Page 6 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

He wrote some fluff about wishing them every happiness for the future, then scrawled his name, pleased, for once, to leave out his title as Faisal briefed him about the wedding gift that had been selected.

‘A two-branch silver and rose gold candelabra from the Setarah collection. The bobèches depict—’

‘Thank you,’ Sahir interrupted.

He knew the collection. Several pieces were here in London, and while he might have quipped that he hoped the groom would get to keep it in the divorce, the thought wasn’t shared.

He made small talk only and never discussed personal matters.

With anyone.

Usually, he loathed giving his heritage away, but Carter, a skilled architect, was working with him on plans for the palace restoration, and would appreciate the treasure more than most.

With the card and gift sorted, he headed to the principal suite.

It was rather like dressing for a full English wedding, Sahir thought as he stood in his dressing room and Faisal handed him his attire.

‘Pity,’ Sahir commented quietly.

‘Sayyid...?’Faisal queried.

‘It’s a shame that it’s just a quiet dinner and a few photos. I actually like a good English wedding.’

‘You have been to many,’ Faisal agreed.

Faisal helped him into the jacket of his morning suit and arranged the boutonniere on his lapel. An unusual choice, Sahir thought, glancing down at the lilac flower with peacock detail on some petals. To his mind it was rather too large...a touch inelegant, even...

But apparently it was a water hyacinth, and had been flown in from Borneo for the occasion. The bride had insisted, Carter had told him.

Of course she had.

The newly rich were very good when it came to making demands!

Once he was dressed and ready to collect the groom, Layla took Sahir through the final details.

‘I’ll follow behind. Both Maaz and I shall be outside the nursing home and later the restaurant. If the press arrives, or there are any security issues...’

‘There won’t be.’

Sahir was confident, but he understood his staff had to be sure and listened as Layla told him the updated security code for the private garden and the exit route at the restaurant.

Sahir memorised it easily, repeating it back as he pocketed the key he would use should the code fail.

His phone buzzed, and he saw that it was Carter calling. ‘I’m just on my way,’ he told him.

‘Change of plan,’ Carter informed him. ‘We’ll meet at the nursing home. Grace wants me to have some time with her mother prior to cutting the cake, to ensure she’s calm.’

‘Sure.’

‘And, Sahir... I know you think this is all about my grandfather’s will—’

‘Carter,’ he cut in, ‘it doesn’t matter what I think.’

‘Look, I know you’re not a fan of marriage...’

‘Nor were you.’

‘Things change, Sahir. People change.’

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