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She hid her face in his neck. ‘If it’s about my parents’ marriage, I already know. George told me.’
Khaled said nothing, just pressed his cheek to her hair, lending her his strength, his love.
‘It’s okay,’ she said. ‘They cared for each other in their own way. Maybe not enough, and maybe too much. But that was their life. Not mine. I won’t let it determine how I live any more.’ She stroked the fabric of his shirt. ‘But what happens to us if the truth comes out?’
‘My lawyers may have found a loophole in the Constitution that we can use. As you’re not Nabhani, they can argue that the constitutional rule doesn’t apply. And if it comes out, and the people really can’t accept it, then I’ll step down in favour of Amal.’
She stared up at him. ‘You’d give up the throne for me?’
‘In a heartbeat. We’d live as private citizens—though I’d support Amal from the sidelines, of course.’
‘And how is Aisha about all this?’
‘Relieved to be spared marriage to me. She wants a different future for herself. Her father is furious, and refusing all contact with me, but I have great hopes for the Crown Prince. He’s only seventeen, but growing in confidence. He’s a reformer like me.’
‘You’ll be cultivating his friendship, then? He’ll help with those water rights you need?’
‘Yes, ma’am,’ Khaled said, rewarding his newest advisor with a kiss.
And then they talked. About nothing of great importance. His favourite food. Her favourite films. Books they’d both read. Simple, homely things, but so important to heal them both.
Finally he spoke of Faisal. And for the first time in years he spoke of him without pain. Sharing the memories he had of him. Marvelling again at how Lily had the power to bring him such peace.
They spoke until the sun disappeared and the stars came out and Lily’s head began to nod against him. Then he called for the nurses, saw her put to bed, and at last took his leave.
The day outside was blisteringly hot. Lily indulged in a moment’s sympathy for the news teams Khaled said were camped out below.
‘Whatever you decide,’ he’d told her last night, ‘I promise I’ll always try to protect you from their intrusion.’
Curled up in his arms, with the strong beat of his heart against her cheek, she’d believed him. She’d never felt so safe, so cherished.
That had been just before he’d left. He’d been serious about her taking time to consider his proposal.
‘But I can tell you now—’ she’d said.
He’d pressed a finger to her lips. ‘No. You must think about it and tell me tomorrow.’
Then, with a sweet, lingering kiss, he’d gone. Leaving the hospital for the first time since they’d both entered it over a week ago.
It had taken her all of ten seconds to decide. Whatever her life as a royal consort might hold, once she knew he loved her—helovedher—she’d had no doubts.
And today she was going back to the palace—going home, to be with Khaled.
‘Good morning,habiba.’
The thought of him had conjured the man in the flesh. She heard his soft tread as he crossed the room behind her.
His lips brushed her hair. ‘Did you sleep well?’ he asked.
She nestled into his shoulder, reaching round to capture a hand and draw it about her waist. His returned caress was gentle, careful of her healing shoulder, of her arm still in its sling.
‘Yes,’ she replied, actually answering a different question entirely.
‘Oh? Was there nothing you had to think about?’
‘Yes, but it was all rather pleasant.’
‘Pleasant? Might I allow myself to be encouraged by that?’
