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“So, why can’t you train him for the emir responsibilities before taking over from your father as melech?”
“You do not think I will make a good king?” Sayed demanded, sounding hurt.
“That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just pointing out there are options to tradition.” Her mother’s insistence on certain traditions had hurt Liyah more than helped her.
Hena’s willingness to break with others had made Liyah’s life what it was—in a very good way. Which was not to say that all tradition was bad, but being a slave to it was.
“Tell me about growing up in San Francisco,” Sayed said in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
Liyah didn’t hesitate, though. Because answering him gave her a chance to talk about her mom and that was something she’d been craving to do.
Sayed listened attentively to the stories of Liyah’s childhood and time living with her mother as an adult.
“You clearly loved your mother very much.”
“Yes.”
“It is equally apparent that she loved you fiercely.”
Suddenly choked with emotion, Liyah could only nod.
He narrowed his eyes in thought. “It sounds very much like each prevarica
tion on your mother’s part was done with the intent to protect your feelings.”
“Then why ask me to find my father? She had to know once I realized the truth how devastated I would be, how his rejection would hurt.”
“I can only theorize Ms. Amari expected a much different reaction from your father than the one he gave you.”
“She died hoping her family would one day acknowledge me.”
“She was an optimist.”
Liyah smiled. “She definitely was. She tended to see the best in people and dismiss their flaws.” Expelling a long breath, she admitted, “I also don’t think she ever stopped loving my father.”
And because of that love, Hena Amari had built Gene Chatsfield up in her head to be a man very different than the one he was in reality.
“While that love may have been misplaced, your mother’s love for you was not. You were undoubtedly the most important person in her life.”
“She sacrificed so much for me and she never once threw it back in my face.”
“A truly astonishing woman.”
“Yes, she was.”
“I think, perhaps, her daughter is a great deal like her.”
Liyah wasn’t sure how true that was, but if she could share her mother’s strength and willingness to sacrifice for others, she would count herself very blessed.
“You have already shown how deep your well of integrity goes,” Sayed remarked.
“How so?”
“Many women would have tried to capitalize on what happened last night. You’ve done nothing but try to help me mitigate any possible negative consequences.”
Liyah couldn’t believe how much better she felt about everything that had happened since her mother’s death after talking with Sayed. “Thank you.”
“No thanks needed. We all need a friend now and again.”
