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Over the days at sea the tension remained.  It killed Ardeth inside to be just feet away from her and unable to talk to her, to hold her, to kiss her tender lips.  Every time he tried to talk to her, she pushed him away, cut him off at the knees.  It was getting worse and Ardeth was slowly loosing his patience.  He was madly in love with her and it was causing them both pain.  There time together was growing short and he knew he had to put a stop it this soon.

That night he saw Tasha leave in a seductive red evening gown.  It accentuated her full bosom, and hugged her hips.  He felt it was too tight, too revealing.  She of course ignored his every comment.  He knew there was a ball and he of course followed her.  He sat in the corner watching her flirt with men and dance the night away.  His blood boiled to see her acting like a common harlot with total strangers. 

He suddenly noticed that Tasha had slipped from his sight.  He immediately went to search for her.  He soon found her being groped by a young man in a back stairwell.  Ardeth yanked the man from her and threw him to the ground.  He stood to face Ardeth and back away as he met his cold stare.

“What the hell are you doing?” she yelled at him.

“Stopping you from making a fool of yourself,” he said.

“What do you care if I’m with him?” she said, “May fathers forcing me to be with a man I don’t love so why not start early?  Oh I forgot, your promise, unharmed and unsoiled,”

“Yes partly,” he said.

“Are you afraid you’ll only get half the money if you only keep half the promise?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“This,” she said pulling out the telegram.  Ardeth froze trying to think where he must have lost it, “One million pounds for my safe return,”

“I am of the desert.  How can you think I care about the money?” he said.

“Because it’s just like a man,” she said storming past him.

“Tasha,” he said, “Is that what you think of me?”

“Every man I’ve ever trusted in my life has betrayed me,” she said still walking, “Why should you be any different?”

“You would judge me against others after everything we shared,” he said.

“Oh go to hell,” she said as she made her way to the stateroom.  She unlocked the door and stepped inside.  She tried to close the door on him and he shoved it open, “Go away,”

“No,” he said, “You are being stubborn,”

“And you’re being an ass,” she yelled, “How could you say that to me?  How could you kiss me with that much passion and turn cold on me?  Do you really think this is how I wanted to spend our last moments together?”  He was silent; “I hate you for being cold to me.  And I hate you for taking me back to my father.  And I hate you for not knowing what you mean to me,” he just looked at her, “I would go to my father and tell him that I refused to be forced into a loveless marriage.  I would walk away from everything I had, the money, and the power, even my friends.  If you had just given me one small sign that you truly cared for me,” she was crying now, “I would have given myself to you freely instead of having my virtue taken by a man who claims me as his wife against my will.  All I wanted was for you to love me as much as I love you,” she sobbed and turned her back to him.  Ardeth walked over to her and gently touched her shoulder.

“I do love you,” he said softly to her, “That is why I turned you away.  I have taken harlots and whores on bedrolls in my life.  I did not want to bed you in that fashion.  In my tribe, you only bed those kinds of women in the sand.  The woman you love you bed properly,” he said caressing her neck, “I wanted to take you as my wife, in a marital bed like you deserve,” she was crying again now but now she was crying over his words of love.  She turned to him and he lifted her face to his, “My only wish was not to dishonor you,”

“You wouldn’t be dishonoring me,” she said, “I love you Ardeth.  I just want to be with you.  I’m willing to give myself to you freely now, because I love you with all my heart,” 

“I love you too.  I don’t know,” he said, “I’m concerned about what might happen.  I don’t want to,” he stopped, “No offense, but I do not wish to impregnate you before we can be wed,” he said.

“Maybe you’re right,” she said, “This is frustrating,” she sighed, “I want to be with you so much.  What did you do with the harlots?”

“They had there own way of dealing with the matter.  It was something they never seemed to worry about,” he said, “Ah, wait,” he went to his bag and pulled something out.  He went back over to her and held something out to her, “Do you know of these?”  In his hand was a condom.  She blushed as she looked at it in his hand.

“Yes,” she smiled, “I know of them.  My friend has educated me on their use,”

“Recently I noticed that some of the men had been getting ill after seeing the harlots in Cairo.  O’Connell has been supplying these for my men.  Until now, I saw no use for them.  I haven’t been with anyone in a while so,” he stopped for a moment, “They are suppose to prevent pregnancy?”

“Yes,” she said once again blushing.

“I’m sorry I have made you uncomfortable,” he said, “Maybe we should give this more thought,”

“No,” she said moving closer to him, “Let’s just start over,” she smiled. 

She reached up and untied his cape.  She pushed it off his broad shoulders letting it fall to the floor.  She slipped her hand up his chest and felt his breath catch as her hand touched his skin.  She felt his hands on her waist drawing her closer to him.  Her hand moved to his shoulder and around to his neck.  Soon her fingers were in his hair as his eyes met hers.

“Make love to me Ardeth,” she said softly, “Take me and make me yours,”

“Tasha,” he moaned softly.

She pressed her lips to his eagerly kissing him.  He eagerly returned her kiss as he ran his strong hands up her back.  He parted her lips and she let out a soft moan as he explored her mouth deeply.  She clung to him feeling her mind swimming at finally being able to touch him.  His hand found the pins in her hair and swiftly removed them letting it fall over her silky shoulders.  He moved his mouth from hers and placed his mouth on her neck kissing gently to her ear.  He nipped and kissed it as she moaned slightly.

She moved her hands to his waist and felt along his robes.  She soon found the tie and slipped her hands inside.  Ardeth let out a groan as her hands ran over his smooth chest.  She opened his robes and then pushed them back off his shoulders letting them fall to the floor.  As he pressed his bare chest against her silken dress, he felt for her zipper.  

He soon found it and lowered exposing her bare back.  She wore no bra and he let out another groan as he felt her hot bare skin.  He moved his hands and quickly removed the dress letting it pool around her feet.  Without warning, he then lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. 

He laid her down and then quickly removed the rest of their clothing.  He stood for a moment as he dimmed the lights.  Tasha looked at him now seeing him naked and fully aroused.  He was big, just as she had thought he would be.  He made his way back to her and joined her on the bed.

He kissed her again feeling her tremble as he pulled her close.  His mouth soon left hers and was once again blazing a trail of kisses over her skin.  He moved swiftly kissing his was down and then she felt him cup a breast with his hand.  He ran his thumb over her nipple causing her not only to moan, but causing it to become firm under his touch. 

When he flicked his tongue against the swollen peak, he heard Tasha moan again.  She clutched at his hair as he drew it into his hot mouth.  He suckled it and nipped at it causing her to press against him.  He repeated the action with her other breast causing her to moan his name.  He would suckle one while teasing the other with his fingers.  She parted her legs slightly and Ardeth took advantage sliding his strong thigh between hers.

He felt the heat and the wetness from her arousal as she began to rub against him.  He knew that it was purely instinct on her part but it was driving him wild.  He slipped his hand between her legs and she cried out as he began caressing her sensitive jewel.  A wave of moans broke from her lips as he caressed her.  She arched as he fondled her and he could feel her wetness increasing as he continued. 

She cried out more as he brought his mouth down on her tasting her sweet nectar.  She bucked wildly as he probed her gently with his tongue.  She once again clutched at his long hair and cried out, as he tasted her repeatedly.  He slid his hand deeper and caressed her slick opening.  He could smell the sweet scent of her, as he guided a long finger into her.  She gasped at the intrusion yet arched to meet it.  He withdrew his finger and thrust it in again.  He felt a curse escape his lips as he probed her.

“Damn,” he said.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, trying to catch her breath.

“You are tight,” he said, “It may be difficult to penetrate you.  Do not worry, I will try to be gentle,”

Ardeth reached for the condom and quickly slipped it on.  He repositioned himself between her legs and he heard her gasp as his errection brushed her eager opening.  He guided himself in and heard her breath catch.  He leaned over her whispering softly to her.  Some words were in English others in his native tongue but all conveying his love for her.  He felt her relax a bit and then with a swift movement he pushed past the obstruction.

Tasha cried out as she felt the burning inside her.  Her breath caught and Ardeth saw the tears pooling in her emerald eyes.  He took her mouth and kissed her gently as he held his position.  He felt her trembling and shaking as he held still giving her a chance to recover.  He could feel her muscles contracting on his shaft, as he remained buried inside.  She soon began to relax and he slowly withdrew from her.

She gasped again as he thrust back into her.  There was still some pain but Ardeth knew that it would subside as he kept going.  Slowly he withdrew again, then thrusted back into her.  He soon noticed her cries changed from sharp cries to low moans as he rocked against her.  He began to quicken his pace as the soft moans once again started to break from her lips.  He guided her hips as he thrusted into her and she soon found the rhythm and met each thrust.  He felt Tasha’s nails in his shoulders as he pounded into her hips now.

Sweat was forming on his brow as he continued to thrust with all his strength waiting for her release.  He soon heard her cry out for him and suddenly she bucked wildly beneath him as she found her release.  He continued to pound against her as he now raced to find his own release.  With a final thrust, he found it and struggled not to collapse on her when it was over.  He withdrew from her and disposed of his condom.

When he returned to the bed he found Tasha laying with her back to him.  She had her legs pulled to her chest and was crying.  Ardeth went to her.  He covered her with a blanket and pulled her close against his strong frame.

“Why do you cry my love?” he asked tenderly.

“This is our last night alone,” she said, “Tomorrow I must face my father,” she turned to him and he hugged her close, “I will not give you up without a fight Ardeth.  You are my heart, and my life now, there will only be you.  I love you,”

“I love you too,” he said, “Do not fear for our future, we are meant to be together,”

~*~

When the boat docked in England there was a car waiting for them.  Ardeth escorted her to the car and soon they were on their way to her family home.  Ardeth never thought he would see the streets of London again, but there he was.  After a long ride, they finally arrived at her home.  Ardeth helped her from the car and escorted her to the door.  They were both surprised when it was yanked open by a middle-aged man.  Tasha knew him as Charles her father’s advisor.

“Natasha, your highness,” he said bowing to Tasha, “We are so grateful for your safe return,”

“Your highness?” asked Ardeth.

“Your father is waiting in the study to attend to Mr. Bay,” said Charles, “Your ladies are waiting to see to your needs,”

Before Tasha could say another word, she was being ushered away from Ardeth.  Ardeth was still in shock at the hearing her title.  Tasha tried to fight off her servants but they pulled her away.  She knew she had to speak to her father.  Ardeth was led into the study where Tasha’s father was waiting for him.

“Mr. Bay,” he said coming forward to shake Ardeth’s hand, “I can not thank you enough for returning my daughter safely to me.  I of course have your payment ready for you,”

“I do not want your money, your majesty,” said Ardeth.

“Cat’s out of the bag,” he smiled, “I’m sorry for not telling you my daughter and I are royalty.  I wanted to be sure that she had some anonymity.  Well if you do not want my money how can I repay you?”

“I wish to have your daughters hand in marriage,” said Ardeth.

“I see,” said Rochenchof, “You have fallen for my daughter.  I’m afraid she has all ready been promised to someone else.  Plus she is a Princess and she will only marry a Prince,”

“How can you make your daughter marry a man she does not love?” asked Ardeth.

“My daughter will marry who I chose, and she will marry the man who brings the greatest benefit to our family,” this made Ardeth suspicious.

“I am a Prince among my people and your daughter has all ready declared her love for me,” said Ardeth.

“The subject is closed Mr. Bay.  If you will not take the money then I suggest you leave, I have a wedding to plan.  Goodbye Mr. Bay,” he turned to leave and Ardeth was escorted out by the Royal Guards.

Tasha was furious and slapping the hands of her ladies as they tried to primp her.  She just wanted to see her father before it was too late.  He soon came busting into her suite as she yelled at the servants.

“What in God’s name is going on in here?” he asked.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you,” said Tasha stepping down from a platform, “All of you get out of here,” The ladies quickly left leaving her alone with her father.

“What is the matter my dear?”

“I wanted to talk to you about Ardeth Bay,” she said, “I love him and I want to marry him,”

“I’m afraid that’s quite impossible,” he said, “For one Mr. Bay is not royalty, and two he has all ready left with his money,”

“You lie,” she said, “Ardeth wouldn’t do that, and he loves me,”

“He played you for a fool my dear.  He took his million pounds and never gave you a second thought.  You my dear will marry Prince Jared in one months time and that’s all there is to it,”

He turned and left the room.  Tasha was left standing there in shock.  It couldn’t be true Ardeth wouldn’t just leave like that.  He wouldn’t turn his back on her after the night of passion they had shared.  She slumped to the floor tears stinging her eyes.

“No,” she sobbed, her body shaking, “It can’t be true, Ardeth,”

~*~

As the time of her wedding grew near Tasha became more despondent.  She missed Ardeth terribly and couldn’t believe he had just left her behind without a fight.  She stood on the platform now seeing herself in the mirror.  She was the saddest bride she had ever seen.  Her dress was beautiful with the high collar and long sleeves.  It was beautiful white lace trimmed with silver thread and beads.  As much as she loved the dress, her heart was too heavy with sorrow to enjoy it.  She longed to see Ardeth, to feel his lips to be in his arms.  Somehow, it had to be a mistake.

Jared was a nice man but Tasha did not love him.  She had given herself to Ardeth and he was the only man she wanted to be with.  That thought now scared her as well, what would her husband to be say when he discovered she was no longer a virgin?  It was something she hadn’t thought about until that moment. 

“Please,” she said quietly, “Save me Ardeth, please,”

~*~

The day of the wedding Tasha stood motionless as her ladies prepared her for the ceremony.  They bathed her and anointed her with oil before placing her undergarments and dress on her.  The final touch was a heavy veil through which she could not see.  She sat and waited for them to come for her.  From what she understood, it was a simple ceremony. 

Jared was from Egypt oddly enough.  After she was prepared the groom went through a small ceremony on his own.  Soon they would come for her.  They would simply exchange rings and he would then take her to their bridal suite.  Once there they would consummate their marriage that was it.  No vows, no words of love, just silence.  She froze in panic; there would be no blood.  There would be no evidence to prove the consummation she thought.  How would she explain that to her father and her husband’s family? 

She soon heard the door open and knew it was time.  Two women took her hands and guided her down the corridor.  She could feel more people looking on as she stood there only seeing the white veil in front of her.  She soon felt another hand take hers and place a ring on her finger.  A tear slipped down her cheek as she felt her heart break and cry out.  In her mind, she was screaming for Ardeth.  A ring was placed in her finger and she was shaking as she placed it on his hand.

After a blessing was spoken over them, she felt a hand on her elbow.  She knew what was coming now, and where he was taking her.  She started to cry harder with each step wanting to turn and run from him.  It was over now, and she wanted to die.  She would rather kill herself then let anyone other then Ardeth touch her.  She heard the door close and her heart fell into her feet.  There was no way to stop it now, she was his wife.  She stood and waited for him to do something.  She felt her veil lift from behind as it was pulled away.

She squinted her eyes in the light now but did not turn to face him.  She knew she must have looked awful from all her crying.  She could only imagine what he would think of her.  She waited staring at the floor waiting for something.  She felt strong hands on her shoulders and stiffened at his touch.  Tears gripped her again as her shoulders began to shake.

“Why do you cry my love?” came a familiar voice.  She spun to see Ardeth standing before her.  Before she could speak, blackness over took her.

Tasha felt a gentle hand caressing her cheek as she slowly opened her eyes.  She could only make out shadows at first as she tried to focus.  She couldn’t make out what was being said to her at first her mind felt foggy.  Slowly her eyes focused on the face hovering over her.

“Tasha,” he said softly, “Darling,” he saw her eyes begin to clear.

“Ardeth?” she asked softly, “Am I dreaming?”

“No darling, it is real,” he said smiling at her, “Did you really think I would let you wed another man?”

“Oh Ardeth,” she said sitting up.  She flung her arms around his strong shoulders as he hugged her close; “I thought I had lost you forever,” 

“Never my darling,” he said stroking her back, “I told you that you were mine forever,” he pulled back and looked at her, “Allah has truly blessed me this night,”

“I love you Ardeth,” she said.

“I love you too,” he said, caressing her cheek.

“Wait, I’m confused.  I thought you were to take over as leader of your people.  And how did you ever convince my father to let you marry me?”

“I was just one of many that were in line to take over as leader of my people.  Other candidates were just as well suited to take over.  I was the one with the most experience and the first choice, but my heart is here with you,” he said.

“And my father?” she asked.

“Let’s just say that I can be very persuasive,” he smiled.

“But,” she started as he placed a finger to her lips.

“My dear this is our wedding night,” he said softly, “The last thing I want to do is talk,”

He pressed his lips to hers as drew her close.  She eagerly opened her lips to him and he immediately began to probe her sweet mouth.  It had been a month since he had held her in his arms and his mind was swimming now as he held her.  He ran his hand up her back feeling for the closure of her dress.  He soon found it and began undressing her slowly.  She reached up untying his cape from his neck and pushing it back from his shoulders.  She had noticed that he was in white with silver ornamentation. 

He gently reached up pulling the lace from her shoulders and moving it down her arms.  He had longed to feel her skin next to his, to see her nakedness and drink in her beauty.  His mouth left hers and burned kisses up her neck as he held her close.  She pushed back from him and smiled.

“Let’s speed this along,” she smiled.

Tasha rose from the bed and Ardeth watched as she finished removing her wedding dress.  He stared at her as she stood in her flimsy undergarments.  She then got to enjoy as Ardeth stood in front of her removing his white robes.  He left just his pants on and walked over to her.  He pulled her into his arms and pressed her to his strong chest.  He looked into her eyes and she blushed under his intense gaze.

“Tonight I make you mine forever,” he said.

“Yes Ardeth,” she sighed.

He claimed her mouth again in a hungry kiss.  He sank his longer fingers into her hair pulling her head back as to probe her mouth deeper.  She clung to him as he took his other hand and cupped a breast.  She let out a deep moan as he took his thumb and began caressing her bringing her nipple to a hard peak under his firm touch.  She moaned into his mouth and pressed against him.  He tore his mouth from hers and she could feel his hot breath against her neck.

“Forgive me my darling,” he moaned. 

He grabbed her bra in his hand and ripped the thin material from her body.  She let out a gasp as her breasts were freed, and she felt his chest press against her.  He quickly reached down and lifted her into his arms.  He took her back to the bed and laid her down.  She let out a loud moan as he moved down her body blazing a trail of kisses as he went.

He teased her taunt nipples with his hot tongue feeling her clutch at his shoulders and cry out.  She felt another moan break from her lips as he took one of the hard peaks in his mouth and began suckling it and nipping at the sensitive tissue.  He moved back and forth between her ample breasts savoring the taste and feel of her.  He soon slipped his thigh between hers and could all ready feel her heat. 

She eagerly rubbed against his hard thigh trying to get some relief from the hard throbbing she was feeling.  He ravaged her mouth again nearly stealing her breath as he ran his hands over her.  He felt her hand on his as she it guided down.  He moved his thigh anticipating where she was leading him.  She placed his strong hand between her legs and cried out as he began caressing her through her panties.  Her panties were all ready wet from rubbing against him.

She let out another gasp as he tore her flimsy panties from her body.  He began caressing her again feeling her arch against him and cry out as he massaged her jewel of pleasure.  His fingers found her eager opening and he slipped one inside feeling her tightness.  He needed to be inside her.  He removed his pants as she caressed his back.

Tasha gasped as Ardeth moved between her legs but eagerly opened herself up to receive him.  He guided himself into her feeling her tightness on his hard shaft.  He slipped inside of her feeling her fully accept his length.  He held his position feeling her muscles contract around his manhood.  He looked into her green eyes and could see her desire building. 

“Ardeth,” she gasped, “Now, please,”

He withdrew from her almost completely causing her to moan as he did.  He guided himself back in as she arched to meet him.  He slipped his arms under her grabbing her shoulders as he increased his pace.  Tasha moaned and arched to meet each thrust as he pushed her towards her release.  He felt her nails in his lower back as he thrusted into her.  Soft moans and sighs broke from her sweet lips as he pumped against her.

“Oh Ardeth,” she moaned, “Oh yes my darling,”

“Tasha, my love,” he groaned as he felt her tighten around him.

He continued to thrust into her and soon he felt her buck underneath him and clutch at his buttocks as she hit her release.  He continued to pump against her and with a few final thrusts he spilled his seed into her, making her his.  He lowered himself to her as she hugged him close.  She welcomed the feel of his weight on her as he laid in her arms.  She ran her fingers through his long hair as he nuzzled her neck.

“I will stay here with you,” he said softly as he laid with her.

“What about your people?” she asked.

“Hamunaptura and the creature are no longer a threat.  There are many great men among my tribe that can lead, my place is with you,” he said.

“What about your family?” she asked.

“My family has long since perished.  You are my family now, we will have children of our own soon enough,” he said.  He moved from her and looked in her eyes, “You are my life and my love,”

“Oh Ardeth,” she smiled.  He kissed her and then felt her tense.

“What is wrong?” he asked.

“You have all ready taken my virginity,” she whispered, “The women will look for a sign of consummation and find nothing.  They will know,”

Ardeth moved from her and lifted his robes.  He pulled out some fabric and went back to her.  He unwrapped a small vile and she noticed the material around it.

“My scarf,” she said taking if from him.

“Yes, I found it the night I set out after you,” he said.

“And you’ve carried it all this time,” she said.

“Yes,” he said, “It carries your scent.  I carry it next to my heart,”

“Ardeth,” she smiled, “What is that?”

“You will see,” he said.  He took the cork from the vile and poured its contents onto the sheets.  It produced a pale red stain on the sheet, “It is berry juice, water, and some spice.  To the naked eye, it will appear to be blood.  No one need no that tonight was not our first time together,” 

“I can’t believe you thought of that,”

“I would not disgrace you before your family.  We made a decision to be together that night.  They would not understand our reasoning for doing so, so they need not know,” he said.

“Thank you Ardeth,” she said kissing him.

“I would do anything to keep you from harm,” he said kissing her back.  He took her into his arms again and she playfully pushed him away, “What are you doing?”

“I want to give you pleasure,” she smiled.

Ardeth smiled as she pushed him back on the bed.  She straddled his strong body and pressed her lips to his.  He eagerly kissed her back but he let her stay in control.  Her mouth left his and he felt himself shake as she kissed up his jaw line to his ear.  She nipped at his earlobe and she half smiled when she heard the gasp escape his lips.  She kissed down his neck to his throat lingering over his Adam’s apple. 

She worked her way down his chest and flicked her tongue against one of his nipples.  She heard and felt him take a sharp breath as she took it in her mouth biting it gently.  She felt him twine his fingers into long hair as she moved her mouth over him.  She moved down and Ardeth let out a soft cruse when she took him in her mouth.  It instantly sent a wave of tremors through him as she moved her mouth over his hard shaft. 

He still had his fingers twined in her soft hair as she moved on him.  It was taking every ounce of strength he had to keep from loosing control.  He wanted to let her finish what she had started.  He let out a groan that sounded more like a growl as she moved over him.

“Tasha,” he gasped, “I need to be inside you,”

She quickly released him and then straddled him again.  She felt him arch his hips trying to gain access to her.  She moved and then took him in her hand again.  She guided herself onto his shaft and she heard a string of what she assumed were curse words escaping his lips.  She began to move against him and Ardeth’s breath caught at the movement.  He quickly grabbed her hips and matched her rhythm as he thrusted up to meet her.

She cried out in pleasure as he rammed into her eager opening.  Without warning Ardeth sat up and grabbed her around the waist.  Without withdrawing, he lifted her and she soon felt her back on the bed.  Ardeth grunted as he began thrusting into her hard.

“OH!” she cried as he pounded against her, “Oh Ardeth, yes,”

He continued to thrust into her and soon he felt her convulse as her release shook her body.  With a final thrust, he joined her spilling his hot seed into her tired body.  He withdrew from her then held her close.  He loved making love to her; it was like nothing he had ever felt before.  They made love more during the night finally falling asleep as the dawn began to break.  They drifted off into slumber full of love and hope for their future together.

~*~

One year later

Ardeth rolled over and felt the empty space in the bed next to him.  Her pillow was still warm so he knew she hadn’t been gone long.  He rose from the bed and slipped on his robe as he left their room.  Once in the hall, he saw the pale light coming from under the nearby door and went to it.

He pushed the door open and there she was.  She was sitting in the moonlight, in her rocking chair.  He could hear her humming softly as she rocked.  He moved inside and she looked at him as he approached.  He gave her a soft smile as he saw her.  Her breast was exposed and he watched as his son nursed from her full bosom.  He reached out and touched his hand to his son’s silken curls.

He had Ardeth’s dark wavy hair, and his mothers emerald eyes.  Even at such a young age, he was proving himself quite strong.  Ardeth had felt his kicks when he was still in the womb and he had much power.  At just a few weeks old, he was all ready trying to lift his head.  He was now growing sleepy in his mother’s arms and released her breast.  She placed her son on her shoulder and rubbed his back until he burped.  Ardeth smiled that such a big noise coming from such a small body.

She carried her son to the changing table and changed his diaper.  She held him close and Ardeth looked at her.  Her eyes were full of so much love for the tiny bundle in her arms.  She had been so strong and brave when he was born.  She took nothing for pain and agonized for hours while trying to birth their son.  Ardeth insisted on staying with her and got to witness his son’s entrance into the world.

They named their son Richard after his dear friend Rick O’ Connell.  It was his way of thanking him for reuniting him with Tasha.  Ardeth had finally broke and told Tasha the truth about how he came to marry her.  After the conversation with her father, he went to Rick.  They did some digging and found out that her own father had staged her kidnapping.  He hadn’t arranged a marriage to Jared at all; he was selling his daughter to the highest bidder.  The kidnapping was planned to extort more money from her perspective husband.  For all his wealth, his daughter was a pawn in his eyes.

Ardeth went back to her father and confronted him with the information.  Between the threat of being arrested and having Ardeth’s scimitar pressed to his throat he had little choice but to let him wed Tasha.  Ardeth finally told her the whole truth after her father was killed in a hunting accident.  He felt it wasn’t truly an accident at all. 

His son was now resting in his cradle as Tasha turned to her husband.  She smiled at him as she walked over to him.  He drew her into his arms and hugged her close.  Living in England was an adjustment but one he took in stride.  He had Rick to help him through the rough spots and was even adjusting to the clothes.  He still drew looks though with his tattoos but he was getting use to it.  He liked having Rick to talk to and the two families spent a great deal of time together.

From time to time, he missed the desert and even though it was no longer his home, he knew someday he would return.  When his son was old enough he wanted to take him back to Egypt, and let him see the wonders of his homeland.  He heard a deep sigh escape from Tasha and he ran his hand up her back.

“Is everything all right my love?” he asked softly.

“Yes,” she smiled looking into her husband’s eyes, “Everything is perfect.  Our strong little warrior is now asleep,”

“Then we shall return to our bed,” he said with a devilish smile, “I wish to hear your cries of ecstasy my loving Princess,”

“As you wish, my Medjai Prince,” she smiled.

The End