The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

Risking It All

"What is the meaning of this?!".

Prince Dodi demanded at the intruding party.

Chanteel looked at him briefly and for the first time, since meeting and befriending him saw more than just a spoiled, wealthy Arabian playboy prince.

He stood fashioned to the nines in an Armani suit with his regalia etched into his keffiyeh.

He was strong, powerful and important and one day would make a spectacular ruler.

And at that moment he was pissed.

Ahsaif bowed respectfully before speaking. "My apologies Your Highness for the intrusion".

Chanteel wondered if it's within Ahsaif's job description to annoy.

Cause he sure did a bang up job of it.

"What do you want?!". Dodi snapped irritated.

"If I may, I would request an audience with Ms. Banks,". The older man said looking towards her.

"What do you want to speak to me about Ahsaif?". Chanteel asked folding her arms defiantly across her chest. It probably wasn't helping the situation but they weren't friends! So......

" May I? " Ahsaif said to Dodi, asking permission to proceed.

Chanteel rolled her eyes which Dodi caught and sent a frown at her in turn.

She'd forgotten that it was protocol to, after all, to attain permission before addressing a female. Dodi had laws and customs, which were much stricter than Zazaar's. If that's even possible. She'd been at her wit's end that time she stayed with his uncle the Emir.

She was a modern day woman, brought up with the beliefs and knowledge that women were equal if not superior to men. If someone wanted to speak to her, what's the point of asking permission from someone else to do so?

Dodi had once explained that it was a sign of protection and respect to their womenfolk.

Respect and Protection huh?

Who were they trying to fool?

These oppressors. She thought and almost smiled imaging Murat's face if she dared to accuse him of such a thing.

Hell!. Since when did she care about what Murat's reaction would be to anything she did or say?

Chanteel watched Ahasif closely. The man looked very wary and exhausted. In fact, Ahasif looked like he had aged fifty years overnight. He certainly didn't look like the rebuking tyrant that greeted her that first day.

This wasn't a good look on him.

Was it her?

Yeah, she knew just how stressful it must be dealing with her was. Not that she went out of her way to cause or be trouble or anything. Sometimes she just reacted to how people dealt with her.

For the first time since meeting him, she really considered Murat's right hand.

Here was Ahasif, the second most powerful man in all of Zazaar, the king's right hand and confidant. A duty, that was no easy feat.

Sure he was a tyrant and looked upon women in general as decorations to be handled with care, rather than see them as equals. And sure he didn't like her. Yet like herself he was rooted in his beliefs if not more so.

Chanteel had taken one look at the man and promptly made it her mission to make his life hell. When truly she only wanted the older man to see her for what she was. And is. A damn brilliant and successful woman and certainly not some crisis that can be easily bought over and swept beneath the rug.

Sure Ahasif had made a gross error upon meeting her. He'd not known whom she was and now that he did, he was correcting his wrongs. She wasn't going anywhere after all. He wasn't going to make such mistakes not unless he wanted trouble.

Serious trouble. a.k.a. Chanteel Banks style.

Turning fully to her now that he'd his permission, Ahasif disposition was that of a man about to be lynched. No doubt he rather be anywhere than present and especially not about to do what he was about to.

Chanteel grew uneasy as his dark eyes accessed her. It reminded her of Lysette's when growing up. Penetrating. Judging.

It was both nerve-racking and uncomfortable.

Damn!

" The moment I met you, I made it my decision to dislike you ". Ahasif began." After all, you're exactly the kind of woman unsuited for my King".

"I would watch my words if I were you Council". Dodi hissed at Ahasif stinging words.

"I am an honest man. I speak the truth". Ahasif reflected as he went on unperturbed.

" Ms. Banks represents everything alien to Zazaar and what out king needs".

"Yet you're here? ". Dodi spoke coming to Chanteel's aid again when he realized she wasn't about to do so herself.

" I must speak my heart, my prince. For I will not have another chance to do so"

"Say what you've to Ahasif. It will change nothing of whom I'm or my intentions".

Ahasif nodded. " Ms. Banks I've said it before and I will again. You're unsuited for my king, for what you represent as a woman and what Zazaar needs. And I can only predict great turmoil will come of its pursued".

With a heavy sigh, he went on. Chanteel by then just wanted him to be gone.

" Unfortunately for the first time in thirty years as Council to the Magnificent of Zazaar, my advise is not needed or sort.

For the first time, I am lost without a clear purpose. Yet what truly and only matters is my king, who is the heart and soul of Zazaar'. My heart and soul ". The council declared passionately.

" I have not only guided him as, king but as a man, from infancy to adulthood. A man that I am most proud of."

Chanteel swallowed. She knew they had a strong bond but now understood Ahasif's determination to protect Murat. Especially from her. She felt it every day of every second. Her love for her son. Ahasif may not have fathered Murat but he was much more.

"I didn't anticipate you. He didn't anticipate you. He's fascinated by you. In awe of you, and even if I don't approve of you, I can't fault him. You're beautiful, successful and proud. Yet he can't have you, for you will not be bought, you're unimpressed by his vast riches and only see him as a man".

Chanteel's met Dodi's briefly during the older man's declaration. She was confused. Was Ahasif trying to get her to stay or leave?

Dodi looked unimpressed and kept eyeing the man suspiciously.

" But you're wrong Ms. Banks!" Ahasif went on hissing at her name causing her to tense yet again. "Murat is not just a man. He is al'asad alrrayie'. He's the heart that beats and the blood that flows in Zazaar. And will never be just a man. He can't be. Perhaps one day you'll come to the realization of my king and understand, what that means in its entirety".

She looked to Dodi for guidance but the Prince just stood there with a furlong look on his face.

Chanteel was conflicted. His words were sinking in and she felt determined all the more to return to Murat.

Ahasif was right in his assumptions. She didn't see Murat as anything but a man. A magnificent king but a man. One she desired.

And she didn't know how to proceed from here on. There was so many uncertainty and chances for hurt and disappointment.

It was inevitable where Murat was concerned. He may give her all could and it will never be enough.

And she wanted it all.

Ahasif didn't solve that dilemma, as wise as he was but added to it as he continued to speak again.

" With that being said, I must plead on my King's behave but I do so on my own account. I must implore you, Ms. Banks, to reconsider returning to the palace. If not the sake of your son, my future king but for your own."

Chanteel was reeling. She couldn't believe this was happening. Ahasif begging her?

She knew what it took for this proud man to come to her like this. And knowing Murat she'd no doubt that he knew nothing of his council's actions

Murat wasn't the kind of man who needed to send anyone to do his dirty work. That much she knew of the Arabian ruler.

" I can't guarantee that you won't face many trials, for you will but I can promise you that if you decide to stand beside my king, in whatever capacity you choose, that you will never have to question his loyalty. For he will protect you with his life. And champion all your cause because he simply can"

Well damn.

Chanteel was tearing up. She saw Ahasif in a new light now.

" I can also guarantee that you will have no further challenges where I am concerned. I may not like or approve of you but my king does. And what he wants he gets".

Dodi chuckled at this lightening the mood. Ahasif sent a frown to the playboy prince.

" Clearly Murat is too spoiled for his own good". Chanteel said with a frown of her own.

"He isn't the only one ". Ahasif pointed out. And she agreed, looking towards Dodi.

With a sigh she turned to Ahasif on a serious note." I had already decided to return. It occurred to me that I was being selfish. I hadn't realized the gravity of the situation Murat was in. I understand that now and I can promise you that I will do all that's within my power to help him ". Even if I can never have him.

Ahasif looked relieved.

"Thank you for coming, Ahasif. I know it's not something you will be doing again in a hurry ".

The council nod. Chanteel went to Dodi and hugged him. He held her tight kissing her forehead.

" This isn't goodbye. I now have more reasons to be visiting Zazaar. And next time I shall bring the gang ".

" Please don't. I can't deal with all of you at once ". She scolded.

" We will behave". He promised mischievously. She knew it was a lie. No good came out of them meeting up.

They hugged again and she turned to follow Ahasif, taking Beau from Said.

Dodi stopped her. "Trust him" he whispered to her. " You will never want for anything"

And with that Chanteel stepped onto Zazaar again and knew this time there was no turning back.

She was hesitant to return to the palace after all that had happened. She'd fled from her life. Someone had drugged her and could possibly do much worse. Yet she had to face what came. Her mind was made up, she would return as planned and no matter what happens, what decisions Murat made she would stay.

On the way back to the palace from the airport Ahasif apologized for the incident at the palace and assured her from then on he will personally see to her safety.

Chanteel thought he was worried. He behaved uncertain of the future and it worried her too. Yet she could only wait and hope for the best.

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

There were six of them. Silent, cold and armed. Their eyes dark as desert skies followed her every movement.

And when they moved, they did so like deadly weapons and broke no question that they had a duty. To protect. And kill.

Chanteel suspected that Ahasif himself hand selected the guards.

Upon arriving at the palace Chanteel handed Beau over to his capable caretakers, especially an over-enthused Fatima who was still upset about the earlier events. Seeing that he was settled in, protected and secured she said goodnight and left.

Stepping into her suite bore a different welcoming. The unfamiliar men selected to follow her around were the first to capture her attention as they stood impregnable as a black wall. Not moving an inch save their penetrating gaze that never met her own but never left her person either.

Amara, however, was a welcoming sight. The older woman tried to apologize but Chanteel would have none of it, the poor woman looked so worried Chanteel feared she would collapse.

Ahasif had just concluded giving instructions to the guards and Amara when one of the many doors opened and a familiar man walked in.

Zarif saw her and beamed with relief. He made to move, intent on reaching her until Ahasif bark stopped him and the sudden movement of the robed men. He froze. And paled.

Ahasif silently observed his nephew much to Zarif's discomfort. Then the council sighed and motioned for him to accompany him out of the room.

Chanteel watched them and couldn't help but smile. Some things just wouldn't change and then some would.

She wasn't certain of why but she felt that change was coming to Zazaar.

And she was ready.