by Diana Fraser
“Oh, congratulations. Daidan didn’t tell me you were expecting.”
Sahmir glanced at Daidan. “Daidan keeps a lot to himself,” he said wryly.
Daidan shrugged. “Personal matters should be kept personal.”
Sahmir clapped Daidan on the back. “Didn’t anyone tell you that family is personal?”
“If you care to freshen up and go to your room, Taina,” said Tariq. “Cara will call you shortly.”
“That would be lovely.” And she was sure it would be, even though she felt something of an impostor. These two women were happily married to Daidan’s brothers and she—she was married, but only just. What would they make of her?
“Daidan”—Tariq turned to his brother—“take your beautiful wife to your suite and we’ll catch up shortly. Welcome back. It’s been too long.”
Daidan led her out through a beautiful courtyard full of fountains and luxuriant flowers, bushes and trees. The smell of pungent flowers and damp soil was a relief after the dry heat outside.
“You didn’t tell me it was all so beautiful,” she said as they walked down a corridor with open arched windows to one side, in which fragrant climbers drifted in the desert breeze. “It’s like a paradise. I can’t believe you prefer to live in Finland when you have all this.”
He stopped by a dark wooden door, studded with large nails. “I don’t have all this. That is the point. This is all Tariq’s. He was groomed to be king by my grandfather and father.” He looked around at the grandeur. “None of this is mine.” Then he looked at her. “And I wouldn’t want it anyway. Finland is my home like this never was.”
She frowned. “But Sahmir isn’t the king and he seems quite happy.”
“My younger brother is not me.”
She couldn’t help grinning. “In that he’s charming, smiling and friendly?”
“Exactly.” He returned her grin. “But he’s also created a new life for himself in his wife’s country in southern Europe. He spends half his time there, and half in Ma’in.” He opened the door for her and she stepped inside their suite.
“Oh my!” She dropped her handbag onto the sofa and walked over to the open windows. “Daidan, this is like a dream.”
He followed her to the window which looked out over the internal courtyard. Above the tops of the palms and the wing of the palace opposite, the sea was visible—a brilliant strip of azure. He didn’t answer but simply stood behind her. Then she felt his touch on her arm. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot.”
She turned to face him. “It’s my pleasure. Thank you for inviting me.”
He smiled. “We’re both being terribly polite for a married couple.”
“Ah, that’s because we’ve not been together long. Hardly at all as a married couple.”
“So we’re still in our courtship phase then.”
“Definitely.”
“And how do you know this?”
Should she tell him? “Because my heart trips a beat when you enter the room; because everyone else pales into insignificance beside you; and then, when you look at me, I feel a fluttering in my stomach of pure desire.”
He’d pulled her to him, lifting her chin with his finger, and brought his lips to hers in a gentle and tender kiss. “Hold that thought until later,” he murmured against her lips. “Because, now noisy children and curious sisters-in-law await.”
“Do you ride?” asked Aurora, Sahmir’s wife, trying to ease her heavily pregnant body into a more comfortable position as she accepted a non-alcoholic pre-dinner drink. The afternoon had passed pleasantly with them all getting to know each other and evening had now fallen and dinner was about to be served.
“No,” Taina replied. “No, I never learned. I was brought up in Helsinki and when we went to our country home”—she shrugged—“we swam in summer and skied in winter. My father didn’t keep horses. How about you?”
Cara laughed. “Rory’s never off her horse when she’s here.”
“Nor at home.” Rory twisted her thick coil of hair and pulled it to one side. “For half the year we live in the principality of Roche. Which borders France,” she added by way of explanation.
“Oh, I’m often in Paris.”
“Ever come to the south?”
“Rarely.”
“Then you must start. It’s very beautiful. And much warmer than Helsinki, I bet.”
Taina grinned, liking the French woman’s directness. “I’m sure you’re right. It depends on work but I’ll talk with Daidan and—” At that moment Daidan walked over and put his arm possessively around her waist.
“Did I hear my name mentioned?” he asked.
Rory grinned. “Of course. That’s all we talk about when we’re on our own—our husbands—or so you’d all like to believe.”
“Then I’ll leave again so you can enjoy talking about us.” He ignored Rory’s indignant grunt, kissed Taina on the cheek and rejoined Tariq who was watching Sahmir play with Tariq’s children.
Cara smiled and lightly placed her hand on Taina’s arm. “I’m so happy you came—Daidan’s a different man when you’re around.”
“That’s love,” said Rory with a knowing grin.
Taina’s smile faltered but she was saved from embarrassment by Cara who turned to Rory. “Let’s go into the dining room. I’m sure the kids are hungry by now. Taina, would you tell the men?”
Taina walked up the long reception room, with its thick plush carpets and lush furnishings to where Tariq and Daidan stood. “Dinner is served.”
Daidan and Taina followed Sahmir, Tariq and Tariq’s children into the dining room and for the first time in her life Taina felt she belonged to a proper family. It might be a royal family but, with all its sibling teasings, warmth and chaos, it was still a real family. And it was hers.
Taina didn’t think she’d ever seen Daidan so relaxed, despite his earlier protestations that Finland was more home to him than Ma’in. With his dark coloring and white robes, he looked both alien and familiar at the same time. While each of the brothers was different they were, without doubt, brothers. It was so strange seeing Daidan in a family setting. In Finland he’d always been the outsider. That was partly what had attracted her to him. Someone so different to everyone else she knew. He was right. That difference had been part of the initial attraction. But only initial. Now she saw him as a family man and her as part of that same family. It felt good.
Sahmir bent toward her. “A penny for your thoughts.”
She frowned.
“A quaint English expression I picked up when I visited my cousins there,” continued Sahmir.
“Ah. Well, my thoughts probably aren’t even worth a penny.”
“You are too humble.” He glanced over at Daidan, noting her focus. “I’m betting they’re centered on my handsome older brother.”
“Um.” She grinned at Sahmir. “Maybe.”
“It was strange seeing him without a woman by his side this past year. Before he left for Finland he always had a stream of women.”
She felt a stab of jealousy. “I’m sure he wasn’t short of dates.”
“I’m sure he had no interest.” He studied her for a few moments. “I hope I’m not speaking out of turn, but I’m really not sure if my brother is well versed in the emotion of love. I’ve a suspicion that if he feels something, he assumes you should know—that it doesn’t require stating.”
“Or maybe he simply doesn’t have anything to communicate?”
“Oh, he has something to communicate all right. And maybe I, as a long-time lover of women, should be the one to say it?”
“Say what?”
“That he loves you heart and soul, that you’re the only one for him. He knows it. I know. But I wonder if you know it?”
She looked at the fine white gold-edged porcelain in front of her and pursed her lips and nodded. “Deep down, I think I always have. But I didn’t trust myself.” She sighed and shook her head, looking at Sahmir ruefully. “You must think me s
uch a fool.”
He touched her hand with his. “I think you’re anything but a fool.” He glanced at Daidan. “Well, maybe a little for getting involved with my complex brother.” He gave a short laugh. “But you’re good for each other. I can see that. And I certainly don’t think you’re a fool. I’m sure you had your reasons to do what you did. And you certainly don’t have to tell me them.”
“It would take too long.” They watched as Daidan listened to Tariq’s eldest daughter, Saarah, talk. By the looks of her animated face she was regaling him with the same tales she’d overheard her telling Rory about the antics of her favorite rock band. Things which ordinarily Daidan would have no time for, and less still have any interest in. But he was smiling kindly at his niece, letting her talk and nodding every now and then, allowing her to share her interests and enjoying her company. “Seeing Daidan here, among his family, is a bit of a revelation.”
Sahmir followed her gaze across the room. “Really, why?”
“He seems so… patient and attentive.”
“He loves his nieces—Saarah and little Eshal—and his one lone nephew, Gadiel. Although I hope Rory and I might provide another nephew for him to dote on soon.”
“Or niece,” Taina added.
“Indeed. Either are welcome. But Daidan’s always loved children. I’m surprised it’s taken him so long to have any.”
He glanced at Taina then, suddenly realizing what he’d just said. Taina tried to smile reassuringly but thought she’d probably failed judging by Sahmir’s look of discomfort.
“He’s just so black and white at home, in Finland.”
“He was always like that here. It’s only”—continued Sahmir—“really since the birth of Eshal that Daidan’s become less black and white about everything, less rigidly controlled. She’d charm anyone.”
She frowned. “The control masks a volatile temper. He hit someone once—it could have ended very badly.”
“Oh yes. Daidan’s always had a temper but he’s learned to control it as he’s got older. He certainly looks more chilled and happy than I’ve seen him in a long time.”
“What happened to make him so unhappy at home? To make him want to forge a life outside of Ma’in?”
“It was because of our parents—each had their favorite child. Unfortunately the rigid Daidan wasn’t pliant enough for our mother—unlike me. And he wasn’t the first born which made my grandparents raise Tariq with love and attention.”
“But how about the King, your father? Didn’t he have any room in his heart for Daidan?”
Sahmir frowned for a moment as he thought back. He shook his head. “No, I think my father only had time for Ensiyeh—our sister who died.” He bit his lip and turned and looked across at Rory who was soothing a small baby. “If we have a girl, we’ll name her after my sister.”
“It’s a beautiful name.”
He smiled and turned back to Taina. “No, Daidan was basically left to his own devices. When Daidan should have been out having fun and getting up to mischief, he was studying diligently to make a name for himself. Our father gave him a hard time. He also gave Tariq a hard time, but Tariq had our grandparents to protect him and lived most of the time out in the desert at Qusayr Zarqa—our desert castle—with them. But Daidan? He had to take care of himself and it toughened him up too quickly. It made him unforgiving.”
Taina nodded. She could see how Daidan had become the man she’d married. But his difficulty in forgiving didn’t bode well for her. Because if he ever discovered her secrets, she doubted he’d forgive anyone concerned.
Just at that moment Rory came over and sat down beside Sahmir, stretching out her back and pushing her very pregnant stomach forward. Sahmir rubbed it for her. “Is he kicking?”
Rory sighed. “God knows what she’s doing. Tap dancing I think.” She caught Taina’s eye. “Sahmir is convinced I’m carrying a boy and I just know it’s a girl.”
Taina felt a lump come to her throat as she tried to avoid looking at Rory’s pregnant stomach and she nodded, not confident her voice wouldn’t reveal the ache she was trying to hide.
“Ah, I’m kidding. I’m happy either way.”
“Of course you are,” said Rory as she kissed him. “Because you’re just a big softy. Even if you prefer others to think of you as some kind of alpha male.”
He gripped her hand and pulled her to him sharply and kissed her long and hard on the lips before releasing Rory flushed and breathless. “I’m alpha male where it counts, my darling, in our bedroom.”
Taina looked away—uncomfortable by their hot desire for each other—and caught Daidan’s eye who beckoned her over. She turned to Rory and Sahmir and excused herself, although she doubted they heard.
“Come, Taina, you’ll be interested to hear what’s happening to the lead singer of Saarah’s favorite pop group.”
Saarah didn’t need further encouragement.
Daidan drank his wine and continued to watch Taina. It was as if two years had rolled back, and he was watching the woman he’d fallen in love with. Gone was the distance between her and other people, gone were the defenses. Her smile was ready and physically she had no choice but to accept the advances of Tariq’s children, especially the youngest one, Eshal, who was exceptionally demonstrative in her affections.
Daidan laughed as Taina tried in vain to avoid eating a small chocolate that Eshal thought would be a great gift. Taina glanced at Daidan and grinned with a mouthful of chocolate. That grin curled into his stomach and nestled there.
At that moment Cara came over with the nurse. “Time you children went to bed,” she said to the younger children. “And Eshal”—she grinned at Taina—“you must stop force-feeding people you love.” Cara turned to Taina. “She seems to think the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. She’s probably right though.”
Slowly the children drifted off leaving Taina and Daidan alone.
Daidan watched Taina’s expression as they left and was puzzled. She looked almost wistful. She held secrets. He knew she did. Not least about what happened to her necklace. Had she given it away? If so to whom? Why? Why had she given away the piece of jewelry that was so special to her family? Not to say valuable. He guessed he’d have to accept not knowing… at least in the short term. He finished his drink and rose. She looked up at him and in that moment he knew there was nothing more important than her… now.
He held out his hand and she rose and took it. He turned to Tariq and Cara—Sahmir and Rory had retired to bed—who were entertaining the few friends who remained. “Good night, Cara, Tariq. And thank you.”
They both rose. “Our pleasure,” said Cara, kissing Taina warmly on the cheeks before doing the same to him. Although Cara was shorter than Taina, there was a subtle radiance about her that made her just as beautiful as the other women, Daidan thought.
“And will you be able to stay the week? We can show you the progress we’ve made on the regeneration in the desert,” said Tariq.
“Only a few more days and then we must return to Finland. The launch isn’t far away and we’ve still a lot of work to do.”
“Thank you so much for coming, Taina.” Cara glanced at Daidan. “I’ve never seen him look so happy.”
Daidan looked over to see Taina looking at him as if she’d made up her mind about something.
“Are you suggesting, Cara, that the presence of my wife has improved my mood?”
Cara lifted her chin and grinned. “Most definitely.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “You only look forbidding now, rather than positively scary.”
“So long as I never look approachable. A man has to have some standards.” He turned to Tariq. “Now you must excuse my wife and me—we’ve had a busy week.”
“Of course. Sleep well and we’ll see you in the morning.”
Once outside, Daidan stopped and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve wanted to do this all night.”
“What?” she whispered, lifting her face to h
is.
“This…” He bent down and pressed his lips to hers, closing his eyes as he became drenched in her perfume, the essence of her. He wanted to prolong the kiss but now was not the time.
“Um,” she moaned.
“Come on, let’s get back to our suite.”
It was a winding walk back to their rooms through perfumed gardens and colonnaded walkways. Daidan looked at it through Taina’s eyes and appreciated its beauty in a way that he’d never done growing up in the palace.
She tugged on his hand and halted at a particularly beautiful fountain—small, set in a jewel-like formation of decorated tiles. The greenery hung all around them, but the water and the fountain and tiles formed the central focal point and were devoid of plants. The water ran bright and sparkling in the starlight, the sound of it running over the black and gold tiles providing a contrast to the heat of the night.
“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.” Taina went and sat on the edge of the circular fountain. Then she laughed. “It’s in the shape of a lily of the valley, just like the kielo—like Mama’s piece…” She didn’t look up, suddenly realizing her mistake of reminding him of the invaluable piece she’d given away.
He walked up to her and caressed her shoulder. “It’s okay. What’s done, is done. If we’ve a hope of a future together we need to be able to speak freely.” He pulled her to standing and took both her hands in his. “Taina, I need there not to be secrets between us. We need a future where we trust each other. Okay?”
She nodded but was silent. And when she looked up, he saw sadness in her eyes. He exhaled roughly. He didn’t want to see sadness in her eyes.
He must have conveyed his feelings to Taina. “And that’s what I want, too. But let’s not rush anything. I’ve only just returned. Please, Daidan, give me time.”
And how could he do anything else other than agree with her? At that moment when she looked up with her pleading eyes and her pale face as inviting as the moon flower, and as perfect. “Taina, I’d give you anything.”