Desert Encounter
Chapter 18

《Naomi, dinner will be served, the sheikh is waiting for you.

Mariama said to me after two knocks on the door before entering

– are you ready?

I looked at myself one last time in front of the mirror, removing the invisible folds of my long black dress.

– yes, I think so

She came closer to me and put a rebellious strand back into my bun that I had made.

– you are beautiful

We looked at ourselves through the mirror, she seemed so emotional

– you know it’s just dinner

– I know. Well your bodyguard is waiting for you in front of the door, he is the one who will take you to the dining room

– what is the point of a guard inside a palace, it’s absurd don’t you think

– you would only have to ask your questions directly to the sheikh my very beautiful

She placed a hand on my cheek, once I had turned to face him

– for questions, I have some and I am not in danger of parade me.

I walked towards the exit with determined steps and through the door

– Miss Black

– Ibrahim that’s it!

– yes miss, I wanted to ask you the question for some time now but we already know noor view

– yes madam in the desert

– I was not saying well, good Ibrahim brought me to your sheikh

He smiles

– please follow me.

Naomi had not forgotten the confrontation she had earlier and she intended to clarify things without going through the motions.

The room that welcomed them was of average size with a large table provided, everything had already been laid out, enough to feed a good twenty people just for the two of them.

When the sheikh saw her enter, he couldn’t help but examine her from head to toe, she was ravishing in her black dress matching her suit of the same color.

He stood up following good manners and presented her with the chair to her right and she took her seat.

Ibrahim bowed and left the room wanting to make a few rounds as usual to check that the palace was secure in his own way.

– so why did you insist that I be there?

She asked

– I didn’t oblige you to anything at all, if you are there, the decision only comes from you

– so I could refuse

– affirmative.

He said, bringing his glass of wine to his full lips

– I can withdraw if I understand correctly

– eat Miss Black, the meal risks getting cold. Let’s not waste this evening with trivialities.

He looked her straight in the eyes. Which made her look down and start eating.

Naomi was very hungry and everything was really delicious.

Since she had arrived in this palace it was the first that she had eaten with such gusto, perhaps it was the fact of no longer feeling confined in this room or just the fact of this company which studied the slightest of his behavior.

It didn’t matter, the most important thing was to get things straight and right now.

After eating what she could, she watched him take his time savoring every bit of food that entered his mouth, he really made you want to eat it, well no he really made you want to eat the food yes it is That.

– you plan to observe me for a long time

– it’s up to you

– what’s going on Miss Black

– I have some important questions to ask you.

– is it that important to the point of staring at me like that

– yes that

– go and ask your questions.

He in turn put down his cutlery and took his handkerchief to wipe away invisible traces of any food

– do you have any concubines?

Emir stared at her for a few seconds to see if she was serious

– why does that interest you?

– in nothing, well in nothing except that I am now associated with her

– oh yes and who is that?

Emir appeared calm but inside a fire was lit

– two young women, they made me understand the reasons why I am in this palace

The sheikh frowned after this sentence

– women?

– yes they say they are your mistresses and I will have torn you away from her.

– do you have the impression of having torn me away from her

– no of course not

– end of the debate. Now answer my questions Miss Black

– call me Naomi

– well Naomi, I thought I gave you orders not to talk to anyone

– but…

– but nothing, what made you talk to his women

– I got lost

– and as if by chance you came across her.

– what are you insinuating

The tone was raised

– nothing at all, I hope at least that you could give me their names

– yes it was Sanaa and hmm Maïra I think

– very good

– have you found my papers Emir

– I would have told you if that were the case, I think dinner is coming to an end.

He got up

– what but I haven’t finished with my….

– go back to your room Naomi, we will resume this conversation later 》

It was angry that the sheikh left the dining room towards his office to finally put things straight.