Desert Encounter
Chapter 13

I was as usual in the luxurious room I had been assigned, thinking about my whole life and how I got here.

The sheikh had authorized me to go out a week ago but with an escort, a certain Ibrahim, he had introduced him to me and I really didn’t see the point.

We were in his palace, therefore the most secure place in his entire kingdom, or was he afraid that I would get lost or escape, but to go where without papers?

He had also introduced me to another man, a friend I think, a certain Salif but his big vicious smile and the way he looked at me didn’t please me at all.

He smelled vice in full force. So I just looked at him, refusing to speak to him, preferring to remain discreet. They took it as shock after the news the sheikh had given me about my Romeo.

My belongings had also been brought, now it remained to determine my duration in this palace.

Standing as usual now in front of this large French window, I observed the landscape, tired of everything, when the door opened wide. What was certain was not my little Mariama.

This little lady with whom I had become friends and who told me about her life at the palace, a true love

– we are leaving

. It was Emir, sorry the Sheikh who had just entered, with his eternal charisma. I hadn’t seen her since that day, for a week now and it was just to tell me that I could go out.

– What! Oh no I don’t want to.

I say determinedly, no I wasn’t ready yet

– I’m not giving you a choice Miss Black, we’re going out, get ready

– but…

– there’s no but, I think I’ve given you enough time to grieve in your own way and it is impossible for me to let a guest in my palace abandon herself to herself

– I haven’t asked you anything

– not yet.

He said it so enigmatically. I took a deep breath and looked at my outfit.

I was wearing tight blue jeans with a white shirt that was full from the heat, with my toes toned and my hair was pulled into a bun. When I looked up at him, I noticed he was detailing me too

– you’re perfect, just put on some shoes. I’ll be waiting for you outside the door.

I didn’t even say yes. If he continued like this sheikh or not sheikh it was going to end badly, besides where were we going.

Emir was in front of the door with some eagerness in his heart to spend time with her. He tried to converse with Ibrahim, thus giving him some instructions.

The latter had to follow him behind with two of his guards, it was more for Naomi’s safety than for himself.

This last exit a few minutes later with a sulky face and her long hair down, she had put on boots.

Emir wanted to laugh but restrained himself, he observed her for a few seconds and wondered how a woman could simply be so beautiful. He wanted so much to run his fingers through her hair but now was not the time to indulge in that kind of thinking. This had definitely done a few things

– is it okay, can we leave?

she asked, looking him straight in the eyes. She wasn’t afraid of him.

The conversation was so different with her than with the other women. She wasn’t afraid to speak to him openly, his title didn’t impress her, nor his icy gaze, on the contrary, it seemed as though it captivated her, which is why she always looked him in the eyes.

She even allowed herself to make remarks to him, normally he would never have accepted this kind of behavior but hey it was different, she was different, she even made him want to smile like before, there was for a very long time.

He frowned, an old habit before motioning for her to move forward but she didn’t move from her place, as if reality had just hit her, she detailed it for a long second – you’re sure it’s okay

.

he asked suddenly, worrying

Ibrahim, he had moved back to give them some privacy

– you’re kidding me, that’s it

– why are you saying that

– look at you

Emir looked at himself and noticed nothing unusual, he was wearing his eternal black tailor-made suit, then looked at her

– what are you blaming me for

– you’re wearing a suit and I’m wearing jeans

– oh

– I look like I’m looking bad next to you there

– would you like to change then miss Black

– not lazy.

– so what’s the problem

– you still haven’t told me where we’re going

– later, let’s move on

– but….

– Miss Black.

He said simply.

Ibrahim couldn’t help but let out a little laugh, which the sheikh followed and turned around to scold him for being late

– sorry, your majesty.

He tried not to smile anymore seeing so much patience on the part of his sovereign.

He knew that the sheikh was not so patient and tolerant, everyone knew his harsh and uncompromising character.

Emir huffed before heading towards the exit of the palace.

The day was likely to be very interesting, with such company.