Page 3 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

‘I don’t always agree,’ Sahir interrupted.

This topic was one he wrestled with himself. He knew his mother must be lonely, even if she smiled and laughed. And yet he could understand the demands placed upon his father.

‘I am learning, and not yet King,’ he said. ‘Until that time I shall abide by all the teachings.’ He turned to face her. ‘You do!’ At thirteen he had not quite mastered being as aloof as his father. ‘Especially the ones that suit you.’

‘Pardon?’ She blinked.

It had to be said, and it fell to him. ‘Your discretion is lacking.’

‘Sahir...?’ Her head was cocked to the side, her hazel eyes curious. Perhaps she was unsure about the warning being given. ‘What are you saying?’

Sahir held her gaze and refused to blush. Nor did he allow a glimpse of his agony at having this conversation. His voice was deep, that of a man, and he held on to his trust that it would remain steady now.

‘There is no place in the palace for an imprudent confidant.’

To his surprise, she laughed. ‘Oh, Sahir.’ She laughed so much she wiped tears from her eyes. ‘You can be so staid at times—just like your father.’

‘He is King!’

‘Yes...yes.’ She took a breath, pressed her lips together and composed her face. ‘You are right.’

‘Mother, please...’ Now his voice croaked...now fear surfaced. Sahir had done his best to reassure Jasmine, but he too was scared of what might happen. ‘Be more careful.’

‘Sahir...’ She held his chin. ‘You were right to speak to me. It will be addressed. Now, let’s enjoy the rest of our picnic. Tomorrow you fly to London, and soon you’ll be back at school.’

Sahir nodded, but then frowned. ‘Mother?’ There was a trickle of blood coming from her nostril. ‘You’re bleeding.’

‘It’s the climb,’ she said, reaching for a napkin. ‘Is there any ice in the hamper?’

‘Of course.’ He felt dreadful, even if it was quickly sorted. ‘I should not have said anything.’

‘Sahir,’ she reassured him. ‘I’m fine.’ She put her arm around his tense shoulders, as if she knew how much this conversation had killed him. ‘I know it took courage to discuss this with me.’

‘You’ll be more careful?’

She nodded. ‘Everything shall be fine.’

Three weeks later he was summoned from class and told his mother was gravely ill.

Mid-flight home, Sahir was informed that Queen Anousheh was dead.

CHAPTER ONE

‘MYDECISIONHASbeen made.’

Crown Prince Sahir of Janana’s deep voice caused a few shoulders to stiffen before his team rapidly stood up to bow. His appearance at the double doors to the dining room was a little unexpected—after all, he was supposed to be upstairs, preparing to attend a wedding.

His Belgravia home was elegant—a white stucco building with a balcony that ran from the lounge to the principal bedroom. To the rear, the gated garden offered secure elevator access to the main residence, and it was large enough to contain flats for staff.

Ultimately, though, when he was in London, it was Sahir’s home.

It didn’t feel that way this late morning.

His dining room, often used to host small receptions or private dinners, was serving this morning as a meeting room. The silver candelabras had been removed and the gleaming oak covered with a leather protector.

On Sahir’s way down from his rooms he had passed palace staff carrying his formal attire for tomorrow up to his dressing room.

Given Sahir’s main residence was the palace, he was more than used to staff coming and going there—but in London he had his own staff, as well as a hand-picked team that accompanied him.

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