Page 31 of Unknown Royal Baby

Avril sat straighter, needing to change the subject. ‘That doesn’t matter now. It’s in the past. We need to discuss Maryam’s future.’

His stare told her he knew she was changing the subject deliberately. But to her relief, instead of objecting, he nodded. ‘That’s why I carved out time from today’s schedule. We need to make some decisions. Nothing matters more than our daughter.’

On that they both agreed. Maybe this might be easier than she’d anticipated. Easier yet still distressing.

‘She can’t inherit the throne, can she? It’s males only?’

‘As the constitution stands, yes.’

That was a relief. Not that she wanted her daughter to miss out on opportunities, far from it. But if she’d been heir to a throne, Avril might have had a fight on her hands, raising their daughter in the UK.

‘Why do you ask? What do you want for Maryam?’

‘Don’t worry, Isam. I don’t have royal aspirations for her. I just want her to have a loving, secure home life. To have a decent education and a chance to pursue her dreams when she’s older.’

‘Good. I want something very similar for her.’

Similar but not the same? Avril moistened her lips, about to ask where they differed but he was already speaking.

‘There are excellent schools and universities in Zahdar.’

She stiffened. ‘And in the UK.’

‘I know. I attended one for several years. My grandmother was English and a few years being educated in another country was very beneficial.’

The flutter of anxiety in Avril’s stomach eased. So he was talking about Maryam, when older, spending some time here. Avril couldn’t object to that. Even in the months when she’d thought Isam had cruelly deserted her, she’d been determined her daughter would learn something of her father’s culture and heritage. Growing up with two languages and two cultures could only be an asset.

‘That sounds reasonable.’

His lips quirked up at the corners in the hint of a smile that brought back memories of that week in London. Memories of his warmth and ready charm, how enthralled she’d been.

But it wasn’t all memory. Little shivers of awareness were even now thrumming through her core. Her nipples had peaked at the mere hint of his smile.

Avril crossed her arms then uncrossed them, shifting in her seat. ‘But that’s years away. In the meantime we need to think about access.’ She paused, wishing she didn’t have to say it. ‘I’m assuming you want to be involved?’

Something flared in those grey eyes. Something that saturated her body with heat then left it shivering with cold. Did she imagine his mouth tightened?

‘You assume right. I’m her father. I’ll be very much involved.’

He didn’t raise his voice but it had a sharp edge that made her think of honed steel.

Avril made herself nod and smile. ‘Just checking. I didn’t know, given your royal responsibilities—’

‘I take those very seriously, Avril. But nothing is more important to me than Maryam’s well-being. Than family.’

Emotion coursed through her. If things had been different, if they’d shared more than a one-night stand, his words would have been music to her ears. She’d imagined that one day she’d find love with a steadfast, wonderful man and together they’d create a loving family. In other circumstances, Isam would have made a perfect father and partner.

Meanwhile, her little girl deserved a caring family. Parents who’d always be there for her. Not deserting her and making her feel she didn’t deserve their attention.

It was only now she had a daughter that Avril felt the full weight of anger at the way her own parents had treated her. For years she’d felt bereft and insecure, her self-confidence damaged until Cilla did her best to change that. Now she was determined that her daughter wouldn’t be abandoned as she’d been.

‘I want to be part of Maryam’s world. I want to be with her as she grows up, someone she can depend on for love, guidance and support.’

She felt her eyes grow round. That sounded more hands-on than she’d expected. ‘And I assume you want the same, don’t you, Avril?’

‘Of course. But I’m certainly not going to hand her over to be raised elsewhere.’

Isam nodded. ‘I agree. We both want her to have the best and we both need to be involved. So there’s one obvious solution. We marry and raise her together.’

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