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But...it was a façade that was affording her a glimpse of the not quite perfect humanity behind the thick veil.
Like her...
Niesha wasn’t certain why that thought settled deep inside her. Surely she wasn’t comparing herself to them? Her past was broken too, and had plenty of missing chunks. And yet she couldn’t dismiss that seed of kinship taking root inside her.
‘So your half-brother stole your fiancée?’ she murmured, shocked.
Anger darkened his eyes, right before a low, bitter laugh emitted from his throat. ‘Because he believes my position in this family should be his.’
‘That’s what the note meant by birthright?’ Was that why Zufar had wanted to win the skirmish yesterday at all costs? The thought drew another cold tremor through her.
‘Yes. And I believe it was a move I neatly countered and even bettered,’ he said with throbbing satisfaction, confirming her suspicion.
Had she, and to some extent Amira, been perfect pawns in their game? Niesha was thankful that too many emotions swirled through her for the statement to pierce any harder. Instead she focused on the reason behind his initial anger. ‘So what does this blackmailer want? Money?’
Zufar’s head went back as if the reminder greatly vexed him. Which it did, if the harsh breath he expelled was an indication. ‘Would that it were so. Sheikh Karim of Zyria has enough of that for it not to be his goal. He’s after something else entirely.’
Niesha swallowed a gasp. The kingdom of Zyria was Khalia’s direct neighbour, with shared borders and a long history of shared traditions. The magnitude of Zufar’s mother’s betrayal expanded in Niesha’s mind. A few things began to make sense, like the haggard pain she’d glimpsed in King Tariq’s face over the years.
‘Your father knew, didn’t he?’ she asked.
After a moment, Zufar nodded. ‘Yes.’
The confirmation only further shattered her rose-coloured glasses. But on the flip side, she felt a little closer to Zufar even though she knew such a feeling would only ever be one-sided.
‘So if Sheikh Karim doesn’t want money, what does he want?’
Zufar’s jaw clenched tight until the vibrating muscle turned white. ‘He wants my sister’s hand in marriage. Immediately.’
Her hand flew to her mouth. ‘And are you going to give your blessing?’
He shrugged. ‘I have limited options. Scandal must be avoided at all costs. At least if they pull it off, my people will be happy. Two weddings within weeks of one another? Anyone would think heaven itself was smiling down on us,’ he mocked bitterly.
Her heart twisted, but she clung to her composure. ‘And will Galila agree?’
‘She will if she wants what’s best for the family,’ he said curtly.
Silence descended, and then she cleared her throat. ‘Can I do anything?’
Again he seemed surprised by her offer. One corner of his mouth lifted, but any trace of mirth was wiped clean an instant later. ‘A guarantee that I’ll have peace for at least twenty-four hours would be greatly welcome,’ he breathed.
This close, his scent wrapped around her, triggering a yearning to move closer, to feel the heat of his skin against hers. Then she reminded herself exactly why he’d woken her this morning and her spine stiffened.
‘I can guarantee that I won’t be the cause of any unwelcome distraction in that time.’
A strange expression crossed his face before he abruptly stood up, did up his buttons and straightened his tie. When he was done, it was almost as if the brief glimpse behind the wall of royal duty hadn’t happened.
Niesha wasn’t sure whether to be thrilled or terrified that she’d seen the man behind the mask. And she didn’t want to examine why. She watched him stride to the door, and then, unable to stop herself, she followed. ‘Zufar?’
He stiffened. Then turned, one eyebrow raised.
‘What are you going to do about...your brother?’
A fierce light blazed in his eyes. Then it was gone. ‘He intended to disrupt my kingdom with his actions. When the time is right, he’ll be dealt with appropriately.’
Meaning what? Revenge? Punishment?
‘I will see you tonight.’
