CHAPTER THIRTEEN
HAVING LEARNED OF Sayed’s intention to take Liyah out to dinner, Queen Durrah showed up with an ornate crimson dishdasha for Liyah to wear.
“But this is the color of the royal family.”
“Yes, my dear, it is. It is also the gown I wore for the formal announcement of my own upcoming nuptials.”
Liyah put her hands up as if warding off an attack from the dress. “I can’t wear it, what if I tear it or spill something on it?”
“Don’t be silly, Aaliyah,” the queen said with amusement. “If I had had a daughter, she would have worn this gown to her first formal function when she came of age. It pleases me for you to wear it now.”
Tears burned in Liyah’s eyes.
The queen tsked and patted Liyah’s cheek softly. “None of that now. I’m going to be very happy to welcome you into our family, ya ’eni.”
“Mom used to call me that,” Liyah admitted emotionally.
“Then it will be an honor for you to allow me to do so now. Just as you were the precious in your mother’s eyes, you will always be in mine, as well.”
The endearment literally meant my eye, but it carried more the connotation the queen gave it. And it touched Liyah deeply.
“You should be angry at me.”
“No, Aaliyah,” Queen Durrah said with certainty. “I have seen more life in my son in the past week than for two decades. You are so good for him. How could I be anything but happy at the idea of you becoming my daughter?”
“He hasn’t asked me yet.”
“He will.”
“It’s really special, you know?”
“What?”
“That he insists on asking. For all intents and purposes he’s been trapped into this, but he’s not treating it like a business proposal.”
“All of the men of this family have a romantic streak. They always have had. I should have realized there was a problem when Sayed’s showed no sign of coming out with Tahira,” the queen mused.
“He told me about the hidden room.”
“I always loved that story. I wanted Falah to build me a room, but he told me it had already been done.”
“Not so romantic, then.” But then a king had to have a practical streak, just like a prince.
“Well...actually...”
“Oh, tell me.”
The melecha smiled with obviously fond reminiscence. “He took me to a European castle for our honeymoon.”
“You live in a palace.”
“He bought me the castle and a title to go with it.”
“Being queen wasn’t enough?” Liyah teased.
“It was something that was just for me, not Zeena Sahra.” Queen Durrah smiled softly. “That castle became our refuge after Umar’s death, a place we could take Sayed and simply be a family.”
“A place he could still be a boy and play freely,” Liyah said softly.
The queen nodded. “And in safety.”
* * *
Liyah was still thinking about her visit with Queen Durrah when Hasiba arrived to tell her the driver was waiting with the car.
“Where is Sayed?” Liyah asked Hasiba with some trepidation, worried the older woman would have decided Liyah took advantage again.
“I believe it is supposed to come as a surprise,” Hasiba said with a conspiratorial smile.
“Okay.”
Hasiba reached for Liyah before she left the suite. “I am truly sorry about before. My emir has never been so happy as since meeting you. Even back in London, though none of us understood his dreamy preoccupation was not with his coming nuptials but the woman that would steal his heart.”
If only that were true. “Thank you, Hasiba. Your support means so much.”
The older woman pulled Liyah into a tight hug. “You will be a wonderful emira.”
Liyah would do her best.
The limo ride into the city only took about twenty minutes, but it was the longest twenty minutes of her life. It ended when they pulled up in front of an elegant hotel.
A man dressed in a dark kameez rushed forward to lead Liyah inside and to an old-fashioned cage elevator.
Sayed was waiting beside a table set on a dais in the center of the large and very full dining room of the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.
He wore a men’s dishdasha in the same crimson shade as Liyah’s. Though with the elaborate gold embroidery on her chiffon outer dress, Liyah’s was a lot fancier.
His black abayah had more moderate masculine embroidery in the same crimson shade. His egal was the ceremonial black shot with gold and his keffiyeh the color of the royal house, as well.
“You look like the emir,” she said in a near-whisper as she took his hand to step up on the dais.
“But you remember always the man underneath the robes,” he said with pure satisfaction.
“Yes.”
His smile was blinding as he helped her into her chair.
Dinner was amazing, Sayed in top form, practically oozing charm.
Though they consumed no alcohol, she felt tipsy on hope by the time dessert arrived. Several photographs had already been taken throughout the evening, everyone at the tables around them smiling and nodding as if they were as much a part of what was to come as Liyah and Sayed.
Maybe they were.
Sayed would always serve his people with his whole heart.
Sayed waited until the dessert dishes had been taken away before he rose from his chair only to drop to one knee beside hers.
Even knowing he was prompted by the need to prevent more scandal, and maybe save some face in the wake of Tahira’s defection, Liyah was overwhelmed with emotion.
“Aaliyah Amari, will you do me the very great honor of agreeing to become my emira and lead the people of Zeena Sahra by my side?”
His words put the weight of reality on this fantasy moment. Sayed was putting more trust in her than she could imagine. He wasn’t just asking because it was expedient.
He had to believe in Liyah as a person to trust her with the position of his emira, much less his wife.
“Liyah?” he prompted softly, typically not sounding worried, but patient.
She smiled, feeling the hot track of tears on her cheeks. She hadn’t even known she was crying. “Yes, oh, yes, Sayed. I want that more than anything.”
“I am so pleased.” Then showing the influence of many years spent living in the States, he leaned forward and sealed the deal with a kiss.
The restaurant erupted into applause, camera flashes going from phones as well as reporters strategically waiting in the wings.
Liyah didn’t care. If sharing her life with Sayed meant sharing it with the rest of the world, too, then so be it.
As he leaned back, she whispered quietly for his ears alone, “I love you. I just thought you should know.”
His dark eyes heated and filled with definite pleasure. “Thank you. I will always treasure that gift.”
She hadn’t expected him to return the words. Liyah knew Sayed didn’t love her, but his genuine appreciation of her feelings gave her hope for the future and certainty that even if he never fell in love with her, she would always have his regard and consideration.
This man would always be faithful―his “three-year drought” proved that―but just as importantly, he valued her affection. He would not take Liyah’s love for granted, even if he never returned it.
* * *
Sayed waited for the video call to connect. He’d sent Yusuf to London the day before with an envelope to deliver to Gene Chatsfield.
The call connected and Gene’s distinguished features filled Sayed’s screen. “Sheikh Sayed, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Yusuf has delivered my package.”
“If you mean this...” The older man lifted the heavy-duty envelope sealed with Sayed’s royal family symbol set in crimson wax. “Yes.”
“Inside you will find several papers.”
Gene’s confusion was apparent, but he seemed too preoccupied to be nervous. “Shall I open it, then?”
“Yes.”
Gene’s face paled as he read the documents in front of him. “You know where she is? My daughter?”
“So now you are claiming her?”
“Denial was a knee-jerk reaction caused by similar situations in the past, none of which ended up being what they claimed.”
“You decided Aaliyah’s was?”
“She left the locket. I’d given it to her mother. Nothing more than a trinket to me, but she kept it all those years and passed it on to her daughter.” Gene swallowed, as if emotion was getting the best of him. “She’d left my picture behind hers. I looked when I remembered.”
“If you need further proof, Aaliyah’s DNA report is there, as well. Running your own will provide an undeniable match.”
“You know I will, because in my position I cannot afford to take anything on word alone.”
“Yes.”
“But I’m confident of what the test will tell us.”
“As am I.”
“I would like to see my daughter,” Gene said with hope. “Is she working for you now?”
“We are getting married next month.”
“What? How is that possible? Is she pregnant?”
“No, she does not yet carry my child. As to how and why, you do not have a place in her life that affords you personal answers of that nature.”
A practical man of the world, Gene didn’t flinch at the reminder. “I would like to.”
“You will have to apologize,” Sayed warned.
“Of course.”
Sayed wasn’t prepared to let it go at that. “Well enough that she believes you are sincere.”
“Whatever you may think of me, my children matter to me.”
“You will get one opportunity to prove that.”
“And if I don’t to your satisfaction, I never see my daughter again?”
“You are a man of discernment.”
“And you have a reputation for ruthlessness. Does Aaliyah know that, I wonder?”
“She loves me despite my flaws.” The satisfaction he felt saying those words was immense.
“I’m very glad to hear that.”
“Really?”
“I would not like to think my daughter was marrying for anything but honest emotion and hope for a future.”
“Come to Zeena Sahra and tell her that.”
“When?”
“Yusuf is waiting to take you to our jet.”
“You expect me to drop everything and come now?” Gene asked, showing dismay for the first time.
“Yes. You may bring your fiancé.”
The older man waved that off. “She is busy with wedding preparations.”
“Then it is the ideal time for you to make this trip.”
“You don’t lack arrogance, do you?”
“Aaliyah will tell you I do not.”
Gene smiled. “Give me a couple of days and I will fly out commercial.”
“No. Your visit must be kept under wraps. Your place in Aaliyah’s life will not be announced until if and when she is prepared to recognize you as her father.”
“I cannot come on a moment’s notice.”
“With Giatrakos at the helm? I think you can.”
Gene frowned. “Fine. She deserves a little sacrifice on my part.”
“More than a little, I think, but luckily for you she has me now and no major sacrifices on your part will be necessary.”
* * *
“You called my father?” Aaliyah jumped up and paced across his mother’s receiving room. “And he’s going to be here within the hour?”
“Give or take, yes.”
“But why?”
“Because you deserve an apology for his idiocy.”
“What did you threaten him with to force the apology?” she asked suspiciously.
“No threats were required. He was already trying to find you.”
“Is that what he told you?”
“Yes.”
“I doubt it.”
“I’d already hired a private detective and have the retainer receipt and first reports to prove it,” Gene Chatsfield said, having entered the room with Yusuf through the side entrance, indicating the bodyguard had brought him into the palace discreetly. “How he missed your location when your engagement is all over the media, I don’t know.”
Aaliyah spun around to face her father, her face blanching before her expression turned wooden.
Sayed crossed the room and put his arm around her waist. “All will be well. You are not alone.”
Gene smiled at them. “You look very good together.”
“Why are you here?” Aaliyah asked baldly.
“I owe you an apology. I should have heard you out to begin with, but I’m a suspicious man. I made mistakes in the past and they made me vulnerable to a certain type of people. You were not like them, but I was blinded to that at first.”
Sayed was impressed with the older man’s openness and sincerity.
Aaliyah didn’t look quite as taken with her father’s words. “So, you acknowledge I’m your daughter now?” she asked suspiciously.
“Oh, yes.”
“Don’t you want a DNA test, or something?”
Gene glanced at Sayed and then back to Aaliyah. “Already done. Your fiancé provided your results.”
“From the blood test?” Aaliyah asked quietly.
“Yes.”
She scanned his face, as if looking for something. “You planned this.”
“I did.”
“What if he’d kept acting like a bastard about it?” she asked, her vulnerability to that eventuality in her tone.
Though Sayed doubted anyone else would have heard it.
He let her see how serious he was before he promised, “I would have ruined him and destroyed the Chatsfield from London to Sydney.”
“Wow.”
Sayed guided her to a seat on one of the small sofas and indicated a chair for her father to take.
Once they were all seated, Gene said, “I realize I have a lot of making up to do to build a relationship, but I want to try.”
He turned and grabbed something off the bed and handed it to her. “Thank you for marrying me.”
She smiled and stepped back from the box. “Just a second.”
She’d asked Hasiba to make sure Liyah’s gift for Sayed had been dropped off in the suite. She found it on the desk, wrapped in burgundy paper, the royal crest holding the gold ribbon together instead of a bow.
She rushed back into the room and offered it to him. “Thank you for marrying me.”
“Your love is all the gift I need,” he said fervently.
“Ditto.”
He smiled and opened the gift, his expression going very solemn as he opened the jeweler’s box. It was a traditional wedding bracelet, of the type brides gave their husband in Zeena Sahra. Though it was not leather, or hand woven from her hair.
It had something to do with their Bedouin roots, but all Liyah knew was that she approved the symbolism of it.
“The eternal circle of love and commitment,” Sayed said with satisfaction.
“Yes, because I will always love you and am in this thing for life.”
“As am I.” He slipped the heavy platinum masculine bracelet on, a single ruby for his royal house offset left of center on the top.
She’d used the last of her savings to buy it and couldn’t think of a better use of her mother’s final gift to Liyah.
“Now it is your turn.”
“Is it?” she asked, so full of love and happiness she didn’t think any gift could add to it.
“Yes. I remember you once told me, we are supposed to keep things even.”
She laughed, remembering. “That was about getting naked.”
“We will get to that.”
“Promise?” she teased.
“Oh, yes. Now, open your gift.”
Liyah tore the paper off the flat box and pulled off its lid, but was a little confused when she saw it was filled with legal documents. “What are these?”
“You know the hotel where I proposed?”
“Yes.” She’d loved the rooftop restaurant.
“I bought it for you.”
“You bought me a hotel?”
“It’s in your blood, but you’ll have to keep a general manager as your duties as emira will not allow for a full-time occupation outside of the palace.”
“Your mother explained.” Queen Durrah had been giving Liyah “princess lessons” daily since she agreed to marry Sayed.
“And you do not mind?”
“No, Sayed. When I say I love you, I mean the you that is emir, too.”
“You are amazing, habibti. Intee albi.”
“And you are my heart. We’ll beat for each other. I love you so much, Sayed.”
“As I love you. With everything that I am or ever will be.”
“I know it.”
“You do?”
“The proof is in the pudding, as they say.” Her heart was so full it was hard to get the words out, but she did. “First you gave me the gift of family, both my father and your own parents, cousins and aunt. Then there’s the hotel—the grand romantic gesture the men in your family are known for.”
“I should have realized I loved you when I started negotiations for the hotel.”
“Maybe.”
“Perhaps you need a little more proof.” Sayed’s meaning was clear in the hunger glowing in his espresso eyes.
“I’ll never say no to that type of proof.”
Nor would she ever balk at giving it. Love had turned her from repressed into passionately expressive.
And Sayed adored her that way. He said so.
They made love throughout the night, taking turns expressing their spiritual affection in carnal ways no less beautiful than the emotion that flowed between them.
Ultimately, Hena Amari had gifted Liyah with Sayed, her final request leading her daughter to London where fate ordained she connect with the other half of her soul.
Liyah whispered a prayer of gratitude as she slipped into sleep, wrapped in the arms of her one true love, and hoped her mother could hear it, as well.
* * * * *
If you enjoyed this book, look out for the next instalment of THE CHATSFIELD:
PLAYBOY'S LESSON by Melanie Milburne, coming next month.
SPECIAL EXCERPT FROM
Harlequin Presents welcomes you to the world of
The Chatsfield;
Synonymous with style, spectacle…and scandal!
Read on for an exclusive extract from
Melanie Milburne’s sparkling story in this
exciting eight book series:
PLAYBOY’S LESSON
Charlotte’s hand fluttered like a little bird inside the cage of his, sending a shockwave of heat through his pelvis like the backdraft of a fire. Lucca released her hand and had to physically stop himself from wriggling his fingers to rid himself of the electric tingling her touch had evoked.
‘Thank you, Your Royal Highness,’ he said with exaggerated politeness. He might be an irascible rake, but he knew how to behave when the occasion called for it, even if he privately thought it was all complete and utter nonsense. In his opinion people were people. Rich or poor, Royal or common.
She pressed her lips together so tightly as if she were trying to hold an invisible piece of paper between them steady. He wasn’t sure if it was out of annoyance or a gesture of nervousness or shyness, but it drew his gaze like starving eyes to a feast. She had a bee-stung mouth, full lipped and rosy-pink without the adornment of lipstick or even a layer of clear lip-gloss. It was a mouth that looked capable of intense passion, but it seemed somewhat at odds with the rest of her downplayed and rather starchily set features.
A feather of intrigue tickled Lucca’s interest. Did she have a wild side behind those frumpy clothes and that frosty fa?ade?
Maybe his exile here wouldn’t be a complete waste of time after all…
Step into the gilded world of The Chatsfield!
Where secrets and scandal lurks behind every door…
Reserve your room!
June 2014
Copyright ? Harlequin Books S.A. 2014
Chatsfield Author Q&A
The Chatsfield Uncovered!
Read on for an exclusive interview with Lucy Monroe.
Creating a world as large as The Chatsfield must be very exciting—did you discuss the hotels with the other authors?
Absolutely. One of the things I loved best about writing Sheikh’s Scandal was the opportunity to collaborate creatively with the editorial team and the other authors in the continuity.
What was the most fun bit about creating this luxurious, scandalous world?
The research I did for both the hotel and Sheikh Sayed’s palace in Zeena Sahra. There are so many gorgeous places in the world to take as inspiration and I’ve definitely added to my “must travel to” list.
Did you do any extra-special research for writing this book? A sneaky cocktail at an exclusive hotel perhaps?
Yes, in fact…I did. I wanted to go to London and stay at Claridges, but could not wangle the time or the travel partner. So, I took my youngest daughter for a long weekend to a very swanky hotel in San Francisco (where my heroine hails from) and did a ton of research on the city and the type of hotel that might be The Chatsfield San Francisco. We did so much walking about the city that falling into the cushy beds at the end of the day felt more like relief than research.
What did you most love about writing your story?
Besides what I’d mentioned earlier about working with some very talented creative people, I adored my characters and getting inside their heads. It’s what makes writing romance so very satisfying for me. I always want to know why people do what they do and with my own characters, I usually get the answer!
When writing your hero and heroine’s story, did they surprise you in any way?
I’ve found that if I’m really immersed in the book, my characters will always surprise me. In Sheikh’s Scandal, I wasn’t expecting Aaliyah to take to Queen Durrah like she did and vice versa. Sayed’s honorable nature came as no surprise, but even I was a little startled when I realized he’d been celibate for three years. Talk about a to-die-for alpha hero!
To your mind, who is the most scandalous Chatsfield?
Gene. He was better at hiding it, but his penchant for chasing (and catching) chambermaids is where Sheikh’s Scandal really began.
If you could have given your hero or heroine a piece of advice before they started on their journey in your story, what would it have been?
I would have told both of them that the unpredictability of life is what makes it so wonderful and not to worry so much about following their plans but to pay more attention to following their hearts.
Name five things on your desk when you write.
Pen cup.
Stereo speakers.
A “Mom” poem plaque from my children.
A pink crystal heart paperweight from my husband.
The inspiration sheet for my current book.
Do you listen to music when you write?
Yes. My iTunes library is large and eclectic, but I tend to gravitate toward a certain set of playlists for each book I work on. I listened to a lot of Adele, Terry McDermott and the Beatles while writing this book, but the whole time I wrote about the characters’ time in Zeena Sahra, there was a Middle Eastern soundtrack playing in the back of my mind.
What is your worst habit when writing?
Forgetting to get up. When I’m really lost in the story, I can sit at my desk for eight to twelve hours and that is so not good for my back or my bladder!
Do you have a writing routine? If so, could you share a bit about it with us?
I write new pages daily. The next day, I begin by editing the pages from the day before and then move on to add more. I write when my mind is freshest. So, when my sleep schedule is normal—that’s in the morning. However, there are times my slumber clock gets out of whack and I’ll write through the night instead.
Chatsfield Character Q&A
Under the microscope:
Read on for an exclusive interview with Aaliyah Amari.
If you had to pick your most public scandalous moment, what would it be?
Even if I hadn’t lived a rather sheltered existence prior to meeting Sayed, I would still definitely have to say being outed publicly as his lover in the press. Those pics of us kissing with that obvious (to me, anyway) postcoital glow still make me blush.
Was there an even more scandalous event that didn’t make it into the press?
Oh, yes…let’s just say that the first night we kissed had a lot of other firsts, too, and leave it at that.
What is your biggest secret?
I’m not princess material. At all. But I love Sayed and I’ll do my best by the people of Zeena Sahra.
What do you love most about Sayed?
His heart. It’s hidden behind his nobility and strength, but he has such an amazing capacity to care for his family, for his people…for me. I never thought I would know this kind of love and I hope I never take it for granted.
What were your first thoughts when you saw Sayed?
Thoughts? My brain stopped working completely.
If your house was on fire and you could only save one thing, what would it be?
My mother’s locket.
What is the naughtiest thing you did at school?
I wasn’t naughty at school. I would have been mortified to disappoint my mother in any way. Until I met Sayed, Aaliyah Amari could have been synonymous with the word repressed.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching Sayed sleep, but shh…please don’t tell him.
What is your worst habit?
Sayed says it’s thinking too little of myself. For that matter, so does his dear mother. Maybe it is.
What is your favorite film?
Until I met Sayed, my favorite film was the documentary Grey Gardens (1975)—the story of Big and Little Edie Beales, the agoraphobic eccentric relatives of Jacqueline Bouvier (Kennedy). However, Queen Durrah introduced me to romantic comedies and I’ve fallen in love with the genre. I’ve watched Valentine’s Day three times already.
What present would you put beneath the Christmas tree for Sayed?
I’m not sure what gift I’ll give Sayed this year, but it will have an ornament hanging from the bow: a pregnant woman with a “Baby’s 1st Christmas” tag on it. Yes, we are expecting and I’m not at all sure I’ll be able to wait to tell him!
How will you spend your first anniversary as a couple?
Knowing the romantic streak that runs in the men of Sayed’s family, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t do something like fly us to Venice for dinner and the opera. He’s discovered my secret passion for it and my Emir seems quite dedicated to seeing all my passions met.
Designing a Royal Wardrobe
As the private designer for Princess Aaliyah, airport chic has become a bit of a specialty for me. From royal affairs to the simple cross-country excursion, princess duties require a certain level of versatility. It’s all about proper balance. A princess strives to be stylish and practical, and thanks to the lovely Kate Middleton, our modern day rulers are expected to convey both. This makes my job infinitely more…delicate. Although, Princess Aaliyah’s striking dark hair and emerald green eyes do provide the perfect canvas for my designs, making the job entirely worthwhile.
For Her Majesty’s attendance to her father, the hotelier Gene Chatsfield’s wedding, I created looks that include all of the elements that I consider vital to jet-set design: sophistication, class, comfort, and pockets (because, yes, even Her Royal Highness must carry her own cell phone and lippy).
FOR THE PLANE: Nothing commands attention like a statement jacket, save the royal wedding ring and Princess Aaliyah had both. The princess modelled a tailored white trench with black contrast piping. Its structure complemented Princess Aaliyah’s sophisticated demeanour, while protecting the princess (and her vintage Chanel skirt) from the elements. It was, dare I say, princess perfection.
FOR THE CEREMONY: Princess Aaliyah specifically requested a formal gown that wasn’t “too severe,” so I concocted this: a floor-length, Dior-inspired, two-piece ensemble, disguised as a gown (brilliant for those discreet trips to the loo). The lace trim injects a smidge of sex appeal, while the peplum seamlessly blends the two pieces into one gorgeous silhouette. Finally, a slit up the back allows Her Majesty to move without a less-than-graceful spill onto the aisle way, because, let’s face it, wearing her sky-high Louboutins (royalty of the shoe variety) is enough cause for anxiety.
Dipped in a stunning emerald green to compliment her eyes, this elegant design landed Princess Aaliyah a spot on the “Best Dressed” list and I got to celebrate this little victory with vintage Chardonnay—yet another perk of associating with the royals.