A Christmas Bride

CHAPTER TWO

KAYLEEN WOULDN’T HAVE thought it was possible for her life to change so quickly. That morning she’d awakened in her narrow bed in a small room at the orphanage. If she stood in the right place and leaned all the way over, she could see a bit of garden out of her tiny window, but mostly the view was a stone wall. Now she followed Princess Lina into an impossibly large suite in a palace that overlooked the Arabian Sea.

This can’t be right,” Kayleen murmured as she turned in a slow circle, taking in the three sofas, the carved dining table, the ornate decorations, the wide French doors leading out to a balcony and the view of the water beyond. “These rooms are too nice.”

Lina smiled. “It’s a palace, my dear. Did you think we had ugly rooms?”

Obviously not.” Kayleen glanced at the three girls huddled together. “But this stuff is really nice. Kids can be hard on furniture.”

I assure you, these pieces have seen far more than you can imagine. All will be well. Come this way. I have a delightful surprise.”

Kayleen doubted any surprise could beat a return address sticker that said El Deharian Royal Palace but she was willing to be wrong. She gently pushed the girls in front of her as they moved down the hallway.

Lina paused in front of a massive door, then pushed it open. “I didn’t have much time to get things in order, so it’s not complete just yet. But it’s a start.”

The “start” was a room the size of a small airport, with soaring ceilings and big windows that let in the light. Three double beds didn’t begin to fill the space. There were armoires and desks and comforters in pretty pastels. Big, fluffy stuffed animals sat on each bed, along with a robe, nightgowns and slippers. Each of the girls’ school backpacks sat at the foot of her bed.

Laptop computers are on order for the girls,” Lina said. “There’s a big TV back in the living room, behind the cabinet doors. There are a few DVDs for the girls, but we’ll get more. In time, we can move you to a different suite, one with a bedroom for each of the girls, but for now I thought they’d be more comfortable together.”

Kayleen couldn’t believe it. The room was perfect. Bright and cheerful, filled with color. There was an air of welcome, as if the space had been hoping for three girls to fill it.

Dana turned around and stared at her. “Really? This is for us?”

Kayleen laughed. “You’d better take it, because if you don’t want it, I’ll move in.”

It was the permission they needed. The three girls went running around the room, examining everything. Every few seconds one of them yelled, “Look at this,” because there was so much to see.

A ballerina lamp for Nadine, a throw covered with teddy bears for Pepper. Dana’s bed had a bookcase next to it. Kayleen turned to Princess Lina.

You’re amazing.”

I have resources and I’m not afraid to use them,” her friend told her. “This was fun. I don’t get to act imperious very often and send servants scuttling to do my bidding. Besides, we all enjoyed pulling this together in a couple of hours. Come on. Let’s go see where you’ll sleep.”

Kayleen followed Lina past a large bathroom with a tub big enough to swim in, to a short hallway that ended in a beautiful room done in shades of green and pale yellow.

The furniture was delicately carved and feminine. The bedcovering was a botanical print that suited her much better than ruffles and frills. The attached bathroom was more luxurious than any she’d ever seen.

It’s silk,” she whispered, fingering the luxurious drapes. “What if I spill something?”

Then the cleaners will be called,” Lina told her. “Relax. You’ll adjust. This is your home now that you’re a part of As’ad’s life.”

Something else that just plain wasn’t right, Kayleen thought. How could she be a part of a sheik’s life? Make that a sheik prince?

Not a happy part,” she murmured. “He didn’t want to help.”

But he did and isn’t that what matters?”

Kayleen nodded, but her head was spinning. There was too much to think about. Too much had happened too quickly.

Our bags! Kayleen, hurry! Our bags are here.”

Kayleen and Lina returned to the main room to watch as their suitcases were unloaded. The pile had looked so huge at the orphanage, but here it seemed small and shabby.

Lina lightly touched her arm. “Get settled. I’ll have dinner sent up. Things will look better in the morning.”

They look fine now,” Kayleen told her, almost meaning it. “We live in a palace. What’s not to like?”

Lina laughed. “Good attitude.” She held out her arms and the sisters rushed to her for a hug. “I will see all of you in the morning. Welcome to the palace.”

With that, she was gone. As the door to their suite closed behind her, Kayleen felt a whisper of unease. A palace? How could that be home?

She glanced at the girls and saw fear and apprehension in their eyes. It was one thing for her to worry, but they shouldn’t have to. They’d already been through so much.

She glanced at her watch, then looked back at the girls. “I think we need to give the new TV a test drive. Here’s the deal. Whoever gets unpacked first, and that means putting things neatly in the armoire, not just throwing them, gets to pick the movie. Start in five, four, three, two, one. Go!”

All three sisters shrieked and raced for their bedroom.

I can go fastest,” Pepper yelled as she crouched down in front of her suitcase and opened it.

No way,” Dana told her. “I’m going to win because you’ll pick a stupid cartoon. I’m too old for that.”

Kayleen smiled at the familiar argument, then her smile faded. Dana was all of eleven and in such a hurry to grow up. Kayleen suspected the reason had a whole lot to do with being able to take care of her sisters.

That’s going to change,” she whispered, then returned to her room to unpack her own suitcases. Lina had promised that Prince As’ad could be trusted. He’d given his word that he would raise the girls as his own. That meant they were safe. But, after all they’d been through, how long would it take them to feel that way?

The evening passed quickly. Dinner was sent up on an elegant rolling table and contained plenty of comfort foods for lost, lonely children. Kayleen piled everyone on the largest sofa and they watched The Princess Diaries, then compared the differences in the movie castle and the real-live palace they’d moved into. By nine all three of them were asleep and Kayleen found herself alone as she wandered the length of the beautiful suite.

She paused by the French doors leading onto the balcony, then stepped out into the warm night.

Lights from the shoreline allowed her to see the movement of the waves as they rolled onto the beach. The inky darkness of the water stretched to the horizon. The air was warm and salty, the night unexpectedly still.

She leaned against the railing and stared into the sky. What was she doing here? This wasn’t her world. She could never in a million years have imagined—

The sound of a door opening caused her to turn. She saw a shadow move and take the shape of a man. Fear gripped her then, as quickly as it had come, faded. But she should be afraid, she told herself. He could be anyone.

But he wasn’t, she realized as he stepped into the light. He was Prince As’ad.

He was as tall and broad as she remembered. Handsome, in a distant sort of way. The kind of man who intimidated without trying. She wondered if she should slip back into her own rooms before he saw her. Perhaps she wasn’t supposed to be out here. Then his dark gaze found her.

Good evening,” he said. “You and the girls are settled?”

She nodded. “Thank you. The rooms are great. Your aunt thought of everything to make us feel at home.” She looked up at the imposing structure of the palace. “Sort of.”

He moved toward her. “It’s just a really big house, Kayleen. Do not let the size or history intimidate you.”

As long as none of the statuary comes alive in the night and tries to chase us out.”

I assure you, our statuary is most well-behaved.”

She smiled. “Thanks for the reassurance. No offense, but I doubt I’ll sleep well for the next couple of nights.”

I hope that changes quickly.” He shrugged out of his suit jacket. “If you find my aunt forgot something, let someone on the staff know.”

Sure.” Because every palace had a staff. And a king. And princes. “What do we call you? The girls and I. Your Highness? Prince As’ad?”

You may all use my first name.”

Really? And they won’t chop off my head for that?”

One corner of his mouth twitched. “Not for many years now.” He loosened his tie, then pulled it free.

Kayleen watched for a second, then looked away. He wasn’t undressing, she told herself. The man had the right to get comfortable after a long day of...of...being a prince. This was his balcony. She was the one who didn’t belong.

You are uneasy,” he said.

She blinked. “How did you figure that out?”

You are not difficult to read.”

Great. She had the sudden thought she wanted to be mysterious and interesting. Mostly interesting. Like that was going to happen.

A lot has changed in a short period of time,” she told him. “This morning I woke up in my usual bed in the orphanage. Tonight I’m here.”

And before you lived in El Deharia? Where did you sleep?”

She smiled. “In the Midwest. It’s very different. No ocean. No sand. It’s a lot colder. It’s already November. Back home the leaves would be gone and we’d be bracing for the first snowfall. Here, it’s lovely.”

One of the great pleasures of the most perfect place on earth.”

You think El Deharia is perfect?”

Don’t you think the same of your birthplace?”

Not really, she thought. But they came from very different circumstances. “I guess,” she murmured, then felt awkward. “I was a teacher there, too,” she added, to change the subject. “I’ve always loved children.”

Which makes your employment more enjoyable,” he said. “I would imagine a teacher who dislikes children would have a difficult time.”

Was he being funny? She thought he might be, but wasn’t sure. Did princes have a sense of humor? She’d assumed being royal meant being serious all the time.

Yes, that was a joke,” he said, proving she was as readable as he said. “You are allowed to laugh in my presence. Although I would suggest you are sure I’m being humorous. To laugh at the wrong time is a grave mistake most people only make once.”

And we’re back to the head-chopping. You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met.”

Not many princes in the Midwest?”

No. Not even rock stars, which in my country are practically the same thing.”

I have never been fond of leather pants on a man.”

That did make her laugh. “You could be considered fashion forward.”

Or foolish.”

You wouldn’t like that,” she said without thinking, then covered her mouth. Oops.

Something flickered in his gaze. He folded his arms. “Perhaps a safer topic would be the three sisters you insisted I adopt.”

What about them?” Had he changed his mind? She would hold him to his promise, no matter how nervous he made her.

They will have to change schools. The orphanage is too far away. The American School is closer.”

Oh. You’re right.” She hadn’t thought that part through. “I’ll get them registered in the morning.” She hesitated. “What do I tell the administrator?”

The truth. They are my adopted daughters and are to be treated as such.”

Bowing and scraping?”

He studied her. “You’re an interesting combination of rabbit and desert cat. Fearful and fearless.”

She liked the sound of that. “I’m working to be all fearless. I still have a ways to go.”

He reached out and before she realized what he intended, he touched a strand of her hair. “There is fire in your blood.”

Because I’m a redhead? I think that’s just an old wives’ tale.” She’d always wanted to be a cool blonde, or a sexy brunette. Well, maybe not sexy. That wasn’t her style.

I know many old wives who are wise,” he murmured, then released her. “You will be responsible for the girls when they are not in school.”

She nodded, wishing they were still talking about her being brave and that he was still touching her hair. Which was strange. Prince As’ad was nothing more to her than her employer. A very handsome, powerful employer who could trace his lineage back a few thousand years. She didn’t even know who her father was.

What are you thinking?” he asked.

She told him the truth.

And your mother?”

Kayleen regretted the change in topic. “I, um, don’t really remember her. She left me with my grandmother when I was a baby. She took care of me for a few years, then left me at an orphanage.” She gave a little shrug as if the rejection hadn’t mattered. “She was older and I was a handful.”

In the darkness it was difficult to read As’ad’s expression. She reminded herself there was no reason to be ashamed of her past—she hadn’t been able to control it. Yet she felt as if she were being judged and found wanting.

Is that the reason you defended the girls so fiercely?” he asked. “Your own past?”

Maybe.”

He nodded slowly. “They live here now. As do you. You are all to consider the palace your home.”

If only. “Easier said than done,” she murmured.

It will be an adjustment. Although it would be best if they did not roller-skate down the hallways.”

I’ll make sure of that.”

Good. You will want to learn about the palace. There is much interesting history here. Perhaps you and the girls should take one of the daily tours.”

She stared at him. “Tours? People come here and take tours?”

Only of the public rooms. The private quarters are off-limits. There are security people on duty. You are safe here.”

She wasn’t worried about being safe. It was the idea of living somewhere grand enough to have tours that made her mouth go dry.

What does your family think of this?” she asked. “Will anyone be angry?”

He seemed to grow taller. “I am Prince As’ad of El Deharia. No one questions my actions.”

Not even the king?” she asked.

My father will be pleased to see me settling down. He is anxious for his sons to start a family.”

Kayleen had a feeling adopting three American sisters wasn’t exactly what King Mukhtar had in mind.

You said you have brothers,” she said.

I am one of six,” he said. “They are in and out of the palace. Kateb lives in the desert, but the others keep rooms here.”

Six princes, one princess, one king and her. What was wrong with this picture?

You will be fine,” he said.

Would you stop knowing what I’m thinking? It’s not fair.”

He shrugged. “I am gifted. It can’t be helped.”

Apparently not.” He also seemed to have no problems with his ego. What would it be like to grow up so confident, so sure about everything, including his place in the world?

Kayleen, you are here because of me,” he said, his voice low and mesmerizing. “My name is all the protection you require. It can be used as a shield or a weapon, however you prefer.”

I can’t imagine using it as either,” she admitted.

It is there for you. Know that. Know no harm can befall you while you are under my care.” He looked at her. “Good night.”

Then he turned and was gone.

Kayleen stared after him, feeling as if she’d just had a close encounter with a character from a book or a movie. Who said things like “My name is all the protection you require”? Yet, he was telling the truth. She believed that down to her bones.

No one had ever taken care of her before. No one had ever protected her.

Oh, sure, the nuns had always made sure their charges were safe, but that was different. This was specific.

She hugged her arms across her chest, as if feeling the comforting weight of his protection. As if feeling the strength of the man himself.

It felt good.

* * *

AS’AD WALKED INTO the king’s offices the next day and nodded at Robert, his personal assistant.

Go right in, sir,” Robert said with a smile. “The king is expecting you.”

As’ad walked through the double doors and greeted his father.

I hear you have taken in a family,” his father said from his seat behind his impressive desk. “Lina tells me you are to adopt three orphans. I did not know you cared for such causes.”

As’ad took one of the chairs opposite the desk and shook his head. “It is all Lina’s doing. She insisted I go to the orphanage to prevent a nun from jumping off a roof.”

A what from what?”

Never mind. There was no nun. Only a teacher.”

A small kitten who had spit in fury and outrage. He smiled at the memory of Kayleen’s determination.

Three American girls were there,” he said. “Their father was born here. When their mother died, he brought them back and then he was killed. Tahir heard of their situation and wanted to take them back to his village.”

Admirable,” the king said. “Three orphaned girls would be of no value. Tahir is a good man.”

Yes, well, their teacher didn’t share your admiration. She insisted the girls could not be separated, nor could they give up their education to be servants.”

Without family, what choice did the girls have? Tahir would have given them the honor of his name.”

I agree,” As’ad said. “Yet that, too, was lost on their teacher. She attacked Tahir.”

The king’s eyebrows rose. “She lives?”

She’s small and apparently did him no harm.”

She is lucky he didn’t insist on punishing her.”

I suspect he was pleased to find a way out of the situation.”

So you solved the problem by taking the girls.”

Yes, and their teacher, who will be responsible for them.” He looked at his father. “They are charming girls,” he said, hoping it was true. “Almost like granddaughters for you.”

The king stroked his beard. “Then I will visit them and their teacher. As’ad, you did the right thing. This pleases me. Obviously you are settling down as you grow older. Well done.”

Thank you, Father.”

As’ad kept his voice respectful. Lina was right. Now As’ad would be spared the royal matchmaking for a while.

What is she like, this teacher?” the king asked. “Is she of good character?”

Lina thinks so.” He was nearly convinced himself. Her sad history could have made her hard or bitter. Instead she led with her heart.

Have you any interest in her yourself?”

As’ad stared at his father. “In what way?”

As a wife. We already know she likes children and is willing to face a chieftain to protect her charges. Is she pretty? Would she do for one of your brothers?”

As’ad frowned. Pretty? Kayleen? “She is not unattractive,” he said slowly, remembering how she’d looked the previous night with her long hair glowing like fire. “There is a spark in her. A pureness.”

Pureness? Where had that thought come from?

I wonder what she thinks of the desert,” the king mused. “Perhaps she would do for Kateb.”

She would not,” As’ad said sharply, suddenly irritated, although he could not say why. “Besides, I need her to care for my daughters. Find my brothers’ brides elsewhere.”

As you wish,” the king said easily. “As you wish.”

* * *

AS’AD STARED AT the three bridge proposals in front of him. While each provided the necessary access, they couldn’t be more different. The cheapest bid offered a utilitarian design while the other two had an architectural element that would add to the beauty of the city. There were—

His phone buzzed. He stared at it a second, then pushed the intercom. “I said I was not to be disturbed.”

I understand, sir. Your orders were very clear.” His normally calm assistant sounded...flustered. “It’s just, there’s someone here to see you. A young woman. Kayleen James. She says she is the nanny for your children?”

The slight rise in Neil’s voice probably came from the fact that he wasn’t aware As’ad had any children.

I’ll explain it all later,” As’ad told him. “Send her in.”

Seconds later Kayleen walked into his office. As she moved across the open space, he took in the plain brown dress that covered her from the neck to down past her knees, and the flat, sensible shoes. She’d pulled her hair back in a braid. Her pale skin looked bare, and although her eyes were large, she did nothing to enhance her features. Even her earrings, tiny gold crosses, provided little adornment.

He was used to women who took the time and made the effort to be as beautiful as possible. Women who dressed in silk, who showed skin, who smelled of enticing perfumes and glittered with diamonds. Did Kayleen not care for such adornments or had she not had the opportunity to dress that way?

She could, he acknowledged, easily transform herself into a beauty. The basics were already in place—the perfect bone structure in her face, the large eyes, the full mouth.

Without meaning to, he imagined her wearing nothing at all. Pale and soft, covered only by her long hair, a naked temptress who—

Thank you for seeing me,” Kayleen said, interrupting the erotic image that had no place in his head. “I guess I should have made an appointment.”

Not at all,” he said as he came to his feet and motioned toward a sofa in the corner. “How can I help you?”

She sat down. “You’re very polite.”

Thank you.”

She smoothed the front of her dress. “The palace is really big. I got lost twice and had to ask directions.”

I can get you a map.”

She smiled. “For real or are you teasing?”

Both. There is a map of the palace. Would you like one?”

I think I need it. And maybe a computer chip implant so security can find me.” She looked uneasy as she glanced around the room. “This is nice. Big, but I guess that comes with being a prince.”

He couldn’t tell if she was just nervous or stalling. “Kayleen, is there a reason for your visit?”

What? Oh. Right. I enrolled the girls in the American School this morning. It all went well. I used your name.”

He smiled. “Bowing and scraping?”

Some. Everyone was very eager to help. And to have me tell you they helped. That part is weird. You’re probably used to it.”

I am.”

The school is great. Big and modern with a real focus on academics. Not that the orphan school is terrible. If they had more funding...” She sighed. “Asking about that is probably inappropriate.”

Will knowing that stop you from asking?”

She considered for a second. “Not really.”

I will see if funds can be made available.”

Her eyes widened. “Just like that?”

I have made no promises. But I’m sure a few dollars could be found.”

That would be great. We’re not working with a big budget over there, so anything would help. Most of the teachers live in, which means the salaries aren’t huge.”

He doubted they would ever be huge. Teachers didn’t choose their profession in an effort to amass a personal fortune. He frowned.

Why did you become a teacher?” he asked.

Because I couldn’t be a nun.”

An answer he never would have expected. “Did you want to be a nun?”

Kayleen nodded slowly. “Very much. The orphanage my grandmother took me to was run by nuns. They were wonderful to me. I wanted to be just like them. But I don’t really have the right personality.”

Too outspoken?”

Too...everything. I’m opinionated, I have a temper, I have trouble with the rules sometimes.”

She seemed so quiet and mousy in her baggy brown dress, but there was something in her eyes, a spark that told him she was telling the truth. After all, she had attacked Tahir.

He’d never met an almost-nun before. Why would a pretty woman want to lock herself away from the world?

Our Mother Superior suggested I go into teaching,” Kayleen continued. “It was a great idea. I love it. I love the children. I wanted to take a permanent position there, but she insisted I first see the world. That’s how I ended up here. Eventually, I’ll go back.”

To the convent school?”

She nodded.

What about a husband and a family?”

Kayleen ducked her head, but not before he saw her blush. “I don’t really expect that to happen to me. I don’t date. Men are... They don’t think of me that way.”

He recalled his earlier fantasy about seeing her naked. “You would be surprised,” he murmured.

She looked up. “I don’t think so.”

So there has never been anyone special?”

A boyfriend?” She shook her head. “No.”

She was in her mid-twenties. How was that possible? Did such innocence truly exist? Yet why would she lie about such a thing?

He found himself wanting to show her the world she’d been avoiding. To take her places.

Ridiculous, he told himself. She was nothing to him. Only the children’s nanny.