Page 84 of Modern Romance November 2024 5-8

‘You would have to have your own wing, and it would be very different to here, but...’ He refused to hide her—or, worse, send her away. ‘I have to see King Abdul tomorrow. But we could meet for breakfast; you could have a day in the hammam...’

‘Won’t it cause problems?’

‘You’re a very nice problem to have.’ He looked at her. ‘Get dressed. I don’t want the staff to find us in bed.’

As she climbed out, he couldn’t help but smile at her oiled body and how she still hobbled a bit.

‘Violet,’ he said. ‘You are my guest. Expect to be treated well.’

She gave a tentative nod, and as she went to her room to hurriedly dress he wanted to call her back. They needed to speak properly before they left for it would be impossible at the palace.

And it was impossible now, for he could hear their transport arriving.

Then it dawned on him.

He knew how they could speak.

His mother had taught him well...

Violet could hear terse conversation as she packed. She didn’t need to be fluent in the language to know that Aadil was not best pleased.

Then all was silent, and she was terrified Sahir had changed his mind.

She picked up the poetry book, clutching it to her chest like a shield as she stepped out, but the tent was empty.

She went to replace the book in the trunk, but then knelt instead, picking up the Christmas menu she had found, turning it over, wondering if she should ask Sahir about it, or...

She felt too tumbled to think, so she just slipped it inside the book—then started when Aadil stepped into the living area.

‘We depart shortly.’

‘Fine.’ Violet stood. ‘I’m just going to say goodbye to Bedra.’

She went to walk off, but Aadil spoke again.

‘It would be easier on him if you left.’

She said nothing.

‘Just so you are aware.’

‘I’m more than aware.’ Violet turned around. ‘You’re the one who brought me here, Aadil.’

‘At the King’s command.’

Violet swallowed.

‘Here in Janana we follow the rules.’

CHAPTER ELEVEN

VIOLETFOLLOWEDTHERULES.

Desperate not to be like her parents, all her life she had followed the rules.

Yet something had changed, and now she refused to meekly surrender...to just nod and give up on love.

Not that she dared tell Sahir—after all, she knew how forbidden it was here, this love.

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