Seeing the gratitude in Aaliya’s expression, she realized how much of a sacrifice this woman’s job demanded. Shelby wrapped her arm around Aaliya’s small shoulders and gave her a squeeze as they walked through the palace entrance.
****
Combing her hair after her shower, Shelby entered her bedroom. When she saw the clothes Aaliya had set out, she stopped short. A few minutes of maneuvering were needed to make sense of the different pieces. All the clothing was made of black silk. She put on a pair of wide-legged trousers that looked like a long, flowing skirt, and a blouse with gold embroidery on the cuffs. A knee-length sleeveless jacket finished off the ensemble. More of the intricate embroidery decorated the collar, flowing down the front.
Aaliya helped her tie a sash around her waist and showed her how to wrap the scarf over her head and loosely around her neck.
Shelby could lift it up to protect her nose and mouth if the wind blew sand in her face. A pair of gold earrings completed her outfit. She loved the feel of the cool silk against her skin.
“What do you think?” asked Aaliya.
“I love it,” she replied. “Plus, I look a little bit like a ninja.”
An hour later, Shelby practically floated as her light clothes swishing around her. When she saw Hakim waiting in his usual spot at the bottom of the stairs, she did a double-take, catching her breath.
His clothes were similar, although with less embroidery and more masculine pants. On his head, he wore a black head dress with the scarf pulled down under his chin.
“You look so handsome.” The words spilled out of her mouth before she could think of anything smooth to say.
“And you look like an Arabian Princess.” He brushed a kiss over her lips.
Hakim held Shelby’s hand as they strode through the entrance and down the long walkway. A slight breeze blew the mist of the fountains over them with a refreshing coolness. He touched his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the passenger side of a shiny black military-style luxury SUV where Nasir had opened the back door.
“Thanks, Nasir,” Shelby said.
Nasir closed the door and strode to the other side of the vehicle to open the door for Hakim to slide into the back seat next to Shelby.
“You don’t have to sit back here by me.”
Instead of answering, Hakim put his arm around Shelby’s shoulders and pulled her close.
Shelby snuggled into his shoulder as she surveyed the inside of the luxury SUV. Like everything else Hakim owned, this automobile was top-of-the-line. The interior was black leather and shined like someone just finished polishing it. Of course, it had all the available features. She could imagine how Chet would love it. He would have definitely wanted to ride ‘shotgun.’ She smiled when she thought of him saying something like, “This ride is totally tricked out.”
As the vehicle neared the gates, Hakim squeezed her shoulder, then pulled away his arm and sat straight. He scooted a bit closer to the door.
Shelby looked up, studying his expression. Did I do something wrong?
He squinted and then caught her gaze, raising his brows and motioning with his lifted chin toward the gates.
Shelby recognized the apology in his gaze and remembered Shanayze’s warning about showing any affection in public. She thought back to the reception and the way Hakim hadn’t touched her, aside from squeezing her hand beneath the table, until they were alone. The idea of acting one way in public and another in private grated on her, like she was putting on a show or assuming a pretend façade. But she knew the behavior was important to Hakim and smiled to reassure him that her feelings weren’t hurt, and then scooted toward the other door.
Nasir drove through the gates and into the city.
Shelby darted her gaze around, searching for any sign they were being followed, but after a few tense minutes, she took her cue from Hakim and relaxed, enjoying the ride. As much as she loved life at the palace, Shelby was overjoyed to be doing something new. She tapped her fingers on her leg as she stared out the window to watch as the city went by. She didn’t want to miss anything. Leaving the skyscrapers behind, they drove past winding streets and crowded, narrow alleys. She saw market stalls and small storefronts. Clotheslines hung high above them. She pictured Aladdin jumping through the high windows and running over the flat rooftops.
Getting closer to the outskirts of town, the houses were spaced farther apart. Although all the buildings seemed to be made from the same tan colored stone, decorative carvings or window shape made each house unique. Palm trees and hanging plants on the various levels softened the boxy appearance of the buildings. “What are those enclosures on top of the roofs?” Shelby pointed to the wide towers with open windows that perched on nearly every rooftop.
“They are wind tunnels.” He dipped his head to look up at the tops of the buildings. “Built to capture the moving air and funnel it down inside the house to cool it, although most are purely decoration since the invention of air conditioning.” Hakim adjusted the rear vents. “Speaking of air conditioning, how is the temperature? Are you too hot?”
“No, I’m good.” Shelby adjusted the scarf around her neck.
“These clothes…” Hakim smiled. “They complement you very well.”
“You can thank Aaliya for that.” Shelby paused, thinking for a moment. “So, do you know Aaliya at all?”
“Rather distantly, I’m afraid. She is a relative of…” He stopped, widening his eyes and pressed his lips together.
“I know. She’s Ghaniyah’s cousin.”
Hakim nodded.
“Aaliya’s really smart. She speaks a bunch of languages and had one of the highest scores in her class.” Shelby glanced at Hakim before continuing. “But she didn’t go to college, because her parents couldn’t afford to send her.”
“Yes, this is a common difficulty for families with daughters, because there is no women’s university in Khali-dar.” He glanced with his brows pulled together. “Does this trouble you?”
“It seems unfair. Aaliya would love to attend the University, but can’t afford it, and then girls like Ghaniyah, who don’t even want to go, get to because their parents have more money.”
He stroked his chin and frowned. “Is it not the same everywhere?”
“Well, yes, sort of. But what about scholarships or student loans? What about the girls who have local jobs or are taking care of their families? If they want to stay in Khali-dar, there aren’t any other options. No other school they could go to that was closer and more affordable. Like a community college or something.” When he didn’t answer, Shelby said, “I hope you don’t think I’m criticizing. It’s really none of my business.”
He shook his head and turned in the seat to face her directly, then laid his hand on hers where it rested in her lap. “Shelby, you must feel free to tell me anything. I appreciate that you are concerned for Aaliya and for my people. Asking questions is not the same as being critical. This is a discussion my father and I have had before—about women’s education. But, you are right, the situation has not been resolved, and I am afraid it has slipped from my mind while other matters have taken its place. I am glad you reminded me.”
She was grateful Hakim hadn’t been annoyed. Shelby looked around for something to change the subject. They drove on a straight road between dunes that were dotted sparsely by scrawny plants. “Why aren’t the roads covered with sand?”
“The roads are cleaned off a few times a day by road sweepers. Vehicles equipped with a system using GPS so the driver can locate the pavement when the sand obscures it.”
Nasir veered off the road and parked. He opened Hakim’s and then Shelby’s door.
They both climbed out, and Shelby studied the surrounding desert. She was overwhelmed by the sameness, and the endless, peanut butter-colored sand, as far as she could see. Even the city had disappeared. Dune after dune faded into the distance. Everything felt exposed without the mountains she was used to. How does anyone keep track of
directions out here?
She walked a few feet, studying the dunes, and bent over to grab a handful of sand, letting it pour through her fingers. Soft and fine. Perfect for a sandbox. She brushed her hand on her pants while she turned to see what Hakim and Nasir were doing. A hissing sound caught her attention. She looked for the source and discovered Nasir was using a tool to let air out of the tires.
Shelby gasped and darted her gaze to Hakim for his reaction. Is this okay? Does he know what Nasir is doing?
Hakim’s expression was calm.
So she relaxed and studied him. He stood a few feet away from the vehicle. Gazing out across the sand with the breeze ruffling his clothes and blowing the thin fabric of his headdress, he looked like he belonged in a movie. All he needs is a sword and an ancient map.
Hakim turned toward Shelby with his eyebrows raised.
Her heart sped up, and her breath caught. “I don’t know whether you are aware, but your friend is sabotaging our ride.” Shelby strolled toward Hakim. “Are you planning to abandon me in the middle of the desert?”
His expression grew thoughtful. “Let me see. You are dressed to endure the arid climate—there is food and even water to be found if one knows where to look. I think you would survive.” He put his arms around her. “Although, I am afraid I would spend the rest of my life in fear, watching over my shoulder and waiting for Shelby Jo Walker to take her revenge.”
“Good.” She nodded, pretending to be serious, but inside, she was enjoying his teasing.
He lifted her chin and ran his thumb across her bottom lip. Bending, he touched his lips to hers.
His touch sent tremors down her spine. Warmth spread through her insides, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. She sighed, feeling her body melt into his.
Hakim pressed on her back with one hand and cradled her head with the other. “Shelby,” he whispered into her ear.
Chills skittered down her back. “Hmmm?” she sighed.
“Perhaps I will not leave you in the desert today. I will allow you to join us.”
Shelby lifted her head and swatted at his chest.
Hakim grinned and led her toward the vehicle where Nasir waited.
This time, Nasir held the driver’s door for Hakim and led her to the passenger side. Nasir climbed in the back.
“I give up. Why are the tires flat?” Shelby asked after she closed the door.
Hakim adjusted the mirror and flashed a white smile. His gaze flicked to something over her head.
She glanced at the handle on the ceiling above the passenger window.
Hakim stepped on the accelerator, but instead of pulling back onto the road, he turned and drove straight into the desert.
Shelby gasped and grabbed onto the handle as they tore over the sand.
Hakim drove to the top of the dunes, cresting them or swerving at the last minute to slide, sending out a wave behind the tires. He pushed a button on the console and loud music blasted from the speakers. A wide grin lit his face as he turned the volume even louder.
More than once, Shelby was certain they’d roll as they drove up a particularly steep hill. The momentum tugged her toward the middle of the vehicle, and she held onto the handle with both hands.
At the last second, Hakim somehow managed to twist the car into a slide. Scaling another dune, the front of the car dipped suddenly.
Shelby felt her stomach fly into her throat. “You’re driving like an animal, but you can’t even drive a stick shift?” she yelled over the music.
Hakim laughed, and they plummeted over another steep hill, barely turning in time to keep from rolling. The rear of the vehicle fishtailed all over the place. The ride was more like a jerky, bumpy roller coaster than a trip through the desert in a luxury SUV.
Seeing Hakim relax and enjoy himself was worth the stomach rolling and white knuckles. Disoriented, Shelby wondered if he was headed in any particular direction. Her question was answered as they climbed to the top of another dune and she saw trucks and horse trailers at the bottom of the hill. A small company of people milled around, apparently waiting for them.
Hakim parked the car.
Shelby pried her fingers off the handle.
The three got out—Shelby a little wobbly—and joined the group. At first, she didn’t recognize any of them, but as she got closer, she realized Ghaniyah was among them. Lovely. Shelby greeted Sheik Rashid and a few of the other people Hakim introduced her to.
The party made their plans in English for Shelby’s sake, although Ghaniyah had no qualms about speaking in Arabic, apparently relishing the fact Shelby couldn’t understand. They split into two groups to give the falcons a wider hunting area. The parties would meet at the Bedouin camp. Hakim would travel with one group and his father with the other.
The nickering of a horse caught her attention, and Shelby turned to see Kadir leading Al-qamar out of a horse trailer. She excused herself and walked toward the boy. “Whass-up, Kadir-gator?” When she drew close, she gave him an exploding fist-bump.
Kadir grinned.
Al-qamar nuzzled her, and Shelby greeted her in a quiet voice, stroking the mare’s soft nose. She felt the gazes of the group on her and realized all of the other horses were already saddled, but Kadir knew she preferred to take care of her own horse. They’ll just have to wait.
Kadir handed Shelby Al-qamar’s blanket.
Although the group was waiting, Shelby didn’t hurry. She didn’t want to work too quickly and make a careless mistake that would result in the saddle rubbing against the horse in the wrong places and irritating her skin. Shelby took the bridle from Kadir and slid the bit into the horse’s mouth and the bridle over her head, double-checking the buckles to make sure the mare would be comfortable.
Shelby glanced behind and saw the Sheik watching her. Her skin tightened, and she turned back to the horse. Not for the first time, she wished she could read his expression. If only she could impress him. She glanced at Ghaniyah, whose face was twisted in its usual sneer. Shelby looked away quickly and let her gaze travel around the group until she found Hakim.
He was speaking with another man who held a large bird on a thick leather glove. Hakim waved for her to join them.
Shelby handed the reins to Kadir, and then strode over the soft sand, enchanted by the sight of the hooded falcon.
“Shelby, this is Laiqa,” Hakim said. “She is a six-month-old peregrine falcon.”
“She?” Shelby watched the bird tip its head when it heard her voice.
“The males are much smaller. Females are the best hunters.”
“She’s beautiful.”
Laiqa was reddish-brown. Black specks marked her white chest like spots of ink. The bird was silent and still. Small twitches of her head were the only indication that she was real.
“Can I touch her?” Shelby asked.
“Yes, however, it is wise to stay out of range of her beak.”
With two fingers, Shelby stroked the soft feathers on Laiqa’s back. “Why is she wearing this mask?”
“A falcon relies mainly on sight. Covering her eyes with the hood takes away eighty percent of her senses. Being unable to see helps to keep her calm, and she will be alert when it is removed,” Hakim said.
“What if she doesn’t want to hunt today?”
“She will. She has not eaten since around this time yesterday.” Hakim spoke to the bird handler for a moment and then lifted a hand toward the group, motioning for Shelby to accompany him.
“What does she hunt? Little rabbits?” Shelby asked as they walked toward the horses.
Hakim shook his head. “A peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world. She can fly at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour, too fast to hit an animal on the ground, so she hunts other birds. Her favorite food is pigeon, but today, we hope to find something larger.”
“I can’t wait.” Shelby grinned.
Hakim rubbed his palm on the back of his neck. “Shelby Jo, women in my co
untry do not typically hunt. They accompany the men, but only to observe.”
Shelby pulled back her head. “Oh. I didn’t know.” She felt her stomach start to sour.
“I’m sorry. I know you are fully capable, and if it were only the two of us…”
“Of course. I completely understand.” The stinging behind her eyes surprised Shelby. The homesickness she hadn’t felt for days returned with a surge. But she wouldn’t let Hakim know. If she cried, he would feel guilty, and the others would think she was throwing a childish fit.
“Are you all right?” Hakim touched her fingers and bent his head to the side to catch her eye.
Shelby reached deep and found a smile, though she couldn’t imagine it was very convincing. “Sure. Let’s do this.” She hurried to the other side of Al-qamar and took a deep breath, pushing away any emotions that would embarrass both her and Hakim, and then mounted the horse. She waved goodbye to Kadir as he and the other stable workers climbed back into the pickup attached to the horse trailer.
The groups split up. The younger people followed Hakim, and a group of older men accompanied the Sheik. In each party were two falcons and ten people, beside the falcon handlers and bodyguards.
Hakim rode ahead with the men in their group.
Shelby hung back, not wanting to keep him from enjoying time with his friends. She also didn’t want to get too close to Ghaniyah’s group as Ghaniyah made a point to glare at Shelby before turning to her friends and laughing. The surge of emotions returned again, constricting her throat. She looked between the two groups and realized that she didn’t fit in either one. The thought made the backs of her eyes prickle and she forced back any tears. What am I doing? I don’t belong here.
After a few miles, Hakim left the men and brought his horse to ride beside Shelby. “Are you all right, Shelby Jo?” he asked. “I am sorry I have neglected you. And…” He looked back at Ghaniyah and her group.
Shelby put on her brightest smile. “I’m doing great. I love this. Go ahead and ride with your friends. Guys sometimes need ‘guy time.’ I don’t feel neglected.” At least part of her statement was true. She did love riding the horse and the amazing openness of the desert. But even more, she loved seeing Hakim so happy, and would never want him to know how lonely and uncertain she felt. She pointed toward the other men and flicked her wrist. “This is your safari, so get up there and lead the way.”
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