‘I am in Ishla.’ Mikael left a message. ‘I suggest that next time you pick up.’
He gave it five minutes and then called Zahid again.
This time his call was answered.
‘It is better that you stay away,’ Zahid said, by way of introduction.
‘I am not staying away,’ Mikael said. ‘I am here to speak with your father.’
‘I cannot suggest strongly enough that you get on a plane and leave now.’
Zahid was speaking the truth. If his father found out that Layla had been in any sort of relationship while overseas then all hell could break loose—not just for Mikael, but for Layla.
‘You need to leave Ishla.’
‘That is not going to happen without my first speaking with your father,’ Mikael said.
Zahid looked over to Trinity and then looked away.
‘My sister chooses her husband this day.’
‘Then I need to speak with your father before she does—and you shall arrange it.’
Zahid’s jaw gritted. There were few who would speak to him like that, and his temper was starting to rise at Mikael’s arrogance.
‘It is not just my father you need to speak with.’ Zahid’s voice was black with anger. ‘Layla is my sister and you will speak with me and explain yourself. How dare you lie to me and tell me she was nothing but an inconvenience? I want to know exactly what went on. I will send a car to collect you.’
‘No need.’ Mikael’s smile was also black, for he did not trust Zahid not to have him driven out to the desert and left there. ‘I’m in a car and on my way.’
He would shout to Layla from the palace gates if he had to.
Zahid ended the call and still he did not look at Trinity. Instead he called for Abdul.
‘We have a visitor arriving shortly,’ Zahid said. ‘His name is Mikael Romanov and he is to be brought straight to the King’s office, but he is not to be taken through the main entrance. You will tell my father to meet me there now.’
‘Your father is entertaining Princess Layla’s suitors and their families…’
‘This is not a discussion,’ Zahid said.
Now he spoke to Trinity. ‘He wants to speak with my father. I will be there.’
‘Can I be there too?’
‘No.’ Zahid shook his head.
‘Why?’
‘Because he does not need to convince you,’ Zahid said. ‘You have already made up your mind.’
‘Zahid, please…’
‘Trinity, you do not understand how delicate this is.’
‘Your father has accepted me.’
‘Layla is his daughter!’ Zahid said. ‘You came and moved to Ishla—do you think Mikael will do the same? Do you think my father will let Layla leave the country?’
Trinity blinked as it dawned on her just how impossible this situation was.
‘Never.’ Zahid shook his head. ‘My father will never agree to a commoner marrying his daughter, let alone taking her to live overseas. Go and help Layla get ready. You are not to let her know that Mikael is here.’
‘Zahid, surely she should be able to see him? Even if nothing can come of it!’
‘Trinity, I know my father and sister best, and I am asking you…’
‘Or telling me?’ Trinity challenged.
‘Both,’ Zahid said. ‘You have to trust that I will try to do the right thing by my sister.’
Trinity did trust that Zahid would do his best.
She just didn’t know if it would be enough.
* * *
Jamila handed Layla a cloth to wash her private parts as she readied herself to choose her future husband.
‘You get to wear make-up today for the first time,’ Jamila said.
‘The second time,’ Layla corrected.
‘Ah, yes, you were wearing make-up that time you had a seizure.’