Page 44 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

‘Yes.’

‘Rebuilding some ancient palace.’ She stroked the lovely black hair. ‘Are you working on it with him?’

‘I am. I studied historical architecture.’

Her voice was sleepy, yet she didn’t want to give in, wanted every minute of their night. ‘Is that the same as what Carter does?’

‘No, he’s an architect.’

He thought of the years it had taken to get to this point with the project.

‘It’s a very ancient structure,’ he told her.

‘Mmm...’

‘One wing was destroyed in an earthquake more than a century ago. There are a lot of people opposed to disturbing the ruins.’

If she hushed him, he’d say no more, Sahir decided.

‘How come?’

‘Many were killed—including the then Queen.’

He felt her stir of interest, the way her thigh moved across him, how her head moved a little, as if her ears had pricked up in curiosity.

‘The King fell into deep grief...he killed himself a couple of weeks later.’

‘Goodness.’

‘There was a lot of turmoil in the country. A new king had to be appointed, with a whole new lineage. Rules were put in place so it could never happen again.’

‘You can’t prevent an earthquake.’

‘I mean rules to ensure that a king could never again jeopardise his country’s future because of his personal emotions.’

‘You can’t stop—’

‘There is no love allowed in a royal marriage.’ He stared at the ceiling. ‘It must be a purely business arrangement.’

‘Wow...’ She seemed to ponder that for a moment. ‘Are there bodies still buried in the ruins?’

‘No.’ He found that he’d smiled at her question, squeezed her arm in affectionate rebuke. ‘Your thoughts are very dark.’

‘Oh, yes.’

He felt her relax back into him.

‘So, what happens now?’ she asked.

‘We are waiting for the council to approve the plans.’

‘Well, if it’s anything like our local council...’

‘No!’ He gave a half-laugh. He knew she was teasing, yet she made the serious subject a little lighter, made him want to explain their curious ways.

Her breathing was slowing and her eyes were closing, he was sure, but then she jolted herself awake, and he wanted to make love to her all over again.

But first...

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