She was weary of her sense of isolation.
As lovely as her surroundings might be, she was accustomed to being endlessly occupied with one task or another and, of course, being among others. There was no privacy to be found in her coaching inn, or even the cottage with Anya and her friends constantly underfoot.
The hours of peaceful silence allowed her far too much time to imagine the horror and fear Anya must be enduring. Or worse, to ponder the memory of Dimitri as he stood at the gates of the palace, his presence still calling to her with irresistible force.
Entering the garden, she paced toward the fountain, pleased to discover the air had already cooled as dusk began to spread across the sky in dazzling shades of pink, peach and a vivid fuchsia.
She glanced in appreciation toward the distant sand dunes that appeared purple in the fading light. A line of camels stood silhouetted in the gathering shadows and the sound of exotic birds chirping filled the air. It was a vision out of a dream.
She bent down to run her fingers through the water pooling at the base of the fountain.
“Good evening, Emma.”
Recognizing the rich, masculine sound of Rajih’s voice, Emma straightened, her brows lifting as she caught sight of his lean form fitted in a dark uniform with gold braiding and several medals pinned to his chest. She had seen him in elegantly tailored clothing and the loose robes of his people, but the sight of him in full military dress was a sharp reminder of his power and position.
“Oh.” She pressed a hand over her racing heart. “You startled me.”
“Forgive me.” He bowed before drawing closer to study her with a blatant sensuality. “As exquisitely beautiful as ever.”
She smiled. “While you appear quite forbidding. Is there a special occasion for such finery?”
“Much to my dismay I have been commanded to make an appearance at my uncle’s home.”
An edge to his voice warned Emma there was more to his annoyance than the invitation to dinner.
“Has something happened?”
“My uncle indicated that he was entertaining several foreign dignitaries.”
Her smiled widened. “Ah, so he wishes you to be at hand to charm them?”
“That would be my assumption under normal circumstances.”
She tilted her head to the side, studying him with a searching gaze.
“Are these not normal circumstances?”
He stepped close, his hand cupping her chin and his thumb lightly stroking her lower lip.
“Not so long as Dimitri Tipova remains in Cairo.”
“Dimitri?” She hid the sudden pounding of her heart, pretending nonchalance. “Is he in Cairo?”
The dark face was unreadable. “He is.”
“And…” She licked her dry lips. “He is to be a guest at tonight’s dinner?”
“I think it is more likely he arranged for my uncle to host the dinner and insist upon my presence.”
She jerked in astonishment at the accusation. “How could he possibly have such influence among your family?”
“Tipova may not possess a title, but he has a vast fortune and he has made certain that the knowledge of that fortune is well-known throughout Cairo.” Rajih grimaced. “Including those members of my family who are always eager to attach themselves to wealth.”
Emma rolled her eyes. Of course. Dimitri was talented in the art of manipulation. Whether it was via money, power or sex.
“Even presuming that he was capable of arranging a dinner with your uncle, what would be the purpose?” she demanded.
“Obviously he wishes to keep me occupied.”