Page 31 of The Prince's Wife

"So they took you to a warehouse."

"Yes," Kubra said. "I think their plan was to force me to sign some papers and then… well, make certain I couldn't contest them later. But from what the guards said, the hunt for them was more intense than anticipated. They couldn't come to sign the papers themselves, not until everything calmed down and they could come out of hiding. I was found beforehand, thankfully. I'm astonished they didn't make me sign the papers and then simply worry about their own signatures later."

"Probably didn't have the papers entirely ready," Aradishir said. Contracts, even sketchy ones, took time to draft. "If they'd been smart, they would have drafted the papers, made certain all was ready, arranged or waited for some big distraction, andthenkidnapped you, buying them hours or even days of time before your absence was noticed."

Kubra stared at him a moment, then gave a bare shake of her head. "I can see why they're scared of you, and I'm glad you're on our side, Your Highness."

"He would indeed be dangerous as a villain," Merza said. "The worse or greater a deed, the more that doing or not doingit is a choice. A penniless mother desperate to feed her children? Stealing isn't really a choice. A wealthy man who can get still more wealth by selling children? That is a choice. Fortunately for everyone in this city, my prince has a pure spirit and a heart of fire."

"Oh, be quiet," Aradishir said. "I do what is required of my position. Now then, I am certain the two of you would like to get more rest, and put these terrible events behind you once and for all. I am certain we will have more questions, but for now please rest. You are my guests for as long as you want to remain here, and every visit in the future." He rose so they could rise as well and led the way out of the room.

In the hallway, he stopped them one last time. "I am truly happy to hear you will be getting married. Let my wedding gift to you be to pay for the celebrations in full."

Masood looked ready to pass out, as Kubra gasped, hands over her mouth before she dropped them to say, "Your Highness! That is too generous by far. We have done nothing—"

"You have doneeverything," Aradishir said firmly. "Without your choices, your actions, they would not have made these foolish, reckless movements that have damned them once and for all. You broke a bitter stalemate to my favor. To pay for your wedding festivities is a trifling thing for me, and we all know it. Please, I insist."

"Thank you," Kubra said, blinking away tears—and then threw away all protocol to hug him tightly "I am always happy to help you, Your Highness. Whatever you need, no matter the day or the hour."

"I appreciate it. Now go, get some rest and be well."

Chapter Fourteen

Once they were gone, Aradishir sighed, stretching his limbs and rolling his neck before setting his shoulders. "What's next, then? I suppose we must go find my parents again, see what they've been up to since I left."

"Indeed," said a guard with faint amusement. "A message was delivered to tell you to meet them in His Majesty's private gardens when you were done meeting with Lady Kubra and Master Masood. They stressed there was no urgency, and they would be there for some time."

"Thank you." Aradishir gave his clothes a once over, but they'd be suitable for nearly anything that came up until he had to change for dinner. "I'll head there now then."

His parents were in the gazebo, a beautiful stone piece draped in various climbing plants that lent cooling shade, located on a miniature island in the middle of the large pool that dominated this part of the sprawling gardens. In the middle of the gazebo, settled on a large, plush cushion, his father's concubine Nandakumar played soft music. Beynum and Witcher sat with his father, Aaliyah and Gulzar sat with his mother.

"Hiding from the rest of the palace?" Aradishir asked with a grin as he took a seat, accepting the tray of wine a servant set beside him with a soft thank you.

Heydar took over pouring, as Merza sat on his other side and Javed nearby, conversing quietly with Beynum.

"Yes," his mother said. "It's been untenable. We—" she stopped as three guards approached.

The guards knelt and bowed, and then the sergeant at the front of the trio said, "Your Majesties, Your Highness, we have captured the errant merchants."

"Good," Shahjahan said. "Thank you. Take them and everyone else arrested today to the grand throne room."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The guards left, and Shah motioned to a servant standing off to the side awaiting orders. "Summon the council to the grand throne room. I want everyone in attendance. No excuses, save health and familial emergencies."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Shah rose and offered a hand to Fahima. "Shall we end this?"

Aradishir tossed back the wine Heydar handed him, then rose as well. "Let's end this." Out in the hall, they went their separate ways to return to their rooms and dress properly for court. The casual clothes he currently wore wouldn't do, especially when he wanted to make a statement.

In his room, he stripped off his clothes, washed up quickly, then dutifully held still—or moved only as bid—while his harem dressed him, braided his hair, and affixed jewelry. As Aradishir spent most of his time in his office, meeting rooms, parlors, or showing people around the gardens, he rarely had occasion to dress as finely as his siblings did. There simply wasn't any point when he was going to be sitting at a desk or table, well out of sight, most of the day.

When he was finally ready, dressed in green, black, and gold, harem resplendent as always, they headed out for court and whatever else the day brought.

They were almost there when someone called, "Your Highness!"

Aradishir turned, delight and misery flooding him in equal measure. "Your Highness, how are you today?

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