Page 33 of Defenders of Jawhara

“So, these enemies try to harm all of your girlfriends?”

Kale shook his head, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “You are much more than a mere girlfriend. Do not pretend you do not know where our relationship is headed.” Kissing the side of her neck, he nipped her earlobe before straightening to look into her eyes. “My girlfriends have never been invited to live in the palace.”

Shira listened as he whispered what sounded like terms of endearment in Arabic to her.

First thing tomorrow I need to find an interpreter and a linguist to teach me Arabic!

“My darling, turn off that lovely mind of yours and get some sleep. Tomorrow, I will show you my Jawhara.”

Shira smiled at him and nodded, hiding a yawn behind her hand. She had slept for hours on the flight over. How could she still be tired?

She caught his grin at her failed attempt to cover up her yawn. He pushed her toward the bed, then turned and walked to the door. “The guard is under orders to escort you anywhere you wish to go. In the meantime, if you need anything, you have but to ask.” Without waiting for her response, he left her room, pulling the door shut behind him.

Shira sat on the edge of the bed and looked around at the lavish room. Falling back on the mattress, she stared up at the domed ceiling. She’d only just arrived, and she already felt like a princess. And Kale was definitely her Prince Charming.

6

KALE

Shira gazed around her, a look of wonder on her face, as colorfully dressed people came out of their shops and houses to meet them. Kale had wanted to take her through the town by car, but she had insisted they walk. After the long flight, she had been feeling restless and wanted to get out to stretch her legs.

Kale had shaken his head, but had quickly given orders for the car to be returned to the garage, and he had taken her hand and headed down the cobblestone driveway toward the town.

Everyone they met stopped and bowed low in greeting.

“Is that how your people greet one another, by bowing?” Shira asked.

When she made a move as if she were going to bow back, Kale pulled her up and held her while he explained, “Never bow to anyone! They bow as a sign of respect for my position and lineage. You do not bow back. Merely incline your head if you feel the need to acknowledge their show of respect.”

“But I thought you said they were bowing to you, not me?” Shira asked, puzzled.

“Today, they are bowing to us both because you are my guest.”

Soon, they will be bowing to her because she will be my wife.

Kale kept that thought to himself. Protocol demanded that his older brother must marry first. Kamal had already chosen his bride-to-be. Erin Malone, Shira’s cousin and roommate, might not know it yet, but she was destined to become the next sheikha of Jawhara. Kamal had decided he wanted her, and his brother always got whatever he desired. Always!

Once they married, Kale would be free to marry Shira, and he was excited at the prospect. She was everything he could ever want in a bride. He wasn’t sure how Shira would handle her future being planned out for her so quickly. Their marriage was inevitable, but he would give her a few days to become accustomed to his country before filling her in.

After spending a couple hours walking around the town and visiting several historic buildings, Shira was ready to return to the palace. Kale had promised to take her to the beach right after lunch. She had hinted that she had purchased a new swimsuit, and he was eager to see her in it—and out of it.

Shira seemed entertained at lunch, watching him and his brother interact with each other. He knew that they both had a habit of speaking with their hands, switching back and forth between Arabic and English when they remembered that Shira wouldn’t understand their native tongue.

They tried to keep the conversation light, but the problems with the refugees from Sumari were weighing heavily on his brother, and Kale did his best to provide counsel without alarming Shira. His brother was a good leader, and Kale did not doubt his ability to keep the people of Jawhara safe.

“Shira,” Kamal asked her at one point, “how do you like our country so far?”

“What I’ve seen of it so far is stunning. And the people are so friendly and warm. I’m enjoying myself immensely.” Kale cleared his throat, and Shira looked up at him as he stared at her. Her eyes grew wide, and she blushed before blurting out, “Your Majesty.”

“She’s lovely,” Kamal told him in Arabic. “I can see why you are enamored, and I approve of the match.”

“Thank you, brother.”

Turning back to Shira, Kam told her, “I am glad you’re happy here. If you need anything at all, let Khalil know and he will see to it. I hope your visit here will be long and prosperous.”

“Thank you,” said, inclining her head with a look of puzzlement on her face. Kale could see the words churning inside her head, and he knew he would have to speak with her soon about their plans.

Turning to Kale, she asked, “Is there a phone I can use to call home? I didn’t realize that I needed to enable my phone for international use before I left the US, and I promised Erin I would let her know I had arrived safely. She doesn’t even know the rest of the team stayed behind.”

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