Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50149 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50149 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Khalil frowned. Mahmud was one of his grandfather’s old cronies, and he had only invited the older sheikh out of respect for his title. “Let him in,” he said after a moment. He couldn’t see Mahmud saying anything of import, but it wouldn’t hurt to hear him out first.
When Mahmud came strolling in, he rose to his feet, and the other sheikh bowed in greeting. Or at least he tried, with Mahmud’s huge middle preventing him from bending too much.
The aide prepared refreshments for two sheikhs before leaving, and as soon as they were alone, Khalil asked, “What may I do for you, Mahmud?”
“Actually, Your Majesty, it is more of what I would like to offer to you. A birthday gift, so to speak.”
“I see.”
“It would be our family’s greatest honor if you were to accept it.”
Refusing to be flattered into blind acceptance, Khalil only smiled blandly, drawling, “You have piqued my curiosity, sheikh. May I know what is this gift you speak of?”
“My daughter, sheikh.”
Ah.
“She has undergone training her whole life to ensure she does her husband proud. She is knowledgeable of our ways. She will be more than content to serve you as your second wife.”
Khalil’s fingers drummed on the armrest.
Mahmud smiled. “I see no reason why you should refuse our gift. It can only strengthen your hold on the kingdom and silence those who think you have too much foreign blood in you. I, of course, do not believe this, but as for other people in tomorrow’s council...”
“And if I believe this gift is too valuable?”
“I have always believed that no gift is too valuable for the kingdom’s sake. Or at least a true Ramilian would think so.”
OUTSIDE THE SHEIKH’S study, Harper’s fist paused mid-air at Sheikh Mahmud’s words. Was she hearing this right? Unable to help it, she turned towards her guards, and all three of them were doing their best to conceal their shock.
Harper swallowed hard. Well, it was just an offer, she told herself. It didn’t mean he’d accept. And besides, he had promised, hadn’t he? She squared her shoulders. Yes, he had promised, and for all of his irritating traits, the sheikh wasn’t ever the type to break his word.
She raised her hand to knock on the door, thinking of joining the sheikh and facing the man who had the temerity to offer her husband a second wife—-
But then she heard the sheikh speak.
“It would be my pleasure to receive your gift, Mahmud.”
And her arm fell limply against her side.
KHALIL DISMISSED EVERYONE when he reached the throne room, needing to be alone. Most of the men were quick to bow and leave, but his most trusted vassals refused to move an inch.
“Are you truly doing this?” Altair asked.
“You, of all people, should understand why the present situation leaves me no choice but to do it.” Only one-third of the council was needed for a motion to be considered, and according to Mahmud, there were at least fifty who wanted him to abdicate.
If Khalil chose to fight this motion, a hearing would be set, and he would be temporarily stripped of his powers. This would leave Ramil without a king, and it was too damn convenient that the timing coincided with a sudden terrorist threat.
“Have you heard anything about Mahmud conspiring with the terrorists?” Khalil asked his army commander.
“Unfortunately – no.” Altair’s tone was grim.
“Then my hands are tied.” Khalil’s was equally grim. Mahmud was one of the kingdom’s wealthiest sheikhs, and Khalil had no doubt the older man had enough clout to sway the other sheikhs into following him.
“And Harper?” Malik asked quietly.
Khalil turned to face the other sheikh, his smile not reaching his eyes as he murmured, “You’ve always had the softest spot for my queen, Malik.”
Malik didn’t smile back. “She is different from the rest. But I do not love her.”
Like you do.
The sheikh’s lips tightened at the unspoken words that hung heavily in the air.
“Enough with this.” Tarif’s tone was brusque. “What’s done is done, and the king has made a decision.”
The sheikh looked at Rayyan. “You have nothing to say?”
“You know the kind of man I am, Khalil.” The blue-eyed sheikh’s tone was emotionless. “I understand why you must do this, and as long as you let her know before she finds out from anyone else—-”
“You have nothing to worry about on that score.” Four pairs of stunned eyes swung towards him at his words, and Khalil smiled humorlessly at their reaction. “I have been informed that she was standing outside my doors when Mahmud spoke with me.”
Malik drew his breath sharply.
“She heard what Mahmud offered and she heard me accept.”
HARPER DIDN’T KNOW how long she had been seated in front of the vanity, brushing her hair, before the connecting door between her suite and the sheikh’s opened without warning. She stiffened, and when the sheikh strode inside a moment later, his dark gaze meeting hers through the mirror’s—-