Page 5 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

Impenetrable to all.

Unlike his father, he did not consult aides on his every move, nor meet endlessly with Hakaam, the ‘teller’ who read the skies.

Sahir relied upon himself.

If he needed wisdom or guidance then he went alone to the desert—sat with the land rather than searching for answers in long since burnt-out stars.

‘Gentle conversation, sir...’ Aadil persisted.

‘I am not gentle,’ Sahir reminded him. ‘However, I am a gentleman, and I shall greet all parties respectfully.’

They went through the rest of the plans for tomorrow. He would leave his residence at ten and join the motorcade forty-eight minutes later. He would be back by six p.m., and his flight for Janana would leave at eleven.

‘Thank you.’

He went to stand, but Aadil would not leave things there, the question of security clearly still on his mind.

‘Your Highness, I must emphasise the high-profile nature of these visitors.’

Sahir felt his jaw grit as Aadil spoke on.

‘It would be remiss of us not to increase security.’

‘The ceremony today is a private affair,’ Sahir responded calmly. ‘As for the reception—it’s little more than dinner. It’s a closed venue, with a select group of guests.’

Carter Bennett, his long-time friend, had in recent weeks married a virtual stranger. The happy couple were now hosting an intimate celebration of the event in London.

However, the post-wedding reception was so low-key that had Sahir not already been in London on royal business he’d have struggled to justify attending. His heavy schedule had for once worked in his favour, though, and he’d agreed to act as Carter’s best man. His duties were light. They included attending the cake-cutting at the bride’s mother’s nursing home, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant.

The event was so informal he’d been told not even to prepare a speech.

Sahir did not want his presence there to be an issue, and told Aadil the same now. ‘Carter has his own security arrangements. Even so, he selected the venue with my requirements in mind.’ He turned to Maaz who, along with another officer called Layla, was on his protection team today. ‘You’re happy with things?’ he asked.

It was Layla who nodded. ‘The guests have all been vetted. Carter knows not to share your title. The restaurant has been swept and is being watched now, and I’ll relieve them as soon as the bridal party arrives. Maaz is about to head to the nursing home.’

‘Excellent,’ Sahir said. ‘As I have already stated—minimal security for today.’

His dark eyes held a strong warning as they met Aadil’s, almost daring him to challenge.

‘Sir...’ Aadil wisely acquiesced.

Sahir dismissed his team...for now.

Most of them were looking forward to an unexpected day off, but a select few remained—and of course Aadil lingered.

Apparently there was one final matter to deal with before Sahir dressed.

Faisal, his major-domo, placed a wedding congratulations card in front of him. Sahir went to take up the jewelled pen he used for royal matters, but then hesitated—after all this was personal.

So little was personal in Sahir’s life and so, even though it perhaps mattered not, he requested his preferred ballpoint pen—a twenty-first birthday gift from Carter.

‘What is the bride’s name?’ Sahir asked, pen poised.

‘Grace,’ Faisal said. ‘Although you could just putTo the newlyweds...’

‘Thank you.’

He loathed writing cards, and usually only his signature was required, but given it was Carter...

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