King of Durabia
Book 1 of the Knights of the Castle Series
Naleighna Kai
Macro Publishing Group
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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King of Durabia by Naleighna Kai Copyright ©2020
ISBN: [Ebook] 9781952871009
ISBN: [Trade Paperback] 978-1-952871-08-5
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Macro Publishing Group
1507 E. 53rd Street, #858
Chicago, IL 60615
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever or by any means including electronic, mechanical or photocopying, or stored in a retrieval system without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For permission, contact Naleighna Kai at [email protected] or at www.naleighnakai.com
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Cover Designed by: J.L Woodson: www.woodsoncreativestudio.com
Interior Designed by: Lissa Woodson: www.naleighnakai.com
Editors: J. L. Campbell [email protected];
Janice M. Allen [email protected]
Betas: Debra J. Mitchell, Ellen Kiley Goeckler, Brynn Weimer
Created with Vellum
Dedicated to:
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Jean Woodson,
Eric Harold Spears,
LaKecia Janise Woodson,
Mildred E. Williams,
Anthony Johnson,
L. A. Banks,
Octavia Butler,
Tanishia Pearson Jones, and
Priscilla Jackson.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Epilogue
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Special thanks goes out to: The Creator from whom all Blessings and opportunities flow, Sesvalah, my son, J. L. Woodson (for the awesome cover designs for the Knights of the Castle and the Kings of the Castle series), Janice M. Allen, Debra J. Mitchell, Royce Slade Morton, Bunny Ervin, J. L. Campbell, Kelly Peterson, Janine A. Ingram, Ehryck F. Gilmore, LaVerne Thompson, Kassanna Dwight, Vikkas Bhardwaj (our amazing cover model), Ella Houston, Betty Clawson, Amanda McCoy, Ellen Kiley Goeckler, Brynn Weimer, Theresa V. Wilson, Stephanie Fazekus-Hardy, Shae Cross, J. D. Mason, Unique Hiram, Siera London, Elizabeth Means, the Kings of the Castle Ambassadors, Members of Naleighna Kai’s Literary Cafe, the members of NK Tribe Called Success, the members of Namakir Tribe, and to you, my dear readers . . . thank you all for your support.
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Much love, peace, and joy,
Naleighna Kai
Chapter One
“You risked your life for my grandson,” Sheikh Aayan said, his voice echoing through the ornate throne room. “Ask for anything and I will see what can be done.”
Ellena scanned the expectant faces of the throngs of people who had gathered for this unexpected audience with the ruler of Durabia. Most of their tunics and dishdashas differed from her casual attire of a simple white blouse and black slacks. “Thank you, but that isn’t necessary. I did what anyone would do.”
“Evidently, not everyone,” he said, and his angry glare focused on the bodyguard, caregivers, and everyone who had stood by when Javed, the little royal, had swept past Ellena and landed on the moving conveyor belt.
All of them had frozen in place the moment Javed brushed against the rubber bounding strip and was sucked into the void. The video of Ellena dropping her tote bag, diving in after him, and cradling him in her arms as they were both tossed through the maze of steel and vinyl, all while being battered by suitcases and duffel bags alike, went viral.
Ellena had closed her eyes, bracing under each blow. Javed’s laughter was a stark contrast to her pain. The cameras caught everything, including the tail end of the journey when Ellena tumbled out of the final drop onto another belt and finally into the metal cart that would carry the luggage onto the plane. Security finally found their legs and scrambled to make it to Ellena and the little boy before they sustained further injuries. Well, before she did. Her fleshy body was all the protection that Javed needed.
Javed Khan, a great grandson of the royal family, was completely unharmed. Ellena, on the day of arrival for a class reunion vacation, had to be rushed to the hospital. They kept her overnight. She sustained a few cuts and bruises that matched the dent in her ego when the entire world saw her tossed head over ass multiple times. And when the adrenaline wore off and the fear kicked in, the little royal refused to let her go. He even had to travel in the emergency transport with her because none of the guards or caregivers managed to force him to release his hold on Ellena.
Now she stood in a palace situated in the heart of a metropolis in the Middle East with a décor that was unrivaled by anything she’d ever seen. Gold—everything was layered with it—the walls, doors, accented by purples and reds that added a sultry warmth to all of the opulence of the furniture, paintings, and draperies covering massive windows.
“Well, to be honest, I haven’t wanted much,” she said with a nervous laugh. “And the only thing I don’t have is a husband. But I’d love to have a place here in Durabia, where I can come and go as I please. If that is at all possible.”
“Done,” the Sheikh said, beckoning to the man who had visited the hospital twice to see about her condition. “Kamran, come.”
“Wait. What?” She laughed and rested a hand on her ample bosom. “An apartment, really?”
“Your new husband,” he answered with a grand gesture that would have made Vanna White proud. “This is my oldest son.”
The man was drop-dead gorgeous. Olive complexion, dark hair, goatee neatly trimmed to perfection, and piercing brown eyes that missed nothing. He was more suited to a fashion runway than a palace. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure if it was the tunics, neat beards, head coverings or what. Durabia seemed to have no shortage of handsome men. But the Sheikh’s son was a masterpiece, exuding the kind of confidence that came with a man who was certain of his place in the world. His gaze swept across her face with a complexion slightly darker than his olive tone, then quickly covered the distance over her curves, then his lips lifted in a warm, appreciative smile that practically lit up his dark brown eyes and sent heat straight to places that had been dormant since the Queen of Sheba caused King Solomon to lose his entire mind.
Ellena shook her head, clearing her mind of all manner of wickedness that came after that wonderful assessment. “I think you misunderstood. I was joking about the husband
part. The apartment, time share or whatever you call them here, that’s all I really want.”
“You will have both,” the Sheikh commanded with a nod of finality no one would dare to question. “A husband and a place here. My son needs a wife and you mentioned you do not have a husband. Problem solved.”
“But doesn’t he have to give you heirs or something?” She instinctively brought her hands near her belly. “My eggs are old enough to be married and have children of their own by now.”
First, a roar of laughter went up from him. A few moments later, it was mirrored by everyone standing around her. Yes, that line was funny, but the one thing she understood was the unfairness of the situation. At least for Kamran. And that was no laughing matter.
The Sheikh waved away that thought. “That will not be a concern. He is unable to give you or any woman children. And a woman of African descent will never sit on the Durabian throne. We are safe on that score.”
A shadow of sadness flickered in Kamran’s eyes and his skin flushed a shade darker. Ellena tried to read a deeper meaning into his father’s words. She still came up with unfair. “So, you just throw him to a random woman because he can’t give you an heir? He is still a man. He still has value,” she insisted. “A brain, intelligence, and a purpose.” She inhaled, trying to tamp down on her anger. “The apartment is fine, Sheikh. Thank you, but I will not be foisted on a man who has no say in the matter. That’s downright cruel.”
A gasp came from the core of people around them before silence descended in the room. Even Kamran flinched.
The Sheikh’s face darkened with anger as he slowly came to his feet. “Are you refusing—”
“Give me nine days—”
All eyes focused on the handsome man, who left his father’s side and moseyed toward her like some type of Arabian cowboy. All swagger, no gun necessary.
“Give me nine days,” he repeated and moved across the expensive Persian carpet until he stood in front of her, towering over her near six-foot height by three of his own. “Nine days for me to show you Durabia, to answer any questions you may have. To let you explore the place, the people, the culture. Then you decide.”
Ellena found it hard to catch her breath. The man was so virile she felt warm all the way to her follicles. “Nine days? I have to go home. I have a job back there. I used all of my vacation and two of my sick days for this trip.”
“Your job?” he asked, frowning as though he couldn’t fathom what the word meant.
“Yes. A job. Nine to five. Benefits. All of that. You know, what regular folks do to keep an address.”
Kamran remained silent for a few moments as he peered at her. “How much do they pay you?”
She winced, then flickered a gaze to his right and felt the intensity of everyone’s attention. “It doesn’t matter.”
“How much?” He beckoned for her to come nearer. “Whisper it to me.”
Ellena hesitated a moment, then complied, moving so close she inhaled the intoxicating scent of sandalwood. She managed to whisper an answer, then inched back to put a little distance between them.
“For the rest of your life?” he asked, his tone and wide eyes reflecting the incredulity registered in his facial expression.
“Until I’m sixty-seven and retire,” she replied, daunted by his tone. “But there’s also health benefits and other factors that I can’t put a number on.”
Kamran blinked as though doing a set of mental calculations and coming up with what probably amounted to simple interest on his bank account. “Give me the particulars and I will wire the money into your account.”
She parted her lips to protest but he held up a hand. “Saying yes to taking me as your husband is still your choice. With this, I am simply ensuring your peace of mind. And as a gift for your kindness, your selflessness in saving a child who was a stranger to you.”
Ellena let out a long, slow breath, because staying here permanently, marrying him, would be a lost cause. She loved her job as a personal assistant at Vantage Point. Alejandro Reyes, a “Fixer” of everything from political and corporate espionage, to terrorist attacks, was the absolute best person to work for. And she loved the predictability of her life. Traveling overseas was the most adventurous event in her life. Still, curiosity won out over common sense and she said, “All right. Thank you.”
“Now we go about the business of getting to know one another,” he said, smiling as though her consent brought him much pleasure. Evidently, he wanted this to happen and the intensity of his gaze bore into her soul. “So that you can make an informed decision, yes?”
She glanced over his shoulder, taking in some of the envious looks a few of the women tried to hide. “Why are you doing this?” she asked him. “Why are you allowing them to serve you up to some foreign woman as if you do not have value?”
“Because I recognize this is God’s will,” he answered. “And who am I to leave a precious gift unwrapped?”
Her eyebrows drew in, as she tried to decipher the hidden meaning behind his words. The man had a peaceful, confident air but also a playful vibe about him.
“Yes, that was a double entendre.” His smile widened and she could swear the heavens opened up and smiled with him.
Good Lord, I’m in trouble.
Chapter Two
“You will stay here tonight,” the Sheikh commanded. His firm expression dared anyone to question his decision.
“I am here with my classmates.” Ellena tore her gaze from Kamran. “We’re supposed to see the sights,” she protested. “They’re probably worried.”
“You will be in good hands with Kamran Ali Khan.”
“But —”
“Say thank you, Ellena,” Kamran whispered, under the Sheikh’s fierce frown.
She shifted her gaze to his, saw the warning in his eyes. “Thank you.” Then she gave him the Arabic greeting.
The Sheikh flinched, then refocused as he smiled and replied in kind. He slid back onto the throne. “See, she even knows a little Arabic. The proper way to greet. Now your love of Western culture will be put to good use, my son.”
“Can he force me to stay here?” she said in Kamran’s ear.
“It would be an insult to refuse his hospitality.”
“But I don’t know any of the customs here—”
“Shhhhh,” Kamran whispered, taking her hand in his. “It is fine. You will be fine.”
“He can’t just throw you away like this,” she murmured, searching his eyes for some form of deception. “You don’t know me.”
Kamran gave her hand a gentle squeeze and guided her to the foyer under the curious gazes of everyone else. “Ellena, nine days is a long time. Today, I will walk you through the palace grounds and then you will give me your original itinerary. I will be certain to take you every place you had planned to see.” His dark-brown gaze lasered in on her. “Will that be all right?”
“That sounds nice, but what about the people I was traveling with? This is a class reunion. I haven’t seen some of them in ten years. That’s the sole purpose of this trip.”
“A few inquired at the hospital,” Kamran said, walking past the guards at the pathway leading to the exit. “They know you are with the Royal family. Come, my mother will have a room prepared for you. Tomorrow, we will check into Jumillah.”
“What’s that?”
“The most precious hotel in Durabia,” he said. “And since it is on a private island, it affords the right kind of seclusion.”
She nodded, trying to balance herself. All of this was overwhelming.
“Oh, and we are going to the Durabia Mall for you to pick up a few tunics, all right?”
Ellena stopped walking. “What is wrong with …”
“You will be interacting with the Royal family,” he said in a patient tone. “You must cover certain …” He lowered his gaze to the cleavage baring blouse. “Assets, accordingly.”
She tried to pull away. “It’s all too much. It’s so fast. What i
f I make a mistake?”
“You will not. Please do not worry.”
Ellena scanned his face again, and could not believe how calm he was, given the circumstances. “Aren’t you angry? He just—”
“May I be honest?” he said, and his voice was deep, rich, like the smoothest whiskey.
“Yes. Sure.”
“You had me at ‘he is still a man. He still has value. A brain, intelligence, and a purpose’.”
With that being said, Kamran gave her a slight bow as his mother came forward to guide her into an alcove that led to a suite of rooms. He walked past, leaving Ellena’s mind churning in circles.
Chapter Three
“Well, if it isn’t our Royal traveler,” Dolly teased as Ellena and Kamran made it into the area where her classmates had congregated in the Hyatt’s revolving restaurant.
Kamran had called ahead and the front desk informed everyone that breakfast and a meeting would be held around eight. The place had a mix of tables and sofas in green, gold and creams; everything situated so nothing obstructed view of the Durabian skyline.
Accompanying them were Kamran’s two bodyguards—Rashid and Waqas, personal assistant, Saqib, along with Saba, the aide they assigned to Ellena to instruct her in palace protocol and to address any needs she might have.
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