In the previous chapter, I asked if you guys want me to change the cover, many of you guys said the current one is perfect while others wanted me to change it and there were some who asked if it's okay if they make a cover. Yes, it's completely okay if you guys do, I will collect them and post them in the coming chapters and the cover with most votes will in sha Allah be the next cover of my book. And YES don't forget that my Faris resembles Hasnain the Baloch model.

Thank you. :)

PS : I don't write the satan's S capital.

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This poster was made by my awesome reader, thank you so much @saniajunaidi29



~* "Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself." ~* Rumi

Faris could not sleep, every time he would close his eyes incalculable thoughts would cause him to open them and tusk under his breath. The prime reason behind this was the tribe he stayed in. No matter how hard he tried to sleep his brain would not halt. Even though there was no sound outside their tent and he knew Badr had ordered tribesmen to divert their route, to keep distance from the monster that resided in the tent he could not sleep. The second ground was that thoughtless woman. Faris was aware that she was with Sheikh Faisal, however, as her spouse he was rather vexed.

With a growl Faris stood up, the moment caused his hair to curtain his face, he pushed them back and glanced towards his leather pouch he had brought. The prince rose to his feet then sauntered up to his pouch and took out a black headdress then within few seconds he wrapped the headdress over his head and twisted towards the flap of the tent in order to depart. The man could not sit idle there any longer, the animal within him did not desire to remain hush. Faris shoved the flap aside, bent low then stepped outside in the crisp winter weather.

As soon as he placed his feet an eager wind engulfed Faris in its embrace twirling the hem of his thobe. He stopped and took in the sight in front of him. Tribesmen strode in and out of tents unaware of his presence, busy with their tasks. Children of the Rashideen tribe glanced at him, some with wide, anxious eyes while other giggled, murmured few words with each other, then hurried away gleefully. He surveyed a group of knights almost one hundred feet away from where he stood march ahead with their swords in hands. Faris looked around captivated, swiftly he dropped his gaze when a group of women walked out a tent just as far away from him as Sheikh Faisal's. Even though their faces were veiled Faris turned his back on them, rotated to his right and ambled away eyes still downcast.

Faris al fursan kept walking with his hand on the hilt of his sword and thoughts uncountable. He did not know where he was going all he needed that moment was to walk so that he could collect his thoughts and sew his ploys against his enemies. Just as he entered a small valley of tents near palm trees Faris came to a screeching halt when he heard his name. "Wallahi I will slaughter him. That Borkan has caused nothing but hurdles for her. The once cheerful eyes are lifeless now." Faris recognized the voice and shook his head in resentment.

Foolish man!

"Khalid, do not fret, this was engraved in her luck." Another voice answered in a more poised manner. A voice Faris had heard before but could not recall.

"If only Salem had been shrewder. If only I had stopped him from going to hunt that day, Raghad would still be here, father would...." Khalid growled and the knight of knights detected distress in his voice.

"Ya Khalid, I have been your brother's friend, his companion since we were of five summers. I am certain Badr will handle all the hurdles. You, on the other hand, have to aid him." The companion heartened.

"The tribe is going through grave times and that Borkan is here to apprise Badr of an assassination his people believe Badr has committed." The brother hissed.

"I have already spoken to Badr, things are tranquil as of now." The man responded. Faris shook his head when he realized that he had been listening to their conversation. He hurled a curse to satan then took a step away ready to head back to his tent. However, this time his head snapped towards the voices when they revealed something rather disturbing.

"Badr should have consented when you asked for Raghad's hand, ya Jabber." At this, Faris turned his body completely towards the voices. His dusky eyes narrowed and a fiendish look appeared in them. Suddenly blood roared in his veins, he felt his hands clench. Faris did not know what occurred to him, he felt his heart knock against his broad chest as if coaxing him to draw his sword and slit the man's throat.

The other man who had tried to console Khalid was Jabber. He was the man Faris had always perceived to be alongside Badr, the sagr of knights. The man who had stopped Khalid back when they were hunting, the man Faris had thought to be astute and dignified. He understood everything now, he comprehended his favor of Badr, the man had asked for Raghad's hand, his spouse, his woman. Even though Faris did not feel anything when the woman was in front of him, but, by Allah, those doe-like eyes belonged to him and if any man ponders to even glance in them he would bestow a dreadful death upon them.

At this, an elderly member of the wind enfolded its rope around the younger ones and tugged them in its blanket. It waited, eyes on Faris the beast who stood there with his chest heaving ready to butcher. Fellow members of the wind protested at such a queer behavior, however, the prudent leader knew better than to allow its pupils to cross paths with Faris's fury.

"Khalid, she is married. I only wish your sister a joyous life. Please do not touch old parchments. I know if I had asked sooner Raghad would not have endured so much, but this is what Allah wills and we humans cannot change it. You must understand that my brother." Jabber replied.

Faris grit his teeth inhaled then turned around to march away incensed. By Allah, if he were not here to bring justice he would have slaughtered them both. He knew he would not pay heed to the fact that Khalid was his brother-in-law he would have assassinated him for even thinking such a notion. How dare he wish to place another man's name with her? How dare that unwise knight think that any man can take what belongs to him?

As soon as the tent came in view he shoved the flap aside then sighed. "Sabarni ya Rab," Faris growled when he saw the individual standing inside with his hands crossed over his chest.

"Salam Alaikum, Faris." Badr began inquisitive at the man's unforeseen wrath.

"Wa Alaikum as Salam. What is it that you need?" The groom spat infuriated Khalid's words still in his brain.

"Father wishes to have your presence in his quarter," Badr informed. "Now." He added at the dark look that displayed on Faris's face.

He could have denied, Faris was after all a Prince, not just any prince, he was an individual who was entitled to be the next Sheikh of the Borkans. However, as he recalled Khalid's words, he remembered him mentioning something about Sheikh Faisal's well-being and because of that reason Faris al fursan veered his decision. His eyes traveled to the clothes that were placed on top a chest now and knew they belonged to his bride. That imprudent woman who resided in his tribe, under his roof. "Very well, lead the way." He answered refining his rage.

Badr gave a nod then walked passed him, after a few seconds Faris turned around and followed his brother-in-law. His fingers swathed around his sword out of custom. That moment Knight of Knights felt incompetent it was as if someone had poisoned his pride, decaying its roots like the winter trees and there he stood immobile, not able to make a move just in the name of justice. Faris did not understand his temper, indeed she was his bride but to have such an evil wrath inflame him like a torch, baffled his senses.

He looked up as Sheikh Faisal's tent came in view and here he wondered why the Sheikh had called for him in his quarters and not in the company of other leaders. Men around them gaped at the knights, mystified as to where they were heading. It was as if the tribesmen questioned Badr's sanity in their mind, they could not comprehend how on earth he, himself led Faris to the tent. How can a wolf lead a lion to its den?

"Tafadal." Badr's strained voice reached his ears as they stopped before the Khaimah.

Faris kept his eyes down as he walked further behind Badr. He did not want to behold the sight of the home where the woman of this tent resided even though there was no one around. "He is here, father." Badr cleared his throat then ambled in. Knight of Knights frowned at this, what was so grievous that he, Faris was escorted in the Sheikh's tent? With a shake of his head Faris pushed the drape aside and as soon as he stepped in his narrowed eyes widened slightly.

The woman who had eclipsed herself since hours ago had her hands wrapped around Sheikh Faisal with her lustrous hair cascading down her back. Her head rested on her father's chest almost as if asleep. Muddled Faris looked away from his woman to look at the leader of the tribe. The man was sitting up straight with his back pressed against a pillow and a feeble arm on Raghad's shoulder. Here Faris wondered why had they not woken her up, then again why must they, this was her father, and he was her spouse.

"Come, sit ya waladi." Sheikh Faisal lifted his trembling hand for him.

Faris stood there perplexed not knowing what to commit. This man was his enemy, the individual who had killed his tribesmen, the man his father Sheikh Mubarak despised the most, wanted him to join him. He yearned to reject the man his wish, however, Faris was here on his own will not his father's and he desired to know the man's motive. He cleared his throat then slowly sat down his eyes flickering to Raghad who did not move from her position, fast asleep.

Faris crossed his legs and placed his sword next to him vigilant. "I pray that your stay here is contented." Faris was stunned, this was his first time in a conversation with Sheikh Faisal and the man was tremendously gentle. The rumors of him being lenient and generous were indeed true.

"Alhamdulillah."

Faisal gave a nod, his gray hair brushed against his earlobes, he wore a white kandora with a robe that reached his thighs. His eyes were coated with dark shadows and his gentle face was pallid. "Badr has informed me of everything, waladi. My son has been accused of treason."

The groom looked away. "His actions have led the men to ponder so."

Faisal smiled. "Yes, but you must not forget, ya Faris that those actions were executed on my orders." Here he lifted his gaze to look at the elderly man who beamed at Faris with a twinkle in his sagacious eyes. Badr's knights were stationed in the Borkan tribe on Sheikh Faisal's orders! From the corner of his eye, he took note of how Badr sat with his eyes downcast and backbone straight, his posture oozed with downright veneration.

"Then you must know, Aami that my men demand a proof, an evidence that verifies your son," he moved his hand towards Badr in utmost respect in front of Sheikh Faisal. "Is guiltless."

"I believe that is the reason why you are here." Faisal lifted his head higher and Raghad stirred in her sleep, her fingers tightening around her father's chest.

"Indeed."

"Father there will not be any need of evidence. Faris mentioned that his tribesmen demand I take an oath in front of my elders, however, the knight is well aware of the fact that the murder was committed by someone else." Badr spoke for the first time gaining both Faris and Sheikh Faisal's attention.

"Very well," Faisal glanced down at his daughter and the groom followed his gaze. Her wounded hand was the hand that embraced the old man, he knew Raghad was in immense pain and he also knew that the woman was uncaring of that fact in the presence of her beloved father. "There is no noble man on earth who wishes to kindle flames," the man placed his hand on Raghad's head. "You must be heedful Faris for your life does not belong to you anymore. You have responsibilities."

Knight of Knights looked down, he did not know what to reply to Sheikh Faisal. The man was exceptional in urging the human within him to lift its head and listen. He gritted his teeth, not many men on these lands comprehended Faris, not many men on these lands had the fortitude to warn and guide him at the same time. Sheikh Faisal was indeed a very shrewd man, he apprehended that Faris was present for something beyond the allegation on Badr merely by looking at the groom, with only spending few minutes with Faris.

"Raghad binty, you must wake up now." Sheikh Faisal whispered to his daughter.

Faris surveyed as his foolish woman slowly opened her eyes then sat straighter, her eyes went wider as they landed on her father ignorant of the fact that her spouse sat a few feet away from her. "Aboya, ya Allah." She hugged the man who beamed at her reaction. "What happened, father? How come your face is so pale? Ya Allah!"

"Binty I am well, do not fret. See, here you are talking to your father who with Allah's will is healthy." He patted her head that rested on his shoulder face away from Faris. "You must wipe your tears and greet your spouse, he has been here for a while now." At this, the groom took note of how her body stiffened and Faris's anger began to slither.

She did not breathe, Raghad could not move. Faris was here, he was here in her father's quarter and he was present here from a prolong while now. Raghad bit the inside of her cheek at the thought that the man had conversed with her father while she was in a deep slumber. Gradually, she lifted her head, and moved her eyes to her right and there he was. Her heart rattled its chains at his sight, two veins of her heart commenced to roar, one with fury and disgust while the other, the one on the right bowed its head from his sight, it made her recall the time he had taken care of her wounded hand.

The bride pushed her hair behind her ear and looked at Badr. Her lips wobbled as her own harsh words towards him flashed in her head. As if knowing her turmoil Badr shook his head as an indication that whatever she verbalized did not offend him, it was as if he told her that he deserved her words. She moved her eyes from him to her father, aware a certain someone's hawk-like eyes traveled to where she looked. Ya Allah, how has this occurred? How can a man like her father be so severely ill?

"Aboya, Faris and I shall prolong our stay for a few more nights. I cannot depart," Raghad skimmed the water with her words, she glanced at Faris who stared at her. Nothing, there was not even a single expression on that prepossessing face. However, his eyes spoke, they questioned her, his unfathomable eyes looked at her as if a reckless child had committed a mistake. "I cannot leave you in this state."

"La Raghad. Do not burden the man further than this." Badr shook his head at her knowing what his sister was doing. She deliberately brought the matter in front of Sheikh Faisal knowing the man would not be able to disagree. He could deny yes, but that would prove to him being a savage brute the Arabs believed him to be. She was endeavoring to usher forth a man who would disrepute an elder, a Sheikh and Badr did not approve of her ruses.

"Raghad your father is well, Alhamdulillah. And I am certain Prince Faris has obligations in his tribe." Sheikh Faisal stared at Raghad, his tender eyes reading her every move already aware of her next words.

"I will not go with him if that is the case. I shall stay here until you are well." Raghad challenged and Faisal sighed, she was after all his daughter.

"I accede with her. Your health is far more significant than other matters. In sha Allah, we shall prolong our stay here for two more nights." That was it, he said the words. Faris knew if he did not mention the days the woman with big brown eyes would extend their stay for a week or so. He did not look at Raghad when he pronounced the words, his eyes were on Sheikh Faisal they were appraising the father of the groom's control over her decision.

"Very well, if that is what you wish for," Faisal turned to look at Raghad. "You must go and rest, your father is well accompanied."

Raghad hesitated for a while but when she looked down at her clothes, her wounded hand and hair she knew she needed to go. With a nod, she sat higher then gently placed her hand on Sheikh Faisal's shoulder and dropped a tender kiss on his forehead. "I shall return soon." With that Raghad rose to her feet and without looking at Faris she strode away. As she made her way to the flap Raghad encased her scarf securely around her head her thoughts on her beloved father's acute condition.

As soon as she walked out of the tent, Raghad halted, she turned her head left then right not knowing where their tent was situated. Just as she was about to rotate around and enter back in, the flap of the tent was pushed aside and Faris's mighty form came in view. "This way." He verbalized and led the way. Raghad glared at his back, the man dominated her even in her own tribe. His supremacy that swath him left no space for dispute.

They sauntered towards their tent in silence, Faris in the front his hands behind his back while Raghad endeavoring to keep up with his fast pace. Just as they entered their marquee Faris pivoted around to face her catching her off guard. "Why must you voice your words before pondering. Has Allah not gifted you with a brain?"

Raghad took a step towards him bewildering her own self and by the hoist of Faris's brow, he was intrigued as well. Was it the fatigue or the fact that she was in her tribe that made her so daring. "If you wish to depart today then do so. I will remain here." With that Raghad took another step forward attempting to move past the beast.

However, just as she moved sturdy, rough fingers enveloped her forearm and dragged her back to face Faris. Raghad gasped as he held her in her place, inky eyes fixed on her face. "Defying me has its boundaries, Raghad," the barbarian leaned in, so close he could see the lines of her skin, so close he could read the veins in her irises. "I will allow you to do as you please since this is your tribe, but wallahi ya bint-ash-sheikh, defy me again I will not remain silent. A man can endure only so much." She swallowed at his last words. Badr had said the same words, however, his were filled with tenderness and a promise but the monster in front of her warned her of an oath only he was aware.

Aggravated Raghad ripped her hand from his hold but did not step away from him. "Try if you may. Just like a gale cannot move a mountain your threats will not move me."

Faris peered at her, by Allah, he should have been livid, he should have taught her a lesson but the corner of his lips twitched and he leaned in further, so close that his beard caressed her skin. "Indeed, a gale cannot move a mountain. However, a volcano can sear it into ashes." He heard her inhale a shaky breath.

Faris smirked then without moving away he seized the end of her scarf and tugged on it so that the garment fell on her shoulders revealing her glossy hair that decorated her back like a waterfall. That moment Jabber's words stabbed his pride like sharp needles and to prove himself that this woman standing before him with ragged breathing, and clenched fists belonged to him, Faris brushed his rough fingers on her jaw.

Raghad jerked away from him furious, however, she wasn't quick enough as Faris snaked his other hand around her waist and pushed her closer to him. Raghad pressed her palms on his wide chest and glared at Faris with such an intensity that it would have set fire to a frozen log. Her heart unfurled its wings and flapped them drastically inside her bust, she needed to move away from him, she needed to move away from the warmth that swath her in its grip.

Faris shifted his gaze to her clenched jaw and chuckled. To startle her further he moved his fingers in her hair then rested them on the crook of her neck. Her creamy skin felt like the first gulp of milk down a parched throat, that hair that tickled the back of his hand played with the cords of his heart. Something was wrong with him, he did not like what her skin caused him to feel, the woman was her enemy's daughter he could not permit this.

"Indeed, this is your tribe, Sheikha, but do not forget that I am the one who is holding the strings," As he verbalized the words Faris deliberately applied pressure on his fingers that held her waist. "One word, just one word and Badr will be entitled a murderer," Raghad attempted to shove at his chest again. "So, do not test my forbearance." With a harsh yank on her hair, he let go and took a step backward.

"You cannot do that," Raghad hissed as her cheeks turned scarlet from the thudding of her heart and his vicious words. "You journeyed here knowing Badr is sinless."

"I am aware of that, but if you were to challenge me again your brother's blood will be on your hands." Just as he said the words his hands traveled to her hand wrapped in his headdress. Faris turned her hand so now her palm faced upwards. "You must cleanse the wound or else your knight will ponder we, Borkans have tortured you." With that, he walked away from her towards the quarter clenching and unclenching his hand.

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Wow, that was a long chapter. Like I promised there were a lot of Faris and Raghad moments.

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