The Sheikh's Claim (Desert Nights 2)

She knew exactly what it was. Hated him more daily for it.

“I’m offering a place on my team,” Fadi said. “You’d still be ultimately part of Somow’woh’s team, as valuable to his campaign, but it would alleviate any friction that would arise from his passing over many high-ranking hopefuls for the position in your favor.”

That went right over her uncle’s head, lodged right into hers. Fadi thought Jalal’s decision to associate with her family would be a terrible faux pas. He was trying to protect him from taking an “ill-considered” step. Not that her uncle was unqualified for the position. If anything, her uncle, who’d obtained Ph.D.s in political sciences and local and Sharia law and master’s degrees in accounting and business management, was qualified to run the campaign. But Fadi only considered the possible damages of unfavorable public perception in a society that sequestered people into rigid classes. That “reinstatement,” and the reason behind it, if it were suspected, could harm the popularity of his master and candidate. In short, Fadi was being a political weasel and privileged snob.

She still wanted to kiss him for it. His reluctance to let them contaminate his precious prince’s environment gave her a way out of this new corner Jalal was backing her into.

Her uncle finally nodded. “Whatever you see fit, Sheikh Fadi. I’ll be happy to offer my skills and services to Prince Jalal in whatever position I’m best suited for.”

Fadi nodded, looking relieved. “I will be in touch with you shortly with further information.”

He bowed respectfully to her mother, gave Lujayn a far less steep bow, clearly as deep as he thought her worthy of, then turned on his heels.

She followed him, her words for his ears only. “You think Jalal would agree to this ‘adjustment’ of yours?”

He slanted her a glance that seemed to measure her. No doubt wondering how his princely master had suffered being around such an unladylike creature. And was still coming back for more. “It’s nothing you should concern yourself with.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, pal. We’re both on the same page on this. You don’t want him near us, and I would rather he lived on another planet. So do whatever you can to ‘reinstate’ my uncle and make use of his considerable abilities, but let’s keep it all as far away from Jalal as possible. For everyone’s sake.”

His eyes grew incredulous. She’d managed to stun him. He probably couldn’t understand how a woman wouldn’t want his prince’s attention. But it seemed her fervor got to him. He looked like he believed her.

For now, anyway, his gaze seemed to say. He gave her another of those military nods and strode ahead, his footsteps on the stone floor of her uncle’s modest dwelling those of the soldier he’d been, and still clearly was.

He was at the door when a commotion erupted from the inner part of the house.

Lujayn froze as squeals and calls preceded running feet that came closer, intermingling with more shrieks and giggles.

Fadi stopped. Lujayn’s heart almost burst.

He looked into the distance, listening, then he lowered his gaze to her. Her nerves snapped one by one in a countdown to shoving him out the door.

A split second before she gave in to the urge, he walked out.

She almost slammed the door behind him, then sagged against it, forehead first, shaking all over, scolding herself for the panic attack that had almost engulfed her reason.

Why had she been so terrified? Nothing would have happened even if he’d seen them. In a worst-case scenario if he suspected something, he would have kept it under wraps so he wouldn’t sabotage his own purpose.

Not that she could grow complacent. Look what had happened when she had. Jalal had sent her a missile that was about to explode her family to smithereens.

But then…maybe the only way to dislodge said missile was with revelations of her own. She’d bet those would have Jalal taking his offer and his pursuit and running the other way.

No. Even if this was an assured outcome, she wouldn’t want him to know. Not for any reason.

Exhaling heavily, she walked back to where her mom and uncle were deep in overwrought emotions, deciding she had two purposes. To shield her family from Jalal’s manipulations. And to make sure that he left her and her secrets intact.

Five

Fadi’s adjustments had failed in record time.

He’d called within an hour to say that Jalal’s original offer wouldn’t be “adjusted.” Lujayn had the feeling that Jalal hadn’t even let him state his suggestion.

Figured. Jalal made his decisions then made everyone bow to them. She would have wished this one would bite him in the ass, as Fadi feared it would, if it didn’t involve collateral damage to more relevant parts of her family, namely their hearts and souls.

But she had a feeling Fadi had other concerns. She’d been about to probe when her uncle had swooped down on her and snatched away the phone.

She now stood watching him as he listened to Fadi. It was amazing. It was as if the man she’d known had only been animated enough to simulate the appearance of life. Now he was coming into existence for the first time under her eyes.

If she didn’t hear this “long story” soon she’d bust something vital. But both her mom and uncle had so far avoided telling her anything more.

Her uncle ended the call and turned to her with a blinding and blinded expression, his voice ragged with elation. “Prince Jalal isn’t only adamant about my becoming a personal adviser, but also a member of his future cabinet.”

Sarcasm rose through ratcheting dismay, twisting her lips. “He’s so sure he’ll become king, isn’t he?”

Her uncle, oblivious to her mood, gave an earnest nod. “If Azmaharians know what’s best for them, they’ll choose him.”

“And we all know people usually steer away from what’s best for them.” Which to her meant they would go for Jalal.

Again missing her derision, her uncle said, “I believe the people will make the right choice in this instance. Prince Jalal gathers both Azmaharian and Zohaydan royal blood and the personal traits of a true leader. In short, everything Azmahar needs.”

“The same could be said about his twin.”

Her uncle shook his head emphatically. “Prince Haidar has stepped down from the race.”

“And his new wife convinced him to step right back up.”

Too engrossed in his need to prove his point, he didn’t ask how she knew that. “But Prince Haidar didn’t exactly rescind his decision, just qualified it by saying he’d take the throne if the majority still chose him.”