The Sheik and the Bought Bride (4 page)

The relative calm of the journey faded as they approached the end of the trip. Kateb had given her a brief reprieve and it was nearly over. What was going to happen next?

“Will I be at the palace?” she asked. “Or somewhere else?”

“You will have quarters at the palace. They are separate from mine.”

Okay—that was good. She could use her own space.

“Is there a shower?”

He glanced at her. Amusement brightened his eyes. “One that will satisfy even you.”

How nice. But what happened after the shower? What happened that night?

“You will find electricity and many other modern improvements,” he said.

She did her best to ignore the chill brought on by fear.
One step at a time
, she told herself. They would get to the palace and then she could deal with the rest of her life. For now she should just enjoy the ride.

But the ride was going to be too short, she thought, feeling the first wisps of panic curling through her.

She did her best to distract herself by studying the open-air market they passed. There were plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, along with a display of the woven
gold she liked so much. Later she would come back to shop. That would make her happy. Shopping was—

They turned a corner and the Winter Palace loomed before them.

From what she could see, the palace was made up of several buildings, with the central one being the largest. It was stone, with rising towers and a formidable stone wall surrounding the grounds. The roof was tile and seemed to have an iridescent quality that glimmered in the bright sun. There was a real drawbridge in the center of the stone wall, along with several permanent bridges to the right and left. People walked back and forth through the opening.

“How will the trucks get in?” she asked.

“The road goes around back. There are garages and a delivery entrance.”

Once they rode over the drawbridge, more people called to Kateb. They greeted him warmly, welcoming him back. Although they glanced at her, no one asked why she was here. Victoria didn’t want to know what they were thinking. As there had been no talk of Kateb taking a new bride, they would probably guess the reason for her presence. That she was here to service the prince. It was like standing in the free-lunch line in elementary school all over again.

Kateb reined in his horse and dismounted. She had a wild urge to bolt for freedom, only to remind herself she had no idea which way to go. And as much as she was frightened of that night, it was better than a slow, dry death in the desert.

She got off her horse. It took a second for her legs to remember what it was like to walk rather than ride, then she followed Kateb into the palace.

The entryway soared up several stories. The stone walls were smooth, the windows stained glass. Sunlight created
colors on the floor and people passing through the entry. Large tapestries told the history of the desert.

Victoria wanted to move closer and study them. She’d found El Deharian history fascinating and was sure it would be just as interesting to study this place.

“Is there a library?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Can I use it?”

“Of course. Come this way.”

She followed Kateb down several long corridors. While there were still people everywhere, she ignored them as she took in the paintings and statues that dotted the palace. There were treasures everywhere she looked. Marble and gold. A portrait that looked eerily like a da Vinci. Not that she was much of an art expert. But wouldn’t it be fun to search for the signature?

She was so caught up in the beauty of the palace that she nearly forgot why she was here. It wasn’t until Kateb stopped in front of a single carved door that she remembered to be afraid.

“You will be staying here,” he said as he pulled open the door. “I trust you will find your quarters comfortable.”

It wasn’t a question, she thought, her heart pounding hard and fast.

Beautiful rugs in a rainbow of colors muffled the sounds of their steps. She had a brief impression of oval couches and overstuffed chairs, inlaid tables and hanging lanterns.

There were many rooms, all flowing from one to the other. Everything about the space spoke of time and past lives, as if they were in the oldest part of the palace.

Kateb kept walking until they reached a walled garden. Lush plants grew everywhere. Jasmine scented the air. She saw a flash of movement as a parrot flew by.

Victoria turned in a slow circle. Her brain resisted the
information but it was hard to ignore. Many rooms. Walled gardens. Parrots.

The rooms would be required for all the residents who had once lived here. The walled gardens kept the women in and the men out. And the parrots concealed the sounds of their voices, for no one else could hear their words or their laughter. It was forbidden.

She stopped in front of Kateb, put her hands on her hips and wished she had something to throw at him.

“You brought me to the
harem
?”

“It seemed appropriate,” he said, with the hint of a smile, then left.

V
ictoria stared at the closed door of the harem, wondering if she’d heard the click of a lock, or if that was just her imagination at work. And did she really want to find out which? She supposed the good news was he hadn’t taken her to his own suite, which meant she would have plenty of privacy and space. A good thing, she thought, trying to find the silver lining in what might be a very dark cloud.

She turned so she could study the huge space. Dozens of rooms all flowed into each other. There were amazing tapestries on the walls and beautiful, handmade wooden tables. She crossed to one and touched the inlaid wood. Master craftsmen, she thought. How many months had it taken for just this one piece?

Had anyone bothered to document the furniture or artwork? If not, it should be done. A history preserved. Maybe, if the library had research books that could help,
she could start. Assuming she wasn’t locked in here like a prisoner.

“There’s only one way to find out,” she murmured, as she crossed the stone floor. But before she reached the carved door, she heard footsteps.

She turned and saw a tall, older woman walking toward her. She was dressed in a flowing long dress that looked both cool and comfortable. Her gray hair had been piled on her head. Gold earrings dangled and there were dozens of bracelets on both wrists.

“You must be Victoria,” she said with a smile. “I was told you were coming. Welcome to the Winter Palace. I am Yusra.”

“Thank you.”

“We are all excited that the harem is back in use. It has been too many months of silence in these walls.”

That made Victoria take a step back. “You think trapping women inside these walls is a good thing?”

“Of course. The old ways must be preserved. Just because something is old doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value.”

“I agree with that, but I’m missing the positive side of being locked up against one’s will for the sole purpose of pleasing a man. How is that helpful to the women?”

Yusra frowned. “To be in the leader’s harem is to be given a privileged life. If one was fortunate enough to bear him children, then that woman would live here forever. Even if the leader got tired of her.”

“Not a great argument. Why does
he
get to say when he’s tired? Why not her? What if she doesn’t want to stay here? What if she wants to go out in the village and have a real husband and family?”

“Then she would go.”

“Just like that?”

“Of course. There is no lock on the outside of the door, Victoria. Only one on the inside, to keep out those who
don’t belong. No woman has ever been kept in the Winter Palace against her will.”

Until now, Victoria thought grimly. Although she wasn’t here against her will. Not exactly. She’d offered herself in exchange for her father. She’d begged Kateb to take her instead.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m tired and everything is new and confusing. I wasn’t expecting…this.”

Yusra smiled again. “The harem is a beautiful place. You will find it such. There are many wonders, many things to explore. Come. I will show you.”

Victoria followed her down a hallway to several sleeping rooms. There were big beds with gauzy curtains and windows that opened out onto the gardens. Beautiful ceiling fans stirred the air and handmade rugs added color to the floor.

“I took the liberty of choosing this room for you,” Yusra said, entering a large space with French doors that led directly into the garden. “If you don’t like it, you may choose another.”

“This is very nice,” Victoria said, trying not to notice the very big bed—one plenty large enough for two…or even six. Kateb was unlikely to come to the harem. While she was here, she was safe. It was only when he called for her that she had to worry. At least that’s what she told herself as she felt nervous tension tightening her throat.

“Your things are here.” Yusra motioned to the suitcases along the far wall. “Will you need assistance unpacking?”

“No, thanks. I can do it.” After all, she’d managed to pack and unpack for herself for years now.

“I have also provided you with more traditional clothing.”

Traditional as in what?

Victoria followed her into a dressing area with a large closet and several sets of drawers. Long, flowing dresses
hung in the closet. She touched one of the patterned sleeves and discovered the material was silk and decorated with impossibly small stitches. Each dress was more beautiful than the next, with swirls of color and fluttering sleeves. It was only when she removed one from the hanger and held it in front of her that she realized the fabric was completely sheer.

Her thighs started to tremble. “So, um, what do I wear under something like this?”

Yusra’s smile turned wicked. “Nothing at all.” She laughed. “You will enjoy these. I did in my day. The beading and patterns are designed to provide a little modesty for the woman and some mystery for the man. The fabric caresses the skin, reminds her of her lover’s touch. You’ll see.”

Too much information
, Victoria thought as she quickly returned the dress to the closet. She wasn’t sure why she was the one blushing, but she felt definite heat on her cheeks.

“Let me show you the bath,” Yusra said. “You will need time to get ready.”

Victoria ignored the implication in that statement and instead concentrated on seeing the bath. The harem baths of El Deharia were legendary. She’d heard of gold faucets and tubs as big as pools.

They crossed the hall and walked through a beaded curtain. Victoria’s breath caught as she took in the open area with the stained-glass windows and skylights. The sound of a waterfall filled the air.

On either side of the door were vanities with armless upholstered chairs. The fabric looked old and she itched to find it in a book somewhere to date it. A hundred years old at least, she thought excitedly.

After passing through an archway, they moved into the main area of the bath. Yusra pointed to several doors.

“Steam shower,” she said. “Sauna. Treatment room. Should you desire a massage, we have a masseuse who will come here. She is excellent. Whirlpool tub. Regular shower.”

Why would anyone bother with a regular shower? Victoria stepped closer to the huge pool of swirling water. At one end was a raised rock platform with a waterfall pouring from it. The perfect outdoor shower, right here in the harem bath.

Lush plants grew at the water’s edge. The spray caught the light from the stained-glass windows and created rainbows where it fell. It was paradise, right in the middle of the desert.

“Is the water warm?” she asked.

“Yes. About one hundred degrees. The spring below the palace is filtered, heated water. From here it drains through sand and rock and returns to the earth.”

Perfection and environmentally friendly
, Victoria thought, unable to believe this really existed.

“You will want to freshen up from your journey,” Yusra told her.

“Possibly for hours.”

The older woman showed her stacks of fluffy towels on shelves and several terry-cloth robes hanging on hooks. Then they returned to the main room.

“It’s beautiful,” Victoria admitted. While she might be nervous about the circumstances, she couldn’t complain about the working conditions.

Yusra showed her a phone on a small table. “Call if you need anything. Meals will be left in the small kitchen in back. There is fresh fruit and water, as well. Tell the main kitchen what you desire and it will be provided.” She looked at an antique grandfather clock. “The prince is expecting you for dinner tonight. I will send someone to escort you to his rooms in two hours.”

Victoria’s good mood faded. Tonight? So soon?

“We welcome you to the Winter Palace,” Yusra said earnestly. “The prince has been sad for many years now.”

Sad? Kateb? She hadn’t noticed.

“You are the first woman he has brought here in a very long time,” the older woman continued. “Perhaps you can make him smile again.”

It seemed like a tall order. At this point she would accept not being terrified all the time as a win.

When Victoria was alone, she returned to the big bedroom and went through her suitcases. As she unpacked, she kept trying
not
to think about what might happen that night.

“He must be tired,” she whispered. “He’ll want to go to bed early, won’t he?”

Was this the mistress equivalent of whistling in the dark?

She laid out several possible outfits for the evening, all the while knowing that she’d come here to be Kateb’s mistress and that the spirit of their agreement insist she cooperate as best she could. Which meant wearing one of the traditional harem dresses left for her. After a few moments of indecision, not to mention a writhing stomach, she went into the dressing area to study the clothes.

They were all beautiful. Swirling diaphanous silk with exquisite stitching and beading. She picked up one done in tones of purple and dark green, then noticed a long cloak next to the dresses. It came to the floor and would cover her completely.

So no one else would see the prince’s mistress, she thought, both horrified and relieved. She wouldn’t have to parade half-naked in front of the palace staff. But wearing it seemed so…submissive. As if she’d agreed to all this.

Which she had.

She collected the dress and carried it to the bath. She
was about to sacrifice herself in the name of family honor. But before she did, she was going to have the best shower of her life and take a few laps in her new bathtub.

Victoria was ready on time. She’d put off the final stage of dressing until the last minute, then slipped the dress she’d chosen over her body. It was beautiful, whispering against her skin, cool and soft at the same time. As Yusra had promised, she wasn’t as exposed as she’d feared. But her body was at least partially visible and she was naked underneath. Not exactly a style designed for peace of mind.

She just slipped on the cloak when a young woman appeared in the hallway, no doubt using the old servant’s entrance. She nodded at Victoria.

“If you will come with me,” she said.

Victoria followed her out the main door and through the palace. She saw dozens of rooms filled with low sofas and tables, three different dining rooms and a large library before being led into a maze of hallways that ended in front of a door as big as the one guarding the harem. Two guards stood on either side of it.

One of the men opened the door. The girl stepped back and motioned for Victoria to enter. She hesitated only a second before sucking in a breath and stepping over the threshold into Kateb’s quarters.

She had a brief impression of space and light, beautiful sofas, a small table set for two and surrounded by cushions instead of chairs. There was a cart next to it with covered dishes. Dinner, she presumed, although she was too nervous to even think about eating.

Before she could figure out what she was supposed to do or where she was supposed to go, she saw Kateb walking toward her.

He wore loose white trousers and nothing else. His bare
chest, honey-colored and thick with muscles, gleamed in the lamplight. He had one towel around his shoulders and was using another to dry his hair. He didn’t see her right away.

Her first reaction was that he almost looked like a regular guy—if one was in the habit of hanging out with underwear models. His loose-fitting clothes hadn’t prepared her for his physical perfection. As views went, this was a nice one.

Her second reaction was that he didn’t seem as intimidating or powerful. Maybe it was the towel, or the wet hair. But she found herself being slightly less afraid.

He dropped both towels onto a table, then ran his fingers through his hair, smoothing it into place. Only then did he see her.

One eyebrow raised. “Interesting outfit. Very Little Red Riding Hood.”

She fingered the cloak. “I assume it’s traditional to keep the harem girls protected. Apparently my status here is for your eyes only.”

“So there’s more?”

Was he teasing? Did he tease?

“A dress.”

“Can I see it?”

Both nervous and afraid, she unfastened the tie at her neck and let the cloak fall to the floor.

Kateb’s eyes widened slightly. His jaw clenched. Otherwise he didn’t move, but she still wanted to cover herself. And maybe scream. As if the sharp sound could protect her.

“Yusra’s doing?” he asked, turning away and walking to the table. A bottle of wine sat there. He poured two glasses, then shrugged into a shirt left draped across the pillows.

“It’s not something I would buy,” she snapped. “There are four more just like it. She told me that she wore something similar when she was young.”

“I didn’t need to know that,” he muttered, then sipped the wine. He held out a glass to her, but she shook her head. “Are you hungry?”

Did he expect her to eat before he had his way with her? Or was she just supposed to stand there, practically naked and be the evening’s entertainment? It was all she could do not to pull off one of her strappy gold sandals and throw it at him.

“Okay, look,” she snapped. “This has gone on long enough. I’m tired, I’m jet-lagged or desert-lagged or whatever it is. I’m in a strange place and you’re scaring me. What happens now? What does being your mistress mean? What are the ground rules? Daily sex? Weekly? Am I just supposed to assume the position whenever you say? And what kind of sex? Who’s on top? What are you going to do to me?”

She had about a thousand more questions, but these seemed like enough for tonight. She folded her arms across her chest and did her best not to give in to the tears she could feel forming.

Kateb stared at her. “It is not my intention to frighten you.”

“Then you’re not doing a very good job.”

“Apparently not.” He picked up the second glass of wine and carried it over to her. “I have never had a mistress before, so I don’t have any set expectations.”

She took the wine without looking at him. “You have a harem.”

“It came with the property.”

“Sort of like a three-car garage when you only have two cars?”

“Something like that.” He returned to the table and sank onto several of the cushions. “I am tired as well, Victoria. I will not seek your company in my bed tonight.”