by Ali Parker
I kissed her cheek and left her without another word. She was never going to change, and I had no idea why I thought she would.
Since we were flying on a private jet, we could show up whenever we wanted, but I knew Sophia wanted to get home. I had about an hour until we left, and I already had my bags packed.
Sophia was nowhere to be found, but I didn’t want to bother her in case she was still working through whatever conversation she and Mother had the night before.
I went to Abir’s room, hoping that he was awake.
“Come in!” he called after I knocked.
His room was a mess, as usual. It was a good thing that we had servants, or the piles of dirty clothes would have reached the ceiling. Abir sat at his desk with an open book in front of him. Ever since he could read, he buried his head in books and filled his mind with information.
“Sophia and I are leaving today,” I said.
Abir jumped up from his chair. “I thought you were going back tomorrow?”
I wasn’t about to drag Abir into the family drama. “I have to head back to the office.”
“Can’t you work from here?” he asked. “I miss having my big brother in the palace. And I like Sophia.”
“I know you do,” I said.
He slumped back into his chair. I sat on the edge of his bed—the only small corner that was still made from the last time the servants had come in.
“Did Father scare you off again?” Abir asked.
I always pictured Abir as a little boy. The sensitive one to be protected from the harsh realities of the world. But he wasn’t a little boy anymore. Writing him off wouldn’t work, especially since he was incredibly smart.
“For the first time, no,” I said with a laugh.
“Mother doesn’t approve of Sophia, then?” he asked.
I tapped the tip of my nose. “You got it. I really do have to take care of things back in England. That wasn’t a lie.” I had to give an interview as a tradeoff for Sophia lying to my family the whole weekend. Mulling it over in those terms made my stomach churn.
“I know you’re busy,” he said. “Father will only push you harder, you know? He’s always talking about how you will succeed him. It’s all he can talk about lately.”
“Does that bother you?” Feeling guilty for being the chosen one against the bloodline, I had to clear my mind about it before I left. I didn’t believe in talking behind others’ backs, so having a conversation face-to-face with Abir might ease my mind.
“Not at all,” Abir said. “I don’t want to be king.”
“You don’t?” I asked.
“I’m not a leader,” he said. “I like books and keeping to myself. You’re the one with the charisma and leadership skills. Father would never decide this if he weren’t sure. He wants you and not me.”
“And you’re okay with that?” I asked.
“Yes!” Abir said with a smile. “It’s a great relief. I can live my life the way that I want to.”
I sighed. While I knew that Abir would make a good king if forced, I didn’t want to be the one to force him if it was something he didn’t want for himself. Now that I knew the truth, it made the decision that much harder. If I turned Father down, claiming that he should choose someone from the bloodline, then I’d force Abir into a position that he wanted nothing to do with.
Sacrificing myself for him was the only way to make two out of the three of us happy. But where did that leave me? And where did that leave Sophia and me?
Father liked Sophia, but would he approve of the prospect of her ruling with me? Did he think she was a fling until I got serious about running the kingdom? Was he being polite and biding his time, knowing that I would fall into line eventually?
A lump formed in my throat as I said goodbye to Abir. He had no idea that I was fighting a war within me, but it wasn’t his problem. I would make it so that he’d never know that I considered not taking the throne. The guilt might eat him alive, and if I could protect him from living a life he didn’t want, then I would do anything to make it so.
Leaving his room, I was more anxious than I had been the entire time I was at the palace. I needed to find the one person to bring me back down from that.
I had to find Sophia and get out of this place so I could breathe and mull over the decision.
22
Sophia
I took my time that morning getting ready and packing my bags. I didn’t want to risk finishing early and then coming into contact with Luke’s mother on my own again. It had been a grave mistake that affected the rest of the banquet for Luke and me. I couldn’t get out of my head, but I tried my hardest to appear like everything was okay between the two of us. I had no issue with Luke, other than his mother. I felt bad that he had to be related to someone like her, but I’d never tell him that.
Avoiding her was my number one priority.
After packing, I responded to the slew of texts from Matt and ignored the ones from the newspaper. I knew Mr. Fraser would want something soon, but after last night, I had no urge to interview Luke.
Tricking Luke’s family had been bad enough. Now, I had to go on record and exploit him in front of the world. While I kept up my half of the bargain, I was hard-pressed to want anything else to do with it.
The night before, Luke had said that he would come get me around ten-thirty, but it was close to eleven. Had something held him up?
I’d paced the room too many times to count. I couldn’t wait any longer. Even if he was held up, I wasn’t going to be the damsel who waited for her knight to arrive. If I happened to run into Gia, then I would be as polite as possible, but I couldn’t stay in the room for a minute more.
Grabbing my rolling suitcase, I exited the room, saying a silent farewell to the gorgeous gowns that were still hanging in the armoire. Even though Luke wouldn’t have cared if I took one or two, I didn’t want a reminder of last night. Besides, it wasn’t as if I was going to be invited to any more events anytime soon. Once I returned home, it was back to jeans and T-shirts for me, eating takeout, and staying up all night writing stories. Though with the promotion, I wondered what sort of stories they might be and if I’d be able to choose the best ones for my talents.
The idea brought a smile to my face as I walked the halls, looking for Luke. At least anyone who saw me would think I was happy. I held onto the feeling of reaching my goal to keep my spirits up.
Turning one of the corners, I realized that I had some idea where I was going. I’d tried Luke’s room first, but it was empty. I hoped he hadn’t eaten breakfast without me. I was starving. But I didn’t doubt there was delicious food on the plane as well.
“I’m afraid you don’t have much more time to live,” a voice said from inside one of the bedrooms.
I stopped in my tracks and stared at the small open crack in the doorway. My reporter senses went off, and I could almost see flashing red lights in my vision.
I glanced behind me and down both ends of the hallway. I was alone.
Stepping closer to the door, I got as close as I could without alerting anyone that I was there. Which dignitary or guest was about to die?
“I suggest you get your affairs in order, King Shamon,” the voice said.
I clamped a hand over my mouth, willing any sound to be swallowed up.
“Thank you, doctor,” Luke’s father said from inside the room. “Let me show you out.”
His voice was louder, and there wasn’t enough time for me to get feeling back into my legs enough for me to move.
The door opened, and I came face to face with the king and another man, who I assumed was the doctor. They were dressed similarly in their white and black robes. If I had seen them on the street, I would have no idea how to tell them apart.
The king’s eyes locked on mine. “Sophia.”
The doctor bowed his head and hurried away, clearly aware of what was happening. How had I ended up alone with one of Luke’s parents again? At least this time, I knew whe
re the conversation was going.
“How long have you been standing there?” he asked me in an even tone.
Lying wasn’t going to get me anywhere with this family anymore. “Long enough.”
He sighed. “I trust that you will keep this to yourself. I have not informed my family about my diagnosis.”
I shook my head. “I won’t say a word.”
He considered me for a moment before nodding. “I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Take care of my son.”
“I will,” I said, shaking his hand.
He walked away and left me standing in the middle of the hallway, clutching the handle of my bag.
What the hell had just happened?
Several chairs and tables lined the hallway, and I found the closest chair, needing to sit down before I collapsed. My entire body heated up and my head spun. The king was dying. That was why he was pushing Luke to the throne before he was ready. The fate of the kingdom was really in Luke’s hands as his father didn’t have much longer to live.
Tears pricked at my eyes. This was the story that Mr. Fraser wanted, probably more than a piece on Luke. A secret scandal within the palace would hand me the promotion on a silver platter.
How long would Erol wait to tell his family? Would he be on his deathbed before he said anything? Once I told Mr. Fraser about this, then he’d want the story as soon as possible so we’d be the first to break it.
I couldn’t hide it from my boss, could I? Once the story broke on the national level, then he would be furious if hadn’t brought it up first. He wouldn’t believe that the king would hide something like this from his family, but he didn’t know Erol at all. The king was a proud man and only trying to do the best he could for his family. I knew that now. Reading about this family online gave a microscopic view of what went on. Mr. Fraser wouldn’t understand, and I’d probably lose my promotion before I got it.
“Sophia, are you all right?” Luke asked, coming up next to me.
“Yes,” I said, jumping up from the chair. “I, um, bumped my leg with the suitcase. Not a big deal.”
“Do you need ice?”
“Nope. I’m fine.” I didn’t want to stay in the palace any longer than necessary. I could barely make eye contact with Luke. It wasn’t fair that his father was keeping him in the dark about his illness. I was sure that Luke would want to spend more time with him if he knew.
Erol would be furious if I told Luke. He’d probably cast me out of the family and never allow me back. Not that I ever thought I was coming back, but it would ruin any hope for Luke to keep me on as his fake girlfriend to get his mother off his back.
“Let’s say goodbye to Father,” he said. “The car is waiting for us outside.”
I swallowed and tagged along as Luke pulled my suitcase in front of me.
I tried to keep my expression as passive as possible as we approached Luke’s parents.
Erol shot me a look but hid it well as his face split into a smile. “It was so nice to meet you, Sophia.” He shook my hand as if our conversation in the hallway had never happened. “Do come visit us again soon.”
I nodded. “Thank you for having me. I truly had a wonderful time. And if I can convince Luke to come back here again soon, then I hope to tag along.” The lie tasted sour on my tongue, but it was enough of a pleasantry to keep Luke away from the truth.
I said goodbye to Luke’s mother, but she had returned to the sullen woman that had graced our presence at the first dinner we shared. After the confrontation with her the night before, I didn’t push it.
Abir kissed both my cheeks, and then a shrill ringing came from my bag. I grabbed it and saw the name on the screen. Mr. Fraser. My heart leaped into my throat, cutting off my air supply.
“Excuse me,” I choked, allowing Luke to say his goodbyes to his parents. As soon as I left to answer my phone, Gia smiled at her son and hugged him.
Stifling an eye roll at her rotating attitude, I steeled myself for the conversation with my boss.
“Hi, Mr. Fraser,” I said.
“Sophia, I wanted to know how you were getting on.”
I stepped farther away from the Shamons, not wanting to alert them to who I was talking to. While they knew I was a journalist, Luke was the only other person who knew that my next story was about the royal family. “I’m heading out shortly to go back to the UK.”
“Did you get the story?”
I glanced at Luke. He was smiling and laughing with Abir and their father. My chest tightened. It might be the last time that Luke laughed with his father.
“Your promotion relies on this,” Mr. Fraser said, prodding.
I realized I hadn’t answered his question yet. “I have a story. I just haven’t had time to write it. There are people all over the place here. I need a little more time.”
“You have one week,” he said firmly.
“Thank you, Mr. Fraser.”
Luke waved me over, and it was the perfect opportunity to get off the phone with my boss. “I have to go now. We’re headed to the airport.”
“One week, Sophia,” Mr. Fraser said before hanging up, as if I needed a reminder.
I forced a smile as I approached Luke. He couldn’t know what I intended to write. Another lie I had to tell since arriving at the palace.
23
Luke
I noticed that Sophia was quieter than usual on the flight home. I asked her twice if she was all right before giving up. If she was in a mood about what Mother had said to her the night before, I didn’t want to make it worse.
Once we got back to England, everything would go back to normal.
Or would it?
Sophia retired to her bedroom earlier than I anticipated. She claimed she didn’t get much sleep the night before, and again, Mother was to blame.
With every mile behind us, I was confident that all would be okay soon enough.
Once we weren’t forced to pretend to be together, the opportunity might come up for us to want to spend time together alone.
Since there was no one to talk to and I wasn’t in the right head space to do work, I watched several movies before heading into my bedroom.
By the time I came out, Sophia was already in her seat out in the common area.
We didn’t have a lot of time to talk with the flight attendants always around, but I did want to follow through with my end of the deal.
“I trust you slept well?” We had about an hour or so left until we arrived at the airport.
“I did, thank you,” she said.
“I want to take you to dinner tonight,” I said. “Once we land.”
“You don’t have to—”
“I want to. You’ve held up your side of the bargain. Now it’s my turn. You can ask me anything you want.”
She sighed. “I suppose it is time for the big interview.”
“Don’t be too harsh on me,” I said with an attempt at a joke.
“I already know a lot about you from this weekend. I promise it will be easy.”
I wished her smile was true, but once again, something haunted her. I hoped Mother’s negative effect wore off soon or else I’d have a hard time convincing her that I wanted to be with her. If the prospect of seeing Mother again scared Sophia, then the dinner wouldn’t end well for me.
We kept our conversation on the polite side for the rest of the flight, but Sophia seemed to get tenser as time wore on. There was nothing about my life that I wanted to keep secret from her. While I wished she wouldn’t blast my hesitation about becoming king all across the media, I’d be willing to bear it as long as it catapulted her career.
I’d given her more trouble than I needed to, and I was willing to do anything to make it up to her.
Once we landed, I didn’t want to give Sophia an opportunity to change her mind. It was later in the evening, but I’d already had Justine make reservations at an Italian place right outside the city. It was one of my favorites, and I knew she’d love it.
While Sophia had given short and quick responses to everything I’d said on the flight home, she was especially talkative after the wine had arrived at the table. She barely took a sip before her phone came out, along with her little notebook. There were pages of scribbles, and I got the impression that she hadn’t slept the entire time on the plane.
As much as I knew this was happening, it bummed me out a little to know that she had prepared so much for the interview instead of spending time with me.
Was she already sick of me? I wondered if I should bother with telling her how I truly felt about her or if it would be a waste. While we were at the palace, I was sure her feelings had a stronger foundation. Either she was a good actor, or Mother had ruined something that could have been great for the both of us.
“How long ago did you start working for your father?” she asked.
She already knew the answer, but I supposed she needed it on record. “I was twenty-three when I entered the business. I did a lot of shadowing and traveling before settling here.”
I wondered who was going to listen to the recording. I was careful to keep my tone light and professional. If Sophia felt nothing for me, then I wouldn’t want to convey my feelings for her if her boss needed to listen in.
“Why did you want to start with the family business?”
I answered her, but the more questions she asked about the business, the more I could tell they were generic and had been asked of me during interviews in the past. Where was the fire that led her to follow me into the cafe and wait for me every day after work? I was beginning to think this wasn’t about Mother at all.
“What is your relationship like with your father?” she asked.
“It’s fine,” I said, wondering where she was going with the new shift in questioning. “It’s hard to work with a family member, but our distance helps that.”
“Would you consider moving back to Qatar to be around him more?”
I cocked my head to the side. “The only reason I’d want to move back there is if I was to be king.”
