“He’ll be busy for a while, miss.” Farouk appeared next to me. “Everyone’s been terribly worried about him.”
“They love him, don’t they?” I said. Farouk gave me an old-fashioned look.
“Changed your opinion of him, then?”
I blushed.
“He has his moments. I’ll tell you one thing. Don’t play poker with him.”
Farouk laughed. He climbed back onto the truck and drove off, leaving a crowd of people between me and Dhav. I tried to make eye contact but he didn’t look at me, and I couldn’t tell if that was deliberate.
Suddenly weary to the bone, I skirted the mob and entered the palace. I’d see him tonight anyway. I was halfway up the stairs when I heard a shout behind me, and my heart leapt. But it wasn’t the prince I was expecting.
“Raj! You look amazing. How are you feeling?”
He caught up with me on the stairs.
“My princess, you are a sight for sore eyes. I woke up yesterday, the doctors say it was a miracle. But I know it was you and Dhav.”
“I’m glad you’re okay.” I examined him narrowly. He was thin and there were shadows under his eyes, but otherwise he seemed unscathed. “Where’s your brother?”
Raj shrugged.
“You know Dhav. Straight back to business. There are a million things in his in-tray.” He paused, and then asked casually, “So how did you two get on?”
“Fine.”
“I am surprised you did not kill each other.”
“Oh there were moments I wanted to, trust me.” I started up the stairs again, and he followed.
“You must tell me of your adventures.”
“I will, I promise. But right now I just want to take a bath and get some sleep.”
“Will you be staying with us?” His expression was hopeful.
“I don’t know. We’ll see.”
We reached the rooftop courtyard and I paused outside the door to my old room. Raj caught my hand.
“I have missed you, my princess. I very much hope you will stay.” He kissed my hand, and smiled devilishly into my eyes, and for a moment I felt butterflies in my stomach.
But I knew it was because he looked like his brother.
Not so long ago, I would have flirted back, and I would have enjoyed it. But I was too tired. I extricated my hand gently.
“Let’s talk later, Raj. I’m really glad you’re okay.”
I closed the door and leaned against it. The room was exactly the way I’d first seen it. The windows had been replaced, and there was no sign of the ghul attack which had started this whole thing.
I walked to the balcony and threw open the doors. The early morning sun streamed in, glinting off the red petals of the rose bushes below me. The first place I’d ever laid eyes on Dhav.
Curiously, I peered around to see if the garden had any orange blossoms. There were none.
I put the flower from my pocket on the bedside table. Then I stripped off my clothes, grimacing as I finally saw the extent of the blood and sweat and grime they were covered in. I wondered if I could burn them somewhere quietly.
I ran a bath, pouring in lavish amounts of bath salts and gels until the bubbles rose high above the rim. Then with a sigh, I slid into the water.
I stayed in the bath until the water turned lukewarm and grey with dirt. Wrapping myself in a towel, I padded into the bedroom and examined my face in the mirror.
“So what now, little thief?” I murmured to my reflection. “Back to England? Because I’m not sure you’re the kind of girl a prince wants hanging around.”
My eyes were heavy as I stretched out on the bed. Dhav hadn’t come to see me, he hadn’t even checked on me. But he said we should talk. All I could do was wait.
My eyes closed as exhaustion finally caught up with me. The last thing I saw was the orange blossom from the desert.
Chapter Thirty Eight
It was late afternoon when I finally surfaced. And maybe sleep was what I needed, because I suddenly felt more optimistic.
I hadn’t been imagining my connection with Dhav, I thought. He’d wanted me as much as I wanted him. He had said his idea of heaven was to die in my arms.
True, we’d just had a near-death experience. But that wasn’t just adrenaline talking, was it?
I guessed I’d soon find out. He’d said he wanted to see me. Maybe he wanted to discuss our future.
I looked through the wardrobe, eager to look nice for him. I fingered the various dresses and saris indecisively, until I came across a diaphanous gown with a tight bodice encrusted with tiny sparkling stones. The skirt was gossamer light and split to the hip, and came with close-fitting silk trousers to wear underneath. It looked like something a fairy-tale genie might wear.
I smiled to myself, thinking Dhav would be amused by it. Quickly, I pulled it on and gave a twirl in front of the full-length mirror. It was perfect.
My heart beat faster as I heard someone outside my door, and I rushed to open it. The man standing on the other side gave me an appreciative whistle.
“You look ravishing, my princess. I have come to escort you to dinner.”
“Raj, hello again.” I was nonplussed. “Um, I think I’m supposed to be waiting for your brother.”
“Dhav?” Raj’s eyebrows shot up. “He is busy with matters of state. I doubt you will see him tonight.”
“Oh.” I must have looked crestfallen because Raj gently lifted my chin. “Are you so eager to see my brother instead of me?”
“No. No, I’m glad you’re here.” I swallowed my hurt. “I missed you.”
“Then let us eat.”
I was starving, I had to admit. And there were worse things than going to dinner on the arm of a gorgeous prince. Even if he wasn’t the one I was hoping for. I straightened my shoulders.
“Great idea. You still owe me a lamb curry.”
“Your wish is…”
I put my hand on his mouth.
“I loathe that phrase.”
He kissed my palm, his mouth warm against my skin.
“Then henceforth it is banished across the land. Anyone who utters that sentence will be beheaded.”
I giggled. I’d forgotten Raj’s ability to make me laugh.
We headed to the dining room. The beautiful sapphire chandelier illuminated the table where a feast had been laid out. I could barely speak for the first few minutes as I stuffed food into my mouth. I became aware of Raj watching in amusement.
“Sorry. Proper meals have been a bit scarce these past few days.”
“It is of no consequence. I wanted to thank you, my princess.”
“Thank me?”
“For saving my life.”
“It was your brother’s doing really.”
“And I am grateful to him, for everything he did for me. But my princess, I know it was you who saved me.”
“Oh?”
After that ghul attacked me, I fell into a deep pit. I couldn’t move or speak, and there was nothing but blackness.” His face clouded at the memory. “It was a living hell.”
I put my hand on his.
“It must had been awful.”
“It was. But suddenly, there was a light. And when I opened my eyes, I saw you. My beautiful princess, leading me from darkness.”
“I was a genie, and your brother wished you awake,” I explained. “He was the one who saved you really.”
“He has explained it all to me. I am sorry those things happened to you. But I know in my heart that you were the one who brought me back. A beautiful angel whom no-one else could see.” He threaded his fingers through mine, gently brushing his thumb over my palm. “It was a sign, Sam.”
“A sign?”
“A sign that we were meant to be together.”
“No, Raj, hang on…”
“Even when we first met, you were there for me. You saved me from a flogging, and then you saved me from the ghul.”
“Raj, I think you need to speak to Dhav,” I sta
mmered.
“Dhav is all about duty and honour. He doesn’t understand love.”
“No, you’re wrong, he…”
“I’m not an idiot, Sam. I know my brother is the ruler here, and I’m just his baby brother. I know you spent all that time in each other’s company. I can understand how you would come to care for him. But Sam, he will never go against his obligations to the palace.”
“What do you mean?”
“If Dhav ever takes a lady friend, she will be from a high-born family. A match that will benefit our principality. When it comes to ruling, Dhav always follows his head, not his heart.”
I stared at him in shock.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Did he promise you a reward?”
“A what?”
“Dhav sees things in black and white. He thinks you are a mercenary, so he probably offered you a reward at some point. What was it? Diamonds? No. Sapphires. I bet he offered you sapphires, didn’t he?”
Miserably, I thought back to the conversation on the night of the poker game. Raj was right. Dhav had always accused me of looking out for myself. He probably still thought that.
“Yes,” I whispered. “He offered me sapphires.”
“You see? He can’t love you the way I can. I’m free to adore you the way you should be adored. I will worship you for the rest of my life.”
He pushed his chair back and jumped athletically onto the dining table, scattering plates and cutlery with his feet. Reaching up into the chandelier, he took hold and yanked hard.
A sapphire the size of a golf ball came off in his hand.
“Raj, what are you…?”
To my horror, he leapt to the floor and went down on one knee.
“This single sapphire is worth thousands of dollars. And it’s yours. I will have it made into the most beautiful ring ever seen, if you will do me the honour of being mine.”
“Please get up,” I pleaded.
“Not until you say you will at least think about it. I’m not talking about marriage – not yet, at least. Just time. I want to spend time with you, my beautiful princess. And I will give you whatever you want.”
I stared at the sapphire which glinted with a cold blue fire. Anything I wanted. All hand-delivered by a seriously gorgeous prince who was in love with me.
The old me would have said yes. The old me would have practically dragged him to the bedroom.
But I knew I could never stay here in this palace, in the same place as Dhav, seeing him every day without being with him. I wouldn’t be able to bear it.
“Raj, it’s beautiful.” I cupped his face with one hand, wishing with all my heart I didn’t have to hurt his feelings. “But I…”
And that, of course, was exactly the moment Dhav walked in.
Chapter Thirty Nine
He surveyed the tableau expressionlessly. Raj down on one knee, offering me a sapphire. Me with my hand on his face, looking at him tenderly.
Then he turned on his heel and left without saying a word.
“Dhav! Shit.” I made to follow him, belatedly remembering Raj was still on the floor. “Raj, get up.”
“So it’s true.” He got up slowly, dusting off the knees of his expensive trousers. He looked at me ruefully. “I saw you watching him outside the palace when you first got back. I saw the look on your face. And your reaction just now…”
“I’m sorry. I was trying to tell you.”
“Do you love him?”
“I don’t know.”
“I think you do know.” He gazed at me steadily, and I remembered how perceptive he was. It was one of the things I’d liked about him.
“I … Yes. I love him.” I couldn’t believe I’d said it. I said it again more slowly, just to try it on for size. “I love your brother.”
Raj put the sapphire down on the dining table and nodded thoughtfully.
“It wasn’t what I was expecting.”
“Me neither. I’m sorry. I think you’re great, and I love you, just not in that way.”
“And does Dhavani return these feelings?”
“I don’t know. Does it matter? You said he follows his head, not his heart.”
“Of course it matters. It matters to me.”
I shrugged unhappily.
“I thought he liked me. But now we’re back in the real world and I’m… I’m not sure.”
Raj dug his hands deep into his pockets and sighed.
“Can I give you a word of advice, my princess?”
“I know, I know. You don’t have to say it. Dhav is all about duty and obligation, and he won’t want to be with a girl like...”
“Fight for him.”
I wasn’t sure I’d heard right.
“Sorry?”
“Fight for my brother. He is a good man, the best there is. But sometimes he stands in his own way. He doesn’t believe he deserves to be happy. I think you can change that.”
I didn’t know what to say. I looked at his handsome face and bit my lip.
“What about you?”
“Me? Well, of course my heart is broken.” He raised an eyebrow. “But I am sure with time, and some agreeable female company, I will eventually get over the trauma.”
I hugged him hard, then stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“It’s the first time Dhav and I have fallen for the same girl,” he said lightly. “I figure I can let him win, just this once.”
I nudged his arm.
“I’m not a bloody prize, pretty boy.”
“Oh, but you are, my princess.” He raised my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “Now go get him. Don’t let him be a stubborn idiot. He needs you.”
I started for the door.
“Where will he be?”
“Sulking in his quarters, I should think. Far wing, top floor. Go out of the main entrance and follow the line of orange blossoms.”
I stared.
“What did you say?”
“The orange blossoms.” He blew me a kiss. “Good luck.”
I ran out of the palace, ignoring the strange looks from various servants, and looked for the orange blossoms. It was just as Raj had said.
There was a line of them on either side of a path, leading the way to another part of the palace.
I slowed down to catch my breath, smoothing a hand through my hair as I reached the entrance.
A single white bloom skittered through the air and landed on my shoulder. I inhaled its scent. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I believed it was a sign.
I tucked it behind my ear, taking courage from its familiar perfume. The desert spirits had given me the answer after all. I knew now where I wanted to be.
I took a deep breath.
Then, heart thudding, I made my way to the top floor.
Chapter Forty
Dhav was standing on his balcony talking on his phone when I walked in. His room was even more opulent than the one I was staying in. There was gold on the walls and a huge sitting area with leather Chesterfields and designer armchairs.
A desk took up most of one wall, laden with files and papers and at least three laptops. The workload of a busy leader.
I headed towards the balcony. My feet made no sound as I walked across the Persian rugs spread over the floor. I counted eight of them, each of them a different design, and all of them beautiful. I stood quietly, waiting for him to finish his call.
He slipped his phone into his pocket without turning round.
“What do you want?”
I swallowed.
“What you saw, that wasn’t what it looked like.”
“It looked like my brother was proposing.”
“Well, okay, yes. Your brother was proposing. Not marriage,” I added quickly. “He wanted me to stay with him. As his girlfriend.”
He finally turned round, and his face was cold.
“So you got what you wanted. Ensnaring a prin
ce, isn’t that what you came here for?”
His cruelty threw me off balance.
“You think so little of me?”
“I think as usual, your priority is to look after yourself.”
“How can you say that? After everything we’ve been through?”
“Just tell me why you’re here, Samira. I have work to do.”
“I thought you wanted to talk to me.”
“You thought wrong. I’m busy. And I’m sure you have a lot of things to do too. Perhaps Raj will take you on a shopping spree.” His eyes trawled over me, taking in the dress I’d put on especially for him. “You might want to buy more fitting attire. If you’re going to be hanging around the palace, at least try not to mock our culture.”
With an effort I reined in my temper. His arrogance was infuriating, but Raj’s voice popped into my head. Sometimes he stands in his own way.
I stepped closer, close enough to touch him if I wanted, and held his gaze with my own.
“Does nothing we shared mean anything to you?”
His eyes flickered to my lips.
“If you’re talking about our mutual attraction, that was only to be expected. We are both young and healthy. Being cooped up together for days on end was bound to have consequences.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“Consequences? I saved your life.”
“And I am grateful.”
“Why are you being such a stuck up, obnoxious, rude…”
“I am a prince, Samira.” His voice was ice. “I have duties. Obligations. I know someone like you could never understand, but I have people depending on me. Why don’t you go back to Raj? He’ll be waiting.”
Exasperated, I stepped back.
“What about your promise?”
“My promise?”
“The promise you made to me. In the desert.”
“Ah. I see.” He shook his head in irritation. “That’s why you’re here. You’ve come for your reward.”
“My what?”
“Your sapphires. I promised you sapphires if you helped me, did I not? Fine. Though I’m sure Raj will give you more than enough jewels.” He reached inside his pocket. “Still, I gave my word. I’ll call the Treasury right now, and… damn it, where’s my phone?” His head snapped up. “Samira?”
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