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"Kill him, then hug him. Men are more faithful when dead." Nizar Qabbani.





"Fasten his hands." Faris glanced as Badr commanded his men to tie Khalid's hands behind his back. A sly smile made its way to his lips causing the misty fog to deepen. They stood near the horse fence as some of the Rashideen men prepared the hawdaj Sheikh Faisal had ordered for his daughter. Faris stood next to Badr who watched as his knight, Jabber concealed Khalid's face in a gunny sack.

"You had this all prearranged?"

"What are you implying, Badr?"

Sagr of knights grinned turning away from Khalid whose shoulders sagged in defeat. "There is no way on earth you would permit a man to exist if that individual raised their sword at you."

"Shall I annihilate him then?"

"You will not. You never intended to."

Faris glanced at Khalid. He was hushed for a few seconds then chortled. "Why must you ponder so? Was it not your sibling who attempted to behead me? How can I coax him to kill me?"

Badr growled, irked. "You know precisely what I am stating, Faris." The man had had enough of Faris's ploys. Badr had his doubts, but this was preposterous.

"And here I was, willing to relish the weather of this tribe." Knight of knights tusked. Badr did not respond but merely stared at Faris. "I was disappointed, ya Badr. Things occurred, verdicts were heard yet you remained silent. I was despondent that," he smiled, mockingly. "You did not catch a whiff of my doings. "

"Is this necessary, tying him up like a rabid dog?"

"It seems like it is."

"You desire for the people to know that you have Khalid. You do not wish to keep this a mystery."

"Indeed." Rage flayed Badr's skin off, however, he could not commit anything. It was his brother who had charged at Faris.

"Wallahi I will slaughter him. That Borkan has caused nothing but hurdles for her. The once cheerful eyes are lifeless now." Faris recited his voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

Badr frowned bewildered, he then looked to his right only to find Khalid alone standing by the horse. Jabber nowhere in sight. "What are you talking about?"

"Do these words sound familiar to you, ya Khalid?" Faris stepped back and made his way to Khalid who thrust his shoulders back, alert. The knight of knights halted in front of the man and drew the gunny sack back to unveil his face. He watched as Khalid blinked a few times then glared at Faris. "Was it not you who declared his craving of my death with Jabber?"

Badr exhaled comprehending everything. This was the missing piece of the puzzle he could not locate, the piece only Faris had discovered. The piece the man had used to whirl events around. He was tired, exhausted from smothering the flares among the tribes. His father was on the verge of crumbling and here stood, begging his Lord that his sibling would survive.

"I did not ponder that a Prince would be this naïve. His satan and his anger were hunting for an opportunity to kill me."

"And you provided him one," Badr shook his head with a simper. "You voluntarily lay by the tanoor well aware Khalid will strike."

"Precisely."

"You have accomplished what you desired. What now?" Badr crossed his hands over his chest disregarding Khalid who peered at them in absolute astonishment.

"They witness me drag a prince fastened in ropes like a street dog," Faris smirked when Badr closed his eyes at his wordings. "Then once they grasp he is my prisoner it is certain they will come. They will come to you or to me."

"And then we strike."

Faris gave a nod content with his plots. He had never envisioned for things to shift this way, but he was jovial they did. "Ponder on it for a moment, ya Badr."

"You were here to have my head which did not occur so they would have turned to another means. They executed a noble of your tribe they can do it again or worse generate a far more perilous threat," Badr took a few steps towards Faris and rubbed the side of his cheek. "Instead of them spilling blood, you goaded Khalid to commit a sin which would aid them to ignite an inferno among our tribes."

"What is he talking about Badr?" Khalid demanded disoriented.

"Something you needn't know." He glared at Khalid who dropped his gaze, humiliated.

"No wonder you were rather tranquil in the gathering." Faris placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"I had my doubts."

"Very well. We gather our men, increase the shelter around our tribes and in the meantime, wait for them to emerge."

"What if they do not disclose their identity?"

"They will. Khalid here," Faris pointed to the man who gawked at the sagacious knights thoroughly confused. "Is a prince and I am degrading him in a manner one would rather extinguish than live. This is an extraordinary opportunity.

"It shall not prolong before things sway."

"Surely."

Badr stood there and stared at Faris. Something was peculiar about the man, there was a bloodthirsty glint in his eyes, yes, but he could have sworn that just behind a shade in his eyes a hoarse murmur breathed into his soul. Seeing Badr observe him, Faris smirked. "Escort my prisoner, ya Badr. Fe Aman Allah."

**

The morning mist was dense, not yet eager to be scattered by the heat of the day. It buried the desert plain in a ghostly glow which seemed as if the clouds had descended upon the desert. Raghad looked over her shoulder to the hawdaj her father had sent filled with gowns, jewelry, rugs, dates, and delights. However, what disturbed her was not the man who held the rein of the saddled camel, nor the two keepers who followed the howdaj. It was the man who had his face concealed, wrists tied with a keeper who followed him closely. She looked at Faris then back at the man who she had an extreme urge to walk up to and embrace. Raghad bit her lip and recalled what Badr had told her when she had inquired him about Khalid. Faris had forgiven her brother only on one condition to have one of their prestigious knights as his prisoner.

Where was Khalid? How on earth did Faris pardon him when she knew he would eliminate Khalid in a blink of an eye. She saw and witnessed the demented rage in his eyes back when she held his arm to halt him from slaughtering Khalid. Her unwanted spouse and beloved brother were eclipsing something from her.

"Where is Khalid?" Raghad huffed as she grabbed her gown in a manner that it would help her walk. Faris did not glance towards her nor did he wish to reply to her. "If you did not kill him then what did you do to him?"

"Bestow Faris a day without him having the misfortune of answering the Rashideen." He snarled yearning to reach his tribe as soon as possible.

"No."

"Pardon?"

"I shall not permit you peace of mind until you quench the terror in mine."

Faris halted and turned to his left and glared at her which she returned. Raghad needed to know what happened to Khalid and if it meant she had to generate another dispute among them she must. "You crave to know what I did to that senseless man?" The knight ran his tongue over the side of his lips and nodded. "You shall locate his head by the well in your tribe if you, ya shiekha, return back now."

Raghad's lips wobbled, she glanced towards the man, his prisoner then at Faris with tears in eyes. "Badr said, he said you did not_"

"A sibling lies to shield the other. Pitiable." He hissed then moved away, apprehension commenced seething within him.

"No," Raghad marched to stop in front of Faris. "Tell me the truth, this is the least you can do. You informed me you would not annihilate him."

Faris lifted his head to the sky and growled. He looked down at her then hoisted his thick brow. "I do not recall verbalizing those words, bint-ash-Sheikh." Raghad bit her lip in desperation not knowing what to say. "You have already delayed this journey far more than I fancy. If we do not reach the tribe by dusk the Borkans shall descend upon your beloved tribe and when they do, believe me even I shall not be able to hinder them." Those were the last words he spoke to her throughout the journey. The sun traveled across the sky keeping its eye on the small caravan. They did not halt for a break, Faris needed to terminate this journey as soon as possible. When the sun plunged below the horizon illuminating the desert with gold Raghad was unable to tread any further. Faris ordered the Rashideen men to kneel the camel so that she could sit in the howdaj away from his sight.

Just as they approached the boundaries of the tribe Faris halted and waited for one of his tribesmen to fetch his brother, Nasser. Within few moments the gigantic man rushed to his brother accompanied by Fahad and Aadel relief imprinted on their faces. Nasser, however, frowned when his eyes landed on the prisoner. Faris raised his hand when Nasser opened his mouth to utter the words. "Fahad, lead the hawdaj to father's house. I shall, In sha Allah meet you there."

The younger brother gave a nod then grasped the rein of the camel and marched away. "Aadel, my brother, these men are my guests. Escort them to one of the guest chambers. They shall stay here the night," Just when the man took a step to lead Faris's visitors the knight articulated again. "Make certain that their stay here is hidden. I do not need ears to hearken of this." Aadel frowned but did not question Faris.

Now, at last, the siblings stood alone with Faris's prisoner. "The chambers alongside the farms we do not have visitors there at this moment, do we?"

"No, we do not."

"Come with me." Faris seized Khalid's arm and made his way to the back of the tribe with Nasser on his right.

"Brother, what is happening? Who is this man?"

"Trust me, Nasser, you shall be entranced to see this individual here." Faris ridiculed as they passed the farms pleased the tribe was silent.

"Now I am even more curious."

They reached the chambers Sheikh Mubarak had arranged for his guests. Faris grabbed the latch of the door and swung it open. Just as they stepped in Nasser rushed to locate the lantern and illuminated the small chamber in time to see Faris force the man to his knees and expose his face. "What on earth!"

"I see you are indeed rather joyful to see your companion here." He smirked and proceeded to unfasten Khalid's hands.

Nasser glared at the man as he blinked his eyes and gazed around on the verge of losing consciousness. "Faris, if you do not elaborate this instant I will not refrain from torturing your prisoner."

"Although it seems very alluring you must not clench your fist, ya Nasser." Faris came to stand before Khalid. The silence was what followed them for a few moments as Faris observed Khalid contemplating on what to perform. "You are not a guest here, prince, nor are you a captive," he started in a slow voice satisfied when Khalid frowned. "You shall stay in this chamber for as long as I wish."

"You will_you will not imprison me?"

"Shall I?" Khalid remained hushed. "I need you here for one purpose only. You shall leave this chamber only when I give the orders and when you leave you shall be shackled to aid the tribesmen with their daily duties."

Khalid swallowed his wrath down and clenched his jaw. "Do not appear so disheartened prince, it was you who endeavored to behead me. You shall be feasting that I let you liv_" before he could finish his sentence cracking of bones reached his ears and Faris sighed. "Nasser!"

"This...this man here tried to annihilate you and you are letting him live?" Nasser barked launching at Khalid again who spat blood and glowered at Nasser.

Faris placed his hand on his brother's chest and shoved him with such force the brute staggered back. "I have had enough of men defying my orders. You will not lift a hand on this man and that is final." Nasser growled and moved away from them incensed.

"You will not kill me?" Khalid gasped rubbing his jaw, blood flowing from the gash on his forehead.

"Not at this moment, no."

"What about my sister can I see her?"

"No." Faris twisted around and looked at Nasser who snarled and marched out of the chamber. "Do not venture to leave this chamber. You have provoked enough feud already. Do not move, do not converse, if you must do not breathe."

**

Raghad hissed as Shouq cleansed her wound then encased a cloth around it. "My poor mind cannot comprehend how you got injured in Faris's company." She shook her head.

The bride rolled her eyes at the mention of his name. It was because of him she was wounded in the first place. "I had to kill it."

"Kill? Kill what?" Shouq lifted her head amused and troubled.

"The snake and the wood I killed the beast with tore my palm."

"For a woman who appears to be rather delicate, trust me, bint-ash-sheikh you have a monstrous strength." Shouq laughed. Raghad examined the word she had pronounced, bint-ash-sheikh. When Shouq verbalized it, the word did not haunt her, however, when that man who had held her hands, stroked them, whispered those word a cord in her heart whispered glad tidings.

"Here, I am all done. You must be more cautious Raghad. If grandmother sees this she will be furious." Shouq stifled a yawn and rose to her feet. "I shall allow you to get some rest. In sha Allah we will see you tomorrow and help arrange this." She moved her hands around to the gifts Raghad's father had sent. Raghad merely nodded too exhausted and fretted about her brother to speak a few words. She watched as Shouq picked her belongings and sauntered out of their chamber. The bride knew Fahad had woken his sister for their arrival. The instant she walked into the house Shouq had launched her hands around her sister-in-law and sighed.

Raghad stood then walked to the mattress she was so acquainted with, her eyes lingered on the cot and she scowled. With that, she sat on her knees and opened one of the chests and peered at the gowns with a desolate smile lingering on her lips. That instant the door of the room opened and in walked a tall, lean frame. Even with her back to the door, Raghad could sense the air in the room turn hazy like the clouds above had just given up their conflict with the milky mist.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed him slowly amble up to the shelve to place his headdress and robe. The Rashideen narrowed her eyes when the man inspected his wound. She observed perturbed as Faris unclothed his injured arm and grimaced at the sight. With a sigh, the brute of a man shook his head and started to wear his sleeve once again. Raghad turned her back to him once again and glared at the chest she had opened. Guilt, repentance and a suffocating thread twined its way into her heart.

Raghad closed the chest, collected her gown in her hand then stood up. Faris did not pay heed to her as the man was occupied in rolling down the sleeve of his kandoora. She came to a standstill before him and stood there. The groom peered down at her, his eyes narrowed and a brow up in question. "Are you here to observe the gore your sibling has created?"

"No."

"Then you must be here to take delight in my misery."

She chuckled, a vague chuckle shocking both herself and Faris as he lifted both of his brows. "Was it not you who took pleasure in my discomfort?"

Faris swallowed at the mention of what he had done to her the other day, however, transformed his contrition into a glare directed at her. "Woman I do not possess the spirit to tackle another Rashideen. Go. Sleep." He dismissed with a shake of his hand.

For a moment there, Raghad was tempted to take a step back and leave the man in agony, but then she recalled what Khalid had done to him and felt eternity evaporate before her eyes. Beads of sweat decorated the nape of her neck and then she moved her hands. Doubtful, demure and utterly abashed Raghad touched his wrist. When she looked up her lungs deceived her just from the entertained look that displayed on Faris's face. "What are you doing?" He whispered that sounded so much like a growl.

"The wound needs to be scrutinized, if not it can get infected." Her voiced quivered.

"Bint-ash-Sheikh I have had many wounds such as this one and those were treated just as the same manner as this one." He replied permitting her to grab his arm and roll the rest of his sleeve up.

"Well, those wounds were not gifted to you by my sibling, Sheikh." She muttered eyes on the gash. Raghad hissed under her breath. "Ya Allah! You have been bleeding."

"I can see that Alhamdulillah." He smirked clearly amused.

Raghad shook her head then moved around the room to fetch whatever she could to clean his wound and envelope it. She grappled with her task as the man refused to sit. He stood there inches away from Raghad while she rose to her toes now and then cleaning the blood. By the time the bride was done with her task the front of Faris's kandora grazed against her gown and she could feel his breath caress her face. Raghad did not dare lift her face, her cheeks tingled with a sensation she was not familiar with.

"There it is done." She announced planting her feet on her ground to take a step back. However, a warm, rough hand sheathed around her wounded hand in a gentle grip.

"You do this," Faris gestured to his arm as she looked up. "Knowing I killed your sibling?" There, in his voice was a rhythm that sounded so much like the heart when abandoned, muddled.

She licked her lips and blinked a few times in a conflict between the dread that rose in her body and the tingles that swirled around his grasp. "Because I know."

Faris chuckled. "Finish your sentence, woman. How do you suppose I shall find out what you wish to verbalize?"

"You did not annihilate him." Their gazes collided and Faris pursed his lips.

"How?"

"Badr never lies."

He tugged at her hand so now they stood exceptionally close. The mist around their chamber intensified, concealing them from the eyes of the moon who had just peeked through the clouds. "And I do?" Raghad did not reply. How could she when every bone in her body surrendered to his touch. She could feel the tender caress of his thumb on her fragile wrist could taste the purity of his gaze. His gaze that reminded her of a stream, a soothing stream after a stormy day. Raghad felt her breathing quicken and was worried she might lose consciousness she bit the inside of her cheek to assemble her senses.

"I must sleep." The bride slipped her hand from his gentle grip and stepped away. As she turned around to walk away she could have sworn there was a smile on his lips, a smile she had once witnessed when the beast was with his beloved Jazee. If she pivoted around to gaze at that smile, Raghad knew she knew that all the ferocity, all that malice in her heart will crumble before her feet and what would occur to her soul after that terrified her.



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