Fire in the Heart : The Princess and the Bandit (9781629020112) Read online

  His chest throbbed again. “Why?”

  She turned quickly. “Because if I don’t, the kingdom will fall to the barbarian hordes! And everything will crumble around us. The sky will fall!” She swung her arms wildly. “And…” Then she stopped and stared into the night.

  Elijah let the stillness of the night air settle around them.

  “It’s just my father. This is his will. The will of the sultan be done, right?” continued Natalia.

  Elijah stepped toward her.

  “I wish I was free…like you,” she said as she gazed into his eyes.

  Elijah nodded.

  “Am I asking too much?” she asked as a tear exposed itself.

  Both of his hands grabbed hers. “No, you are not.”

  She broke a tiny smile. “Sometimes, I think you are my only way out. You are the dream that I wish to live in. I wish I could escape this reality of mine and just live in this dream I have with you.”

  Elijah gently raised his hand to her face. A surge of passion rushed through his body as he drank in her beauty—so smooth, so perfect. How he wanted to kiss her moistened face. “Hey. It’s okay.” He wiped the moisture away. “We are going to get through this together. I promise.”

  Natalia pleaded, “How?”

  Elijah nodded. “I will figure something out. Do not worry yourself.”

  “Well, what do I do in the meantime?” Her voice was strained.

  Elijah turned his gaze up at the sky for a moment. “When is the first prince coming?”

  “Three days from now. Why?”

  A grin suddenly appeared. “Well. When he comes, you be the most disgusting, nasty princess the world has ever seen.”

  The stillness was shattered by her laugh.

  “Yeah! Just completely disgust him with your bad manners and everything!” continued Elijah.

  Still laughing, she asked, “And how will I go about that?”

  He gleamed. “Pick your nose at the table.”

  She frowned and hit Elijah’s shoulder. “Elijah!”

  “Belch! Or be really obnoxious! Maybe throw your dinner in his face?”

  She kept laughing as his list grew. “Make him run away from you.”

  Natalia suddenly stopped. “Do you think it would work?”

  “Of course, it will!”

  Natalia smiled. “And would it work on you?” as she squeezed his hand.

  Elijah chuckled. “You’re going to have to try harder than that to get away from me, Natalia.”

  Finally, Elijah felt the mood change as they again embraced. He held his breath for as long as he could with her head resting against his chest. “Thank you, Elijah. Thank you for being there for me,” she replied.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Elijah.

  As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Elijah’s thoughts went into overtime. He wondered, Should I kiss her? Is it too early? Will it upset her if I do? He kept thinking of how beautiful she was. Again, his knees tried to give way.

  Her giggle broke his thoughts. “What?” he asked.

  Her eyebrow gently lifted as she slowly replied, “Nothing. Will you watch the stars with me tonight?”

  Elijah looked away. “Well, Natalia. You know I have so many other important things to take care of,” he said, with a grin.

  Giggling, she punched his chest. “Come over here.” She grabbed his hand and started to walk away.

  Suddenly, a loud cracking noise jolted them. Something slammed onto the roof in the shadows not far away. They stood motionless until Elijah slowly stepped closer. He noticed a couple of stacked crates with a third fallen one. But whatever had caused it was gone.

  Behind him, Natalia peered out. “What is it?”

  “It’s nothing,” answered Elijah as he turned back into her embrace.

  Chapter 10

  Brilliant yellows and reds flickered throughout the desolate room tonight. Karam’s dark skin shone from a day of sweating and the reflected flames now heating the area. The smell of fresh game, rabbit to be exact, taunted the hungry men and gave the underground hideout a slight resemblance to a place once called home. The abandoned building was large, but not large enough to accommodate the nearly 500 followers of the rebel leader. One thousand eyes proved to be Karam’s most valuable asset as he built his ever-increasing threat against the sultan. A handful of these men were standing, ready to serve as they prepared to leave. The town weaponry, next to the large prison, was closed to all but the sultan’s men. Tonight, Karam planned to change that and provide him and his men with all the weapons and armor they needed. Weeks of scouting consistently verified a minimum number of guards, usually two to four, guarded the fortified structure. But Karam wasn’t afraid, not with his overwhelming numbers, and especially as they put the finishing touches on their blades. Some were eating too, and several had just donned their specially made masks.

  Karam yelled, “Mackosh, come!”

  A skinny bandit ran up to Karam. “Yes, sir?” he said.

  “Are the men ready?”

  Mackosh replied, “Yes, sir. They are waiting on you.”

  Karam slipped off his turban and exposed his dark chiseled face. His dark hair, parted down the middle, hung on either side of his powerful eyes. He wore metal armor, bands of steel wrapped around his arms and torso, allowing his skin to shine through. He grabbed his mask from the floor and slowly covered his face, showing only his eyes. He asked, “Then what are we waiting for? Let us go.”

  Karam and twenty of his men left the hideout and were soon walking the dark and quiet streets of the city. He checked his two blades and led his men through the dark alleys. On the way, he came upon a beggar. The poor man, huddled in a corner, started shaking as soon as he realized who was approaching him. The man instantly begged, “Please do not hurt me. I am just a common beggar!” and covered his face with his hands.

  Karam glanced at his men and then bent down. “Any luck begging today?”

  His quivering voice replied, “I…I…”

  Karam kicked the man’s begging cup and sent a few tiny pieces of silver flying. He picked up the coins and stuffed them in his pocket.

  The beggar cried, “No! Please! That is all I have!”

  Karam threw the cup square in the man’s face.

  “Argh!” cried the beggar as he fell onto his side.

  Karam said, “Thank you for all your hard work,” as several others chuckled.

  “Please! It’s all I have!” pleaded the beggar.

  Karam quickly turned away with his followers close behind.

  The ruthless leader’s thoughts turned to the thrill of ransacking the weapon’s store and taking the armor and weapons that his formidable army desperately needed. His plans of soon taking over the city would finally become a reality. He would rule, as it should have always been.

  Mackosh whispered, “Sir! There they are!”

  Karam immediately noticed the familiar shop with two guards standing watch. He motioned in the air and everyone circled around. He whispered, “I will distract them.” They nodded and quickly disappeared into the shadows. Karam smiled under his mask. He always loved the adrenaline, the euphoria that rushed through him before a kill. He waited patiently, giving his men enough time for positioning. The prison, next to the shop, was dark and quiet. He could see the bars in the openings, down low, holding poor souls in the underground dungeon. Karam finally broke free of the shadows as he walked toward the guards.

  A bold voice shouted, “Who goes there?”

  Karam kept his pace.

  Their spears were readied.

  Karam’s steps didn’t falter as the voice again sounded out, “I said, who goes there?”

  Head down, Karam replied, “Your worst nightmare.”

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nbsp; The two guards glanced at each other just as Karam pulled out his blades.

  One more wary guard immediately charged the rebel. “Hey!” he shouted.

  Just then, the horde of bandits jumped from the roof. One slammed his axe into the back of a guard’s head, killing him instantly. Another bandit thrust his dagger into the second guard’s shoulder, causing him to scream out and fall to the ground. They flooded the shop moments later.

  Karam walked up to the injured guard as he writhed in pain. Holding his bloody shoulder, he mumbled, “Who are you?”

  Karam pulled off his mask and grinned. “I am the new sultan!” he said.

  “You’re crazy! You won’t get away with this!” the guard cried.

  Karam winked. “I already have.” In one move, he stabbed the man in the chest. Blood spewed out of his mouth as he dropped dead to the ground.

  Three of the bandits dragged the screaming storeowner into the street. One of the bandits shouted, “Shut up!” just as they reached the still-grinning Karam.

  He pleaded, “Take whatever you want! Please don’t kill me! Please…”

  Karam’s back hand crashed down, dropping him instantly to the ground.

  The cowering man held his jaw. “Why are you doing this to me?” he whimpered.

  Boldly, Karam exclaimed, “You sell your weapons and armor to my greatest enemy! The sultan!”

  He tried to rise up. “What?” he shouted.

  Karam continued, “You will not let my men buy from your store? Why?” as he lifted his sword.

  “I…” stammered the owner.

  “Why!” shouted Karam as he reached down with his powerful grasp and pulled the man close.

  Jerking backward, he replied, “I am not allowed to sell weapons to commoners!”

  “And that will be your downfall!” laughed Karam.

  He tried to push back. “You can take whatever you want! It’s all yours!” shouted the owner.

  “So easily persuaded when you are about to be killed,” whispered Karam.

  Tears filled the man’s eyes. “Please, I beg you!” he cried.

  “I hate beggars,” said Karam as he stealthfully slid his blade across the man’s throat.

  Karam dropped the dead man and glanced around. “Take everything we can use! Shields! Axes, swords, bows! Take it all!” he shouted.

  As the men were running back into the shop, a distant voice stopped Karam in his tracks. “You won’t get away with that.”

  Karam jerked toward the sound. “Who said that?” he said as his eyes narrowed.

  “I did.”

  Karam spun around.

  “Over here.”

  Karam looked down toward the prison’s dark, barred openings. He exclaimed, “Interesting.” A few moments later, he stooped and came face to face with an older, light-haired man with a mustache. “You must be the Crusader?” said Karam.

  “I am,” he said.

  Karam laughed. “Aren’t you going to be executed soon?”

  The crusader smiled as he replied, “That’s what they keep telling me.”

  Karam stood up. “Well, mind your tongue, Crusader. It won’t be there for much longer anyways,” he said as he glanced back toward the shop.

  “So you really think you will become the new sultan, huh?”

  Karam stared back down at the man.

  “You see, you are in quite a predicament, my friend.” He pointed at Karam. “You see. I know your name, and I know your face. I could turn you in.”

  Karam boldly laughed. “You are a prisoner, a well-hated crusader to my people. What makes you think they will listen to you?” he said as his face darkened.

  The crusader smirked. “Are you willing to take that chance?”

  After a brief pause, he looked up at the rebel. “You see. If you help me out here and help me escape, my lips are sealed.”

  Karam chuckled and rubbed his forehead. “What is your name, Crusader?”

  “I am Aiken.”

  “Ah, well. It was a pleasure to meet you, Aiken.” Karam kicked up a rush of sand into Aiken’s face. Aiken screamed as he fell backward. “Enjoy your execution!” said Karam as he turned away.

  The sound of horse’s hooves, beating the hard surface, echoed down the street. A dark rider suddenly appeared in front of Karam.

  Face to face, Karam exclaimed, “What are you doing, Zeke? You are supposed to be watching out for guards on the north side of the city!” He felt his face flush as he glared.

  Zeke nodded and replied, “Yes, sir. I have urgent news!”

  Karam crossed his arms. “This had better be good, Zeke.” Nervously, Karam glanced at the increased activity in front of the shop.

  “You’re going to like this, Karam.”

  “I’m listening.”

  Zeke whispered, “It’s Elijah!”

  Karam glared. “Why do you insist on following that fool?!”

  With hands extended, Zeke replied, “I have confirmed what you wanted me to confirm.”

  Hand on chin, Karam said, “Oh really?”

  Zeke continued. “It is the princess who is with him,” he said, gleaming.

  Nodding, Karam smiled, “Yes. You said you suspected it last time.”

  Zeke glanced away. “Yes, sir, and you called me an idiot for suspecting it was her. I know now for a fact that it is her.”

  Karam’s eyes narrowed again. “Why would the princess sneak out of her palace to see that rat thief?”

  Zeke replied, “I do not know, but it is her. I saw them together again tonight. They have been meeting every night now.”

  Karam paused as he rested his hand under his chin. “I’m impressed, Zeke. I want you to continue following these two lovebirds. See what happens. We may use this to our advantage.” The moon lit a sparkle in his eye.

  “How so?” questioned Zeke.

  Karam snickered. “I don’t know yet. Keep me informed, maybe we can surprise them the next time they decide to get together.”

  After Karam watched Zeke disappear into the night, he quickly walked toward the mounting pile of weapons.

  Chapter 11

  Natalia barely noticed the splashing water from the eight elephant fountains lining the pool. Normally, she loved gazing at the water pouring from their trunks, but not today. Her mind was elsewhere, specifically in the adjacent banquet room. She had peeked in earlier and was startled by the activity. Cooks were adorning last-minute touches on their beautiful creations, servers kept adjusting the table settings, and the musicians were busy tuning their string instruments. Some of the nearly fifty guests were starting to arrive, and she could see the sultan moving towards her from down the long, marble hallway. Three cooks blocked the view of her father as they carried platters of cut meats on their shoulders. More servants followed with colorful fruits and then breads. The setting sun sent beams of golden light through the keyhole window openings high up in the far wall. The ornamental decorations sparkled from the spreading rays.

  She looked down at her commoner’s clothing from the servant’s quarters. The sun’s reflection bounced off her full-length mirror, drawing attention to her hair. She reached up and pulled it in several directions, intentionally messing it up. Grinning, she adjusted it once more, satisfied. Makeup in hand, a dark line formed down her cheek, causing her to grin anew. She giggled. This will definitely do it! she thought. Dipping her hand into an open jar of garlic, she then slowly smeared it on her arms. “This is going to be perfect!” she muttered. Suddenly, she turned to some commotion coming from the throne room. That must be the prince? she thought. Then Elijah’s words ran back through her mind, “You have to be the most disgusting princess in the world.” Her grin quickly reappeared, and after one more quick glance, she stepped out into the hall.

/>   A fast pause was all she dared to take as she entered the throne room. Her father stood next to his gold-covered throne, talking to an aged man with a red and white turban. His bushy eyebrows immediately caught her attention. She noticed Mera quietly standing beside the man, hands folded. Natalia looked at him again and shook her head as she stepped closer to the small group.

  A waif of garlic drifted across her nose just as the sultan spoke, “So what gifts do you bring from your land?” he said, with a rather large grin.

  After a prolonged bow, the prince said, “Ah! Allow me…” His slaves carefully lifted the lid from a large crate. “Our very own magic dancers!” Out jumped four scantily clothed women, complete with strings of bells around their bellies and foreheads. Their flowing green skirts seemed to Natalia to clash with the red silk scarves they were wildly waving. Without warning, they started jiggling their hips to the sounds of the accompanying string ensemble.

  Natalia watched her father’s gleam disappear. “Hmmm,” he said. They both watched as the dancers moved through the growing crowd of guests. Natalia smiled at the ground.

  When Natalia could bring her eyes again to bear, she realized that the dancers were nowhere in sync. How embarrassing! she thought. Suddenly, one of the them tripped and nearly sprawled across the floor. Luckily, a portly guest reached out just in time. Suppressing a laugh, she glanced at the fidgeting prince. Strands from his rope belt fell to the floor just as the music stopped and the dancers gave an abrupt bow.

  Only a couple onlookers clapped.

  The prince started stuttering. “Eh hem. Well. Did you like it, Your Majesty?” he asked.

  Finally, Mera leaned over. “Sultan!” she whispered as she covered her grin.

  The sultan quickly shook his shoulders and turned. “Well. Shall we prepare for dinner?”

  Wiping beads of sweat from his brow, the prince replied, “Yes! Where is this lovely princess of yours! I have so been looking forward to gaze upon her beauty!”

  Natalia turned around, directly in front of them, and waved. “I’m here!” Her eyes quickly darted to her father. She was unable to see that the entire room stood motionless, gazing. Several gasped.