Page 26 of Unknown Royal Baby

They also potentially provided Hafiz with ammunition to undermine Isam’s rule. His relative had come to covet the power he’d wielded while Isam was in hospital, but his focus was personal aggrandisement, not the nation’s well-being.

Avril didn’t look happy. ‘I thought you wanted to disown her, but now I understand your caution.’

He told himself not to take it personally. She was still grappling with their extraordinary situation.

One thing at least he could clarify. ‘I would never, under any circumstances, disown my child. I know what a precious gift she is. I intend to cherish her and give her the best life I can.’

He’d look after her as he hadn’t been able to look after Nur. His failure then was still a raw wound after all these years.

But instead of calming Avril’s anxieties, his words made her frown. ‘You make it sound likeyou’llbe raising her. She has a mother, remember.’

Isam looked at the woman who’d been at the centre of his waking thoughts and even his dreams since their meeting yesterday. It was amazing how much she’d got under his skin. But then that shouldn’t surprise him, now he knew he’d broken every self-imposed rule by sleeping with her. Whatever he’d felt for her a year ago had obviously been significant. Compelling.

‘Don’t worry, Avril. I’m fully conscious that you come as a pair. My amnesia encompasses past events only.’

Even now he could barely believe he’d forgotten this woman. The way his body responded to her, the way she drew his gaze and his thoughts...

Exactly what had been their relationship? How had they come together? He was desperate to know, but that would have to wait.

‘I’m just trying to reassure you that I intend to be involved in Maryam’s life and do all I can to support her, and you.’

Avril stiffened. ‘You think I’m looking for a handout?’

‘Anything but.’ He’d been told she initially hadn’t wanted to accept the assistant he’d arranged. Seeing the shadows of fatigue beneath her fine eyes, he was relieved she’d changed her mind. ‘I can see you’re proud and independent. It must have been taxing, being alone through your whole pregnancy, and now with a baby.’

Hadshe been alone? He didn’t know her family situation. As for her hooking up with another man since their night together...everything in him rejected the idea. That mightn’t be proof but he couldn’t believe it of her.

How do you know when you can’t remember her properly? Maybe Hafiz is right and the injury to your brain is worse than you want to believe.

Another idea Isam refused to countenance.

‘I wish I’d known and been able to support you.’

‘I...’ She sank back in her seat like a woman overcome by the barrage of shocks she’d received. ‘Thank you, Isam.’

He clenched his hands around the arms of his chair, resisting the impulse to rise and gather her close. To offer comfort. But he couldn’t. Whatever their relationship had once been, she’d given no indication she’d welcome his embrace, even a purely platonic one.

But your response to her is anything but platonic.

Another complicating factor in an already fiendishly difficult situation.

‘We still need to talk about Maryam.’

Instantly her chin shot up defensively. Then she nodded. ‘Yes. I’m sorry. I’m still getting used to...’ she waved a hand in his direction ‘...the truth about you. I thought you’d deliberately cut me off.’

‘There’s no need for apologies.’ He paused, not wanting to press the point but knowing it was imperative they move swiftly. ‘Obviously we have a lot to discuss and I don’t want to overload you today. You’ve had a lot to process.’

And you don’t want to scare her by declaring your intentions out loud.

For there was only one solution he could see to this situation. Marriage.

It didn’t matter that his country expected him to choose a bride familiar with Zahdar, its customs and language. A bride with some experience of a royal court and the pressures and expectations that would be placed on a royal sheikha.

It didn’t matter that, in the concern about his recovery and the future of the monarchy, a candidate for his bride had already been put forward. Though fortunately it had gone no further than that. Isam had agreed only to consider the suggestion, there’d been no announcement. Despite the increasing pressure from senior advisors that he needed to secure the succession soon.

Avril offered a small smile that made his belly tighten. ‘Ithasbeen a lot. I feel like a cushion that’s missing half its stuffing.’

‘I understand.’ He chose his words carefully. He had to take this one slow step at a time rather than spook her. ‘Unfortunately, I can’t stay in London. There are urgent reasons for me to return to Zahdar. But we need to discuss how we go forward and I don’t want to do that long-distance. We need to talk face to face so there are no misunderstandings. Our daughter’s future is too important. Do you agree?’

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