The wedding itself had been a bit of a challenge, too—there had been a civil ceremony and then a religious one, after her conversion to Hashim’s faith. She’d had to memorise all her vows in Qudamahesh and she had spent the night before the marriage saying them over and over again, until she was word perfect. Learning the ancient language was something she had immediately set about doing—and was even more of a challenge!
But she was young and bright and eager to learn. And she was in love. Just as she was loved. And that put everything in its proper perspective.
She had been a bag of nerves before her first meeting with Hashim’s mother—for the Princess was deeply revered by all who knew her. But their shared love for one man had been enough to unite them in a harmony which had soon grown into genuine regard.
She was both a wise and a perceptive woman. She had allayed some of Sienna’s fears—recounting the tale of one of Hashim’s ancestors, who had married the daughter of his fiercest enemy despite much opposition. ‘So, you see, there is nothing new under the sun, Sienna,’ she had said softly. ‘No matter where they live, nor what they do, people are the same; they never change. They fall in love and they fight for that love, and that is just how it should be.’
Sienna knew that what Hashim’s mother had told her was important. Not to compare, no—but to realise that life was very precious and very short. Once, she had wondered when the present became the past, but now she realised that it was happening all the time. Their wedding was already in the past, and their life would whizz by as everyone warned it did. They just had to make the most of it.
She pushed the bowl of banana away and Hashim judged it safe enough to reach out and ruffle his son’s hair. ‘Will we swim together later?’ she questioned eagerly. ‘In the Palace pool? Just the three of us?’
‘Yes, my love,’ Hashim murmured indulgently, wondering what the fabled Special Guard of the army might say if they could see their Commander-in-Chief being such putty in his wife’s hands! ‘And later we will have dinner alone.’ His eyes glinted. ‘Since our diaries are free. And at some point we must discuss your mother’s visit, and the gift of the stallion I intend to make to her.’
‘Oh, Hashim, she’s going to be over the moon.’
He took her hand, briefly rubbing the shiny gold wedding band with the pad of his thumb and then lifting her fingers to his lips, licking them provocatively. His eyes captured hers with sensual allure. ‘Well, then,’ he said lightly. ‘That makes two of us, doesn’t it?’
‘Three of us, actually.’ She smiled. ‘Well, four if you count Marzug.’
‘Always.’
Their eyes met and Sienna’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to hold that moment in her heart for ever.
She had to remember that it didn’t last long—and to say the things that counted.
‘I love you, Hashim.’
His eyes were tender. ‘I love you too, sweet Sienna.’
And Sienna put the baby in his highchair and moved into her husband’s arms, wrapping herself close enough to feel the powerful beating of his heart.