With the borders between the two countries open, thousands had crossed over, seeking asylum from the fighting. The new government of the neighboring country was willing to meet and discuss the safe return of its citizens who had fled out of fear for their lives.
Kam’s Minister of Defense had assured him that everything was in order with the refugees, but there was still the matter of negotiating with the new regime, which fell to him. Rubbing at his temples again, he wished for his brother’s counsel. While Khalil’s focus was on Jewel Oil, his brother was a reliable sounding board when he was forced to consider options regarding the needs of Jawhara. At the very least, given his relationship with her cousin, perhaps he could advise him about Erin.
His private line rang. Worried that it might be something wrong with Erin, he answered the phone. Before he could say anything, he heard a female shouting in the background, followed by his brother’s voice.
“Kale? Is everything all right? What’s going on?” His brother didn’t reply to him immediately, but Kam could hear him trying to calm down whoever was shouting. He finally got on the line.
“Brother! I’m glad I caught you. Shira was very upset to return to DC only to find out that her cousin wasn’t here. When I informed her that Erin was on her way to Jawhara and that she was unwell—”
“Erin arrived here safely and was seen by the palace physician. She is fine, but things will be much better in about eight months. Probably sooner.”
His brother was silent for a moment before he began to speak quickly in Arabic. He congratulated him and wanted to make sure it was okay to tell Shira. It sounded like there was a wrestling match going on. Kam bit back a grin—it sounded like his brother was losing.
Suddenly, Shira was on the phone, but she was still yelling at Kale. “Don’t you dare switch languages on me where my cousin is concerned!” Then she spoke directly to Kam. “Where is my cousin? Is she okay? Did you kidnap her? Tell me what’s going on, Kam!”
Before he could respond, he heard his brother admonish her. “You must call him ‘Your Majesty,’ Shira. You cannot be so informal where anyone can hear. We’ve been through this.” The two of them continued to argue, so Kam sent off a text to Kale letting him know that it was fine to tell Shira the good news, that Erin was resting, and she would be very happy to see her when they returned to Jawhara. Satisfied with his response, he disconnected the call and wondered how long it would take for either of them to notice.
Closing the file on his desk, Kamal rose. He was happy for his brother. Shira seemed like a worthy counterbalance to Kale and would definitely keep him on his toes. He once again thought about returning to his quarters to join Erin. But no, his needs must come second to his country’s, though that didn’t mean he had to be happy about it.
Three days would see the end of the civil war refugee situation, and then he could concentrate fully on his future bride.
15
ERIN
Erin dressed in the most casual pair of pants she could find and a lightweight top as she sighed in defeat.Temporary defeat, she reminded herself. She had yet to give up the fight, but at the moment, she was still too tired to think it all through. She wished that Shira was still here. She needed her best friend right now—this was all so overwhelming.
Slipping on a pair of flat sandals, she left her room. She chose a direction and hoped she would reach the stairway. She was surprised to find herself alone in this part of the palace, so there was no one to ask for directions. She remembered glimpses of a grand staircase which led directly outside, and she was anxious to explore the new country she was to live in.
She located the stairway and started down, passing several maids as she headed towards the front doors. Nodding and smiling at them, she said a soft “Hello” as she passed, but they only smiled at her and continued working. She briefly looked around for Talib, but when she didn’t find him, she started down the cobblestone driveway.
She could see a town at the bottom of the hill and was anxious to see the people who put their trust and faith in Kamal. It took her only a few minutes to cover the distance between the palace and the town. She drew many a stare as she walked among the buildings. Most people stopped whatever they were doing and watched her approach them. As she would go past them, they would bow to her.
Is this how the people of Jawhara greet one another?
Deciding that she would return the bow to the very next person she met, she turned a corner and stopped to stare. The city streets were filled with vendors, selling everything from local produce and meat to clothing, baskets, and other items. The vibrant colors and exotic smells enticed her to wander down the street. She had been to farmers’ markets and street fairs many times in DC, but this was nothing like those.
She continued to draw the stares of the people but was so caught up taking everything in that she was oblivious to the fact that a small group of children had begun to follow her. When she reached the end of the street, she turned to look back and was stunned to find a group of children, ranging in age from five to twelve, standing right behind her.
They all started talking to her at once when she turned, and she found herself laughing as she tried to tell them she didn’t understand what they were saying. When the littlest girl gestured to her, she bent her knees, wondering what she wanted. She found out soon enough when a small hand reached up to touch her hair. The other children grew silent and watched in awe as the little girl fingered a red curl. Erin smiled at her and then at the other children. Evidently, her hair color was unique, and the children had been curious about her.
Hearing her name called, she looked up the street to see Talib striding towards her in a rush. The townspeople quickly moved out of his way, and the children, seeing his approach, scurried away like mice.
“Hello, Talib,” Erin said with a smile.
“Come with me now. You should not be here.”
“Why not?” Erin queried, bending her head to the side.
“You must not leave the palace.”
Erin stood up straight and narrowed her eyes at him. “I didn’t realize that I was a prisoner.”
“You are not a prisoner. You must not leave the palace without an escort. It is not safe.”
Erin looked around at the townspeople, who were pretending not to watch her interaction with the bodyguard. “I don’t think any of these people would harm me.”
“Come,” Talib said, taking her arm above the elbow and propelling her back the way she had come, to the edge of the market. The limo awaited them, and he quickly ushered her inside, saying nothing.