“At times, yes. Did you honestly think you could leave the palace without my knowledge?”
“Your permission, you mean?”
I spin around in time to see his head dipping in agreement. Our eyes meet and it’s as though flame has been ignited between us.
“What do you want me to say, Amy? Our marriage is less than two weeks old, you are a stranger in my kingdom, and my palace, and with a lot of mistrust between my people and you. So, yes. There is a period of adjustment as staff work out how to treat you.”
“So you’re saying the restrictions are temporary? I’m on some kind of excursion probation? That once I’ve proved to you and the world I’m not here to make trouble I’ll be allowed to do something as simple as go out on my own?”
“Not on your own,” he corrects.
My eyes narrow.
“You are my Emira,” he reminds me darkly. “A Queen, with power and money most people can only imagine.”
“And yet I can’t even organise a car for myself,” I contradict. “That doesn’t feel so powerful.”
“You’re being deliberately difficult.
”
I shake my head. “On the contrary, Zahir. I’m doing everything you asked of me. I’m not making trouble, am I? I’m keeping to myself, not bothering you or anyone. This was a simple request. I have cabin fever, and just want to get out and explore.”
“Where exactly did you plan on going?”
The question stumps me. I spin away from him, hoping he won’t recognise the consternation on my features. “Anywhere.”
Silence.
I risk a glance at him to find his expression not at all what I expected. “Fine,” he nods. “Then let’s go.”
My lips part on a soft whoosh of air. “What did you say?” Surely I’ve misheard. He’s a Sheikh, with far too much to do than play tour guide to me.
“I will take you.”
“Take me where?”
He considers that. “You said you wanted to see the caves in the Al-hasina mountains?”
I nod, floored that he remembers such a small detail from a throwaway conversation about my love of history.
“Then let’s do it together.”
I’m torn. From when I was a little girl, I’ve heard stories about these ancient caves, my hunger to see them weaved through my being. But with him? “You must be too busy for this.”
“Must I be?”
My heart skips a beat. “Zahir…”
“Amy?”
Another beat, and another. What if my heart stops beating permanently?
I shake my head. “This isn’t what I intended.”
“You just said you want to see them?”
I shake my head in frustration. “That’s not what I mean. I do want to see the mountains, but –,” My voice trails off into nothingness.