Page 8 of Queen of Barrakesch
“And when you’re ready, what will your princess look like?”
He sat back for a moment and seriously considered the question. “She must be funny, intelligent, and able to carry on a good conversation. Knowledgeable about politics and world events, and she must be able to handle me.”
“Hmm, that poor woman.”
“Obedient.”
Startled, Imani repeated, “Obedient?”
He was kidding, but her expression was amusing. “This is my fantasy wife, remember? Can I finish?”
She gestured with a hand for him to proceed.
“Compassionate and like your ideal man, good with children. Someone who can play and laugh with them.”
“I assume you’re finished now?” Imani asked.
“And obedient.”
“You said that already.”
“It’s worth repeating because it’s very important.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.
Wasim pretended not to notice her glare and tapped his middle finger on the table. “Let’s see…I think that’s it for now.”
“Good luck finding that fantasy,” Imani muttered.
“Good luck finding yours.”
“I don’t need luck. I’ll simply be patient.”
“I’m sure your patience will pay off. There are many men looking for a woman like you—intelligent, strong-willed, and sure in her convictions.”
“You think so? Women like me have a hard time finding a good man.”
“Perhaps women like you are looking in the wrong place.” His answer forced her into silence, and she studied him across the table. “But you don’t have anyone in mind right now?”
She shifted in the chair. “Not since the last fiasco, but my parents are now talking about an arranged marriage.”
Wasim froze, body going perfectly still. “When did that happen?”
She lifted one shoulder dismissively. “The option has always been on the table, particularly where my father is concerned, but I’ve told them I’m not interested in them setting me up.”
“Why not?”
“Like I told you before, that’s the old way. I want to find my own husband. I want to be in love when I marry.”
“And that’s part of the fantasy?” Wasim asked.
“Falling in love is not a fantasy.”
“Don’t you believe that two people can be happily married even if they’re not in love? Both of us have parents whose marriages were arranged. It’s not necessary to love first if you’re compatible.”
“For me it is. Otherwise, the marriage is more like a business arrangement, and I couldn’t be happy in a relationship like that.” She wrinkled her nose. “Besides, I think I’ve found a man already.”
The tightness in his body increased. “You have? You just said there was no one.”
