The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

02. Thief And Confrontations

Six months, three weeks and a day.

That was how long it took to track down a thief.

As the armored vehicles drove downtown Manhatten, Murat picked up the thick file again. Haleem and his head of legal Affairs Jamal had met him and his entourage, at the airport where the King's private jet had been sitting for an hour.

Murat tasted something bitter in his mouth. It was the rage.

Rage.

Over the past months, he had felt only rage. And had wanted blood. Slowly as days passed, and little could be found out about the little-skilled thief, he had planned.

Oh, how he had planned.

He was going to make her pay dearly.

His golden eyes paused at the picture again. Several times since he had first opened it.

There were no simple words to describe her. Beautiful seemed an understatement.

For Chanteel Desiree Le Veq Warwood Banks was beyond that.

Murat wasn't sure what he'd been expecting when he first learned that a woman had given birth to his child.

But whatever it was. This wasn't it. He was surprised. Stunned even.

And that was saying a lot, for Murat The Magnificent, The Lion of Zazaar was never surprised. Never stunned.

Yet this woman succeeded to do both.

As the golden skinned green- cat-eyed beauty stared back at him, he recalled what he had learned. Despite how it looked, no crime had been committed. Every action and every move had been thought of, even considering the large sum of money paid.

Legally, fault laid with the clinic who first act of crime had been to label his seed wrong. Then to put it in general population.

Murat cringed thinking of how many children he may have had fathered and mothers his seed had impregnated. Luckily he had been spared.

For as beautiful and bold as Chanteel Banks was, she was just as selfish. Cunningly so. She'd paid a considerable sum so that his son was the only child created by his seed.

Son!

Murat felt that heady trill again. The moment Haleem had informed him, not only had he an heir, but a son.

In some way, he owned this Chanteel Banks. He may never have fathered a son, hadn't been for her.

And he intended to pay her.

Very handsomely in fact.

As smart and as brilliant as she was Murat wanted what was his. He would've his heir and he can spare ahead with his plans.

___

"You know, I always knew you were a different child the moment I held you'

Lynette said glancing up at her daughter. She was sitting on the floor of the playroom with her grandson. Beau was pushing his truck making vroom noises.

" Oh?" Chanteel arched a brow. Ever since she returned to the States pregnant she and her family had patched things up. Mainly her relationship with her mother was still strained, for Lynette wanted a son in law as well as a grandchild. But they were working on it. Her mother has been visiting more often and Chanteel had even spent Thanksgiving at the Warwood Estate Atlanta.

"Oui! You stared at me with look like you were saying. 'Woman I will make my own path " Chanteel laughed and rolled her eyes.

" OK, Ma Mere," she said dryly.

Lynette pushed the truck and Beau giggled. She sighed.

Chanteel looked at her son and couldn't fault her mother. Or anyone for that matter. Everyone immediately flocked to Beau. He was the life of the Daycare, here at the same building that housed Banks. She had wanted her son close. She couldn't spend the day at work and not think of him. But with him a floor away, she can drop in any time.

Plus all her coworkers brought their children here. The Daycare was fully equipped with a state of the art baby monitor station, playrooms, sleeping areas, an indoor pool, gymnastic room for the older children. Kitchens, with a natural juice bar, feeding rooms, changing rooms. All ran by a fully trained staff and team.

Lynette sighed again.

Ah!

Beau was beautiful. Hence the name. Chanteel knew all mothers felt that way for their children but Beau truly was.

He had inherited the maternal skin tone, the rich ebony gold passed down to every female in her family, only his was lighter. Due to the fact that his father not being a man of the Race. And he had her personality already. He was already proving to be stubborn. But his most unique attribute was his eyes.

Never has she seen such a color. So golden and dark. Very beautiful.

Her son was a gorgeous boy.

Chanteel felt a little guilty. Every time she looked at her son she had to be reminded that all she knew about his father was on a sheet of paper.

A list of attributes.

That's all. And though she had wanted it that way, knew as Beau got older he was going to inquire about his father.

She hadn't figured out what she was going to tell him yet. But she had years for that.

Her ringing phone alerted her that she was needed in the office. Kissing her son, she walked her mother out before heading up.

Stella met her as she stepped out of the elevator. Chanteel frowned seeing her assistant worried expression. In all the years since she had known the older woman, Chanteel couldn't recall ever having seen her look like this.

"They're waiting in conference room 2 "

Stella whispered handing over her tablet NotePro before Chanteel could make any inquiries. Then she noticed that a suited man was standing guard to the hall. In fact, now that she thought of it, there had been several suited men on her way up.

She headed to the conference room. As she got off the elevator, she saw that the hall was filled with several men. When they spotted her, on stepped forward. He was lean, gray-haired and with mean eyes.

She hated him on sight.

"Miss Banks. I am Ahsaif chief Council and advisor to Him Magnificent King Of Zazaar. "

He didn't offer his hand. The way he looked at her made her feel Uneasy. His voice was thickly accented even as his English was fluent.

" Right, " she said dismissively before heading to the conference doors. She didn't know what the hell was going on and she didn't like the smell of things. Besides he was a drone. She didn't deal with drones.

The man was speaking again sometime about protocol, expectations, but she didn't care s**t.

Pushing the door open she scanned the room. Three men sat at the long conference table, suited, sharp and were lawyers. She could smell her own kind a mile away. Two other men stood by the windows overlooking the city. It was they, that drew her attention. One was in flowing robes, one would expect in the Middle East. And the other in a dark Armani suit.

Heat flooded her belly spreading to her inner thighs.

She frowned. The reaction was alien to her body.

The man was tall. About six feet five with broad shoulders and a solid frame. Dark hair.

She felt a sudden thrill in her stomach. She brushed it aside. Still feeling uneasy.

Stepping inside the room she spoke.

"OK. Gentlemen. I bill by the minute. So someone starts talking'

__

Murat stiffened. A hot sharp tingle, sudden and deep swept across his back. He felt it the moment she walked him. Unable to help himself he smiled.

She was going to be a very intriguing opponent.

He didn't understand what was happening to him though. He felt tingles all over his skin. Like he had stepped on an electric charge.

Haleem stepped over to the table and introduced himself and the lawyers. Murat listened, didn't turn and around. He would play it by ear.

" Great. A pleasure meeting you all. What is it I can do for you. ". Chanteel inquired.

Americans!

So bold.

" Miss Banks it has been brought to our attention that you have a young child". Hakeem began as he studied the woman. She everything the women of Zazaar wasn't. Strong-willed and independent. Women of Zazaar relied upon their men to be those things. And found respect and pleasure in doing so.

".....he is nine months old. Conceived through the OpenSource fertility clinic in London"

"I am fully aware of my son's age. And the circumstances of his conception, if you call it that"

Chanteel was suddenly on edge since the reference to Beau. She didn't like this one bit. Her gaze went to that man again. He hadn't moved and that she really didn't like. He just stood there back to her.

Rude much? She knew a lot about being rude.

" Are you a citizen of Great Britain miss Banks?"

Chanteel looked at the man who spoke. One of the lawyers. He wore that smug look she had seen time and time again in her everyday life. Arrogant sons of a bitch...."Chanteel"!.....she scolded herself.

Luckily for her, she didn't bat him a fart of recognition. He was a drone too. Subordinates. Clearly playing the role he'd been paid to do.

"No I am not. I am an American citizen. "

Glances were exchanged. Chanteel frowned. They look as they'd just won something.

"If so, why is it that when you applied as an patient at the clinic you placed your self as a citizen of Great Britain?"

"Because at the time I was a citizen"

"How is that possible. What.... "before he could continue she interrupted.

" What exactly is going on here! "

" The boy... He is the biological match to Him Magnificent King of Zazaar. '

"And? "

She said. But she thinking WHAT! WTF!!!!!!!!!!!

King?

Christ!

Chanteel knew she'd have dugged further into Beau's father's background. Damn even a name would have suffice.

" And! "

Spoke the beady eyed man Ahsaif what's his name.

" That makes him the rightful heir to the Kingdom of Zazaar! " he snapped.

She glared at him. He looked ready to implode.

" What you must understand Miss Banks, is the child is legally heir to the throne. "

Haleem said trying to defuse the tension in the room.

" And of course you will be handsomely compensated for the..... inconvenience." Ahsaif added distastefully.

Chanteel saw red.

Haleem sighed as one of the bodyguards entered with two cases. Both were opened. Chanteel eyes widened at the cash, neatly stacked. Reading her look for approval Ahsaif said.

"That's twenty million pounds Sufficient I think under the circumstances ".

Chanteel smiled. She took a minute to look at these men.

The insult!

As if she would ever consider giving up her child.

Men.!

Standing her smile widened.

" Perfectly sufficient. And in cash too. No tax, which means I can just pocket it" her voice laced with sarcasm.

Haleem was on edge. If he guessed correctly into assuming this woman she should be... "Excuse me a minute" walking to the door she stepped out. Two minutes passed and in she walked . Went over to the money and emptied a small cylinder of liquid. Then lit a match.

Haleem watched as flames erupted.

He held back the laughter he so much wanted to release. Ahsaif however roared like a bull. Barking orders for the guards to put out the fire.

Chanteel didn't look at the burning money.

Murat watched the flames and the men attempting to it out. A smile tugged at his mouth.

" Let t's get one thing straight so there are no misunderstanding." her voice was like ice. "There is no amount of money you can give me that will make me consider selling my son. So don't insult me. Not with money. I have money and lots of it. Now. With that out of the way, what is it you want! "

" I want my son! "

The man by the windows turned. Chanteel saw the eyes. Beau eyes.

"Oh s**t! "

His eyes were identical to Beau's. The same color. Even the same almond shape.

And he was gorgeous. Talk about drop dead- heel breaking gorgeous.

Mouth watering. Panty dropping.

She stared. God help her, Oh God did she stare. Chanteel have seen many beautiful men before, dated a few. But he...this desert king. He was in a category by himself.

No s**t!

He was a freaking King.

The man was an epitome of regal splendor. Thick wavy hair, black as night was shaved close to his head. Penetrating eyes held hers over high hard opposing cheek bones. A long nose and wide full sensual mouth. His face was hard, etched as if carved from stone.

Looking at him she imagined her son at that age and smiled.

Murat frowned suspiciously. He was used to women looking at him. Looking to him. This was different. This unnerved him. He felt accessed and thoroughly scanned with a fine tooth comb. He didn't like it.

" You are to bow before Him Magnificent.... "Ahsaif started clearly offended. And harassed by the turn of events. The fire was out. The money was useless. The damn woman!

" Does he really have to be here?" Chanteel felt annoyed with the man. He was glaring ready to throttle her. 'Her impertinence has no bound. Clearly, she is unfit to be the mother of our future King! "

' Ahsaif ! '

The old councilor faced his King apologetically. Then glared back at the woman.

Chanteel simply shrugged.' I ask what is it you wanted. Your reply was. My son. What does that mean?' Chanteel heard the gasps echo across the conference room. Then Ahsaif spoke outraged.

'You don't question the King of Zazaar, your disrespect is insufferable." he scolded as if she were a child.

"Miss Banks is unfamiliar to our ways Ahsaif "Haleem spoke up, seeing that she was about to explode.

Ha! Ahsaif had that way with people.

Chanteel pointed looked at Murat who watched her. She waited.

He regarded her quietly, then said in that strong commanding voice.

" What I meant is that I want my son. He is heir to my throne. I intend to take him back to Zazaar with me. Your cooperation would surely make all this easier. But by your recent theatrical display goes to show how uncooperative you intend to be. Not only had you falsely secured my sperms, but become impregnated and proceed to give birth to a child you had no right to."

Chanteel gasped then.

The audacity of the man. She had no right? Beau was her son and that wasn't going to change. Ever.

" Of course I will be uncooperative. You are trying to bribe me into selling my son. Which is a crime by the way, '

" The only one in this room who has committed a crime is you "

Scanning the room, looking at these men, Chanteel shooked her head." I doubt that". She had no doubt he'll do any and everything to get his way. Legally or not.

Murat saw his Council attempt to speak but waved him off.

"Besides I have committed no crime"

"You stole my son! "

" Really? And how did I do that. As I recall I carried him for nine months."

"You were impregnated with unregistered sample' one of the lawyers said. " Which should never had been placed on the general population." Of course, now, we can't have the Him Magnificent of Zazaar's sperm just lying around. Think of the madness. Oh, the scandal. Chanteel thought to her self.

"That's not my fault or concern. Despite what you may think. I procured the said sample through the necessary and expected channels. All of which are legal. If there was any problems with the sample I was given I suggest you sue the fertility clinic "

'I have. They're no longer in operation 'Murat assured her.

" Well good for you " she bit sarcastically.

" Miss Banks, I believe you have yet to realize the gravity of the situation" Haleem added desperately trying to maintain so level of calmness . "My King has ever right to his son, and having his son on board his plane tonight'

" Now listen! " Did these people not get it?

" Don't threaten me! No one is taking my son anywhere. He is an American citizen. And I am his mother. No crime has been committed'

"I am taking my son! I have that right "

She eyed him head on.

" And just how do you intend to manage that my magnificence? " she added that last part with a sweet smile.

" Short of kidnapping that is. But I assure you. I will kill you my self, if that is what you intend"

The room erupted in chaos.

She heard things like legal action, crime and attempt on life etc.. But she couldn't be sure. Her eyes held the man's who wanted to take her son from her. The man she would stop no matter the consequences.

Murat knew she was dead serious.

His admiration for the woman just doubled. She was everything he hadn't been expecting. Unlike any, he has ever met.

" Miss Banks I must implore you to heed from threating... "

" Implore me.? I mean every word. If Him Magnificent of Zazaar even as much as disturb a hair on my son's head. I will kill him! "

" WOMAN do you know whom you are threating! " that was Ahsaif. Bodyguards were filing into the room putting themselves between her and their king.

" Oh shut up you damn fool! . You you think I care who he is.? " she jerked a hand in Murat direction." I assure you I don't! King or not, you don't come into my work and threaten to kidnap my son. You don't insult me with your blood money"

Murat had a vision then. She was in flowing and addressing his Council room. So strong willed. Brilliant. And no woman has ever stepped foot within the Chambers of Council much less spoke and address the council of Zazaar eldest, wisest and most powerful men.

He frown annoyed with him self.

He wanted his son and she standing in his way. ' I think you should leave"

" Miss Banks let's... "

" I want you to leave. Now! "

" You will leave" Murat spoke and immediately his entourage objected. But his word was law. They couldn't refuse him. Reluctantly they left but was just outside the door.

Chanteel sat down. "You cannot pay me enough to sell my son"

"And I will pay any price for him"

"Well, we are at a stand still. I won't sell. And you can't pay me"

"I can make things every difficult for you Chanteel Banks"

'Oh really?" She knew he could after all he was a king of his own country. Wealthy. Kk. Resources unlimited. She had no doubt he had big names and big guns in his pockets at his disposal. But she wasn't afraid. In fact, she was looking forward to it. "Then do your worse, " she told him.

This gorgeous devil was a challenge. And she liked a good one.

" Such brave words when all is calm. As you Americans say " calm before the storm" But I assure you I have the power and means to get what I want. To take what I want"

Chanteel leaned across the table.

"Do you think you are the first man to come in here, balls swinging trying to intimidate me? " She laughed. "Because you are not. And wont be the last "

"Balls swinging? You are very colourful with your words".He shook his head clearly fascinated by her.

" So I have been told "

" You won't accept money. What is it you want? There must be something you desire. I can give you riches beyond your dreams. Surely you don't intend to spend the remainder of your life here, slaving for other people's stupidity. Name your price. Anything! "

" You're desperate! " she stated. Murat stilled.

Yes, he was in ways she would never understand." Why do you want my son? You could've ignored him and have a dozen others without this much trouble"

" I simply want my son"

" And I don't believe you. "

" I don't care what you believe or not. What do you want? " he was losing his patience with her.

" What I want is for you to return to your pile of sand in the desert and leave me and my son alone "

" I have been patient with you. But don't insult me. "

" Patient! How dare you."

"No! How dare you! "he slammed his fist on the table. Towering over her. Chanteel knew she had pisssd him off.

Wow!

He looked ready to wreck mayhem. Beat some asses. OMG.

" You dared to put my seed into your body! My golden seed! You're unfit and unworthy of my progeny. You stole my son and I will have him. You think your American laws and regulations can stop me from taking what's mine? Nothing and no one will stop me!"

"A bullet will! ". Chanteel hissed.

" That's the third time you have threatened my life. Three times more than any other." Murat combed his fingers through his hair and sighed.

She rolled her eyes and sat back.

"Lucky me"