The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

13: Sacrifice

" I didn't know that you were planning to visit"

Murat said in greeting.

Dodi had known Murat for years and respected the man. However, if he to choose, he knew where his loyalty lay.

" I am not visiting. I received a very disturbing call today and I warn you. We have been friends and allies for many years Murat, but if you have hurt Chanteel all that will cease"

Dodi was greeted by a silence that he thought Murat had hung up on him.

" You know Chanteel?" Murat finally said. Dodi wasn't at all surprised to hear that familiar sound in the man's voice.

Jealousy!

It reminded him so much of the gang whenever a new man comes into Chanteel's life.

Did Murat know that he was in love with Chanteel?. Dodi smiled.

"Yes, I know her. She's a very good friend. I am here to collect her and her son"

"What do you mean Dodi?" Murat snapped wanting to know.

" Chanteel called me not more than an hour ago fearful for her life. She claims that she had been drugged which resulted in her becoming unconscious for three days. She didn't say why this was done, but nothing justifies such a course of action. I will ask you. What have you done Murat? "

" I have done nothing. I have been in meetings with my Council. What the hell is going on? " Murat was furious.

" That's what you need to find out. As for me, I have to collect two precious cargo"

"Now wait a damn minute! She has my son! "

" And is that the only reason you want her to stay, simply because she gave birth to your son? "Dodi exploded. When Murat failed to reply he laughed bitterly.

" I never would have believed you to be a fool and a coward! "

He hung up. He hoped Murat gained some sense before he lost Chanteel.

***

Murat stared at the phone in disbelief.

What the hell just happened?

He and Prince Dodi had been friends since infancy, now to have their friendship, come to this was a devastating blow.

"Ahasif! " he roared.

Murat couldn't believe this was actually happening. He had spent the last few days in a debate with his council as a solution was desperately needed, for the problems he found himself in.

His Council was pushing for a marriage between himself and Princess Talia. A United Sheikhdom was what all wanted. The last thing Murat wanted was for the tribes to break out in an all-out war. Rebel traditionalists wanted the water rights that Sheikh Faris held. And they were willing to fight to the death for it.

The Council, as well as Murat, couldn't afford to antagonize Faris for the man was so greedy for power that he was likely to send his tribes to their death just to prove that he could. Just to spite Murat.

Then there's the other concern of Beau's illegitimacy. The council recognizes Beau as his heir and the future king of Zazaar, taking into account the peculiar and alarming circumstances of his conception.

Murat has always respected his Council's sound advice over the years since became king at age eight, thirty years ago. However, he was king and the final decision was his to make. He had granted them power in decision making and forming of Zazaar's laws but all power rest with him. They only had that much power, that he sort fit to allow, simply because he could.

Whether he married Talia or not the decision was his. And he will take into account the consequences.

As for Chanteel.....

Murat cursed and turned towards the doors that lead into the council chamber. "Ahasif!".

He wanted blood. What the hell was going on, could things get any worse?

Ahasif bin Carasi hurried into the room.

"I warn you. If you had anything to do with this, I will have your head separated from your body and hung in the Square of Kings for all to witness ".

Ahasif feared for his life. He knew his king meant every word.

His king's eyes were dark and hard with rage and he wondered what had happened to cause this. " As we speak Ms. Banks is heading to the airport where Prince Dodi of Mecca's plane awaits to take her out of Zazaar. She claims she was sedated which resulted in her being unconscious for three days. Tell me, why the mother of my child needs to be restrained in such a way? ".

Ahasif gasped in shock. He shooked his head in disbelief.

No! This cannot be happening!

He didn't know how to respond as a very angry Murat towered over him.

" I have used every form of persuasion short of kidnapping to get that woman here and now this happens! "

" I assure you, my king, I wasn't aware of any of this. But I swear, the persons responsible will be dealt with ".

Murat arched a black brow curiously." And just tell me what good would that do? " Ahasif swallowed fearfully.

" My king... "

" Have my car brought out front " .Murat ordered as he left the room. He paused briefly.

" And pray that I reach her in time because if she leaves or you're dead! ".

Ahasif bowed watching his king leave. His hands trembling as he used his phone to instruct a guard to bring the king's vehicle to the front. The second call he made the palace steward Hashid answered.

" What happened? "

" And altercation between the princess and the American woman. Somehow a sleeping sedative was infused into her water. Now she has disappeared and the palace is chaos".

" How is this possible? No one is allowed into her rooms, save her servants. Didn't I leave instructions for guards to be placed near her at all times?".

"Yes you did but there wasn't any time to do so. The incident occurred shortly after your instructions came". Hashid justified. "I was only informed after the fact. I take full responsibility".

"By whom were you informed? "

" Amara ".

" What is the princess doing at the palace? The sheik left Zazaar days before our arrival".

"He did ".Hashid confirmed." But the princess stayed".

"Why? ".

" I am unaware of the reason".

"There seems to be a lot that you are unaware of. However, let me enlightened you. Ms. Banks is heading to the airport and Allah forbids that she manages to leave Zazaar, prepare for your execution for I will not die alone! ".

*******

" I'm not sure if I should be doing this " Fatima said nervously as she looked towards the airport looming in the distance. Chanteel had wasted a good ten minutes trying to convince the Fatima that the better attractions were at the airport. When that failed she begged. Now here they were.

Chanteel's patience was hanging on a very thin tread and Fatima was getting on her damn nerves, that wasn't a good thing.

" Maybe we should go back. I'm sure Mr. Hashid can...... "

" Take me to the airport, Fatima! "

" But why? Don't you like it here? I don't want to get into trouble I can lose my job". The girl cried looking more distressed by the passing second. Chanteel cut her a glare from the corner of her eye and frowned.

" I don't want to get you in any trouble. If it makes you feel better I will tell Hashid I kidnapped you."

Technically it was true anyway.

Glancing at her watch, she had five minutes to get to the airport. And this girl was wasting precious time " I don't know. Why do you want to leave?"

"You won't understand." She grumbled.

"I will miss Beau"

"I will send you a postcard"

Fatima looked at her annoyed. Chanteel shooked her head.

" Look if won't drive, get out! ".

Was this girl ready to get pushed out or something?

" This is my car! "

" No, it isn't. Technically it belongs to the king of Zazaar ".Chanteel bitched.

" I don't like you anymore ".Fatima admitted with a sigh.

" Great. Get in line, just drive".

Fatima did as she was told. With a minute to spare they came up in front of the airport entrance.

Chanteel beamed spotting Saad as they drove up the crowded entrance way. People everywhere, tourists and locals. And Saad stood out like a sore thumb. He was 6'7 tall and black as night. Groomed to the nines in a black suit and the red and black Keffiyeh of his tribe. Chanteel thanked Fatima who waved and droved off.

She started towards the familiar face, she wanted to get the hell out of Zazaar pronto.

Fate would intervene of course.

She spoke too soon.

There was a loud noise, like a freight train blasting off nearby. Chanteel didn't remember seeing any on her way to the airport so kept walking until a car went passed in an ear-numbing roar that fast cars normally made.

She froze eyes narrowed as the car, a Lamborghini Veneno cut her off.

Her body grew tensed watching as the vehicle stopped idling. Shaking it off she started walking towards Saad.

Murat climbed out of the vehicle and she cursed in French as Beau looked at the car in wonder. Who could blame him?

Now Murat blocked her path.

SHIT!

Chanteel cut her eye at him, hating the sight of him.

Okay, that was a lie.

Because hell on earth Murat was too good to be true.

She watched him displeased awe.

He was wearing a dark moss green Italian cut suit that she knew had been custom tailored to fit every muscle of his body, as his very broad shoulders and powerful muscular chest was defined by every splendiferous proportion. As his long legs came out and his shoes fit asphalt she was pissed blue. His shoes like his headdress, black chequered with brown were hot. Black aviator glasses shield his eyes. The man looked like he just walked off the front cover of Arabian Vogue.

DAMN!

She thought.

WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO FREAKING GORGEOUS?!

Chanteel screamed silently at him.

It had to be a sin being him.

Focus your ass Chanteel don't let all that goodness fool you, he is a snake.

She had to remember that this was the man that lied to her, that he had his people drug her ass so she wouldn't leave.

"Chanteel " .Murat snapped after her, as she walked away. She wanted to slap him. Stomp his beautiful face beneath her Jimmy Choos.

" You're acting like a fatuous child".

He called after her.

Saad must have seen Murat because Dodi big black right hand was coming over.

Murat didn't even look the man's way as he followed Chanteel.

" We had an arrangement, Ms. Banks. Surely as a successful lawyer as your self know that a contract is binding ".

" That contract is null and void. Founded under erroneous circumstances. Built on lies and under false pretenses". she rounded on him. Fire in her eyes and hurt in her heart.

"What have I ever lied to you about? ".

"Really Murat? You have a little girl up in your palace that you are planning to marry."

Murat stilled. How did she find out about Talia and what the hell did she mean by "up in the palace? Was Talia still in Zazaar, and staying at the palace?

Allah!

What the hell.

" Talia is no concern of yours. This changes nothing between us".

"So you're marrying her? ".

" I have not decided. My Council wishes for it".

"You knew this and yet you ask me to marry you? ".

" Which you rejected. But yes I did ask you to marry me. My son is my heir and will rule Zazaar one day".

"Will I be queen? ".

" No. Talia will be my queen".

Chanteel felt wounded. He planned to marry her and Talia as well. That had been his intention all along.

"That's not going to happen. I will not marry you ".

"You have no say in this. You are under my rule now. You can oppose it all the way to the altar, it will not matter. You belong to me Chanteel. And we will be married before the month ends".

She laughed.

" I am not marrying you, Murat. I am taking my son and leaving. Your princess is eager to have you. I don't. Marry Talia I don't care".

"You are angry that you won't be queen".

"I don't give a f**k about being queen. You can take that title and shove it up your ass. It's about principals. My beliefs!".

" There's nothing to be a shame of Chanteel. It's acceptable for a man to have more than one wife in Zazaar ".

" Acceptable for you. Never for me. I deserve more than what you're offering. I deserve a husband that will worship me and exalt me. That will lay the world at my feet and love me with every inch of his being. I deserve it all. And you are offering nothing!"

"Then leave. But give me Beau".

"No. I love my son. I will never let him go. Let Talia give you your heir. Let us go. In fact, we can negotiate visitation when he becomes older".

"Chanteel My marriage with Talia had been arranged long before I met you. Long before I knew of Beau. I need my son here with me".

"I don't care, Murat! Since I have met you, it's been about what you want, what you don't want. NEVER AGAIN!".

" We have an arrangement Chanteel. So you're going to run the moment that you get a little competition. How very disappointing ".

" Competition? With what? For what? There must be something worth fighting for. I ain't see it". She mugged with attitude.

"Yet you're the one running away".

"Correction, I am fleeing for my life. You had me drugged. God knows what else you have in store for me. But hey I am not going to play sheep and wait for you to kill me"

He dared to look hurt. Chanteel had been watching him with a good eye. He looked deeply wounded by her accusation.

"I never... " he swallowed shifting uncomfortably." I would never hurt you Chanteel and I never gave any instructions to detain you in that way".

"Your people acted upon your intended reaction. Whether you told them to or not. They knew you wouldn't want me to leave"

Beau began to fuss. Murat looked at him with a strained smile. "Come back with me. We can resolve this mess". his eyes pleaded.

"Have you not been listening to a thing I just said. I fear for my life. I don't trust you with it"

" Your choice. But I can't allow you to leave".

"Can't allow? You have no say! "

" I have every say. I am the king. With just a snap of my fingers, I can have your prince detained. You are not going anywhere".

"Really. I think you're forgetting that I am an American citizen, try to stop me and with one call I will have the US Army over here, believe that".

"I call your bluff. Make your call Ms. Banks".

"Why are you doing this Murat?".

"You know the answer to that "

" Why! You have a queen picked out, she can give you ten heirs. You don't need Beau".

"I need him more than you can imagine ".

" Let's us go. I begging you. Please let us go".

"I can't"

"Oh god, I hate you!".

" I know ".

He didn't. She glared at him. She was tired of arguing with him.

Why Couldn't he just let them go?

" You maybe King" Chanteel said to him. "But you don't have all the power. I have friends you don't want to cross, one of them so happens to be a tyrannical dictator from Mecca, who is very fond of his nephew. So go ahead and try to detain my prince".She challenged.

Murat searched her eyes in silence. His expression was unreadable. Finally, he moved but took her by surprise.

He walked up to them and kissed Beau's forehead whispering something in Zazaari Arabic. Then he met her gaze. Chanteel wished she knew what he was thinking. Because he looked like the world was on his shoulders. Defeated. Weak. And she suddenly realized that she hated seeing him like this.

What have I done?

"Murat.... "she began but he interrupted.

"Go. Before I change my mind " and he brushed his lips across her own slightly and her heart contracted painfully. She greedily leaned into him for more, to taste that spiced wildness of him, but Murat was already walking away, sliding into his car before speeding off.

WAIT!

What?

He was leaving? Was this a trick?

Was he letting her go?

HE WAS LETTING THEM GO!

That freaking coward!

Isn't that what you wanted? Wasn't that the whole point?

Yes goddammit!

Yet why did she feel gutted, like her heart was in pain?

And why didn't she feel relieved? Feel free?

She stares at Beau his eyes bright and filled with innocence. "You deserve everything Beau. I hope one day you'll understand". she whispered to him before turning towards Saad.

********

Dodi was waiting with open arms for her and a smile.

She sighed. Then it came so suddenly in one wave of turmoil. Anger, fear and regret. She sobbed into his chest as he held her whispering to her in his native tongue.

"It's... (sob) was over,". She told him shaking with fatigue and hurt.

Dodi stared at the woman before him and spoke from his heart.

"No. It's not over".

"He let me go. He doesn't even want me just his son. He didn't even fight Dodi. God I hate him, he's a coward!" she wiped her eyes hiccups causing her to pant breathlessly.

"That's why it hurts. It's not over, because you love him Habibi".