So the president sent that man to grab Emmy?
He claps his hands. The big door on the other end of the room opens up to a panoramic view of the Holy Land. In walks a man … the same man who I saw the day Emmy was taken.
My eyes widen, and I stop breathing for a second.
She’s right behind him.
“Emmy,” I whisper, tears staining my eyes.
She survived.
Chapter 13
Natalie
My heart swells as they come closer, and I completely ignore the man who took her in favor of looking at her.
But there’s a mark on her face.
Several, in fact, all dark and red, just like the ones my mother had.
“I’m sorry,” I mouth as she passes me.
She only blinks at me a couple of times.
I know she can’t talk, she’s not allowed, and if she dared … that man would probably hurt her more when they get back to their hut. Rage fills my veins, and I make a fist as I glare at the guy. I wish I could wrap my hands around his throat and choke him to death.
“Sit,” my father says, and Emmy and the man immediately sit down on two chairs in the front.
The man grabs Emmy’s gloved hand and squeezes it tight. She winces, clearly in pain.
“I hope you know why you’re here,” the president says.
“Yes, thank you so much, president, for allowing me to bring her back,” the man replies. “I owe you my gratitude.”
“God brought you back your wife. Be thankful to him,” the President says.
Wife?
A gasp slips out, but I quickly cover my mouth with my hand.
“Of course,” the man responds, and he bows his head. “Our God is generous and kind.”
“That he is,” the president mumbles. “Unlike my daughter who managed to steal your wife away from you.” My father turns his attention toward me. “See what you have done? You’ve caused this family great pain.”
“I didn’t …” I mutter. “I didn’t even know she was married.”
I gaze at Emmy, who can’t even look me in the eyes. When did it happen? One moment, we were together in the hut, and then the next, she wanted to escape with me over the fence.
Was she already married by then? Is that why she was so determined to run away with me? Because of him?
“It’s irrelevant,” the president growls. “Do you understand what your actions have caused?”
I rub my lips together in an effort to contain my anger. I know they’re watching and listening. All around me are cameras. Nowhere is safe.
“I understand,” I reply, and I glance at Emmy. Her eyes are full of terror.
As though she’s afraid I’m going to tell on her … that I’ll push her to the brink of destruction.
“It was my idea,” I blurt out.
I don’t know why I do, but I can’t stop myself.
“She didn’t wanna come with me. I dragged her.”
Everyone looks at me; the silence is deafening. I quickly glance at Emmy. She’s gently shaking her head, but I ignore her.
“You forced her?” the president asks.
I nod.
“Why?” he asks.
I clear my throat, thinking of a quick response. “Because I didn’t want to be alone.”
His nostrils flare. Another pause follows. “Do you know the pain she has had to endure because of you?”
“I apologize.”
“You should feel sorry,” he says. “Your actions affect everyone around you. Apparently, your time outside has made you forget that simple fact. But you will learn your place here,” he grumbles.
I lower my eyes. I’m probably going to get punished now, but it’s worth it if it means I can keep Emmy out of further trouble, as long as that man she’s with believes my story.
A quick glance in her direction tells me all I need to know because tears have welled up in her eyes and she mouths a, “Thank you,” in my direction.
I gently nod.
“Furthermore,” the president continues. “Do you know how dangerous it was for you to go out there on your own? Pregnant? Without the aid of a man?”
“I—”
“Silence!” His voice echoes through the room. “Listen to my words and don’t interrupt me.”
Wow. No wonder Noah hates him.
“You should’ve known better than to endanger your child,” he growls. “For that alone, I should have you punished.”
Tears well up in my eyes, and in a moment of sheer panic, I lunge to my knees in front of him, hands locked, fingers entwined above my head. “Please, don’t put me in the suffering hut. Please, have mercy.”
He doesn’t say a word.
“Please, I beg you. I have endured so much. I just want this baby to be safe.”
I blink away the tears, hoping he’ll see my plea as honest and truthful even though my heart is filled with so much hatred that I could burn this entire temple down along with all the people in it.
Now I know why my mother did what she did. What pushed her to the brink of insanity.