July, 1187: Saladin has defeated the Crusader army at The Horns of Hattin. Thierry de la Tour Rouge, a Templar Knight, has survived only to be taken prisoner by the Saracens. Stripped and tied like an animal to the pole of a tent, Thierry fears torture in the attempt to break his faith. Abdul Basir is French by birth, a convert to Islam and an advisor to Saladin. Thierry has been bought for him and while Abdul owns him, he cannot guarantee that Saladin will spare Thierry's life. In the spirit of acceptance and forgiveness, Thierry chastely kisses Abdul, hurtling them both into a clash of faiths and a contest of wills. One man motivated by the fulfillment of a long-lurking fantasy and the other by the need to keep his faith intact. They come to show each other mercy, kindness and trust-enough to reveal their desire for one another. As Saladin holds the fate of Thierry's life in his hands, can Abdul keep this honorable crusader safe?
A well-written short that depicts - literally - the enemies-to-lovers trope. The history is well researched; the characters are nuanced and deep; the relationship, short as it may be, is, at times, contentious but always passionate. Deeply moving. Highly recommended!
22/Nov/2014 (Re-read for the 2014 Re-Romancing Favorites Challenge) - Re-read because sometimes fluff just isn't enough.
