“You have to go,” she said, pushing him away. “We can’t do this anymore.”
For a number of reasons, some of which she would never explain.
Kardal watched as Sabrina turned from him. Fresh tears trickled down her cheeks. Her distress pleased him. Things with her were going exactly as he had planned.
“As you wish,” he said formally. “I will see you in the morning.”
He left her bedroom and headed for his office. Sabrina had obviously come to care about him. Her fear for his physical safety was proof. While at first he had resisted the betrothal, now he found that she was nearly the perfect wife. Her intelligence meant that their sons would be good leaders. She cared for the people and the castle. She had adjusted well to life within the city walls. The marital connection to Bahania was an advantage, of course. Her body aroused his and he didn’t doubt they would do well in bed. Yes, she would be a fine wife. He would call King Hassan this very evening and tell him that he agreed to the match.
He paused in the hallway. When would he tell Sabrina? Not now, he thought. Not until after Givon’s troublesome visit. Then he, Kardal, would be free to deal with her. They would plan the wedding together. She was a sensible woman and would be most honored to know that he found her worthy.
He remembered the fear in her eyes. How concerned she’d been about his safety. Perhaps she was even falling in love with him. He resumed walking, pleasure lightening his step. He would like Sabrina to love him, he told himself. She would love with the same fire and determination she brought to all her other occupations. Yes, he had chosen well.
Chapter 12
Kardal called the king of Bahania and was quickly connected with Hassan.
“You are sending her back,” Sabrina’s father said as soon as he came on the line. “I suppose I should not be surprised. She has never been very good for—”
“Be very careful about what you say,” Kardal told the monarch in a low, deadly voice. “You speak of my future wife.”
“What?” Hassan spluttered. “You can’t mean to marry her.”
“That is my intention. I have not informed her of the fact yet, so while you may go ahead with the plans, I wish you to keep them quiet for now.”
“But—”
“You have been wrong about Sabrina,” Kardal said. “Very wrong. I do not know her mother, but I can tell you your daughter is a treasure. She is loyal, determined, caring and even intelligent.”
“Yes, well, perhaps.” Hassan sounded stunned. “Kardal, you realize that I can’t vouch for her virtue.”
It was the final insult. Kardal rose to his feet, still clutching the telephone in his hand. “I will vouch for her virtue. I know that she has been untouched by any man.” Then, because he couldn’t resist tweaking the tiger’s tail he added, “Until now.”
“Kardal!” Hassan’s outrage traveled the nearly thousand miles between them. “If you have defiled my daughter, I’ll have your head on a platter.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little late to pretend you care?” he asked contemptuously. “She is no longer your concern. Despite your neglect, she is all I desire in a bride. I accept the conditions of the betrothal. See that your staff prepares a wedding fitting for your only daughter and the Prince of Thieves.”
Then, without saying goodbye, he hung up the phone. Satisfied he’d captured Hassan’s attention, he turned to the work waiting for him.
The helicopter appeared in the sky, first as a small bird, then growing larger and larger against the impossible blueness of the desert afternoon. Kardal stood alone, watching the security personnel that Rafe had assembled rather than the approach of his father.
Sabrina stood behind him, next to Cala who was practically hyperventilating from nervousness.
“I can’t do this,” Cala murmured, turning as if to leave.
Sabrina put a reassuring hand on her arm. “You’ll be fine. You look beautiful. He’ll be too stunned to speak.”
She was telling the truth, Sabrina thought. Cala wore an elegant suit in deep purple. She’d swept her long hair up into a chignon. Diamond earrings glittered. They were her only adornment and didn’t distract from the loveliness of her features.
Rafe stood to their left. He looked calm, but then Sabrina doubted anything ever ruffled the city’s head of security. As for herself, she was prepared to do whatever she must to make this visit a success for Kardal. He was her main concern. Despite the times they’d talked about it, she knew he wasn’t prepared for the impact of meeting his father for the first time. He said he didn’t care, that Givon would have no effect on him, but she knew he was wrong.