Page 33 of Queen of Barrakesch
“Um, right now Wasim is busy getting settled into his role as king, and we haven’t discussed a wedding date or made final plans yet.”
Yasmin sighed. “Yes, he’s very busy. I worry about the hours he’s been putting in lately, but I know it must be done. As for the two of you, I hope you don’t delay too long. I’m looking forward to having you as my sister-in-law. I want us to work together. Your enthusiasm for woman-focused projects are exactly what I need to help me with some of the charities I oversee. You and I could do a lot together, for both girls and women in the country.”
Yasmin was a strong voice for women and children, and her work was not limited to Barrakesch. She was also a UNICEF regional ambassador who worked tirelessly on behalf of children’s rights.
“Thank you, Yasmin.” Her heart hurt a little bit at the thought that she wouldn’t get to work on the projects with her because there would be no wedding.
“Keep in touch. Please,” Yasmin said.
“I will. Take care, and thanks for calling.”
Imani hung up the phone, feeling nostalgic and restless. She went out to the patio and recalled the last time she sat out there with Wasim. They’d shared dinner and talked about what they were looking for in a future spouse. Seemed like that conversation happened ages ago, but little more than a month had passed.
“Ambassador?”
Imani turned to face Vilma.
“A package arrived for you.”
Imani reentered the office and took the envelope. “Thank you.” As Vilma left, she tore it open.
When she saw the contents, her heart did a nosedive in her chest. The letter was written on the official letterhead of the King of Barrakesch.
Subject: Oil drilling joint venture between the Kingdoms of Barrakesch and Zamibia.
Her fingers tightened on the trembling sheet when she read the first sentence of the first paragraph.The project has been indefinitely delayed.
“No,” she whispered.
He’d done exactly what she’d feared.
14
The doors were barely opened before Imani swung through them and marched over to Wasim’s desk. He didn’t look up when she entered, as if he didn’t hear her or know she was coming, when they both knew no one entered his offices without being announced first.
He continued writing with his head bent over some document. His indifference further inflamed her anger and she slammed the contract on the desk in front of him and received a small spurt of satisfaction when he jumped. He hadn’t been expecting that.
“How dare you delay the signing!” she said.
“Lower. Your. Voice.” His voice seethed with anger.
“I will not!” Imani slammed her hands on top of the contracts again. “We worked on this for over a year. All you have to do is sign it.”
He tossed a dismissive glance at the papers and then met her gaze. “I’m a very busy man. I have other responsibilities now and don’t have time to review those documents. When I have time, I will, but I don’t know when that will be. Could be in three days, three months, or three years from now.”
Imani straightened with her hands clenched at her sides. “You’re despicable.”
“Are you going to spend all day paying me compliments?”
“That wasn’t a compliment, you ass.” He arched a brow, and she immediately regretted the remark. She was here to get him to change his mind, and insulting him would probably not do that. She shifted tactic. “Kofi is your best friend and the Kingdom of Zamibia is depending on you to sign this agreement.”
“The Kingdom of Zamibia delayed the process several times. I believe it is your environmental commission that put you in this tough spot. Besides, I’m sure Kofi will understand when he finds out I couldn’t get to signing the agreement because my father justdied. He will be disappointed but understanding, since the mourning period has only recently passed.”
She felt a slight twinge of guilt when he pointed out that his father just died, but she quickly dismissed it because that was a false explanation and they both knew it.
“Is this you now? You’ll be a fantastic king.”
“Thank you. I look forward to a long rule.”
