The Sheik and the Slave

Though Mohammed had disbanded the harem in anticipation of reuniting with the white witch, Abdullah knew it would not happen. Once the girl Safiya gave birth, everything would move into place and Mohammed would forget this fantasy with the Infidel.

His servant quietly entered the room and placed the large pile of correspondence before him. The letters and missives were many, and he sifted through them quickly, separating them into piles of importance. When he picked up the letter, he immediately noticed the foreign language and unusual postage stamps decorating it.

He slashed open the envelope, which contained only one p

age. His heart sank as he read it quickly. It read:

My dear sir,

I write to you with news of the utmost importance but equal in joy and happiness. Lady Katharine is safe with us in Ireland and being well taken care of. She is eager to be reunited with you and waits word that you are coming to her.

I am also happy to inform you that you have a healthy baby boy. He is a beautiful child- all smiles and laughter.

We wait to hear from you, sir…

Your servant,

Abdullah dropped the letter onto the table and leaned back in the chair, sucking the air into his chest. Everything went black as he tried to focus. Allah! Oh Allah the merciful, have mercy on me, he spoke to himself. All was lost. All was lost.

She had a son. The witch had a son.

Chapter 21

Mohammed scratched his beard, which had been unattended and allowed to grow longer that he desired. He stared out into the setting sun and pondered the past several weeks.

He could not place his finger on it, and he had no proof, but there was something not right with Abdullah’s behavior. He had always served him faithfully, and he could not complain. Though he knew it might be irrational, he did not want Abdullah involved in his current plans. Things had been steadily getting worse, and instead of finding Katharine and bringing her back to where she belonged, by his side, Mohammed felt things were slipping from his grasp. So he summoned Daleel to his presence.

“My lord,” Daleel addressed Mohammed.

Mohammed had summoned him alone and made certain that there were no ears or eyes in the room as he spoke. Daleel had always been trustworthy and, though he was a religious man who revered Allah, he had not been frightened of his growing love for Katharine. Indeed, he recalled that Daleel had thought she was beautiful, educated, and would do well in Arabia.

“I require your assistance, Daleel.”

“My lord,” he said as he bowed slightly.

“I wish to return to England immediately,” Mohammed spoke quietly, eyeing Daleel.

“As you wish,” Daleel replied.

“I want you to arrange the travel for me as soon as possible,” Mohammed continued.

Again Daleel bowed, but his brow furrowed.

“Is there something wrong?” Mohammed asked.

“No, my lord. But I had thought Abdullah was handling all the arrangements, and I had not heard that you were going back to England so soon.”

Mohammed studied him and turned his back.

“Yes, you are correct. But I have changed my mind. And, there is more that I need from you,” he continued.

Daleel arched an eyebrow and looked around the room. No servants were to be seen and the room was eerily quiet. He waited silently for Mohammed to continue.

Mohammed turned to him and advanced upon him quickly. He stood directly before Daleel.

“What are your thoughts about Lady Katharine?” he asked.

“My lord?” he asked. His confusion was plain in his voice and on his face.