by Cara Albany
"Erin. Come and sit next to me," her mother said, patting the empty space next to her on the sofa.
Karim stood, as if formally recognizing Erin's entry into the room. Was he just being a gentleman, or was there more to that gesture? The way he was watching her, made Erin tug self-consciously at the loose fabric of her dress. The only word that came to mind as she saw the way he was looking at her was, "enjoyment". Karim was simply enjoying watching Erin enter the room. What was that about?
Erin took her place next to her mother. Louise smiled warmly at Erin. "The Sheikh and I were just having a little chat, Erin," she said.
Erin peered across at Karim who had sat back down on the opposite sofa. "What about?" she replied.
Louise shifted uneasily. "Oh, about this and that. You know. Politics and such like," Louise said hesitantly.
Why did her mother look so nervous? What had she and Karim been talking about? Erin had heard their voices as she'd approached the door, but she hadn't been able to make out exactly what they'd been saying to each other. Judging by the pale color of her mother's face, the conversation must have been pretty serious, Erin told herself.
Erin looked again at Karim, but it was clear from his tight-lipped expression that he wasn't about to spill the beans.
Erin squinted at her mother. "If it's about politics then I don't think I've got much to contribute."
As she finished saying those words, Erin saw her mother glance quickly across at Karim.
"Maybe that's not quite true, Erin," she heard Karim say.
Erin turned to him. "Politics isn't really my thing," she said. "But you already know that, don't you. I seem to recall you telling me that on more than one occasion during the past year," she added acidly.
Erin glared at Karim, and he frowned back at her. "Politics is an ever changing landscape, Erin," he said.
"Really? Well, unlike politics, people don't change that much," Erin replied. She turned to her mother. "Isn't that right, mother?"
Louise shook her head. "Karim has a point, my dear. Politics is a messy business." She smiled weakly. "It is always full of surprises. I should know."
Why had her mother called the sheikh by his first name? Why the sudden informality? What was going on?
Erin glanced back and forth from her mother to Karim. "Is there something I should know?" she demanded.
Erin saw Karim's gaze narrow as he peered across at Louise, as if seeking some kind of permission. What did he want to say?
Erin looked at her mother and saw hesitation on her features.
"The Sheikh and I were talking about the present situation in Qazhar," Louise said slowly. "It appears a serious situation has developed." Louise looked across at Karim. "Would I be right in describing it like that, Karim?"
He nodded. "A very serious situation, madam ambassador. But, I'm sure one that could be made temporary, if the right course of action is taken."
Erin frowned. Why did she get the distinct feeling that her mother and Karim were skirting around the truth? Were they trying to find a way to say something neither of them knew quite how to put into words?
"Am I allowed to ask what the situation is?" Erin asked her mother.
Louise glanced a Karim and then at Erin. "I think, given the circumstances, you probably need to know. Would you agree, Karim?"
Erin looked at Karim and saw him nod slowly. "I would agree," he said.
This all sounded deadly serious, Erin told herself. Normally, her mother kept details of diplomatic life in Qazhar to herself. So why were they both intent on telling Erin?
"Perhaps I can fill you in," Louise said. Karim gestured for her to continue and settled back on the sofa.
Erin's mother briefly explained the background to the crisis, detailing the impending threat of the dissenting faction which wanted to make a bold gesture which could end up in Qazhar being isolated from the global community. It could mean that foreigners were no longer as welcome in the country. Years of progress would be undone.
Most importantly of all, though, it could also mean the end to her mother's position as ambassador to Qazhar. The whole family would be forced to move back to America, perhaps with a cloud hanging over her mother's career.
As she listened to her mother, Erin got the distinct impression that this whole situation was a lot more serious than her mother was letting on. What was she holding back?
When her mother finished, Erin looked across at Karim. "Is all of this true?" she asked breathlessly.
Karim leaned forward and nodded. "I'm afraid so, Erin."
Erin laid a reassuring hand on her mother's arm. "That's terrible, mom."
Louise shrugged and smiled at Erin. "That's politics, Erin. It's an uncertain business."
"What are you going to do?" Erin asked.
"Of course, we're taking the usual measures. We're going to try and seek some assurances, perhaps obtain some guarantees that our presence here can continue. But, according to Karim, the individuals concerned have firm views, as well as great influence."
Erin stared at Karim. He looked so serious, right now. There was a steadiness about his gaze which momentarily took her aback.
"Isn't there something you can do, Sheikh Al Rasareh?" she asked.
"A great deal has already been done, Erin," he replied. She wondered why he'd used her first name like that.
"Unfortunately the people we're dealing with have an agenda. And they are determined to see it through," he added.
"You're not saying there's going to be some kind of takeover," Erin exclaimed.
Karim shook his head. "Not as such. It won't involve violence of any kind. But it will involve a change of power from one set of families to another."
"How can that happen?" Erin demanded.
Karim sighed. "It has happened many times in my country's past, Erin. The power in Qazhar hasn't always been in the hands of what you might call the progressive forces. Like my own family, for example."
"Karim's family has been hugely responsible for making Qazhar a more open place for the rest of the world to come and do business. And many other things," Erin's mother explained. "And they've done a wonderful job," she added.
Karim smiled at Louise. "Thank you madam ambassador," he stated.
There they went again, Erin told herself. Her mother and Karim suddenly appeared to be very friendly to each other.
"We want that progress to continue," Karim added. "It's vital for Qazhar's future that the process doesn't stop. Whatever it takes, I am committed to my country and its future," he declared, a defiant tone in his voice.
Karim gazed intently at Erin for a few seconds. She saw the strength of his purpose in the way he looked at her. "I will do anything to safeguard my country," he added in low, determined voice.
Erin could hear what it meant to Karim. His voice quivered with emotion. He was a proud man, a man who would obviously take extreme measures to guarantee the survival of everything he'd worked so hard to create.
In spite of all their differences, Erin could respect that. She couldn't imagine what it would feel like to have your entire life's work threatened. The only thing that came close in her own life, was the prospect of her mother losing her position as ambassador. Her mother's career may be ruined if that happened. Erin was suddenly filled with concern for her mother's well-being.
"Isn't there anything that can be done, mom?" Erin asked.
Yet again, she saw the briefest exchange of looks between her mother and Karim.
"Well, there was one possibility which Sheikh Al Rasareh and I were discussing," Louise said.
Erin glanced at Karim. His dark eyes met her gaze with a steady, unflinching force. What was going on in that mind of his?
"What's that?" Erin asked.
Louise looked at Karim. "Would you prefer it if I explained?" she asked Karim.
"Perhaps that might be for the best," Karim replied. He stood up quickly and buttoned the front of his jacket. "Maybe I will wait outside for a short w
hile. It's probably best that you and Erin discuss this in private."
Then Karim started to walk toward the door.
"Wait!" Erin exclaimed. Karim halted and turned to her. "What's all this about?" she demanded.
Karim smiled easily at Erin and then looked at Louise. "I think your mother can explain."
Erin stared at Louise. Her mother nodded. "We'll call you back in when we're finished," she said to Karim.
What the hell was going on? Erin looked from her mother to Karim and saw him walk out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.
"Mother?" Erin asked simply, unable to find any other words to express her confusion, nor her growing indignation.
Louise gazed warmly at Erin. "I may as well get to the point," she said.
"About what?" Erin demanded. "What's going to happen to us? To you?"
Louise rested a hand on Erin's arm. "That's what this whole meeting has been about, Erin. To try and find a solution. But, it will only be a solution if you're happy with it. If you're not, there is no way on earth I am going to be unhappy with you."
"What are you talking about, mother?"
Louise frowned. "Now that I think of it, I can't possibly ask you to do it. I would feel so selfish." She shook her head. Louise continued, as if thinking out loud. "But there is a bigger picture to consider. And it would only be a temporary arrangement." Louise shook her head again. "No. I can't ask you to do such a thing."
"You can't ask me to do what!" Erin shrieked.
Louise stood and paced in front of the sofa, wringing her hands and shaking her head.
Erin stood and took her mother by the arms. "What are you talking about, mother?"
"The sheikh is very persuasive, Erin," Louise said. "I can't believe he managed to get me to consider it, even just a little." Louise shook her head. "I can see why he's been so successful in holding the political forces together for so long." Louise gazed at Erin. "He is quite a special kind of man, Erin. Don't you think?"
Erin squinted at her mother. "You know that Karim and I don't get on that well, mother."
Louise nodded. Her eyes glazed over, and there was an almost absent-minded expression in them. Her mother was still lost in thought. Erin felt she was about to explode if her mother didn't get to the point.
Erin squeezed her mother's arm, and Louise's eyes focused on those of her daughter. "Tell me, mother. What's all this about? Whatever it is, you know I only want to help. I just want you to be happy, mom. You know I'd do anything for you, don't you?"
Louise gave Erin a sympathetic smile. "I know you would, Erin," Louise replied. "Sit down, won't you?" Louise added gesturing to the sofa.
Mother and daughter took their place next to one another on the sofa.
"Now that you understand the seriousness of the situation we all find ourselves in, then I suppose I can tell you the possible solution Karim and I were discussing."
Erin gazed into her mother's eyes. She could trust her mother. She had always known that her mother only had Erin's best interests at heart.
"And what's that?" Erin asked.
Louise frowned. "Sometimes in politics a grand gesture that takes everyone by surprise is the only thing which has the power to win."
"That's why you love it so much, mom," Erin said. "It's been your life. Your career. I know how much it means to you."
Louise gazed at Erin. "You always did understand me better than most, Erin," she said softly.
Louise rested her hand on Erin's. "What I'm about to say to you is very important. But it will be entirely up to you. It will be one hundred percent your own decision."
Erin gazed at her mother and asked herself what was coming next.
CHAPTER SIX
Pacing quietly in the corridor outside the room, Karim heard the sharp shriek of Erin's voice. It was quickly followed by inaudible hurried exchanges between Erin and her mother.
It hadn't gone well, Karim told himself. He should have known better than to have suggested such a thing as an arranged marriage. Even if it was intended to be a temporary arrangement.
Karim drew in a deep breath and considered whether he should remain in the embassy. Maybe it would be best just to leave and find another way to resolve the problem. From the reaction he'd just heard, it was clear there was no point in staying. The whole idea of a public show of marrying a foreign woman as a way of demonstrating Qazhar's commitment to openness seemed crazy. Especially now that he could hear Erin's raised voice from inside. She didn't sound happy, at all.
Karim couldn't blame her. She was being put in an impossible situation by him and by her mother. Perhaps Erin realized that, while Qazhar didn't mean so much to her, the well-being of her mother meant everything.
"I can't do that, mom," he heard Erin yell from behind the closed doors.
Karim couldn't make out Louise's response. All he could make out was a quiet, measured voice, probably trying to calm her daughter, perhaps even help Erin see that the temporary marriage would be only that. Temporary. Once the crisis had been resolved, then Karim and Erin would quietly separate with as little fuss as possible. Then they would get on with their respective lives and Qazhar would be back on track.
Would Erin even contemplate such a sacrifice for her mother and for his country? Karim wasn't sure. If she was anything like her mother, Erin would have a strong sense of loyalty, a powerful desire to do her duty to her family. Just like him, Karim told himself. Maybe he and Erin had more in common than they both realized. A temporary marriage of convenience might not be so difficult to maintain, after all.
Karim paced back and forth for a while longer. The sounds of conversation from inside had quietened considerably, and he could hear the steady murmur of Erin and her mother talking. He was going to get an answer one way or the other. He knew that now, and he realized he couldn't wait to know the outcome of their intense conversation.
Some of the embassy staff gave him curious looks as they walked by Karim in the corridor. He glanced at his watch. It had been over half an hour since he'd heard Erin's initial outrage. It had been the longest half hour of Karim's life, but it didn't matter. He had to know.
He heard footsteps and voices from inside. They'd be coming out of the room any moment now, he told himself. Was this really what he wanted? Did he dare make such a sacrifice and marry a woman who was almost a complete stranger? He wondered how his family members would react. They'd be surprised, that was something he could be certain of. In fact, they'd be amazed that he'd decided to take a wife, especially since it was well known that Karim had frequently vowed that marriage wasn't something he was contemplating. Not for a long time, at least.
Yes. His parents would be shocked, but also secretly pleased. His father, in particular, had criticized Karim for not taking a wife sooner. Karim recalled the many angry conversations with his father during which the idea of marrying for duty, rather than love, had been thrown in Karim's face.
His father still had old-fashioned notions of duty and sacrifice. Karim smiled. Well, his father was about to get his own way when it came to matters of marriage, after all. Karim was about to make the ultimate sacrifice, and all for duty and the honor of his kingdom. The thought of pleasing his father gave Karim a secret satisfaction.
Karim paused and cocked his head, listening for any sound from inside the room.
Nothing. Things had become very quiet, and he wondered what decision had been reached. One of the consular staff walked by and gave Karim a disapproving look, as if indicating that Karim shouldn't be eavesdropping outside a room.
"Just waiting for the ambassador," Karim explained to the young man. The man nodded, obviously unconvinced and wandered off.
Suddenly the door swung open, and Karim straightened, trying to compose himself. Erin stood at the open door, her face a blank. She peered at him. "Mother told me I'd probably find you out here," she said.
Karim nodded and tried to judge Erin's mood, but it was difficult. Her face was completely impass
ive.
"I thought I'd wait and perhaps get an idea of what you think of the proposal," he explained.
He saw her mouth pout slightly at the mention of the word "proposal". Maybe shouldn't have used that exact word, he told himself.
Erin stepped out into the corridor and closed the door behind her. "I suggested to my mother that I find you and that we talk," she said.
Karim nodded. "Fine. Why don't we go somewhere quiet where we can have some privacy," he suggested.
"Let's go to the garden," she replied. She started to walk away from him, and he followed behind her. They made their way along the corridor. He could tell she was determined not to say anything to him within the walls of the embassy. He couldn't blame her. If anyone overheard the conversation, they'd scarcely be able to believe it, he thought. Still, her stony expression and her sheer stubbornness impressed him. He could tell she was going to extraordinary lengths to maintain her composure. He could hardly blame her. He was finding it difficult enough resisting the urge to demand an answer from her.
Finally, they emerged out onto the terrace at the rear of the embassy. Steps led down to a well-tended lawn that stretched all the way to a small grove of trees near the rear wall of the embassy property.
Erin strode across the lawn, obviously intending to lead him to somewhere she already knew. At last, she halted in the shade of a tall tree and turned to him, folding her arms. Now that they were away from prying eyes he could see the indignation she'd been hiding. In spite of himself, he found that defiant, angry look in her eyes instantly compelling. He felt something primal shift inside him at the sight of her indignant, challenging expression.
"Are you serious!" she exclaimed suddenly, bringing him back to the present with a jolt.
He drew in a sharp breath. "I presume you're referring to the suggestion I just made to your mother," he said trying to keep his voice even, almost diffident. It wouldn't do to let her see how he really felt about the prospect of taking her as a wife.
"Of course that's what I'm talking about, Sheikh Al Rasareh," she blurted out.
Karim nodded and sucked in a calming breath. It was imperative he handle the next few moments with as much composure as he could summon. He could see how upset she was.