John jerked upright in bed, his heart pounding. The room was dark and the house quiet. He looked over at Zimat, who lay beside him. She stirred, blinking away sleep. ‘What is it?’ She yawned. ‘Another nightmare?’
John nodded. ‘I dreamt you were being stoned.’
‘It was only a dream,’ Zimat murmured, gently stroking his arm. ‘I am safe, here with you.’
John pulled away and moved to sit at the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. ‘In my dream, Yusuf cast the first stone.’ He turned to look at her. ‘Your brother trusts me. Every time I come to you, I betray him.’
Zimat’s lips pressed together in a hard line. ‘I do not wish to have this discussion again. Either we betray my brother, or we betray our love. We have made our choice.’
‘It is not that simple,’ John muttered. He rose and began to dress.
Behind him, Zimat sat up in bed. ‘Do not go, not yet.’
‘It will be dawn soon,’ John replied as he laced up his boots. ‘The army leaves just after sunrise. I must help Yusuf organize the men.’
‘Yusuf’s shadow,’ Zimat said bitterly. She turned away from him. ‘You love him more than me.’
John sat beside her. ‘I owe Yusuf my life.’ He reached out and pushed her hair back from her face. ‘But you are the reason that I remain in the East. In Tripoli, I could have taken a ship for England. I stayed because of you. I love you, Zimat.’
‘I know.’ She turned to John, and he kissed her, pulling her close to him. Finally she pulled away. ‘When will I see you again?’
‘I do not know when we will return.’
Zimat looked away, blinking back tears. John kissed her forehead, then rose. He went to the door and put his head against it, listening to make sure the hallway was empty before cracking the door open.
‘John,’ Zimat called softly. He turned. ‘Come back to me.’
‘I will,’ John whispered, and left.