Chapter 2 : The First Conflict

The following day was no less complicated than the first. In Damascus, where Nora bint Saeed resided, everything required caution and intelligence. While she oversaw her trade deal with a merchant from Egypt, her heart was preoccupied with only one thing: Edward Hastings.

Although he was British, a representative of the West that had always felt distant from her homeland, there was something between them—something greater than mere business interests.

The next morning, Edward arrived at her office once again, accompanied by some of his military aides. He had new plans that required her approval, a deal that would strengthen Britain's alliances in the East.

"Nora, I expected you to agree to such a deal easily, but now I see that it's not as simple as I had imagined," Edward said, trying to balance his emotions between professionalism and a desire for a softer exchange between them.

Nora replied calmly, "This deal isn't just about business, Edward. It concerns the fate of nations, and that's not something I can approve of lightly. When it comes to our future, we must reflect carefully.

" Edward sensed that Nora was hiding something. He knew she was more than just a merchant—she was a woman of principles who could not be bought. He observed her closely, and the more she spoke, the more he realized how little he truly knew about her. But at that moment, he felt something else, something strange that made his heart race, as if her words carried a meaning far beyond business negotiations.

Nora, in turn, felt an increasing tension. She knew Edward was not someone she could trust easily, yet she could not deny that there was something different about him. Perhaps it was the way he carried a mix of strength and vulnerability in his gaze.

As their discussion grew more intense, Zaid bin Amer, a seasoned warrior from the Arabian Peninsula, entered the room, adding his strategic weight to the negotiations. Zaid was known for his military expertise and sharp mind in difficult situations, always intervening with calculated precision.

"If you're only going to discuss trade, perhaps we should seek advice from someone who knows how to fight wars, not just diplomatic battles," Zaid said, gesturing toward both Nora and Edward.

Edward was not particularly fazed by this intervention. He was used to dealing with figures like Zaid, but what he couldn't ignore was his growing feelings toward Nora. He was still trying to understand why he was so drawn to her, yet she remained an enigma.

After the intense discussion, Nora decided to retreat to her old tent outside the city to reflect on what lay ahead. Sitting alone on an old red rug, she gazed at the stars that adorned the night sky. As the evening deepened, Edward entered the space, with only a few servants nearby preparing tea.

"I believe we need to talk… in private," Edward said softly, exhaustion evident on his face.

"Is this about the deal?" Nora asked without taking her eyes off the sky.

"No, it's not about the deal. It's about us. There's something between us, isn't there? Something I can't explain." Edward's voice was calm, yet tinged with undeniable tension.

At last, Nora turned to him, and when their eyes met, she felt something unexpected—a mixture of unease and curiosity. She said quietly, "Perhaps. But what about our countries' interests? Can we allow our emotions to disrupt what we've started?"

Edward, now standing close to her, felt her words sink deep into his heart. Yet he couldn't help but admit, "I don't know. But I can't deny that what's between us isn't just about politics or trade. I see you as someone unlike anyone I have ever known."

Nora smiled slightly. "And I see you too, but we must be careful. We come from different worlds."

This was the first moment they both acknowledged—if only to themselves—that they couldn't control their feelings for each other. Yet at the same time, they knew they would have to face even greater challenges with this newfound realization.

Edward hesitated before asking, "Can we overcome these barriers?"

Nora's voice was soft but firm. "I suppose we'll find out in time."

With those words, their meeting ended, but the seeds of love had already begun to take root, though they were not yet fully visible. Nora and Edward were only at the beginning of their journey, but the path they would walk together would be filled with trials and hardships, just as their feelings for each other would be.