Page 63 of My Arabian Billionaire

Chapter Seventeen

A throngof well-dressed guests once again thronged the reception hall, which, like the rest of the place, was decked in festive colors in honor of the Emir Sheikh’s impending marriage to Princess Safiya. It was reminiscent of another wedding not so long ago, but unlike before – the mood that blanketed the palace was bleak and gray. It had been so for two months now, ever since a woman who had been the kingdom’s queen for so short a time had chosen to break her heart rather than risk the lives of her people.

Altair checked his watch after seeing the last of the wedding’s guests herded to the mosque. It was time. He nodded at his second-in-command, and in the span of three seconds the palace was officially in lockdown, all the way to the outermost gates. Although the palace had remained impregnable the day of the attack, the kingdom’s Commander of Armed Forces still held himself responsible for all those injured during the rabble, and he was determined not to let the same mistake happen again.

Upon receiving their signals from Altair, Malik and Rayyan departed from their posts, the former to fetch the bride from her chamber, the latter to inform the Emir Sheikh that he could now take his place at the mosque.

It took them only mere moments to return to the mosque – unaccompanied. They went straight to Altair, whose scarred face become grimmer as he received their news. Another moment later, Tarif – the last of the king’s most trusted vassals to make an appearance – strode down to join them, an opened packet on his hands.

There was a short, terse discussion, and by now the audience – all of whom had avidly followed the sheikhs’ movements – was agog with curiosity. A red-faced Mahmud, sensing that things were about to go awry, began marching towards the other sheikhs, only to be blocked by the palace’s guards.

“Where is the king?” he bellowed. “Is he thinking of going against hisword?”

The chattering noise quickly rose at his blustering, and the four other sheikhs soon faced him in unison, only staring at him in implacable silence.

Mahmud’s next words died in his throat, fear getting the better of him, and when Altair started towards him, the older sheikh couldn’t help backing away. But it was too late, and soon, the kingdom’s highest-ranking general was uponhim.

“You are to quietly return to your seat,” Altair said very quietly, “and you will stay there until I say otherwise. You will not want to experience the consequences if you do not heed me.” Altair stepped back and smiled.

Not good, the soldiers who saw this thought right away. Everyone who knew the general would know that a scowling Altair was always better than a smilingone.

Mahmud seemed to know this, too, as the older sheikh paled considerably.

“Do we have an understanding, sheikh?”

“Y-yes.”

Meanwhile, the palace’s staff was quickly setting up a digital screen by the dais, and another wave of curiosity stirred up the crowd. What could possibly this be about?

A moment later, the screen lit up, revealing the larger-than-life figure of the Emir Sheikh standing alone in the throneroom.

Brothers and sisters of the Kingdom of Ramil, I would like to express my sincerest apology, as the wedding you have made precious effort to witness will no longer proceed.

There was a squawk of anger coming from Mahmud, but this was quickly silenced after a deadly look coming from Altair.

Two months ago, the palace received grave news of a possible terrorist threat, one that suspiciously coincided with what should have been my first council meeting with the sheikhs of Ramil. It also came to my knowledge that certain members of this government had planned to use the council to put forward a motion for my abdication – unless I took a full-blooded Ramilian woman like Princess Safiya as my secondwife.

Gasps erupted in the mosque, along with numerous accusing glances thrown at Mahmud’s way from the locals.

As you no doubt know, the council had been postponed, and as confirmed by our own news outlets, the threat to our security remains. With such factors to consider, I am strongly aware that our kingdom is at a tenuous position and cannot afford any kind of divisiveness. But despite this – I also know I cannot be the king that you – my people – need me to be if I were to abandon the woman I love for the sake of our kingdom.

The kingdom of Ramil is my life, but Harper Griffiths is my heart. Both of you are of equal importance to me, and yet in fearing that I would fail my people, I have failedher.

The digital screen showed the sheikh breathing harshly after this, and the sound of sniffing started to fill the mosque.

Even if she were to forgive me for this, I cannot be certain I’ll ever forgive myself forit.

And whether or not she accepts me is immaterial.

She is the only woman I will love. She is the only queen I can everhave.

* * *

On the otherside of the world, Harper was staring ashen-faced as the live broadcast of what should have been the Emir Sheikh’s wedding continued playingout.

You, my people, have always been unwavering in your trust in me, and I thank you forthis.

But this time, I would like to place my trust inyou.

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