The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

20. Playing Dirty

" Now you're being greedy Beau". Chanteel said playfully as her son tried to steal another pastry from her plate. She made growling noises causing Beau to laugh out even as his tiny fists clinched to the tart. "Give me that". Chanteel was down in his room, their daily night together had involved a swim in a lap-pool and visiting the Zoo. She had arranged for him to get a little puppy which will be delivered in a few days. Beau was living the life. Since they arrived in Zazaar he had grown inches and added on some weight which only added to his already irresistible charms.

Chanteel heard voices in the hall outside Beau's rooms. There were always four guards around. She expected to see Fatima walking in but instead it was Ahasif.

Chanteel hadn't seen the councilman for several days since the scandal broke. Intact it seems everyone had chosen that time to conveniently disappear.

" Good evening Ahasif and what do we owe this pleasure?".

" Good evening Ms. Banks pardon the interruption. I am to escort you to the king".

Chanteel turned away. So Murat finally decided to show up. She was curious to why he wanted to see her and for his explain . She kissed Beau and left him with his au pair and Fatima.

"When did he get back?".

" This morning ". Ahasif told her leading the way.

Chanteel curiosity peeked as they continued along paths she'd yet to see. They had left the Hareem and was in the central part of the palace. Here security was tight and can easily be comparison to that of The White House. Security guards was every several feet. Dressed and covered entirely in black.

Chanteel was lead into the waiting room of Murat's stateroom. The doors were closed and aides were rushing about. Ahasif remained with her in his silent annoyance. An aide entered the room spoke briefly to Ahasif who nodded and walked over to a wall, which opened revealing a flat screen TV. He turned it on and soon Chanteel saw the mob. Reporters and citizens alike standing in an open courtyard .  She drew closer interests now on high. She didn't higher trying to understand what the broadcaster was saying, but when he appeared all her attention went to him.

Murat walked out onto the podium, alone. There was no guards. He stood ,staring over the crowd that immediately fell silent.

Chanteel watched Murat on the screen and couldnt help but to smile. Gosh he was beautiful. He was perfectly robed and appeared regal.

Cameras flashed and he appeared unaffected if it wasn't for that slight twitch in his jaw. She smoker wondering who else would notice it.

Murat began to speak and she frowned. The language was still difficult to her. She did manage to make out a few words and frustration made her seek help. She turned to Ahasif.

" Translate for me please". She asked standing besides him.

Ahasif nodded.

Chanteel listened and grew numb by the second. There wasn't a sound after Murat competed his announcement. No one dared breathe so still and shocked they were.

Then someone shouted. " El Zazaar!". And the celebration began. And that was before the chanting and street dancing began.

As Murat walked back into the building leaving behind unanswered questions Chanteel sat speechless.

Her heart pounded. She felt sick to the stomach and breathlessness.

He had not only announced to his people that Beau was his son and heir but that she Chanteel would be is wife. He had declared it to the world.

And on top of  that he'd done son without her permission. Chanteel didn't fault his bold arrogant move. After their last encounter she'd expected anything but this. His marriage to Princess Talia for instance. Instead he'd chosen her an that brought a heady trill of sweet victory and satisfaction.

Still she had questions and needed answers. Why had he done it?. Why not marry his princess and let her go?. And damnit if it was due to Beau's legitimacy. No this had nothing to do with their son. Murat was up to something and his games had one end. Victory.

"Why?". She looked at Ahasif. The old man sighed softly before speaking.

" He is King and will do as he pleases".

" Come on Ahasif do not take me for a fool. Murat doesn't make a decision like this without cause, especially in light of the consequences this would undoubtedly cause".

" Then perhaps you should ask him. For I don't know ". Chanteel watched him walk out and knew that sadness in his eyes was caused by her. Some way ,somehow she must find away to bridge that strain between Murat and Ahasif.

She didn't have to wait long. The doors to the stateroom opened and an aide showed her in. She tried not to gasp at the room and failed miserably. Talk about grand and spectacular.

She was lead down an aisle, each sides of the room boasted seats and towering windows. At the head on the room stood Murat. Still in his robes, he stood waiting, his face revealing nothing leading to his thoughts.

" Good evening Chanteel". He said with a tilt of his head.

" Hi Murat". She just waited for him to continue.

He motioned for her to take a seat. " At another time you would bow and remain standing but I believe we can forget the formalities just this once". He said and she sat . Murat walked across the opposite side of the room and faced her. " How is Beaumont?". He was perfectly cordial.

" Doing great. He loves it here, and is getting spoiled".

" And you?Do you like it here?". Chanteel knew he was making an effort to be civil. She just wanted to speak about the elephant in the room. But reluctantly said. "Yes. I do like it here".

" I am assuming that you saw the announcement ".

" I did. Ahasif translated for me".

"And how are your studies progressing?".

" Good. Zazaari-Arabic is a b***h and your laws are barbaric". Murat smiled and agreed.

" Yes many of our laws dates back to the early 1600s. We have had little reason to change. If matters aroused that needed change our referendum goes very smoothly ".

" And have their been need for changes?"

"Some. Mostly due to changes in our global systems. Human Rights and Gender Equality". He went on to speak about issues that would require the laws to change and Chanteel had to admit. This was a man who went out of his way to ensure his people was satisfied.

" Will there need to be changes due to your announcement? ".

His eyes golden and wild  held hers.

" Yes".

Chanteel sighed. "Why? You didn't need to announce that you're going to marry me Murat".

" Of course I had no need. But I wanted to. It was the polite thing to do in light of the current scandal".

" Yes. Apparently We met last year and had a steamy affair". She quoted from one tabloid.

" I heard it was The Bahamas and we spent a week at my villa". He added with a smirk.

She laughed then and Murat smiled. " They said I trapped you with a child and now you're forced to marry me".

" They claim that I seduced you, got you pregnant and is now keeping you and our son prisoners here". Murat said shaking his head at the foolishness people came up with.

"OK that one I hadn't heard". Chanteel held his gaze. Damn he was gorgeous. She thought.

" How is the ankle?".

"Really Murat?" She asked with a frown. He smiled. " Its sore but doing fine. I see that blackeye has healed".

"Yes. It was most  embarrassing having to explain that my fiancé kicked my ass". Her breath caught. She swallowed.

" I am not your fiancé Murat". She stated.

" Not yet, but before we leave this room you will be". He was confident about that.

His arrogance always irritated her. This was no different.

" Even if I don't want to marry you?".

" Don't you want to marry me? As I recalled your reluctance only lies in the fact that you won't share me with another woman". She pouted and crossed her arms. Murat leaned against the desk giving a  seductive smile. " What if I promise that I will not take another woman without consulting you".

"Consulting? Like I would have a say in the matter?" Her eyes narrowed.

Murat chuckled. " The situation is very delicate and the laws of Zazaar doesn't allow divorces. In cases where wives fail in their duties, not able provide heirs for instances our laws allows a man to take another wife. Many have used the laws to expand families such as in the outlanding tribes".

" And you are telling me this because?"

" To prepare you. You're an outsider to my people. They believe that you will not honor our laws and traditions and since I can't divorce you, I will need an out..."

"If I fail as your wife". She interjected. Murat nodded. " Can I take another husband if you fail me? ".

His eyes went flat and cold. She knew that look. It wasn't good. " No!".

" So much for equal rights". She retort dryly.

" If a wife finds fault in her husband she is allowed to be  separated from him. His wealth is spilt in half and he will continue to support her. As my wife there will be no separation. No divorce and certainly no other men".

" So let me get this straight. If you find fault in me you can decide to take a wife and to hell with me, but I can't do the same?".

" Correct."

" And you wonder why I am so reluctant to marry you". He stood and left his side of the room. His strides unhurried.

" Then do not fail me and give my Council cause to chose another woman".

" Like the Princess".She stated. Murat paused directly in front of her. Chanteel squared her shoulders. He was too close for her liking.

" Yes like Princess Talia. She is my Councils choice, but not mine. Never was".

Chanteel had no reason to trust him. She figured Murat had too much to lose and would say anything to get her to agree with him. Even seduce her. " She's perfect from what I hear. Wealthy, beautiful and of pure Zazaari blood. And before all this you were going to marry her".

" That she is. She also speaks six languages fluently and is a skilled horsewoman. And yes before I knew about Beau and you, I had every intension of marrying her". He was now behind her and she couldn't recall him moving! Chanteel swallowed. Hard.

" She would've made a perfect bride. And my people would've love her. She is after all the perfect choice". Murat leaned close taking in Chanteel delicious aroma. She smelled of lavender and baby powder and that made him smile. Imagining her playing with their son.

" Ask me why I don't want her".

Chanteel closed her eyes and cursed him to hell.

The son of a b***h.

She knew Murat loved to play games but this was just wrong. Her head was messed up and her body doing things it shouldn't. She jumped startled when his fingers brushed her hair away from her neck. Yeah..he was trying to seduce her.

" Ask me!". He insisted.

She licked her suddenly dry lips.

She did want to know so she complied. "Why don't you want Talia?".

He turned her to face him. Chanteel stared up into his eyes and shivered. He was too close.

Lawd help her; he smelled wickedly sexy.

"Cause she isn't you and can never be. You challenge and most of the time infuriates me. You never back down and for that I admire you most. You're not afraid to fight for what's important to you and for that I envy you. You're a force to be reckoned with and a formidable foe that I respect". She inhaled and bit her lip.

Talk about flattery. He wasn't a playboy just  for show.

" Are you trying to seduce me Murat? ".

Murat leaned back crossing his arms across his chest looking at her with intrigue. " That you had to even ask shows I am doing a terrible attempt at it". He studied her suspicious face and tensed stature. Her guard was up. As expected. Seducing Chanteel wasn't the way beneath her defenses. At least not yet.

"Let's negotiate". He said taking a seat and waiting for her to do the same.

Chanteel was confused." Negotiate what exactly? "

" Our marriage".

*****************************************

Chanteel sat and waited. She needed a moment to think. Was she seriously considering this?. Marriage to Murat. Hell she was...and without hesitation.

Chanteel knew it was futile to deny that she wanted to be his wife. And the thought of having him, to call her own was like a drug. And she wanted to remain high.

"Okay. Let's negotiate".

" We shall stipulate what is it we want and expect of each other and discuss accordingly. Agreed? ".

" Agreed".

"I shall begin. As my wife there are expectations that must be met. Many of Zazaar's traditions are old but sacred and must be upheld. And the wife of  a king is constantly tested by the Council. They will make demands and these must be met and however you respond,  can either mean acceptance or rejection. One advice I can give you, is learn our laws and find what's best represents you".

" That sounds reasonable. What is it you want from me Murat? ".

" Everything. But most of all your loyalty. I don't trust a great many people but I need to be able to trust the woman to whom I share my bed with".

" That's what I want too".

"I can't offer you love..I don't know if I can even love, but I give my protection and respect".

" So this is a marriage of convenience? ".She asked.

Chanteel heart did take a dive then.  She already loved him. Instead of arguing for once she accepted. It went against everything she wanted and needed. And it shamed her to do so. Yet she wanted him. And if he was making a sacrifice, she could do the same.

" I won't put a label on it. Whatever its we shall have is ours".

" I agree". He nodded and they spent a good hour going back and forth. And as  they discussed Beau, their marriage of convenience, Chanteel grew numb by the minute. She had swallowed her pride for once.

"There will be a formal prenuptial agreement that you're expected to sign. Its mandated by the Council...."

" I don't care about your money Murat". Chanteel interrupted.

" It isn't about my wealth. In fact its about my ability to support you".

She strugged with disinterest.

Murat knew she was pretending. Knew that will wasn't what she'd wanted.  And could pin point exactly when she lost interests. It couldn't be helped and it was better this way for all involved. "Is that all?". She asked.

" Will you marry me Chanteel?". It was still needed to be asked.

Chanteel stood and turned away. She knew she deserved more than this. So much more. How was she going to pretend that she'd no feelings for him and share his bed?. It was impossible.

One thing was for certain. She did want Murat and this was the only way to have him. And yet all this time he'd chosen his words with care ,deliberately, especially in the press conference. Murat knew he held all the cards, and that she would do anything to remain with her son even if it meant   agreeing to a shame of a marriage. Worse yet he knew , had to know that by now; her desire for him was as true as his was for her.

Chanteel almost missed it and that had been his intension from the start. He hadn't been trying to seduce her but distract her, and with Murat even the simplest of mistakes, meant the difference between winning and losing.

But not this time.

And he'd said it himself; use his laws to best represent her.

" I will  be Queen". She wasn't  asking, as she  turned to face him. Murat eyes narrowed. For a moment he just stared at her, and Chanteel met the bitterness and loathing.

He shoved to his feet. Angry didn't begin to describe him. He'd offered her to be his wife. Not his Queen and knew they meant entirely separate things. She had reached that  far in her lessens to understand the difference. As king he could marry and not claim that woman as Queen. The choice was his and his alone. Murat had sat out to manipulate her into accepting his proposal, had even announced it without her permission and phrased it as such that she would be his wife and not Queen.

" Chanteel this is.....". She shooked her head cutting him off.

" This can't be all easy for you. I will be Queen or you can simply marry your Council's choice. I would not fight you or leave. Besides you're the king and you can do what ever pleases you".

There was no negotiating this .

Murat wanted to throttle her. Instead he stormed out leaving her yet again. This time Chanteel knew she'd won. Or at least she thought she did. Now wouldn't it be a damn disaster if he turned around and marry Talia.

Damnit!.

As she walked back to the Harem Chanteel felt numb. Nothing was that simple when it involved Murat. She constantly had to be thinking ahead, suspicious that he was trying to manipulate her into a trap.

Chanteel was tired. It was frustrating and exhausting to be battling with him. And sure it challenged her, but now it was losing its appeal.

Murat was a cunning rat!.

The lawyer in her applaud him for his attempt to trick her. She had no doubt that he would've had waited til the deed was set in stone, meaning when he'd married her; before dropping the bomb.

Oh..eh by the way Chanteel you're my wife. Not Queen.

She grumbled to herself walking into her rooms.

Nice try Murat.

Chanteel took a long bath, trying to clear her mind and relax. It helped, so walking out into the garden was just an added bonus. Besides the night was calm and beautiful. She walked over to the garden and sat down beneath the tent.

Amara had sat out snacks and spiced wine that Chanteel had gotten to love. Chanteel eat and started imagining being married to Murat. She was crazy to, and foolish to assume he would now that she'd stated her demand. Yet she couldn't help it. So she drank spiced wine and stirred up regrets and guilt.

Looking back she'd been engaged before. Several times in fact. The closest she'd ever gotten to "I do", had been with Otto. She winched painfully knowing she had broken his heart.

No words could make up for leaving him standing at the alter. Literally.

Chanteel had thought she could have married him and been content with him putting aside his desires and needs to help her. Otto would have done everything. In the end she'd written him a letter, and left his island. Leaving him to apologize to their 200 guests.

Yeah she was a cold b***h no mistake about that.

Luckily Otto was man enough to forgive her and still treat her as a trusted friend. That made her smile. Then she frowned, it wasn't good that Otto, Talis, Dodi and Niki were friends.

Not good at all.

Chanteel lifted the wine bottle to pour another glass and realized it was empty. Damn!.

Chanteel was drunk. She'd gotten a little carried away. Okay more than a little. Guilt could do just that!

Sighing Chanteel laid back against the pillows and slept.