With a sigh of resignation, she returned his embrace and cradled her head in the crook of his neck. She felt at home in his arms.
“You belong to me now, you are my magical golden bird,” he whispered as he stroked her silky, golden tresses.
When his words sunk through her feeling of euphoria, she pushed away from him.
Her sudden anger startled him, and put him on the defensive. “What is it now?” he asked impatiently.
“I don’t belong to anyone. I am a person, not a bird. I’m not a pet to be pampered and played with,” she shouted at him.
“But that is not what I want,” he shouted back at her, although he had thought of her as a wounded bird, caught, and lovingly cared for. He only wanted to protect her.
“Well, that’s what it feels like.” she said.
“Then what can I do to change that feeling?” he asked sincerely.
“I don’t know.” she cried as she turned and ran into the bathroom.
Rashid threw up his hands in exasperation, and stormed out. He should have remembered how American women felt about being referred to as property, but that was not what he had meant. It was true he felt she belonged to him, but he also belonged to her. They had formed a bond that would last forever. She could not deny that, even though she tried. No matter, he would convince her yet.
Once sure he had left, she went back into the bedroom, and sank down on the bed. What had she done? Now she was more confused than ever.
Rashid stomped around in his apartment above his study, slamming drawers and doors. Hassad watched his master in stoic silence, he knew better than to interfere.
“So she wants to go on a date.” he muttered out loud.
“Pardon, Highness? Is there something I can help you with?” asked Hassad in Arabic, though he was fluent in English.
Rashid stared, as if seeing his servant for the first time, then replied in English, “I am sorry Hassad. I was just thinking aloud. ... but maybe there is something you can do. Yes, that is just the thing. I want you to make preparations to set up camp in the desert, at the oasis.”
Hassad bowed, “As you wish, Highness. We can have that arranged by the end of the week.”