Page 14 of Guarding Zuri
David paused before saying, “Yes.”
Zuri pinned him with a stare, while David kept his gaze on her father. She wouldn’t get into it with David during the meeting. After a few long seconds, Zuri also focused on the meeting. The Elite Guard may be near, but they weren’t in time to stop this meeting.
Representatives from African and European countries, and America, pledged their support to Bayo and the revolutionaries. Zuri marveled at her father’s ability to command a room with his speech. She hadn’t inherited that trait, and she envied him.
He often remarked how sharp her tongue was—like her mother’s. He told her that her uncanny ability to parrot her mother had always made him laugh, but secretly, Zuri felt she disappointed him. What place could she have in his cabinet?Someone who doesn’t have to make speeches. I can be content in a position like that.
How could she follow her father into politics if she wasn’t an influential speaker? Even David’s temperament was more suited to the role, and he had command experience from his time in the military. What could she possibly offer the new democratic state of Bendola? Being the daughter of Bayo wouldn’t be enough for her—and failing her father would be the worst thing she could ever do.
Despite their win here today, Zuri’s heart took a dip.I’m his only child. I have to make him proud.She could start an organization to help children or women. Orphaned children always invaded her dreams, having seen so many in villages attacked by Gohi’s men.When we win, I’ll have to find another purpose than fighting.
After they solidified agreements through handshakes, Zuri and her father continued to thank the leaders for taking the risk in supporting Bendola. Once President Abdullah Gohi abdicated power, Bendola would be eager to partner with others in ways that mattered to everyone.
“I had hoped this day would come,” Joqi said from beside her. “Hoped with all of my heart. My father wouldn’t have believed it if he had lived. But I have seen it with my own eyes. Bendolawillbe free.”
The crow’s-feet around Joqi’s eyes deepened the more he smiled. Zuri gripped the arm of her father’s oldest friend. “Soon, Joqi.”
“Good. I want to see my family.”
“How long has it been since you’ve been back to your village?”
“More than a year. The little ones would’ve forgotten my face.”
“I’m sorry, Joqi.” She squeezed his arm. “We’ve taken you away from them for too long.” She kissed his cheek. “No one could forget your kind face. They’ll know you as soon as you step into the village.”
He smiled down at her. “No. It is my duty to protect our future leader. If I do not, who else will?”
Daemon’s smirk filled her mind’s eye, and she quickly dissolved it. “You should go back to your family. After tonight. You need to spend time with your children. They need their father. Now that we have the support we need, my father will be okay. More people will join us.”
Joqi nodded. “Yes. It’stime to go back, but I can’t yet. It will be the most dangerous right before the peace. I will not abandon your father when he needs me most.”
Joqi’s loyalty warmed her heart. “Of course not. Thank you, Joqi.”
Zuri didn’t seewhen Daemon had entered the room. From the other side, he gestured for Joqi to join him. Zuri looked up at Joqi, anticipating his rejection of the order. Joqi patted her hand, still on his arm, and then politely removed it. Zuri stood stunned. Her father’s personal guard obeyed Daemon without resistance or hesitation.
Daemon spoke to Joqi, who nodded without speaking. Joqi then moved to her father and whispered in his ear. Her father’s face drooped. What had Daemon told Joqi to tell her father? Why was she always the last person to know?
Her gaze snapped to Daemon, who was speaking with David. David then directed a few guards, who rushed out of the room. The hairs that had once stood on her neck sprang straight once again. She took a step toward Daemon at the very moment his eyes found hers. Something passed between them that caused her spine to weaken. His face smoothed into a determined mask. What was going on? Her father’s hand on her arm stopped her.
Bayo smiled broadly. No sign of concern. “My daughter. Today was a good day. We have what we need. Tomorrow, there will be a new Bendola.”
Zuri offered a shaky smile. “Yes, Father. I believe you are right.”
Zuri felt Daemon’s commanding presence and turned to find him a few inches away. It unnerved her that shesensed him and that her body trembled at his nearness.
“Time to go, Princess.”
“Stop calling me that.”
He smiled. “Never. You don’t pay me enough.”
She growled when he took her arm again, moving her out of the room. She flexed her bicep beneath his grip, which only resulted in him tightening his hold and pulling her even closer to his side. Heat swept through her, causing sweat to break out on her brow. “I know how to walk,” she hissed.
“Truth. Quite impressive.”
“You’re mocking me.”
“A little.” He leaned close, his breath tickling her ear. “It’s a pleasure to see the back of you.”
