by Snihur, Erin
“Khalid stop this at once!” Their mother shrieks and then shrieks again as Amelia dramatically faints into Haseems waiting arms and cries out, “Amelia!”
“Amelia!” Khalid roars, forgetting Maarku long enough to loosen his grip and for Maarku to deliver a solid punch to his brothers’ gut.
As Khalid collapses to his knees with Maarku who struggles to ease his breathing, Amelia pops her head up with a bright smile.
“I thought that might do the trick. Please help me up, Haseem,” Amelia orders and then, when she is rightly on her feet, waddles over to both Maarku and Khalid with a disapproving look in her eye.
“There is about to be a new baby in this palace and I will not have he or she coming into the world where their Uncle and Father behave like animals! Am I clear?” Amelia shouts and rests a hand on her protruding stomach.
Sputtering, Khalid scrambles to stand and places his own hand over Amelia’s on her stomach, “Darling, never do that again. My heart can’t handle that kind of stress.”
Amelia shrugs and shoots her husband a teasing smile, “Then stop behaving stupidly.”
Rubbing his throat, Maarku stands and glares up at his brother, “I, for one, agree with Amelia. Our fighting is ridiculous, Khalid.”
Turning to glare down at Maarku, Khalid finally relaxes and sighs, “I agree, but I cannot forget the fact that Kulaz has just closed its borders and your Sheikha is about to make a public statement.”
Maarku froze and in an instant, scrambled to stand, hissing at his brother as he pushed past the man and Haseem, “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”
“Oh! I knew he loved her!” Their mother cried out and Amelia murmured an agreement, but Maarku ignored them as he raced into his brother’s private study down the hall.
Grasping the TV remote, Maarku ignores the sounds of his brother and Haseem following behind him. Clicking on the TV, Maarku watches in shock at the sight of a team of reports waiting inside the throne room of Kulaz. The room, now no longer decorated for her crowning, only holds her throne on the raised dais and a few rows of chairs for the present reporters.
“What is she doing?” Maarku whispers to himself.
“She’s going to declare war on us! Or worse! Any sign of hatred towards Aman could bring out our enemies and back her agenda against us!” Khalid explains in frustration.
“This may be a bad time, but I told her head of security about my suspicions regarding her fathers’ sudden death,” Haseem relents and seems to turn sheepish as both men turn to him in confusion.
“What about her fathers’ death? He died of heart troubles, didn’t he?” Maarku queries as his mind races to recall all of what Amina told him about her father.
“I believe he was murdered. It seemed odd and her advisor, Abrar, was very concerned with Amina becoming married by her twenty-fifth birthday,” Haseem shrugs.
“Why didn’t you tell me that? Amina could be in danger!” Maarku growls, his teeth clenched as tightly as his fists.
Haseem’s eyes squint as he stares back at Maarku, “I’m sorry for trying to keep you alive during the scandal of the year.”
Running his hands through his hair in frustration, Maarku is about to retort when Khalid speaks up, “There she is.”
All eyes turn back to the TV as the doors to the throne room open and Amina walks in wearing a simple gold and red dress that flows down back her feet in a short train. Her hair, is simply braided down her back and Maarku’s gaze instantly moves to her face and winces. She looks tired and her silvery eyes appear distorted in the TV’s quality.
Otherwise, Amina looked well. Healthy even. And that infuriated him. Was she not as distraught over their separation as he was? Maarku glares at the sight of her counselors and advisors that trail behind her guards. Her head of security, Alexander is present and stands at her side as she steps up to the podium in front of the dais. Scanning the crowd, Maarku grows worrisome. Abrar is not present and neither is his insolent nephew, Sahl.
Amina smiles to the crowd, though Maarku recognizes instantly that it is not her truly happy smile. Inwardly, he wonders if he will ever see her smile happily again. Khalid would never allow it. He was adamant Maarku remain behind the palace walls until the scandal blew over.
“Good afternoon. Thank you all for attending this press conference on such short notice. As you all know, last week, my privacy and the privacy of someone close to me was invaded to the extreme. In this day and age, following a woman and a man around to exploit their private relationship is not something to be proud of. Rest assured, those that stalk and photograph a person's private moments without their knowledge or permission, will not be tolerated in Kulaz. Charges have been filed and those involved have been brought to justice.”
Murmurs of shock go through the crowd and a man stands, raising his hand in the air. Holding out a microphone as he does so, the man asks, “Your Majesty, are you saying that freedom of speech is illegal in Kulaz?”
Maarku growls at the TV and hisses, “Pompous ass.”
As if she can hear his fury, Amina shoots the man a simpering glare, “Let me ask you this, sir, do you think the broadcasting of my sex life and private relationships assists Kulaz or rather, the world, in anyway other than to provide fodder to gossip mongers?”
The man declines to comment and slowly takes his seat as Amina smiles once more at his declination and turns back to the crowd.
“I trust that from this day on, the media will look to other issues such as poverty or charities in need of assistance.”
Amina pauses and seems to cast her gaze on her counselors and advisors before turning back to the crowd, “There was another reason that I called this press conference.”
A hush settles on the crowd and her counselors and advisors all seem to look between one another in confusion. Khalid and Haseem also seem confused as they ask Maarku, “What is she doing?”
Maarku exhales sharply, “I don’t know.”
“Last week, it was discovered that on the night of my father’s passing, a maid was paid to slip a toxic and untraceable poison into his tea. The culprit to pay the maid, was my fathers’ head advisor, Abrar Irani,” Amina’s cool voice echoes across the room as gasps break out.
“I wish for the people of Kulaz to know that their Sheik did not die in vain. My father loved his people dearly and in naming me his heir, will never be forgotten,” Amina continues and then turns her gaze back on her counselors and advisors present, “That is why I would like to thank you gentlemen for your service to the Crown.”
The men seemed to puff up with pride and behind Maarku, Khalid cursed with a whisper, “Is she doing what I think she’s doing?”
“She took my advice,” Maarku muses, thinking back on that day in the palace gardens when he advised Amina that as Sheikha, she is entitled to rule without a counselor or advisor critiquing her every move.
“Your many years of service will not be forgotten or go unappreciated,” Amina’s clear voice rings out as she turns back to the mass of reporters, “As of today, I move to disband my council and royal advisors.”
Gasps of shock are heard through the television and cries of outrage ring out as a few men stand in formal protest to argue with Amina. With pride, Maarku watches as she stands there calmly until the few men that vocally display their anger can be silenced.
Smiling briefly at the men coolly, Amina begins again, “Kulaz is stuck, so to speak. It is time for new blood to enter and a new generation to make this country known to all around the world. We can no longer hide behind our wealth and mountain walls. We must step into the light and declare Kulaz a country worthy of growth and prosperity.”
Turning back to her advisors and councilmen, Amina tilts her head, “Thank you for your service, gentlemen, you are dismissed.”
Most of the men protest as guards appear to lead them out of the throne room, while some just look dejected and a few angrily glare at Amina as they exit.
“She’s just
made some enemies,” Khalid growls.
Before Maarku can respond, a hand raises in the mass of media reporters and a man rises with his hand to ask Amina a question.
“Your Majesty, with such changes being implemented, can we expect a royal wedding between you and Prince Maarku of Aman? Perhaps you wish to name Prince Maarku, Sheik of Kulaz?”
Amina seems to find the question amusing as she takes a deep breath and stares directly into a camera that is facing her, “Prince Maarku is a very determined man. I’m sure if he wishes to pursue any sort of relationship with the Crown of Kulaz, he need only prove his worth. And to answer your second question, sir.” Amina pauses before glaring at the man with her familiar, silvery eyes, “I am Sheikha of Kulaz. If the people of Kulaz require a Sheik to rule them and provide for them, then they may leave Kulaz. For I shall never give up my crown.”
Stepping away from the podium, Amina makes to leave and Maarku watches as she gracefully descends the few steps of the dais as reporters and cameras flash all around her. Questions can be heard until Maarku presses the mute button.
Turning to Haseem, Maarku shoots the man a pleading look, “Can you get me into Kulaz?”
Khalid snorts, “The borders are closed and on high alert. How do you intend on getting in?”
“Didn’t you hear her, brother? I’m a determined man, whose Sheikha has just requested his presence in Kulaz,” Maarku grins up at his brother and pauses, waiting to see if Khalid will order him to forget such ideas.
“You do love her, don’t you?” Khalid finally asks and murmurs, “Amelia said as much.”
Before Maarku can react, Khalid pats Maarku on the shoulder and scoops him in for a hug. The two brothers hug for only a moment before Khalid pulls away, “You know I only did what I did because I cared?”
“I know,” Maarku mutters and then rolls his eyes, “I have a strong head and an even stronger will, brother. I’m sorry it took me so long to see you were trying to protect me.”
They pull away and Haseem stares between them before cursing and rubbing his hands over his head, “You both are going to be the death of me.”
Smirking, Maarku winks at the man, “Just get me into Kulaz’ capital and I’ll do the rest.”
26
Amina slowly fingers the greenish fabric in her hands as Adam, the stall owner, drones on and on about the recent shipment of dyes he had received.
“I will have the new dyes in place by next week, Mina. If you can’t find anything you like today, I’m sure you will like what I’ve prepared for next week,” Adam chuckles and then his eyes seem to drift to another customer, “Excuse me, Mina.”
Amina sighs as she sets the fabric back down on stalls counter. It had been days since her press release. Pulling her brown hijab closer around her face, Amina felt the tell-tale tingles of someone watching her. Perhaps Alexander? Or one of the other newly hired guards he’d taken on to assist him in protecting her. There hadn’t been any threats since the press release, though Alexander wanted to ensure that she was protected no matter the peacefulness of their current situation.
The decision to let go of her entire staff of councilors and advisors had been a difficult one. But Maarku had been right. If she wanted to be taken seriously as a Sheikha, she must bring on her own team. Those that supported her ideas and dreams for Kulaz’ future. The world was changing every day. It was time for Kulaz to change with it.
Scanning the rows of fabrics, none seemed to appeal to her. Scanning the area, Amina sighs. The market is bustling and though everyone around her seems happy and well, Amina cannot help but feel as though there is a pit in her stomach growing in agitation. Since the press release, Amina has yet to hear from Maarku or any word on Aman. For Maarku she had prepared a simple treaty to ensure he would not be cast out by his brother for not completing his mission. But she had heard nothing from the Sheik of Aman or his brother.
Well you haven’t exactly made it easy for him? You haven’t issued an open borders order yet, now have you? A voice condemns inwardly.
What if Abrar was right and Maarku was just using me? A fearful voice inside Amina hisses as well. Quickly pushing that thought aside, Amina begins sorting through the stacks of fabrics before the sight of a familiar green and gold stitched fabric.
That looks like the fabric I wore… Amina’s mind drifts away as she reaches down to pick it up, but a tan hand snatches it away before she can even react.
Straightening, Amina turns and is partially blinded by the sun as she stares up at a dark haired man wearing a simple shirt and cargo shorts. It isn’t his clothes that render Amina speechless, but his smirking face and bright smile.
Maarku…
Mouth gaping open at the sight of him here in the capital, Amina struggles to speak, but his finger on her lips has Amina shutting her mouth as he croons softly, “Hello, jamal.”
“Maark--,” Amina begins, but a mocking glare from him has her stopping as he whispers, “Please, call me Batin.”
Laughing softly, Amina shakes her head and scans the crowd, looking to see if anyone notices. No one does and Amina and Alexander had perfected the art of sneaking out of the palace during the day since her media conference.
“What are you doing here? I mean, how did you get here?” Amina asks, completely flabbergasted.
“I heard there was a job opening here in Kulaz and thought I’d apply for it,” Maarku murmurs and then motions his head behind them in the direction of the palace and mountainous range, “Haseem pushed me out of a plane last night and I landed in a field outside of the city.”
Amina’s eyes widened in shock. She knew Maarku was a daredevil from his stories of travel, but did he really risk death just to get into her country.
“By the way, if I’m offered the position as advisor to her Royal Majesty, I think we should discuss military procedures and investment in better security measures. It was far too easy for me to sneak into the country undetected,” Maarku continues with a wink.
Still holding the fabric, Maarku backs away into the crowds and Amina follows him, her curiosity growing.
“What makes you think the Sheikha will even consider you for the position?” Amina asks, her voice light and airy as her mind races.
Stopping short, Maarku unfolds the fabric and uses it as a lasso to wrap around her waist and haul her forward against his chest. Amina blushes as people passing them by shoot them funny looks and a few others comment about how despicable the youth of today act.
Trying to stifle her laughter, Amina stares up at Maarku as she presses a hand to his chest, right over his heart. Smiling down at her, Maarku murmurs softly so that only she can hear.
“I am a very loyal man. My love for the Sheikha of Kulaz goes beyond propriety.”
“Love?” Amina whispers back, unsure if what she is hearing is the truth.
“Yes, Amina.” He pauses and then leans in, brushing his lips against hers as he whispers, “I love you.”
Pulling back, Amina blushes and out of the corner of her eye she can make out Alexander and the team of her guards moving in, “I love you too.”
“I should hope so,” Maarku croons back and then stiffens at Alexanders approach.
“Mr. Tarik,” Maarku acknowledges before turning to Alexander, the fabric still tied tightly around her waist as Maarku pulls her along with him. “It took you too long to rush to your Sheikha’s aid.”
Glaring back, Alexander shrugs, “I believe her Majesty is quite capable at handling men such as yourself, my Lord.”
Laughing, Amina shakes her head, “He is not a Prince any longer, Alexander. He is my head Advisor.”
Alexander glares at Maarku in amusement, “Congratulations, sir. But, in the future, if you could schedule your liaisons with her Majesty in the privacy of the palace, that will be much appreciated.”
“Xander!” Amina cries out, scanning the area to ensure no one else heard her friend’s words. Her face aflame with red, Amina pokes Maarku in the side, “I�
��m beginning to doubt your abilities, Lord Advisor.”
Grinning down at her, Maarku leans down and presses a kiss to her neck, “Then I suppose I should reintroduce you to them.”
“Determined, are we?” Amina asks, breathless as tingles erupt throughout her skin.
“When it comes to you, jamal, always.”
About the Author
Erin Snihur is a proud Canadian Indie Author with a love for reading and writing. While working full-time you can often find Erin writing her next romance novel or hiking with her dog!
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Also by Erin Snihur
Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Curse of the InBetween (Book 1 of the InBetween Series)
Hero of the InBetween (Book 2 of the InBetween Series)
His Angelic Queen (Book 3 of the InBetween Series)
The Sheiks of the Arabian Coast Series
The Sheik’s Missing Mistress (Book 1)
The Sheik’s Forced Bride (Book 2)
The Sheik’s Pregnant Paramour (Book 3)
The Sheik’s Forgotten Princes (Book 4)
The Sheik’s Beautiful Thief (Book 5)
The Sheik’s Arabian Christmas (Book 6)
The Sheikha’s of the Arabian Mountains Series (NEW SERIES, PRE-ORDER NOW)
The Sheikha’s Determined Prince (Book 1 of the Sheikhas of the Arabian Mountains Series)
The Sheikha's Unforgettable Lover (Book 2 of the Sheikhas of the Arabian Mountains Series)
The Sheikha’s Seductive Protector (Book 3 of the Sheikhas of the Arabian Mountains Series)