Innocent in the Harem by Willingham Michelle

Author:Willingham, Michelle [Willingham, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, General, Historical, Fiction
ISBN: 9781426852862
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2010-06-01T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Four days later

The ink was not yet dry, but Khadin lifted the parchment. Upon it, he’d written his wishes that Laila should receive her freedom, along with the white stallion. He wanted his command in writing, so that no one could deny it to her.

She lay sleeping upon his bed, her fingers resting on the spot where he had slept. Last night, he’d spent hours making love with her, hardly able to sleep. She’d given herself to him, time and again, until they’d both collapsed in exhaustion. Even when he’d gone to sleep, he’d felt her hands caressing his skin, as if to imprint herself upon him.

He’d gone with Laila each morning to the stables, watching as she fed and comforted the injured stallion. The horse had fallen under Laila’s spell, and yesterday, he had allowed Laila to ride him. It stunned Khadin to think that she could transform a horse with love, making the animal feel safe.

But then, she’d captivated him. He’d wanted no other woman since the first time he’d seen her. Watching her cry out in ecstasy when he filled her body with his own was something he craved. He didn’t want to ever let her go.

But his time had run out. Last night, he’d received the summons he’d been waiting for. The sultan would receive him this morning in the Imperial Hall. No matter what the outcome might be, he had to secure Laila’s fate. If he could have his greatest wish, it would be to take her back with him to Nerassia.

A soft tap came at his door, and when he granted permission for the person to enter, he saw four kapici standing there. They wore black, with scimitars hanging around their waists. One held a braided cord in his hand, and Khadin tensed.

“Laila,” he called out. “Rise and go back to the harem.” He wanted her gone, for although the threat was against him, he didn’t want her involved.

She stirred at the sound of his voice and clutched the bedcovers to her. Glancing over, he saw the nervous expression on her face. “What is it?”

“Do as I command.” He rose and tossed her the clothes she’d worn to his chamber. Eyeing the kapici, he said, “Has my father summoned me?”

One bowed, nodding. “His Majesty, Suleiman the Magnificent, has indeed requested your presence, Prince Khadin.”

So be it. His time of waiting was finished. A knot formed in his stomach as he kept his gaze fixed upon the cord within the guard’s palm. Were they planning to execute him? Or would they do so after he’d spoken with Suleiman?

Laila moved to stand beside him, and Khadin took the parchment, folding it into her hand. “Give this to Princess Mihrimah. She will obey my orders.”

Her eyes widened, “But I thought—“

Khadin lowered his voice so that the kapici would not hear him. “My father has sent for me.”

“What are you afraid of?” she whispered, taking his hand in hers. “I see it in your face.”

He risked a glance at the guards, who were growing impatient.

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