Midnight Sky

by Susanna

Chapter 1:

My hair is shoulder length and auburn in color. My skin is of medium to dark complexion and my eyes are a deep amber brown. I am the one known as the Midnight Sky. My given name is Susana Valeria Soto Aguilar. I was born 39 years ago in Madrid, Spain. As a favor to my 'sisters' I take pen to paper to tell my story of how I became the fourth wife of Ahmad Ibn Fadlan.

My home life as a child was a comfortable one, I wanted for nothing. I was the youngest of four children. All my siblings married at what my father and society thought was the proper age, and they all started their families. I, however, remained unmarried and I liked it that way. I had many suitors, but none that I thought I could be happy with. I spent my days shopping, reading or spending time with my beloved mother. One day I arrived home in time to hear my father promising my hand in marriage to the son of a local merchant. My father saw me enter the room.

"There she is. Come here my daughter and meet your husband to be," my father said

I walked over and stood beside him. I looked at my mother who knew that I didn't approve of what was going on.

"This is Manuel Octavio Castillo and these are his parents Senor y Senora Castillo. This is my daughter Susana Valeria Soto Aguilar."

"It's a pleasure to meet you my dear," Senor Castillo said

"The pleasure is all mine Senor," I replied

I sat by my mother, we looked at each other.

"Mama did you know about this?" I whispered

"No I didn't. I found out as they walked through the door."

"I won't marry him Mama."

"I know you won't."

"The times of this society have to change and change now. I love you Mama and you know I would never do anything to shame or hurt you, but I have to do this. I hope you understand."

"I do hija. I was married to your father at fourteen. Do what you must do."

"I will Mama."

"Take this with you. and always remember in case we never see each other again, I love you very much hija. Live life to the fullest for both of us." She took a silver ring from her finger and placed it on my finger.

"I love you too Mama, and I will live for the both of us. I promise."

We smiled at each other.

My father and the Castillos were already selecting my wedding dress and the date on which the wedding would take place. I stood up and looked at them.

"Don't I get to say anything?" I said

"Of course my dear. After all, it is your wedding day," said Senora Castillo

"What would you like to say?" Papa asked

"What I would like to say is that there will be no wedding."

"What?!" roared Papa.

"You can't mean that!" said Senor Castillo

"Ah, but I do mean it," I said

"Be quiet!" Papa said,

"I'm sorry Papa, but this time I will not be quiet. It's time for my words and thoughts to be heard. My siblings are all married and because I'm not married yet I am considered an old maid; well that is fine by me…"

"I said be quiet Susan!" Papa said

"No Papa! Please let me finish."

We stared at each other.

"I'm young and so are you, Manuel. One day you will find someone worthy of you. I'm not the one who you should be married to. I know I have brought shame and dishonor to my family, but it is something that I must do."

"Then go then and leave my house! Never show your face here again! You are no longer my daughter!" Papa said

"I have been preparing to leave since I was fifteen ,Papa, because I knew this day would come."

I turned to look at my mother.

"I love you Mama," I said

"I love you too hija and remember what I said."

"I will."

I ran over and kissed her and I left. I had money from my inheritance in the bank and I knew that I could use it at anytime from any where in the world.

A few weeks passed and I ran into a friend of mine on the street one day.

"Susana! How are you?" Linda said

"I'm fine. How about you?"

"I got married."

"So I heard. Congratulations. I wish you all the best."

"Thank you."

We walked down the street talking, when suddenly we were grabbed by two men and pulled into an alley. We kicked and clawed at the men and Linda managed to get free.

"Run, Linda, run!" I yelled

My mouth was covered with a piece of cloth and my hands were tied. I was taken to a boat in the harbor and thrown into a little room with a small window and a cot. A few minutes later, in walked a rather tall man. He was dark in skin tone, with eyes that could burn through you if you looked at them long enough. He walked over to me and removed the cloth from my mouth.

"Who are you? And where are you taking me?!" I said

"My name is Renauld and I have come to inspect the merchandise in this room," he said

I looked around to see that the only thing of any value in the room was me.

"What do you want from me?" I said

"For myself nothing."

He grabbed my arm and pulled me up onto my feet. He looked me over and smiled.

"You are still a virgin are you not?" he said

I looked at him.

"Well?"

"Yes," I said

"Good. You will do nicely."

"Nicely for what?"

"You will see senorita," he said as he left and locked the door behind him.

Chapter 2:

We docked in a harbor and I was taken from the boat by Renauld. I was put onto a horse and the second part of our journey began. While the other men talked I said nothing. We camped for the night and the tents were set up. Large and small fires were started. The men started cooking. While I watched them Renauld came and sat beside me.

"Are you hungry?" he asked

I looked at him.

"A little," I answered

"Good. The men will bring you something to eat."

"By the smell of what's cooking, I hope it's not that."

"Why?'

"Because what ever it is that they're making, it's sure to make someone sick."

"And I suppose you could do better?"

I looked him in the eye.

"Definitely."

"We shall see, little one."

Renauld stood up and grabbed my arm and pulled me up. We walked over to where the men were cooking. He told them something I couldn't understand. The men moved aside.

"Now cook!" Renauld said.

I looked at him. I saw a knife on the table and decided against cutting his throat. I chopped the vegetables that were there and put them into a pot; I then added spices and water. I let it simmer for a few minutes over the flame. I prepared a bowl for Renauld to taste. I handed it to him.

"Are you sure you didn't add poison to it?" he said

"Do you want me to?" I answered

He looked at me and tasted the stew. By the look in his eyes I knew he liked it. He finished the stew and wiped his mouth on his sleeve.

"Yes. You will make a good wife for Ahmad."

"Who?"

"Ahmad Ibn Fadlan."

"What makes you think that I'll marry him?"

"You will."

Later that night I was asleep in the tent that I shared with Renauld. Suddenly, I felt a hand over my mouth, and I was being dragged out of the tent. I got to my feet and saw three men coming at me. I reached down and grabbed a handful of sand and threw it in the eyes of the first man. He yelled loud enough to wake Renauld. The second man came at me and I grabbed his arm and I twisted it behind him. As he tried to get free I bent it back so far that his arm broke. He screamed in pain and fell to the ground. The third man came at me with a knife, as he lunged forward I dodged the knife and tripped him with my foot. When he fell to the ground the knife fell out of his hand and I picked it up and slit his throat. By now, the first man had wiped the sand from his eyes and ran towards me; as he got closer I formed my right hand into a claw and I dug my nails into his throat, and with my bare hand I crushed his windpipe. He fell to the ground like a rock. Renauld stood and looked in horror at what he had just witnessed. He called to the other men and instructed them to bury the dead men and tend to the injured one. He walked over to me.

"You're quite a little warrior, aren't you? Where did you learn to fight like that?" he asked

"I watched and observed the soldiers when they were preparing for a battle," I said

It was the first time I saw something of a smile on Renauld's face. He looked at me.

"Yes, you will do nicely."

Chapter 3:

We arrived a few days later at the place which I now call home. We stopped outside the gates of the palace and I was taken to the tent of the Bedouin women. I was bathed and scented with oils and perfumes. My hair was brushed until it shone. I put back on my slip and when one of the women protested, we started to fight. Renauld came in and spoke to the woman who must have been told what I was capable of doing to her. She looked at me and smiled, nonetheless, I kept my slip on. The women dressed me in lavender silk, they started giggling because they had to use more material around my bust, as I watched them fuss and fuss with the material I too began to giggle. They put a silk veil on my head and sandals on my feet. The women stood back and smiled at me. I was then taken to Renauld who looked at me and smiled.

"You are a vision." he said.

"Thank you." I replied.

The woman whom I had fought with earlier walked over to me. She looked at me and in broken English she said as she gently touched my breast.

"Feed many babies," she smiled.

I smiled back at her. Renauld sat me on top of a black Arabian horse and we rode into the courtyard of the palace. I remained on the horse as Renauld went over to speak to a man who sat under a canopy. Renauld bowed to the man and came back. He looked up at me and extended his arms towards me.

"It's time, my senorita," he said.

He helped me down from the horse. I was escorted by two guards to the palace; before I walked inside I turned to look at Renauld who was staring at me. I smiled at my captor, who had taken care of me on our journey. He whispered to me the words 'Good Luck,' and then we each turned and walked away. I was taken to a room where there was a view of the palace grounds. I thought to myself how beautiful it was. I heard footsteps behind me and I quickly turned around to see a man in flowing white robes standing there.

"Oh, my little assassin, how quickly you move." he said

He walked towards me. He looked at me up and down as he walked around me.

We were then looking each other in the eye.

"Your eyes are the same color as mine," he said

I didn't speak a word.

"And you have the same skin color as I."

I still didn't say anything.

"Can you not talk?" he asked

I nodded yes.

"Then talk."

"Por que?" I said

"Por que quero horir tu voz."

I looked at him in amazement.

"You speak Spanish?" I asked

"I speak many languages, querida. Come sit by me."

We sat down on some large pillows.

"Renauld told me what you did on your journey here." he said

"What did I do?"

"You injured one man and killed two others. One with a knife and one with your bare hand."

I looked down. He reached over and lifted my head with his hand.

"Do not be ashamed. You did it to protect your honor. I am pleased that you would do that."

I smiled slightly.

"I hear you are a very good cook as well," he said

"I suppose so."

"One night you will cook for me."

He noticed the ring on my finger. He reached down and took my hand. His touch was so soft. He looked at the ring.

"Where did you get this?" he asked

"My mother gave it to me before I left home."

"It's lovely."

"May I keep it?"

"Of course you may."

"May I ask you a question?" I said

"Of course. You may ask me anything you like."

"Who are you? And why am I here?"

"I am Sheik Ahmad Ibn Fadlan and you are here because I wish you to be."

"What am I to do here?"

"You are to become my fourth wife."

I looked at him.

"Fourth?" I said

"Yes. I have three other wives. You will meet them in a few minutes, and if they approve of you then the wedding will take place tomorrow."

We stood up and he clapped his hands and in walked Hassan.

"Yes my Lord?" he said

"Take my little assassin to meet my wives."

"Yes My Lord," Hassan said as he bowed.

Ahmad looked at me.

"I must choose another name for you. Go now and meet my wives." I did as Hassan did and I bowed to Ahmad and we left.

Hassan and I walked down a long corridor to the solarium. In the room were the three wives of Ahmad. Johanna, his first wife followed by Deena, his second and Christine, his third. They looked at me and then Deena and Christine walked over to me.

"Come in come in," Deena said.

"Welcome," said Christine.

I looked at them. Johanna sat by the balcony breast feeding her newborn son. We walked over to her. I looked at the baby and smiled.

"My name is Deena, this is Christine and this is Johanna."

"Nice to meet you all, I am Susanna. You have a beautiful baby Johanna."

"Thank you. Deena, what ever you are cooking is about to boil over," Johanna said.

At that moment, Deena and I ran over to the boiling pot. Deena removed it from the flame. She picked up a spoon and took a spoonful of the broth from the pot and tasted it.

"Pretty good. Would you like to taste it Susan?' Deena asked

"All right."

She held the spoon and I tasted it. I looked at her."

"Forgive me for saying this, but you're saying that this is pretty good?" I said

"Isn't it?" Chris said.

"No. Will you let me try and fix it?" I asked

They looked at one another and then at me.

"Please do." said Johanna

I walked to the pot and looked around. I saw different kinds of herbs, spices and vegetables. I added these to the broth and stirred, then tasted it.

"Would you please taste this, Deena?" I asked

Deena came forward and tasted the broth, she looked at me in amazement.

"This is delicious. Where did you learn to cook?" she asked

"From my mother, besides it's something I like to do."

I spent several hours with these three beautiful ladies and we acted as if we had known each other all of our lives. We laughed and talked of Ahmad. Hassan appeared at the doorway and he looked at Johanna; she nodded to him and he left. Hassan found Ahmad were he had left him earlier. Ahmad looked at Hassan.

"Well?" asked Ahmad.

"They approve my Lord."

Ahmad smiled.

"Prepare everything Hassan, for tomorrow there will be a wedding."

Hassan bowed.

The wedding was a thing of beauty and the celebration continued well into the night. I was taken to a room that was at the far end of the palace. I stood on the balcony looking out at the night sky.

"You are as beautiful as the midnight sky," he said

I turned around and looked at Ahmad who stood there dressed in white robes.

He moved closer. "Do not be afraid. I will not harm you."

He gently took my hand and we walked towards a large bed. He gently took off my lavender veil and then the rest of the lavender outfit that I wore. He was surprised to see that I had a slip on .

"What is that?" he asked

"My slip."

"Why do you wear that?"

"It is a proper thing for a lady of my culture to wear underneath her clothes, my Lord."

"Ah yes, your Latin culture," he smiled

"May I ask you a favor my Lord?"

"Yes."

"I wish to keep in contact with my mother in Spain and let her know that I am happy and safe. May I do that?"

"If it will make you happy."

"Yes it will. I have no reason to escape, it's just I want to make sure that she is well."

"Then you may do so, my wife."

"Thank you, my Lord."

He put his arms around me and kissed my forehead. I then knew that my destiny was to here in this palace, here with him.

Chapter 4:

We were all together in the solarium talking on this Thursday morning, when Keliana entered the room. She walked over to where I was cooking. She looked in the pan and inhaled.

"Hmmmm, smells delicious. What is it?" she asked.

"Spanish omelet." I said.

KC pinched a piece and popped it into her mouth.

"It's good," she said

"Ay, nina! Can't you wait?"

"But I'm staving now."

"Yes and we all know why," Chris said.

"If he is too tired when I go to him Keliana, I will never make your favorite dish for you again." I said.

We smiled at each other.

Ahmad likes to spend time with his children in the morning and the rest of the day with his wife on their given day. Today was my day to spend with Ahmad. I looked out from the balcony to see Ahmad playing with our two children, our son Antonio and our daughter Star. He continued to amaze me on how much time he spent with all his children. As my sisters ate, Hassan stood at the door looking in.

"Hassan, won't you please come in. We don't bite." I said.

The others giggled.

"Please come and taste this, I'm sure you'll like it."

Hassan smiled and walked towards us. I handed him a plate and he ate. He handed the plate back.

"Thank you my lady, it was most delicious." Hassan said.

"You're welcome Hassan."

"You must remember that you are always welcome here Hassan," Chris said.

"Thank you, my lady." I took the plate from him and set it on the table.

"Lady Midnight, Lord Ahmad is waiting for you,." Hassan said as he walked out.

"Adios mi hermanas. Que tengan buien dia." I said.

"I know you will." Said Keliana.

They were all giggling as I left the room. I entered Ahmad's room, but did not see him there. I looked around the room but I saw nothing. I stood still. I suddenly heard a footstep behind me, I turned quickly around and as I did my right hand formed a familiar claw, ready to rip at whatever location it caught itself on. As my hand went for its target, another hand stopped it, the right hand of Ahmad.

"You are still quick on your feet, my sweet assassin."

I sighed a sigh of relief, and with my left hand I covered my eyes.

"Oh Ahmad, you scared me."

He chuckled and took me into his arms and hugged me tightly. I started shaking.

"Oh my sweet Midnight Sky, I didn't mean to frighten you like that."

He kissed my forehead, then he raised my lips to his and he kissed me.

"Better?' he asked

"Much better."

He undressed me and once again I had my slip on. He smiled. I reached out and untied the satin tie on his robe and it opened and revealed that he had nothing on underneath. My hands caressed his chest. I pulled the robe off his shoulders and it fell to the floor. After all these years I still found him to be the most beautiful man I had ever seen. I continued caressing his chest and then I began to kiss his neck and chest. I started licking his nipples which made him toss his head back and start moaning. While I continued at his breast my right hand slid down and started massaging his penis and he moaned even louder.

"This slip is so confining." I said

"Well someone so endowed as yourself should not be restrained." he said.

He removed my slip and tossed it on the floor. He looked at me standing totally naked before him as he stood before me.

"You are beautiful, my little assassin, and with these beautiful breasts you have fed my children well. Now it is time to feed me."

"Yes, my Lord."

He pulled me down on the bed and positioned himself on top of me. He began sucking my breasts like a starving child.

"Oh Ahmad," I moaned.

My hands reached down and caressed his penis and I felt it getting harder and harder between my hands. I rolled him on his back and slowly dragged my tongue down the length of his chest until I reached my goal. His manhood stood totally erect and I kissed the tip gently. I then took it fully in my mouth. As I did he moaned and started to squirm. His hands were in my hair as I moved my head up and down on him. He pulled me up and laid me on my back. He rolled on top of me. While his left hand caressed my left breast his right hand massaged my lower region. His fingers began probing me deeper and deeper, I began to moan loudly. His hand parted my legs and he rubbed his penis against me, teasing me and taunting me. I began squirming. He positioned himself and with one thrust he was inside me. I felt a shutter run down the length of my body. He started moving slowly at first in and out.

"Your little assassin wants you so badly Ahmad."

"Does she now," he said.

His thrusts got more and more intense. They got faster and harder. I ran my fingers through his hair and each of my hands were squeezing his bottom. I helped him pulling him towards me as he thrust so that I could feel all of him inside me. We then felt the explosion of our passion together and he fell on top of me. We both lay breathing heavily. As we both rested he held me close and kissed me.

"No matter if you are my Midnight Sky or my little assassin, I still find you just as exciting as the day we first met," he said

"I also find you still very exciting," I said.

I kissed his chest.

"Oh, I almost forgot." he said

"What?"

"Look over there on the table."

I looked to find a bowl filled with strawberries.

"Fresas!" I said.

I reached out and retrieved two strawberries. I bit into one.

"Oh it's so sweet."

"I love to see you eat strawberries," he said

I sucked on the fruit and saw that he was getting aroused again. I dangled the other strawberry over his mouth. He lifted his head and took a bit of the berry leaving half in my fingers. He took the other half of the berry and rubbed it on my left nipple and once again he began sucking it. I ran my fingers through his hair and started sighing.

"Here we go again." I said.

I never thought in my wildest dream that I would ever be in a situation where I'd be sharing my husband with more that one person and finding myself totally happy and at peace. I guess what I believe seems to be the truth, "The greatest mystery of life is who we truly are." Well I feel that my life is not a mystery and I know who I am.

I am known as Midnight Sky, Fourth wife of Ahmad Ibn Fadlan.