The Pirate Prince Read Free Page B

know you are talking about me. What are you saying?” Willow demanded impatiently. “Do either of you know what happened to my maid?”
    Dariq glanced at Juad. Juad shrugged and said, “Mehmed sold the maid to a minor pasha. Felah is old and known for his gentle ways. The maid will not suffer.”
    “Leave us,” Dariq ordered. “I wish to speak to the woman alone.”
    “You speak her language?”
    “Aye. My mother is English and taught me her language. She was Murad’s true and only wife. He married her in a Christian ceremony. I speak both languages fluently and have knowledge of her Christian God as well as Allah.
    “Ibrahim was born to Father’s favorite concubine before he wed Mother,” Dariq continued. “My six half-brothers are younger, products of Father’s liaisons with other concubines. Despite his Christian marriage, Father followed the dictates of Islam.”
    “Aye, I remember the story now. Your mother’s fatherwas sent to Istanbul on a diplomatic mission; he brought his wife and daughter. Murad fell in love with your mother at first sight and asked for her hand.”
    “Mother must have shared his feelings, for she begged her parents for permission to wed Murad. My grandfather consented to the marriage only when Murad agreed to let Saliha Sultana practice her Christian faith for as long as she lived.
    “Mother loved my father,” Dariq murmured. “His death was a blow to us.” His expression hardened. “Ibrahim will not have this woman without paying a price.”
    Jurad darted a glance at Willow. “Be careful with this one. She cannot be trusted. When you are finished here, I wish to know what your intentions are for my ship and men.”
    The door shut firmly behind Juad. Arms crossed over his massive chest, Dariq turned his attention to the woman.
    “I do not understand your barbaric language,” Willow spat. “What is going to happen to me? Who are you? What happened to my maid? Where are my clothes? What I’m wearing is indecent. Someone will pay for this indignity when my papa hears of it.”
    “I am Prince Dariq. Your maid was purchased by an elderly pasha known for his gentleness.”
    Willow nearly collapsed with relief. “Thank God you speak English. Did Papa send you to rescue me?”
    Dariq laughed, the sound rich and deep. “Did no one tell you that you were purchased by a Turkish sultan?”
    “The slave master spoke a smattering of French. He said a Sultan Ibrahim purchased me for his harem.”
    “I am Dariq, the pirate prince. Ibrahim is my brother.”
    She drew back in horror. “Pirate! This nightmare goes from bad to worse … a horrible dream that won’t end. Iheard cannon fire. Have you captured the ship? If you take me to England, my father will reward you. He is a marquis with high connections.”
    Dariq adroitly changed the subject. He would most definitely not take her to England. “Captain Juad said your name is Willow. Willow is a tree, is it not? Or is my English faulty?”
    “Your English is perfect, and you know it. Willow also means freedom. I want to be free.”
    “I cannot free you. You are now my prisoner.”
    “Prisoner! Never say you want me for
your
harem!”
    “The idea has merit, but ’tis not what I want from you.”
    “Then why…”
    “ ’Tis a long story. Suffice it to say, my brother and I are at odds. I misunderstood the nature of the valuable treasure he was expecting. It seems, lady, you are the treasure I set out to steal from Ibrahim. Although you are not what I expected, you will do.”
    “What role am I to play in your games with your brother?”
    Dariq’s silver eyes glittered as it suddenly occurred to him how he could make use of Willow. “I have dedicated my life to punishing Ibrahim for past sins. You, lady, will help me accomplish that goal. I shall trade you to Ibrahim for someone dear to me.”
    Dariq thought of his mother, whom he hadn’t seen in two years. Though offers had been made for his mother’s release, Ibrahim