“The Dey of Algiers sends his offer,” he announced in Arabic. “Return the captives and submit. In return, your son shall live as a prince under Ottoman law.”
Anna’s gaze hardened.
“Tell your Dey,” she said evenly, “that my son is already a prince. Not by decree – but by birth into freedom.”
At dawn, a lone rider approached the oasis on a white horse, bearing a green silk banner. Amastan and the warriors formed a silent line as Anna stepped forward, Azul balanced on her hip.
The envoy dismounted, bowing low. His kaftan shimmered with embroidered Ottoman motifs.