by Cara Albany
He frowned, thinking about how he was going to deal with that. There was a party scheduled for the next evening. Kadir had invited a lot of good people, most of whom Zafar knew personally. He wondered how awkward it was going to be when he saw Lori again. She'd probably try and stay away from him the entire evening.
Well, he would see about that, he told himself. Surely there was something he could tempt her with. Something which would persuade her that being with him would be a benefit and not some form of torture. Because it looked like the last person Lori would want to be alone with tomorrow night would be himself.
Then a thought flashed into his mind. A memory from long ago. Something forgotten and cast into the abyss of the past. Useless then, when he was so young, but perhaps much more useful now, he told himself.
He thought for moment about when he'd been a boy. About the many days he'd spent at his aunt's palace. About the way he'd explored every room he was allowed access to. His aunt's palace was one of the oldest in the kingdom, and it had been altered many times over the centuries. It had grown through the construction of many extra wings and outbuildings. And Zafar had gotten to know every one of the secrets of the palace.
An image flashed into his mind. Of himself, no more than ten years old, crouching in a darkened room in an unused room of the palace. Furniture was covered with white sheets and the air smelled of dust. He recalled his attention had been drawn to a corner of the room where some plaster on the wall had fallen away.
His natural curiosity had been awakened by a flash of color on the wall at the edge of a large hanging woven tapestry which showed men on horseback racing across the desert.
He'd squatted down, pushing aside the tapestry, and pulled gently at the plaster, loosening a small piece. What he'd seen behind the plaster had amazed him, and he'd immediately realized he needed to keep it a secret. A secret from everyone.
So, he'd placed the plaster piece back in place, pulling the tapestry over to cover up the loosened plaster on the wall.
Zafar thought about that time, so many years ago. Wasn't it strange that the memory would come to him right at the moment when he needed it? Was that some kind of strange fate?
He wasn't sure about that. But he was sure that there was one way he could ensure that Lori would have to spend some time with him.
In order of that to happen, though, Zafar knew that he would have to make sure that someone very special to him attended the party tomorrow evening at Kadir's palace.
Even as he thought about that, he knew it wasn't going to be easy to persuade his aunt to attend. She had her own busy life these days, and anyway she wasn't someone who attended parties. But, she might just make an exception if Zafar could persuade her that something useful might come of it.
And that involved going to his aunt's palace first thing in the morning. Something he hadn't done in a very long time. As he thought of the many reasons for his absence from his aunt's palace, Zafar reminded himself that it was for one very particular reason.
It was simple.
Every time he saw Aunt Leila she did everything in her power to persuade Zafar that it was high time he was married. And it seemed that every time the suggestion was made, there was a brand new, undoubtedly perfect candidate just waiting in the wings. Aunt Leila had very particular ideas about who was and who was not suitable to be the bride of a prince.
Just like Zafar had his own ideas. And thus far, that had meant no-one in particular.
He had been through the whole thing so many times, he was tired of the endless attempts to match him up with partners, each of whom seemed less suitable than the last.
Zafar sighed. It would be a small price to pay though, if it meant he could engineer a chance to spend more time with Lori.
And that was all that really mattered. Wasn't it?
****
The next morning, Lori headed out to the excavation site to find that all the other workers were busy. Surprisingly, there was no sign of Alaya. Lori thought about the previous night. How Alaya and Kadir had vanished in the night, quietly and very sneakily. Lori smiled to herself, knowing that most likely an evening of passion had taken place somewhere in the palace.
That just made what had happened between her and Zafar even more annoying. After she'd left him, she'd raced back to the palace and found Alaya and Kadir together. The couple had done everything possible to make it seem as if they were hardly interested in one another, but Lori had known different.
Zafar had come back into the palace a short while after. There had been some casual talk about the party which was to be held the following night. Kadir was excited about the chance to show off the treasure which had been unearthed in his palace. Lori also thought he'd take full advantage of the evening to show the other obvious treasure who'd appeared in his life.
Alaya.
In contrast to earlier, Zafar had been pleasant and not in the least bit surly. He'd made his excuses pretty quickly and had left. Kadir had decided to stay the night in the palace. Lori had seen Alaya's eyes widen at that news.
So, this morning, it was Lori and the other excavation staff. She kept herself busy a while. But all through the early part of the morning, she couldn't keep her mind of Zafar.
The kiss.
The way he'd held her had left a burning hot memory in her body. Images of him had kept her awake all night. Recollections of the way he'd kissed her. The sensations of his tongue probing her mouth. The way he'd gently held her curves.
She couldn't pretend to herself. Not any more. Zafar had found a way around the barriers she'd erected. The barrier she'd put up a very long time ago between herself and any kind of relationship.
How had he broken it down? And so quickly. She couldn't figure it out. But, what she was sure of was that he had succeeded in changing the way she'd felt. In an instant. There was no denying that.
It had felt wonderful. At first.
She had given herself over to him so quickly it had shocked her. How could her body be so treacherous? Her resistance had crumbled. Was her will so weak?
But, last night, he had claimed something from her. Of that, there was no doubt.
Why had he claimed her like that? In that primal, urgent way. Everything she'd seen him do, every word he'd uttered in her company had led her to believe that he had absolutely no desire to be that close to her.
But, she had been wrong. So very wrong.
So now what was she to do about the incredibly handsome, dangerously sexy prince who had left his mark indelibly upon her, last night?
Stay away, were the first words that came to mind.
But, even as she thought that, she knew it wasn't going to be that easy. She was scheduled to be here for weeks more. And in Qazhar for months. It was going to be impossible to avoid Prince Zafar, and she knew it.
But, did she even want to avoid him?
After last night, after the guilty pleasure she'd experienced, she wasn't so sure she even wanted to stay away from him.
And then there had been the change she'd seen him undergo. The Prince Zafar she had seen out in the garden had been a different one from the one she'd encountered previously. Had she seen a hint of the real royal prince? Had he decided to let down his guard and show her who he really was?
If so, what was the reasoning behind that decision?
She wasn't at all his type. He'd been pretty clear about his disdain for her country and probably women like herself.
Lori pushed those thoughts out of her mind and kept herself busy. Tonight, there would be the party. The guests would want to see the unearthed treasure of the mosaic. And it was Lori and Alaya's job to make sure that the guests got the best view possible.
She had work to do.
SEVEN
The guests had all arrived and Lori was feeling nervous. She stood in the huge reception hall of the palace, alongside Alaya. Both women were dressed in the same outfits they'd worn the previous evening. That alone made Lori feel out of place. Lookin
g around her, she could see some very expensive gowns on display.
There were about fifty people present and they'd been arriving for the last hour or so. Outside, on the terrace, Lori could see some of the gathered guests, champagne flutes in hand. There was a palpable excitement in the air. Word had gotten around that something special had been found in the sheikh's palace.
Recently Qazhar high society had been seized by a growing interest in antiquities and their preservation. Some saw it as a valuable way to promote the kingdom on the world stage. Some others just wanted to appreciate the glories of Qazhar's past without any thought of how it could be exploited.
Lori had spent the day with Alaya cleaning up the excavation site in the garden and supervising the erection of some powerful spotlights around the area. The tent had been temporarily taken down, allowing an unimpeded view of the amazing mosaic which had emerged from the past like a forgotten dream.
Lori knew that the whole site looked amazing and she hoped everyone would be impressed. Alaya had appeared a little later than usual this morning, looking radiant, Lori thought.
Nothing had been said about last night and Lori had not pressed Alaya for any details. But, she could tell that it must have been everything Alaya had expected.
Kadir had appeared at the dig later in the morning. Lori had had to contain her amusement as Kadir had tried to pretend that last night had been as innocent as any other night.
Lori gazed across the crowded room.
Then Lori saw him.
Zafar walked into the reception hall as if it was he who owned the place and not Kadir. Lori immediately felt sensation curl in her middle. Nerves tingled throughout her body and butterflies fluttered into life in her belly.
She turned away for a moment and leaned closer to Alaya. "There's Zafar," she murmured.
Lori saw Alaya narrow her eyes. "Who is that with him?"
Lori turned quickly, an irrational and sudden thought seizing her that Zafar had been so disappointed last night that he had brought a new companion with him.
But what she saw surprised her, utterly. There was an elderly, extremely elegant woman alongside Zafar. The woman, who was probably in her sixties, was dressed in traditional Qazhar gown, but one that looked almost old-fashioned. Lori had seen many such gowns on younger women, but this one looked like it had been cut in another age.
"Who's she?" Lori asked idly.
"I think that's Zafar's Aunt Leila," Alaya explained.
Lori looked inquiringly at Alaya.
Alaya smiled knowingly. "She's one of the old-style matriarchs of the royal family. From what I've heard she has quite an influence over most of the family. Especially over Zafar."
"Really," Lori said, suddenly interested in any woman who could dominate Zafar.
Lori peered across at Zafar's aunt. The woman had dark, piercing eyes. And right now they were locked firmly upon Lori and Alaya .
"Looks like we've been noticed," Lori said to Alaya.
And, sure enough, Lori saw Zafar leading his aunt toward them. Once or twice, guests caught the attention of the elderly woman and her nephew. Polite words were quickly exchanged, but it was clear that Zafar's aunt wished to speak with Lori and Alaya.
For some inexplicable reason that prospect intrigued Lori. Maybe she could obtain some juicy facts about Zafar from his aunt.
Then, they were being introduced. Once pleasantries were exchanged, Lori noticed that the elderly woman's gaze contained the same dark fire as Zafar's eyes. Lori felt as if she was being examined, as if she was being assessed. It was just like Zafar yesterday, only this time it felt like it had been taken to a whole new level.
"My nephew tells me you've made quite a discovery," Aunt Leila declared. Her English was as perfect as Zafar's. Lori assumed that the circles the woman moved in would have made it inevitable she would speak the language.
"We have," Alaya replied. "Everyone will get to see it this evening. We're very excited, aren't we. Lori?"
Lori nodded. "I think everyone will be impressed."
Aunt Leila's eyes narrowed. "Lori," she said slowly. "That's an American name, isn't it?"
Taken aback slightly, Lori's brows rose. "Why, yes, it is."
Aunt Leila glanced at Zafar. "Very unusual name."
Lori felt her jaw drop. Literally. She looked at Zafar and saw his face redden. "It's a very special name in America, aunt," he explained. He looked at Lori. "I think it's rather lovely."
Now it was her turn to feel her face change color. Had he just defended her to his aunt?
"Is it short for something else," Aunt Leila asked.
Lori smiled. "I was christened Lauren," she said. "Over the years, it just got shortened to Lori. I don't mind both really."
Aunt Leila nodded slowly. "And your parents?"
What was this, Lori asked herself? It felt like some kind of impromptu examination.
"I'm from Idaho, ma'am," Lori replied. Zafar gave her a little smile of acknowledgment.
"Idaho?" Aunt Leila said. Her eyes narrowed and Lori wondered if the aged Aunt had any clue where that was. Maybe it would be best if she didn't, Lori concluded. She was already feeling uncomfortable with the conversation.
Aunt Leila glanced at Zafar. "It's in America, aunt," he explained.
Leila nodded. "I knew that, Zafar," she said but didn't press for any further explanation.
Alaya rescued Lori. "Are you interested in history?" she asked Leila.
"Of course, I am," she snapped, rather abruptly, Lori thought. "I have spent my entire life trying to uphold the traditions of this fine kingdom. As has every member of our family." She looked at Zafar. "Isn't that right, Zafar?"
He nodded steadily. "It is indeed, aunt," he said.
"I believe we all have a duty to preserve as much of our heritage as we can. It is a royal obligation," she added. "Just like many other duties."
With these words Aunt Leila gazed directly at Zafar, who kept his gaze neutral and fixed steadily upon his aunt. Lori wondered what that look had been about.
"Well. I believe you will be impressed with what we've uncovered," Alaya continued.
"I'm sure I will find it quite fascinating," the aunt said slowly. Leila didn't look particularly excited or impressed, Lori told herself. It seemed there was a difference between valuing the past and being truly interested in it.
"I have many such things in my own palace. And, of course throughout our many family properties," Leila added.
Then, she leaned forward and fixed Lori and Alaya with a stern look. "In fact, I may have something of interest for you both to consider."
"Really?" Alaya said.
Leila nodded and turned to Zafar. "Perhaps you can explain while I mingle with some of these guests, Zafar," she instructed. Then she left them, wandering off amongst the guests.
Zafar watched her move off, and then looked at Lori and Alaya. Zafar shifted nervously on his heels for a few moments. "She's quite something, isn't she?"
Lori nodded. "She certainly is. What is she talking about?"
"Something in my aunt's palace."
"What?" Alaya asked, looking extremely interested all of a sudden.
"Well, it's difficult to say exactly what it is," Zafar said. "I would say it needs expert attention."
"What kind of expert attention?" Lori asked. She already knew the answer to that question, but she wanted to hear it from Zafar's own lips.
Zafar gazed straight at Lori, visibly ignoring Alaya's searching looks. "Your kind of special knowledge."
"Mine?"
Zafar corrected himself. "Well, of course, either of you. After all, you're both experts, aren't you."
"And this object is in your aunt's palace," Lori said.
Zafar nodded. "In the oldest part of the palace."
"Exactly how old is your aunt's palace," Alaya asked.
"It's one of the oldest in the kingdom," Zafar explained. "It goes back many centuries."
"Might this need an excavati
on?" Alaya asked.
Zafar shook his head. "No. I don't believe it will."
"So it doesn't need to be dug up," Lori said.
"It will need some gentle attention," Zafar said.
Lori thought he sounded as if he was trying to hide something from them. After last night, she wouldn't have been surprised if he wasn't telling her the complete truth.
"And you want us to do that," Lori stated, knowing that this was exactly what he wanted.
In spite of her doubts, she found herself feeling intrigued.
There was a sudden flicker of hesitation in Zafar's demeanor. Lori wondered what had caused that. Zafar nodded sharply.
"Sure," he said. Lori was certain he had wanted to add something, but he had clearly restrained himself. What was it he really wanted?
Before Lori had a chance to say anything else, Kadir came up to them. Instantly, he curled an arm around Alaya's trip waist. Lori noticed that Alaya did nothing to discourage the sheikh.
"So, when is the big show?" Kadir asked.
"Now, if you like," Alaya replied.
"No time like the present," Kadir said. Kadir and Alaya moved away leaving Lori and Zafar standing together.
"Can I ask you a question?" she said.
He nodded. "Of course."
"Does this thing you're talking about really exist?" she asked.
He frowned. "Of course."
Lori nodded and pouted her mouth thoughtfully. "I know what you said. What you didn't tell us was how you know about it. I mean, surely your aunt would have known something about this. It is her palace, after all," Lori said.
Zafar cleared his throat. "She doesn't exactly know about it."
"What!" Lori exclaimed.
"Well, she does know, but, then again, she doesn't," he said.
He wasn't making sense, she told herself. Instantly confused, Lori frowned at him. "What do you mean?"
She saw Zafar glance across the room at where she could see his aunt talking with a group of guests. Not just talking, Lori noticed. Holding court.
"Maybe, if we get a chance later, I can explain," he said.