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And she knew what he intended to do tomorrow. Just thinking about it made a bundle of nerves curl in her stomach.
He was going to announce a formal engagement. She'd seen the determination in his eyes. The cool, fixed resolve in his steady gaze.
Could she stop him? Did she even want to stop him? Right now, she didn't know the answers to those two questions.
Kadeem wasn't the kind of man to be denied. She'd found that out tonight. He was determined to claim her as his wife.
But, could she give herself completely to him? Especially when she knew how much resistance there would be from her father.
Could she really trust Kadeem? Had she seen enough of him to be able to take the step he wanted her to take? Was he the kind of man with whom she could even contemplate spending the rest of her life?
She wondered how he would adapt to her royal lifestyle. It was so different from his more humble version of that life. She wondered if he could ever truly become a part of her life.
Uncertainty flickered in her middle as she debated all of this with herself. Her mind was filled with a confusing jumble of thoughts. She couldn't make sense of any of it. Especially with the tender memory of their love-making so fresh in her mind.
She closed her eyes and tried to block all thought.
There would be plenty to think about tomorrow.
Not least of which, the most momentous decision she'd make in her life.
CHAPTER TEN
Arriving at his parents' palace by limo late the next morning, Kadeem saw that preparations for the planned reception were well advanced. As the limo drove slowly down the long, tree-lined driveway, he saw that a huge white marquee had been set up on the garden lawn. Tables and chairs had been lined up in front of a low platform.
Kadeem frowned. It was almost like the setup for a post-wedding reception. Only today, there would be no wedding. Just one more step closer to one. If Kadeem had his way.
The limo drew to a halt at the foot of the palace steps. Kadeem got out and stood for a moment, preparing himself for what he would have to face inside the palace. The late morning sun warmed the back of his neck. He straightened the dark blue jacket of his two piece suit.
Eliana would be here, already. He had no doubt about that. If her parents had been at the embassy last night when she returned, he was certain they would have made sure she would be at the palace good and early. Kadeem had considered going to the embassy this morning, but had decided it wouldn't be the wisest move. Not after what had happened last night.
He was about to walk up the wide palace stairs when he heard his name being called out from the direction of the garden.
"Sheikh Kadeem."
Kadeem turned and saw King Azem coming toward him. He instantly felt a stab of concern in his gut. That reaction was confirmed by the stern expression on Azem's face. Brows furrowed and mouth tightly disapproving, he halted in front of Kadeem.
"King Azem," Kadeem replied. "Good morning."
Azem peered evenly at Kadeem. "May I talk with you a moment?" he asked.
Kadeem gestured toward the palace doors. "Would you like to talk inside?"
Azem shook his head. "No. Perhaps we could find somewhere more private where we could discuss things. The garden, perhaps?"
Kadeem met Azem's steady. "Sure."
Azem and Kadeem walked alongside each other out onto the lawn. Kadeem examined the layout of the chairs and marquee. "My parents have gone to quite a bit oftrouble over this," he observed.
Azem shrugged. "I would expect nothing less," he replied.
"Of course," Kadeem agreed awkwardly. "It's an important day."
Azem glanced inquiringly at Kadeem. "You believe so?"
Kadeem frowned. "Of course. We merely wish to ensure that you feel welcome in our home. My family are accustomed to extending courtesy to honored guests."
Azem's mouth turned downward and he shrugged as if in reluctant agreement.
