Rosanna grinned, the two pups, named for the night and the moon, were still learning obedience. Qamar, her coat the silvery colour of moonlight, had been one of Salim’s engagement gifts and more precious to her than the fabulous heirloom jewels she wore.
She reached up and straightened Salim’s collar even though it was already perfectly aligned. Because she needed to touch him and reassure herself that he was real. All this felt too good to be true.
He lifted his hand, drawing his knuckles softly down her cheek, and she sucked in her breath.
‘I love you so much, Rosanna.’
‘You stole the words from my mouth.’
A slow smile spread across his face. ‘We’re going to be so happy together.’ He paused, giving her a chance to blink back tears of joy.
‘I know.’
Then, hand in hand, they walked together towards their beckoning future.
Every Dhalkuri who saw them together that day knew for certain that it was true after all. Tradition had been restored. The Sheikhs of Dhalkur married only for true love.