by The Sheikh
They arrived at the oasis about an hour later. Emma’s parents were already there and rushed to greet their daughter. Reyhan watched them, wondering at their anxiousness. She had been with him and he would have died to keep her safe. Not that her parents had ever trusted him.
He dismounted and moved beside Emma’s horse. Her mother glared at him as he helped Emma down. Even with her parents watching and disapproving, he noticed the warmth of her body and the way she leaned against him while she regained her footing.
“So I have a way to go before I’m an accomplished horsewoman,” she said with a smile. “At least I survived.”
He wanted to smile back at her and tell her that he would be happy to teach her to ride. He wanted to put his arm around her and draw her closer against him. He wanted to kiss her and touch her and be with her. Instead he stepped back and turned away.
“This oasis is not considered large. There are others deeper in the desert that cover several acres. But many families travel here because they can be close to the city while maintaining their old ways.”
“Is it safe for us to wander around?” Emma asked. “Are there any things we shouldn’t do? I don’t want to offend anyone.”
“You are an honored guest. You will be welcome.” He looked at the small campsite set up around the pond of water. Children played with each other. The women talked together over the open fires, while the men tended the camels. Their arrival had been noticed, but his people would wait for him to make the first move.
“You have nothing to worry about,” he said.
“Are you sure?”
He nodded, not surprised by her concern. One of the things he’d liked about her when they’d first met had been her soft heart. She cared about others—an unusual characteristic in the women he generally met.
Emma linked arms with her parents. “Isn’t this fabulous?” she said happily.
“Let’s go introduce ourselves.”
“They’re strangers,” her mother said. “We don’t know if they speak English.”
“Most do not,” he confirmed.
“Then we’ll have to fake it,” Emma said, and pulled her parents toward the women.
He resisted the need to walk with her and claim her as his own by staying close.
His presence was enough protection, he reminded himself. Even though she didn’t need any.
He looked at the men hovering by the pen of camels. When he nodded, they approached, then bowed and offered greetings of respect. He recognized the oldest man, the chief of the small tribe, as someone who had ridden the desert with his father.
“Bihjan,” he said, returning the bow. “I bring greetings from my father.”
“I return those greetings and wish blessings on you and your family.”
“And to yours.”
The old man looked at Emma and her parents. “She is as beautiful as the sunrise.”
Pride filled Reyhan. “My wife.”
The old chief showed no surprised. “I see your blessings have already begun. You care for her.”
Reyhan nodded rather than speak the truth—that care didn’t come close. She was his life, his breath, and he wasn’t sure he would survive without her.
“She will give you fine sons.”
“If it is to be,” he said simply, ignoring the tightness in his chest when he thought about children. He and Emma had made love without protection. He’d been so caught up in the moment, he’d never thought, never considered the consequences. If she was pregnant…
He cast the worry away. She couldn’t be. If she were pregnant, she would stay forever, and being with her would destroy him. But to have a child with her…
He returned his attention to the chief. “You have been blessed with many sons,”
he said.
Bihjan nodded, his eyes dark with worry. “My youngest son, Fadl, leads the renegades,” he said quietly. “I know what they do, what threats they make.”
“I have given my word,” Reyhan reminded the old man. “If their threats remain empty, then I will do nothing. Perhaps in time, they will grow up enough to rejoin their people and become honorable men.”
Bihjan sighed with relief. “I had heard it was so, but I wanted to ask for myself. I know these young men try your patience.”
“My security chief’s, as well. He believes they should be arrested and put in prison. I have explained that to be so confined is a form of death for men of the desert.” He narrowed his gaze. “But be warned. My patience has limits. If any of the renegades acts in the smallest way, if their talk becomes action, my retribution will be swift and severe.”
The old man nodded. “As it should be, Prince Reyhan. As it should be.”
Emma loved everything about the oasis. The people were charming and at least two of the women understood a little English—at least enough for them to attempt to communicate. The children were beautiful and friendly and fun. She adored the dogs and the baby camels and the clever way the camp itself came together after being carted across miles of desert. Even her parents seemed to be having a reasonably good time, asking questions more than complaining. Maybe there was hope for them after all.
“They have invited us to dine with them,” Reyhan said as he came up to stand next to her. “I have accepted.”
Emma instantly glanced at the pen holding the camels and swallowed. “So, uh, what will be on the menu?”
Reyhan smiled. “Fear not. It’s chicken.”
“That’s a relief. I don’t think I could chow down on something I’d just petted and cooed over.”
“I would not expect you to.” He took her arm and pulled her away from everyone.
“I told them you were my wife, without mentioning the pending divorce.”
“Okay. That makes sense. The situation is complicated.” She didn’t know how to tell him she didn’t mind him claiming her as his wife with no “but” tacked on.
“I wanted you to know,” he said.
“Thank you.”
They were called to dinner. Everyone sat around in a circle. Dishes were passed from person to person. Emma sampled spicy rice casseroles and tender chicken.
There were flat breads and grilled vegetables. Two teenage boys played three-stringed musical instruments and a young girl with bells around her wrists and ankles danced for them.
“Can they afford to feed us like this?” Emma asked after a tray of honey-coated dates were offered. “I don’t want them to starve or anything because they played generous host with us.”
His dark gaze lingered on her face. “I appreciate your concern for my people. Do not worry. I have taken care of things.”
She trusted that he had. Reyhan was a good man, a man she could admire. What would he say if he knew that she wanted these people to be her people, as well? That the more time she spent in Bahania, the more she liked the country and was confident she could have made a home here?
After the meal, several of the women rose and disappeared into one of the tents.
A few of the men wandered off toward the camels. Emma started to rise, but Reyhan put a hand on her arm.
“There’s more to come,” he said.
“I’m pretty full.”
“It’s not food.”
Sure enough, a young girl walked up and knelt in front of Emma. She held out her hand, offering a beautiful blue and red enameled necklace. Emma looked at it, then at him.
“I can’t take that.”
“You have to. You’re their princess and they want to show respect.” He leaned close and lowered his voice. “Don’t worry. All that is expected is that you are enthusiastic and love everything. When we leave, the gifts stay behind.”
“Good thing,” she murmured as she noticed a teenage boy leading several camels toward her.
Still caught up in how Reyhan’s warm breath had tickled her skin, she accepted the necklace, kissed the girl on both cheeks and thanked her warmly. Reyhan slid the necklace over her neck.
There
were more pieces of jewelry offered, several bolts of amazing silk, four adult camels and one baby camel. The only gift she had trouble returning was a sweet puppy who licked her entire face and wiggled to get closer.
When she’d thanked everyone and carefully left all the smaller gifts on a blanket by the fire, she walked toward the SUV with Reyhan.
“They were wonderful people,” she said. “Do the children go to school?”
He nodded. “They attend several months at a time, then return to their families.
We are fortunate in that we can afford excellent teachers and modern schools that can meet the needs of children from the city and from the desert.”
Emma thought about what Cleo had said—how she did charity work in her free time.
Would that have been available to Emma, as well? Although she loved her job and knew she helped through one of life’s greatest miracles, she was willing to admit to wanting to help on a grander scale.
Not likely, she told herself. Not when she was leaving and Reyhan was marrying someone else.
By the end of the week, Emma’s parents had settled into life in Bahania. Emma was pleased to watch their attitudes slowly change from hostile mistrust of everything to pleasant acceptance. She would have loved to discuss the surprising transition with Reyhan but he continued to avoid her. So much for spending their days and nights together, she thought as she leaned close to the mirror and applied mascara to her lashes. They might physically be in the same palace, but they rarely spoke anymore. Reyhan worked impossible hours then disappeared into the guest room. The only time she saw him was at command dinners by the king.
At least tonight would be different. There was a large formal state occasion that was doubling as a welcome party for her parents. Reyhan had already informed her he was to be her escort. She would have been a lot more excited if he’d at least pretended to be happy about spending the evening with her. Instead he’d looked about as thrilled as a man facing the loss of both legs and an arm.
She was determined to change his mind.
After finishing with her makeup, she pulled the hot rollers out of her hair, then fluffed the ends. After bending over at the waist, she sprayed her hair from underneath, then flipped her head to let the curls fall back into place.
“Not bad,” she murmured as she finger combed a few wayward strands.
Next up was the bronze beaded evening gown. She slipped it on and pulled up the zipper, then stepped into her high-heeled sandals.
She studied her reflection and knew this was as good as it was going to get. If she couldn’t dazzle Reyhan like this, it wasn’t going to happen.
“Good luck,” she whispered to her reflection, then walked out of the bathroom and into the sitting area.
Reyhan was already there. She nearly stumbled when she saw him in his well-tailored tux. His shoulders were broad and strong, his features lean and handsome. Her heart swelled with an affection she didn’t want to name.
“You look beautiful,” he told her.
“Thank you. You look great, too.”
He held out a velvet-covered box, about ten inches square and only a couple of inches deep.
“For you.”
She hesitated before accepting the gift and opening it. When she saw the contents, her breath caught in amazement.
A yellow diamond necklace lay on a bed of white silk. The graduated diamonds had to be at least three carats each in front, and nearly a carat in back by the clasp. Two clusters of yellow diamonds formed earrings and there was a white and yellow diamond bracelet.
Emma reached for the necklace only to find she was shaking too much to pick it up.
“I can’t,” she told him. “It’s too much.”
“You are my wife,” Reyhan said, taking the box from her and setting it on the table. He removed the necklace and placed it around her neck. “Who would wear these if not you?”
“The next woman you marry,” she said as he handed her the earrings. “You’ll want these things passed down to your children.”
As she spoke, she looked at him. Some emotion crossed his face but it was gone before she could read it. Awareness crackled between them and when he held out the bracelet to her, she wanted desperately to toss it aside and fling herself in his arms instead.
But she didn’t. She let him fasten on the bracelet, then admired the fiery stones. She would wear these lovely things tonight but with the intent of leaving them behind. They were a part of his heritage and she had no right to claim them. If things had been different…But they weren’t.
“Reyhan—” She touched his forearm, feeling the warmth of him and the tension of his muscles. “I want to mention something. About when we were together.”
He didn’t speak but a muscle twitched in his jaw. “There is nothing to say.”
“Yes, there is. We didn’t…” She cleared her throat. “When we made love…” She stopped and gathered her thoughts. “We didn’t use any protection. I wasn’t sure if you were worried about consequences. There aren’t any. I wanted to reassure you that I wasn’t pregnant.”
“I see. You’re sure?”
More than sure. Three days ago she’d gotten her period. “Positive.”
He didn’t say anything else as he led her to a large mirror in the dining room.
He placed her in front of it and stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders.
“The jewels complete you,” he said.
She looked at the elegant stones glittering at her ears and around her neck.
They were lovely, but they didn’t complete her. Only he could do that.
She wanted to know what he’d thought about the possibility of her being pregnant. Had he even considered it? Had he worried? Wondered? Had he hoped?
She had. Now that she knew for sure she wasn’t pregnant she could admit that there had been times she’d thought it would be a good thing. That having a child together would be what they needed to connect. The truth or a schoolgirl fantasy? Now she would never know.
“Are you ready?” he asked, holding out his arm.
She nodded and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. They walked out of the suite together.
Emma had seen the formal ballroom on her tour with Reyhan but standing in the large empty space hadn’t prepared her for the reality of seeing it filled with elegantly dressed people, sparkling lights and a full orchestra.
There were about five hundred guests, including several prime ministers and heads of state. A film crew working on an action movie in the desert had been invited, along with a former American president and a Nobel Prize winner.
Reyhan introduced Emma to many of the guests. She smiled, said little and reached for a second glass of champagne from a waiter circulating with a tray.
“Are you doing all right?” Reyhan asked quietly.
“Considering this is my first official function as a princess, I’m doing great.
We’ll ignore the butterflies in my stomach, my knocking knees and the nearly overwhelming urge to bolt for the gardens. I have to admit I’d feel a lot more comfortable with the king’s cats.”
Reyhan smiled. “You’re charming and well-spoken. Everyone is impressed.”
His compliment made her beam. Just then her parents walked up. They were actually smiling. Could this evening produce any more surprises?
“Kitten, you look beautiful,” her father said. “Nearly as lovely as your mother.” He kissed his wife’s cheek.
Emma’s mother dimpled. “Oh, George, you’re just saying that.” She leaned close to her daughter. “Isn’t this party wonderful? We met that action star your father likes so much. Johnny Blaze. He was very pleasant, although his girlfriend looks thin enough to need Third World aid. And did you see the former president? He was very nice, too. Oh, and the king told us he’s sending us on a cruise on his private yacht. We’re going to explore the Mediterranean for a couple of weeks.”
Emma nearly dropped her champagne glass. “You’re
going?”
“Of course. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He said the boat’s captain knows all the best places to take us.”
Her father winked. “It will be like a second honeymoon.”
Janice Kennedy actually giggled, then waved at Emma and Reyhan. “You two kids enjoy yourself. We have more famous people to meet.”
Emma watched them walk off. “That was pretty amazing. I owe the king big-time.
Not that I don’t love my folks. I do. But they can be—”
“Oppressive?”
She smiled. “Absolutely. And a little judgmental. I hope they enjoy their cruise.”
“I’m sure they will.”
And she and Reyhan would be able to spend time together without her parents hanging around. The only trick would be getting him out of his office and paying attention to her. For that she would need a plan—and she would come up with one, just as soon as the champagne-induced fuzziness wore off.
The orchestra struck up another song, one that made her want to be in Reyhan’s arms. She looked around and saw several of the guests dancing. They swayed to the music and laughed.
“You are more easy to read that usual,” Reyhan said, taking her glass from her and setting it on a table in the corner. “Come. I will dance with you.”
She was so pleased, she didn’t bother to worry that he was doing her a favor.
Not when he pulled her into his arms and held her close. If only the song could last forever, she thought happily.
Reyhan rubbed his hands against Emma’s back and wished they were alone. Rather than dancing to music he wished to move with her in other ways. Perhaps it was the night, or how she looked or the invitation he saw in her eyes, but for some reason his resistance to her charms was weaker than ever.
He wanted her. More frightening than the desire was the truth that he wanted her in and out of his bed. He wanted to be with her, talk with her. He wanted to learn her secrets, discuss the future, name children and grow old with her. He wanted her to be his wife in every sense of the word.
He had the answer to his question about the baby. There wasn’t one and he couldn’t risk creating one with her. Yes, there was protection and it could be used, but that wasn’t the point. He had escaped the possibility and he would be a fool to risk a pregnancy.
