And terror at the responsibility. But then it was so big at least she’d know if she lost it.
There was a knock then the door opened and a voice said, ‘It’s time, Your Majesty.’
Isam’s eyes didn’t leave hers. His voice dropped to a low hum that resonated across her skin then settled deep in the place where need was a twisting, hungry ache. ‘It’s time. First the photos. Then to tell the world I want you as my queen.’
He led her to the door before she had time to get even more nervous.
The photo shoot wasn’t as daunting as she’d expected. Just one photographer and his assistant. The only difficulty was smiling on cue.
Isam’s words had thrown her into a tailspin. Avril welcomed his reassurance but when he’d spoken of wanting her as his queen inthattone of voice, and with so much heat in his eyes it should have made steam rise from her skin...
She’d almost believed he wanted her the way she wanted him, with a dark craving that defied every attempt to squash it.
He’d reawoken all that restless, useless longing inside her.
She knew he meant that he wanted to marry her for Maryam’s sake. Because marriage was the simplest of their options. So why look at her and speak to her that way?
He’d admitted he didn’t remember being intimate and she couldn’t believe he was overwhelmed with desire for a weary, stressed new mum.
Unless it was a ruse to persuade her past her doubts. So she’d go through with today’s announcement.
That had to be it. He’d wanted to spur her into compliance rather than have her cower in her room.
Avril lifted her chin, annoyed by such tactics.
‘Perfect,’ murmured the photographer. ‘Just perfect.’
There was movement beyond him. Avril was surprised to see Bethany enter, carrying Maryam, who wore an unfamiliar, delicate gown of cream and gold.
Isam moved from Avril’s side to scoop up their daughter. He turned and just like that Avril’s heart forgot to beat for a second. Maryam smiled up at her father with wide eyes and he, broad shoulders curved protectively as he cradled her, wore an expression so tender it made emotion well.
Avril blinked and found herself softening.
She had no illusions that their marriage would be easy but it was the right thing for Maryam. She’d grow up with two loving parents.
‘I thought we should include Maryam in some of the photos,’ Isam said as he approached. ‘Not for public consumption but for us.’
Avril nodded, throat tight at his thoughtfulness. In later years it would be something Maryam might treasure.
The man confounded her. One moment so caring, the next throwing her into utter turmoil.
It’s not him that’s the problem. It’s you. You’re an emotional mess.You want a man who can’t remember being intimate with you. How can you expect deep feelings from someone who doesn’t even know you?
Yet it was easier now to smile for the camera since the photographer didn’t need posed shots. In fact, she was barely aware of him as Isam placed their baby in her arms, then settled beside her, offering Maryam his finger. Instantly their little girl grasped it and chortled.
Avril felt a rush of delight, aware of Isam’s body warm beside her, his focus on their daughter, and Maryam’s joyful response.
Yes. This.
They might have been brought together by circumstance but they could be a successful family unit, united in their love for Maryam.
They could do this.
Isam led her from the room towards the grand public reception spaces on the other side of the palace.
Were her nerves obvious? Isam glanced at her as the corridor widened and the furnishings graduated from luxurious to overtly opulent. Her heart was in her mouth at the idea of being presented to a bunch of VIPs as the country’s next queen. Even his steady calm couldn’t prevent the butterflies whirling in her stomach. Because of her confused feelings, or the ordeal ahead?
‘It’s a small reception. You’ll be fine,’ he murmured, his fingers tightening around hers. ‘Pretend it’s a business meeting, or a stray group of elderly petitioners come to tell me how to improve their lives.’