The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

08: Magnificent

Something isn't right!

Her instincts screamed at her the instant she stepped into the main lounge and the entire room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

The whispered conversations in Zazaari Arabic ceased.

No one looked at her. They all avoided looking at her.

She would've dismissed it on grounds that she was just being paranoid and plain foolish. After all, under the circumstances, she was on guard and ready to snap at anything that displeased her, which annoyed the hell out of her. Chanteel was usually a patient, cool-headed woman. A professional woman. Lately, that wasn't the case and she knew why.

However, she knew differently the second Haleem walked into the room, a smile on his face as he said something in the language addressing the room, however, the instant he spotted her, his demeanor changed. He froze and his eyes scattered about, looking everywhere but at her. Soon like the guards, he became indifferent and silent. This wasn't the same man who befriended her days before.

Making her way to her seat by the window, away from anyone else Chanteel tried not to think too much into it.

Maybe it was the prospect of returning to their home. They had expected to return weeks before, of course, that happened.

Right... Play stupid! Her inner self taunt.

Could it be that somehow they learned of what occurred last night?

She shuddered at the thought.

It had been stupid and so unlike her. Never under any circumstances would she behaved the way she'd. It didn't change the fact that she had thought.

Explicitly, Deliciously, Irrevocably so.

Like a hormonal teenager, dry humping!

For another thing it seemed, she could've had s*x. She had felt none of the apprehension, fear, numbness or sweating panic that usually associated itself when it came to having s*x. In fact, she'd been more aroused by that one heated kiss than she's had with years of making out and heavy petting.

Nothing back then had worked, not the treatments, the counseling, and therapy, the men. She had been in frustratingly incapable, to achieve arousal much less an orgasm. Suddenly Chanteel had been ready, panty dripping wet and so turned on, that had it progressed she knew without a fraction of doubt, she would've had s*x then and there.

Ah!

She wanted to scream in frustration. What had she been thinking?

Not a damn thing!

She thought bitterly.

Maybe this was a good thing, she thought to look at the logistics of the situation. Here she's a thirty-three-year-old woman, who has never had s*x in any form because there'd been an inability to have arousal, to be turned on, and just pointedly to have s*x, until a day ago. Unexpectedly she'd been very aroused. And achingly ready for more. And she wanted more. Wanted him.

Nothing was wrong with her. She wasn't a freak after all.

Ha!

If only it was as simple as that.

Clearly, she was losing her damn mind, if for a second she's contemplating having s*x with Murat bin Alzaar El Sahd of Quram Zazaar.

He was the enemy, she didn't kiss and dry hump the enemy! It simply wasn't done. The last thing she needed was engaging in such behavior with that man.

Taking up an affair would ruin everything. Kissing him was a mistake. Clearly, he thought the same if she's to judge by the way he had stormed out afterward without a glance her way.

Chanteel would cut her arm off rather than admit that by his actions he'd hurt her.

No! She wouldn't become complacent in this regard. She had to remember that all this, leaving her home, sacrificing all her hard work and success, everything to come to Zazaar was for Beau.

Kissing Murat wasn't the problem here, she thought dismissively yet again, returning to the issue at hand.

She knew for a fact, that Murat and his right-hand watchdog, wouldn't have mentioned the incident. Not unless someone overheard, the rooms were sound proof for one thing, and it wasn't disgust she sensed coming from them.

That wasn't it. It wasn't that she made out with their King.

No, what she felt was..........

Chanteel shook her head confused.

She has always been good at reading people. It was a skill she took advantage of in her line of work. And this, whatever she felt..... was bitterness. Hate maybe.

But why? Why would these people have reason to hate her? She was in no way, sense or form a threat. In fact, her only concern was her son, who was asleep across the room.

It didn't make any sense. That issue had long since been resolved, the moment Murat signed those papers. Haleem knew this, and he had treated her fair considering that. He'd talked and laughed with her, had even advised her to be on guard upon arriving in Zazaar. The advice she didn't need as she was always on guard.

No. Something was up. She threw a quick glance at the room, two of the guards caught her gaze but quickly looked away shifting uncomfortably. One, in particular, dared to glare at her. His eyes were cold. The look on his face was utter disgust, filled with malicious intent. It alarmed her. She wasn't used to anyone treating her like this. Let alone in with open hostility.

As a successful lawyer and businesswoman, she had made many enemies but none had ever looked at her like this.

If looks could kill, she'd be dead and buried by now.

She glared right back.

Haleem saw the exchange and snapped at the guard in Zazaari.

The man ducked his head like a scolded child. People shifted uncomfortably, some sent accusing hostile glances her way.

She just looked away.

They hated her.

The question was why.

Just then the intercom buzzed and the captain announced that they had entered Zazaar's airspace. Arrival time in thirty minutes.

Panic cut across her chest and gripped her in a tight choking fist.

It felt like she was having a heart attack. She wanted to turn the plane around and head home. To return to what was safe and familiar.

If only.

She couldn't.

Wouldn't!

This was for Beau. Her son whom she owed the world. Nothing was going to change that. Not without a fight.

Let them hate all they want. She didn't care anyway.

Chanteel kept to her self, it didn't matter as no one disturbed her.

Beau was still fast asleep and the flight crew was making the little but necessary preparations for landing in their usual silently robed and efficient way. Since all her packing was done she just had to wait.

She didn't have to for long.

The jet descended from the thick white clouds, Chanteel gasped as her eyes caught land.

Magnificent

That's the word that came to mind when she caught her first glimpse of Zazaar.

She stares out at the approaching Island that was surrounded by clear azure blue seas of both the Mediterranean Sea and the seas of the North African coast. Stretching out sixty hundred square miles, Zazaar looked like a golden beam in the distance.

A beautiful majestic beam.

Her emerald green eyes took in the approaching land. It's endless sun-baked golden deserts and massive mountain terrain. The jet flew lower as it neared closer to land Chanteel gripped the arm seat as the gigantic Palace of Zazaar appeared in the distance. The palace was even more spectacular than in the pictures. It seemed to go on for miles upon miles, stretching out in every direction. It's a massive white marble structure with its dome shape roof, bejeweled windows, and grand landscape.

And soon to be her new home.

More like a prison. She thought with a sigh.

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

She watched as their bags were carried out before shutting the door, grateful for a few minutes to herself before stepping foot on Zazaar.

She walked into the adjoining room and beamed at her son. "Mama" he gave an excited shout while holding his arms up for her to lift him. She did and laughed as his chubby fists gripped her nose. "Ah.... you'll rip it off." she made playful growl sounds that made him giggle. She carried in over to the chaise while blowing air sounds on his belly.

"Ehhhhh" he laughed, cheeks dimpling. Looking at her precious son Chanteel prayed that they would be safe and happy. That Murat would protect them as he promised. Getting up to dress Beau and sat him down into his playpen then she headed to the bathroom. In the mirror, she fixed her hair and clothes. She'd chosen a Prada dress in black. Square neckline and netted long sleeves. It ended just above her knees. Her Jimmy Coo nude shoes and gold jewelry completed the outfit. She looked beautiful, groomed and felt ready to take on the world.

Lysette would be so proud. She thought sarcastically.

She turned and headed into the main room towards Beau and noticed that the door was open. She could've distinctively remembered closing it. Never mind that now. She got Beau and headed out.

As Chanteel came into the lounge she was forced to stop.

A strange man dressed in traditional robes and headdress launched himself up and made his way across the room towards her.

Instinctively she backed up holding Beau tighter, as her emerald green eye narrowed on the approaching man. He was smiling and had deep blue eyes that were twinkled mischievously.

There was something about him that made her relax. Call it female intuition or whatever but she liked him instantly. There was a bump in his walk like a swag which was alien in this part of the world. Despite his dress and dark coloring,

he was clearly different. And he confirmed it by pausing a few feet away and executing a perfect bow before saying.

"Welcome to the majestic Sheikhdom of Sahd Quarm Zazzar, Ms. Chanteel Banks. I am Zarif Laman Northam "

His accent was pure British but there was a tint another that can be expected from someone who spoke more than one language.

Chanteel laughed as he grinned." Thanks, Mr. Northam it's a pleasure to be here"

"Really? "he asked with a wink.

" Ah. Let's wait and see". She corrected pleasantly.

Zarif turned his attention to Beau and whistled. "And who is this gorgeous young man?". Beau reached out a little pudgy hand towards the stranger watching him with big eyes.

"This is Beau, "Chanteel said.

" Short for Beaumont or Beautiful? "he asked stroking a finger down one of Beau's creamy golden dimpled cheeks.

" Beaumont, but also Beautiful, "she said watching this man curiously. Not many people would realize, the meaning behind her naming her son.

" Adeptly name. He is going to be one hell of a man when he grows up" Zarif pointed out. And she agreed. Considering his parents' physical attributes he was going to be one exceptional man.

"Who exactly are you? You're not Zazaari". Chanteel asked him and Zarif nod.

"No, I am not. My mother is Zazaari and I was born and raised in England" Zarif informed.

Chanteel arched a perfectly groomed brow more curious about the young man. "I'm your assistant" he went on much to her surprise.

"My assistant? Why would I need an assistant? "

" Whatever needs to be done. I am also an event planner and can assist you with your translations in Zazaari" he explained nervously. "Honestly I don't know exactly in which capacity I will be needed, but whatever you request I will be ready to work. Besides when I saw the position available I knew it was a sign of fate" she didn't know what to say. He seemed to be eager to convince himself than her. And he was nervous.

Why the hell did she need an assistant anyway? She wondered.

"Okay. We will see what goes, "she said with a smile and watched as he visibly relaxed.

Zarif sat down with her while she waited for the time they would leave. There was a delay as the king's entourage had not arrived yet. As they waited she got to know Zarif. He was twenty-seven years old and had two younger siblings. And he had not been to Zazaar until a week ago.

Chanteel was getting impatient just waiting and said as much.

"Look. Finally"Zarif said as Haleem walked in accompanied by Ahasif. Chanteel sat in stunned silence as she watched the council's reaction when he saw Zarif. The older man went white as death standing there rooted to the spot his mouth gaping open. Zarif, on the other hand, looked utterly disappointed and fearful.

Wha........ Before she could ask what was happening Ahasif exploded. The King's Council and right hand barked out in that authoritative voice of his. Then he turned and walked back the way he came.

Chanteel looked towards Zarif for help. He sighed. "What was that about?" she asked.

Defeated Zarif shrugged. "Well, it seems I was terminated from my job. Mind you that I haven't even begun yet"

"What. But why? "

" Well it appears that I am unsuitable for the position as my mother is exiled from Zazaar "

Chanteel could only stare.

She wasn't expecting this. Lord she really didn't want more trouble. She had enough as it is. Especially when Ahasif hated her guts.

Simply she just wanted to raise her son in peace.

Shit.

" Does that mean you shouldn't be here? "

" I was not exiled. I can be here but the King's Council clearly doesn't want me to be "

He went on to explain that his mother being exiled had been a scandal.

Chanteel has always been an advocate for the wronged. Besides she liked Zarif. He was daring which was something she admired.

Really she just wanted a reason to screw Ahasif over.

So much for wanting peace.

"Come on. I hope I don't regret this". She leads him into the room Ahasif used as an office. Haleem answered the knock. He looked her shaking his head. "This isn't the most convenient time Ms. Banks" his voice was flat and strictly professional not the friendly one she had liked. She frowned at him wondering what had caused him to change so suddenly.

"It will have to do. A moment of your time if you please Council Ahasif ". She said walking in. Ahasif looked up from his desk where he had been writing. His displeasure was evident to his facial expression.

" No. You can simply leave! " he said pointing at the door.

'This will only take a minute '

" Ms. Banks....'

He started to say until she cut him off.

"Hey, I know that you're a busy man Council. I have no intention of keeping you from your work " she even presented a big smile to show it. Ahasif wasn't amused, in fact, he grew livid.

" Just quickly answer a question for me. Do I need an assistant? "

" Ms. Banks get out! "

" Do I need an assistant? ". She repeated. His slide away from her towards the exist, turning she watched Zarif looking paler and defeated than before.

She missed his spark already and just like that she wanted Ahasif to pay. Gosh, he was such a bully.

" I wonder why Murat believes that we can ever be civil towards each other ". She said shaking her head.

" First of all Ms. Banks desist from using the King's name. It's impolite and disrespectful. He is a king and will always be treated as such" he said scolding. "Secondly the king believes that I should help assist you in your transition into Zazaar. You don't know our culture and customs. And I will do so, which brings me to the third point. Listen carefully, I expect complete cooperation from you, you will be respectful at all times and I demand obedience. I don't answer to you"

"You make me sound like an impertinent child with does demands "she replied." Luckily for you, I am either. I have no intention of being disrespectful to you or Zazaar. However, it's a two-way effort. Respect me and I will return it. My respect is earned not demanded. As for obedience I sincerely doubt that "

" This isn't a request Ms. Banks. This isn't America, here in Zazaar my word is to be obeyed"

Chanteel wondered how much power Ahasif really held. It was something she would have to find out.

"We have strayed from the point. Do I need an assistant? "

" Yes! " he said annoyed.

" Great. Since the person will be working for me I might as well as select them myself "

" That won't be necessary. By the time you arrive at the palace a suitable replacement will be waiting for you ".

" That won't be necessary. I believe Mr. Northam is competent to perform his duties". Ahasif glared at her.

" He is unsuitable and will be escorted to the airport immediately". The older man replied flatly.

" How is he unsuitable, and how is this suitability derived? I suspect that in order to be accepted for the position he must Possess something the other candidates did not". She did know one thing for certain, Ahasif wanted Zarif in Zazaar as much as he liked her.

" This issue isn't up for debate. I have spoken!" the council snapped

Chanteel turned around to face Zarif. Haleem stood awkwardly in a corner. "Mr. Northam how did you become aware that a position as my assistant was available?". She asked. Zarif looked ready to bolt out the door that minute now. Ahasif kept his mouth hard and tight his eyes cutting like daggers at them.

" By the palace website ". He finally said.

" Can I see?".

" What is the meaning of this!". Ahasif barked, but she paid him no mind and stood beside Zarif as he pulled up a site on his Ipad.

She looked at the site impressed by its content, even more so when she pulled up the detailed description of the position. One would have thought it was a presidential post being advertised. The qualifications were staggering and the level of requirements made her gasp in shock. She shook her head at Zarif as he blushed with embarrassment. "Nerd". She whispered to him.

She eventually found the signed and dated electronic copy of the contact and beamed.

"According to this signed contract, Mr. Northam was not only found eligible for the position but also suitable."

"I assure you that qualifications are not the issue here or the lack thereof".

"Then what is, because this" she waved the Ipad with the contract "is a legal binding agreement. It seems that you have personal grievances towards Mr. Northam. However, Mr. Northam will be working for me".

If looks could kill.

Ahasif was caught and he knew it. He had not expected the younger man. Chanteel looked darn pleased with herself.

Ahasif smiled at her then. She stiffened instantly. "Very well Ms. Banks. By all means, keep him, but don't say that I did not warn you or tried to prevent the consequences. Now good day and welcome to Zazaar!"