrived. General Sodeeq and the others are waiting for you at the port to wee her. A soldier said, bowing down in front of Jamal. Oh, good, Jamal said, changing the course of direction and dragging Roksna with him. Along the way, Jamal took the time to exin to Roksna who the princess was and why she was here. He also exined the threat of invasion to the sultanate if he didnt find asting solution soon. While Roksna understood that he had to think about his people in everything he does, she was a little ufortable with the fact that he could still very much get married to the princess if the need arose. She smiled at him when he looked at her and he smiled back. Jamal stopped walking and Roksna looked at him to see why he had stopped. The Sultan simply smiled before kissing her lightly on the lips. He didnt wait for her reaction, as he took a sharp turn and Roksna saw that they were already at the port. Jamal and Roksna watched as General Sodeeq helped ady out of the ship. Roksna couldnt see her face clearly and she strained her eyes a bit more. Roksna felt Jamal squeeze her hand and she rxed a little bit. Azeezat smiled her thanks at the man who had just helped her down the ship before turning to look at the Sultan. She saw the man holding hands with another woman and nearly smiled. It was a good thing her brother had already warned her not to think about loving the man or even think about marrying the man. All she had to do was just stay here peacefully for about three months, just until he could find the solution to the problem facing their sultanate. The princess watched as the Sultan squeezed the hands of the woman just before he lets go and walked towards her. It is a pleasure to meet you, mydy. I am Sultan Jamal. Jamal said to the woman in front of him when he felt anything but pleasure. Princess Azeezat. The princess replied, bowing slightly. Roksna didnt fail to see how beautiful the woman was. Even with her simple clothing andck of jewelry, she still was looking very beautiful. When she spoke, her voice sounded like the twinkling of a melodious flute. At that moment, Roksna felt like the maid she was until an hour ago. Inferiority took over her as she looked down at the clothes she had on. If she as a woman could think that the princess was beautiful, how would the Sultan be immune to her? For all Roksna knew, Jamal could change his mind and decide that he wanted to marry the princess. Dawn,e here. Aabdeen, you too. She heard Jamal call out to her. Forcing her two legs to obey, she walked over to where they stood. She saw Aabdeen do the same too. Princess Azeezat, this is Lady Roksna, Jamal said, pointing to her. And this is Aabdeen. He said again, pointing to Aabdeen this time. Roksna saw the princess bow her head slightly and did the same. The princess performed the same action towards Aabdeen and Roksna watched as Aabdeen reciprocated the action. I believe youve met general Sodeeq and the others, Jamal said, pointing to Sodeeq who was now standing beside him along with the others. Roksna smiled at general Sodeeq and she saw the man frown a little. She thought he might still be angry with her over the incidents that happened then on the ship since they havent met ever since they departed at this same spot. Roksna acknowledged that a lot had happened ever since she first set foot on this sultanate about seven months ago. She went over to the generals side. Asam ikum. She greeted the man. Do I know you? Sodeeq replied. Roksna was taken aback by the question. True, she and the general were not friends nor had they spent much time together. But, she hadnt expected him to just forget her face like that. Although, if she looked at it from the right angle, the man was always busy as the general, and he must havee across a lot of faces. At the ship. Sorry, I stabbed you back then, Roksna said, apologizing. What ship? The general asked. When Roksna looked at him in amazement, he smiled. Of course, I remembered. I was only trying to get you to apologize twice. He said. Roksna smiled at him back as she heard Jamalmand everyone to get going. Only she, Jamal, Aabdeen, Sodeeq, and the princess remained. All five of them walked to the harem where the princess and Roksna would be living. Aabdeen announced the Sultans presence as soon as they got there and Roksna watched with disbelieving eyes as about twelve women all lined up in front of them, bowing their heads. You may all rise, Jamal told them. Roksna watched as the Sultan surveyed all of them in a single nce. Where is Lady Miriam? He asked a momentter. Im here, Sultan. A voice answered from the inner door. Who stole it? Roksna watched as Lady Miriam walked out decked in expensive clothes and jewelry and bowed before the Sultan. She also saw princess Azeezat roll her eyes slightly at Lady Miriam and nearlyugh. It looks like Roksna was not the only one who couldnt tolerate thedys drama. She listened as Jamal asked Lady Miriam about her stomach pain and her answer that she was better now and angry with the Sultan for not checking up on her sooner. By the time the Sultan began to apologize, Roksna tuned them out and stared at her new house. They were standing in a ce Roksna considered to be the womens hall. Expensive chairs and tables decorated the room. There were about three sewing machines, five hoops, and some knitting needles and materials scattered across the room. There was a doorway on a side which Roksna guessed led to the rooms of each concubine, except for Lady Miriam who had her home just beside the harem. So far, Roksna knew that Lady Miriam was the only one with a private house among the concubines. She heard Aabdeen reading the royal decree somewhere in her mind. From today on, Lady Roksna and Princess Azeezat are going to be living among you in the kafes, Jamal said when Aabdeen finished his reading.From N?velDrama.Org. But why would you choose a lowly maid as a concubine, Sultan? Lady Miriam asked, eyeing Roksna. And then, you brought a princess from another sultanate to live here? She asked the Sultan again, eyeing Azeezat this time. No one questions my actions. Anyone who does that will be killed. Is that clear? Jamal said. The Sultan stayed until Roksna and Azeezat were settled in their new rooms which fell beside each other. He ordered Aabdeen to make sure that his new concubines get new outfits and ornaments that were befitting to a Sultans concubine. When he was sure that all his orders would be met, he left with his entourage to attend to other businesses and get some rest. Lady Miriam felt her anger rising again as she watched two of the concubines try to teach Roksna sewing. How dare the Sultan bring a mere maid into their midst? As if the insult wasnt enough, he had decided to bring another foreigndy who was arrogant. And the Sultan had refused to visit her personally after that day. Sure he hade for visits, but he had been so engrossed with his little maid that he hadnt even turned to look at her once. And it was because he made her lose her pregnancy that her man hadnt turned to look at her just once after the incident had happened. The Sultan himself was ignoring her and it was all because of the maid. She heard Roksnaugh over something one of the concubines said and looked in her direction. How dare the maid be happy when she was ruining Miriams life? Lady Miriam promised within herself that she would make Roksna pay for every pain she was passing through. If she couldnt hurt the Sultan, she could at least hurt the woman he had lost his mind over. All she had to do was think of a perfect n to hurt the maid since she couldnt just attack her now that she was a Lady. Before anyone would notice her presence, Lady Miriam turned and walked away. Roksna woke up feeling a little tired. She had stayed uptest night with some of thedies who had tried to teach her how to do embroidery stitches, which she failed awfully at. For two weeks, Roksna had treaded among the other concubines as carefully as she could. The princess that came with her had refused toe out of her room unless the Sultan hade for a visit, which was only twice ever since they arrived. While Roksna had nned to do the same thing from the onset, she found that some of the women were nice and truly wanted to be friends. A few times, she had tried to reach out to the princess, but she had shut Roksna out. It was almost like the princess was here to hide behind the safety of the walls of the house. A knock sounded on Roksnas door and she asked the person toe in. She smiled as she saw Ayesha walk in. The woman smiled back at her, holding up some clothes and a jewelry box. Roksna watched as the woman began to arrange the clothes neatly into the almost empty chest. When she was done, she helped Roksna dress up for the day before going out again. Roksna crossed over to the ornaments chest, opened them, and began to inspect them. There were bracelets, jewelry, rings, and head ornaments all in the chest. She would have to ask Ayesha to return themter or give them out to the otherdies in the harem. Roksna knew that she wouldnt use any of them, since she wasnt ustomed to them. Roksna was with the two women who were trying to teach her embroidery when princess Azeezat appeared in the womens hall. Roksna paused in her work and waved at the princess toe to join them. The princess walked towards them, but rather than joining them, she picked up a hoop and some yarn, then promptly turned away from them. Roksna watched as she sat at a corner in the room and began to work. She wondered why the princess preferred to be alone and not talk to anyone. Roksna was still thinking when Lady Miriam walked into the hall, looking furious. All thedies except Roksna and Azeezat stood up to greet her, but she didnt respond to any of the greetings. Which one of you stole it? Lady Miriam yelled. Hurt Roksna looked at Lady Miriam feeling confused. She looked around the hall and saw the rest of the women having the same confused looks. I said which one of you stole it? She asked again. This time, her voice was a little raised than proper. What is that, Lady Miriam? One of the concubines asked. My golden bracelet. The one the Sultan gave me himself. She answered with a loud voice. Whats going on here? The Sultans voice sounded at the door. Roksna looked as Lady Miriam ran to the Sultans side. She began to exin with tears how someone had stolen her bracelet. Roksna wondered why the woman was always dramatic in everything she did. Roksna was sure that the concubine or one of her maids had probably just misced the ornament she was shedding crocodile tears for. After much insistence on Lady Miriams side, the Sultan finally agrees to let her search each one of the chests of eachdy in the harem. The search for the bracelet began from the room of a concubine who looked half afraid and exhaled when it wasnt found in her room. And the search progressed from one room to another until it got to Roksnas room. She let them in and watched as Lady Miriam ruminate through her things, then eximed in surprise when Lady Miriam lifted the supposed bracelet from the chest Ayesha had brought earlier. Lady Miriam walked up to Roksna and pped her. Exin how this got into your chest of ornaments, Lady Miriam barked at her. Roksna looked at the bracelet again to be sure that she hadnt imagined it, then looked back at Lady Miriam. How does she exin how an object she had no idea about had gotten into her belongings? She looked at the otherdies of the harem and saw that they all looked anywhere but at her. None of them were ready to defend her. Roksna turned to the Sultan for help, saw the disappointment radiating from his face and she stepped back. The Sultan believed that she had indeed stolen the bracelet. Why did you do it, Roksna? If you needed something like that, I would have given it to you if you asked me, Jamal spoke up, confirming her thoughts. But Roksna tried to defend herself but got cut off by Lady Miriam. I want her punished. She said.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this. I didnt do it. Please believe me, Roksna said, holding Jamals hands. You got the bracelet back, so I think its enough, Jamal said. I am the harem leader and I want her punished. Otherwise, the others will start stealing too, Lady Miriam said. Roksna looked as Jamal sighed in surrender, before removing his hands from hers. Guards. She heard the Sultan call. When the men arrived, he continued. Take Lady Roksna out and flog her ten times. Hemanded. No. I want her flogged in front of everyone standing here, Lady Miriam said. Flog her in front of everyone, Jamal said, conceding to his favorite mistresss request. Roksna let the tears threatening to fall from her eyes fall. She felt like she was making a fool of herself and giving Lady Miriam and the others the chance to think she was guilty, but she didnt care. More than the wrong usations and the punishment, the Sultans disbelief in her hurted the most. She thought that the Sultan should be able to know that she was stubborn but never a thief. Why? She had even been thinking about returning the chest before Lady Miriam came in. Yet, the Sultan seemed to believe the words of another over hers. Jamal stared in amazement as Roksna began to cry silently while looking at him in contempt. When the guards strapped her onto a long chair, she didnt make any sound. When the first strokended, she didnt flinch. By the time the second strokended, it killed Jamal not to stop the guards. But Jamal knew that Lady Miriam was right about her words if he let it slide this time, there was a chance the act would repeat itself among the others, and it would be toote to take action about it. Roksna should havee to him, and he would have dly given her three of the same bracelet. By the time they were done with the beating, Jamal walked away from the kafes without even a backward nce. Roksna looked at the disappearing form of the Sultan and fresh tears began to flow. Lady Miriam bent over and whispered words into her ears that she should just go back to being a maid. Roksna looked at the woman, saw her smiling in a devilish manner and she realized that she had just been set up. Lady Miriam had definitely set her up with the bracelet. She stood up and walked away from the hall into her room as quietly as she could. She removed her dress andy down on the bed on her chest. As sheid down on the bed, the Sultans betrayal shed through her mind and she began to cry again. Roksna felt someones touch on her and woke up. She saw princess Azeezat applying something from a bowl to her wounds and winced. When the princess was done, Roksna began to feel some relief from her wounds. She smiled her thanks at the woman who sat down at the edge of her bed, staring at her with strange eyes. You should be careful. The princess said momentster. Roksna felt the tears threaten to fall again and she sniffed to suppress them. She wasnt going to cry some more over the injustice she had suffered at the hands of the Sultan and his favorite mistress. Didnt you check the chest to see if they had only the things you ordered? The princess asked. I didnt order the chest. A maid brought it over and I thought each concubine had gotten one, I was going to Roksna exined, cutting short her exnation as things began to clear up. Lady Miriam had been able to frame her through the chest Ayesha brought. The woman had used the maid she trusted to set her up. Roksna finds it hard to believe that Ayesha could deceive her that much. When she had met Ayesha on the ship about seven months ago, she hadnt struck Roksna as someone who would betray her loved ones and that was why Roksna had taken a liking to the other woman. But all in all, Roksna wasnt about to let go of the notion that Lady Miriam had lost a bracelet and found it in the chest Ayesha had brought in for her the same day. If she wanted to know the truth, she had to look for Ayesha. Looks to me like you are hurted more by the Sultans action than the beating. Princess Azeezat said. What do you mean by that? Roksna asked the princess. I just guessed that you are in The princess was cut off by a man announcing the arrival of the Sultan. Princess Azeezat quickly covered Roksnas body with her clothes before rushing out of the room to greet the Sultan. The Princess looked at Roksna who refused to get up from her lying position and shook her head. As she turned at the door, she collided into the body of a man, who quickly held her steady. She looked up to appreciate the person and saw the Sultan looking at her with curiosity in his eyes. She also saw that the women of the harem and Aabdeen were with him. The princess shook the Sultan away from her arms and stepped back from him. Sultan. She greeted, bowing slightly. To dance for the sultan Princess Azeezat saw the Sultan staring at Roksna, who refused to acknowledge him or his presence. Lady Miriam walked to Roksna and tried to make her get up, but the Sultan stopped her by saying it was okay. Roksna stood up, took the chest of ornaments, and took it to the Sultan. Without a word, she dropped it at his feet and turned back toy In the bed.From N?velDrama.Org. You rude maid. Do not forget that it was the Sultan that made you a Lady. Lady Miriam said to Roksna, who didnt even respond. Jamal cleared his throat and everywhere became silent. He stared at the chest which Aabdeen now carries in his hands and wondered if he hadnt made a mistake by ordering the beating. Roksna never wears ornaments. It was even because he forced her that made her start wearingdies clothing. But still, he wasnt going to apologize to her. He was the Sultan and he would do however he pleases. The royal dance for the concubine is in three days. Everydy in the kafes is expected to participate. The Sultan said. Yes, Sultan. Everyone chorused. Im not dancing, Roksna spoke up. How dare you? Lady Miriam shouted at her. Didnt you hear me? I said everydy in the harem and that includes you, Jamal responded to her. And I just told you Im not dancing, Roksna retorted, standing up. Then expect the death of people from your sultanate. The Sultan said. Roksna gasped, her eyes wild and round. Had the sultan just threatened her? Perhaps, she made a mistake in defending him before Asleem. You dare not. She said, pointing to the sultan. Dare me, Jamal answered, staring at Roksna in the face. Before Roksna could think about a reply, Jamal walked out of the room. He couldnt believe that he had lost his patience with her so easily when he hade here in the first ce to see how she was faring. He had even thought that telling her about the dancingpetition would make her feel better and happy since she loved dancing. Besides, he had wanted her to participate in thepetition and win so that she could be the harem leader. That way, no one would be able to bully her anymore. When he arrived at his house, he saw the general standing in front of the house and wondered why. Why are you outside? Jamal asked the general. Just thought I should wait here for you, Sultan, Sodeeq replied. Jamal felt like something was bothering his friend. He gestured towards the door and they both got in. Sodeeq asked the Sultan for a few days off work, so he could attend to some personal matters which Jamal granted his friend. After the other man had left, Jamal turned to Aabdeen and ordered that he should make sure Roksna was present at the royal dancepetition. After that, he rxed on his bed and fell asleep, his thoughts still filled with the stubborn woman. Three dayster, Roksna watched as the women in the kafes began to run helter-skelter trying to get ready for the dancing event. She had learned from some of thedies that anyone who ced first would be the harems leader and got a separate house to live in. She had also learned that that was how Lady Miriam got her private residence, not because she was the Sultans favorite as everyone often said. Roksna was still contemting whether the Sultan meant the threat he had issued or not when Azeezat rushed into her room. Is this okay? The princess asked, feeling shy. Roksna looked at what the princess was talking about and saw that she had some bangles on her wrist. They were of different colors but theyplemented each other nicely. The bangles also went well with the womans choice of clothing. But, apart from the bangles, the princess didnt put on any other jewelry, yet she looked really beautiful. Roksna acknowledged that the princess could be putting on rags and she would still be very beautiful to look at. Roksna nodded her head and saw the princess exhaled deeply. But, why arent you dressed up yet? There are only thirty minutes left before thepetition starts. The princess said as she plopped down on the bed. As Roksna opened her mouth to respond that she wasnt going regardless of the Sultans threat, Aabdeen walked in the door holding Asleem who had ropes around his upper body binding him. Aabdeen bowed down slightly to her before speaking. The Sultan said that this man Im holding would be the first one to die if you arete even for a minute. He said. Roksna moved towards Aabdeen to get Asleem freed, but the words she heard next stopped her. The Sultan also said that he doesnt see this man or Ie back in fifteen minutes to now, hes going to kill a man from your sultanate for each minute we arete, Aabdeen warned her. Roksna sat down next to Azeezat when she heard the words. She watched as Aabdeen walked away from the room, dragging Asleem with him. Asleem gave her a look of contempt she would not forget in a hurry. Azeezat patted her shoulder and quietly disappeared when she heard the others saying that it was almost time. Roksna began to regret her decision of bing a concubine. What was the essence of being one when she couldnt even protect her people with the position? Why be a concubine when it only puts the people she wanted to protect in more danger? She stood up from her sitting position with anger. If the Sultan wanted her to participate in thepetition by force, then she would. Winner Sultan Jamal looked as his janissaries all took their seats except for general Sodeeq who wasnt around. Other prominent people of his sultanate were also in their seats. Some of Roksnas people were there too, all tied with ropes and some guards stood behind them watching to make sure none of them tried to rebel. He also saw Roksnas friends among the serving maids and smiled, knowing that they hade to cheer their friends on in their little ways. A guard announced Lady Miriams presence and Jamal watched as she walked in, swaying her hips gently. And as usual, she was dressed extravagantly. The otherdies in the harem followed after her all in a single line, each bowing before him before moving to their positions. Jamal felt a bit angry when he saw that Roksna was absent despite his threat. Does it mean that she thought he wouldnt go through with the threat? Flog that man. And dont stop unless Lady Roksna shows up, Jamalmanded, pointing to Asleem. A guard made Asleem knelt down and began the beating. He was about to deliver the third stroke when a guard announced Roksnas presence. Jamal raised his right hand to stop the beating as he watched the door for Roksna. When he saw her, his jaw dropped and he eximed. He heard everyone in the room do the same thing and knew he hadnt seen wrong. She was putting on a ck dress and her hair was exposed and tied into a ponytail. He knew that she had worn it to act rebellious against him, but he felt aroused by her choice of clothing as it reminded him of the first time they had first met. Roksna walked into the hall, not minding the gasps and furious look on everyones faces. She bowed before the Sultan and made her way to where the other concubines were. If the Sultan was displeased with her clothing, then she could find an excuse to leave. It wouldnt be her who didnt show up, but the sultan who sent her away. Then her people would be safe, she thought looking at Asleem who was looking everywhere except her face. Roksna felt someone tap her and turned. She felt somethingnd on her cheek and realized that she had just gotten pped by Lady Miriam. No one felt surprised or spoke up, probably because the woman was the leader. Roksna lifted her hand to retaliate and watched as Lady Miriam arrogantly lifted her face, daring her to try it. Roksna dropped the hand and vowed in her mind to be the next harem leader so that she could pay Lady Miriam back in her coins. Jamal watched as Roksna seemed to be fighting an inner battle within herself, probably contemting if she should return the p Lady Miriam had given her or not. Jamal hoped that she wouldnt, as it could be considered treason which could lead to either stripping off her title and punishment or worse, her death. He had to find a way to separate the two before Roksna did something she would regret. He cleared his throat loudly and spoke. Let the ceremony begin. Hemanded. Lady Miriam smiled before walking away from Roksna. One after the other, thedies entertained them all as they disyed their skills in dancing. Some of them moved elegantly, some of them gracefully, others only tried because it was mandatory of them. When it got to princess Azeezats turn, everyone in the room except Jamal and Roksna nearlyughed their heads off. Even Asleem and Aabdeen had chuckled loudly. It was very obvious that the princess knew next to nothing about dancing. All she kept doing was waving her hands in the air and turning around like a fish lost onnd. When she was done, Jamal exhaled loudly. If he had to watch that again, he would dly cancel the dancingpetition. Thankfully, Lady Miriam came out next, bowed to the Sultan, and began to sway her hips gently to the beat. Encouraging her hands to follow the rhythm of the beat, she turned and twisted them around in the air. Her feet turned of their own ords in alignment with the sounds of the drum. By the time she was done, everyone in the room was captivated by the beauty of her dance and the graceful way she had moved. Little wonder she had been the leader of the harem for years. No one had ever been able to beat her at eachpetition. Jamal watched as Roksna walked to the drummer, took the drum from him, and showed him the beat she wanted. It sounded like beats for war and Jamal wondered why she would choose such beats as they seemed more fitted for war than dancing. He watched as she walked to one of the guards and asked if she could borrow his sword. The man looked at him and he nodded slightly. He wondered again why she needed a sword as he watched her stride to the center of the room. But knowing Roksna as he did, he was sure that she was up to something that would leave every one of them speechless. Jamals curiosity rose and he adjusted his seating position. Roksna moved into position and brought up the sword in her hand. Using two fingers from her left hand, she tapped the hilt of the sword, before she turned the sword sideways. She grabbed the hilt with her two hands and brought the sword forward and backward while swaying her body gently. She took the sword and passed it from her belly to her back and back to her belly thrice using her hands as guides. Holding the sword in her right hand, she swayed it around while moving her legs backward. When she bnced, she jumped up andnded on a knee, making the sword look like it shed through the floor. She turned around, still on the floor, pointing the sword in every direction like she was fighting an enemy. As thest of the beats sounded, she got up and pointed the sword up like a winner of a war would. Jamal was startled by the sound of pping that filled the room and looked around. Everyone present in the room except Lady Miriam and her followers was pping and they all had smiles on their faces. He was surprised by the type of dance Roksna had just finished performing, but he had to admit that it was refreshing and even better than Lady Miriams dancing steps. As Roksna heard the peoples apuse for her, she rxed. She bowed slightly before them all, before walking away from the center. She returned the sword back to its rightful owner, then walked to where the other concubine stood and stopped in front of Lady Miriam. Roksna looked at the other woman with a look that said beat that before she stood beside princess Azeezat who smiled at her. Her eyes fell on Seyiddah and her other friends and she waved slightly at them. Seyiddah gave her a thumbs up and the others smiled at her. Ive never seen that type of dancing before. Its so unique.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. No wonder she was dressed like that. And, shes so beautiful too. Shes the winner if you ask me. Jamal listened to all the people murmuring to themselves. After five minutes, Aabdeen whispered to him that it was time to choose a winner. Jamal looked at every one of the concubines and saw that Roksna and Lady Miriam were the only ones eagerly waiting for his verdicts. In fact, Lady Miriam looked down already like she had epted her defeat this time. Roksnas eyes promised retribution at Lady Miriam if she became the new leader. And by right, she should be the winner judging by the performance she had given. But Jamal wouldnt give her that satisfaction of gloating about her victory when he had practically forced her to participate. Lady Miriam is the winner, Jamal announced. He heard everyones surprised exmation. Some of them even looked at him subtly like he had lost his mind. When he looked at Roksna, there was no reaction to whatever she was feeling in her eyes. Jamal knew that was even worse than her showing what she felt. And if he had to guess, he would say that she was thinking about a thousand ways she could murder him and get away with it. Thepetition hase to an end. All can be dismissed now, Jamal told the people. I cant believe he did that. Its because Lady Miriam is his favorite mistress. He was partial to her. That new concubine deserved to win. I wish I could buy that sworddy from our Sultan and have her dance for me all the time. Jamal heard as the people gossiped among themselves as they walked away in pairs of two and three. Lady Miriam bowed in front of him and thanked him for his kindness. Jamal ignored her and looked among the crowd for Roksna but he couldnt find her. Where had she disappeared to in such a short time? Was she already nning his funeral when he was still alive? He would have to be careful of her I hate you Roksna walked out of the hall in anger. She wasnt just angry at the Sultan and his obvious partiality, she was jealous as well. She was jealous of Lady Miriam. She was jealous of her being the Sultans favorite. Roksna couldnt help but think of how Lady Miriam would gloat at her when they were back to the harem. Even much more than that, she was worried about how thedy would treat her and the rest of the women of the harem. If Roksna didnt know any better, she might be thinking that she was a little bit afraid of Lady Miriam. And why not? Every time the woman and Roksna had had arguments, the Sultan was always on the harem leaders side. Today was like breaking the camels back for Roksna though, she had enough of the Sultan and his woman. Roksna turned back as someone touched her by the arm. She saw a man who looked to be in his sixty years standing behind her. Roksna bowed slightly in greetings to him and saw the man smile at her a bit. Your performance was brilliant. Where did you learn it? I would like to have my young daughter learn. The old man said to her. Roksna looked at the man very well to be sure that he wasnt joking. When she saw how serious the old man was, Roksna smiled. At least, there was someone who loved her sword dance. Even though Roksna hated to disappoint the man, she knew that she had no other choice. She gently exined to him that she had learned it from her sultanate and it was destroyed by Sultan Jamal. She turned to walk away, but the man stopped her again. Roksna looked bewildered as the man asked if she could train his daughter. Roksna was about to refuse him when three other people approached her with the same request. She was still deliberating on what answer to give when the Sultan answered for her. Shes ady. And ady doesnt do such. Now, all of you disappear from my sight this instance, Jamal said.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. He hade out here because he was worried about her. Because he thought that she would be angry at him for what he had done. But here she was, standing before people who wanted her to teach their kids dancing. He wasnt sure Roksna knew, but amon man wasnt supposed to talk to a royal concubine since they had almost the same power as the Sultan. He was sure these people had no respect for her because of her former status and if he didnt correct it now, they would never learn. He watched as the men bowed before him, turned to move away, but Roksna stopped them. I am willing to teach them. She told the men. I just said that you are not teaching anyone anything, Jamal shouted. Why was she disrespecting him in front of his subordinates? Was this how she was thinking of exacting revenge? And I just said I was teaching them, Roksna said, looking at the Sultan squarely in the eyes. Jamal watched as the men nced at him and then Roksna with a confused look. He knew what they were thinking about. No one had ever dared him before and lived to tell the tale, but he was letting a woman disrespect him now. If he didnt put an end to it now, they might start thinking he was bing soft and might start disrespecting his authority in the future. He fixed his eyes on each of them for about thirty seconds each and watched as each one gulped audibly under his stare before speaking. If you dont disappear this instance from my sight, your dead body will be the one to go to your respective home, Jamal said, hardening his voice. You wouldnt, Roksna shouted at him. But her protest against the Sultan meant nothing. She watched as each of the men bowed and tried to run away. The Sultan stopped them when they were at some distance away. Roksna watched as each of the men turned back and fell to their knees at the voice of the Sultan. And let me be clear, just in case. If any of you ever talk to my woman again without my permission, your dead body would still be returned home. He told them. The Chorus of yes sultan rang loud before each of them scrambled away. I hate you, Roksna shouted at Jamal. She ignored the exmations of the people and ran away from him. Plots and secrets Roksna ran back to the harem and heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that none of thedies were back. She walked into her room and stopped short. Roksna took a step back and stared at the door to be sure she was in the right now. Sure she hadnt made a mistake, she looked into the room again. Her window was opened and everywhere was scattered. All her clothes were on the floor, scattered across the room. Her drawers were opened and all its contents were lying on the floor. Roksna looked around trying to see if anything was missing. Nothing looked missing to her. At least, not something she recognized. Someone hade for her while she was in the hall. But who was it? And what had they wanted? Roksna knew for sure that it wasnt Asleem this time since he had been tied up in the hall too. Unless he had instructed his men to carry out the mission when he had been held captive. Or it could have been another person entirely. But who could it have been? She didnt have any enemy on Wadai sultanate, and she didnt think that she had offended anyone. The person had chosen the perfect hour to strike when everyone would be busy in the hall. Another thing was the fact that the person had been so sure that she wouldnt attend the ceremony. This means that it was someone who knew a lot about her and her stubborn nature. What the person hadnt known about was the threat hanging on her people that had forced her to attend the ceremony. Roksna gasped in fear as a hand took hold of her arm. She rxed when she heard the princess speak to her. She knew the exact moment the princess saw the state her room was in when she heard her exmation. Roksna exined to the princess that she had scattered the room when she had been looking for the outfit that would suit her dancing. Roksna watched as the princess looked at her for a minute before she shrugged her shoulder then bent to pick up some of the things. Roksna joined her and together, they cleaned up the room and rearranged the things back to their positions. When they were done, the princess sat on the bed and sighed. Thank you, Roksna told the other woman sitting beside her on the bed. The princess didnt say anything for a long while and Roksna almost thought she hadnt heard her. I like you. You are not hungry for power, unlike the others. The princess said. Neither do you, Roksna told her, connecting their hands. The princess smiled at her. Why are you really here though? Roksna asked her. The princess removed her hand from Roksnas. For almost ten minutes, she didnt say anything and Roksna became frightened that she might have crossed her boundary. She worried that she might lose the princesss friendship because of her insensitivity. She was about to apologize for the question when Princess Azeezat spoke up. Because our sultanate is under threat. So, my brother sent me here to try and keep me safe. I feel awful for leaving him in danger though. She said, almost crying. Roksna patted the other womans hand gently. If the princess sultanate was in danger, then why was the Jedis sultan threatening Jamal instead of asking for help? Besides, what kind of danger could they be in for the Princess to be moved away from her sultanate? Roksna wondered why the princess had confided in her though or why she had even befriended her. Princess Azeezat looked at Roksna and felt guilty a little bit. Her brother had told her to act this way towards the woman because he thought that she might be able to help them. Princess Azeezat felt like her brother might be wrong in his assertion towards the Sultan and Roksna and his thoughts about how the woman can help. From the weeks she had spent at the harem, princess Azeezat was sure the Sultan felt nothing for Roksna. And if today was any indication, she was sure that no good coulde out of this. But, she still had to try just for her sultanate. Ady from the harem busted into the room, her expression was one of fear. Roksna stood up from the bed, feeling afraid for a reason she couldnt fathom. She walked to the otherdy and watched as the woman tried to find the words to speak.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Ayeshat Lady Roksna Ayeshat Was found dead by a guard just now. She finished. Roksna felt life gone out of her temporarily. Ayeshat was dead? Why? For what? Roksna thought hard and only arrived at a thought. The bracelet. Did Ayesha really know something about how the bracelet came to be in Roksnas possession? She had to know something. And if there was only one person who would know about Ayeshats death, it wasdy Miriam. Shes had enough of Lady Miriam trying to get all over her. She had to stop her, otherwise, Roksna would lose her life in the battle she hadnt known she was fighting with the other woman. Roksna rushed out of the room. She heard the princess and the otherdy screamed behind her to stop, but she didnt stop. She was going to confront the woman, regardless of the oue. She passed through the sideways door which led directly to Lady Miriams house. When she got to her front door, she stopped. There were no guards around the house and the house itself seemed quiet. Her first thought was to turn around and leave. But then, the anger in her demanded that she confronted the woman. A voice reminded her that she could be walking into a trap Lady Miriam had deliberately set up for her but she ignored the voice. Roksna exhaled loudly and walked to the door. As she ced her hands on the doorknob, voices from the room made her stop in her actions. Why did you kill her? Lady Miriam was asking. Because she tried to talk to the Sultan. A male voice answered. Roksna guessed that they were talking about Ayeshat and paused. Ayeshat had tried to talk to Jamal? But why? It had to be something important if Lady Miriam and her lover had killed her for it. By the way, someone knows about my identity. But dont worry, Im looking for ways to get rid of the person. The mans voice said again and Roksna heard Lady Miriam gasp. Who is it? Roksna heard Lady Miriam ask in fear. Its no one important. The man answered. Roksna knew for certain that Asleem was the one in there with Lady Miriam but she wondered why the voice seemed a little different from Asleems voice. She also wondered why he was protecting her when he was probably plotting ways to get rid of him. What are you nning to do about the Sultan now? Lady Miriam asked. Dont worry. Im nning a revolt against him to usurp him from the throne. Once my troops are ready, we can make a move. The man said. Spend some time with me since no one would be looking for you. That was Lady Miriam. As you wish, mydy. The man responded and everywhere became silent. Roksna scoffed at the closed door and walked away. She knew Asleem was plotting treason, but she hadnt thought that it was soon. When she got to her room, she saw that it was empty and she sat on the bed. The Sultans life was in danger. Should she tell Jamal about their ns? She stood up and began to pace the length of her room lost in thoughts. If she were to go by how the Sultan had treated her and what he had done, then she was sure that he deserved whatever befell him. Just today, the man had threatened to kill her people. He had even ordered Asleem to be beaten until she arrived, which means that Asleem could have been beaten to death if she hadnt shown up. She could see how that would make Asleem feel and his reasons for revenge. However, that means his people would suffer over things they knew nothing about. Everyone on the sultanate would get disced. And the hatred between the two sultanates would be a never-ending war. One of them had to let go of the hatred for the betterment of thend, Roksna thought grudgingly as she stood up and went out. She bumped into a hard body and winced. Lady Roksna, Ive been looking for you. She heard a man say. Excising his rights Roksna looked up and saw a man bowing slightly before her. She thought that the man looked a little familiar, but she couldnt ce his face. That was her major w, she hadnt remembered peoples faces unless they left a huge impression on her. When the man saw her looking at him inquisitively, he blushed. Im Hassan. The second inmand of the army. You saved my life before, mydy. The man exined himself. Roksna remembered that he had once approached her before when she was still a maid.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. I remember you now, Hassan. Why were you looking for me though? Roksna asked him. I just wanted to say thank you for saving me, and for being a good friend to my sister, Hassan said. Friend? Sister? Roksna thought, looking at the man in a confused manner. Seyiddah is my sister. The man rified. Seyiddah is his sister? Why was the brother a second inmand while the sister was a ve? Roksna thought. But she didnt want to be offensive, so she didnt ask. However, the man probably what she was thinking about and exined to her that they were elites and not ves. His sister only worked in the kitchen because she loved cooking. Nothing he had said had deterred his sister from doing the job. The man went as far as saying that his sister had promised to stoping home if he tried to stop her. Roksna chuckled at that. When the man was done, she wondered why Seyiddah had lied to her about her identity. She doesnt like making people feel beneath her, Hassan said, answering the question she hadnt thought that she asked loudly. They got talking for a while more. Hassan made herugh at his jokes and his exploits. He also told her about some of Seyiddahs childhood pranks. Roksna felt happy and relieved from the stress she had been passing through for a while now. She couldnt wait to tell Seyiddah some of the things she had heard about her and see her reaction. Jamal paused in his tracks as his eyes fell on Roksna. She was standing with a man andughing at whatever the man was saying. Jamal felt furious with the scene ying in front of him. He had thought that she might be feeling sad about not winning the dancingpetition and the harsh way he had talked to the people in the morning, so he hade over against his best judgment. He had thought that he would exin to her how it was wrong for the people of the sultanate to approach a royal concubine unless it was by order and make her see the reasoning for his actions. He had even thought about suggesting that they had dinner togetherter in the day. But now, he could see that none of that was necessary and he had merely worried over nothing. Should I announce your presence? Jamal heard Aabdeen ask him. He shook his head slightly. Theres no need for that. Lets go. Hemanded. Together, they turned around and went away, leaving the two love birds alone. Jamal did everything in his power to make sure that whatever emotion he was feeling didnt reflect in his tone or expression. When they got to his house, Jamal dismissed Aabdeen for the rest of the day. Immediately he was gone, Jamal began to pace around the room. Different thoughts found their way to his mind. Had he been too hard on Roksna? Was the man she was with her lover? Jamal picked up a vase sitting on a table and threw it across the room. He watched as it hit the wall before it shattered into a hundred pieces. He shouldnt have left just like that. He should have made sure that man paid for even daring to look at his woman. Maybe he should go back and make the man regret his actions. Jamal. Jamal. The Sultan heard someone call from outside his house. He thought that the voice sounded like that of Roksna. If that was her, why wasnt sheing in? Or was she up to one of her mischievous? He doesnt want her anywhere around himself for now anyway. He was likely to do something out of order if she showed up in his presence. Jamal grimaced when Roksna busted into the room. He tried to see if he could run away, but he didnt have such luck. He turned to face her. Ive been calling for so long. Didnt you hear me calling? Roksna inquired. Thest time I checked, I didnt ce any restrictions on your movement here, Jamal retorted. Roksna looked at him with wide eyes. This was not his usual self, Roksna thought. Why does it seem like he was angry? She hadnt done anything wrong, and he doesnt have any right to be angry. The man had been the one who annoyed him and yet, he was acting as if she was the most wicked person on earth. Perhaps, she should just leave since he seemed to be acting stubborn towards her. Roksna turned to the door to leave. The moment she remembered that the safety of the sultanate rested in the Sultans well-being, she turned back again. Or maybe she should just give the message to Aabdeen to pass across to the Sultan. She looked around but couldnt find the other man. Wheres Aabdeen? Roksna asked. Jamal looked at Roksna with a re. Didnt she understand that he wasnt interested in talking to her at all? Was she so draft or had she just chosen to y on his ego? Was she testing his patience right now? He turned away from her and took a deep breath. Your life is in danger, Roksna shouted at his back. By who? Jamal asked without turning around. Lady Miriam and her lover, * Roksna answered. That was it. She had tested his patience enough. Jamal thought as he turned back to her. She had just broken his camels back. If she had expected him to believe her, she had just taken the wrong decision. She had probably thought of ways toe between him and Lady Miriam and hade up with such lousy talk. Jamal knew for certain that she was doing it to exact revenge against him for choosing Lady Miriam over her. Hes had enough from her though. Why does she keep doing that? She wasnt ready to give herself to him and yet, she doesnt even want him involved with otherdies. And to crown it all, she was probably cheating on him with another man despite knowing that it is haram in their religion. The thought that she could be cheating on him sparked Jamals anger to another level. He was going to make sure he find the other man and kill the man himself. As for Roksna, he had let her get away with too long. He saw her biting her lower lips and felt arousal rising for her. He cursed under his breath. Why was he always getting aroused by every little thing she does? He looked at her again and that was the mistake he made. She was breathing hard and Jamal watched as her chest rose and fell with each breathe, her breasts followed each action and breathe she took. He was not letting her get away from his clutch this night, whether she liked it or not. She was his concubine and he was exercising that right today, at this moment. Regrets WARNING, MATRURE CONTENT AHEAD! Roksna looked as Jamal watched her with an angry face, and began to think if she hadnt made a mistake ining over to warn him about the danger to his life. His expression was that of someone who was capable of killing a man if he was given the chance. Why had she thought he would believe her in the first ce? She hadnt believed her then about Lady Miriams pregnancy, so it was less likely he would believe her now, especially when she had been treated unjustly just hours ago. Roksna saw him look at her in disdain and bit her lower lip in indecision. For some reason, she felt afraid of him and she began to breathe anxiously. Perhaps, she should go away from here before he decided that she was good as an experiment in practicing killing. She turned around and made for the door. Stop right there, Jamal ordered. Roksna stopped dead in her tracks and watched as Jamal walked up to her. She was mesmerized by his face, as they seemed to glow as he walked. No matter how much she tried to move, her feet stayed rooted at the same spot. When Jamal got to her, he stared hard at her in the face. I want you right now. And no, you dont get to dictate whether you would like to or not. He told her. Roksna stared at him to determine whether he was serious or not. When she saw how serious he was, she gulped loudly and tried to run out of the door. She felt Jamals hand on her dress and turned. As she tried to shake his hand off her, she heard the sound of a tear and saw that the sleeve of her dress was open from the top to the middle like a pattern. Jamal cocked his brows at her before throwing the pieces of clothing away. Roksna didnt bother to say anything and simply ced her hands on the doorknob to leave. Roksna felt herself gasp for a gust of air as she felt her legs being lifted from the ground and realized that Jamal had lifted her. She pped at his arm several times but that didnt shake the man. Roksna bit his arm and he lets go of her, dumping her on the floor not so gently. Jamal watched as Roksna made for the door. His anger sparkled some more. Why was she resisting him? Jamal was sure she wouldnt have resisted if she was with her lover. Why was she trying to run away from him then? He doesnt want to know and whatever her reasons were, it doesnt matter to him. All he knew was that he wasnt letting her go out of his house without fulfilling his wish. He ran after her and grabbed the back of her dress. The dress gave way, tearing until it got to her hips.From N?velDrama.Org. Without waiting for her to run away from him again, he ced his hands between the ripped space and dragged the fabric apart. The sound of the dress ripping off made him harder again. He picked her up again, not minding her protests in his arm. This time, he dumped her on his dining table, bracing either of his arms at her side so she wouldnt escape. Roksna closed her eyes shut at the closeness of the Sultan. She was afraid of the monster he had be in the moment. It felt like some wool had been pulled over his face and he doesnt realize what he was doing at all. When his lips came down on hers roughly, Roksna closed her mouth tightly, not allowing his pration. She was terrified of Jamal. When she tried to shake his mouth away, he grabbed her arm in a firm grip, and Roksna winced as his nails bit into her skin. She opened her eyes and saw hatred reflecting deeply in his eyes. What had she done to deserve that? Had she been wrong in warning him about the impending danger to his life? She had a feeling that he could kill someone with the rage he was feeling and not realize what he had done. Roksna gathered her strength together and pushed at his chest hard. She made a pained sound as his teeth bit her lower lips out of surprise before he moved away. Jamal felt hatred zing inside him. Hatred for Roksna for rejecting him simply because of her lover. What does the man have that he as a Sultan doesnt? There was a time she would burn under his touches. Why was it different now? Because of her lover? Jamal med himself for his patience with her. He hadnt tried to force himself on her because he thought that she was a virgin, and he wanted her to give that gift to him herself. He was sure she had given it to the other man. The hatred doubled as he saw Roksna bolt from the room to the door, holding the front of her dress with her left hand. He took three long strides towards her and carried her on his shoulder. Roksna screamed into his ears and he smacked her backside. That earned him some quietness. He took her back to the table and dropped her, this time he held her two hands with one of his own. He pulled down her clothes and watched as her breasts showed themselves on full disy for his sight. He dragged the dress down the rest of the way, ignoring her scream. His guards would nevere in and neither would any of the people on his sultanate, so her screams were just a waste of time. He pulled down her underwear. Tiny curls forming a little forest greeted him and he gulped at the sight. He couldnt control himself anymore and pushed her up the table. He loosened the ropes holding his trouser in one swift motion. Positioning himself better, he entered her in one push. Roksna screamed in pain as she felt something invade her. She stopped struggling and stilled immediately. A single tear found its way to her cheeks. Her lower body was on fire and she was restless. She felt something fill her virginal up. Her heart thudded loudly. The single tear turned into a pool of water in her eyes and they began to fall freely. She was in so much pain. Pains that didnt seem like it would stop. She bit Jamal on the shoulder hoping that would move him, but he didnt budge. She knew that she had just lost her virginity to the Sultan. And although the women from her n had exined the pain to her, she hadnt known it would be this worse. Jamal freed Roksnas hands from his hand and promptly held them back with his two hands. He began to move in her. He jerked his hips in and out of her with rapid motions. His moaning grew loud with each stroke he made. Somewhere in his fogged mind, his body appreciated the tightness of her virginal but his anger didnt make him stop to think about what that meant. He went faster in her, his body screaming for relief. Roksna began to rx after some minutes. The pain she felt began to subside and instead, pleasure began to build up in her. She stiffened a moan that tried to escape from her throat. The Sultan had taken her pride away from her without permission, so she would not allow herself to enjoy whatever he was doing to her and her treacherous body. How could it think about enjoying the assault being wrecked on her? But the tension began to build up more as the friction between herps increased. She felt like she was on a high cloud and only touching the rainbow can give her the relief she desperately needed. A moan escaped from her mouth before she could stop it. Jamal heard Roksna moan somewhere in his mind and thought that he must have imagined it. Nevertheless, that made him grow a little thicker. He pushed harder in her, increasing the tempo. And then, he lost total control of himself. As he gave one final stroke, his body spasmed and began to jerk and he moaned even more loudly. He felt his manhood rxed and soft in Roksna after a minute. Almost there, Roksna thought as the pleasure umted in her body some more. Her mind pictured the imaginary image of her on a cloud and the rainbow she was trying to reach. She was just about to touch it when her body registered to the fact that Jamal wasnt moving in her anymore. After about a minute, she felt him pull out of her. Her body moaned the loss down there. Anger took hold of her body and she allowed it to rule her. With anger, she pushed Jamal away from her and watched as the man staggered over looking at her apologetically. Jamal looked at the state Roksna was and he felt remorseful for his action. With the release of his steam, the scale covering his eyes had fallen off. He had realized that Roksna was a virgin and he had forced his way into her. He looked at the hasty way she tried to dress up and tried to think about what to say. By the time she was holding the front of her dress together and walked to the door like she was in pain, Jamal still didnt know what to say to ease her hurt. But he knew that he had to still try and run after her. Dawn, Im sorry. I was just Jamal tried to exin to her, but Roksna cut him off. Dont you ever call me that again. She yelled at him, then walked on. Jamal held her left arm to stop her. Roksna let go of her dress and pped him hard across the face. She picked up her dress, held it tightly again, and walked away from him. Roksna watched as the guards tried their best not to stare at her, and was at least grateful for the respect they tried to give her. She was also thankful for the night they were already in as she disappeared into the cover of the shadow of the night. Jamal watched as Roksna walked away and let her go. Now was not the time to exin anything to her. She was simply too angry at him at the moment. He walked to one of the chairs in the room and sat down. He ced his head between the palms of his hands which were rested on his knees. What have I done? He asked himself loudly, regretting every of his action. Beat but not broken Roksna walked gently back to the harem, careful not to let anyone see her. Her legs wobbled each time she moved due to the pain she felt. Her first thought as she left the house had been to go to the kitchen so that she could go to Seyiddah forfort. But she knew that the Sultan woulde there to look for her if he couldnt find her in the harem. She wanted to avoid putting the people in the kitchen and her friends in danger of his wrath. As the building of the harem loomed in front of her, she looked around from the shadows. When she was sure that there was no one outside, she dashed into the house. Luckily for her, the hall was silent. She made her way to her room and rushed into the bathing room to clean up. The water made her feel better and lighter. She got back to the room and met Azeezat sitting on her bed, patiently waiting for her. Roksna wished she knew ways she could make the princess go away. True, she enjoys thepany of the princess, but she wasnt in the mood for a chat or gossip right now. She just wanted toy down and rest her brains. But since she knew that there was no way out, she cleared her throat to get the other womans attention. Princess Azeezat looked up instantly, and Roksna didnt fail to see the lines of worry that etched itself on the princesss beautiful face. She walked over to the princesss side, sat beside her, and held her hands. Roksna noticed that the princesss hands were trembling in hers. Whats wrong? Roksna asked her. Princess Azeezat burst into tears the moment she asked the question. Roksna could do nothing for a minute other than stare at the princess, lost for words to say to pacify her. Knowing that the only thing that she could offer was an embrace forfort, Roksna gathered the princess close to her and held her in her embrace. A loud wail escaped from the princess as she held Roksna even tighter.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Roksna wondered what had happened to make this beautiful woman shed tears so much like that. Roksna wished that she could get someone tofort her like she wasforting the princess. Irony of life that is. The one who neededforting was now aforter. If only her Abu could see her right now. Roksna felt tears threatening to fall and swiped her eyes with the back of her hands. It seemed like the Sultan was always the reason for her tears. He had killed her family, taken her captive, enved her to the worstdy in the sultanate. Even more than that, he had just stolen her virginity from her. The tears fell freely from her face and she cleaned them from her face. She wasnt going to cry because of the Sultan anymore, she doesnt owe him her tears. He has done more than enough to her body and soul. All she felt for him and owed him now was her hatred and perhaps his death. She felt princess Azeezat push lightly at her and she let go. The princess smiled at her awkwardly, Roksna managed to return the smile even though she was in pain. No matter how she tried to persuade the princess after that she wouldnt say what the reason for her tears was. Roksna let it go since she knew that she also had some things she wouldnt want to let out no matter who persuaded her. The princess stayed with her for a while and they talked about a lot of things including the princesss sultanate and how they were and of medical practitioners. When it was almost midnight, the princess left for her own room. Roksna felt like she hadnt gotten any sleep when she heard Lady Miriammanding everyone toe out. Roksna ignored the womans voice and turned to her side to get some more rest. After the princess had left, she had stayed up some more, trying to figure out the ways she could escape from the sultanate. She was tired of the Sultan hurting her every time she nned to forgive him. Roksna knew that she couldnt go back to Asleem for help. The man would mock her and she mightmit suicide because of that. She had also thought about how disappointed her father would be in her if he were alive, losing her virginity to a man she wasnt married to. But, it wasnt her fault. If anyone needed to be med, it should be the Sultan. Roksna winced in pain as arge smack sounded from her backside. She got up from the bed and saw Lady Miriam looking at her viciously. Had the woman just hit her? Disrespect Roksna stood up and looked the woman straight in the eyes. She lifted her right hand and would have retaliated if princess Azeezat hadnt stopped her by holding her hand. She struggled against the princesss hold on her but the other woman held on tight. She looked at the princess who shook her head before releasing Roksnas hand. She was tired. Tired of everything and everyone trying to dictate her life for her. She was tired of people telling her which way to live her life. The entire sultanate seemed to suffocate her and her very existence. She stared at the harems leader for one long minute before walking away. At the door, she saw the Sultan walking in with Aabdeen. Without stopping in her tracks, she hissed at the two of them. Jamal looked at Roksna in amazement. Had she just hissed at him? He knew she was angry at him, but that doesnt give her the right to disrespect him in the presence of his subjects. He hadnt even taken anything that didnt belong to him. She was his concubine after all. So, he owned every right to her body. And no matter how he used her or any of the women in his harem, they dont get toin. As a matter of fact, even if he killed all the people in his sultanate, they had no right toin. Other women in his harem would kill to have the chance he had given her, so why was sheining? He couldnt even remember thest time he had anything to do with his favorite mistress. And he had thought that he could invite Roksna over to his house for breakfast so that they could talk over what happenedst night. Sultan! Jamal heard an outburst of joy. He looked up and saw Lady Miriam standing in front of him like his thoughts had cajoled her to life. Her happy expression lifted Jamals dark mood. At least, there is someone who appreciated his presence. He walked into the room and saw the other womening out of Roksnas room. Had something happened between the women before he arrived? Knowing the rivalry between Lady Miriam and Roksna, he wouldnt be surprised to learn the two of them had had another argument. What happened here? The Sultan asked. The maid you brought tried to cause trouble. Lady Miriam answered. The Sultan looked at her with a hard stare and she gulped. I meant Lady Roksna. She corrected herself. Jamal softened his face a little. He had known about Lady Miriams attitude and vicious character even before he got close to her. He knew that she took after her father in the ramifications of life. To have their wishes fulfilled, both father and daughter didnt mind who they stepped over to attain their goals. Rumor even had it that the finance janissary had killed his wife just because the woman threatened to expose him. Whatever the secret was, no one knew about it to date. The reason Jamal himself had gotten close to Lady Miriam was because of her viciousness and the fact that he knew that she wouldnt judge him no matter what he did. Perhaps he should just spend some more time with her again to regain himself. He had been acting too softtely because of reasons he didnt want to think about. Lady Miriam, Ill be having lunch at your ceter. Make sure everything is in ce, Jamalmanded Lady Miriam whose face lit up immediately. Yes, Sultan. Lady Miriam answered immediately, enthusiasm reflecting in her voice. Jamal looked at the rest of the women, then walked out. He was sure he had made the right decision. By the time he spends days with Lady Miriam, he would be back to his usual self. The usual self everyone fears to hear even the sound of his footsteps and rushes to do his biddings lest his anger is aroused. The man that could order the killing of men without thinking about what a certain woman would think of him when she heard. The man that doesnt blink even if people groveled for their lives at his feet. The man who could have intercourse with any woman that pleased his sight and hunger for that moment. What was Roksna turning him into anyway? Ever since he met her, he hadnt been able to find pleasure with another woman no matter how hard he tried. None of them had appealed to him. He always found himselfparing each one of them to Roksna and he had always felt that none of them matched up to her grace. Even when he forced himself into the arms of another woman, he was always thinking about her. He was always thinking that he was betraying her and whatever he had felt in that moment for the other woman would die instantly. It was part of what had led to his frustration. He had been without a woman for so long and seeing her with another man had made him fall into a temptation he couldnt avoid. He had just had to have her. Somewhere in his mind, he knew that she was a virgin but his body hadnt been ready to listen to his logic, so he had done what he did to relieve himself from the pain.From N?velDrama.Org. When they got to the house, the first thing his eyes fell on was the table and the arrays of food disyed on it. Jamal couldnt imagine himself ever sitting at that table to eat without his mind reminding him about what had happened between Roksna and him that night. Just looking at the table right now was making him hard. He instructed Aabdeen to get some maids to clear the food on the table. Jamal also instructed the man to dispose of the table and get a new one in ce. He told Aabdeen to make sure that the color of the new table was different from the old one. He didnt want to always deal with arousals he could not do anything about. Jamal told the other man that he could have the rest of the day off once he was done with his instructions. You are a maid Roksna strode into the kitchen casually as if she had never left in the first ce. She saw the kitchen head giving instructions to some of the kitchen maids and ran to hug her. In dealing with her affairs, she had almost forgotten about the woman and the trouble she went through because of her. Roksna held the woman tightly but was surprised when the woman pushed her back a little bit. Was the kitchen head still angry at her? Roksna knew that she owed her an apology. Roksna was even more surprised when the woman bowed to her.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Lady Roksna. She said, loud enough to get the attention of the other maids in the kitchen. Roksna watched in horror as every maid in the kitchen left their chores and bowed to her. Greetings, Lady Roksna. They chorused. Roksna was perplexed by the action and didnt know what to do. She hade over because she thought that she could find sce with them as old friends. She hadnt realized that the position the Sultan had saddled her with would obstruct her even here. How may we help you, Lady Roksna? The kitchen head asked, jostling Roksna out of her thoughts. Roksna held the two hands of the kitchen head in her own hands before replying. Please, do not push me away like a stranger, Roksna told the woman, who bowed once again before she lifted her head and smiled at her. Roksna turned to the other maids. Please, everyone rise. Continue your work. Everyone chorused a thank you and promptly returned to their work. Roksna apologized to the kitchen head about her disappearance the other day. She stuck to the same story she had fed Seyiddah and the rest about how she lost her way under the cover of the night, hit her head on a stone, and lost consciousness. The woman patted Roksnas hand, told her that she already heard about what happened from Seyiddah, and assured her that she wasnt angry at her. Roksna smiled her thanks at the kitchen head. Roksna. Roksna looked up to see who was so excited to see her and saw Seyiddah walking towards her. Roksna stood up and walked to her friend. They met in the middle and hugged each other. Roksna felt secured in the arms of her friend and let out the tears she had been holding in sincest night. Seyiddah patted Roksnas back tofort her. The method worked and Roksna calmed down after a while, she let go of Seyiddah and smiled at her shyly. The other woman tapped her cheek lightly to show her that she doesnt mind. Roksnas stomach rumbled loudly, reminding Roksna that she hadnt had any meal for the day. Seyiddahughed at Roksna as she held her stomach to suppress the sound. Seyiddah held her hand and walked her to a seat. She let go of her hand and patted the seat, then walked away. Roksna got the message and sat down on the chair. Seyiddah came back with a tray of food in her hand which she set in front of Roksna. Roksna began to eat greedily, almost choking on the food. She was still eating when Aabdeen walked in. The look of surprise on his face made Roksna suspend the spoon in her hand mid-air. Aabdeen frowned at Roksna before he walked straight to her. Lady Roksna, you cant be here, Aabdeen said. Why not? Roksna heard Seyiddah ask Aabdeen. Because shes ady. Not someone of your ss, Aabdeen said. And how do you know what my ss is? Seyiddah asked angrily. Well, you are a maid. That should speak for itself, Aabdeen replied to her. Seyiddah gasped audibly. She pointed an using finger at Aabdeen before dropping the finger. Roksna watched helplessly as Seyiddah walked around helplessly, breathing in and out loudly. Roksna guessed that she was trying to keep calm since ady wasnt supposed to talk rudely. Seyiddah stopped suddenly and Roksna got up to stop the looming disaster she could smelling on. Seyiddah Roksna tried to discourage her. Seyiddah raised her hand to stop the word, stopped moving and faced Aabdeen. I tried really hard to not stoop low to your level, but you know what? I cant keep mute. You said I was a maid? Then what are you? A mere errand man for the Sultan, Seyiddah said. Aabdeen narrowed his eyes at Seyiddah but didnt reply to her despite the gasps that resounded in the room. Why are the women in this sultanate always talking back to their men? And he had thought that their Sultan was strict? He took a deep breath in and out to control his anger and impulse. If this argument had happened in his sultanate, the woman would have paid for her words. But, he couldnt do anything here. He shouldnt even have argued with her at all. It was below his position as a Sultan or even as the Sultans errand boy as she put it. He would make sure she paid for insulting him someday when he was back in power. He would make sure that he made her grovel at his feet begging for mercy. For now, he had to leave. Aabdeen looked at the infuriating woman who raised her chin at him, daring him to say anything to her. He moved closer to her, bent to her height, and spoke. The Sultan asked me to order some maids to clean up his ce. So, maid, I choose you. He said. Anger sparked in Seyiddahs eyes. How could a lowly man be so rude? There was little to no difference in their status and yet, the man kept acting like he was a man of power. She hated men who think that women are nothingpared to them. And even more, she hated people who have no regard for others below them. Perhaps she should shed her maid status down and act like thedy she was. She could have him punished for being disrespectful to her and that should teach him a lesson about looking down on people. Or maybe she should just ask her brother to punish the man on her behalf. What are you waiting for, maid? Seyiddah heard Aabdeen say. Roksna had had enough from the two of them. Especially Aabdeen. She had always thought that the man was gentle with the way he always treated her, but now, she wasnt so sure about his motive. She couldnt just sit still and watch the man insult her friend because she was the reason for the argument in the first ce. Perhaps, it was a good thing she was ady now. She couldmand authority. Aabdeen, thats enough. Stop being so rude, Roksna told him. Sorry, Lady Roksna, Aabdeen said and bowed. Youre a ve, just as I am, Seyiddah said, clicked her tongues, and walked away swaying her hips. Aabdeen looked at her in a deadly manner but didnt speak. Please choose another maid. Seyiddah is busy with me, Roksna told Aabdeen who bowed, pointed to two maids to follow him, then went out. Seyiddah came back after Aabdeen left the kitchen. Toksna looked at her friend with an using look but the other woman merely shrugged her shoulders and Roksna let the issue go. Khadijat and Sofiat joined themter and they joked about a lot of things. Even the kitchen headter joined them in their talks. The woman even dered a break for everyone and they all gathered around to talk andugh together. Roksna knew that the woman had only done it because she was ady and she knew the enormity of her presence in the kitchen. But Roksna was grateful to Ah that she could still have a refuge in their midst. She wouldnt have known what to do if they had turned her out or begun to shiver in her presence because of her title and position. When it was almost time for lunch, Roksna bid her friends goodbye and walked back to the harem. She was almost at the door when she saw Jamal walk out of the harem. Roksna thought about how she had been rude to him in the morning and regretted her action. She walked towards him to apologize, then stopped short when she saw Lady Miriam appear beside him shining in her expensive clothes and gold jewelry. She wondered what they were doing together. Nevertheless, she still had to apologize and walked to the two of them. The Sultan gave her one look and then promptly ignored her. Lady Miriam chose that moment to tell the Sultan that she was ready to go and together, they walked away from her. Roksna turned back to see if the Sultan would look at her, but he didnt. She walked into the harem, straight into her room ignoring some of the women who were inquiring about where she had gone. She felt sad and thought about how the Sultan had just seeded in ruining her mood again without much effort. How could the man have sex with her just a day ago and yet, the next day he was already parading another woman in front of her? And it wasnt just any other woman but the arrogant Lady Miriam. Roksna knew that she should be ready for frustration as she would never hear the end of the story. She sat on her bed, thinking about how the Sultan should be seeking her forgiveness. After all, they hadnt had the sex because she had given in to him. He had forced his way into her body. Someone knocked on the door of her room and told her that she had a visitor. Roksna got up and walked out even though she wasnt expecting any visitors. But it was better than just sitting in her room brooding over the Sultan and getting angry at Lady Miriam. When she got out, she met Hassan standing just a few meters away from the door, kicking his left leg back and forth. Roksna cleared her throat to announce her presence, and Hassan paused in his action and bowed to her. Together, they sat down somewhere around the harem and began to talk. Hassan made Roksna understand the way their culture works. She saw that there were some little differences between this sultanate and her own. Hassan also told her more about each woman of the harem. Each of their strengths and weaknesses. Those that he thought that she should avoid. Roksna wasnt even surprised when the man mentioned Lady Miriam. The woman had never had a good reputation anywhere her name was mentioned in Roksnas presence. Jealous Jamal thought that he might have made a mistake in his judgment. He had paced about his room all morning, watching as the table was being reced. His thought had traveled to the way he would make love to Roksna on the new furniture, slowly and gently this time. The result of the thought had been instant arousal he couldnt control. When he was tired of his predicament, he had gone out of the house to pick up Lady Miriam in the hope that her presence could help his situation. He had even had the thought of taking her to his house to at least eradicate the presence of Roksna in his house. He had purposely given her the cold shoulder too, hoping that his body would understand that he was fighting against her and the feelings she aroused in him. But the sad and disappointed look on her face when she saw him with Lady Miriam hunted him. He had to get back to her and make her see reasoning. They couldnt go on having arguments forever. They had toe to a stage ofpromises. Jamal stopped in his tracks and turned to the side to face Lady Miriam. Lady Miriam, you have to go back to the house. He told her. At the disappointed look on her face, he spoke again. Have the maids set up lunch for us. Ill join you there shortly. He finished and saw Lady Miriam beamed. Jamal watched as Lady Miriam turned around and walked back to her quarter. Why couldnt he be content with a woman who wanted to have everything to do with him? Why was his libido choosing a reluctant woman instead? When he was sure that Lady Miriam was out of sight, he took another route to the harem since he didnt want to identally collide with the woman on his way. Jamal was shocked when he rounded a corner and saw Roksna sitting with a man. She wasughing at something the man said. Jamal boiled hard with anger when he realized that it was the same man he saw Roksna with the other day. Jamal didnt want to admit it, but he was jealous of the man. He should have been the one making herugh there and not the man. He should be the one to make her happy. Jamal put a foot forward to approach the man but stopped when a guard spoke behind him.From N?velDrama.Org. Second inmand? What is he doing here? The guard said. Do you know him? Jamal asked the guard. Yes, Sultan. The guard answered, bowing his head. Good, Jamal thought. He would let the man be for now. But as soon as he was done with his meal with Lady Miriam, he would make sure the man with Roksna suffered for even daring to leave his position. Then, he would double the punishment for the man who dared to even look at Roksna. He would make sure all the bones in the mans body were broken into a million pieces that could never mend together again. Jamal would love to see how the man would move around to visit a woman who belonged to another man with his crippleness. Before either of them would notice his presence, the Sultan walked away from them with his entourages. When he got to Lady Miriams quarter, the delicious smell of food greeted his nose as he opened the door. Lady Miriam walked to him, held his hand, and walked him to the dining table. Jamal sat down lost in thought. He wondered what Roksna and the man were doing right now. Was the man still making Roksnaugh? He heard Lady Miriam call his name and jostled out of the web of his mind thinking. He picked up the spoon and began to eat. Lady Miriam made small talk with him and he tried his best to respond to her. After they were done with the meal, Jamal stood up to leave but Lady Miriam blocked his path. Jamal looked at Lady Miriam, feeling helpless. He knew what she wanted but he also knew that he couldnt give it to her. And it was all because of Roksna who was probably stillughing at the silly talk of the man she was with. Well, if she didnt think anything was wrong with cheating on him, he would do the same thing she was doing. Jamal brought Lady Miriam close to himself and kissed her on the lips. Lady Miriam returned the kiss eagerly, holding the hem of his top. Jamal cupped one of her breasts and squeezed it gently, deepening the kiss. His thought swayed to the fact that Roksna would have moaned into his mouth if she was the one he was squeezing her breast. He took his mind away from her and focused on the woman in his arms at the moment, but his attention was already divided. Lady Miriam took a step back from the Sultan. When her lover hadid out the n to her, she had been scared at first considering the risk involved. But the Sultan had given her a way out when he had said they were having dinner together. She had poisoned the food they ate together just moments ago. But for the poison to be active, she had to make sure the Sultan drank alcohol. And of course, make sure that she doesnt drink one for the rest of the day. The good thing about the poison was that it circtes into the system slowly, so there was no way it could be traced back to her when the Sultan is deceased. She poured some strong alcoholic wine into a cup and handed it over to the Sultan. Jamal turned the cup of wine in his hand around staring at it. Something in his gut made him feel like there was something wrong with the wine Lady Miriam just handed out to him, especially since she doesnt have a cup herself and he knew just how much she loved expensive things. Perhaps she had added a sleeping drug to it so that she can have her way with him when he was asleep. He wouldnt put it past her to do such, especially if she was really desperate. Jamal stopped turning the cup in his hand and handed it back to her. Drink it, mydy. He told her without showing any emotion. Lady Miriam took the cup reluctantly from the Sultan. If she drank the wine, she would activate the poison in her body. But it could be possible the Sultan was suspecting her, so she had to drink the wine. If she refused, the man might force her to drink the entire bottle. Besides, she was ready to do anything to make the Sultan believe her and drink. It was a good thing she had poured just half of the cup at first and she was sure her lover had the cure with him. He must have anticipated that this type of situation could happen to her. With a smile on her face, she gulped down the content of the cup. Jamal rxed as he saw Lady Miriam drink the wine without leaving a single drop. He couldnt believe that he had suspected her in the first ce. The woman might be vicious but she had never tried to harm him before. He was paranoid about her because of what Roksna had kept saying about her. He couldnt believe that a part of him had trusted Roksna enough to believe her lies about Lady Miriam. And there he was, thinking about her again. Lady Miriam poured another cup of wine and handed it to Jamal. He collected it from her but found out that he wasnt interested in drinking with Lady Miriam or even having sex with her. He just wanted to be with Roksna and not anyone else. Jamal walked to the table and dropped the cup on it, bid Lady Miriam goodbye, and left her standing in astonishment. It had been such a long time since Roksna had so much tough about with anyone. And thanks to the man in front of her, she nearlyughed her ribs out today. By the time Hassan stood up to leave, Roksna felt much better than she had earlier in the day. She expressed her thanks to Hassan and the man told her bluntly that his sister had told him that Roksna was having a hard time in the harem. That was why he hade over to cheer her up even though it was against thew. Hassan also told her that she could always summon him whenever she was done and he would do his best to cheer her up. Roksna realized that she had just made another friend in the sultanate and smiled at him. She waved goodbye to Hassan as he went on his way before disappearing into the harem. Jamal stared in disbelief at Roksna and the man who was with her. Jealousy took hold of him as he saw the two of them smiling at each other, oblivious to their environment. He became angry when he saw the contentment on Roksnas face as she walked into the harem. The man with her walked away and Jamals thoughts began to fill up with the different ways he could punish the man to make him regret. But first, he had to seize the man, he thought as he went after the second inmand general with an evil smile. What between you and her? Hassan heard footsteps behind him and his fighting instinct kicked in. Judging by the heaviness of the steps, Hassan knew that it wasnt just a person who was after him. They had to be about four people behind him. It couldnt be his subordinates, they would have called out to him. He wondered who was bold enough to try to apprehend him despite his position in the sultanate. He turned to a corner and hid. When the footsteps sounded closer, Hassan peeped from his hiding ce to see who it was and was utterly surprised to see that it was the Sultan. Hassan pondered on why the Sultan was after him, acting stealth about his movement. He doesnt remember doing something to offend the Sultan, so he was disturbed. Hassan saw the Sultan looking around for him, then walked away when he couldnt find him. When the Sultan and his entourage were gone, Hassan came out of his hiding ce. Perhaps the Sultan needed his attention since the general wasnt around and Hasan was next in line. He was probably worried over nothing, but he had learned to fear the Sultan after that day at the dock. Jamal walked away from the corner he had seen the second inmand disappear to. If the man wasnt feeling guilty about something, why would he run away from him? Does the man think that he could escape him just because he hid himself? He knew just how to fish such a man out, Jamal thought, redirecting his footsteps towards the army building. When he got there, he had his entourage point out which one was the second inmands quarter. Jamal went into the house, inspected it, and found different torture weapons ranging from long whips to ropes lying on a table. Jamal smiled as he sat down on a chair facing the door and waited patiently for the man to return. Hassan arrived at his quarter feeling famished. All the way back to his house, he felt childish for hiding from the Sultan when he hadnt done anything wrong. He had concluded in his mind to visit the Sultan once he was done with his meal to see if the Sultan needed anything from him. He opened the door to his house and came face to face with the Sultan who was sitting on a chair. Fear gripped Hassan and he bowed immediately. The Sultanughed in such an icy way that it chilled Hassan from his brain down to the bones at his feet. Something was definitely wrong, Hassan thought even though he couldnt ce what it was. Seize him. The Sultan said to the guards who were standing at each side of the door. The guards took hold of him before he could say anything or ask any questions and began to tie him with the ropes he kept in his room. One of the guards took hold of his arm and brought him forward to the Sultan. Hassan watched in fear as the Sultan rose and bent over to look straight into his eyes before he sat down back. The Sultan pointed to a guard and spoke. You. Whip him and do not stop until I tell you to, Jamalmanded. But, Sultan The guard began, then promptly shut his mouth when the Sultan narrowed his eye on him. The guard picked up the whip, looked at Hassan apologetically, and began to whip him. Hassan did his best not to whimper or even let a sound out knowing that all the guards present were his subordinates. He kept counting theshes he received instead. By the time the tenthshesnded on his body, the Sultan raised his hand to halt the punishment. Whats between you and Lady Roksna? Jamal asked the second inmand.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Hassan looked up suddenly. This was because of Lady Roksna? The Sultan was angry because of ady? The Sultan was jealous of his rtionship with Lady Roksna? This was the first time Hassan saw the Sultan worried and angry because of a woman. The Sultan had never minded about the women in his harem before. Even if he saw men having sex with any of his concubines, he would just look away. But now, hes reacting differently because of a woman? He should have guessed that the woman mattered to the Sultan eight months ago when he had spared their lives because of her. The Sultan had even moved her from being a maid overnight to be his concubine. Instincts should have warned him not to go anywhere near Lady Roksna. I said, what is your rtionship with Lady Roksna? Jamal asked furiously. We are merely an acquaintance, Sultan, Hassan answered the Sultan. Then, why were you with her twice? Jamal asked again. Hassan nearlyughed at the way the Sultan was acting. He wondered if the man knew just how deeply into Lady Roksna he was. He thought about lying to the Sultan about his reasons for visiting Lady Roksna but decided against it, knowing that the Sultan was liable to stab him to death in his furious state. Hassan exined to the Sultan about how he had visited Lady Roksna the first time to thank her for her previous help in saving his life. He also exined that he had been passing through when he saw thedy crying and had thought to cheer her up just for a while. When he was done, he saw the Sultan sigh, and his rigid body softened. Feeling like exacting revenge, he asked the Sultan an ufortable question. But why do you care, Sultan? I thought you never worried about such things, Hassan asked. The Sultan frowned his face at Hassan before speaking. Just make sure I dont see you near her again, Jamal said. His toneced with a heavy warning, then he walked out of the house. Hassan watched as the Sultan walked away and the guards followed after him, leaving him still bonded with the ropes on. He just had to wait for one of his soldiers toe in, which he doesnt mind. He had gotten off lightlypared to what he had thought would be his fate. The Sultan had changed in some ways and Hassan had a woman to thank for making their Sultan have emotions again. Hassan looked down at the rope that bounded him and sighed. He had such long hours of a wait ahead of him, Hassan thought as he sat on the floor. Save your breath Jamal paused at the stairs on his way to his room. If what the second inmand had said was true, then he had to apologize to Roksna. He couldnt just very well walk up to her and apologize. Knowing Roksna well, she would ask him if he was drunk and then walked away from him. A smile crept up Jamals face as he thought of an idea. He couldnt wait until nighttime to carry out the n he was thinking about. As he went about his duty for the rest of the day, he whistled loudly. He sent for Aabdeen a whileter and narrated the n to the man he now considers as a friend. All through his narration, Aabdeen kept looking at him like he was out of his mind but he doesnt care. As long as the n works. Roksna and the rest of the women in the harem were just about to settle down to eat their dinner when Aabdeen walked into the hall, looking worried. Roksna watched as the princess rushed to his side and asked if something was wrong. Aabdeen shook his head negatively and the princess rxed. Roksna couldnt help but feel like Aabdeen was there to see her. Had something happened to the Sultan? She thought and became worried about the Sultan. She took a step towards Aabdeen, but Miriam chose to walk at that moment. As soon as she saw Aabdeen, she asked why he was there. Lady Miriam, Im here to see Lady Roksna, Aabdeen answered. Why? Lady Miriam asked. I need to see Lad I said why? Lady Miriam asked, cutting him off. Aabdeen sighed before replying. The Sultan drank too much wine. He refused to let anyone touch him except Lady Roksna. He exined to Lady Miriam. Lady Miriam smiled to herself, careful not to show it. The Sultan is drunk? This means that the poison was activated in him. After he had left, she had worried about how she would exin to her lover that she was poisoned but the Sultan wasnt. If she had to guess, she would say that the Sultan was drunk because of the maid she hated. But, she was thankful to her this time for helping her indirectly. Lady Miriam? Aabdeen called to her, his voice a little worried. Its okay. You can take her, Lady Miriam said in reply. Roksna rushed out of the harem with Aabdeen. She had been famished before Aabdeen came, but now, the hunger was gone. Why would Jamal get so drunk he doesnt even know what he was doing? She was sure he doesnt know what he was doing because he had sent for her instead of Lady Miriam. Roksna was grateful the woman hadnt shown her violent self when Aabdeen had said that the Sultan only wanted to see her. When they got to the house, Roksna rushed in. She saw the Sultan spawned to the floor, looking unconscious, and ran to his side. She tapped him gently several times until he opened his eyes.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. When Jamal opened his eyes and saw Roksna bent over him looking so worried, he felt happy. It means that despite all her cold attitudes towards him, she still cared about him somewhere in her heart. He pretended to squint his eyes at Roksna and then mumbled some incoherent words to make her believe that he was really drunk. When she brought her ears closer to listen to what he was saying, he wrapped his arms around her and pushed her to himself. Roksna felt herself being drawn closer by Jamal and tried to free herself from his arms, but the hold he had on her was too strong. She fell to his chest and felt the warmth of his body envelop her. Roksna snuggled even closer to him and ced her palms on his shoulders. She had missed him a lot since the past few days they had stopped talking to each other. She felt Jamals hand tighten even more around her waist and her that awakened her sense. If he was drunk, why was his hold so strong on her? She tried to free herself from him but couldnt. Roksna became annoyed by the fact that she had let herself be yed for a fool by the Sultan. If you dont let go of me this instance, Im going to make sure you end up with a ck eye, Roksna warned. Jamal released his hold on her, cursing himself inwardly. He shouldnt have held her too tight. He opened his eyes and saw Roksna looking at him with a murderous gaze. Realizing that he had been caught red-handed, he sat up straight and tried to exin to her. Roksna held her right hand up to stop him. Save your breath. She told him and went out before he could stop her. None, Sultan A few minutester, Aabdeen came into the house. Jamal looked at him and saw that he was trying hard not tough. Jamal fixed his gaze upon him and dared him tough, the other man raised his hands in surrender. The Sultan got up and dusted off dirt from his clothes. He heard Aabdeenugh at him hard and Jamal narrowed his eyes at him. That didnt stop Aabdeen fromughing. If anything, the mansughter grew louder. Jamal removed one of his shoes and threw it at the other man who simply stepped out of the way. Jamal picked up a small stool and ran after Aabdeen. The other man ran out the door. Told you it wouldnt work, Aabdeen shouted on his way out, stillughing. Jamal stopped running after the other man, walked back to the room, and sat on a chair in the room. Looks like he had just made matter worse than before, he thought as he ced his head on the edge of the chair and slept off.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. As Jamal walked to the courtroom for a meeting with his emissaries the next day, he kept thinking about how much he had offended Roksna. He hadnt treated her right even once ever since he had brought her to his sultanate. If anything, she had only suffered in his hands. And the worst of it was that he had had sex with her against her will. Why had he let jealousy take hold of him that night? He should have calmed down and let her decide what she wanted. Now, he had to look for a way to make amends to the wrong he had done. Worse, he was sure that she was still furious with him over his actions yesterday. He walked into the courtroom and saw Aabdeen standing by the door. The other man bowed to him slightly as he walked to his royal seat. Jamal thought that by right, Aabdeen should be living like an elite now since he still had the seal with him. But, he hadnt been able to talk to Sodeeq about his decision yet and Jamal didnt want it toe as a shock to the general. That was why he hadntmemorated Aabdeen to his new post. The other janissaries also bowed as the Sultan walked past them. Jamal saw that Sodeeq was back and thought that he could take the chance to breach the topic of Aabdeen with him. When he got to his seat, he asked them to rise. What is the agenda for today? Jamal asked after they had all risen. The people of Azera tribe arete in paying their taxes this month. The finance minister said. Jamal knew the Azera tribe. They were the smallest in his sultanate. And not just the smallest, they were the poorest. Their main source of ie was through their agricultural farming which they sell out to the other tribes. What is their mode of paying taxes? Jamal asked. Through jewelry, gold among other things. The finance minister answered. Jamal thought hard about that. If they were asking for expensive things from such people, then it would take a huge toll on the tribe. They would never be able to produce enough food to sell to buy such things for taxes. Perhaps, he could change their mode of payments to the things the tribes have readily avable. And he could find a way to help them expand their farming process so that they would produce more. It would help the tribe and the sultanate together. Reduce their tax rate by half, Jamal told the finance janissary. He heard everyone in the room gasp, but he ignored them and continued. Also, from today henceforth, let them pay only with food and not jewelry, Jamal finished. Yes, Sultan. The finance janissary answered with a slight bow. Next. The Sultan called. Sultan. Another letter arrived from the Sultan of Jedi. The information minister said. Jamal sat upright. He had nearly forgotten about the threat from the other sultanate. He wondered what the letter was about as his court assistant took the letter from the information minister and brought it over to him. The Sultan opened the letter hurriedly and read. He opened his mouth wide open as he reread the content of the letter to be sure that he hadnt read it wrong. The other Sultan had told him to get ready for an invasion in a month. Jamal pondered hard over what the other Sultan wanted from him as none of his letters had ever exined the reason for the threat. Every time a letter came, it was always about war and nothing else. Didnt the Sultan of Jedi know that he was at a disadvantage since the princess was here? It only shows Jamal how naive the new Sultan was. He looked up and saw his janissaries staring at him curiously and spoke. Its another letter threatening to invade us in a month. He told them. Everyone in the room began to show their panicking state. Their eyes furrowed in frowns and tensions radiated from their bodies. The only two people in the room who didnt seem to think much of the threat were Aabdeen and Sodeeq, and Jamal saluted their courageous looks. Because even he was a little afraid of what the future would hold. He wasnt ready for war or anything like that. He was learning his lessons about the damages of war from Roksna. There had to be a way to make the other Sultan see some reasonings and reach an agreement with him. We could use the princess as a hostage, Sodeeq spoke up. While Jamal had thought of the same thing, he had dismissed it as a bad idea immediately. The princess was Roksnas friend and if she found out he was trying to hurt her friend, he would never see the end of her anger. She was too protective of her friends, and he wasnt ready to add more crimes to his deeds before her. Besides, making the princess a hostage would only infuriate the Sultan of Jedi some more, and Jamal was ready to do anything to stop the impending war. He would have to think about other ways to appease the other Sultan. Besides, he was ready to end this meeting and go see Roksna. Well think about a way to actter. He told them and they all bowed in agreement. Is there any other matter? He asked them. None, Sultan. The information minister answered. Jamal dismissed everyone in the courtroom and walked away without waiting for the usual bow he was ustomed to. He was halfway through when he remembered that he had forgotten to talk to the general about his intentions. Well, that could wait. But his decision to talk to Roksna couldnt wait. The more he lets her stay angry with him, the harder it will be for her to forgive himter. When he got to the harem, he saw Roksna sitting with Seyiddah and the princess. She was holding a hoop in one hand and a needle in another. Except for the three of them, the hall was empty. He watched in silence as Seyiddah showed Roksna how to make a design, then asked her to replicate. Roksna stuck the needle into the cloth on the hoop and yelped. When she brought her middle finger up, it was bleeding. Jamal shook his head at her poor attempt to learn. Perhaps, he should tell herter on to stick to fighting and dancing since those were the things she knew how to do well. Jamal cleared his throat to reveal his presence to the women before walking over to them. Seyiddah and the princess stood up from their sitting position and bowed their heads in respect to him. Roksna remained seated, still focused on the design she was trying to recreate, and totally ignored him. Even when the princess tapped her lightly on the shoulder, she ignored the subtle sign she was being given. How was he supposed tomunicate with her if she wouldnt even give him a chance? Seyiddah and the princess bowed again and walked away. Which one of your crimes? Roksna hadnt bothered to look up when she heard someone clearing their throat and saw her friends stand up hurriedly from their seats and bowed. She knew that it was the Sultan. Only he couldmand such respects from the two women who were with her. She knew that he had probablye around to check on the women in the harem or perhaps, he hade to be with his favorite mistress. Besides, she was still angry at his silly act towards her yesterday. When the princess had tapped her, she knew that the other woman was trying to tell her she was being disrespectful but she didnt care. He should just go away from the hall and go over to Lady Miriams quarter. When Roksna heard the retreating footsteps of her friends, she knew that they had betrayed her. Where are you two going? Roksna asked her friends who didnt bother to answer. Roksna stood up, dropped the hoop she was holding and tried to leave also. Jamal held her arm to stop her. She flung his hand away from her arm and took a step away from him. Jamal didnt know how to begin and her attitude towards him wasnt helping him in any way. It was making him even more nervous than he already was. Jamal knew that his janissaries wouldugh their heads off if they heard that he was nervous over a woman. When he saw her walking away from him to her room, he ran after her. Dawn, Im sorry, Jamal told Roksna. Roksna paused and turned back in disbelieve. The Sultan was apologizing to her? The most dreaded Sultan everyone feared? Just because he apologized doesnt mean that she was ready to forgive him for any of his crimes. For which one of your crimes? Roksna asked. Jamal looked at Roksna and knew that she wasnt going to give him an easy way out. Which one should he tell her he was apologizing for? Everything, Jamal answered because he was indeed sorry about everything he had done to her. You think saying sorry makes everything alright? Do you think it will bring back my family? My virginity? Will it erase the scars on my body? Erase all the emotional tortures Ive been through? I think not, Roksna said and walked into her room. She mmed the door shut when she was in. Jamal looked at the closed door and deliberated if he should go after her or not. He had just apologized to her and she had given him the cold shoulder. Does she realize that she was the first person he had ever apologized to? Maybe he should let her be since she wasnt ready to hear him out. Perhaps when her anger had dissipated, she would listen to him. He turned around and saw Seyiddah and the princess looking at him in bewilderment. Good, he had just made a fool of himself in front of them because of Roksna. Jamal walked away from the room before he made more fools of himself. When he stepped out, he came face to face with the second inmand and Jamal narrowed his eyes at the man who bowed his head in greeting. Didnt I warn you not to visit Lady Roksna again? Jamal asked the man. You did. However, Im not here to visit her. The man answered. Then who else are you here to see? The Sultan asked, getting irritated by the man. Hassan nearlyughed out loud because of the Sultans attitude. He wondered how long it would take the man to realize his feelings for his concubine. Im here to see my sister, Hassan answered. Jamal nodded his head. He had almost forgotten that Seyiddah was ady too. Ady who simply love the simple life of amoner and had chosen to work in the kitchen rather than dress herself up and go around givingmands to the lowly people. But, Sultan, Hassan began and the Sultan looked at him. He knew that he could be punished for what he was about to say and gulped before he continued. You never answered my question yesterday. He finished. What question? Jamal asked absentmindedly. Why are you so obsessed with Lady Roksna? Hassan asked. None of your business, Jamal answered and walked away. Hassan smiled to himself as he walked into the harem. He met his sister and the princess at the door of Lady Roksna trying to open the door. He asked them what happened and they exined the matter to him. So, those two were at it again? He asked within himself. Hopefully, the Sultan would examine himself and know what his feelings are towards Lady Roksna. Then, he could do the right thing, and the two of them would stop having a hard time. But for now, he had to find a way to make Lady Roksna open the door. Jamal walked angrily back to his house, with the thought that the second inmand had deliberately asked him such an ufortable question. By the time he was in his room, he began to pace the length of his room. Why was he really obsessed with Roksna? Why does he feel angry when he sees any man was with her? He had never cared about any woman before, not even about those in his harem. He had never cared who they were with or what they did. He had never even cared about what even Lady Miriam, who was his favorite, was up to. If he needed a woman, he simply chose any of them that appeased his mind regardless of their status. But that was not the case with Roksna. Ever since he had first set his eyes on her, he had been obsessed with her. He wanted to know where she was and what she was doing at all times. It was why he had given her to Lady Miriam as a maid before so that he could always see her every time he visited the concubine.From N?velDrama.Org. Every time she had been beaten or treated badly, it had taken him all his willpower not to rush to her side. He had even had her transferred to the kitchen when he saw that Lady Miriam was too harsh on her. And he had intentionally chosen her as his kitchen maid because he knew that the workload would be reduced for her. For her, he had bent his rules or even changed thempletely just to make sure that she wasnt affected by them. For example, he had allowed her friends into his house when no women had ever been allowed in his house. And recently, he had begun to care about her and everything about her. He wanted to make sure that she wasfortable and nevercked anything. And he was also always jealous every time he saw her with another man. He always feels insecure, with thoughts that he might lose her to another man. He also wanted her to notice him at all times and that was why he does things that were hard to exin. Again, he had lost interest in any other woman ever since he met her. Even if a woman was naked in front of him, he wouldnt feel anything for her. But he only had to think about Roksna and his manhood would be hard for her. His mind shed back to when he was just a young man and he would sit by his fathers side, listening to tales about how the former Sultan had met his wife, and how he felt for her. The older man could go on and on about their love story, the things he felt, and how he tried to fight them. Looking back now, Jamal realized that he felt each of those same things his father had felt for his mother. Jamal felt the same things for Roksna. He sat down on the bed as realization struck him. He was in love with Roksna. He had been in love with her for a while now, but he just didnt realize it. How will he ever get her to forgive him for his action? First things first, he had to think about ways to get her to forgive him for his recent actions. He called a guard and sent him to get Aabdeen toe over immediately. When the other man came, Jamal sent him to go and get Roksna for him. He also instructed her to make sure Roksna came with him or he shouldnte back at all. It was the first time he was threatening Aabdeen but he doesnt care as long as Roksna was with him. The other man bowed and went out of his room, but Jamal paid little attention to that. He had to think about the perfect thing to say to Roksna if he wanted to win her over. Don’t care Aabdeen was lost in thought as he walked to the harem. How had he ended up as an errand boy? Worse, he had endangered the life of his sister, thinking that he was protecting her. It wasnt until after he had written and sent that letter that he had made a grave mistake. He had tried every subtle means he knows to get the letter back before it got to Sultan Jamal but his efforts had proved futile. His fear of the Sultan harming his sister as a form of revenge had been confirmed when the general had suggested that she be held captive. His heart had nearly flown out of his chest at that moment and had only rxed when the Sultan had kicked against such idea vehemently. His first mistake had been when he had sent that first letter to threaten the Sultan of Wadai sultanate. He had counted on the Sultans bad reputation of being easily angered over everything to help him, but his n had failed when the Sultan had been looking for other alternatives rather than go to war with his neighboring sultanate. He had thought that if Sultan Jamal hade with his army to besieged them, he would have met the other armies who were trying to destroy his fortress just outside the gate. The two would sh with each other and battled themselves to death. He had been too desperate for a solution to think over his decision well. His second mistake had been letting his sistere over here. But at that moment, he had felt like his sister could be well protected over here. And she had been, for the most part. His mind was at peace and he was able to think about the problem at hand. But when he had sent that letter and someone had suggested holding the princess hostage, he knew he had to get his sister out of the Wadai sultanate. The problem now is how to tell his sister about how he nned to sneak her away. Aabdeen knew that she wouldnt be happy about his decision because of the friends she had made here. Even he knew her shy nature and how hard it was for her to make friends. Aabdeen also had the problem of where else he could take her to safeguard her life. His third mistake? That wasing over to this sultanate. He had done it to spy on the Sultan and his people so that he would know theyout of thend, their stronghold, and their weaknesses. Because he had the crazy idea of moving his people to a part of this sultanate that no one knew about if worse came to worst. He hadnt expected the turn of events he met when he had arrived. Perhaps, he should have let the Sultan die back then since he was sure none of the doctors from the sultanate would have been able to heal such deep wound the man had sustained. Again, he hadnt expected the Sultan to take a likening to him and made sure that he was always at his beck and calls. An errand man for the Sultan, as that rude maid had titled him. When news had hit him that his cousin, Ibrahim, had been injured during hisst battle with the invaders, Aabdeen had felt really uneasy about the whole issue on the group of bandits who had invaded his Sultan. Cousin Ibrahim was older than him and knew more about how to rule than Aabdeen ever could. The man had done a great job at it too since he had left him in the position for about four months now. But, Aabdeen was beginning to get afraid. Afraid for his sister. Afraid for his cousin and his wife. Afraid for everyone living in his sultanate. Life was hard for them already even before the attacks on them by the bandit. He had to find a solution to his predicaments and that too, quick. None of the ideas he had nursed in his head had made any appeal to him. The moment he thought of them, he had quickly discarded them. The only idea he still thought he could adopt was using the seal the Sultan gave him to mobilize the soldiers and use them as instruments of war against the bandits. But the thing is, he was beginning to like Sultan Jamal and didnt want to hurt the man or his feelings. Whatever he had heard about the mans cruelty, he had found to be false as he became closer to the man. Or maybe it was Lady Roksna who was changing him. Aabdeen didnt know, but he knew that the drama between the two was beginning to amused even him. Ya Ah, he had even begun to think of the other man as a friend. So many times, Aabdeen had nearly confessed his identity to the Sultan, but the fear of his sister being punished along with him had held him back. Lady Roksna saw Aabdeen walk into the harem and nearly grunted. She was in the process of trying the embroidery design Seyiddah had shown her how to make about ten times but she kept failing to do the stitches correctly. But, she was getting better than when she first started with the job. She dropped the hoop in her hands on the table and waited for the trouble she knew would definitely happen between Aabdeen and Seyiddah. The moment Aabdeen saw Seyiddah, his entire countenance changed and became rigid. Roksna stood up immediately and apprehended him by the door before he would say something out of order again. Aabdeen saw the way Lady Roksna rushed towards him, looking a little worried. He knew that she could not read his thoughts, so she wasnt worried about him. She was just being worried that he would say something out of turn to the maid with her. But, he wasnt in the mood for an argument right now. He just wanted to deliver the Sultans message to Lady Roksna and go back to thinking about how to solve the problems he had at hand. Aabdeen saw his sister look at him and nodded slightly in her direction. Her expression became a little worried and Aabdeen knew that she had guessed that something worried him. He didnt know how she does it, but she could always tell each time he was worried about something. He smiled a little at his sister to calm her down and assure her he was doing okay, which was the moment Seyiddah chose to look up from her task.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Seyiddah was trying to learn a new stitch design from the princess who seemed to be the expert among the three of them. She had also chosen to learn the design so that she could let Roksna know that embroidery was not easy even for someone who had experience. She had lifted her head to tell Roksna just that when she sighted the Sultan errand man and the man had dared to smile at the difficulty she was having over the design she was making. Looks like he was tired of living, Seyiddah thought as she got up and walked straight to him. She heard the princess growl behind her, but she didnt stop. Oh, oh. Aabdeen thought as he saw the maid walking towards him. If he was to go by the sternness and stiffness of her body, Aabdeen knew that she wasnting over to apologize for her behaviorst time. His first thought was to quickly deliver the Sultans message to Lady Roksna and rush out before the maid got closer to him, but then he decided against it. He hadnt done anything to her to warrant him to run. He ignored the subtle signs his sister gave him to go away. If she wanted trouble, then Aabdeen was ready to give it to her. He needed someone to let his steam off on in any case. If she wanted to volunteer, he had no objection whatsoever to it. How dare youugh at me? Seyiddah asked in an angry tone. Roksna turned around, surprised. She saw Seyiddah and tried to drag her back, but the woman wouldnt budge. How did you know that Iughed at you? Aabdeen asked nonchntly. Roksna turned back to him and pleaded with him to keep calm through her eyes but Aabdeen ignored her. He wasnt going to back down for a woman. You Seyiddah pointed a finger at him. Aabdeen smiled at her and that seemed to infuriate her some more. How dare you? She shouted. Tell me something. Are you doing all these so that I can notice you? Aabdeen asked purposely, just to make her angrier. He wasnt going to be the only one who would be miserable. The only reply he got from the maid was a deep blush, followed sessfully by a p across his face before she walked away. He saw the look of disapproval on his sisters face and chuckled loudly, which earned him a death look from each of the three women present in the room. He turned to Lady Roksna to state the reason he was in the harem in the first ce. Lady Roksna, the Sultan asked for your presence. He told her. Tell him Im not interested, Roksna told Aabdeen and began to walk away from him. Lady Roksna, Aabdeen called and she paused. I have instructions to bring you over by all means and that includes carrying you over if I have to. Roksna turned back to see if Aabdeen was serious. The look on his face warned her that he was very serious and that he would carry her if he had to. Was the Sultan threatening her now? She didnt me Aabdeen because she knew that he was only following instructions, which she would too if reversed were the case. She told her friends about the newest development even though she was sure that they already heard everything. Together, she and Aabdeen walked to the Sultans house. As soon as Aabdeen delivered her, he bowed and left. Surprise Jamal was still trying to determine how to approach Roksna when she arrived when he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw that Aabdeen had arrived, and thankfully, Roksna was with him. He didnt know what method the other man had used but he was grateful he had returned with Roksna. Aabdeen bowed slightly and left, leaving him alone with Roksna. What should he tell her first? About his feelings? Or should he apologize again? Did you ask that I be kidnapped over just to keep staring at me? Roksna asked. Jamal decided against telling her about his feelings instantly. She wasnt ready to hear that. He wasnt sure if she was ready to hear his apologies either. With her current mood, there was only one thing that could make her happy, and Jamal would give her that. He grabbed hold of one of her hands and took her out despite her reluctance to go with him. Jamalmanded his carriage be brought over when they got out of the house. He helped Roksna into the carriage and got into it also. Jamal tapped the carriage and the journey began. I didnt know you have a carriage, Roksna said after a few minutes. Theres a lot of things you dont know about me, Dawn. But Im willing to share them with you if you want to know, Jamal told her in reply. Roksna lost her voice for some seconds. He was willing to share details about his life with her? What was going on? Why was he so agreeable all of the sudden? Where are we going to? Roksna asked the Sultan and he smiled before replying. Its a surprise. He told her. Roksna wondered what surprise the Sultan was talking about, but she didnt ask anymore. They were quiet for the rest of the journey and Roksna even slept off during the long journey. She felt someone tap her and she opened her eyes, only to see Jamal so close to her face. We are here, Dawn. He told her with a smile. Roksna looked around confused. Wheres here? She asked. Youll see, Jamal told her. He stole a kiss from her before he moved away from her. He helped her down and Roksna saw that they were in front of a house that looked a bit old but still had its elegance about it. She looked back at the Sultan inquiringly. The man merely smiled at her and indicated that she goes in. She wondered if something was really behind the door or it was just another of the Sultans tricks. Roksnas hand shivered as she ced it on the doorknob and pushed the door open. Loud voices greeted her from the house and she walked in less reluctantly this time. Her footsteps made a loud creak on the floorboard to indicate just how old the house was. Who is that? A voice asked. It was a voice Roksna had thought that she would never hear anymore in her lifetime. Even though it had been such a long time since she had the voice, she recognized it straight away. Roksna rushed into the center of the house to be sure that she hadnt misheard the voice. Seated by the dining table, in the middle of a meal were her Abbu and her younger brother, Abaan. Sure that she was still half asleep, Roksna swept her hand over her face and looked again. The two of them were still seated on the chairs at the table digesting their meals. Abaan looked up, saw her standing there helplessly, and stood up only to rushed to her. Roksna!!! The younger man screamed as he hugged her tightly as if his life depended on it. Roksna hugged him back to be sure she wasnt dreaming about it all. When she was sure her imagination didnt have anything to do with it, she began to cry. By this time, her father was beside them. She let go of Abaan and hugged her father tightly. After about five minutes of hugging and crying, her father let go of her. Together, they walked to the chairs and sat down. She hadnt realized just how much she missed her family until now. She ruffled Abaans hair and watched as the young man growled at her before hebed the hair back into ce. Roksna smiled at him and he snickered. She ignored him and held her fathers hands in hers. Howe you are here? Her father asked her. The Sultan brought me, Roksna answered. She had forgotten about the Sultan in all her excitement. She looked around but couldnt find him. Where was he? Roksna stood up to go and look for him but her father stopped her. He probably wants to give us some privacy. The man said. Roksna turned to her father. I thought you were both dead. What happened? She asked.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Sultan Bayezyd began to exin to her about what had happened that day they were captivated. After Roksna had been knocked out, the general whoter turned out to be the Sultan had stopped his men from killing them. Instead, they had been knocked out one after the other. They woke up to find themselves in moving cargo and when they couldnt find Asleem or her, they had concluded that they had both been killed by the army. After they arrived at the sultanate, they had been brought here to stay. Despite all their attempts to escape, it had always been futile as they were caught and returned to the house. It wasnt until recently that the Sultan had broken the news to them that Roksna was alive, and despite their pleas, he refused to let them visit. Roksna told them her part of the story. How she had woken up alone in a ship and she had thought that the Sultan had killed her family members. Her numerous failed attempts to kill the Sultan which had Abaanughing. She told them about her journey as a ve and the sufferings that came with it. She told them how she met Asleem and his ns to usurp the Sultan through the army he was training secretly. She told them about how she became a royal concubine. But she left out the part where the Sultan had forced himself on her. For a reason she couldnt exin, she wanted to protect him from her familys wrath. When she was done, her father sighed. She spent the next two hours with her father and brother. They talked about how a lot of things had changed since they separated. They also talked about the differences between this sultanate and theirs. One of the guards came in and told her that the Sultan said that he had an important meeting to attend, so they had to hurry back. Roksna hugged her family and promised toe back for a visit soon before she walked away from them. She was almost at the door when her fathers words stopped her. Whatever the young man outside had done wrong, Roksna, please forgive him. Her father told her. Why would you say that? Shouldnt you be angry with him? Roksna asked her father and turned to look at him. Sultan Bayezyd shrugged his shoulders like he didnt care. I am. But I want my daughter to be happy. He told Roksna with a smile. Roksna nodded and went out of the house. A chance to right his wrongs Sultan Jamal paced around the carriage, wondering if he hadnt made a mistake in bringing Roksna to meet her family. When he got tired of pacing about, he entered into the carriage and sat. He wondered what they were discussing about at the moment. It was probably about the thousand ways they should kill him for lying to them. What if Roksna refused to follow him back now that she knew that her family was alive? He hadnt thought the n through before he brought her over. He had just wanted to make her happy at that moment. He got tired of waiting in the carriage and got down again. Twice, he walked up to the door but managed to refrain himself at thest minute. When he guessed that he had given them enough time to bond, he told a guard to get Lady Roksna from the house and watched as the guard disappeared into the house. He was kicking his right leg back and forth when the guard emerged with Roksna. Jamal breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her alone and unarmed. Roksna saw the look of worry on the Sultans face and nearlyughed. She could guess what he had been thinking about before she arrived. He must have thought that it wouldnt be too hard for them to overpower him if they wanted to fight against him for their freedom. She would have thought the same way too if she were him. Roksna walked up to him and thanked him for bringing her here. He held out his palm for her and she took it. Jamal helped her to climb up the carriage before he got in too. All through the carriage ride, Jamal kept staring at her to see if her reaction to him had changed. While she was grateful to him for sparing her family, she still couldnt find it in herself to forgive him. However, she decided topromise with him. I promise I wont kill you again because you spared my family, Roksna told him. Have you forgiven me then? He asked her. Roksna shook her head. For every other thing, yes. But not for forcing yourself on me. She told him. Thank you. The Sultan told her. It wasnt exactly what he wanted, but knowing how stubborn his woman was, he was grateful she had given him that much all at once. It wouldnt be long before shepletely forgive him. The rest of the carriage ride was filled with silence from both sides. When they got to the Sultans house, Roksna left for the harem as soon as her feet touched the ground. When she walked in, she saw that all the women of the harem were gathered in the hall. She was about to ask what was going on when Lady Miriam stepped in front of her and pped her. Roksnas eyes doubled from the effect of the p and she held her cheek. When the stinging effect ended, she looked at Lady Miriam. The woman smiled maliciously and anger sparked in Roksnas mind. Without pausing to think about the consequences, Roksna pped Lady Miriam hard across the face. She saw the woman hold her cheek in utter surprise and smiled, thinking that she deserved what she got. Jamal held the doorknob to open the door to his house but paused in his actions. He still had time for lunch before his meeting and he felt like eating with Roksna. He turned away from the door and walked to the harem. He stood by the door just in time to see Lady Miriam p Roksna. He got angry at the harem leader and had wanted to interfere with the conflict between the two women when he saw Roksna p the woman back. A part of him became proud of the fact that his woman could always protect herself from dangers and predators. He rushed into the hall when he saw that Lady Miriam had raised her hand again to return the p she had been dealt with. The two women looked surprised to see him there, even though he was sure that the surprised looks were for different reasons for each woman. Sultan, she pped me. Lady Miriam wailed, turning to face him. Jamal looked at Roksna who hadnt bothered to look at him or tried to exin anything. She probably thought that he would choose Lady Miriam over her again, as he had always done before. He took her hand in one of his, then he used the other hand to lift her face towards him. He inspected the cheek Lady Miriam had pped her. When he saw how reddish it was, he became angry. He turned to Lady Miriam in that anger. Why did you p her? He barked at her. The woman began to shake under the sternness of his voice. Answer me. He barked again. I I called for a meeting of the harem but she waste by an hour. So I thought She couldnt finish the words. So, you thought to p her? Jamal asked again. Roksna turned to look at him when she realized that he was supporting her. She had initially hardened herself when he came in because she thought that he would support his favorite mistress as he had always done each time they argued. Even when he had held her hand and inspected her face, she hadnt given it much thought. But as she looked at him, she saw anger zing through his entire stand as he questioned Lady Miriam. Sultan Lady Miriam began, but Jamal held up his hand to stop her. Royal decree. The Sultan said, and everyone in the room except Roksna knelt down. Jamal let go of her hand. Dawn, kneel. Hemanded her. Roksna wondered what the Sultan was up to. She was afraid that she would be punished for pping the harem leader and she nearly pleaded for her life. However, the fact that she wasnt in the wrong made her hardened her heart and she decided that she would ept whatever punishment he melted to her without flinching or pleading for her life. Having decided so, she knelt like the rest of the women. From this moment onward, Lady Miriam had ceased to be the harem leader. Lady Roksna is to rece her with immediate effect. The Sultanmanded. Two women looked up in shock at once. Neither of them believed what the Sultan had just said. Furthermore, Lady Miriam has to move out of the harem leader quarter immediately, so that Lady Roksna can move in. He finished. We obey yourmand, Sultan. All of the women chorused. They turned to Roksna, still bowing. Congrattions, Lady Roksna. They chorused at her. Roksna was still in shock and disbelieve. The Sultan had just usurped his favorite mistress and appointed her as the leader instead? She stared at him to see if he was serious and Jamal smiled at her. She opened her mouth wide, unable to close it. You have to ept the royal order, Lady Roksna. Princess Azeezat whispered to her. That jolted her out of her shocked state. Thank you for your benevolence, Sultan, Roksna said. You all may rise. The Sultan ordered. Roksna watched as Lady Miriam stood up and walked away from the hall without a word. Aabdeen walked in and told the Sultan that the meeting was about to begin and they both went out together. Princess Azeezat moved closer to Roksna with a smile and gave her a warm hug. Seyiddah chose that moment to walk in and the princess shared the news with her. Seyiddah hugged her too, but Roksnas thought was on why the Sultan would do what he did. Seyiddah asked her why she was looking gloomy instead of being happy she would never have to bear the brunt of Lady Miriams wickedness anymore as soon as they were in the room. Roksna exined her worries to her two friends. She exined what had happened between the Sultan and herself to them. After she was done with her exnation, they confessed that they heard what she and the Sultan had discussed thest time he was here. Roksna blushed and her friendsughed. But, he does care about you. Princess Azeezat said. Shes right. As for the sex, you are his concubine and so, your body automatically belongs to the Sultan, Seyiddah told her and she touched her hand that she rested on the table. Give him a chance to right his wrongs. She finished. Roksna saw Princess Azeezat nod in agreement. They were right about everything they had said. Besides, the man was trying really hard to make her forgive him. And, she was already tired of fighting with him. She missed him a lot. She missed the way they bantered with each other. She missed the way they teased each other whenever they werent arguing. Before she could change her mind about forgiving him, she bid her friends goodbye and rushed over to the courtroom. Jamal felt happy within himself over the decision he had taken back at the harem. Now, his mind would be at peace knowing that there was no one else who could give Roksna a hard time. As he walked into the courtroom, murmurs filled the room and it only stopped when they realized that he was there. Every one of them bowed and remained that way till he got to his royal seat. News really does fly, Jamal thought as he took his seat. You may all rise, Jamalmanded and they all stood up. Whats the agenda for today? He asked them. The finance janissary came out first. Sultan, we heard that you dethroned Lady Miriam as the harem leader and chose another. He said. Or more like, he questioned.From N?velDrama.Org. You mean your daughter? Yes, I did, Jamal answered. Sultan, we all know that the harem leader is more likely to be the Sultana. So, you cant choose an outsider who knows nothing about our culture as the leader. The finance janissary said. I can and I did, Jamal said, a little too loud. The finance janissary was getting on his nerves. If you dare question my authority one more time, I promise you that you wont live to see the next sunrise. He told the man. Everyone in the room kept shut all of the sudden. Jamal was sure that if a pin dropped at that moment, they all would hear the sound of the fall. Jamal! Jamal!!. Jamal heard someone call him and thought that the voice belonged to Roksna. Beside her, no one else would dare to call his name and lived to tell the tale. He sent Aabdeen to check if it was her. The other man went out, he confirmed it to be her indeed when he came back in, and Jamal ordered for her to be let in. When he saw her walk in, he stood from his seat and rushed to her. Roksna saw that Jamal was in the middle of a meeting with his janissaries and immediately regretted how disrespectful she had been by calling his name. What if he got angry at her again? She quickly bowed her head when she saw himing. Roksna, Jamal said when he got to her. Im sorry I disrespected you, Sultan, Roksna said as an apology and heard Jamal chuckled. She lifted her head and saw him still smiling. Dont bother about it. I like it when you call my name, Jamal told her. Sounds of surprise filled the courtroom and Roksna looked around. She saw that every single person in the courtroom was watching the scene between her and the Sultan and blushed. Jamal saw that she wasntfortable and held her hand. Roksna looked up in surprise and tried to release her hand, but Jamal wouldnt let go. Everyone, meet the new harem leader, Lady Roksna, Jamal announced. Everyone in the room bowed to her in respect. Greetings, Lady Roksna. They all chorused. Why are you here though? The Sultan asked under his breath. I wanted to see you, Roksna replied, using the same volume. Arousal filled Jamal to the very bones at his toes. He began to walk away from the courtroom, still holding Roksnas hand. This meeting is adjorned. He told his janissaries when he was halfway through the door. He didnt wait for their answer or greetings as he walked away. All he wanted at that moment was to be with the woman he loves. Why? Jamal kept a tight hold on to Roksna as he walked back home hurriedly. He wished he had some magical powers that could make himnd on his bed with Roksna with just a single thought. That was how hard he was for her. And the fact that she hade to him herself gave him a clue that she had forgiven him or she was very close to forgiving him. When he got home, he ignored the greetings from the guards and turned the doorknob to go into the house, but a voice stopped him. Sultan. The voice called. Jamal cursed under his breath at whoever had thought of disrupting his ns. When he turned back, he saw his best friend standing behind him. His anger dissipated a little when he saw who it was. What do you want, general? Jamal asked impatiently. I also think you did the wrong thing with Lady Miriam, The general replied. He nced at Roksna once and promptly dismissed her. Jamal opened the door for Roksna and told her to wait for him inside. He was grateful when she obeyed the order without hesitation. When Jamal was sure that she was safely in the house, he closed it firmly behind him and walked to general Sodeeq. Without a warning about what he was about to do, Jamal punched the other man in the face. He watched without remorse as blood flowed from the generals nostril. The surprised look on the face of his best friend didnt move him either. Jamal pointed a finger at the generals bleeding nose in a warning. That was just a light warning because you are a friend. Now, make sure you never utter such words again before me, Jamal warned. He left his best friend standing and walked away from the man. He wondered what was wrong with his friendtely. The man had always been looking for ways Jamal would get rid of Lady Miriam before, then suddenly, he changed and began to root for thedy. It doesnt matter since he already corrected the impression that anyone could change his mind about making Lady Miriam the harem leader again. Others who hear the story about how he punched his best friend over the matter would know that they could lose their lives over it if they trespassed. Roksna moved around the room in worry. Why were the entire janissaries against her being the harem leader? Even Sodeeq had joined them when she thought that the other man was a friend to her. Was there a special meaning behind being a harem leader? Roksna wished her father had kept a harem back then. At least, she would have learned about women in the harem and wouldnt be in a dilemma right now because of it. She wondered what the Sultan and the general were talking about. She knew that the Sultan hadnt wanted her to know about what transpired between the two and that was why he had asked her to get in. What was taking him long? Roksna wondered. She stopped in her pacing mood when she heard the doorknob being turned.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Jamal entered the house and saw worry lines etched on Roksnas face. He smiled at her to ease her worry when she looked at him. When she wouldnt rx, Jamal moved closer to her and petted her cheek. She rxed under his touch after some minutes. Jamal sat down on a chair and made Roksna sit on hisp. Even though he wished he was inside her, he found that he was worried about her happiness, much more than his sexual appetite. I came here to ask you why you forced yourself on me, Roksna said after a while of being silent. Jamal held her hand in his and began to caress the back of the hand he held. Roksna smuggled even closer to him and rested her head on his chest. Jamal knew in that instance that she had forgiven him. All she just needed was an exnation from him. Something to justify what he had done to her. He exined to her how he had gotten jealous when he had seen herughing with another man. How the jealousy had turned into anger when he remembered how she ignored him each time he tried to get her attention. And she had walked in when he was still trying to control himself from the emotional tumor he was feeling. He apologized for causing her pain by forcing his way into her. He also apologized for not caring about how she would feel when she saw him with Lady Miriam the next day. Actually, I only felt the pain when you first forced your way in. After that, I began to enjoy it, Roksna told him. Jamal could hear the shyness in her voice as she said those words. The shyness made him even harder than he already was. I can make you enjoy it without any pain this time, Dawn. He said, his voice dropping to a low octave. He watched as Roksna chewed her lower lips in indecision. She shook her head negatively after about a minute. You left me with a weird feelingst time. I was almost going to touch a rainbow and you just suddenly stopped. I dont want to experience that again, Roksna told him sincerely Jamal raised Roksnas head and stared at her in disbelief. She had enjoyed their first time together? Damn his insensitive mind that hadnt recognized her needs at that moment. He had heard her moan at that moment but had thought that it was only a fragment of his imagination. If only he had listened more attentively, he would have tried to make her enjoy that special moment too. He badly wanted her now, but he wasnt about to force her into something she was not interested in. He was even happy that his action hadnt scared her too much. He looked at her to tell her again that he was sorry for his action and was astonished to see her staring at his lips. When their eyes met, she looked down. Jamal realized that she wanted him too, and she was either too scared to admit it or she was still scared that thest episode could repeat itself. We could still make love. I wont prate if you dont want me to, Jamal told her, taking the initiative. On the verge of pleasure Jamal cupped one of her breasts and she moaned in ecstasy. The moan was all the agreement Jamal needed. He brought her lips closer to his and kissed her softly at first. When she opened up for him, he kissed her greedily as if he was searching for his soul in her mouth. He picked her up andid her on the chair, t on her back, then resumed his duty of devouring her lips. After a minute, he let go of her lips and began to undress her. When she waspletely naked, he drank in the beauty of her body for a moment before he returned his lips back to hers. Few minutester, Roksna was turning and tossing about in his arms. He guessed that her body wanted more and he inserted a finger into her virgina. The loud moan that escaped her mouth told him that he had guessed correctly. He began to move his finger in her at different tempos, eliciting different ranges of sound from her. When she was over the edge, Jamal pushed a second finger into her and she exploded. Her scream filled his ears and his body groaned in reaction. He wanted to be in her desperately, but he had promised her and he wasnt going to go back on his words. He wanted her to see that she could enjoy lovemaking with him and he was d he had been able to satisfy her if the heavy rising and falling of her chest was any indication. Roksna threw her eyes open and saw Jamal still looming over her. She smiled at him shyly as he helped her up. Even though she had felt better than she didst time, she still felt a little bit empty inside her. She couldnt exactly fathom why she still felt that way, and she was too shy to tell him about how she felt. Jamal sat down on the chair and drew her back on hisp. They maintained silence for a while and Roksna yed with his fingers. Stay here tonight, Jamal told her. I cant. The others would be looking for me, Roksna told him. Jamal groaned as she took one of his fingers in her mouth and suckled. The action aroused a new feeling in her and she kept sucking. The more she sucked, the more Jamal groaned. A minuteter, the groaning turned into moans from him. He took hold of one of her breasts and began to squeeze roughly. Roksna moaned too from the action. At one point, she didnt know if she should continue sucking on Jamals finger or if she should just bask in the way he was molding her breast. A knock at the door took that decision from her. Jamal hissed loudly as Roksna scrambled out of hisps and began to dress very quickly. He was going to kill whosoever was at the other end of the door. Just when he was beginning to think that Roksna might give in to him, the person had chosen that moment to disrupt the atmosphere he had carefully created. Jamal waited until she waspletely dressed before he grunted out an answer at the intruder. What? He yelled at the door. Sorry, Sultan. We didnt mean to disturb. He heard a small voice answer from the other end. What do you mean we dont mean to disturb? She said she wasing to look for him and we havent seen her since lunch. Of course, we are here to disturb. Another voice said loudly. Jamal knew that there were two females at the other end of his door from their voices and wondered what they wanted. One timid and the other quite vocal? What an interesting mix, Jamal thought. He was about to send them away when Roksna spoke. Seyiddah, is that you? Azeezat? Come in. She called out. Jamal grunted at the order she gave. Why would she tell them toe in? He hated when women trotted his home. But, he didnt revoke her order. As long as she was happy, he was willing to make any sacrifice. He watched in silent agony as the two women walked in, bowed to him in greetings at which he merely grunted an answer. The women looked from him to their friend, then back to him. The one called Seyiddah opened her mouth to say something while pointing at him, but the princess pped her hand over the womans mouth to stop whatever she wanted to say. The princess apologized for their intruding and dragged Seyiddah back with her to the door. Wait for me. He heard Roksna tell her friends. He watched in disbelief as she ran after the two women who were already out of the door. But Jamal tried to stop her, but she was already out of the door too. Jamal sat down back on the chair and sighed. His entire body felt like it had just passed through fire and was just cooling. Deciding on second thought, he strolled outside and ordered two guards to follow Lady Roksna and her friends. He told them to make sure that they got back to the harem safely. He also instructed the guards to make sure they reported back to him when they were back. After he was done with the instructions, he walked back to the house, sat on the chair, and cleared his throat. I have a long night ahead. He told himself as he cleared his face with his palm. Roksnas friends teased her all through their journey back home, but she ignored them. They first made sure Seyiddah got home safely before she and the princess walked back to the harem together. She noticed two royal guards following them at a discreet distance and she smiled. She knew that the Sultan had ordered them to make sure she and her friends got home safely. As soon as they were at the harem, she bade the princess good night and rushed over to her room to avoid answering any questions. The princess gave her a knowing wink but didnt say anything to her. Lady Miriam paced about waiting for her lover to arrive. How dared that devil of a Sultan reduced her to nothing in just moments? He hadnt even cared about her dignity or feelings, he just did what he wanted to. And that too, without remorse. It was all because of that maid he had brought from heaven knows where. Ever since he hade back with that maid to the sultanate, he had changed into someone else she couldnt recognize one single bit. She heard the sound of a window creaked softly and knew that her lover had arrived. She rushed over to his side and held his hands in hers. How were you so careless? The man asked her. First, you got yourself poisoned. Then, you got demoted all of a sudden. He finished with a sigh. How is it? Lady Miriam asked him. His mind is made up. You wont be getting that position back. He told her and Lady Miriam sighed. What about the antidote? Lady Miriam asked, momentster. She was beginning to feel the effect of the poison in her body and needed to use the cure as soon as possible. Ill get it across to you soon. For the meantime, I need you toy low while I find a way to eliminate the other woman. Is that clear? The man asked in a stern voice. Yes. Lady Miriam answered. She watched as her lover flew out of the window without another word to her. In any case, she felt so weak right now and knew that she needed to lie down. It was the effect of the poison in her system reacting. She closed the window firmly and went to bed. She missed her lovers warmth by her side on the bed. She missed their hours of lovemaking. She missed how he could always make her smile. If she hadnt lost her pregnancy back then because of the Sultan, she would be near her time ofbor by now. How time does fly, she thought as sleep took hold of her. As the man who had just left Miriams quarter walked in the darkness of the night, he smiled to himself devilishly. He had realized that Lady Miriam was no longer to his ns when the Sultan had refused to listen to all appeals by his janissaries and had been thinking about ways to eliminate her without arousing anyones suspicion. It was just his pure luck that she had activated the poison in her body by drinking alcohol the same day when he had clearly warned her not to do so. What he hadnt warned her about was the fact that there was no cure for the poison once it was activated. When he saw her just now, she looked pale. This means that the effect of the poison had fully kicked in. She wouldntst for two more weeks. He smiled as he went into his house.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Could you stay over for the night? The next morning, Roksna and the princess strolled through the flower garden. As she walked through the garden, she was reminded of the bed of flowers in Jamals hall and she smiled. The next time she was there, she would make sure to check out the bed. She would also ask him why he had chosen to have a flower bed in his house. Roksna frowned as she realized that she was thinking about the Sultan again so early in the morning. She had spent half of the night thinking about him and what they had done together the previous day. You like him, dont you? The princess asked her, breaking into her thoughts. Who? Roksna feigned ignorance of not knowing who the princess was talking about. The princess nudged Roksna with her elbow in a yful manner. She was about to answer the princess when an arrow flew between them both. Before they couldprehend what was going on, another one flew directly in the direction of Roksnas heart. The princess pushed her down before the arrow could hit her. Roksna saw a masked man run into the woods as the princess began to scream for help at the top of her small lungs. People gathered around them in an instance. Roksna stood up to go after the assassin, but the princess held her back. Roksna was sure that the assassin hade for her, and she was sure that the princess knew it too since she had saved her life by pushing her down. For a reason she couldnt ce her hands on, she was sure that she knew who the assassin was. Could it be Asleem who had just tried to kill her? Would he really go to such desperate means just to silence her? Jamal was at the breakfast table with Aabdeen when a royal guard rushed in to inform them that Lady Miriam and Princess Azeezat had nearly been shot with an arrow. Jamal dropped the spoon he had midair to the table and both men flew up together. Before the guard could exin that none of them had sustained an injury, both men were out of the door and were running as if their lives depended on it. When they got to the site where the women were, they met Roksna and the princess surrounded by people. Jamal pushed each one of them out of the way and rushed to Roksnas side. He didnt pay any attention to the peoples greetings or the weird look they gave him. After he had inspected her entire body for wounds and he was sure that there was none, except for a bruise she had sustained when she fell, he pulled her into a hug. Are you okay? He asked her. The only response he got from her was the tears that flowed freely from her eyes and the tight hold she had on him. Aabdeen rushed over to his sisters side, not caring if anyone was suspicious of them. His sisters safety was paramount to him than the gossip of anyone. He doesnt have any other family alive apart from her and he wasnt ready to lose her just yet. He checked her body for injury and frowned when he saw that an arrow had grazed her arm even though the cut was shallow. He tore the hem of his clothing and tied the site of injury with it. When he was sure that she had no other injuries, he pulled her into his arms despite her resistance. What if someone sees us? His sister whispered into his ears. Do I look like I care right now? He answered in the same tone she had used. He let go of her when she pushed against him softly. Aabdeen turned to look at the Sultan and thedy crying in his arms and nearly smiled. With nothing else to do, he picked up the two arrows on the floor and checked the tip for poison. Luckily, it didnt have any. Jamal allowed Roksna to cry for as long as she wanted. He didnt say anything to her, he just offered thefort of his arm. He knew that she must have been frightened out of her wit by the attack. When she calmed down a bit, he held her by the hand and took her to his house. Hemanded Aabdeen to bring the princess over also. They all walked over to his house under the protection of the royal guards who gged them about. When they got home, Aabdeen brought out the medical kit he had at the Sultans house and rushed over to the princess. Jamal watched in amusement how the princess was trying to push Aabdeen away but he wouldnt bulge. In the end, the princess allowed him to treat her. It wasnt until he was done with the princess injury that he moved over to treat Roksna. Even though Jamal had been worried about Roksna earlier on, he hadnt failed to see how worried his friend had been for the princess. And what had transpired right now confirmed the fact that Aabdeen cared for the princess. Was Aabdeen in love with the princess? Aabdeen, Jamal called his friend. Yes, Sultan. The other man answered absentmindedly as he tended to Roksnas injury. Are you in love with the princess? Jamal asked directly, knowing that he couldnt twist his question. Aabdeen paused in his action and looked at the Sultan like the man was out of his mind. But then, he remembered the weird way he had behaved towards her and realized that if anyone was to interpret the act, they would think that he was in love with the princess. He cleared his throat. He was just about to reply when the maid he hated opened the door and rushed in.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Seyiddah had rushed over to the scene as soon as she heard about what had happened. What she hadnt expected was to see the Sultans errand boy hugging the princess. She had felt a bit sad when she saw them together. To curb her sadness, she had waited for a while until she came here to visit her friends. What she hadnt expected to hear was the Sultan asking his errand boy if he was in love with the princess. Acting nonchntly even though she waited for his answer eagerly, she moved over to her friends one after the other to enquire about their injuries. She listened as Roksna took her time to exin what had happened to her. Aabdeen heaved a sigh of relief as everyone in the room forgot about him and his sister. He should have listened to his sister when she tried to warn him. He had the maid to thank this time for saving him without knowing. Aabdeen thought about the maid and realized that she truly liked her friends and wasnt envious of them despite their high positions. She also looked to him like someone who protected the people she truly cared about. She might not be as bad as he thought. But, she really does have a sharp mouth, Aabdeen acknowledged and smiled. Are you that happy because I said that the princess could stay over with you for the night? Aabdeen heard Jamal ask and nearly cursed. Why had he smiled in the first ce? It was all because of that maid. It was her fault. Was she nning to ruin his life? Dont worry. I will talk to her brother concerning you two. Jamal assured Aabdeen who kept shaking his head to say he wasnt thinking of such. But, of course, the Sultan wasnt ready to listen. The worst of it came when the Sultan asked the maid to protect the princesss dignity from unwanted gossip. Together, all three of them bowed and left. Moaning As soon as Jamal saw that he was alone with Roksna, he asked if she wanted to take her bath. He didnt bother to wait for an answer before dragging her up the stairs. Roksna didnt bother to look around as they walked since she had to keep up with his pace. Which was hard to do, since the man walked like someone who was on fire only stopping when they got to a door. Jamal pushed the door opened and gently pushed Roksna inside. She nced at the room he had just pushed her into and saw it was a bathing room. Take your bath. When you are done, check in the cupboard and youll find clothes there. Choose the one you want, Jamal told her, pointing at the cupboard in question. Do the clothes belong to your other concubines? Rocksna asked him. She wasnt expecting him to answer and was surprised when he did. No. They belonged to my mother. Okay. She told him, feeling guilty of her words. Ill wait for you downstairs. Take your time. He told her, then promptly disappeared. Roksna looked into the bathing tub filled with water and smiled. She hadnt had a good bath since her ordeal had started about a month ago. Without wasting time, she undressed quickly and slipped into the water feeling happy. She was even happier when she felt the warmness of the water encase her body. She took a soap she found and washed her hair and body in the water. By the time the water had gone cold, her body was rxed. All the aching spots were at ease and her wounds didnt hurt as much anymore. Roksna got out of the water and walked to the cupboard. Opening it, she was surprised to find clothes that didnt looked like what the wife of a Sultan would wear. The gowns were shorter than the eptable ones and not a single hijab could be found among the clothes. The clothes even looked strange to her. Roksna picked out a blue dress and examined it. It was an odd dress. The front of the dress was very short, while the back was long and flowing. Flowery decorations decorated the edges of the dress. It was a v neckline and it had a very deep cut in the middle. The hands were covered with a revealing. Roksna decided to wear the dress. She couldnt wait to see Jamals expression and how he would exin how such clothing had found its way into the wardrobe. She put it on and loved how it looked on her, like a royal. She was d not to be putting on a hijab as she stood in front of the vanity andbed her hair into a ponytail. When she was satisfied with her look, she walked out of the bathing room. As she found her way downstairs, she took her time to look around. She was mostly fascinated by the paintings of a woman decorating the walls. The woman looked elegant in all the paintings. Roksna stared at the one which had Jamal and the woman together and was somehow jealous. The woman was dressed in a ck dress, almost simr to the one Roksna was putting on and Jamal dressed in his royal attire was starring at the woman lovingly. Who was the woman? Jamal was halfway through the stairs when he recalled himself and went back to the seat. If he was counting right, this should be the tenth time he had repeated the same actions. Merely thinking about how naked Roksna was in the water had him boiling out. He wondered if she was still bathing or if she was dressed already. Perhaps allowing her to take a bath when he was around was a mistake, he thought crossing his leg to ease his difort. Deciding he couldnt take it anymore, he stood up from his seat to check on her. He was halfway through the stairs when he spotted something blue flowing up the stairs. He traced the blue up and saw that it was a dress, with the flowing only at the back. The woman wearing it was barefooted, and her long legs traveled up along with the dress. The legs disappeared as the blue revealed itself midway through her thighs, extending itself up to her shoulders. A deep V decorated the center, revealing some amounts of breast flesh. Jamal looked further up and saw that Roksna had tied her hair into a ponytail. Finally, he let his gaze settle on her face and saw it radiating. Jamal gulped as he felt his manhood grow thicker by another inch. Sorry about the clothes I chose. I just love it, Roksna said. Its beautiful, Jamal answered. Who is the woman you were with in the painting? She asked him, crossing her arms. Jamalughed at the level of jealousy Roksna radiated. He felt happy knowing she wasnt as unaffected as she pretended to be. His wicked mind felt like tricking her some more, but he decided not to. Moving even closer to her, he pulled her into his arm. She struggled against him but he just held on the more. Shes my mum. And that was my father with her. He told her. Jamal felt her rxed against him instantly. Moving her out of his embrace a little bit, he lifted her face up with his hands and kissed her. He felt her open up to his kiss immediately and he took it deeper. Roksna moved her hands to pushed at his chest. He understood that she was under stress from what had happened. Moving slowly back to her, he sped his lips over her lower lips and kissed her lightly. He was d when Roksna threw her hands over him and reciprocated the kiss and he felt like he was on fire. He pushed her into his embrace and deepen the kiss. A short sound escaped her mouth and Jamal felt another inch thicker.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. He picked her up, still kissing her, and walked to his bedroom. Heid her down gently on the bed, without letting go of her lips. Jamal cupped her left breast and saw that it fitted into his hand perfectly. He pinched her lightly and she moaned again. He ran his fingers through her hair and freed it from the rope holding it together, the hair sshed wildly on the bed. Jamal stopped the kiss and fumbled with the dress she had on, looking for ways to free the dress. When he didnt find any, he tore it from the center. The result had her breasts on disy. He heard Roksna gasp. What did you just do? You ruined such a beautiful dress, Roksnamented. Jamal didnt bother to reply to her. He was too engrossed by the sight he was seeing and the idea that kept popping up in his head. Her dark nipples kept calling out to him. Jamal had never tried what he was thinking of doing with any other women before and he had no idea if it would work. Deciding that he couldnt hold on anymore, he lowered his head until his mouth was just a few centimeters away from her nipples. Without stopping to think about his actions and what her reactions would be like, he took one of the nipples in his mouth and sucked. What are you? The words died in Roksnas throat as fresh waves of desire hit her. She let out a soft moan. Her body burned like it was on fire and desperately seeking an escape. She held the bedspread tightly and kept moaning. She never knew that breasts could make a woman feel the way she felt like right now. More, she needed more. As if Jamal could hear her thoughts, he put his hand on her navel and yed with it. Slowly, he moved the hands down until they disappeared into her dress. Roksna felt twice hotter than she already was when she felt him ying with the curls around her virginia. Just when she thought she would die from all the things she was feeling, Jamal stopped and got up. Roksna moaned the loss of his body heat. More Jamal took off his upper part clothing, like an inexperienced child. He lifted Roksna a bit and took away her dress too, including her underwear. He watched as she toyed with her ne and prayed she wouldnt ask him to stop now. He rxed when he kissed her on the lips and she reciprocated. He took her hands in his, intertwined them together before cing them above her head. Roksna moaned into his mouth. Sensing her needs, he moved his chest against hers while still kissing her softly. He felt Roksna convulsing against him and smiled. Standing up, Jamal did away with his trousers and poised his dick against the center of her vagina. He knew that this was his chance to erase his wrongs and he didnt want to mess it up. Guiding his penis with his hand, Jamal pushed it into her at once. Her loud moan greeted his ears and he was happy he hadnt done it wrong again. Jamal stilled himself and allowed her to get used to his invasion of her body. Roksna felt her desires soared up again. She felt like she wanted more from the man who was doing nothing but just staring at her. Dawn, just let me know if Im hurting you, Jamal told her. The response he got was a moan from her. Taking that as a positive sign, Jamal moved slowly at first, trying not to hurt her. Roksna moaned loudly each time he moved a bit faster, so he increased the pace. He cupped her breast and sucked as he moved even faster in her. He moved his mouth from the nipple to the breast and kissed before returning his attention to the nipple again. Roksna grabbed the headboard of the bed and moaned. The wetness of his mouth made her feel like she wouldnt survive, so she closed her eyes. More. She told him. Jamal raised his head and saw Roksna closing her eyes tightly. Dont close your eyes, Dawn. I want to see you, Jamal told her softly. Roksna opened her eyes immediately. As her eyes met with that of Jamals, she felt a fluttering in her stomach. As he jerked into her that moment, she convulsed against him. Holding his buttocks, Roksna pushed him deeper into her and Jamal lost control. He felt himself spilling his seed into her while jerking uncontrobly. When he felt calm, he moved himself from her and rolled over to the other side of the bed. He tapped Roksna on her arm. Come here. He told her. Roksna moved into his arm immediately and rested her head on his chest. Jamal covered them both with a cloth cover. Did I hurt you? He asked her. No. She answered him. Jamal wrapped his arm around her tightly. They stayed that way for more than fifteen minutes. Roksna began to y with the hair on his chest for a minute and felt him stiffen under her touch. Unless you dont mind having another round of sex, I would advise you to stop doing that, Jamal warned her. He nearlyughed at the way she took her hands away so quickly. They were silent for another minute and Roksna decided to break the silence. You said that the clothes belonged to your mother, right? But howe they dont look like our clothing? She asked him. Oh. My mum is not from here. Shes an American, Jamal answered. American? His mother was from America? How had she ended up with his father? Roksna thought. As if Jamal could hear her thoughts, he answered. She was a trader. She suffered a shipwreck and the waves brought her here along with some of her people. Dad saved them. What happened after that? Roksna asked, curious. Well, dad fell in love with her and refused to let her go. She had a good fight with dad then over it, insisting that she wanted to go back to the sea. She refused to wear our dresses. She refused to worship our way. He said chuckling.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Then? Well, they both had topromise because of love. Dad allowed her to go trading on the sea once every six months, and he went with her. Mum in turn started wearing our attire and hijabs whenever she was going outside the house. As soon as she was back in though, she changed back to her English wears. She must have taught you their way of life seeing that you keep calling mum and dad, rather than Abbu and hummu as is our culture. Yes. He confirmed. Didnt your father mind? Roksna asked him. No. The man said nothing mum did ever surprise him anymore, seeing she was the first female trader he ever met. Besides, he loved her so much, he let her do whatever she wanted, Jamal exined to her. I take it you are an only child? Roksna asked her. No. I had a brother but he died in a fire ident with my mum. I would have died too if Sodeeqs father hadnt saved me, Jamal answered, sounding sad. Roksna moved closer to him as a way offort. After her death, dad became a shadow of himself. It was either he sat down by the flower bed or hey down on her bed all day long. He died two years after her death. It made me promise myself never to fall in love with any woman. Im sorry about what happened, Roksna said. He stared into her eyes and sawpassion and sadness in them. Jamal thought she might understand him if he told her the one thing he had never told anyone. I was only ten years old when I took over my fathers role as the sultan. Nobody epted my words as an order. I learned quickly that the only way to gain respect was by being cruel. He told her. Roksna snuggled closer to him and he was grateful for her understanding. He knew that they still needed to talk about her safety too, so he breached it to her. Make Asleem my personal bodyguard, Roksna told him. He was afraid of making Asleem her bodyguard. He was scared that Asleem would run away with his woman if he let him close to her. After all, they were from the same sultanate and they had been betrothed to each other before. But, if that was who Roksna wanted, then let it be so. Shocked Jamal opened his eyes from sleep and stretched, his folded hands hitting the headboard of the bed heid upon. He heard a low growl beside him and looked to see who it was. A smile appeared on his face when he saw Roksna sleeping peacefully beside him. He remembered how they had made love yesterday and how he had bared his heart to her and how she hadnt judged him about any of the things he had opened up to her about. He moved his hand to her hair and began to y with it. Right at that moment, all he was grateful for was how she had finally epted him just the way that he was. He got up a little and kissed her on the lips. When she reciprocated his affection, he knew that she wasnt sleeping anymore and he smiled. To prove his point, he ced his finger on her abdomen and began to rub the navel area. She moaned into his mouth and Jamal nearlyughed out loud at her childishness. Good morning, my morning dawn, he greeted her when he paused in kissing her. Good morning, Sultan, she replied to his greeting and stretched the sukan like she meant it like an endearment instead of a title. Jamalid down t on his back and turned sideways to look at Roksna whose eyes were now opened wildly and a smile was on her face. Do you want to have a wicked sex morning? he teased her. But when she nodded, his cock grew thicker. Roksna left her sleeping position and moved closer to the Sultan. When she was close to him, she traced her middle finger on his chest, teasing him and feeling satisfied with herself when she saw him close his eyes and moan a little. Do you want to have a wicked sex morning? she asked, throwing his words back to him. Yeah, damn right, woman, he growled at her. Roksna kissed Jamals adam apple and he groaned, making the ce move up and down, rubbing Roksons mouth. She moved her lips from the ce and dropped a kiss on his chest next while ying with the hair surrounding his chest region. She let her fingers curl around the hair while she sucked on his left nipple gently. Her fingers kept moving down until she was at his lower ce and she touched his cock by ident. Shy, she moved her hand away. When Jamal saw that she had removed her hand from his shaft, he grabbed the hand and ced it back on the hard rod. He was already hard on her and would not let her run away from him and what they were doing because she was shy. Why was she always shy whenever they had sex anyway? She was a warrior that never hesitated when it came to the sword but she was shy of holding a mere cock? He let his hand that still held hers roam around the length of his cock. When he was sure that she wouldnt try to leave him again, he removed his hand. His relief was visible when she kept moving her hand up and down his cock. Oh, yes. Yes, yes, Jamal mumbled, feeling like he was going to have the best pleasure he could get from a hand job with her. By the time Roksna would take her mouth away from the nipple and just focus on getting him a hand job, Jamal wasnt sure he was in his right mind anymore. He moved his hand to Roksnas vagina and began to stroke the wall of her vagina. The result he got from the action he was performing was a loud moan from Roksna and her loss of control because her hand on his shaft had loosened a little. When he was sure that she was wet already and she could easily take him in, he stopped what he was doing and just stared at her. After about thirty seconds, she opened her eyes, saw him looking at her, and she blushed. What? she muttered in a low whisper. I want you to sit on my shaft and have sex with me, he told her. What are you talking about? she asked with a confused look on her face. Sit on me, Jamal instructed her and she did as he said. Now, put my cock in you, he told her. He watched as she obeyed shyly. Good. Now, ride your man. Roksna moved shyly on top of Jamal at first. She had never done such a thing and from what she had often heard, this wasnt such amon style. But when Jamal began to moan softly at first, she began to shed her shyness. Jamal held Roksna on her waist and began to hit her hard in the core of her essence. It wasnt until long before she started moaning too and began to drag the speed with him. Soon enough, they began to match each other speed for speed. Roksna couldnt control herself anymore. She felt his cock in her hitting her in the very deep and that made her lose control. By the time she was at the peak of her enjoyment, she couldnt control herself anymore. When she saw that she was almost reaching her satisfaction, she bent down and kissed her lover who dly epted her lips. She let go of the pent-up desire in her and reached the organism. Jamal also rammed once in her and followed suit in her steps. When they had cooled down, Roksna raised her head and smiled at Jamal. He returned her smile and took the stray of hair away from her face. She bent and kissed him lightly on the lips before she got down from him and smuggled herself into his embrace. Jamal wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on hers, feeling more than content. Roksna thought about how rxed the Sultan was and thought that it was the perfect time to broach the topic she wanted to discuss with him. Jamal? she called him and he answered with a hmm sound. I want to go back to training. she told him. What training? he asked and kissed her neck. Fighting, she answered solemnly. No! Jamal shouted and sat up. Why not? I was attacked yesterday and I couldnt defend myself because I havent trained in such a long time, Roksna told him in her defense. Thats why Im getting Asleem assigned to you, Dawn. He will protect you, the Sultan replied to her.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Until when? Why cant I defend myself even though I know how to? Besides, your father allowed your mother to do whatever she wanted, why cant you let me do the same? Roksna said, getting up too. Please, just let me train. I promise I wont do anything youll regret. I just want to train, she tried to cajole him and held his hand. Jamal sighed and he thought about how right she was in everything she had said. She was a warrior and if he truly loved her, he wouldnt take away from her the only thing she truly loves doing. He kissed her forehead before he responded, Alright. You are allowed to train but dont do any kind of training that would put you in danger, okay? Riksolsna flew into his arms before she got up from the bed and began to get dressed. Jamal looked at her in surprise. Where are you going? he asked her when she was done dressing up. To the harem, she told him with a shrug. What about breakfast? Jamal asked when he would have wanted to ask her why she was leaving him. Ill eat with the princess and Seyiddah, she answered him. Before he could say a word, Roksna was out of the room and the door. Jamal fell back on the bed and began to think about how he could tell Roksna how he felt about her. He also wondered what her reaction would be and if she would ept him and his love. When Roksna arrived at the harem, she went straight to the princesss room. She heard voices from her room and when she realized that the other voice belonged to Aabdeen, she waited for a little while to hear what the conversation was about, thinking that perhaps the two of them were really dating as Jamal had suspected. But, wouldnt that be risking your life? the princess said. It might since we are kidnapping Roksna who is his beloved, Aabdeen answered. Cant we do something else? I truly like Roksna. The princess answered. Riksna was shocked. They were nning to kidnap her? But why? Between her and I, your brother, who would you be choosing? Aabdeen asked the princess. They were siblings? Roksna thought. Little wonder the physician had been very worried about the princess before. Deciding that she couldnt hold it anymore, she opened the door and went straight into the room. To say that the two siblings were shocked to see her would be an understatement. The two of you are siblings? she asked the two people in the roo Frozen She pointed to Aabdeen next. This means that you are the Sultan of Jedi? Why then did you disguise yourself? And you were both going to kidnap me? Why? Roksna asked with a surprised tone. Aabdeen sighed and rose from his seating position beside his sister. He knew that he had only two choices and that was either to kidnap the Sultans favorite mistress or tell the harem leader the truth. He decided to just kidnap her but his sister spoke up before him. Yes, we are from the Jedi sultanate and he is my brother. Its also true we wanted to kidnap you but it was because we had no other choice and that was why we did everything that we did, she exined. You had better start exining yourselves before I let the Sultan know about your true identities, Roksna told them in an angry tone. She felt betrayed by the people she thought were a friend to her and Jamal because they turned out to be a charade. Princess Azeezat took her time and exined to her how their sultanate had been at war with some strange men they couldntprehend where they hade from. Aabden had asked her toe over to the Wadai sultanate just because he wanted to protect her and Aabdeen had arrived there too because he wanted to seek help from the Suitcase privately but the way they had been talking about attacking the Jedi sultanate had stopped her brother. When they saw that they didnt have any other choice, that was when they decided that kidnapping her would be a better option. When the princess was done with her exnation, Roksna sighed. Even though she was still angry with the two siblings for thinking that the only solution they had was to kidnap her, she could understand where they wereing from and the desperation that had gotten them to that point. If Roksna had also thought about a single way to save her family from being breached back then, she would have taken the chance, regardless of how dangerous it was or who would be getting hurt in the process. Why didnt you at least try to tell the Sultan who you are? Youve been here for more than six months now, Roksna queried Aabdeen. Because hes been busy looking for ways to destroy my sultanate instead of thinking about peace talks between the twonds, Aabdeen retorted. You threatened him first! Roksolsna screamed a little. Only because I thought that he would wage war against us if I did that. That way, his army and the army of the other man trying to kill us would kill each other off and the Jedi sultanate can have peace without suffering any casualties, Aabdeen exined. The army just recently attacked our fortress again and they injured our uncle. We desperately need help and a solution to our predicament, Roksna, the princess voiced out. Roksna looked from one sibling to another. She could feel their plight and dejection since she had lost hernd and had suffered on another soul. She would have to talk to Jamal on their behalf and see if there would be a positive response from him. She looked directly at Aabdeen and the man shrugged. Okay. I promise I would talk to the sultan and also try all I can to convince him to help your sultanate. But until then, I dont want your identity leaking out or you trying any funny thing. Do I have your words on that, Sultan Aabdeen? she asked the man after the exnation. On my honor, Lady Roksna, Aabdeen assured her. Thank you, the princess said and got up to hug her and Roksna hugged her back. Now that the issue is settled, I think you might need to leave now before the other kafes women wake up and find you here, Roksna told Aabdeen. The man nodded at her, looked at his sister with a smile on his face, then went out the door. After he was gone for a minute, Roksna looked at the princess and saw that she looked nervous to be alone with her. Roksna knew that the princess must think that she was still angry, so she spoke up.From N?velDrama.Org. Azeezat, lets go visit Seyiddah and we all can have breakfast together. The two women moved out of the harem together and went straight to the kitchen. On the way, they talked and gossiped and the princess told Roksna about how life was in the Jedi sultanate. Roksna also took the time and shared what life in the Dar S sultanate had been about. They were almost at the kitchen when they spotted Hassan, Roksna waved at him and he went over to where they were. Where have you been, Hassan? Roksna asked as soon as he got to them. Ive been very busy, mydy. Even now, I have to deliver this to Lady Miriam since her father asked me to. Then, I need to get some food for myself as I havent had breakfast yet and if I dont eat now, I dont know when next I will be able to do so, Hassan exined. Roksnas thoughts ran wild. If Lady Miriams father had sent a letter for her, that had to mean that there could be something important in the letter that she could learn from. Perhaps, she could even get a clue about the viciousdys next move since Roksna was sure she was still nning a move against the Sultan especially now that she was no longer the harem leader. Actually, you could give me the letter and I would help you to deliver it to her since I am going back to the harem to pick up something, then you can eat on time, Roksna told the second inmand after she thought of the way. Hassan handed the letter to her with a grateful smile. Thank you, he told her. Youre wee, she answered him and turned back to the princess. Go in and wait for me with Seyiddah. Ill join you both very soon, she announced to her and the woman nodded in agreement. Roksna moved away from the two of them. When she was at a safe distance and knew that no one would look for her, she stopped and opened the letter. She read through it and the disappointment she felt at the content of the letter was visible in her countenance. Instead of the secret she hoped to see from the letter, all it contained was the finances janissary advising his daughter to calm down and not act stupid until they could think of a solution. She folded the letter back as neat as she had met it. She made her way back to the harem and walked to the private headquarter that Lady Miriam was yet to vacate. When she got to the door, she ced her hand on the doorknob and paused when she heard voices from the inside. She grimaced when she thought about why it was only her who kept arriving at moments people were having discreet conversations. She wanted to turn back, but the words she heard next froze her in a spot. What do we do next? Lady Miriam asked in a weak tone. Till next time Next? Roksna thought. She was right about Lady Miriam since she had just heard about what she was doing next. We kill the king. This time, he wont be able to escape since I already got everything into ce. The strange yet familiar voice Roksna always heard from Lady Miriams room responded. Are you sure it will work this time? Lady Miriams weak voice said to her lover. Very sure. The Sultan would be breathing hisst before a week from now, the man answered.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Roksna got angry. At first, she wanted to open the door and confront the two lovers but she decided against it instantly. She knew that her confrontation would only stop the attack temporarily and Jamals life would still be in danger. If she wanted to help Jamal, she would have to let them act and stop them in the middle of their n. That way, she would have stopped the threat once and for all. With that decision in mind, she turned around from the house and walked away. When she returned to the kitchen, she gave the letters back to Hassan and told him that she didnt see Lady Miriam. The man thanked her for her help, rushed his meal, and went out of the kitchen. Roksna went to her friends and while they were there, they talked about thingsdies would talk about whenever they were alone. Roksna only half-listened to the conversation. Her mind was centered on the discussion she had heard from Lady Miriams room. She thought about how she would know the time of the attack and how she would stop the attack to ensure the safety of the Sultan. Many options came to her mind but she kept discarding them as they came. First, she thought about confronting Lady Miriam about what she heard and her making the woman confess to the deed before the sultan but Roksna knew that it was risky. From confronting thedy to confessing by force, she and her lover could capture Roksna instead and threaten to kill her. They might even kill her if they feel she was a threat to their n. Her next option would be to confront Asleem over what she has heard and she could force the man over to Jamal if he refused to confess to the crime. But when she remembered how he had tied her in that old house back then, she decided against that also. A man that could have her tied would definitely kill her if he feels threatened. The rtionship between them would not matter anymore and she could still be eliminated by him in one single breath. The only solution would be to be with the Sultan at all times and help him defend everyone when the threates into y. This means that if she wanted to effectively defend the Sultan, she would have to go back to training as soon as she could so that she would be able to pick up her sword skill again. She dropped her spoon and stood up. Her two friends looked at her with puzzled looks. Where are you going? the princess asked her. To the training ground, she told them and went out of the kitchen room and out of the door. She made her way to the training ground, almost lost in thoughts. The number one person who seemed to be the catalyst of the whole situation was Asleem. He seemed to be so obsessed with revenge that he had even driven other people into his verge for revenge. True, the Sultan had done something wrong to them and their sultanate but it doesnt mean that they had to kill him to get their revenge. Besides, she was no longer driven by revenge to kill Jamal. If anything, she was grateful to the Sultan for giving her people new homes after the battles. Roksna, where have you been? She heard a voice say behind her and she turned very quickly in fear. She was Asleem standing there, looking at her and her scared state like she was not emotionally stable. Why do you look so afraid? Im not going to eat you, you know, Asleem said with a chuckle that indicated he was teasing her. If it were before, Roksna would have shared in the joke andughed but seeing him right then, her anger grew. Knowing that he was the reason why she could not be at peace or even act like thedy she was meant to be, she was furious at him. Without pausing to think, she pped him hard across the face. The surprised look on his face gave her a little satisfaction. How dare you p me, woman? Asleem screamed at her. She contemted if she should let him know that she was aware of his n to kill the Sultan or not. Her head reminded her that she could get killed for voicing such a thing out but she pushed it away. She needed to let him know that she was aware of the evil he was nning. I know you are angry with the Sultan but to let the anger get to the point of killing him? she finally said. What are you talking about? Asleem asked, looking like he was lost about what she meant. Oh, you are going to pretend? Then, why dont you pretend like you didnt go over to Lady Miriams house today to discuss your evil n with her? She retorted back at him. She wasnt going to have any of his pretense at all. Lady Miriam? Why would I go to that wicked womans ce? Asleem asked and frowned deeply at Roksna. Roksna took a step back when she saw the frown and discovered that it was a lot different from the one the assassin always bestowed upon her each time they crossed parts during a fight. Anyway, the king said I am your bodyguard from this moment on, Asleem told her. But Roksna wasnt listening anymore. It seemed to her that Asleem was not Lady Miriams lover, hence, hes not the assassin. But, for all she knew, he could be pretending to convince her. She shrugged her shoulders and walked away from him. It doesnt matter if he was the one or not, that wouldnt stop her from training more so she can be of help to the Sultan. Roksna She heard Asleem call. Dont follow me, she told him, cutting into his speech. She got to the training ground and met some men practicing. She got into the fighting ring and told the men that she was her to train also. At first, they allughed at her but when she jabbed the man in the ring with her on his jaw and he fell t on his face, the rest of the men took her seriously. Two men got into the ring and took the unconscious man away. Lady Roksna, we cant fight with you. First, you are a woman. Second, you belong to the Sultan. We are afraid that if a single hair on your head is hurt, the Sultan would kill us all, one of the men told her and bowed to her. Cowards. Thats what you all are. You, cowards, Roksna screamed at them. They all bowed their heads before her and not a single sound could be heard from anyone. Ill fight with you, Lady Roksna. She heard a voice say and looked in the direction the words came from. She saw general Sodeeq already moving to the ring she was in. She smiled at him as she thought that he probably remembered when she had fought with him on the ship and injured him. Perhaps, he wanted to take revenge for that, she thought to herself. When he got into the ring, he smiled at her in a cocky way before he bowed. Can you fight in that? he asked her. Roksna looked down grimly at the flowing skirt and top that she wore. She raised her head back to general Sodeeq and saw that the general was so close toughing at her. He was right, the dress would hinder her but there was nothing she could do about it. She would just have to make do with the clothes like that. Well, you should know that this is not an obstacle to me, general. She told him with a smile of her own. Get thedy and me some blunt swords, would you? Sodeeq said to one of them. In five minutes, two swords were brought to them in the ring. Roksna took a warrior stand and Sodeeq grinned at her in amusement. Before he could get what she wanted to do, she shed his left arm slightly. Sodeew looked at her surprised and then back to the arm. The sword had cut through the clothes he wore but it hadnt given him any serious mark because it was blunt. She smiled at him when he looked at her again. When she lifted the sword you strike again, Sodeeq was ready and easily dodged her attack. She drew the tip of the sword and hit the general on the back with it. The general grunted at the impact and she gave him another sh on his back with the sword. She heard the surprise gasps from everyone watching the fight and she thought that that would teach them a lesson never to underestimate her again. Jamal stood silently at the back of the soldiers watching the match. He had gone over to the harem to see her and ask if she had breakfast already, only for the princess to tell him that she had said that she was going to the training field. Of course, he had been very worried and had rushed over to the training ground. But from what he was seeing now, he rxed visiting since he was sure that should take care of herself. Even though her skill was a little rusty, she was still good at it. Sodeeq looked at the woman in front of him and winced. He couldnt believe that he had underestimated her because she was ady. He had thought that she just meant to exercise herself but it turned out she was a warrior. Before he could break out of his thoughts, Roksna shed his upper shoulder and Sodeeq looked at his shoulder to see that the sword had shed his clothes away and his scar was visible to the world. He looked around to see if anyone noticed the scar and he saw the Sultan at the end of the crowd. Thankfully for him, it doesnt seem to him like the Sultan can see the scar from where he stood. Nevertheless, he dropped the sword in his hand and quickly covered the scar with the pieces of the torn clothes. His nce fell on thedy he was practicing with and saw her frowning at him while staring at the scar he had already covered. Roksna stared in shock at the burnt scar her sword had mistakenly made visible. Her thoughts went back to the night that she had stabbed Jamal and an assassin had also attacked and she had seen the burnt scar. The scar she was looking at now looked the same as that scar. Before she could be truly sure about the scar, the general covered the scar up. She saw him looking at her and she released the harsh line etched on her voice. But she still needed to be sure about the scar she saw, so she raised the sword again. Jamal gasped when he saw Roksna bring up her sword again. The army of men that acted like his protector all looked at him and every one of them bowed when they saw that it was him. He ignored them and focused on his woman and the general. He knew that if he let Roksna strike the general with that sword, then the general would have lost the littlepetition between them. Roksna, drop that sword, he said at the top of his voice. Roksna nearly screamed at the voice and themand she heard. She looked at the general that had already bowed to the sultan who had issued themand. She contemted between obeying the Sultansmand or confirming her thought. Jamal took the decision away from her hands when he climbed into the ring and took the sword away from her. Before she could protest, he dragged her out of the ring and away from the soldiers. Roksna turned back to look at the general but she couldnt find him anymore. Well, until next time then, she thought grimly. Bargaining chip After they got away from the fighting ring, Jamal stopped dragging her along with him at a fast pace and just walked slowly but he still didnt let go of her hand that he held on to. Roksna didnt mind how fast or slow they walked because her mind was centered on the burnt scar she had seen and not on the speed of their walking pace. Each time she tried to erase the doubt in her mind that the scar wasnt the same as that of the assassin, her head kept reminding her that she was just trying to cover up for the general. As soon as they got into the mansion that the Sultan lives in, Roksna saw Jamal looking at her in an odd manner and she wondered what was going on in his mind. Could he be angry because she had gone to the ring without informing him first? Although she did get permission from him to train, she realized that she should have still let him know when she was going. If she hadnt gone through it, she might never have had the chance that she got today. This brings her back to the general and the question she wanted to ask the Sultan about him. So, she spoke up before Jamal had the chance to say anything to her. Jamal, can I ask you something? she asked him. Jamal heaved a sigh. Did she think that he was going to reprimand her? No, he wasnt since he was proud of her. He just felt that she shouldnt have tried to push the fight further when the general had dropped his weapon. He took her to a seat, sat down, and pulled her into hisp. What were you going to ask, love? Jamal said, ying with her hijab. Love? Roksna thought as thousands of bells sounded in her heart at the word. She looked at Jamal and the man quickly cleared his throat. It was a slip of the tongue. What were you going to ask? he gritted out. When thedy in his arm just waved it off, he exhaled. Alhamdulih that she hadnt thought about it or she might be up from hisp and out of his house by now. About the general? Roksna answered in the form of a question, her breath a little disheveled. Hearing the Sultan call her love had disorganized her a little. When he had revoked the word, she had felt hurt by it but she hadnt let it show. Sodeeq? What about him? Jamal asked. He was still ying with the hijab but when he got tired of it, he removed it, revealing her locks of hair. Has he always been loyal to you? she asked. Jamal smelled the locks of hair he had in his hand before he answered with a hmm that sounded bothering like an answer and a pleasure. Have you ever noticed anything odd about him? she asked again. This time, Jamal stopped ying with the hair in his hand and looked at her. Why are you asking? he asked her. Roksna bit her lower lips as she contemted if she should tell him her observation or not. She shook her head in indecision on the matter. What if she told him that she thought that he was an assassin, only for her to be wrong? With the kind of temper the Sultan has, Roksna was sure he would have beheaded the general first, then asked questionster. It would be better if she investigated first, then she can tell him if it turned out to be the truth. Besides, with what he had experienced in the past with the matters concerning his well-being that she had warned him about and there had been no positive response, she wasnt sure she was ready to go through the doubt again. It hurt her a little when she remembered how in the past she had warned him about his favorite mistress and he had done nothing but doubt her. Roksna also remembered how she had suffered severe beatings because of that. But the hurt she felt at those experiences didnt hurt as much as it did before each time she revisited them. Even though she couldnt recognize the reason behind theck of emotions, she knew that being in the arms of the Sultan who had caused her pain was also part of her healing process. She waved the thought away and looked at the Sultan . Its nothing, she answered and kissed him on the cheek. Maybe it was because she was always happy whenever she was with him. But for now, she would not dwell on the pain of the past. Its nothing. I was just curious about him a little, she answered the Sultan and kissed him on the cheek to reassure him. Jamal held her face up and returned her peck on her lips. Instead of drawing away from her, he pushed his tongue into her mouth to give him more ess to her lips and gently deepened the kiss. Roksna epted the kiss readily and greedily. Ever since theyve been in a sexual rtionship for about six months, all Roksna had to do was just show a little interest and Jamal would take charge of everything else like he was doing now. Before they could go further, a loud knock sounded on the door and they broke free from each other. What? Jamal yelled in the usual tone he used whenever anyone interrupted their lovemaking. Maybe Ie in, Sultan ? Its a very important matter, Aabdeen said from outside. Juste in, Jamal yelled. He noticed that for the first time since they had been together, Roksna wasnt scrambling out of his hold like she always did, even when she heard himmand his physician toe in. Sultan . Lady Roksna, Aabdeen greets the two of them with a bow. Roksna smiled at the other man first to answer his greeting. Then, she kissed Jamal lightly on the lip before she got up. Ill leave you two to discuss then, she announced to the two men.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org. Stay, Dawn, Jamal told her. What if its a diplomatic discussion that concerns the sultanate? Roksna asked. Do I look like I care? I just want you to stay, the Sultan told her. Roksna thought about it for only three seconds before she shook her head in the negative and walked away from the room. While she was happy that the Sultan had finally trusted her enough to let her stay while they were discussing the affairs of thend, she would rather take the opportunity to investigate the general since she still had doubt in her mind over what she had seen. She went straight to Lady Miriams home with the thought that she could persuade the woman to tell her who her lover was by telling her that would relinquish her right as the harems leader back to the woman. Or she could manipte the woman or even threaten her to tell her the truth. Roksna doesnt mind which one of the options it was as long as she was able to get answers from her. One thing she did know for certain was the fact that Lady Miriam was the only person who could tell her the identity of the strange man. When she got there, she knocked on the door but there was no response. Roksna didnt think that was a good idea to leave since there was a threat hanging on the Suites head and she needed to do anything she could to protect him, so she flung the door open. The expensive living room was empty, so she walked straight to Lady Miriams room. The sight she saw made her stomach recoil in disgust and fear. Before she could control herself, she screamed at the top of her lungs. Sodeeq stood up from where he had been strangling Lady Miriam to death when he heard the loud scream. He had been so engrossed in his anger to kill Lady Miriam that he hadnt realized that someone had gotten into the room with them and had seen him in the act. To crown it all, it was even the nosy harem leader that had discovered his scar earlier and had looked at it in curiosity. Sodeeq was sure that she knew something about the scar and that was why it had shocked her so much. He saw her trying to run away from the room and he knew that he had to stop her. After Roksna got over her shock of seeing the general strangling Lady Miriam, she turned on her heels and tried to run out of the house to get help. But she could take about five steps, a strong hand held her by the arm and pulled her back roughly. She fell on her backside and growled. When she saw the general crouching to her lower height, she tried to get up but he pulled her down. With no other optioning up in her mind, she did the only thing that she could at that moment which was to scream. Sodeeq pped Roksna when he heard her scream again. It was a good thing for him that the guards that had been stationed to protect Miriam had been called off after she had been dethroned as the harem leader, otherwise, they would have all trooped in. Still, he knew that he had to do something about the woman that had seen him kill Lady Miriam. He couldnt let her go unless he doesnt mind being snitched on by her to the stupid man that called himself Sultan . He smiled as a thought came to his mind. He looked at thedy in front of him in such a malicious way, he saw fear radiating on her face and that gave him joy. When he saw her open her mouth again to say something, he picked up the heavy chair beside him and smacked it on her head. He watched as she slumped down and fainted immediately. He turned to the still body of Lady Miriam to see if she was still alive and saw that life waspletely gone out of her. He knew that even if he hadnt killed her, she wouldnt have lived past three more days but she had annoyed him with her talk of love and he had lost control. He bundled Roksna with a rope he got from the room. He didnt want her to wake up and make anothermotion. Before anyone woulde looking for Lady Miriam again and discovered the situation in the room, he picked Roksna up and made his way out of the old harem leaders room through the route he had always taken and went away from the house and the dead body in it. He patted the unconscious woman on his shoulder and smiled when he thought about how he was going to use her as a bargaining chip with the Sultan . The Sultan s life for his current favorite mistress. Move out Jamal stretched on his bed to rx his strained muscles and body. After Roksna had left him and Aabdeen in the morning to discuss, Aabdeen hade clean with him and told him about who he truly was and why he had done everything he did. Of course, Jamal had been very furious with the other man and had even sent him away from his sight but he could understand the other Sultan now that he was alone. The man had just wanted to protect his people and everything else in his sultanate. But it still hurt him that the man had lied to him. During the period when he had met the man he thought was simply a physician, Jamal had grown fond of the man to the extent that he thinks of him as a friend instead of the mere physician that the man was supposed to be. So, finding out that the man had lied made him feel a little betrayed. Yet, Jamal found out that his thought was not centered on punishing the other man, but instead, it focused on how he could help his friend fight the siege disturbing the Jedi sultanate. A loud knock sounded from his front door and Jamal growled. What is it with people disturbing him with loud knocks these days? He looked at the little clock by his bedside and saw that it was past 8 at night. Do they give so little disrespect to him now? He got up and went out of his room. By the time he would get to the stairs, the knock he thought was loud before was even louder now. He groaned and thought about how he was going to punish the guards on duty for letting them allow someone to knock on his door this loud when they should have turned the person away in the first ce. When he got to the door and saw Roksnas friends, Seyyidah and princess Azeezat, he calmed down. What are you two doing here? he asked them. Just because they were Roksnas friends doesnt mean that he would leave them to just get into his house however and whenever they wanted. Is Roksna here with you? Seyyidah asked, trying to peep into the main hall over his shoulder. Why would you be looking for your friend over here? She returned to the harem in the morning after the training, he exined to the two women. He had even nned to go over to check on her after he had finished the days work but he decided against it and thought he would send dirty her instead toe over to spend the night with him. Shes not at the harem, Sultan. She hadnt been back to the harem since she left for the training ground this morning, Princess Azeezat answered the Sultan . Jamal let go of the protective hand he had on the doorknob that he used to prevent the women from getting in. When they both looked at him in puzzlement, he urged them both in. As soon as they were in, he spoke up. Roksna left my ce this morning after training. So what do you mean by saying that you havent seen her since morning? Could she have gone somewhere? Jamal asked the two friends. She would tell one of us if she was going anywhere, Sultan, the princess said in response. Could she have gone over to see her father? Jamal thought loudly. After he had seen that she was no longer trying to run from him or hating him, Jamal had taken her back to visit her father and brother without masking her face. Ever since then, she would go over their ce to pay visits to them. But the princess was right, she never went there without letting him know that that was where she was going. Her father is here? Seyyidah asked the Sultan . Long story, Jamal said and promptly dismissed it with a wave of his hand. Now was not the time for him to start exining anything to them. He was worried sick about his woman and where she could have been. He called one of the guards and told him to get two more people with him and set out immediately to look for the harem leader. The guard bowed and set out instantly. Barely ten minutes had passed after the guards went in search of Roksna before Jamal thought that couldnt bear it anymore. He told the two friends that he would be with them shortly and rushed out even though he had no idea where he was going. All through the night, he and every one of his special royal guardsbed around the sultanate but they couldnt find anyone who looked like her, talk less of her. He had even sent a messenger to ask her family if she was with them but the man had returned with a negative report. Jamal was already terribly afraid as he kept remembering how someone had tried to harm her with an arrow not too long ago. All he kept thinking about was what if the person who targeted her had gotten her on her way back to the harem? When he didnt know what else to do, he thought about mobilizing the army and going over to the Jedi sultanate since it was the only sultanate that had threatened him with war. It doesnt matter that their Sultan hade clean with him. For all he even knew, the other man could havee clean with him so that Jamal would not suspect him of kidnapping Roksna. As he rushed over to the generals house, Jamal remembered the weird conversation he had with Roksna the previous day when she had been curious about the general. At that time, Jamal had dismissed it because his mind had been centered on making love with her but now, he found something fishy about the questions she asked and how she had asked them. He sprinted to Sodeeqs house and rushed in without knocking. He met the house empty and that gave him an instant red g about the man he referred to as a best friend. He moved into the room and looked around for things that would give him ideas about where the other man could have gone. Seeing that nothing in the room was out of ce, he turned to leave and that was when his eyes fell on a piece of paper peeking from under the generals bed. Jamal drew it out immediately and he looked at it intently for a few seconds. The general had mapped two different locations on a map of the Wadai sultanate. One was at Lady Miriams house, the other was at the old building where Jamal had listed his mother and his only brother to the fire outbreak. When he saw the fire outbreak location, something in his gut told him that Sodeeq held a grudge against him concerning his survival from the fire. He looked at the second location and grimaced. For all he knew, he could be wrong in chasing after Sodeeq when someone else had kidnapped his woman and it would be toote to save her. If even wanted to chase after Sodeeq, he didnt know which location he might have held Roksna at. He was still lost in the decision to make when Asleem rushed into the room, dressed in all ck. Sultan, he said in greeting and vowed a little. He looked around the room for the general and when didnt see the man, he turned back to Jamal. Wheres the general? He asked in a casual time but Jamal could feel the fear in his voice.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Missing, Jamal said grimly and returned back to the map he was looking at to see if he had missed any vital details. Oh, no. Jamal heard Asleem say under his breath and looked up instantly. What do you mean? he asked the other man. When Asleem didnt answer, Jamal screamed at him. I said, what do you know about the man? Asleem sighed when he looked at the Sultan , he knew that at this point, there was no reason to hide what he knew about the general any longer. Roksna might be in his clutch and they needed to save her. Asleem exined to the Sultan how he had identally bumped into the general the night Roksna had tried to kill Jamal and he was waiting for her to finish her mission. He told Jamal how he had fought with the man and had seen his face. He also exined how he had to kidnap Roksna back then to protect her from the general after he got to know that the general was nning to hold her hostage to threaten the Sultan for the throne. He also exined how he had been keeping tabs on the general and training men in secret so that he would be able to help whenever the general revolted. Asleem also confessed to the fact that he had shot the arrow at Roksna to warn the Sultan about the impending attack on the woman and the kingdom. What he hadnt expected however was the general getting hold of Roksna so soon. When he was done, Jamal punched him hard on the cheek and Asleem held the ce in pain. That is for shooting at my woman. If the arrow had scratched her even a little, I would have killed you, Jamal yelled at him. Shes not your woman. Anyway, lets go save her first, Asleem said. Together, they made a n. Jamal picked the old building even though he didnt want to be anywhere near the ce but he had no choice since Asleem had volunteered to go to Lady Miriams house. That way, they could save time and whoever finds the general first can apprehend him and save Roksna. By the time they both got out of the house and Jamal saw the number of men Asleem brought over, he gasped loudly. He was sure the men were up to a hundred, if not more than that. It urred to the Sultan that the other man could have revolted against his sultanate and would have won the fight. Why have you never revolted? Jamal asked him because he couldnt figure out why. Because she chose you. I love her too much to hurt the man she loves, Asleem said with a shrug. Then, as if he hadnt just bared his heart out, he spoke again, We cant go with this many men. It would alert the enemy. Jamal wanted to say something to Asleem but he kept mute instead. As a man, he knew how hard it must have been for the other man to confess his feelings to a rival especially when it was to the one the woman they were both after had chosen. So, the Sultan replied to his suggestion instead. Youre right. Only pick about twenty able men to take with you. Ill get twenty men too from the army. Then, the rest can protect the sultanate from any other form of threat we might not anticipate before, he confirmed. Asleem picked the twenty men he wanted and ordered the rest of them to patrol around the sultanate and eliminate any threat. Jamal sent for Hassan to get twenty able men over and the man came back with them within fifteen minutes. Aabdeen, Azeezat, Seyyidah, Khadijat, and the kitchen head were also with the army when they arrived. The moment the Sultan saw Aabdeen and his sister, he felt guilty for thinking about them wrongly the way he had about them but he quickly brushed it off. Jamal left Hassan and Aabdeen in charge of the sultanate after briefing them on the current situation and assuring them that he and Asleem would do all their best to ensure that Roksna was safe. Sultan Aabdeen, can I trust you to help keep my sultanate safe? Just in case all these were just a decoy to distract us while theyunch an attack here? Jamal asked his special advisor. On my honor, Sultan Aabdeen said and hit his fist on his chest. Thank you, Jamal said to him and nodded at him a little. He turned back to Asleem who was still waiting for his order. Lets move out, he told the man. Asleem nodded before he turned to the men. Move out! hemanded his men. The two parties going in search of Lady Roksna moved away from the crowd of people to get to the different marked locations on a rescue mission that there was no assurance that it would be fruitful. As Jamal walked with his men, his heart kept thudding and thudding in his chest. At one point, he had to hold his chest to reassure himself that it was okay. He was fretting over the safety of Roksna and he wasnt sure he would be able to until he had found her and held her securely in his arms. Where we split As Jamal and his entourage marched on to the locations, fear was already radiating on the Sultans face. Beads of sweat had already adorned his forehead, showing that he was not just afraid internally but also externally. For all that he cared about, the general could have killed Roksna by now, and yet, they were still walking instead of racing to the location. If he hadnt killed her yet, the man could be molesting her or beating her up to punish her. He couldnt understand what exactly was the grudge between the general and his woman. Where it was, it had to be a lot for the general to have kidnapped Roksna and held her captive. Or maybe Asleem was right in his observations and words and the generous was truly an enemy instead of the best friend Jamal thought that he was. But why would the general be trying to kill him? What could he have done to the general to warranty him trying to get rid of him numerous times? And then, that hatred had to transfer over to the woman he loved? To the only woman Jamal had ever been able to love all his life? What does the general expect him to do if anything happened to his Dawn? Jamal was sure that no matter what was expected of him, he would not be able to do it. Except it involved dying so that he could cross over to meet her in Al-Janah. Any other thing apart from that single option, the Sultan was sure that he would fail at it woefully. Now, he understood how his father felt when his mother died in the fire and Jamal felt sorry for calling his father a weakling who could not move on after the death of his wife. Now he was in that shoe that his father was in many years ago, and even though he hadnt seen or heard about the death of his beloved, he already felt like dying. Just thinking about how she would be feeling now and the horrible things that the general could be doing to her right at the moment made him feel like he was going to lose thest of his breath at any time. This is where we split, Sultan, Asleem said to him. Hearing the voice of the other man brought Jamal back to the present and he looked at Asleem. Send one of your guards over and let me know how it goes, the Suitcase told the other man who nodded. Lets go, Asleemmanded his men. Asleem moved on to the harem of the royal concubines. As they went, the people of the sultanate watched them in curiosity and he knew that they were wondering why they were moving around. He knew that he shouldnt be helping the sultanate that had destroyed his people but as he said earlier, he wanted to help Roksna because of the feelings he had for her. By the time they got to the harem, the princess had already exined what was going on to the other women, so they did not panic when Asleem told them what they were there for. He assigned five men to keep the harem women safe and he went with the rest to Lady Miriams quarter. While he didnt know why the general had marked the ce, Asleem was sure that they would find something with thedy. When he opened the door to the quarter, an awful stench filled his nostril and he covered his nose against the smell. From the corner of his eyes, he saw his men for the same thing and they went in. When they got to where the stench wasing from, Asleem saw the lifeless body of Lady Miriam on the bed. Subuanai! he said and bent to check the body. From all indications, he was sure the woman had been dead for close to a day or two. He sighed and signaled to his men to search the house. They all dispensed and Asleem took the time to cover up the dead body of Lady Miriam. Some of his men returned from their search and shook their heads to tell him that they had found nothing. General, I found a small shed house at the back of the house, one of his men told him. Lets go check it out, hemanded them and they all went out. When they got out to the ce, Asleem positioned the men well around the house. When they were settled, Asleem listened to see if he would hear anything but no sound came out. He shrugged as he thought that there was no other option than to rush into the shed house and that was what he did. When he got inside, he opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He closed his eyes and opened them again but he still wasnt sure he was seeing the right thing.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. All his life, after the death of his brother many years ago, Sodeeq had done nothing but missed his only brother at every little chance he had. He missed how they would go running around the house. How they would go to the building with Jamals mother and her son to y. He missed how his father would tuck them to bed and he and his brother would stand up and run around their room in the middle of the night. After his brother had died in the fire outbreak, he never stopped missing his brother and ming himself for the death of his brother. His brother had insisted that day that he wasnt interested in ying at the building that day and just wanted to train with the men but Sodeeq had forced his brother. They had barely yed together for an hour when a cloud of smoke had broken out. Their father who was the general then had saved both Jamal and him from dying in the fire. By the time his father had wanted to go back in for the rest of the people, including his brother, the fire had gone up and they had died. Or do they have thought. Until his brother came back to life suddenly. At first, Sodeeq had been very happy to see the man. When he asked how he had survived, he said he was close to the back door, so he had jumped out of the house to save himself. His brother had warned him not to tell anyone about him yet and Sodeeq had kept mute. But when he had found out that his brother would personate him, Sodeeq began to doubt his brothers motive. What had broken the camels back for Sodeeq was when his brother had told him to kill the Sultan. Sodeeq had voiced his disapproval and that was the mistake he had made. His brother had clubbed him in the head and had kept him hostage from then on, feeding him only to keep him alive. For the one year he had been here, no one had looked for him. Why would they? Since he and his twin brother looked exactly alike without even a single difference. And that traitorous woman who called herself Lady Miriam had supported him. She had given him clothing and shelter and helped him stay out of anyones suspicion. By the time Sodeeq found out that she knew about everything, his hatred for her had doubled. He wondered if the Sultan and Roksna were okay since his brother had told him that he was going after them. He heard footsteps in the shed with him and he looked up. He saw a man clothed in all-ck staring at him. Sodeeq was sure he knew the man, he thought as he stared at the man. He saw the man open his mouth to speak and then he closed his mouth back. Sodeeq knew what the man was thinking about, so he spoke to him. Who are you? he asked. Asleem was astonished at the words he heard. How had the general got tied up? Where was Roksna then? Why are you tied up? Wheres Roksna? he asked. I know what youre thinking but thats not me. Free me, I know where they are, Sodeeq told him. Who is he then? Asleem asked, confused. Ill tell you on the way, Sodeeq said without emotion. Asleem moved closer and began to untie the man. As soon as he was done, he helped the man up. Lets hurry before the madman seeds in his evil n, Sodeeq said and began to move out. Lets go, Asleem also said and they all moved out. As they split up and departed from Jamal, he wished that couldnt call the other man back and tell him to go over to the old building. But since Asleem didnt know about the ce or how to get there, Jamal knew that it was useless to try and get the other men to change paths with him. He looked at the rest of the men with him, sighed audibly at them, and signaled for them to follow him. Don’t you remember? Roksna woke up feeling disoriented. When she looked at the room where she was, she couldnt remember where she was or how she had gotten to the ce. She tried to look around some more to study her surroundings but her head felt like ten building blocks had been ced on it. When she tried to touch the ce that hurt, she saw that she was tied to a chair and she winced. She whipped her head slightly to remember exactly how she had gotten into the predicament she was in but nothing appeared in her brain or even tried to appear. She was nk like she had suffered a memory loss. She was still trying not to panic while trying to remember how she got to being tied to a chair in what seemed like a half-burnt room with all the ckness that even years of abandonment has not been able to erase awaypletely. One thing she knew was the fact that even though she couldnt remember how she got to the ce, she was in trouble for being at such a ce, given the position she had woken up to and how badly her head hurt which means that someone had bashed her on the head before tying her like a Sah goat to the chair. She tugged at the rope holding her to see if the person who had tightened it was a bad rope tighter but she soon found that to be a wrong assumption when the rope would not give way no matter what she did. She was still thinking about solutions to how she would leave the ce before whoever had captured her returned when a man walked in. As soon as her eyes fell on him, everything came back to her at once and Roksna gasped at the awful memory that kept reying in her head. You! You killed Lady Miriam! she screamed at the intruder. Sodeeq smiled evilly. Yes, he had killed the useless woman who had never been able to do anything right, so what? Who would arrest him or kill him over that little fact? Who would even be able to tag him with the death of the woman? No one, he thought. Since he was going to make sure that the only witness was no longer breathing before the day was over. She was your lover, you evil man. She even carried your baby and yet, you strangled her to death like she was nothing and no one to you, Roksna said, almost crying. Do not mention the arm of that stupid woman to me, woman! Sodeeq said with a spat. You heartless monster! Roksna shouted, finally letting the tears flow. Even though she and Lady Miriam were not friends, Roksna felt sorry for her for mingling with a heartless soul like the general. Sodeequghed at the tears he saw falling from the eyes of Roksna. He wondered why she was crying for the person who was already dead instead of pitying herself and pleading for mercy from him. He looked at her and smirked as he thought that he would enjoy killing her little by little before setting her on fire in the building and letting Jamal hear the news from his throne. The look on Jamals face would be worth all his years of waiting before he entered his revenge on him. Now that he even thought of it, it would be an act of perfect revenge for him. He turned to a tithe woman whose tears were beginning to irritate him and he shouted at her. Ya Ah. Will you shut up, woman? You are disturbing my peace! he shouted at her. How could you kill someone and not feel remorseful over it? Roksna asked, sniffing to keep her tears at bay. Sodeequghed at her words again. She was ming him for what he had done to that woman? What if he told her about who had instigated the battle that had happened between her sultanate and Wadai sultanate? What would she term him as then? He decided to tell her anyway to see her reaction. Havent you ever wondered how Jamal found your small sultanate and why he was interested in yournd, enough to attack you? he asked her. He smiled at her when her eyes grew wilder in recognition of what he was implying. Thats right. I told him about yournd and also lied about the treasure that your sultanate does not have just to entice him and get him to go over. He exined to her. Roksna was confused. As far as she knew, their sultanate had never done anything against the man she was looking at. Why? She asked in a small voice. Because I happened to find out that the people of your sultanate were skillful warriors, so I set Jamal against you so that he would fight against you all and then you all can help me kill him. What I didnt expect was the fact that you people would be fekbreating that day and would not be prepared. You bunch of fools let him prevail over you. Disappointed me a lot, he exined to her. Roksnas eyes grew fire. How dare the general use her sultanate and the people in it for his selfish reasons? How dare he destroy the only homnd she had grown up in just because of a fight that they knew nothing about? How dare he disced the people of Dar S just because he wanted to kill a single man? Im going to kill you! she screamed at him. How? With the way you are tied to the chair? He asked with a mischievous tone. You idiot. Why didnt you just kill the Sultan on the ship when he was severely injured? Roksna asked, just out of curiosity.Txt ? N?velDrama.Org. You think I wouldnt if I was there and I saw that he was injured? he answered with a question of his own. When he saw the conference expression on Roksnas face, he smiled maliciously. I wasnt on that stupid ship. He told her. Roksna shook her head at the general in disgust but quickly stopped when the head hurt a lot. She was sure now that the man in front of her was out of her mind. How could he say that he was not on the ship when they had spent most of the sea voyage together. When Sodeequghed at her again, she scowled at him. But we were together most of the time, Sodeeq. I even gave you a ck eye, she reminded him. The eyes of the man in front of her darkened and she cowered inwardly. Dont ever address me with that cowards name again, he stressed to her. Isnt that your name? Roksna asked, afraid of the answer she would get. No. The coward is my brother, the man sneered. Youre Sodeeqs brother? she asked in amazement. Was. Since I would be killing him soon for supporting that wretched Sultan. The man looked at her and said to her in disgust. Youll kill your own brother? Thats the height of being wicked! she screamed at him. The man looked at her like she was mad. Anger zed from his eyes to her and she couldnt help but dread if she wouldnt end up losing her life faster because she was pestering him. You think Im wicked? Wait until I tell you what that stupid man that called himself the Sultan of Wadai did to me and you tell me who is crueler! he screamed back at her and she closed her eyes. *** Jamal sighed as he and his soldiers stood in front of the old building which had been abandoned ever since the unfortunate incident that has imed the three people he loved the most from him. True, the fire hadnt killed his father but the death of the woman he loved had killed himter. Sultan? One of the men with him called and Jamal sighed again. He had no choice other than to get in there; that is if he wanted together the chance to save Roksna. For all they even know, someone else might have kidnapped her and tried to make it seem like it was the general that had done it. Well Jamal had been about to give instructions to his men when a new thought came into his mind. What if it wasnt Sodeeq who was the enemy he should be chasing right now? What if it was Asleem? The other man had confessed that he instigated Roksna against him to kill him. He had confessed to seeing an assassin trying to kill him minutester and then, he had confessed to shooting an arrow at Roksna. Jamals face fell as he thought that Asleem could have purposely left him on a wide goose chase. Hadnt the man told him that he was in love with Roksna? Jamal was sure that such a man would do anything in his power to have the woman he wanted. Jamal would have tried to win her over by all means too if she had chosen Asleem rather than him. Besides, with the number of men Jamal had seen earlier, he couldnt be sure that Asleem wasnt nning a revolt. He turned back immediately to rush over to Lady Miriams house but one of his armies asked him where he was off to. I need to go and check on the other location, he told his men. But, isnt Asleem over there already? one of the men asked. He is, but I still feel like going over myself, the Sultan told them. But, we are here already, Sultan. It would be a waste to just leave without even checking, another of his men voiced his opinion. Jamal had to agree with his man. If he rushed over to Lady Miriams house and he found out that his fear had been over nothing, and the building was where his woman was all the while, he would never be able to forgive himself if anything happened to her. He would never be able to live on knowing that he was only mere seconds away from having her but he had let his opinion about another person obstruct that. They had to get inside and search. There wasnt much to the building in any case, so it would be easier to search for two people. If they got nothing, they would move out immediately. Lets get in the building then, Jamal gave in. His men showed their surprise to see him agreeing to their n. He admitted silently within himself that Roksnaing into his life had changed him in more ways than he could everprehend. All the more reason why he shouldnt lose even a single hair on her body. He assigned his men to secure the perimeter, leaving only three people to search the building with him. If there was even a chance they were here, he wasnt about to lose them. The men all moved into their different positions and Jamal waited until they were all settled all around the building. When they were in ce, the Sultan signaled for the three men left with him to follow him in and they moved stealthily into it. As he walked, Jamal requested the urge to look around the ce as he fought the horrible memory he had of the ce. When one of his men peeped onto the first room, he gave Jamal the all-clear signal and they all walked in. Their search went on until there were only two rooms left. Jamal knew about it because he remembered the building structure vividly. He, his brother, Sodeeq, and Sodeeqs brother had always yed there as children until the unfortunate incident happened. He was about to speak up when his man stopped and lifted his hand in the air to signal that everyone should be silent. Jamal looked at the man with a query look and the man pointed to his ear to tell Jamal to listen. Jamal etched his ears and listened carefully. It wasnt until long before he picked up some voicesing from the next room and he shivered in fear when he heard Roksnas voice asking if her captor would murder his brother. The Suites became confused because he was sure that the abductor would not be Sodeeq then since the man didnt have any brother. When the man told Roksna that Jamal had done something wrong to him, the Sultan knew that he was the target and not Roksna. Without pausing for a breath, he busted into the room to reveal himself. When he saw that the man before him was still Sodeeq, he became confused even more but he schooled his features not to reveal his shock. Sodeeq! Jamal screamed his name. The man had been in the middle of telling the woman he had captured about his true identity when the man he hated the most in his entire life called his name. He straightened up well and bestowed the Sultan with a wicked smile. d to see you here, Sultan Jamal. The party was just getting started, he said with a sneer. The moment Roksna heard the voice that spoke, her joy knew no bounds. If Jamal was here, he was going to save her, she thought with a happy smile. She hadnt realized how much she had been relying on him to know that she was missing and him trying to look for means to save her until she had his voice. Sodeeq, how dare you do this to Lady Roksna? Jamal asked, looking at Roksna. He moved toward her to free her but Sodeeq stopped him mid-way. Dont you think that you and I have a score to settle, Jamal? the man asked him. What are you talking about? Why are you acting like this too? Why is my best friend hurting my woman? Jamal asked. I dont think hes Sodeeq, Jamal. Be careful, Roksna whispered. Jamal looked at the general and shook his head. It was impossible for him not to be Sodeeq. How can two people look so much alike? If he was not Sodeeq, then who was the man? Wondering who I am, Jamal? the man said. Who are you? the Sultan asked. Dont you remember this room? Dont you remember, Jammy? the man asked instead of replying. Dawn Jamal took a step backward when he heard the name that the man had used. There was only one person who called him such a name in the entire sultanate. From what he also knew of the person, he was already dead. How possible was it for a dead person to be alive again? When Jamal looked at the man again, he saw his eyes shing fire and dagger at him. But Jamal started but couldnt find a way to express his thoughts. He could remember that day quite well. Jamal and his brother, along with their mother, and Sodeeq and Sodeeqs brother had all gone into the building to y hide and seek. Aamil, Sodeeqs brother, had been the one seeking while the rest had gone into hiding. Jamal and Sodeeq had hidden together since the two were inseparable friends while Jamals brother had gone with their mother to hide. They had been so engrossed in the game that they didnt realize that there was a fire outbreak until the whole ce had been filled with smoke. Sodeeqs father had saved both Jamal and Sodeeq out of the fire but the other three had lost their lives. So, how had Aamil surfaced again? But I am dead. Right? the man asked. Do you know him? Roksna asked. Shut up, woman. It is not your turn to interfere, the man shouted at him. Dont talk to her like that! Jamal shouted back at the man. Oh, Ill do more than that to her. To both of you, the man growled. How did you resurface? Didnt you die in that fire outbreak, Aamil? Jamal finally asked the question on his mind. No. And Im going to make sure that you and Sodeeq pay for making my father leave me to die in the fire, Aamil said. You died. The building was on fire, how were we supposed to know that you were still in the fire? My mother and brother died in that fire too, Jamal told him. If he hadnt chosen to save you because you were a royal, he would have tried to save me. I got my revenge on the manter by killing him, Aamil smirked. Wheres Sodeeq? Jamal asked, dread washing over him. Dont worry, hes not dead but he will be dead soon when Im done, he answered. What do you n to do? Jamal asked him. Burn your woman to death unless you can step down from the throne, he said. Jamal closed his eyes. Roksna was more important to him than the throne. Is that what you want? Then, I am willing to step down. Just leave her alone, Jamal conceded. Jamal, you cant do that! Roksna screamed and then winced at the pain she felt. Sultan!! his men shouted. It is my throne and its my time to do as I wish. For the woman I love, Im willing to let go of it! he shouted at the men. Good. Now, step back from the room. Disobey and Ill make you regret it, Aamilmanded. Jamal gged his men away from the room and he followed after them. When they got to the doorpost, Jamal stopped and watched what Aamil would be doing next. The man brought some diesel out and began to pour it all around Roksna. Dread washed over Jamal and he rushed back into the room. Move any closer and Ill cut off her throat, the man said and brought out a pocket knife which he held at the neck of Roksna. Jamal was lost on what to do about the whole situation. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Asleem and Sodeeq walking from behind Aamil. When he saw his best friend, he believed the other manpletely. He closed his eyes and opened them again, praying that the other two men would understand the situation on the ground. He decided to engage Aamil in a conversation to draw his mind away from the people behind him and to also buy Asleem and Sodeeq time to make a move. Free her and have me instead. After all, she has nothing to do with all these, Jamal said.Txt ? N?velDrama.Org. She has everything to do with it. Her death would leave you in shambles, the man said. Sodeeq took a sword from one of the men with Asleem. For close to a year, his brother had kept him under lock and fed him only enough to keep him alive. Through the one year he had been kept under capture, he had studied his brother and realized that only the death of the man would end every trouble they were having. When he got closer to him, he tapped his brother on the shoulder. His brother looked back and the action dislodged the knife he had on Roksnas neck. Before his brother could react, Sodeeq drove the knife straight into his brothers neck. Sodeeq watched as life went out of the man in an instant. For the most part, he only felt a little remorse over the death of his brother. He heard Roksna scream before she fainted. Jamal rushed over to Roksna and stooped low to her height. He began to untie the rope while tapping her cheek lightly at intervals. When he was done, he shook her lightly. Dawn! Dawn!! Come on, woman. Open your eyes!!! he screamed. When he didnt get any response, he carried her in his arms and rushed out of the building without waiting for anyone or telling them where he was going. Fine As Jamal kept running with an unconscious Roksna in his arms, he kept praying to Ah that she had merely fainted because of either fright or how she had witnessed the death of her captor and not because Aamil had done something wrong to her before his arrival at the scene. When he heard Roksna whimpering a little as he kept running, he slowed down in his run. He still med himself for the torture she went through. If he had noticed that she was missing all those times that she had been gone, then he would have looked for her everywhere. If he had listened to her and reasons about why she kept asking those weird questions about Sodeeq, then he would have guessed that something was fishy somewhere. If he had searched for her a little harder all through the night, then he might have been able to find her a lot sooner than he did. And to think that he wanted to turn away from the building because he had been suspecting the wrong person makes him want to p himself countless times until his cheeks were red and swollen. If one of his men hadnt stopped him from going, if he had acted stubborn like he always did before, then his woman would have been dead before he found out the truth of the matter. He would never have been able to forgive himself, that was for sure. If he hadnt gotten to her earlier and something awful had happened to her because of the old grudge someone had toward him, then he would have killed himself too as that would be the only thing tjatcoiod stop the pain he would have felt in his heart. Even now that she wasnt dead and she was only unconscious, he already felt like he might breathe hisst at any minute from then. Sultan! Jamal heard someone scream his name and he looked up. When he saw one of the men that had the outfit of Asleems army rushing towards him, he stopped and waited for the man to get to where he was. What happened to Lady Roksna? the man asked, sounding very worried. Get me Aabdeen! Now! the Sultan screamed at the man. Without waiting for an answer from the man, Jamal hurried away, straight to his mansion. When the royal soldiers he ced around the mansion saw him, three of them rushed to open the door for him and he went inside. Once he was in, he went straight to his room, ced the woman in his arms on the bed. He sat down beside the bed and he held one of her hands while he waited for Aabdeen to make an appearance. Sultan. He heard Aabdeens voice reach out to him and he stood up instantly. She fainted. Help me wake her up, will you? Jamal told the man and he held the other mans hands in plea. Aabdeeen rushed over to the still unconscious Roksna and he began to examine her. All the while, the Sultan stood so close to him that Aabdeen was sure that the Sultan might murder him if he gave a bad news. After Aabdeen had carried out the necessary test, he held Roksna by the wrist to check her pulse. He looked at the Sultan in a surprised manner but he didnt say anything. What happened? Jamal asked, feeling very worried. Instead of replying to the question the Sultan just asked, Aabdeen moved two of his fingers to Roksnas neck and he let the fingers remain there for a while. When he finally removed the fingers, he sighed loudly before he let his gaze fall on the worried Sultan. What happened, Aabdeen? Sultan Jamal asked the other man again. Alhamdulihi, the other man replied with a big grin. What happened?! the Sultan asked a little forcefully this time. She merely fainted due to shock, Sultan. She should be awake very soon, so dont fret over that, Aabdeen told him. The Sultan let out some air. He sat down on the bed Roksna was and held her hand in his left hand while he kept caressing the back of her hand with his right hand. But, I did find something else, Aabdeen said. He had decided to wait until the Sultan was a little bit calm before stating his observation. The moment the Sultan heard those words though, he stopped caressing her hand and his eyes shot up at him in such a menacing way that Aabdeen knew would have made any other person wet their trousers in fear. Didnt you just say that she was fine? the Sultan asked him.From N?velDrama.Org. Yes, I did, Aabdeen replied with a shrug of his shoulder. Are you toying with me right now, Sultan Aabdeen?! Jamal yelled. No, Aabdeen chuckled. What I found out was the fact that Lady Roksna was pregnant, he finally told the Sultan. Jamal dropped the hand he was holding immediately and he stood up. He felt like he was dreaming, so he must have heard the physician wrongly. Roksna was pregnant? He asked himself. His eyes went straight to her stomach and he felt himself touching her there before he could stop himself. The moment his handnded on her stomach, he refused to lift the hand away. Are you sure about this? the Sultan asked, his voice full of emotions. Ie from the Jedi sultanate and we are known for our physician skills, Sultan. So, be rest assured and know that I could never be wrong about this, Aabdeen told him. Im going to be a father? An Abbu? the Sultan asked again. It was like he hadnt believed everything that the man before him had said but he knew that the man was right. Aabdeen had never gone wrong with any of the tests he had carried out before and Jamal knew that the man would never say something as important as that if he wasntpletely sure. It was just that in all his life, he had never felt the need to gather a child before; not even once. The thought had only seemed to take root in him ever since the night he had gotten intimate with Roksna and despite that, he had tried not to give in to his will. It wasnt because he hadnt wanted Roksna to be the mother of his child but he had wanted to tell her how he felt about her first and let her decide if she wanted to be with him. But now that she was pregnant with his child, it seemed like the choice was already taken out of her hands. Jamal chuckled to himself as he thought about that little fact. He finally lifted his hand from her stomach and dropped it on her cheek, cradling the skin softly. He was happy because he knew that now that she was pregnant, she wouldnt leave him and go anyway again. She was his entirely. Ill leave you and Lady Roksna then, Aabdeen said, breaking the Sultans thought. Alright, the Sultan answered with a smile. Aabdeen bowed his head slightly and he made to walk away. I promise to help you fight the men disturbing your sultanate, dear friend, Jamal told him. Thank you for your help, Sultan Jamal, Aabdeen answered. Call me Jamal from now, Aabdeen. It would make me feel better knowing that you think of me as a friend also, the Sultan told. You know one thing, Jamal? Youve changed a lot from when I first met you, Aabdeen said to the Sultan with a wide grin. Jamal looked at the woman still sleeping on his bed and he smiled. Its because of her, he replied to Aabdeen. You are also a part of the reason for my change, Aabdeen and Ill forever be grateful to Ah for making me cross paths with both of you, he finished. Aabdeen simply smiled at Jamal and he went out, leaving the two couples alone. When he got downstairs, he met his sister, Azeezat, and the rude maid who was a friend to Roksna, Seyiddah, waiting there for news about their friend. Sodeeq and Asleem were also there, waiting. Likewise, Lady Roksnas father and her brother. The second inmand general, Hassan, was also there. How is she? the maid asked him first. Aabdeen turned to look at her face and he saw deep concern for her friend radiating there in her eyes. His eyes fell to her stomach and he found himself wishing that he could experience the same joy Sultan Jamal just did. When he realized the route his thoughts had taken, he cleared his throat and shot an angry look at Seyiddah. Why was she always upying his mind whenever he thought about important things? Dont talk to me, woman. He sneered at her. Dont be so rude to a woman, Sultan Aabdeen, Hassan reprimanded him. Shes nothing but a maid, Aabdeen shot back at the man. Shes not a maid, Sultan. Shes a Lady and she is my sister, Hassan told him. Aabdeen shot a surprised look at Seyiddah who looked surprised as well. Youre a Lady? Why didnt you tell me? he asked, astonished. Like you told me you were the Sultan? she retorted. You dont get to talk back to me, woman! Aabdeen grunted at her. Aabdeen! His sister called in a clear warning tone. Aabdeen took the warning andpletely ignored Seyiddah. How dare she turn out to be a Lady? Every time he had found himself thinking about her before, he had always killed the thoughts by reminding himself that she was only a maid and the fact that a Sultan and a maid could never be together. Now that she was ady, he had nothing to keep himself in check. Jamal sat by Roksnas side for fifteen minutes more before he felt her hand move in his direction slightly. He looked at her face and saw that she was widely awake and he quickly helped her up. Once she was up, he checked her body again thoroughly to make sure that there was no injury that had escaped Aabdeens eyes earlier. When he was sure that she was fine, he kissed her lightly on the lips. Dawn, Im so sorry you had to go through all that. You didnt have to suffer in the hands of Aamil nor did you have to see Aamil dying like that, he told her. Roksna looked around to be sure about where she was. When she saw that she was in the Sultans room, she rxed a little and looked at who had spoken. When she saw that it was Jamal, she rxed her nervespletely and hugged him tightly. When she had seen Sodeeq killing that wicked man, her stomach had felt queasy and her nerves had kicked in and she had struggled to breath which was why she had fainted. Although that wasnt the first time she had seen someone die, she had still felt terrible to see the end of the man. She didnt know why that had happened to her though but she knew she never wanted to face such an anxiety ever again. Or maybe she had fainted out of relief, because she had thought that she would be meeting her end in the hands of the man before help had arrived. Are you okay? Jamal asked her, holding her a little too tight than she foundfortable but she didnt mind. I am fine, Jamal. I was just shocked over what happened, she told him. It was all my fault, Dawn and Im truly sorry about that, he told her. Do you now believe me when I told you about all those things I heard and the attempts that man and Lady Miriam made over your life? Roksna asked. The sweet journey ahead Jamal released his hold on her and he looked into her eyes intently. I believe you, Dawn. I agreed that I might not have believed you at first but that was because you were so full of vengeance that I couldnt trust you. If you had told me about what you learnedter, I would have believed youpletely without a doubt, he exined to her. Im sorry I didnt tell you, Sultan, she apologized too. I think I like it better when you call me Jamal, he told her. Or you mean you like it better when I yelled your name? she asked and chuckled. He chuckled too and held her hair to y with them. You can stop wearing hijab from now and always let down your hair instead, he told her. Do you mean it? Roksna asked in a suspicious tone. Yes. You can stop wearingdies attire too whenever we are alone and you dont have to learn all those sewing and knitting and embroidery that makes you injure your fingers, Jamal added. Roksna looked at him in doubt. Theres no way he meant all he was saying, is there? He was a stubborn man who only did as he deemed fit and he never gave in to anyone either. So, why was he telling her all he was saying? Why? Roksna asked in a small voice. Because I love you, Dawn. Because I only want to see you happy all the time. Because I figured out that I cant live without you and if making you have your way is the only way to make you stay with me, then Im willing to take it, he told her. Roksna beamed at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. She had fallen in love with him for a while now but she hadnt said anything because she thought that he would never be able to love her in return and he might start running away from her if she told him how she felt for him. She knew that she should tell him that she would think about it but she was too deeply in love with him to y that game. Besides, the only regret she had when that cruel man had tied her and she had thought that her life would have ended then was how she had never confessed her feelings to the Sultan. When the man had offered to step down from his throne for her sake, she knew at that moment that he felt something for her as well and that added to her regrets. Now that fate was kind enough to give her another chance, she wasnt ready to waste it on acting like a properdy should. It wasnt even like she had ever behaved like a properdy should, she thought with a chuckle. I love you too, Jamal, she announced. Jamal let out the breath he had been holding unconsciously. When she had taken a while to answer him or even acknowledge his words, he had begun to lose hope a little. When she hadughed a little whileter, he hadpletely lost the little hope he had left. He had thought about how he would have to work extra hard to make her fall in love with him since giving up on her was not in his option. But now, his mind was at peace. And, I think I am already used to wearing skirts and the hijab and I dont want to change again, she told him. Thank you, Dawn. He told her, smiling sheepishly. Theres one more thing though, he added. What is it? she asked. You are pregnant, he told her simply. Roksna looied at Jamal to see if he meant what he said. When he wouldnt stop grinning from ear to ear, she held her stomach. Jamal ced his hand on hers and she looked at him. She smiled at him at first, then the smile quickly progressed to aughter. She was so happy about the news she had just heard that she didnt know how to express her happiness other than tough. When Aabdeen heard the loudughtering out from the Sultans room, he knew that the Sultan had delivered the good news to Roksna. He chuckled lightly as he knew that the two of them would have toe clean about how they felt for each other. If not for their sake, then they would do it for the unborn child. Do you know why there isughter ringing out from the woman who had fainted about an hour and a half ago? Asleem asked Aabdeen. I do but it is not mine to tell, Aabdeen answered. Then, who can tell? Sodeeq asked. Myself or Dawn. Everyone heard the Sultans voice and they all looked up. They all stood up in respect as the Sultan and Roksna walked down the stairs to where they were. When they got there, the Sultan pped Sodeeq by the shoulder. Im sorry I failed you, Sultan. I should have told you the minute Aamil showed himself to me, Sodeeq said in apology. No, my friend. I should be apologizing to you for not knowing my friend enough to find out that someone else was posing as him. For that, I am sorry, Jamal apologized to his best friend. Its okay, Jamal. You have enough responsibility as the Sultan already, Sodeeq said. Im sorry I doubted you, Roksna said to Sodeeq. Lady Roksna. He said respectfully. If you hadnt doubted my loyalty, I might have died in the hands of that wicked man and his lover. So, I have you to thank for saving my life. He told her. How about the bodies of those two? The Sultan asked. I already alerted Lady Miriams father and he took her remains away for burial. I already had some of my men bury Aamil too, Asleem spoke up. Thank you for your help, general Asleem, the Sultan said to him. Im sorry I doubted you too, Asleem, Roksna apologized. I would have done the same thing if I was in your shoes, Roksna. So, dont fret about it. He told her and pped her lightly on the arm. Hey! Dont do that to my woman!! the Sultan screamed at him immediately. Hes my friend, so you dont need to yell to him that I am yours, Roksna told the Sultan. But he cant hurt you. Not with your current condition, Jamal argued. What condition? Seyiddah asked, baffled. Yes. What condition? Roksnas father asked him.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Roksnaughed and wemt over to her father to hug the man. She ruffled her brothers hair and the boy didnt fail to p her hand away as he always did. Everyone is asking you, Sultan, she said with a wide grin. Sultan Selim, I wanted to tell you first in privacy before telling the others and I also wanted to ask you for something precious, Jamal told the older man in hope that the man would grant him the privacy he had asked for stylishly. Its okay. You can say it here, Sultan Jamal. Everyone here is family and friends, Sultan Selim said. Jamal sighed as he felt his hope dashed. But knowing that he couldnt waste more time, he shrugged and spoke up. Your daughter is pregnant with our child, he told the man. She is? Sultan Selim asked in a voice that didnt know any surprise. I am, Roksna answered her father. So, II wanted to ask ifif you dont mind givingher hands out inmarriage tome, Jamal stammered the words out. Wow! Almighty and scary Sultan Jamal lost for words? Its a first, Sodeeq said, making fun of his best friend. Shut up! Jamal shouted at him. Is that how you would be shouting at my daughter? Sultan Selim asked. Nonono, Sultan, Jamal stammered out again. Abu, Roksna called in a pleading tone. Sultan Selim looked at Jamal and sighed before he spoke. As long as she wants to marry you, I agree, he told the nervous Sultan and nearlyughed as the younger man shot his eyes straight at Roksna. Will you, Dawn? he asked her, uncertain. Roksna pretended to think about what he had just said. Just say yes already. Princess Azeezat and I know how much you love the man, Seyiddah said to her. Of course I was going to say yes to him. I just wanted to act a little like ady in front of you all, Roksna pouted at her friend. We all know you are nothing like ady, Princess Azeezat spoke up. Remind me to change my friendster, Jamal, Roksna told the Sultan, looking at her friends in pretend anger. Do I have your approval now that she said yes? Jamal asked Sultan Selim. You do, the older man replied. You have mine too, Abaan said in an authoritative tone and everyoneughed. I know I said that you and the people of your sultanate can leave but it would be an honor to me if you can stay for our Nikaah, Jamal told Roksnas father. You let my people go? When? Roksna asked. Ever since the day he first brought you over for a visit. Abu only asked us to stay until you and the Sultan can get it into your brwin that you love each other, Abaan told her. Sultan Selim cleared his throat. I wasnt nning to leave without seeing my daughter wedded, the man answered Jamal, ignoring what Abaan said. Princess Azeezat got up from where she sat and went over to her friend. So, we have a wedding to n? she asked Roksna. Of course we do, Seyiddah answered and got up too. Yes, but theres something I need to do first, Jamal said solemnly. What is it? Roksna asked, worried about the Sultans grim look. Come with me and youll find out, Jamal told her. Aabdeen, can youe too? I know its a lowly thing to ask you to do but I need someone to announce the wedding to my people. He asked the other Sultan. I can do it for you since I am still your special advisor and physician, he conceded. Lets go, Jamalmanded. Curious about what the Sultan intended to do, everyone in the room followed despite not being asked to. Jamal found out that he didnt mind one little bit and he marveled at how much he had changed ever since Roksna had appeared in his life. Much as he resented Aamil for the trouble he caused, Jamil would still be forever grateful to the man for lying to him and making him attack Roksna and her sultanate. Else, he would never have met her or any of the amazing people that now flooded around him. Do you know why I call you Dawn? Jamal asked Roksna in a hushed tone. Because thats what my name means? she answered, confused. No. Because you came into my life at the time I feel like I couldnt go on anymore. Your presence gave me the strength I needed to carry on when I was at my weakest. Thats why you are my morning dawn, he exined to her. Before she could say anything, she heard Aabdeen making the first announcement. This is to announce to all that the leader of the harm, Lady Roksna, had been chosen to be the Sultana of the Wadai sultanate, Aabdeen announced to the group of people talking at a corner. Everyone went on their knees immediately. Greetings to the Sultan and congrattions to Lady Roksna for her new position, they all chorused. Thank you all, Roksna answered their greeting. And that was the way it was as they walked. Sultan Aabdeen would announce the wedding to the people, they would congratte her, and Roksna would appreciate their greetings. They finally got to the harem and the same process was repeated. Thank you all and please get up, Roksna told them. Thank you, Sultana, they said in unison and got up. Im sure youve all heard about everything that happened today and I know you all must have worried about everyone. I sincerely want to thank you all for your cooperation with the men guarding you, Jamal began. Thank you for thinking about our safety, one of the women spoke on behalf of the others. But from today onward, this harem ceased to exist. I want everyone to pack their things and return to their family. If there is a man any of you like, I assure you that you are free to get married to him, Jamal finished. Has anyone from the harem done something wrong, Sultan? thedy spoke up on the behalf of others again. Not at all, Jamal assured them. I just want one woman, he told them and looked at Roksna. Thank you for your kindness, Sultan, the women of the harem said. Lets go, Dawn, Jamal told Roksna. As the Sultan held her hand and they went away from the rest of the people, Roksna thought about how she had met the Sultan and she smiled. At that point in time, if anyone had told her that the man would mean a lot to her, she would have cursed the person. But as he led her on to the path that was to be the start of their future, she admitted to herself that she belonged to him with every fiber of her being. As long as it is with him, Im ready to go anyway or do anything, she thought with a wide smile. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!