Page 4 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

The arrival here of the palace entourage felt like an intrusion.

Not only were they several hours early, but Aadil—now the King’s chief advisor—had joined them.

Aadil had been a thorn in Sahir’s side since childhood. There was a lot of history between the two men—decades worth—and in all that time there were few pleasant memories Sahir could summon.

It had been Aadil who had coldly informed him of the Queen’s death.

‘Your Highness,’ Sahir was greeted now, as he crossed the room and took a seat at the head of the table.

Even caught unawares, with his raven hair wet and his face unshaven, still there was no question that Sahir was the absolute authority as he signalled for them all to be seated before addressing the subject being debated.

‘Only minimal security is required today. What else?’ He turned to Pria, his private secretary.

‘Some minor revisions for tomorrow,’ she said, handing him an updated plan. ‘It’s a tight schedule. We need to leave here ten minutes earlier.’

‘I see.’

Sahir flicked through it, his dark eyes missing nothing, noting that other updates had been added beneath the names of certain guests now attending tomorrow’s function. Little prompts to aid conversation.

The King and Queen of a neighbouring kingdom had recently become grandparents again—good to know...he would offer congratulations.

Then he saw an added suggestion. SayAlf mabrook!

A thousand congratulations.

While a common saying, it seemed a little excessive—especially for the less than effusive Sahir.

He read on.

A sultan’s brother-in-law had passed away—he would offer his condolences on behalf of Janana.

But there was another prompt... SayAtueatif maeak—I take my sympathy to you.

Just a little more personal—personable, even?

And yet Sahir was neither.

‘Sir, should the opportunity present itself...’

Aadil started droning on about some other European royals who would be there tomorrow.

‘There was an exquisite gift sent for your birthday—a bejewelled gold amphora,’ he went on. ‘Perhaps a light reference...?’ He turned to Pria. ‘Do we have a photo?’

‘No need.’ Sahir raised his hand to halt Pria from searching through her tablet. ‘It will be just a brief greeting.’ He looked across the table to Aadil. ‘You will have people thinking I’m on something...’

His protection officer Maaz smothered a smile, and even Pria pinched her lips, trying not to giggle. Away from the palace Sahir was a touch lighter, with small flashes of his spirited and wilful mother a little more on display.

‘Sir...?’ Aadil frowned.

‘I thought a member of the Janana royal family must always be composed—not running around shaking hands, gushing...’

‘It’s a fine line, sir.’

‘Not for me.’ Sahir was not making light of things now—he could be as rigid and severe as his father. More so, even.

The sudden death of his mother had devastated Sahir, and had served as a rapid lesson in the merits of an icy demeanour and shielding his emotions.

There was a solid black line around his heart.

---