After a minute of watching the group of angry youths waving their placards, she turned to Nashwa. ‘I’m sorry. Did you want something?’
‘No, Your Highness. But there’s someone here to see you.’
Her heart leapt for a wild minute, then she mocked herself for her foolishness. If Zaid had returned the whole palace would have been abuzz by now. It wouldn’t be the soulless place it felt like now.
That too was her fault.
She swallowed her sigh and followed Nashwa down to the office she’d been designated but had never used as Sultana. The man waiting for her was vaguely familiar. He came forward and offered a shallow bow.
‘Forgive the intrusion, Your Highness. My name is Anwar Hanuf, a surrogate uncle to His Highness.’
Esme nodded. ‘Yes, you’re one of his advisors. I remember you from the wedding.’
He smiled. ‘It’s kind of you to recall our brief meeting.’
Nodding again, she indicated a chair. ‘What can I do for you?’ she said after they’d sat down and he’d declined refreshments.
‘I’m afraid I’m going to be blunt.’
Her stomach dipped but she kept her composure. ‘I can do blunt.’
‘You’ve seen the crowd gathered outside the palace gate, I’m sure.’
‘Yes, I have.’
‘In my experience situations like this only escalate unless they’re dealt with.’
‘I would gladly talk to them, but sadly I’ve been forbidden from leaving the palace.’
He nodded. ‘For your safety and that of our future ruler, that is the right decision.’
‘Is it? Only I would’ve liked to have been consulted before those decisions were made regarding my safety. Sadly, my husband seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.’
A look crossed his face and her breath caught. ‘You know where Zaid is, don’t you?’
‘That is not why I’m here—’
‘Is he planning on coming back here anytime soon?’ she blurted.
He sighed. ‘It’s time to do the right thing, Miss Scott.’
She wanted to tell him her name was Esme Al-Ameen, but the cold tingling at her nape pushed the words back down.
‘The people’s hearts and their trust have been broken. You need to cauterise the wounds so they can heal. Or we’ll only be going backwards.’
‘What exactly are you asking of me?’
He stared fixedly at her. ‘I think you know.’ He rose and bowed. ‘Good day to you, Miss Scott.’
Sorrow scraped at her insides as her heart dropped to her feet. Two emissaries, bearing the same message. She couldn’t bury her head in the sand any more. She placed the calls she needed to make, then dialled the number of the palace security team.
‘This is Sultana Al-Ameen. I’m expecting guests at the palace gates within the hour. Make sure they’re admitted and shown every courtesy, then let me know when they’re ready.’
‘Yes, Your Highness.’
She put the phone down, feeling like a complete fraud. But she reassured herself that she’d never have to use her power and title again.
The vans started to arrive after half an hour.