“Should that change, my sword is at your disposal.”
She stepped back and looked at him. “You have a sword?”
He raised his eyebrows, which made her laugh.
“Not that,” she said with a smile. “Do you have a real sword? You know, made of metal and all sharp and shiny.”
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll let you know the next time I see a dragon.”
He took her hand in his and led her closer to the wall. “The crying is not what you think.”
“It sounds like a kitten is lost inside. Or someone is in trouble.”
“Sometimes it sounds like a child. Instead there are two old parrots. The last of them. These walls hide the harem garden. Many years ago, when my great-grandfather kept women here, parrots lived in the garden. Their cries concealed the voices of the women so no man would be tempted to climb the walls and claim what could never be his.”
She stared at him. “There was a harem here?”
“Of course.”
“Women kept against their will?”
“Dozens of the most beautiful women in the world.”
“That’s disgusting.”
“Not for the king.”
She glared at him. “Don’t you dare become a sexist pig. I swear, I’ll stab you in your sleep.”
“Pregnancy has made you violent.”
“Maybe I’ve always been this way.”
“Perhaps.” He leaned down and kissed her nose. “You need a good taming. Time in a harem would do that.”
“I’m not really harem material. I would rebel and escape.”
“Perhaps your master would so satisfy you that you would not want to be anywhere else.”
The way Qadir had satisfied her? “I’m not the type who takes to confinement well.”
“I would agree. You are far too independent.”
For a harem or for him?
She told herself that she was only making herself crazy. Qadir had never hinted he wanted anything but the bargain they’d agreed upon. The fact that her feelings were changing didn’t shift reality. She supposed the only question she had to deal with was whether or not she could stay and pretend to be involved with him when, for her at least, it was no longer a game.
“I’m glad there isn’t a harem anymore,” she said. “Knowing there were women locked up would really annoy me.”
“I am not so sure. At times I miss the old ways.”
She looked at him and saw the humor in his eyes. “You’re really flirting with danger here. Just because you’re a prince doesn’t mean I can’t take you.”
“You cannot take me. Not in the way you mean. But there are other ways to bring me to my knees, Maggie, and those you know well.”
His words made her tremble, then step closer so they could kiss.
His mouth was firm without being hard, offering as much as it took. She kissed him back with a passion that burned so hot she knew she would carry the scars forever.
When he led her back toward the palace, she went with him. Yes, there was a risk in being with Qadir over and over. But she would face the pain later. For now, building memories would have to be enough.
“I love weddings,” Victoria said as they walked along the hallway. “Which is strange when you think about it. I’m so opposed to love. But I guess I don’t mind other people making emotional fools out of themselves.”
“You’re such a romantic,” Maggie teased, wishing they weren’t going so fast. She still wasn’t comfortable walking in high heels.
Although As’ad and Kayleen’s wedding was in the morning, it was still a dressy affair.
“Thanks for helping me get ready,” Maggie said as she smoothed the front of her dress.
“No problem. I loved playing dress-up as a kid. You look beautiful, which is important. There will be lots of press hanging around. They won’t be allowed in the ceremony, of course, but expect to have your picture taken.”
Not an exciting thought, Maggie told herself. “I guess a small, intimate wedding just for family is out of the question.”
“When the man you’re marrying is a prince, then yes. By royal standards, this is small. There are also different traditions. No attendants. While As’ad’s brothers will sit up front, they won’t stand with him.” Victoria smiled at her. “Which explains why you’ll be there with Qadir and I’ll be in the back with the other rabble.”
“I’d rather sit with you,” Maggie said earnestly. At least with Victoria, she wouldn’t feel like a fraud.
“You’ll be fine. There’s really nothing to do but smile and be happy for the lucky couple. Don’t worry. I’ll watch all the famous people coming in, then catch up with you at the reception and let you know what movie stars are here. There will also be the usual foreign dignitaries, which is less interesting. They even got Kateb, the mystery brother, to come in from the desert for the event.”
Maggie looked at her friend. “I’ve met him. He seems nice.”
Victoria shook her head. “I don’t think anyone has ever used that word to describe him. He’s dark and mysterious. A man of the desert, which means he’s ruled by emotions. Too passionate for me. Give me a prince like Nadim who doesn’t know how to feel. Kateb is nothing but trouble.”
Victoria sighed. “Not that it’s an issue anymore. I’m giving up on princes.”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh. I thought about what you said before. I can take care of myself. I’m well paid working here and I don’t have any expenses except for clothes and vacations. I’ve done some traveling but always on the cheap and you’ve seen where I shop. I guess you can take the girl out of poverty but you can’t take poverty out of the girl. Anyway, I have a fairly big savings account. I’ve decided to come up with a new plan.”
“Which is?”
“I’m going to work here another year and keep saving, then I’m going back to the States and opening my own business. I don’t know what it will be yet, but I have time to figure it out. I don’t need a prince to be happy. I can avoid men at home just as easily as I have here.”
“Good for you,” Maggie said, not sure it was good. Having Victoria recognize that she was capable of taking care of herself was excellent, but cutting herself off emotionally wasn’t exactly healthy. “And you might meet someone nice.”
“No, thanks. I have no interest in getting married for the sake of it. With Nadim, I was looking for security. Now that I don’t need that, I’m going to avoid men. All men.”
They walked down the stairs to the main level and heard the crowd of waiting guests before they saw them. Victoria pointed toward a side door.
“Go through there. You’ll find Qadir and the rest of the wedding party. I’ll see you at the reception.”
Maggie opened her mouth to protest that she wanted to stay with her friend, but Victoria gave her a little push. Maggie walked toward the door, then opened it and went through.
Members of the royal family were gathered around. Maggie recognized a few of them, while others were unfamiliar. She saw Qadir’s aunt who was now Queen of Bahania, along with Qadir’s brothers. The king was there, as well.
She circled the room, avoiding the monarch, looking for Qadir. Maybe she could explain it would be easier for everyone if she simply sat with Victoria.
A servant walked by with a tray of champagne. She shook her head as she eased back into a corner. Seconds later Qadir found her.
“Why are you hiding?” he asked by way of greeting.
“I’m not hiding, exactly.” She looked around. “I don’t belong here. I’m a fraud.”
“Perhaps, but you are my fraud.”
“You’re not taking this seriously.”
