“He was an engaged man.”
“No. Tahira eloped.”
“You could not have known.”
Suddenly Liyah understood the root of Hasiba’s disappointment in her. “I did know. I overheard the emir talking about it with Yusuf on the elevator.”
“My emir would never show such a lack of discretion.”
“They weren’t conversing in English, but honestly? I don’t think either of them realized I was there. You must realize how blindsided he was by Tahira’s actions.”
Hasiba’s expression turned even darker. “So, you thought you’d trap yourself a sheikh now that he was single?”
Liyah opened her mouth to reply, anger overcoming her sadness, but a masculine voice beat her to it.
“I assure you, Abdullah-Hasiba, Miss Amari has in no way attempted to trap me,” Sayed said, distaste for the idea ringing in his tone. “She could certainly have taken advantage, but did not and has done everything she could to diminish the consequences of my folly.”
Liyah should have asserted claim to her part in their joint debacle, but she was too busy drinking in the sight of Sayed after a two-day drought.
“I apologize, my emir,” Hasiba said with apparent sincerity. “I made assumptions I should not have.” Then she proved her earnestness by turning to Liyah. “I am truly sorry, Liyah.”
Liyah nodded. “Your reaction is understandable.” Mostly. Liyah wouldn’t lie to herself and pretend the assumption of such things about her character didn’t hurt.
She hated the fact that because some people would take advantage of a man in Sayed’s situation, anyone would just assume Liyah would, too.
“I do not agree,” Sayed said, his tone icy.
Hasiba flinched, clearly upset she’d angered her emir.
Liyah gave the older woman a small smile. “Don’t worry about it, really.” She frowned up at Sayed. “Don’t be cranky. Hasiba’s heartfelt loyalty is a gift you should not take for granted much less criticize her for.”
“Obviously you two are friends?does she not owe you loyalty, as well?”
“Over her dedication to your family? Not even. Be reasonable, Sayed.”
Hasiba gasped at Liyah’s familiarity with her sheikh, but she did not comment on it. Thankfully.
“I am always reasonable. My emotions do not rule me.”
Liyah got the additional layer of message in his words and took it to heart, feeling inexplicably buoyed by the idea he felt something toward her, even if he did not intend to act on it. She was in the same frame of mind, wasn’t she?
“Her Highness has requested Miss Amari’s presence.” Hasiba dropped her hand from the door and stepped back. “I will leave you to escort her inside.”
Sayed frowned. “You called her Liyah just a moment ago.”
“Yes, and in private consultation with your mother, I have leave to call her ‘my lady,’ but it would not be proper to refer to her with such familiarity in the company of others.”
Looking unconvinced, Sayed nevertheless nodded and dismissed Hasiba. “Why did she call you Liyah?”
“That is what everyone calls me.”
“You never gave me leave to do so.” He made no move to enter his mother’s private reception rooms.
“I like it when you use my full name.”
“Oh, yes?” Again, he didn’t appear completely convinced.
Liyah sighed and admitted, “Only my mother ever called me Aaliyah. It was special to me.”