Shira pulled herself from her sad thoughts and then asked, “I’m starting to feel a little sleepy, would you mind saving the rest of the tour until tomorrow?”
“Not at all. This way.” Kale turned towards his own rooms, stopping when Shira didn’t immediately follow him. “Is there a problem?”
“I thought you had just misspoken when you said our rooms. “
Kale retraced his steps to her, stopping a few inches away from her to take her face between her hands and placing a carefully controlled kiss upon her lips. When Shira instinctively parted her lips to deepen this kiss, he pulled away with a sigh, “No. I made you a promise; one I intend to keep. There are several bedrooms through that doorway. While I want nothing more than to take you to my bed, for tonight, you may
choose one of the other rooms.”
“And tomorrow?” Shira couldn’t help asking.
“Tomorrow – tomorrow you most definitely will be joining me in my bedroom. So, do not become too comfortable in whichever room you choose to spend the rest of this night. It will only be temporary.”
The knowledge that Kale didn’t intend to make them wait to consummate their union was a relief to her. Shira followed him, choosing the first room he showed her as it didn’t matter in the long run. She wanted to insist that he take her to his bed, now, but also realized the amount of self-control he was exercising on her behalf. She’d never had a man treat her thus and while she yearned for more of his kisses and caresses, she knew that the wait would be well worth it come tomorrow.
Kale showed her where everything was located as three maids brought in her luggage. When they started to unpack her belongings, he stopped them with a few words in Arabic which sent them scurrying from the room.
Shira looked at him and questioned, “What did you tell them?”
“The truth. That you would not be staying in this room past tomorrow so there was no need to unpack your suitcases.”
Shira felt a blush stain her cheeks, and asked, “You didn’t tell them I was moving into your rooms, did you?”
Coming to her side, he touched her arm and replied, “Shira, the first thing you must learn about palace life, is that nothing is a secret. That does not mean that rumors or information floats freely around the kingdom, but the palace staff knows most everything that occurs in the palace. They must in order to carry out their duties.”
Sensing a presence at her back, she turned to see one of Kale’s bodyguards standing just outside the doorway, “Why is he there?”
“That is another thing you must get used to. From now on, you will always have at least one bodyguard with you.”
“Is your country so dangerous then?” Shira asked, perplexed as to why she would need to be guarded while she slept.
“Danger is everywhere. In the past, there have been attempts by our enemies to sneak into the palace. I do not believe they would be successful at this time, but I will take no precautions with your person.”
Shira digested this news before asking, “Why would anyone want to harm me?”
“You became a target the minute I let it be known that I was interested in you.”
“So, these enemies try to harm all of your girlfriends?”
Kale shook his head, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “You are much more than a mere girlfriend. Do not pretend you do not know where our relationship is headed.” Licking the side of her neck, he nipped her earlobe before withdrawing his head to look into her eyes. “My girlfriends have never been invited to live in the palace. By morning, news will have travelled throughout the kingdom.”
Shira listened as he continued to talk, speaking in Arabic in words that sounded tender, but she couldn’t understand. First thing tomorrow she needed to find an interpreter and a linguist to teach her Arabic!
Kale could tell that his use of his native tongue had confused her, but there were no words to express the depth of his feelings for her in her language. “Shira, turn off that lovely mind of yours, and get some sleep. Tomorrow, I will show you my Jawhara.”
Shira smiled at him and nodded her head, hiding a yawn behind her hand. She had slept for hours on the flight over, how could she still be tired?
Kale hid his grin as she tried to cover up her yawn, pushing her towards the bed, he turned and pulled the bedroom door shut behind him. Speaking to the guard, he gave orders that she was to be escorted wherever she went and he was to be notified immediately if she awoke and needed anything.
Chapter 6
Shira gazed around her in wonder at the colorful people who came out of their shops and houses to meet them. Kale had wanted to take her through the village by car, but she had insisted they walk. Shira was used to spending several hours a day in the local gym, or running along the track at the National Mall, and after the long flight, she was feeling restless and cooped up.
Kale had shook his head, but quickly given orders for the car to be returned to the garage and he had taken her hand and headed down the cobblestone driveway towards the village.
As they neared the village, everyone they met stopped and bowed low in greeting. “Is that how your people greet one another, by bowing?”
When Shira made a move as if she were going to bow back, Kale pulled her up and held her while he explained, “Never bow to anyone! They bow as a sign of respect for my position and lineage. You, do not bow back. Merely incline your head if you feel the need to acknowledge their show of respect.”