“Go where?”
He nodded, understanding her confusion. There was relief in his gaze as well, but Sada was having trouble keeping up. Too many issues were coming at once.
“I shouldn’t have left my country. It’s only an hour’s flight, but it is dangerous for me to be out of the country at this time. I risked leaving only because I wanted to ask you to marry me personally. Now, I need to get back quickly. I need to protect my country. And I need you by my side while I do that.”
Her mind was spinning. “I need to pack. I need to…”
“I’ll have everything sent to you, Sada,” her father spoke up. “Including Fluffy,” he visibly cringed at her stallion’s name, “as well as all of your crazy cats, honey. Zimba and her brood will be fine until we can safely get them to Ditara after the wedding. I’ll also send your mother to you as well. Hopefully, Giselle and Mila can come to Ditara for additional support.” Her father turned to Zahir. “I’ll be there in a few days. Or sooner, if you need me. Just tell my staff and they’ll arrange for me to be there to support you. Jaffri and Tavon are already adjusting their schedules to be there in a full show of support. We will all stand behind you, Zahir.”
Zahir nodded in gratitude. “I sincerely appreciate that. Your presence will add a great deal of power behind my ascension.”
The door opened again. Sada turned to see her mother enter with a wardrobe bag over her arm. “I’ve packed a suit. You’ll need to change on the plane.” She handed the bag to Zahir, and rushed over to Sada, hugging her tightly. “I’m sorry that this is happening so fast. But,” she pulled back and tenderly tucked a stray wisp of hair behind Sada’s ear before cupping her cheek, “I know this is a good thing. You’ll be fine.”
Sada wanted to ask her mother if she fully understood what was being asked of her. Marriage? She loved Zahir. Truly loved him. Loved him with all of her heart and her mind. Which only made this whole situation worse! She loved him and he…he only thought of her as a friend. The baby sister to his best friend from college. This was horrible!
But she couldn’t go back on her word. Besides, Zahir needed her.
Sada looked up at Zahir, saw the lines around his mouth and the tension in his eyes. He’s just lost his father. He was trying to keep his country from dissolving into civil war and he’d just asked her for help, giving up his life and his freedom in order to rule his country. She might be sacrificing a great deal, but it was nothing compared to what he was giving up.
Her heart ached at the thought of what he must be going through. He hadn’t even had time to grieve for his father, but he was accepting a responsibility that he’d never anticipated having to shoulder at his age, and moving forward, finding the best solution to a horrible set of circumstances.
If he needed a wife, she would be there for him. She could do no less.
Straightening, she looked up into his dark eyes and nodded. “When do we leave?”
He looked down into her eyes, although she couldn’t read his thoughts. His hands tightened on hers for a brief moment, pulling her a step closer. Surrounded by silence, it was just her and Zahir, his warmth soaking into her skin like sunshine.
He was going to kiss her, she thought. Finally, she would learn how it felt to kiss him. So many nights she’d lain in bed, wondering, dreaming, never thinking that her dreams would come true. But here she was and…
Jaffri and Tavon burst into her father’s office, breaking the moment.
“I just heard,” Jaffri announced, taking up a battle stance in the middle of their father’s office. “How can we help?”
Zahir pulled back as well, but he kept her hand in his as he turned to face the newcomers. Jaffri squeezed Zahir’s shoulder comfortingly. “I’m sorry about your father. He was a good man and an outstanding ruler.”
Zahir nodded, silently accepting the words, but Sada suspected that they were only a painful reminder of the current chaos. She moved closer, offering her support as his hand moved to the center of her back and shifted her a step closer still, leaning against him slightly.
“Thank you. But the most important thing for me is to get back home and ensure that everyone is safe.” He turned to Sada. “I’m sorry for this, but we need to leave immediately,” Zahir urged. With a nod to both Jaffri and Tavon, he led her out of the office. There were even more guards stationed outside than when she’d entered. Among them, Sada recognized Zahir’s personal bodyguards. They were serious and grim, but there was a sensation of relief when they saw her hand in his as they hurried down the hallway towards the helipad.
The next hour was a blur of activity. The helicopter quickly whisked her away from her home and her country. Sada looked through the window, wondering if she’d ever see Altair again…which was a silly thought. They were a mere one hour flight from each other. She could visit her family whenever she needed to.
And yet, there was a sensation of loss. Sada wasn’t sure if that loss was because she was leaving her home, or because her hopes and dreams about Zahir asking her to marry him all involved scenarios where he was madly in love with her.
“Are you okay?” Zahir asked when he finished his phone call.
“I’m fine,” she lied. She wasn’t fine. She was overwhelmed with clashing emotions. Relief because he’d come to her for this request. Sadness that she was marrying a man who didn’t love her. And desperation because she wanted so badly for Zahir to love her just a little bit.
“I appreciate what you’re doing for me and for my country, Sada. This is a mess and I never pictured proposing to anyone in this manner.”
She smiled sadly and covered his hands with hers, trying to be supportive even though her heart was breaking.
“You’ve always been there for me over the years. From broken hearts to saving my cat, you’ve been there for me, whenever I was feeling sad or in a crisis. The least I can do is help you in return.”
Was it enough that she loved him? She knew that he felt something for her, even though it was most likely something along the lines of sisterly affection. He would grow to care for her, wouldn’t he? She had to believe that. Otherwise, she might be crushed by his indifference.
Zahir watched Sada quietly, his gut wrenching as he noticed the sadness in her eyes, the defeat in her shoulders. She’d agreed to be his wife and a part of him couldn’t wait to consummate the marriage. Hell, he wanted to carry her to the bedroom at the back of the plan right now. Given that they were going to land in fifteen minutes, that was out of the question. When he made love to her for the first time, he was going to take his time, savor every moment. And he was going to show her that this marriage would work. He would give her so much pleasure, she’d never feel as if she’d sacrificed anything by marrying him.
Damn, she was so beautiful. Even sad, there was a regal lift to her chin, a determined clench of her jawline. He took in the delicate line of her neck, the demure way she crossed her ankles. He always wondered why women did that. It didn’t look comfortable, but it was sexy as hell.
Unfortunately, his phone rang again. Word of his father’s assassination had spread quickly throughout the world. Thankfully, world leaders were calling to offer their support, to get behind him. All of them asking if there was anything they could do. They understood that a fast, efficient transfer of power was to the benefit of everyone.
The plane landed and Zahir turned to find Sada. At some point, she’d gone to the back of the plane but he hadn’t been able to follow her, to ask her if she was okay or to even find out what she thought about all of this. He’d been hyper aware of her presence and worried when he couldn’t see her. But when he looked behind him, she was dressed in a dark grey suit that set off her dark hair and creamy skin. Her hair had been pulled back into a demure chignon at the back of her neck and her makeup was minimal. Muted.
She looked beautiful and somber, perfect for her first appearance on his arm under these circumstances. He tamped down the lust that immediately flared to life. He was used to that nee
d now. After years of desiring her, he knew how to pretend that the need wasn’t gnawing at his gut.
He lifted her hand to his lips. “I’ll make sure that you are happy, Sada,” he promised.
In response, she gave him a slight smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m so sorry about your father,” she whispered, moving closer.
He could smell her soft perfume. Lilies, he realized. He’d given her that perfume years ago. Lilies had always reminded him of her.
“Thank you,” he replied, not sure what else to say. He had so many things to tell her, things he wanted to explain. But everything would have to wait. He didn’t have the time. The plane would land soon and he’d be busy trying to keep his country from dissolving into anarchy. He knew that his people were furious and wanted answers. Answers he didn’t have. His father was well loved and he didn’t know who killed him. Or why!
She stepped forward into his arms and he couldn’t hold back. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned down, pressing his cheek gently against the top of her head. He wished her hair wasn’t pulled back so he could bury his face in her soft tresses. But he understood why she’d pulled it back, why she looked demure right now. This wasn’t a time for her to shine. His people needed to see mourning. They needed to see maturity, stability, and strength.
Just her presence here today would have done the job. Why he’d asked her father for her hand in marriage, he wasn’t quite sure. Sheik Talal was strong enough to help Zahir through this mess. Plus the other world leaders who backed him would give his enemies enough of a pause to allow him to consolidate his power. Hell, there were a dozen other actions he could have taken that would have allowed him to smoothly take power.
But he’d done the one thing that he’d wanted for years. He wanted Sada. He wanted her in his life. Not just sporadic dinners together when he found an excuse to visit London. He wanted her with him forever.
It was selfish, but he vowed to make her happy.
A quiet cough came from behind him. Zahir turned to find his father’s top advisor standing in the doorway. “Your Highness, everything is ready.”
Zahir didn’t trust the man. Neither had his father. But keeping one’s enemies close had been a good plan and one Zahir was going to continue. Hassim was an ambitious, manipulative man who had tried repeatedly to undermine his father’s rule. But Zahir’s father had cleverly circumvented every attempt.
Now it was his turn, Zahir thought with resignation. Time to take control. No longer could he work in the background. With his father out of the way, Hassim would be putting plans in place. Zahir had to act faster. He had to be smarter.
“Are you ready?” he said to Sada, still holding her close.
“Absolutely.”
He pulled back but took her hands, squeezing her fingers in a silent message of support and confidence. Looking down, he realized that he’d forgotten something vital.
“Wait!” he called out just as she turned to exit the plane. Sada stopped, tilting her head back to look up at him. “I forgot something,” he told her before turning to Hassim. “We’ll be another moment, Hassim.” Zahir waited until he stepped back out of the plane.
“What’s wrong?” Sada asked, laying a concerned hand on his arm.
He waited another moment, until his guards nodded that Hassim was truly out of earshot before turning back to Sada. He slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a ring. Looking down at the diamond, his throat tightened with the symbolism of what he was about to do. “This. I forgot this,” he whispered, slipping the ring onto her finger. The diamond sparkled brightly, glinting in the overhead lights.
“It looks perfect,” he whispered. His ring, he thought with satisfaction. He had chosen the diamond and seeing the way it sparkled on her finger, he knew that this was right.
“It’s beautiful,” she murmured, moving her fingers slightly, as if she enjoyed the sparkles as well. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.” She beamed up at him and he saw her blink rapidly, fighting back tears.
His gut clenched at the thought of what she must be going through, all she was giving up. “I promise, Sada, that you won’t regret this.”
She leaned in, resting her head on his chest. “I don’t regret anything,” she whispered back. But she cleared her throat and stood up, squaring her shoulders. “But this is important and it won’t do to have a weepy fiancé. I’m by your side, Zahir. Whatever you need.”
They walked off the plane together and Sada was surprised to find so many reporters roped off to the side of the tarmac, although, why she was surprised was a mystery. A tragic event had just occurred in Ditara. Of course everyone would want answers. Photographers were taking pictures at an alarming rate. She kept her features blank, and stayed close to Zahir’s side, silently showing her support.
He didn’t acknowledge the reporters, instead guiding her to a limousine. His guards nodded towards the driver as they all climbed into the front of the limousine or into the SUVs that were stationed in front of or behind the limousine. Oddly, there was a line of curtains next to the vehicles, and…something felt off. Sada looked around, ready to ask what they were doing. But the look in Zahir’s eyes warned her to remain silent.
And they waited. Silent. No one moving.
It was almost as if everyone held their breath for a long moment.
The guards shifted in their seats, peering out the windows. A moment later, another line of black SUVs pulled around their caravan, further hiding the limousine from view.
“Okay, let’s go,” he ordered and led Sada out of the opposite side of the limousine. Behind the wall of curtains was a dusty, white SUV with tinted windows, already filled with guards. Behind it was a beat up SUV, with another, newer one, in front. All three vehicles were filled with guards, everyone was armed and ready.
“Go!” Zahir snapped when he and Sada were inside.
Sada watched in horror as they sped away in the beat up SUV, which was much faster than someone might assume from the outside. They sped down the highway in the opposite direction from the elegant black vehicles, maneuvering in and around traffic. There were flashing lights as the police stopped traffic for the black caravan. But she and Zahir’s car moved adeptly through the streets. It took them twice as long to arrive, but finally, the SUV pulled into the underground parking lot of the palace.
“What was that all about?” she asked, stepping out of the vehicle and adjusting the hem of her skirt.
“My guards discovered a plot to kill me on the ride back from the airport. The limousines were a decoy.” He took her hand and pulled her along behind him. “I’m sorry I can’t explain in more detail, Sada, but we need to hurry. The press are waiting for us in the briefing room and we need to be in front of them before news hits about my ‘attempted suicide’.”
She didn’t understand, but hurried right along behind him. “You’re going to commit suicide?” she asked, a bit breathless from trying to keep up with is longer stride.
“That’s what my enemies are going to try to tell the world. Another reason you being by my side is such a huge help. Your presence gives the world a picture of hope. A newly engaged man wouldn’t commit suicide.”
She had so many questions, but Zahir needed her by his side so that was enough. “Lead the way,” she told him, determined to appear cool and composed, confident and supportive. She’d act the part now, and ask her questions later.
They stopped in front of a set of double doors and Zahir looked at her. “Ready?”
She took a deep breath. “Is my hair okay?” she asked, reaching up to smooth back any wisps that might have come away during their mad rush to the briefing room.
“You look beautiful,” he assured her warmly.
Despite the insanity of this morning, she was warmed by his words. “Let’s to this,” she told him.
Walking into the briefing room, Sada was surprised so many reporters fit in the room. She didn’t recognize many of them, but she shadowed Zahir to the podium wher
e his press secretary had just moved away, obviously having briefed the room.
“Thank you all for coming. I wish this briefing had better news.” He paused and glanced down, although there were no notes on the podium, no teleprompter either. “At approximately one o’clock this morning, my father passed away. Fifteen minutes later, the transfer of power was finalized. I am here to assure the country, and the world, that Ditara will survive this tragedy. We will continue to thrive. My father and I had contingencies in place for this kind of event, but I was hoping that it wouldn’t happen for the next forty years or longer. My father was a strong, benevolent ruler, and I will continue with his legacy. The people of Ditara will grow and the economy will strengthen.” He reached out and Sada moved closer, taking his hand. “Princess Sada of Altair will help with this transition. We’d planned to marry in the future, but because of this morning’s tragedy, the date of the wedding has been moved up so that the people of Ditara will be assured of the strength of my government and a continued line of succession.”
Sada tried not to blush at that last comment. Line of succession meant babies. Babies meant…sex. With Zahir! Wow! This was a somber moment, she reminded herself, even if she was already picturing sex with Zahir.
Bowing her head, she listened carefully to the rest of the briefing. There wasn’t much more to it, but towards the end of the briefing, there was a stir among the reporters. Several of them looked at their phones, then up at Zahir.
One of the reporters raised his hand. “Your Highness, there’s word coming through the wires that you committed suicide.”
Zahir’s only reaction was a mocking lift of one eyebrow. In response, the room erupted with laughter, which was quickly suppressed when everyone remembered what had happened last night and the reason they were here this morning.
The press secretary moved to the podium and Zahir led her gallantly offstage and back into the main palace.
“Get me answers,” he growled at one of the guards. Sada assumed the man was the head of the security team, but wasn’t sure. She stayed right beside Zahir, knowing that everyone needed to see a united front. The press briefing had been for the reporters, to show the world pictures of a strong, resilient leader. But the image needed to be maintained inside the palace as well. As long as there had been staff and servants, there were leaks; history had proven that. It might be nice to have someone to make one’s bed and prepare all the meals, but that luxury came at a price.
Bound by the Sheik's Ring Page 5