She nodded, picked up a piece of bread, and sat down on the opposite couch.
Except for his height, Rashid didn’t look anything like Philip. He was much darker in complexion, with black hair and brown eyes. His face was boyish, almost effeminate, with smooth, soft skin, where Philip’s was rugged and heavily bearded. Philip was broad and muscular, but Rashid was actually skinny.
“Your brother has posted a very large reward for your safe return, Christina,” said Rashid. “I have heard that he and his men search for you among all the caravans and desert tribes.”
“And pray tell, do you wish to collect that reward, Mr. Alhamar?” Christina inquired icily.
The question brought a scowl from Philip.
“There will be no more talk of a reward,” Philip said to Rashid, his voice heavy with malice. “I will tell you once only. Christina is here to stay because I wish it. As head of this tribe, no one will question me about her. She is my woman and shall be treated as such. And you are never to enter my bedroom again.”
Rashid laughed. “Nura said you were being overly protective of this one. I can see she was right. Nura is jealous of your new woman, you know. She always hoped to become your wife herself.”
“Ah, women,” Philip shrugged. “I never gave Nura any reason to hope for marriage.”
“But she is just like all the other young women of the tribe. They all want your attentions.” Christina thought she heard envy in his voice.
“Enough talk of women,” Philip replied sourly. “Where have you been, Rashid? And why weren’t you here when I returned to camp?”
“I was in El Balyana, where I heard of a large caravan stopping. It was there that I learned of Christina’s disappearance. The caravan was two days late in arriving or I would have been here to welcome you back.”
Taking a small sack from the inside of his robe, Rashid opened it and poured the contents on the table.
“This is the reason I waited so long. I knew where they would be hidden, so it was quite easy to steal them.”
Christina’s eyes opened wide as she saw the magnificent jewels roll onto the table. There were huge diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and other precious stones that she didn’t recognize. But the most beautiful stone was a huge ruby shining with many blood-red facets. The ruby alone was truly worth a king’s ransom.
“Of course, since you are head of the tribe, they are yours,” Rashid said reluctantly.
“What would I do with a sack full of jewels?” Philip laughed. “I have no need for wealth here, nor do I wish it. You may keep the jewels, since you went to the trouble of stealing them.”
“I hoped you would feel that way, Abu.” Rashid scooped the jewels back into the sack and hid them in his robe.
“I just hope you use the gems wisely,” Philip said. “Have you been to see our father yet?”
“I will go see him now. He became very ill a few months ago. Maidi pulled him through, but he has not been strong since. I fear he will not live long,” Rashid said flatly.
Philip saw his brother out and stayed at the entrance staring into the camp. What kind of man was he, Christina wondered, that he could so casually hear that his father was dying? What kind of man could turn away a fortune in jewels as if they were ordinary stones? Would she ever understand this man who had made her his mistress? Did she want to understand him?
Slowly Philip turned around, raising both hands to brush back the hair that had fallen into his face. Christina could read the sadness in his dark-green eyes.
So—he did feel pain after all. Suddenly she wanted to go to him and put her arms around him. She wanted to wipe away his sadness. What was the matter with her? She hated him. Besides, he would only laugh at her.
“I think it’s time you met the people of my tribe,” he said quietly, crossing the tent to stand before her. He cupped her chin in his hand and lifted her face to his. “That is—if you have nothing better to do.”
“My sewing can wait,” she replied.
Philip’s hand dropped to her tiny waist as she stood up. They were standing only a few inches apart, and his nearness made Christina’s pulse beat warmly. She felt herself melting, losing control. She hated his effect on her. She had to say something to break the mood between them.
“Do you wish to go now, Your Highness?” she said sarcastically.
“There is no Highness here, Tina. I told you to call me Philip.” His hand tightened on her waist.
“Yes sir, Your Highness,” she returned demurely.
“Enough!” he roared. “If you want me to turn you over my knee and wale the vindictiveness out of your hide, then you may persist. Otherwise, go put your slippers on.”
Christina didn’t wait around to find out if Philip would carry out his threat. She scurried into the bedroom and, finding her slippers under the bed, donned them quickly and came back into the main room.
