Sweet Heart, Sweet Love Ch 25

“I’m so sorry my seamstress put this to the side, Louise” said Monique as she helped her in to the yellow gown. “I had honestly thought she finished it!”

“It’s all right, Monique! Things happen but I should have known Ardeth was going to give me something to go with it. I mean he always asks me what color I’m going to wear” Louise said as she fingered the exquisite necklace around her neck. “It must have taken Bab a couple of weeks to make this!”

“Qui. And it looks breathtaking with this gown” remarked the designer as she buttoned the back.

The gown was sunshine yellow. The bodice was made of taffeta and it was sleeveless and off the shoulder a style Louise liked. The full skirt was layered chiffon that began at the bottom of the bodice, which extended down to her hips. And the flimsy fabric had a sensual feeling against her bare legs Louise loved because it made her feel sexier.

“That man gets better looking every year,” said Ishan El Al Emine the wife of the owner of Bank of Cairo.

“And more daring” retorted her friend Basma Busyna, wife of the Cultural Minister.

Both women smiled as Ardeth passed as they stood having their refreshments and appetizers in the grand room. They meant at the moment the Medjai Chieftain’s daring was in respect to his dress for the formal evening. Ardeth had opted to wear a good pair of western slacks in black of course with a fine silk shirt. The shirt was the style he did prefer which went down mid-thigh and it was embroidered in silver so heavily it looked silver more than black. To complete his ensemble he wore a shear black silk robe, which billowed as he walked. But what made him look truly sexy was his open shirt. Open wide enough to show his bronzed and muscled chest. And what Louise always found so appealing were his large feet, which she zoomed in on as she finally came down the stairs making her entrance. They were enclosed in traditional desert sandals that she had never seen her husband wear at any time since they met. These were soft black suede and tied with silver cords a fancier version of the footwear that nomads of the Sahara wore.

“You’re staring at my feet,” he said in a whisper as he reached out with his hand to take hers at the bottom of the staircase. “You wear nothing but sandals now. I am only following your lead.”

“They look incredibly sexy,” she whispered back as he escorted her to the first group of guests. “So do you.”

Ardeth gave her that beguiling laugh and smile as he looked shyly down at the ground. A moment later he looked up, beaming from ear to ear.

“Louise, you remember Ayud El Al Emine the owner of the Cairo Bank?” Ardeth asked his wife and she nodded.

“My wife and I are very happy to be here. You have made a beautiful home for your husband and children” Ayud remarked graciously.

He wanted to add something about her beauty but that would have been a social faux pas. At least it would be if he said it to her. Later he would comment to the Chieftain just how lucky he was to have a wife such as Louise.

Bitahari, Messa and the Russet’s carried Adnan, Aswari, Moli and Abdul respectively down the stairs making their own entrance. The happy parents made their way back to the staircase along with crowd of guests. There were by nine that evening over eight hundred in the home and each was anxious to finally get a glimpse of the children.

“Dada! Dada! Up!” shouted Adnan with glee as he held his little arms out for his father.

Everyone laughed and laughed at how cute he was and how clearly he spoke at that age. Aswari was shier and when Louise took her she hid her small face against her mother’s breasts.

Everyone cooed at that thinking it was how a little girl should act and many commented so. And Moli and Abdul were shown off quite nicely. It was the first time any of the guests had seen the newest addition to the Bey family.

“Their hair is pale gold like their mother’s. And your eyes, Ardeth! You will have to watch out for these two!” complimented Lahab Nabil the Minister of Tourism.

“Shukran, Lahab” replied Ardeth. “I am hoping our next child will have not only my wife’s fair hair but her Nile blue eyes.”

“Is it true the rumors you are with child again?” questioned Farah, Lahab's wife anxiously.

The Medjai Chieftain had not officially announced his wife was expecting. And it would have not been proper to ask as they all wanted. So when Ardeth made mention of their next child he gave leave for the rest to inquire. He wanted the chance that evening to make the announcement so he gave Adnan back to Bitahari then took Aswari from Louise and gave her to Messa. Then he grabbed Louise’s hand again and took her back to the stairs with everyone following.

“I have a most joyous announcement to make,” he shouted as he and Louise stood up slightly on the stairs. “Louise is going to have our sixth child in February!”

Everyone cheered and some made the traditional Arabic high-pitched call. It was only a bit later some of them wondered briefly what the Chieftain meant by sixth child. Then they recalled Messa’s adoption. But Messa heard it very clearly and he was the happiest he had been in a long time. The party in a sense was almost like his “coming out” party in to Cairo society. First, King Faruk attending his birthday party and now amongst the powerful and wealthy of Egypt. He proudly carried his little sister around with his father and mother and the rest of the Bey pride so everyone could get a chance to see them close up. Aswari was coming out of her shell in Messa’s arms but soon got tired, as did the rest.

“I’m going to take them to bed, Ardeth,” said Louise who also wanted to go pee.

“It is time the guests go outside” interjected Ehab who was buzzing about keeping everything and everyone going.

“All right, Ehab. Lead them out. I am going upstairs to help my wife,” ordered the Chieftain.

“Naam, Chieftain. It will take half an hour to place everyone at their seats and get them settled.”

“We will be down when everyone is seated. Please let us know” Ardeth retorted as he began to lead Louise upstairs.

He put his strong right arm around her waist to hold her secure as they climbed the long semi-circular case. They followed the procession of helpers and children up to the nurseries, which were in a messy state from getting the brood together for their first party.

“Let’s put their heavier pj’s on. It’s kind of chilly tonight” Louise said then everyone scrambled.

“What would you like me to do, beloved?” asked Ardeth as there were so many people getting them ready for bed.

“Oh! Could you pick up the clothes on the floor and put them in the hampers?”

“Of course” he answered and then began to do so. “I think it is going rather well so far.”

All of a sudden Tazir walked in carrying a silver tray with glasses of Coca Cola and some of the hot quiches.

“I noticed that no one had a chance for refreshments or appetizers,” the older man said cheerfully.

Ardeth took two glasses and handed one to his wife who gulped hers down. He also watched her consume quite a few of the hot little quiches that were prepared as an appropriate introduction to a night of French Burgundy cuisine. Ardeth knew what was going to follow after she ate so fast.

“Get a towel and put it in front of me” she said between vomiting over the toilet in Adnan’s nursery.

Ardeth took one from the rack at the other side of the bathroom and returned to hold her. When she was finished he took her back to their room where she could clean up. He sat in his favorite chair waiting for Louise to come from the bathroom and when she did he looked her up and down.

“You look astonishing even after vomiting” he said as she walked towards him.

Louise was not sure if he meant it or was just trying to make her feel better. But she was obviously more critical of herself. Each time she became nauseous the pressure was so intense the little capillaries around her eyes would burst. So not only were her eyes red but the tender skin around had tiny red spots as they did now. Fortunately it was a temporary condition that lasted a few hours but for now she had covered them with extra pancake makeup.

“Come and sit on my lap for a moment” Ardeth requested in his softest voice.

Louise did as he wished and sat down across his lap. She was immediately encircled by his long arms and given a sweet kiss on her left cheek. Then she laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes to rest a bit.

“I am very proud of you, Louise” he began. “And I am very proud of our children.”

“It seems our guests share a common obsession with children. Did you notice for once all the husbands and wives actually stood together when we brought ours around? But after dinner it will be as it always is with the men speaking to the men.”

“Yes. We all have social obligations. I must speak with my business and political acquaintances and you must speak to their wives. It is enjoyable despite that do you not think?” he asked being very sensitive.

“I’m having a good time” Louise replied as she lift her head, open her eyes and looked at him. “This is about what I said, isn’t it? That I’d be lonely tonight?”

“I never want you to feel lonely when I am in the same room. If I am across the crowds of guests speaking to someone I do not wish you to feel I have abandoned you for the evening” he said that then kissed her forehead. “You see me looking at you and when you are not looking at me I am still looking at you.”

He thought back on that day as she did. She had been so incredibly shy she was scared to look at the handsome Arab Chieftain Rick had told her about for years. But every time she did look at him he was looking at her. That day he could only steal glances from the beautiful blond who had the bluest eyes he had ever seen. Ardeth however remembered also what he could not keep his eyes off.

“Yes. I was looking at you all the time that day. Especially your white brassiere” he replied with a wide smile. “Under that very sheer blouse you wore.”

“And I was looking at this” she added as she put her right hand on his bare chest.

Her hand opened his shirt more as she caressed his muscled pectorals, left to right. They were both becoming aroused but when Louise began to massage his right nipple with her thumb Ardeth could feel himself lose control. He took her lips for a deep kiss as he stood them up from the chair. Then he walked them while kissing towards the door of their room.

“Go check on our children and I will join you in a few minutes. I need to relieve myself,” he said to her after he broke from her kiss.

“Ok” Louise answered as she reached up and wiggled his long, sharp nose which always made him smile.

Ardeth knew his wife understood exactly what he was going to do in the bathroom. He would have preferred making love to her but it was not an appropriate time. It would be a temporary fix for him but he was patient. Louise had given him a glimpse of how she wanted the night to end and he wondered how she was feeling. Was she throbbing for him? Were her pink nipples full and supple as they were at the height of her desire? Was she so slick that he could take her easily and deeply? Were the delicate lips and nub between her legs open and waiting for his touch? His thrusts? That was exactly how Louise’s body was reflecting her great need for Ardeth at the moment. But there was no relief for her as she went to the nurseries to wait for him.

“A great lover is not a man that loves a different woman every night” she overheard Biti say to Imir who was on guard there that night. “A great lover is a man that loves the same woman all his life.”

“Has there been a woman that you thought was the sun and the moon?” Imir asked as they stood over Adnan’s crib.

“There was a girl at the palace that had such beauty she made me weep. It was not just her face and the curve of her body but she was beautiful in here” Biti answered as he pointed to his heart.

“She died a few years ago. She was my age and I had loved her for years and years. But I could never be her husband” the Indian remarked sadly. “That is the life of a palace eunuch.”

“The same for Messa. I know he is lonely for a companion” replied Imir. “But his interest lies not with women.”

Louise was standing in the hall listening as Ardeth walked towards her. She heard the rustle of his silk robe so she turned and put her finger up to her lips to keep him quiet. Then she pointed in to the room when he got up right behind her.

“I have spoken to the young Messa about my life. But if he enjoys the company and sexual act with a man I do not see why he has not found a companion?” Biti remarked. “He does not need his shaft if he is the woman in the relationship.”

At that Ardeth pulled Louise away and back down the hallway towards the staircase. He was visibly disturbed by how the two men spoke of his adopted son.

“Why did you listen to that?” he asked angrily as he escorted his wife down the stairs carefully.

“It was the first time anyone ever said anything about him being lonely. I mean wanting what we all want” Louise replied. “Someone to love.”

The conversation ended for another time. It had taken awhile for Ardeth and the other Medjai to accept Oliver and Tor but they were foreigners. Messa was an Arab and he was also now the son of the Chieftain. He was expected to live a life that would not be controversial. One that would not be shunned by others of his tribe. Ardeth had not thought about Messa’s sexuality. In fact he looked on Messa as asexual. Until that moment when he was being forced to think otherwise. Louise was wise enough to drop the subject and go on to another subject.

“I never did thank you for all your help with the arrangements” Louise exclaimed cheerfully. “Oliver was really happy you wanted to go along with his idea for the menu.”

“I enjoyed helping you. And the food from the region of France he is from sounded splendid. I am looking forward to the fois gras and truffles,” Ardeth stated.

Ehab and Khedue came in from outside as everyone was seated finally. The caterer was on his way up to announce that fact to the couple while Khedue went back to exchange some of the party favors. He also announced that Ismael and the lovely Renee had arrived and were seated along with Oliver, Tor, Messa and Alex.

After that Ardeth and Louise made almost a procession-like stroll down the main walkway towards the table that was arrange for them at the closest end. It was a sea of diners in the front of Al Zamalik all lit up by the subtle lights from the trees and the candles on the tables. All the silver decorations shimmered and sparkled as the couple made their way to their chairs. Ardeth pulled out his wife’s silver lame covered chair then pushed her back in slightly to the table as she held her skirt up. Then before he sat Ardeth motioned to Ehab to begin serving the first course.

As Ardeth mentioned that night’s fare were traditional dishes from Oliver’s home. The first course was snails smothered with garlic butter sauce one of Louise’s favorites. The second were slices of fois gras stuffed with truffles. Then onion soup with croutons was the third. For the fourth and main course is was Beef Burgundy with mashed potatoes drowning in heavy crème and a parsley sauce. Dessert was more Parisian with each guest getting a small Napoleon and Éclair on their dish. Finally cheese and pie made with Dijon mustard. The snails, fois gras, truffles and cheese had been flown in from Lyon and the mustard of course from Dijon. The beef however was from the Chieftain’s ranch, as he wanted to show off the quality of the meat he was growing locally. More Dom Perignon was served those that were not Muslim and those that were had their choice of Coca Cola, mint tea or lemonade. Both Louise and Ardeth had Coca Cola throughout the evening.

“He is over there,” the older Medjai pointed towards the very right bay window at the front of the grand room.

It had been just a moment since Abdul had looked over and saw the head of the Great Mosque speaking with two prominent Cairo businessmen. But when he and the Chieftain looked Sri was not there. They had all been keeping a watchful eye on the holy man and so far the extra security had made an unsafe situation safe.

Ardeth did not think there was anything wrong. But he did want to speak to Sri, as he had not had a chance the entire evening. He made his way to the other side of the room visiting with guests. Louise had left the room a few minutes before with Ehab so she knew they were in the kitchen.

“Yes, thanks Ehab!” Louise replied then she walked over to the kitchen table by the French doors that faced the back yard.

She looked outside and it was such a beautiful night. The gas lamps the former owner had put in around the property were on in the back. And the moon was full so it shined brightly on the waters of the Nile. Louise was mesmerized by the scene but was jolted back when Ehab put a plate in front of her.

“I did not mean to make you jump” he exclaimed as he looked outside. “What a night. Allah answered my prayer for such an evening.”

“Naam. I always do for your occasions especially when they are outside. And see! There is no wind!” he retorted with his pleasant laugh. “Have you thought about your nephew’s birthday party? He has been hinting for one.”

“I was going to talk to you about it. We’ve got four weeks to plan it. Any suggestions?”

“I have a few. I will come over tomorrow and give you a proper presentation,” Ehab answered and Louise smiled.

“Vividly. I was very excited to be meeting the betrothed of the Medjai Chieftain. And when you arrived and we met you were so very nice. And so very beautiful” he said. “I also thought you were of a good character. And your wedding and reception were the largest gathering I had ever planned! This night is almost as magnificent as it was back then at the temple!”

“Everyone’s having a great time! Ardeth and I were talking about having more big parties like this. We’re all so worried about the Germans it’s nice to have some escapism” she said as a preface for what she really wanted to talk to him about. “And he can certainly afford more splashy gatherings like this. Anyway, he wants to talk to you about some plans he has. Maybe tomorrow when you come over?”

“Of course! I am always happy to be of service to you and the Chieftain!” the man replied cheerfully and somewhat anxious.

“You know I think I’m going to call Salah and see what’s going on,” she said just as she looked at the clock in the room, which said three a.m.

“You go to the study and I will bring you a glass of milk and your plate” Ehab said as they both rose from their chairs.

Ardeth was in the study with Sri talking privately. It was the end of a long evening. They had not sat down to dinner until ten-thirty and the meal began at eleven. That lasted three hours and now it was only a few hours until dawn.

“Oh! Hi!” greeted Louise when she opened the door and saw the two men. “I was going to call Salah but I’ll do it upstairs.”

“No, Louise! Come in!” said her husband. “We were only hiding out for a few minutes. I would like to know what is going on with the baby also!”

“Ok” she said walking though the door and closing it. “I told Ehab you wanted to talk to him. He’ll be over later today” she informed Ardeth who nodded.

“He did a truly wonderful party tonight” interjected Sri. “It has certainly lightened up everyone’s mood. Too many serious things happening in Egypt now!”

There was a knock on the door. Then before Ardeth could ask who it was Ehab opened it and came in carrying a tray with a plate of food and a large glass of milk. Ardeth was past making any more comments about his wife’s eating habits. He simply watched as the caterer made his way over to Louise who was dialing Salah’s number. Sri and Ardeth were standing over by one of the large windows in the study.

Her eyes looked up from the desk and over to her husband. Just as she was saying to herself how great he looked even after a very long day she saw a flash from outside.

Ardeth, Sri and Ehab who was still over by the desk looked out the window. They saw another flash and now heard a guns shooting. Before anyone could get down a bullet blasted through the glass and in to the study.

“Louise! Give me the gun from the desk!” shouted Ardeth as they all ducked down.

She opened the top drawer and got the key to open the left bottom drawer were the firearm was safely put away.

“Jesus Christ! What’s the point of having the damn thing here if you can’t get it!” she shouted back as she fumbled for it.

They could see the flashes coming in all directions. Single shots and repeating rounds that were from the Medjai’s on duty.

“Jesus Christ!” Louise shouted again as finally got the gun. “I’m tossing it under the desk Ardeth!” she shouted then she did just that.

“It is about time!” he shouted grabbing for it from the carpet, cocking it and getting up. “Everyone keep down!”

Ardeth could see the intruder so in typical warrior fashion he got up and made a run for him going through what was left of the shattered window. He yelled out something in Arabic Louise did not understand as he started shooting. The Chieftain and his men ran for the man as he headed for the water and before he dove in to make his escape he shot one more time. The bullet hit Ardeth’s left upper arm. The pain hit him like a train but he did not cry out. It had been many, many years since he took a bullet thanks be to Allah he thought. And he did not want his men to be aware that his lucky streak was over. After he ordered his men to do a search of the shoreline he went back to the house. Ardeth jumped throw the opening that was once one of the windows to the study.

“I’m fine,” she answered. “Are you ok?” she asked him and he shook his head.

“Well, well” said Sri. “This is getting complicated, Ardeth. Was the man after you or me?”

“After me I am sure. If you will excuse me I want to take Louise upstairs. The excitement is not good for her or the baby” Ardeth stated then he walked over to where she stood and took her arm.

“Good night Sri! Good night Ehab! See you both in the late, late morning!” she exclaimed as she finally saw the hole in his robe and the blood soaking through it. “Ardeth, you’re..”

“Say nothing until we get to our room. I do not want anyone knowing,” he said interrupting her.

Sometimes she was so sick of “male pride” just as she was now. What excuse was he going to give her not to let at least his men know he was hurt? Louise even knew he was not going to let her call the doctor. She had already stitched up his arm herself after the Emir from Libya had El Hamoud attacked one night, months before Adnan and Aswari were born. But Louise kept silent as they strolled through the foyer and to the closest elevator to get out of sight quickly. All of the guests that were still there were outside trying to find out who was shooting whom as they made their way to the entrance and their cars.

“I need to call Dr. Aswali, Ardeth” Louise finally said as they got in their room.

It was then he grimaced in pain and put his right hand to the wound. He shook his head and replied.

“Is the bullet still in your arm?” she asked as he went over to the bathroom with her following.

“I knew you were going to say that” Louise exclaimed. “Let’s get your robe and shirt off,” she said as she reached for his robe.

When it was off she could see he was still bleeding. But she had seen so much blood before and men being killed and maimed it did not bother her that much anymore. And it was not the time or place for emoting because she knew Ardeth would not change his mind. She was still going to have to take the bullet out.

“Can you help me with my buttons?” he asked her gently. “My hand is shaking. I cannot get them.”

“Oh, sure” she replied reaching for the bottom one. “Sit down on the toilet before you keel over. You’ve lost a lot of blood.”

“I have never keeled over in my life” he replied with that damn pride of his.

“All right! If it means that much to you,” he answered in a way that made his wife think he was sitting for her and not because he had to.

Ardeth heard her click her tongue. He knew she was going to do that so he smiled to himself because he had predicted it. And he did not expect her to go along with his wishes without giving her opinion.

“You know actually the wound doesn’t look that bad” Louise remarked as she got his shirt off and looked at it. “Here! Hold your shirt on it” she requested as she pressed the silk to his arm. “I guess I have to clean it first. But what do I use to get the bullet out?”

“Get my gold dagger. You will need to cut the wound open more and dig the bullet out. Then sew my arm up. You know how to do that, beloved.”

“Perhaps you should take your gown off. It will get ruined,” he said softly.

She clicked her tongue again and shot him a “look” over her shoulder as she went to get his dagger.

Louise could not believe she had actually fallen in love with a man that would think more about saving her gown from ruin than his being hurt. And she knew he no doubt liked the way she answered him. And if she looked over her shoulder again he would be giving her one of those beguiling smiles even through his pain. Ardeth did in fact smile because Louise was putting him above all else as he did her.

Ardeth saw his prized gold and jeweled dagger she had given him in her right hand and Monique’s sewing kit in her left. He watched her go over to the sink and put them down then turned the hot water faucet on. Then she went over to a far cabinet that held various sundries of which she took a bottle of rubbing alcohol, cotton, white gaze and white tape. Louise went back to her vanity to get her tweezers then her desk for a pair of scissors. It was done with quickness and efficiency but Ardeth was feeling faint now so he wanted her to hurry more.

“Ok, let’s see if the bleeding stopped finally” Louise said softly as she took the cloth away.

“It does not matter it will start again when you put the dagger to me” he remarked and she smiled slightly.

He had not heard her use the word “yeah” since the day he asked he not to use it. It sounded “sloppy” and un-lady like to him and Louise had to agree so she did her best to do as he requested. But at that moment he knew she was not aware she had said it.

After soaking the cotton with alcohol Louise knelt down next to him and proceeded to clean the blood off. She could see that she was definitely going to have to cut it open in order to dig the metal out. It was then she remembered a cowboy and Indian movie they had watched where one of the cavalry soldiers was taking a bullet out of his friend’s leg. The whole scene played in her head and without having to get any instructions from her husband she went about doing it. By now Ardeth was in excruciating pain. It was enough he had a hard time speaking especially after Louise put the dagger in to him. He finally cried out when she began to probe with her long tweezers until the very long bullet was extracted.

Louise looked up at him after she got the bullet out. He was leaning back against the toilet tank with his eyes closed. His face was so ashen it frightened her. He had lost a lot of blood and that was something Louise did not know how to treat. But she continued her ministrations by taking the dagger to the fireplace, heating it up then putting it in to his wound to coderize it. Then stitching it twenty times with needle and thread in order to close it. Finally she cleaned his injury with alcohol again, wrapped the arm with white gaze and secured it with tape.

“Ardeth. I need to get you in bed” she said and he opened his eyes and nodded.

He was almost dead weight when Louise got him off the toilet. His whole body slumped against hers almost tipping them over but she mustered all the strength she had and finally got him on the bed. With a plop on the mattress Ardeth fell back. He was out cold so with much effort she got his pants off. Much to her amazement even then he was as hard as a rock when his privates came in to view. Louise was worn out by now so she sat down for a minute looking at her husband. There was talking outside the door. Deep voices and very hushed so she got up to find out whom it was. In the hallway were Abdul and Imir anxiously waiting.

“Naam, Sayyida Louise. There is a trail of blood coming up here” Imir replied as he pointed to the carpet.

“He’s out like a light now. But I got the bullet out of his arm. I don’t think the wound is too bad but he’s deadly white. I’m sure he’s lost a lot of blood,” she reported. “Right now I need help getting him under the covers. He’s too heavy for me.”

Louise was glad they were there. She turned and walked back in to the room with them behind her. The Chieftain was lying on his back in all his magnificent and very aroused glory when his two men got their first look at him. Both of them smiled and chuckled despite his condition. Louise heard but could not understand Imir’s comment that he whispered to his father. But what he commented was he understood why the Sayyida was so happy to welcome the Chieftain in bed.

“Do you think I should call the doctor?” she asked as they picked Ardeth up and got him properly settled and covered.

“Then we will follow his orders. We will allow him to sleep this off then give him the proper nourishment to replenish his blood. I will tell the others he wants to spend the time with his wife privately. They will understand that,” stated the older Medjai.

“I think you need to look at his arm and see if I did everything all right. I don’t want it getting infected” Louise suggested as she stood over the bed looking at Ardeth.

Abdul could see she was under much strain so he ordered Imir in Arabic to escort her over to a chair.

“Sayyida. Please, you must sit and rest. Everything is fine. You did a good job fixing him up” the younger man said gently as held her left arm and guided her over to her chair by the fireplace.

They were surprised the once again expectant woman was not crying but then again she was not like other women. It was that night she became acquainted with the real role a eunuch had in the palace he served. After Abdul and Ardeth left Bitahari went to the master room to speak with Louise and find out how the situation was going.

“His men never tell me anything!” she exclaimed. “I’m a woman and it’s my husband’s business. Sometimes Abdul tells me things but just enough to pacify my interest.”

“The Maharini was in the same position. I would be her eyes and ears in the palace.”

“I’ve read about the black eunuch’s at Topkapi Palace. That’s how Saladin’s wife knew what was going on in the palace since she couldn’t actually talk to men. At least Ardeth’s men talk to me. Granted they don’t tell me anything but at least they talk to me!” Louise remarked somewhat cheerfully. “Maybe you could go downstairs and find out if they know who the guy was that was doing the shooting tonight. I know Ardeth would tell me but as you can see he’s out for the rest of the day and probably the next.”

“That is why you should know your husband’s business. His heir is too young to make decisions nor should Abdul Jafir make any in his stead. You need to establish some power in his tribe as you have amongst your own people,” he said astutely.

“Exactly! And you must protect your husband and Adnan-Ardeth’s interest as future Chieftain. And the interests of your other children.”

It was a key moment for Louise who had never thought to exert her power or influence with the Medjai. But it was the wise course especially when the German’s were so being aggressive and the times were so unsure. Nor had she questioned if there were those in the tribe that would like to see someone else lead it instead of a Bey. Ardeth had many enemies but she had never considered that there might be a faction within his men or even his loyal Commanders.

“Ok, Biti. I’m going to play the game as you suggest,” she stated looking at her husband, dead to the world, on the bed.

“I will go see what I can find out” he replied setting the course of a new part of their relationship.