“A few residents remained for a time, hoping that the water would flow again, but it never did. The earthquake of 1769 made a crack in the upper strata of rock, causing the river to flow deeper and out of their reach,” he said.
“It must have been heartbreaking to have to move on,” she replied.
The cave was chilly, the stone surrounding them cold to the touch and the air still. Their words were curiously muffled by the stone walls instead of echoing. A shiver ran through her. She could almost feel the remnants of the families who used to be here. Junayd wrapped his arm around her, his movements protective as if he sensed the same thing. Even Issa cast a wary eye around the ruins.
“There are never any certainties in life. It is important to grasp what we can with both hands,” he said.
The giggles of a little girl, followed by the laughter of her parents, drew her attention. She was probably no more than three years old, and she was determined to make her father chase her. When she was caught, the little girl squealed as her father lifted her into the air and blew raspberries against her neck. The mother laughed at their antics.
She started when Junayd stepped behind her and placed his hand against her stomach. She knew what he was thinking. It was impossible not to. One day that might be them.
“Sire, if you wish to be back in time to meet with Ashar, he will be arriving in the next hour,” Issa said.
Midnight didn’t say anything as they descended the steps. They left the ruins and walked back to the SUV holding hands. Ziya opened the door for them. She climbed in, sliding across the seat so Junayd could enter behind her.
He grasped her hand again once they were back on the road. She looked out the window, deep in thought, as the miles passed by. Her hand moved protectively across her stomach while she thought of the people who had once lived in the desert cave.
Is my life about to change as dramatically as theirs did?she wondered.
* * *
They arrived home at the same time as a helicopter appeared on the mesa above them. Ashar and Badr hurried out of the house.
"May I escort you inside, my lady?" Badr asked politely.
With a tilt of her head and an amused smile, Midnight replied, "Sure. I might get lost if I have to take a few steps alone. Junayd doesn't count, of course. You're my hero, Badr."
Midnight waved her hand to Badr to proceed, and fell into step beside the other woman, listening to Badr excitedly reminisce about the first time she saw the Ha?irCaverns. Ashar, obviously trying to be subtle, brought himself and Junayd back a few steps and whispered, "Sire!"
Junayd grinned. "Yes, Ashar?"
“I have everything you requested,” Ashar replied with a broad grin.
“Very good!” he said.
“There is one thing, though, sire,” Ashar said with a nervous smile.
“What is that?” he asked.
He had his answer when he saw a man he was only too familiar with helping a woman who was equally as familiar out of a second vehicle driven by Hareem, one of the guards he had left at his house. Ashar gave him an apologetic smile.
“Your parents wished to be present for your wedding,” Ashar answered.
Nineteen
“She is absolutely delightful. I’m so happy for you both. Melik, isn’t this wonderful? Three of our sons are going to be married! Now, if we can just find a bride for Jameel all our wishes will come true,” Ihab gushed with a beaming smile.
Midnight gave a strained smile to the happy couple and mentally ran through her options. Someone here would have a car she could steal. The National Park they had just left would have tour buses and a crowd she could get lost in. Eventually the bus would head back to the airport. Once there, she would need Bugs.
Mentally considering various details she had noticed over the trip, she let the different scenarios play out in her head. One of them would end in a safe escape.
Junayd put his hand on her lower back and rubbed soothingly as he tried to get a word in edgewise over his parents' excited chatter. Badr was fussing over her like a mother hen, and Issa, Ziya, and Kalil were guarding the doors. She glanced at them from under her lashes, her eyes cold and calculating.
“I apologize, Your Highness," Ashar squeaked. "I needed the King’s signature to prepare your marriage contract! I am so very, very sorry—”
“You should have told me earlier!” Melik declared in a loud voice.
“Midnight, let us see what outfits you have. I’m sure we can find something more appropriate than trousers,” Ihab stated.