Ziyaeddin straightened, and whatever tension he had been exuding during their dinner seemed to leave him all at once. “I should like for us to do it again.”

  “Now?” Charlotte asked in alarm.

  He chuckled. “Not now.” His attention went to the balcony. “However...” Grabbing his dressing gown from the bed, he hurried to the balcony and spread the garment over the ledge of the stone railing.

  “What are you...?”

  Charlotte’s query was cut off when he directed her to stand before him as he sat on the ledge. Even in the dark, Charlotte could see his manhood, already hard with his arousal, jutting from the dark nest of curls at the apex of his thighs.

  “Are you quite sure about this?” she asked in a whisper, glancing over the edge. With only a waxing moon in the eastern sky, she couldn’t make out the details of the ground below. “Someone could see us.”

  “It’s dark. Don’t look down,” he warned, placing his hands on either side of her hips to lift her. “Open for me, Charlotte.”

  Her hands immediately went to his shoulders, gripping them until she could place her knees on either side of his thighs. Excitement at what they were about to do combined with her fear of falling made for a heady combination.

  Already wet with anticipation, she impaled herself on his turgid cock, inhaling when his mouth covered one of her breasts. “Oh!” she gasped.

  Despite her position, Charlotte allowed him to do most of the work of lifting and lowering her as he thrust into her. She was glad for the cooling night breeze that lifted the veil from her back and caressed her naked skin.

  Afraid they would fall over the edge, she leaned back, her spine arching as her arms straightened. Ziyaeddin’s low growl filled the quiet night as one of his hands gave up its hold on her bottom so he could press his thumb where their two bodies met.

  Determined to remain quiet—she feared someone might hear them and appear on an adjacent balcony—Charlotte mewled through her ecstasy as a wash of warmth filled her lower body.

  She continued to mewl as his arms wrapped around her and held her, his mouth covering one of her breasts.

  His body jerked again and again when she repeatedly clenched his manhood, as if she intended to incite every possible bit of pleasure in their joining.

  When his labored breaths evened out, Ziyaeddin moved his mouth to cover her other breast before he pulled away slightly and instead nibbled on her nipple.

  Charlotte clung to him, her breaths uneven. Her mewls quieted to slight inhalations of breath and finally to a long sigh.

  Sure he would fall asleep at any moment, Charlotte was about to straighten one of her legs when he stilled her movement with a hand. “Wrap your legs around me,” he ordered.

  Hesitating for a moment—she wasn’t sure she could—Charlotte was about to put voice to a protest when he leaned to one side. “Ziyaeddin,” she scolded, fearing he might fall backwards. But the move gave her the space she needed to straighten her leg and then wrap it around his back. When he leaned in the other direction, she did the same with the other leg and then hooked one foot around the other. In the dark, she could make out his huge grin. “What are you going to do?”

  “Hang onto me,” he said as he leaned forward and straightened from the balcony’s ledge. With his cock firmly inside her and his arms wrapped beneath her bottom, he was able to make it to the bed.

  “You’ve done this before,” she accused.

  His brows furrowed. “I have not,” he responded. “Nor would I have thought to if you hadn’t taken me at the fountain.”

  “Taken you?” she repeated as she displayed a brilliant smile. “Is that what you think happened?”

  He chuckled. “No one has ever ordered me to sit down before.”

  She sobered slightly, stunned at how he stared at her. “There is a first time for everything, I suppose.” She glanced down at the bed. “Now what?” He had made no move to let her down.

  “Lie atop me. I wish to remain inside you,” he murmured.

  “All right,” she agreed.

  He backed onto the bed, and as her legs lowered to his thighs, he straightened. She felt the muscles in his arms bunch as he moved them farther onto the bed, and then she felt his entire body relax as he fell asleep.

  Arranging the purple veil so it covered her backside, Charlotte settled onto his body, her head resting in the small of his shoulder. Given the excitement they had shared on the edge of the balcony, it was a long time before she closed her eyes and even longer before she finally succumbed to sleep.

  CHAPTER 22

  THE DECISION FOR A DAUGHTER IS MADE

  The following morning

  “I cannot stay abed this morning,” Ziyaeddin whispered as he allowed the edges of the purple veil to slip between his fingers.

  “You’re going on a hunt,” Charlotte murmured, remembering the arrangements that had been made over dinner. She stretched and rolled off his body, the veil wrapping itself around her torso.

  He lifted himself onto one elbow and fingered the edge of the silk again. Charlotte noticed, wondering at his odd expression. “Sevinc had it delivered yesterday. It arrived only moments before you came for me.”

  Ziyaeddin gave a start, and he sat up. “Oh,” he said before he grunted.

  Charlotte’s eyes narrowed. “From where did you think I got it?”

  He stared at her a moment before he glanced away. “I did not know, and I admit it had me most vexed.”

  Sitting up on the bed, Charlotte stared at him. “Why didn’t you simply ask me?”

  He stood from the bed and made his way to the balcony to retrieve his dressing robe, the sight of his morning tumescence causing Charlotte’s nipples to tighten. They stood out in silhouette behind the translucent silk of the veil, and Ziyaeddin noticed when he returned to stand next to the bed.

  “I may have feared the answer,” he grumbled.

  She scoffed. “Who else would have given it to me?”

  Ziyaeddin sat on the edge of the bed. “Word has reached my concubines that I have favored you these past few nights.”

  Charlotte inhaled softly. “Are they... jealous?” she asked in a whisper, watching as he turned his body and crawled toward her.

  “Or they are relieved. I can never be sure with some of them,” he murmured as he pulled one of her hands to his face and kissed the palm. He pressed his nose to her wrist and inhaled deeply, humming softly as the floral scent of her perfume filled his nostrils. A smirk lifted the corners of his lips, and he suddenly appeared years younger. “I have not visited the harem in a very long time, so I do not know their thoughts,” he admitted. “However, they know better than to complain.” He nudged her knees apart with one of his, and she lifted her knees to press them against his thighs.

  “What happens if they do?” she asked, her voice breathy.

  “I marry them off to someone in my...” He struggled for the English word.

  “Cabinet?” she offered before he slid his cock along her wet folds until his sac pressed onto her womanhood. She gasped as he reversed direction until his tip was at her entrance.

  “Cabinet,” he affirmed. He thrust into her, and Charlotte arched her back in response, crying out his name as she clenched him.

  He kept his arms straight as he thrust into her again and again, his moves quickening until his release had him stilling his body. His head thrown back, he growled as the cords in his neck became visible.

  Charlotte watched in fascination, the morning light from the balcony casting him as a golden god. She could only hope it was doing her the same favor.

  She guided his body down onto hers, grinning when he kissed the side of her neck. “When you said you were going hunting, I didn’t think you meant for me.”

  He chuckled, but the reminder of the hunt had him rising. She hissed when he pulled his still engorged manhood from her body. Wrapped in the purple veil, Charlotte felt as if her entire body was quaking from the quick bout of lovemaking.

  “I do hope you do not think of yourself as prey, my duchess,” he remarked as he moved to dress. “But I shall be on the hunt for you again tonight.”

  Charlotte turned onto her side, holding her head up on a hand as her elbow pressed into the bed. She watched him pull on a pair of trousers and a shirt. “So you have not tired of me?” she asked, secretly glad when he gave her a quelling glance.

  “There is still much for us to learn about one another,” he replied as he pulled on a waistcoat and quickly buttoned it.

  Hearing the rebuke in his voice, Charlotte decided to change the subject. “Thank you for allowing Sevinc to join us for dinner last night,” she commented.

  “It was good practice for her. She will need it in her role as a wife for one of my... cabinets.”

  Charlotte sat up in alarm. “Ministers... viziers,” she corrected. “Does that mean you have decided on someone?” she asked in worry.

  About to pull on a coat, Ziyaeddin paused. “I have.”

  “Does he know?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Does she know?”

  Ziyaeddin shrugged. “I have not told her who I have chosen, but she knows she is to marry.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why do you look like that?”

  Swallowing, Charlotte blinked a few times. “She is so inquisitive. So anxious to see the world. I do hope whoever you have chosen for her will appreciate her desire for knowledge.”

  Ziyaeddin sighed as he finished buttoning up his coat. He placed a simple turban on his head and straightened it before turning his attention back to Charlotte. “He will have to,” he said, although his words did not sound convincing. Plucking a large silver ring from a nearby table, he thrust it onto one of his thumbs.

  “What is that?” Charlotte asked.

  He glanced down at his hand before lifting it in her direction. “My bow ring.”

  She blinked. “You’re hunting with bow and arrows?” she asked in surprise.

  It was Ziyaeddin’s turn to blink. “I cannot use a sword.”

  Charlotte swallowed, hoping James had been practicing his archery.

  “I must go.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead before giving her a grin.

  “Where is your cravat?” she asked. At his look of confusion, she said, “Neckcloth.”

  He scowled. “I am going hunting,” he replied, as if that was answer enough. His silver eyes suddenly darkened. “I like you wrapped in a veil,” he murmured. “I shall have another sent to you for tonight.”

  Charlotte felt the heat of a blush color her face. “Will I see you when you return for luncheon?”

  “I will send for you,” he said, leaning over to kiss her again on her forehead.

  “I’ll be ready,” she replied. She watched him depart, the oddest sensation gripping her chest.

  It was a long time before she dressed and left the sultan’s bedchamber, her thoughts on their bargain.

  Two more nights.

  Surely he would grow bored of her after two more nights. Wouldn’t he?

  But what about her?

  CHAPTER 23

  A GARDEN LUNCHEON BRINGS NEWS

  Later that day

  Parma had just finished dressing her mistress in a pale yellow sprigged muslin gown when there was a knock at the door. “Oh, Your Grace. I haven’t finished pinning up your hair,” she said. While most of Charlotte’s hair was captured in a loose bun atop her head, a large lock hung down over Charlotte’s shoulder. Given there were only oil lamps by which to heat the curling iron, it took longer than usual to complete a coiffure.

  “I quite like it like this,” the duchess said, angling her head in both directions as she regarded her reflection in the mirror. “Reminds me of styles from the last century.”

  Parma answered the door to discover Sevinc on the other side.

  “I am to escort Duchess Charlotte to luncheon,” Sevinc said happily. “And to deliver this.” She held out a bundle of blue silk.

  “Another veil?” Charlotte asked as she joined the sultana. Her day gown was a stark contrast to Sevinc’s hunter green ensemble. She responded to the young woman’s curtsy with one of her own. “The color of this is gorgeous,” she remarked as she fingered the blue fabric. “I must thank your father for thinking of me.” Handing the veil to Parma, she turned and was about to leave the room when she noticed Sevinc hesitating to join her. “What is it, My Sultana?”

  “Your head,” Sevinc whispered. “It must be covered, Your Grace,” she said carefully. “Luncheon is being served outdoors. In the gardens.”

  “Oh, that sounds delightful,” Charlotte replied, wondering if the choice of venue had been up to the sultan. “I’m quite sure I have something appropriate,” she added. She returned to the dressing table as Parma retrieved a silk flowered hat from one of the trunks.

  Sevinc watched in wonder as Parma pinned the hat into place on one side of Charlotte’s coiffure. “There are times I wish I could wear such a hat,” she murmured when Charlotte caught her reflection in the mirror.

  “Why can’t you?”

  Dipping her head, Sevinc said, “They do not match with our clothes,” she said as she held out her entari in one hand and her şalvar in the other.

  “I have one that would be perfect for your ensemble,” Charlotte argued, instructing Parma to retrieve the hat from her riding habit.

  Sevinc grinned as Parma removed her headdress and set the hunter green hat in its place. “It’s perfect,” she announced, grinning at her reflection in the mirror.

  The two left the chamber, Sevinc’s arm hooked into Charlotte’s elbow. “Have you heard if the hunt was successful?” the duchess asked as they made their way down the steps to the atrium.

  “I was watching from a balcony when the men returned,” Sevinc admitted. “They appeared to have a goodly number of birds.” She dipped her head and added, “Lord James rides well.”

  Charlotte grinned. “He should. He’s been riding horses since he was three years old,” she said. “But I don’t think he’s ever hunted with a bow and arrow.”

  They emerged from the palace into sunshine and a pleasantly warm day. “It’s like a summer day in England,” Charlotte commented as they passed through the iron gate of the gardens. A low table and cushions had been arranged on the largest open area of the garden, and several gentlemen stood about conversing. Although the sound of the fountain was evident, it wasn’t in sight.

  Upon seeing Charlotte, the sultan was quick to step away from two younger men to take her hand to his lips.

  Charlotte’s eyes rounded at seeing him perform the courtesy. “Your Highness,” she murmured as she curtsied. “I trust you have had a good hunt?”

  “There shall be grouse for everyone in the palace for this evening’s dinner,” he replied in a loud voice. He turned his attention on his daughter, who smiled broadly as she took his hand to her lips and then to her forehead.

  The happy expression on Ziyaeddin’s face faltered when he noticed his daughter’s manner of headdress. “I suppose this was your idea?” he asked as he fingered the brim of the green felt.

  Sevinc shook her head, her eyes darting in Charlotte’s direction. “I admit to saying I wished I could wear a hat.”

  “I think it’s perfect with her clothes, Your Highness,” Charlotte stated. “Don’t you?”

  He lowered his voice. “You might have warned me about your son’s ability with a bow. He took more birds than I,” he complained.

  Blinking, Charlotte’s attention went to her son, who was making his way in her direction. “I knew he was proficient in archery, but I had no idea he could hunt with a bow,” she replied in awe. Joshua had taken her sons hunting many times, but always with guns.

  “Mother,” James said with a grin. He kissed her cheek. “You look as if you could be one of the flowers in this glorious garden.” He turned his gaze onto Sevinc. “And you the loveliest, Sultana Sevinc.”

  Tittering, Charlotte felt heat color her cheeks as her gaze caught the sultan staring at her. “Careful, James, or we will assume you are after a favor,” she said.

  James moved to stand before the sultana. “I look forward to your tour this afternoon, Your Highness,” he said as he took her hand to his lips and brushed them over her knuckles..

  “As do I,” Sevinc replied, dipping a curtsy.

  “May I have the honor of escorting you to a seat?” he asked as a line of servants appeared bearing trays and bowls of food. They distributed them along the length of the table and then just as quickly disappeared.

  Sevinc nodded and the two stepped away as Ertuğrul and David approached.

  “Your Grace,” David said as he bowed and took her hand. “Your Highness.”

  “Good afternoon, David, Ertuğrul,” she replied. “Have you had your fill of architecture this morning?” she asked, remembering David was to spend time with the sultan’s son.

  “Hardly, Aunt Charlotte,” he replied with a chuckle. “Ertuğrul has several projects in the works in all manner of architecture. Hard to believe for someone who is only twenty years old.”

  “There are others besides the new palace?” she asked.

  “My son is designing what will be our first bank and has already designed our first university,” Ziyaeddin remarked.

  Ertuğrul jerked upon hearing the pride in the sultan’s voice. “It is my honor to do so, My Sultan,” he said.

  Charlotte wondered about the nearly inaudible huffing sound Ziyaeddin made before he said, “Come. Let’s be seated.”

  Having taken a walk about the gardens, Captain Popodopolos joined them as his sailors were led into the gardens by a servant. From their fresh clothes and scents, it was apparent they had retrieved clothes from their ship and had taken advantage of the Turkish baths.

  “Captain, did you enjoy the hunt?” Charlotte asked when he bowed before her. He was dressed much like he had been during their dinners on the ship.

 

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